#[review request]

1 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

dusty oriole
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James here, requesting a PCB review. This is a 5x3 split keyboard using an RP240 Pro Micro and SMD switches (Kailh PG1316S). I used the built-in teardrops and 3rd party curved traces plugin to make the traces look nicer. Please feel free to let me know if there are any blunders I made in the making of this pcb. This is my first project in kicad so I apologize if I made any base-level errors.

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snow parcel
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Hi! Here's what I noticed:
Schematic:

  • You should use a GND symbol to connect all the GND together - this helps with legibility.
  • Is there a reason you decided to not do a matrix layout and instead give every keyswitch its own input to the MCU? Not saying it's wrong! Just curious. You could save I/O by using a key-matrix.
  • Make sure there are pull-ups inside the RP2040 - I don't remember off the top of my head.

PCB Layout:

  • You may want to consider how the PCB will be retained in an enclosure. You could add slots/cutouts/screw-holes.
  • If you're going to have the board populated for you (e.g. by JLCPCB or PCBway), I'd add fiducials on your board.
  • Make sure to go through your DRC rules and set them appropriately (DON'T rely on the default values). Go to your board fab's website and find their capabilities to understand what they can fab reasonably. Then, run the DRC and see if you have any errors.
dusty oriole
# snow parcel Hi! Here's what I noticed: __Schematic:__ * You should use a GND symbol to conne...

Hey, Daniel thank you for the feedback.
I do not quite know what you mean in regards to the GND symbol but I do have the GND rows shown using global labels.
I did not want to use a matrix because I'm pretty sure you need to use diodes to use a matrix. Personally, diodes complicate the design as I would have to move the switches or expand the edge cuts to fit them. Furthermore, I have no real need for the I/O pins.
I did some research regarding the RP2040, and It does indeed have pull-ups.

I will be using a rubber stick on my feet to hold the PCB in place (no case). Since the PCB does not have any thru-hole components by the edges, it should sit nicely.
I will not be having the board populated for me, I'll be soldering everything with a hot plate and a soldering iron.
I visited JLCPCB's specification website and modified my DRC to match their specifications, and there were still no errors.

celest hawk
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Lmao... it's literally a hand