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2 layers94 × 94 mmUniKeyPCB, the printed circuit board in 3D

universal Keyboard PCB: self-made keyboard

Size
94 × 94 mm
Copper layers
2
Thickness
1.6 mm
Parts
160
Nets
12
Pads
640
Tracks, vias
488, 32
Pours
64
Routed
Yes
KiCad
KiCad 8.0 (file 20240108)
Created
29 Apr 2024
Updated
18 May 2024

Overview

UniKeyPCB is an open-source printed circuit board by Thunderbird2086, from the Thunderbird2086/uniKeyPCB repository on GitHub, published under the MIT licence. It is a 2-layer board of 94 × 94 mm with 160 parts on 12 nets, routed with 488 tracks and 32 vias.

It is built around the 1N4148WS and SK6812MINI-E. Its parts include 72 connectors, 32 diodes and 16 switches. It belongs with the keyboards and input boards of this library.

Main components

2

README

readme.md

uniKey: A Compact PCB for Single Key Switches

uniKey is a compact printed circuit board (PCB) designed specifically for single key switches. It comes in two variants: one for MX-style switches and another for Chocolate-style switches. Whether you’re a keyboard enthusiast or a DIY hobbyist, uniKey offers a versatile solution for creating custom handwired keyboards.

Features:

  • Compact Design: uniKey’s small form factor makes it ideal for handwired keyboard projects.
  • Switch Compatibility: Choose between MX or Chocolate switches based on your preference.
  • LED Support: uniKey includes support for RGB LEDs, allowing you to add customizable lighting effects to your keyboard.
  • Simplified Wiring: If you opt for pin sockets, you can easily connect each key and LED using jumper wires. Minimal soldering is necessary—only for the LED, hotswap socket, diode and pin sockets. This allows you to create a prototype keyboard for your custom case and test it without having to order revised PCBs multiple times.
  • Customization: Build your dream keyboard by combining uniKey with your favorite keycaps and switches.

Whether you’re a experienced keyboard builder or a beginner, uniKey provides a convenient solution for creating unique and personalized keyboards. Happy building! 🚀🔥

sample pcb

Parts

160
QtyValueFootprintReferences
40Conn_01x03_SocketConnector_PinHeader_2.00mm:PinHeader_1x03_P2.00mm_VerticalJ1, J1, J1, J1, J1, J1, J1, J1, J2, J2, J2, J2, J2, J2, J2, J2 +24
40VAL**Mouse_Bite:mouse-bite-2mm-slotmouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot +24
32Conn_01x02_SocketConnector_PinSocket_2.00mm:PinSocket_1x02_P2.00mm_VerticalJ5, J5, J5, J5, J5, J5, J5, J5, J6, J6, J6, J6, J6, J6, J6, J6 +16
161N4148WSTB2086_SMD:D3_SMDD1, D1, D1, D1, D1, D1, D1, D1, D2, D2, D2, D2, D2, D2, D2, D2
16SK6812MINI-ETB2086_LED:LED_SW_SK6812-E-rotLED1, LED1, LED1, LED1, LED1, LED1, LED1, LED1, LED2, LED2, LED2, LED2, LED2, LED2, LED2, LED2
8SW_CHOC_HSTB2086_KEYSWITCH:SW_choc_v1_v2_HS_1uSW1, SW1, SW1, SW1, SW1, SW1, SW1, SW1
8SW_MX_HSTB2086_KEYSWITCH:SW_MX_HS_1uSW2, SW2, SW2, SW2, SW2, SW2, SW2, SW2

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Questions

How big is the UniKeyPCB PCB?

It measures 94 × 94 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.

What parts does the UniKeyPCB use?

160 parts, built around the 1N4148WS and SK6812MINI-E. 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 UniKeyPCB KiCad files?

From the Thunderbird2086/uniKeyPCB repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is kicad/uniKeyPCB.kicad_pcb and its schematic kicad/uniKeyPCB.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.

Can I use the UniKeyPCB design in my own project?

Its repository publishes it under the MIT licence: you may reuse it on that licence's terms (keep the author's notice, and for a copyleft licence share your changes alike).