haring1988 / roliokeyboard

A split wireless keyboard based on the Corne and Sofle

Introduction

I made this project mostly as a way to refresh some skills that I'd not had a chance to use in many years (or simply never had to begin with).

Currently the project is only at a pre-release level, but I felt it was already nice enough to share.

Version 1.0 is well underway and I believe much closer to achieving my desired goals. Here's a preview:

The version 1.0 release improves:

• The power switch is easier to operate
• It's much prettier (to me anyway)
• The PCB can have most parts soldered using a hot plate or oven
  • This is important as it makes pre-soldered boards cheaper to produce
  • It simplifies at home production for those with an oven or hotplate
• A set of test points for the backlight has been added to test things before the controller is added
• The CNC chassis has been improved by:
  • Reducing the number of tool changes required to produce it and simplifying tool paths
  • Simplified the production of the damping membranes
  • Simplified end user assembly

Goals

The primary goal of this project is to provide a compact open source consumer grade backlit split wireless keyboard.

There are a few other secondary reuirements:

• It needs to be able to be assembled at home without highly specialised tools.
• The parts need to be accessible to hobbyists.
• It needs to be easy to modify and fork.
• Ideally it should be easy for "keyboard hobby stores" to sell to hobbyists should there be interest in this keyboard.
• A few price-point options should be available (currently with/without a backlight and FDM or CNC chassis options).

Inspiration

Inspiration for this project came from the Corne and Sofle keyboards, these are both excellent projects. I have attempted to combine what I believe are the best aspects of both of these keyboards into a single project.

Features

The keyboard itself:

• Fully wireless thanks to the Nice!Nano controllers and awesome ZMK firmware
• Compact portable form factor that is similar to the Corne
• Additional "Sometimes" buttons on the bottom row like the Sofle
• Choc spacing
• Low profile
• A backlight that is efficient enough to be used on battery
• Horizontal rotary encoders
• A robust chassis so that it can be treated like a normal keyboard
  • An FDM version for at home low cost production
  • A CNC option for a slick look and very premium feel
• A travel case that can easily be made using FDM (will be in v1.0)

ZMK Keymap & Custom keycaps:

• The keycaps are fully customised and match the ZMK keymap thanks to fkcaps
• MacOS and Windows modes
• All of the symbols and special behaviours can be accessed using at most two keys
• The settings keys and different modes are more or less documented in the key caps themselves (easy to learn).
• The keymap can be easily customised thanks to ZMK, the keycaps can also be customised to suit your needs
  • Here is a starting point for making your own key caps: FKCaps

Making Your Own Rolio

Electrical Parts

I've provided the links below to the suppliers I purchased my parts from. You can get all of these parts from other suppliers too. I have no affiliation with any of these suppliers.

PCB

The PCB for this board can be ordered from JLCPCB or just about any other PCB manufacturer. I have provided pre-prepared zip files for JLCPB.

More information about the PCB can be found in PCB section.

Required Components

All of the components in th below table are required to build this keyboard.

Quantity	Description	Ref	Value	Supplier
2	LiPo Battery, Protected, 801230 (alternatives: 601230, 701230)	BATT1	701230	Aliexpress 1, Aliexpress 2
48	75V 0.15A Fast Switching Diode, SOD-123	D1-D29	1N4148W	Aliexpress
2	Nice!Nano Controller	-	-	Typeractive
2	Machine sockets and pins	-	-	Typeractive
2	Nice!View Sharp Memory display module	-	-	Typeractive
2	Surface mount push button switch, generic, two pins	RESET1	-	Aliexpress (I used "Option 4")
2	Surface mount DIP Switch, Single Pole Single Throw (SPST) switch, small symbol	SW4	-	Aliexpress
2	EVQWGD001 Rotary encoder, dual channel, incremental quadrate outputs, with switch	RE_1	EVQWGD001	Aliexpress
46	Kailh Choc hot swap sockets PG1350	-	-	Aliexpress
46	Kailh Choc Switches	-	-	Aliexpress

Optional Backlight Components

The parts in the below table are only needed for the backlight, if you do not want a backlight they can be ommitted from you build to save some money.

Quantity	Description	Ref	Value	Supplier
2	30V Vds, 5.7A Id, N-Channel MOSFET, SOT-23	Q1	AO3400A	Aliexpress
2	0805 Surface mount resistor	R1	470Ω	Aliexpress
2	0805 Surface mount resistor	R2	10kΩ	Aliexpress
46	0805 Surface mount resistor	R3-R25	680Ω	Aliexpress
46	0805 Surface mount LED	LED1 - LED23	-	Aliexpress

Other Parts

Chassis

The chassis can be made using either FDM or CNC.

Further information about making (or ordering) your own chassis can be found in the Chassis Section.

Keycaps

This keyboard has been designed to use MBK caps. You should however be able to use any Choc compatible (including choc spacing) compatible caps.

You can order a set of custom keycaps from a number of possible suppliers too.

I have a design at FKCaps that has the keymap of this board integrated into the keys. The link for this key cap set can be found HERE.

General Hardware

Quantity	Description	Ref	Value	Supplier
8	9mm Silicone Feet	-	-	Aliexpress
10	M2x4mm Screws	-	-	Aliexpress

Firmware

You can download the latest firmware from here:

Fork the following repository: RolioFirmware

When you push a change to your fork a GitHub action will create a new firmware build for you.

Assembly

TODO: Make some assembly instructions.

Assembly notes (pre-release version):

• Solder the top resistors first, then the LED's, then the pther surface mount parts
• The height of the controller and display are very important to fitting everything nicely into the chassis, make sure everything is flush and seated all the way.
• Be sure to trim the legs of any through hole components after soldering, as above, the clearances are very important.