38-Key Unibody Split Keyboard

P38 is a 4x5 grid unibody staggered split keyboard with layout inspired by Feker Alice. This sub-40 have 36 MX switches with Panasonic's roller/thumb encoder and an optional EC11 encoder in the middle.

Version 1

Version 1 was designed for RP2040 Zero aiming for a full featured firmware through Vial. The casing measures 244x109x20mm without switches and keycaps.

Version 2

Micro controller was changed to Pro Micro footprint on the version 2. This change in footprint enables us to use nice!nano and similar micro controllers for BLE connectivity.

On the photo above, 401030 battery seats discreetly and sandwiched between the nice!nano clone and the P38v2 PCB. Bigger battery may be used by adding another layer of of 3mm acrylic sheet (stands may also need replacement).

Below is another attempt to use a 502248 battery. Since it seats on the controller pins, i decided not to push through with this design due to high chance that the sharp pins may puncture the battery when it gets bloated. As mentioned above, and for safer option, best is to add another layer of acrylic and place the battery on the switch side with less shard objects are present. (I will update these photos once i get a chance to design a case for bigger batteries.)

Other features

Other features added on the version 2 are: ON/OFF switch and dedicated holes to the battery. There are also optional jumpers to choose where the LED power source should be connected - RAW or VCC. LED power on RAW is beneficial for ATMEGA32U4 Pro Micros were power thru VCC is restricted.

Other notable difference is the PCB size. Version 1 PCB is curved with the orientation of the switches on all sides. While version 2, have top stretched straight from end to end to make room for the bigger Pro Micro footprint.