How to Build a Wireless Corne Keyboard

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of building a wireless Corne keyboard, covering everything from ordering parts to assembling the board and flashing the firmware with ZMK. Whether you choose the low profile Choc or MX variants, this guide will help you construct a functional and stylish keyboard tailored to your preferences.

Step 1: Order Your Parts

To start, gather all the necessary components for your keyboard. It's recommended to order your parts from Typeractive, which provides a 3D configurator for real-time previews. Here’s a list of essential components:

• Keyboard Base: Corne keyboard kit (available at Typeractive)
• Switches: Choc White or Choc Robin switches (based on your clicky preference)
• Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi Pico or Arduino Pro Micro
• Diodes: 1N4148
• Wiring: 16g copper wire
• Battery: Choose a suitable battery for wireless functionality
• Displays: Nice View displays for low power consumption
• Stabilizers: Durock stabilizers
• Screws and Spacers: M2x6mm screws, M2x8mm spacers, M2 heat set inserts

Tip: Check compatibility of all parts before finalizing your order to avoid issues during assembly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Controller

Once you have your microcontroller, you'll need to set it up for the keyboard.

• Install Firmware: Download the ZMK firmware compatible with your microcontroller.
• Configure Your Keyboard Layout: Use the provided configuration files to customize your key mappings.

Common Pitfall: Ensure that you are using the correct firmware version to avoid compatibility issues.

Step 3: Assemble the Display

Integrate the Nice View displays into your keyboard.

• Connect the Displays: Follow the wiring diagram specific to your Corne model.
• Secure the Displays: Ensure they are firmly mounted to prevent movement.

Tip: Test the displays after connecting to confirm functionality before final assembly.

Step 4: Unsocketing and Wiring

Prepare the switches and diodes for installation.

• Unsocket the Switches: If your switches are socketed, gently remove them to make wiring easier.
• Install Diodes: Solder the 1N4148 diodes to the appropriate points on the PCB according to the schematic.

Advice: Keep track of your wiring to avoid confusion later.

Step 5: Install the Battery

Choose a suitable battery for your wireless setup.

• Select and Connect the Battery: Make sure it fits well within the keyboard casing.
• Wire the Battery to the Controller: Follow the wiring guidelines to ensure safe power delivery.

Caution: Double-check the polarity of your battery connections to prevent damage.

Step 6: Install the Switches

Reinsert the switches into the keyboard.

• Place the Switches: Ensure they are aligned correctly with the PCB.
• Solder the Switches: Secure each switch in place by soldering the connections.

Tip: If using hot-swappable sockets, skip soldering and directly insert the switches.

Step 7: Final Assembly

Now that everything is wired and soldered, it’s time to assemble the keyboard.

• Secure the Top and Bottom Cases: Use M2 screws to fasten the cases together.
• Install Stabilizers: Make sure they are positioned properly for larger keys.

Advice: Before fully closing the keyboard, check all connections once more.

Step 8: Flash the Firmware

It’s time to flash your firmware onto the microcontroller.

• Connect the Microcontroller to Your Computer: Use a USB cable to establish a connection.
• Upload the ZMK Firmware: Follow the instructions specific to your microcontroller for flashing.

# Example command to flash firmware
flashing_tool --upload firmware.bin

Step 9: Pair Your Keyboard

After flashing, you’ll need to pair your keyboard with your device.

• Enter Pairing Mode: Follow the specific steps for your keyboard to enter Bluetooth pairing.
• Connect to Your Device: Look for your keyboard in Bluetooth settings and connect.

Conclusion

Building a wireless Corne keyboard is a rewarding project that combines functionality with customization. By following these steps, you’ll have a unique keyboard that suits your needs. For further exploration, consider tweaking your firmware settings or experimenting with different switch types for a personalized typing experience. Happy building!