2 layers132.3 × 94.9 mm
2 layers160.9 × 86.4 mm
Capsule3 v3G
miketronic/10x2310x2 Keyboard (formerly Capsule3)
- Size
- 160.9 × 86.4 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 28
- Nets
- 23
- Pads
- 157
- Tracks, vias
- 119, 0
- Pours
- 3
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 8.0 (file 20240108)
- Created
- 6 Mar 2024
- Updated
- 3 Jul 2025
Overview
Capsule3 v3G is an open-source printed circuit board by miketronic, from the miketronic/10x2 repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 160.9 × 86.4 mm with 28 parts on 23 nets, routed with 119 tracks and 0 vias.
It is built around the RP2040-ZERO. Its parts include 20 switches and 1 IC. It belongs with the RP2040 boards of this library.
Main components
1README
README.md10x2
10x2 Keyboard (formerly Capsule3)
Features
- 20 keys
- Low profile choc switches with CFX spacing (closer spacing then standard choc, only caps of size 16.50mm x 16.50mm will fit)
- RGB lighting (not on v3G)
- Waveshare RP2040 Zero controller
- QMK firmware
- ZMK firmware - module here
Introduction
Capsule3 (which I've renamed to 10x2 thanks to the great suggestion by daveurr on Discord) is the third addition to my Capsule series, the first two not being worthy of being posted publicly haha.
The idea for this keyboard (and subsequent keymap) was to design a layout that avoids any lateral finger movement as you would on conventional full-sized keyboards. Moving your fingers only up and down on the columns provides a more enjoyable experience and can reduce or eliminate RSI (repetitve strain injury) in your fingers.
But how only 18 total letter keys? By building a custom firmware layout and using combos for less used letters, or where they "feel best". I performed some studies on letter frequency in the English language and most common bigrams and trigrams to determind the layout.
Keycaps
As noted in the Features, I chose a narrower keyswitch spacing and thus they require narrower keycaps. CFX keycaps are commercially available from Chosfox, or you can print your own, for which I've included files. They easily print upside down on an FDM printer, and I use a textured baseplate.
Parts
28| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | SW | miketronic_fplib:MB_KailhChoc-1U_rev_17mm_oval | SW01, SW02, SW03, SW04, SW05, SW06, SW07, SW08, SW09, SW10, SW11, SW12, SW13, SW14, SW15, SW16 +4 |
| 7 | M2 Solder Nut | miketronic_fplib:M2_Solder_nut_small_HS | H01, H02, H03, H04, H05, H06, H07 |
| 1 | rp2040-zero | miketronic_fplib:MB_rp2040-zero-tht | U1 |
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Questions
How big is the Capsule3 v3G PCB?
It measures 160.9 × 86.4 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Capsule3 v3G use?
28 parts, built around the RP2040-ZERO. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the Capsule3 v3G KiCad files?
From the miketronic/10x2 repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is PCB/v3G/capsule3_v3G.kicad_pcb and its schematic PCB/v3G/capsule3_v3G.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Capsule3 v3G design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask miketronic before reusing the design.