The market is full of mechanical keyboards ready to use. RGB, macros, and volume controls are some of the available features, but all boundaries disappear once we move to custom designs. Today we came across the Micro Planck, an ortholinear mechanical keyboard created by «Applepie1928» on Instructables. It uses a custom PCB and low-profile Gateron switches, but the rest can be manufactured with a 3D printer... including the keycaps.
A quick online search reveals mechanical keyboards for less than 35 euros. Details about switches and firmware are often scarce, but if someone wants a shortcut into this particular world, today they can do so without burning their budget.
Obviously, the story is very different once we move to DIY. Personally, I've seen special sets worth hundreds of euros... and that's just the keycaps. The most hardcore enthusiasts have invested fortunes in their designs, but it's not hard to find reasonable DIY options in terms of cost. One of them is the Micro Planck that «Applepie1928» shared on Instructables.
The Micro Planck: A Low-Profile 3D-Printable Mechanical Keyboard
The bad news is that there's no escape from a custom PCB. The good news is that we can order one online without much trouble, courtesy of platforms like PCBWay. Its controller is based on a classic ATmega32U4 with built-in USB support, the interface is USB-C, and each switch has its own diode for NKRO. Speaking of switches, the Micro Planck aims for a low profile, and «Applepie1928» chose the Gateron KS-33. I imagine the end user could use the KS-27 as an alternative, but it will depend on availability and price.
And what about the rest of the keyboard? Simple: It's printed in 3D. The main color is always your choice, but there's a translucent top cap that lets LEDs filter their light. The most interesting thing is that the project also invites us to print the keycaps. «Applepie1928» recommends a 0.2 nozzle, a 0.1 mm layer height, and 100 percent infill in any pattern. Reproducing the text on the keycaps requires a multicolor printer, but nothing stops us from exploring other options.
Assembly and Firmware
To finish, the firmware is based on QMK. The compatible .hex file is ready to download, and the flashing process is handled by QMK Toolbox. Writing on ortholinear layouts demands a brief training period, but the potential of the Micro Planck is enormous.
Official site: Click here.
