Tap65

Tap65: 68-Key Mechanical Keyboard

A fully custom 68-key mechanical keyboard designed from the ground up, including the PCB, case, firmware, and assembly. This project was built to learn the complete keyboard design process while creating a functional keyboard tailored to my own preferences.

Funded With The Help Of JLCPCB and HackClub's YSWS Keeb

Features

• Custom PCB designed from scratch
• Hot-swappable MX-compatible switches
• QMK firmware support
• Screw-in stabilizers
• 3D printed two-piece tray mount case
• 7° typing angle for improved ergonomics
• Per Key RGB

Why I Built It

I've always been interested in mechanical keyboards and wanted to understand how they work beyond simply assembling pre-made kits. Instead of buying an existing keyboard, I decided to design every major component myself.

This project gave me the opportunity to learn PCB design, CAD modelling, firmware configuration, manufacturing, soldering, and the overall engineering process behind modern custom keyboards.

Design Process

The project began by selecting a 68-key layout that balances compactness with everyday usability. I then designed the PCB in KiCad, routed all the traces, and added support for hot-swap sockets and USB-C connectivity. After the electronics were complete I designed a simple tray mount in Onshape. The case is made out of two PLA printed pieces and includes a 7° typing angle for a more comfortable typing experience. Because of small bed size I will have to print them in pieces.

Finally, the keyboard is programmed using kmk firmware.

Components

• Custom PCB
• Raspberry Pi Pico
• MX-compatible switches
• Durock Clear Screw-In Stabilizers V2
• Hot-swap sockets
• USB-C connector
• 3D printed PLA case
• Keycaps
• SK6812 mini-e

Challenges

Some of the biggest challenges included:

• Learning PCB routing and keyboard matrix design
• Neopixel wiring
• Designing a printable case that was both strong and easy to assemble
• Ensuring all mounting points aligned correctly
• Managing component sourcing and costs

What I Learned

Through this project I learned:

• PCB design using KiCad
• CAD modelling in Onshape
• Mechanical keyboard architecture
• KMK scripting
• Case design

Files:

PCB production ready files availabe in Production. CAD files availabe on OnShape Tap65

Images and Renders!

Matrix Schematic

Neopixel

MCU - Raspberry Pi PICO

PCB

PCB Render - 3D Viewer

Front

Back

OnShape Render

Case

Plate

PCB

Assembly

Sketch

Build Images And Videos:

So I did something very stupid, the neopixles, sk6812 mini-e and normal sk6812 have the same looking symbols in KiCAD, BUT the one and only difference is that the pin numbers, according to the datasheet for the mini-e variant it doesn't match, so the connections and traces are faulty. This leads to a failure in the basic pcb which can not be fixed/patched in anyway after production. But still the keyboard works well enough. And I think that was enough yapping, so, heres some pics!!

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/bb973c62-ae0b-457b-894d-c5b485d0465b

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/a8adbe74-d3f2-401a-ac2d-03d99a9797de

Bill of Materials (BOM)

Credits

This project was made possible through open-source hardware and firmware resources, along with support from the mechanical keyboard community. Special thanks to Hack Club and JLCPCB for helping make the project possible.