# Nibble 65% Keyboard Created: 2023_03_07 10:03 Tags: [[Project]] [[Technology]] Before this project, I had only ever soldered one thing before, my [[AirGradient DIY]] which was already a pre-fab part made to be put together very easily. This project on the other hand was a beast, I really wanted an open-source board and to use ZMK for my firmware. So I present you with my build of the Nibble 65% keyboard. It took me probably about 2 weeks off & on to get this guy working, and I learned a lot about soldering to do it. I burned off my LED backlights, but I still love this board. ![[keyboard.jpg]] ## Firmware [ZMK Firmware](https://zmk.dev/) for good battery & wireless support ([Hardware List](https://zmk.dev/docs/hardware)) ## Parts list - Base Kit (`nibble` shield in ZMK): [Nibble 65% keyboard](https://nullbits.co/nibble/) - MCU (`nice_nano_v2` board in ZMK): [nice!nano v2](https://nicekeyboards.com/nice-nano) - Keycaps: [Zoo & Botanical Garden keycaps XDA Profile](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004654581526.html) - Battery: [301230 110mAh](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32732458079.html) - https://www.aliexpress.us/item/1005005348368664.html?gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt - Host-swap sockets [Mill Max sockets](https://splitkb.com/collections/keyboard-parts/products/mill-max-hot-swap-sockets) - Stabilizers: [Durock Screw-in Stabilizers v2 w/ 6.25u space bar](https://mechboards.co.uk/products/durock-screw-in-stabilisers-v2#) - Key switches: [Outemu Cream Yellow Silent Tactiles](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004669940336.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.6fab79d2w0BdsV) Keycaps have a 6.25u space bar so going with the [top row layout here](http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/bfea5c410d24b183f7341fd66d2cf0d1). So this will be [the whole layout](http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/99bc73a179c1c49acef09088e3c1f334). ## Guides - [Solder Mill Max sockets to PCB](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_egX7AGlI7c) 1. Use key switch to hold socket and push through onto PCB [Like so](https://youtu.be/_egX7AGlI7c?t=394) 2. If not flush with PCB: 1. clean soldering icon 2. heat the socket 3. push through, socket should heat up and reflow the solder allowing it to go through - [Nibble Build guide](https://github.com/nullbitsco/docs/blob/main/nibble/build_guide_en.md) - [ZMK Install Guide](https://zmk.dev/docs/user-setup) ## References - Tools - https://form--keebfolio.netlify.app/tools - http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/ - [PCB + Firmware](https://builder.mrkeebs.com/) - [Plate + Case](http://builder.swillkb.com/) - [Open Source Keyboard List](https://keebfolio.netlify.app/en/staggered/) - [Simple 65 key keyboard that is OSS](https://github.com/kkatano/bakeneko-65) - Print parts ([List](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/wiki/switch_suppliers/#wiki_plate_manufacturers)) ([Parts List](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/wiki/switch_suppliers/#wiki_keyboard_printed_circuit_boards_.28pcbs.29_.28alphabetical.29)) - [Laser Cutting, Plastic, Acrylic](https://www.ponoko.com/) - [Laser Cutting](https://www.laserboost.com/keyboard-create/) - Design parts - [Plate + Case](http://builder.swillkb.com/) - PCB - [NICE!60](https://nicekeyboards.com/docs/nice-60/getting-started/#required-parts) - Kit - [Nibble](https://nullbits.co/nibble/) > The LEDs will draw power unless you completely cut power to all of them. They are effectively a small microcontroller waiting for instruction burning up power. Assuming you don't have any other stuff using external power, consider using EP_* behaviors to turn the external power off and on. If you have a display (and don't want it to also power down), you need to remove all LEDs to reduce power drain > I also seem to recall the nibble just being awful for wireless due to the way it was designed (must use constant polling rather than interrupts).