

UniKeyPCB
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
21N4148WS
SOD-3231.25V@150mA 100V 150mA 1uA@75V 200mW 2A 4ns Independent SOD-323 Switching Diodes ROHSJiangsu Changjing Electronics Technology (CJ)Switching DiodesSK6812MINI-E
SMD-40℃~+85℃ 0.6mA 1.78mm 120mcd~240mcd 120° 160mcd~320mcd 1kHz 2.8mm 2000V 3.2mm 3.7V~5.5V 460nm~470nm 515nm~525nm 620nm~625nm 800Kbit/s 815mcd~1275mcd Semi-transparent lens SMD RGB LEDs(Built-in IC) ROHSOPSCO OptoelectronicsRGB LEDs(Built-In IC)
README
readme.mduniKey: 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! 🚀🔥

Parts
160| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | Conn_01x03_Socket | Connector_PinHeader_2.00mm:PinHeader_1x03_P2.00mm_Vertical | J1, J1, J1, J1, J1, J1, J1, J1, J2, J2, J2, J2, J2, J2, J2, J2 +24 |
| 40 | VAL** | Mouse_Bite: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, mouse-bite-2mm-slot, mouse-bite-2mm-slot +24 |
| 32 | Conn_01x02_Socket | Connector_PinSocket_2.00mm:PinSocket_1x02_P2.00mm_Vertical | J5, J5, J5, J5, J5, J5, J5, J5, J6, J6, J6, J6, J6, J6, J6, J6 +16 |
| 16 | 1N4148WS | TB2086_SMD:D3_SMD | D1, D1, D1, D1, D1, D1, D1, D1, D2, D2, D2, D2, D2, D2, D2, D2 |
| 16 | SK6812MINI-E | TB2086_LED:LED_SW_SK6812-E-rot | LED1, LED1, LED1, LED1, LED1, LED1, LED1, LED1, LED2, LED2, LED2, LED2, LED2, LED2, LED2, LED2 |
| 8 | SW_CHOC_HS | TB2086_KEYSWITCH:SW_choc_v1_v2_HS_1u | SW1, SW1, SW1, SW1, SW1, SW1, SW1, SW1 |
| 8 | SW_MX_HS | TB2086_KEYSWITCH:SW_MX_HS_1u | SW2, 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).