Re: M60 60% Mechanical Keyboard PCB

Projects & Stories Mechanical Keyboard
#1

Hi I am really excited about this project. I just got into the world of mechanical keyboards and have purchased 3 in the last 30 days. I was just thinking to myself that I should make a hand wired Python powered mechanical keyboard but it looks like you beat me to the punch.

A few questions that the site doesn’t answer for a beginner like me is what other components do I need to complete the build.

  • switches
  • plates? Which ones are compatible?
  • case? Which ones are compatible?

This may seem obvious to you but it is not completely obvious to a beginner like myself.

2 Likes
#2

I must say I’m in the same boat and would love to know more too.

#3

appears to be DZ60 case friendly. 5 hole mount and usb location seem similar

#4

@tdk337 The product listing specifies that it’s Cherry MX switch compatible, so sounds like any Cherry MX or clones should work as far as switches, and from there you can figure out caps too.

@El.Gordo – Is your DZ60 approximation just based on the visuals? I agree that it’d be lovely to have a very solid idea on what to look for! When it comes to the DZ60 if that is a compatible layout, it looks like the 2U shift, because there’s 10 1U keys in the bottom row? (I’m only looking at the plate at moment, but it’s difficult to tell.) Case definitely looks close, but some confirmation would be nice :]

I think the only other thing to figure out would be potential batteries and connectors. I assume the connector on it is the same JST-PH 2.0 that’s on the M.2 Dev Kit

#5

yeah going off of visuals. As long as the mounting holes/usb line up (which its seeeeeeems they do) it should fit. The layout doesnt matter a whole lot as long as we know its a 60%. For batteries yeah standard 2pin jst lipo battery. keychron claims the largest at 4000mah, i already got a 10000mah =D iono if itll fit cases tho

#6

Thank you @cmd and @El.Gordo!

#7

@tdk337 Of course. Also I’m not sure if you saw, but they recently announced they’re going to make a PCB back-plate with a built in BT and NFC antennas, and it looks beautiful: link here. (Also, you should vote purple, not that I’m biased or anything :joy:)

#8

I have my copy in hand - added switches and tested remapping a couple keys - very nice.
For my next steps - does anyone here know how to (or have ideas on) setting an LED to a specific color? what about running a python function when one or more or all keys are pressed?

#9

Just added a backlight document at http://wiki.makerdiary.com/m60/backlight/.
We can set the LEDs with a customized macro.

#10

Brilliant thank you for this, I’m just wondering when we’ll get any documentation regarding the NFC, Bluetooth and WIFI abillities?

Thanks in advance

#11

We can use B + (0 ~ 9) to change between Bluetooth 10 devices. See https://wiki.makerdiary.com/m60/getting-started/#using-b-to-configure-bluetooth-and-usb

NFC is on the todo list. The keyboard can be used as a NFC tag, but is not implemented yet.
WiFi is not supported by the keyboard. Pitaya Go has WiFi. It is another board.

1 Like
#12

@tdk337
From my experience:
KBDfans Tofu case fits well with this PCB
KBDfans 60% Brass Plate is a perfect fit
Zealios switches fits great, any similar switches should work as well

I have not tried the Bluetooth antennas, not sure how it works in aluminium case