The copper wire technique is absolutely brilliant. Adding heat shrink to bare wire is so so so much better than stripping out a bunch of tiny segments. I wish I could like this video twice.

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! The other benefit to the bare wire is that it somewhat makes the board more sturdy as well.

@Tharrinne

Жыл бұрын

I added my like for (in part) that reason hahaha

@wtfusernamecrap

6 ай бұрын

Do you get interference issues with the bare massive wires? Have you ever needed to add shielding to a keyboard? Copper wire and coiling is looking great, will need to try that on a build soon.

@gtrtuben

6 ай бұрын

@@wtfusernamecrap Nope. They aren’t used for audio or anything, just the very simple diode circuit.

@benjaminloyer1293

3 ай бұрын

I would use enameled wire so no shorts and no need for heat shrink ! On the other hand, the soldering is a bit more difficult.

I've handwired a lot of stuff but never seen copper wires used like that, it's super clean, I love it! I'm definitely trying this on my next board, and I'm putting it in my toolbox for my custom peripherals in the future.

Super helpful! You’ve inspired me to try to hand wire something wireless. Minor suggestion: when in VS code, zooming way in on text is helpful, especially for viewers on their phone.

@Dajan456

6 ай бұрын

I agree, i have it on 1080p on PC and its still blurry.

Absolutely love it when members of a community make great informed guides like this for complete beginners! Definitely going to be making my own keyboard very soon. Thank you for the awesome video!

I respect the detailed information and techniques you outlined in the video. Props to you man :)

Month ago I bought Kinesis gaming split keyboard but I was not happy with build quality so I started digging up some info how to build my own split keyboard. I'm really glad that your video showed up on my recommended page, very straight forward and informative.

For a quick explanation of of the dfu mode it’s basically a mode that let’s you access the bootloader (the place where you flash firmware) different MCUs have different bootloaders and different bootloaders have different ways to enter them (so dfu the board) and QMK has too know which you are using to enter it

Very nicely explained! My advice on troubleshooting the wiring is: continuity test to check for shorts, check correct diodes direction and reflow solder joints (this helped me get rid of multiple keys on single press issue).

Ok homie, I normally dont comment on things but at 13:01 you explained the one thing that none of the QMK documentation covers well at all. Thanks

Most informative video on the topic i've seen, saying that after having a bachelors in EE, 5 years experience in semiconductors industry, and watching other DIY keyboards videos while holding a bunch of MX switches and some diodes and remaining clueless on which switch pin connects to what

I needed to say this, i don't normally coment on videos, but the fact that watching you explain how the keyboard works and how the code function made me jump in to building my own keyboard. Just wanted to say thank you for it! My first pcb (from another video you made) it is on they way. Soon will be jumping in to the qmk code. Thanks!

@joe_scotto

12 күн бұрын

I love hearing comments like this, I’m glad it was helpful!

I've been doing a bit of research on building a custom keyboard and this is the most inspiring video. Nice, clear explanation with a really tidy build.

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

This video is SUPER GOOD!! Your explanations are super detailed and well done. Thank you very much for the video. I really want to make my own handwired keyboard but I didn't know where to start... This is exactly what I needed to lose the fear to it!!

I built my first handwired keyboard in 2021, and I'm still using it to this day. Sure, it wasn't easy per se, but definitely less complicated than I would have feared. Definitely gonna use this way of wiring the "busbars" on my next build, definitely an upgrade from the spaghetti I've got contained within mine lol

This is one of the best videos I've ever seen. Really, this has been extremely helpful and educational. Thank you so much, you just got a new subscriber.

fantastic video, made this way more approachable than I expected, glad I found your Reddit post!

This video is gold, thank u very much! Time to build my own macropad.

Super helpful, beginner-friendly video. Thank you!

Just finished my first handwired keyboard, made a split crkbd. This video was very informative, and a great resource for someone looking to take the dive and create a handwired keyboard. thank you for the amazing content.

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

This is the best instructional video I’ve seen on… anything. Thank you

dude, i just want to say thanks for making the tutorial video, your video helping people to start to take the first step how to build a keyboard

excellent video, man! Thanks for posting!

FINALLY, I find someone that doesn't speak in equations when describing electronics.

best video of explaining how it works, i should probably have some practice by my own

Im embarking on a 60 key split ortho build. This was immensely helpful so thank you!

Thank you for this tutorial... very well explained!

FINALLY! After watching so many macro pad / keyboard buildling videos, this is the first video that spells out how to connect everything, including how the diodes work for matrixes. Thank you! Edit: Built my first macropad successfully thanks to this

Dude this is the gold i've been mining for. Wish I could contribute more than just a comment and sub. Keep at it

Great video! So informative

I think starting on a 3x3 macro pad is a great place to start, thank you

You're a hero Joe

Hi, Im glad to found ur channel, great content!

Thanks! I still haven’t soldered my first switches to a PCB but handwriting seems very interesting. =] Especially because I already have a QMK compatible microcontroller, and such a nice guide…

this is probably my third time watching this 😅 and there will be more viewings when im actually setting out to build my first ortho layout! this seems like a cost-effective way to find out if i like ortholinear without potentially wasting money incase i decide it's not for me (i just love the oddly appealing look of them haha)

If you don't have a 3D printer, I recently launched a shop where you can purchase cases for handwired projects, including the Scotto9: www.scottokeebs.com/shop

I really enjoyed and loved the way you have explained things from scratch, i am a newb and figuring out layout and board combinations was tricky , Specially in case of STM32F103 board. But this helped thanks a ton. Will go through other videos as well on drone too… As i build fpv drone in 2020 , but never flew much

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful :)

You And Your Work. Awesome 😎

This is amazing -- thanks!

It's great you're doing this - even rudimentary info makes the field more inclusive. 👏 This wasn't as clear as I'd hoped since there's a bunch of stuff glossed over, versus taught. FYI, it's really hard to follow along on the code when you can't see the text because you're viewing the video on a phone - it's like maybe 1/8 of the screen. I'll be checking to see if you've got still shots of the wiring, the code, etc. so I can figure it out with the video transcript as a loose reference. 👍 I'd love if non 3d printer options & specs were available, too, because most of us just don't have that $$$ equipment, or access to somebody else's.

This is so neat ❤

Thanks for a great video 👍

perfect video. wanted to do a project, showed me exactly how to do it. thanks. keyboard is printing now

@joe_scotto

20 күн бұрын

Glad it helped!

actually you'd be surprised how much more a viewer can understand about the process by you also showing things that went wrong. some of the best videos i've watched that has helped me understand a concept even more has been when they show how they failed and corrected an issue. this is honestly part of a copout to making a more complete/complex video.

Excelente video para los que no sabemos nada de electrónica, ni en español he encontrado un video tan bien explicado.

bro, this is the best tuto that i ever seen, ive had a little problems cus english is not my first language, but with this i think that ill can my own handwired keeb, thanks a lot.

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help :)

@joaovitormiranda1570

Жыл бұрын

joe, ive followed all steps, but at the flash step my toolbox dont recognize when i short the reset and ground, can u help me? in one of my 2 pro micro the flash done but the promicro dont work and in the other one the flash option dont be able to click.

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

My suggestions would be theee things: 1. Make sure the cable you’re using supports data. Not all cables do so try a different cable if the current one is not working. 2. It’s possible you fried the pro micro, I’ve done this to many over the years. If QMK toolbox isn’t detecting it and you changed the cable, that’s the most common other issue from my experience. 3. It is also possible that QMK Toolbox is just being buggy. You can try running the same command but instead of “compile” change it to “flash” which should then allow you to flash the pro micro from the command line.

@joaovitormiranda1570

Жыл бұрын

@@joe_scotto i´ve tried with a bm40 that has a atmega32u4 and flash option turns available, now i really dont know why my pro micros dont work with toolbox, maybe my version of atmega arent compatible? cause i bouhgt them at aliexpress

This doesn't look too terrible to do. I'd have to upgrade my soldering skills, but definitely worth it. Now I have to get me a resin printer so I can make caps for it haha. It's Jeremy from the 3d printing group.

感谢你的视频，近期我也打算做一个dactyl键盘，对于焊接还不太了解，感谢你的讲解

This is fantastic, thank you. Hopefully I can build a stenography keyboard like this. I am not sure how to add a stenography layer to my current keyboard using the QMK configurator.

@joe_scotto

9 ай бұрын

You would probably have to configure it with code. I know QMK supports it and I believe it uses a program to convert the key codes into steno.

use decoders, like 2 x 74hc138 for the column outputs and a shift register like 74hc165 for the row inputs. This gives you a 16 x 8 = 128 matrix with only 7 wires: 4 wires for the decoders, 3 wires for the shift register -> reset, clock and data input. If that is not enough add another shift register with no extra wires and get a 16 x 16 = 256 matrix.

Came here from Reddit - great video, very informative!

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks!

nice video

Bump up your font size in vscode next time, it will be much easier to follow along. Specially on mobile. Great video. Thanks

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Yup… I learned that on my newer videos lol. Glad you enjoyed it otherwise!

This is cool - can you program these to perform more complex key-combos? like Command + F9 or something along those lines? could you also add an LED to show some sort of status, like mute/un-mute?

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Yup, what you’re looking for is a “macro” which allows you to basically program the key to do anything you want. You can program the board to show caps or num lock status but it can’t get info from the computer so no volume or mute status.

Спасибо, чувак. Я наконец-то нашёл видео, в котором мне объяснили!

Hi. Great vid. Got it working. The only thing that i cant figure out is adding macros in Vial. Whenever i add one the program requests an unlock by pressing 2 keys. I can not get the board to unlock! Thanks

great tutorial/intro to the world of handwired keyboards. Do you think you would add VIA to your code or create a video explaining how to add VIA?

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

I might eventually but it’s not on the immediate list of things.

Hey! What do you use for having that Terminal and the Always on Top image? Loved the explanation and how clean the matrix looked, great Vid!

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

The terminal is just iTerm. I pin the images with a Mac screenshot too called “Cleanshot X”

a true custom keyboard

If you tin the wires before you won't need to heat the copper so high on the switch to get a solid joint

I wish you could explain why the diodes are needed as well as how the mCU gets which letter is pressed when multiple at once (sweep of all the row collums combination ? )

how do you pin the screenshot of the microcontroller as a window like that? seems really useful

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

It’s a program called “Cleanshot X”

You don't need to clip the rows diode legs flush with the copper wire - you can bend them back g firth several times, they will snap exactly where the solder ends and they will be flush

@joe_scotto

2 ай бұрын

Sure, but then you’re putting additional stress on the solder joint which isn’t good to do.

So the advantage of a PCB is simply that all this wiring is embedded in the board, and the reason those are difficult to design is because when they are embedded so close together, their em fields disrupt each other if it's not designed well enough

@joe_scotto

5 ай бұрын

Nope, not anywhere near as complex as what you’re saying. PCBs are simply what I showed in this video but easily mass produced and easier to wire up. They get complicated with integrated micro controllers however.

I actually looking this kind of video like months ago, so happy to finally find this. Also , are there any alternative to soldering ? I dont have the tools , so can I use other way to replace the soldering part ?

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

There are some methods that use 3D printed hot swap sockets. However, to my knowledge there isn’t any way to not have to solder the matrix together and to the controller.

@peastfist1602

Жыл бұрын

@@joe_scotto can i somehow use like some kind of tape ?

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

@@peastfist1602 I mean in theory you could wire everything up and glue it but that is EXTREMELY likely to have issues.

you should make a diy for a all button hitbox with a pcb,for figting games!!

I am about to wire my first keyboard matrix. This is by far the best guide I have found. But I am confused, do I not need any grounding on a diode style matrix?

@joe_scotto

6 ай бұрын

Nope, no grounding is needed for a matrix with diodes. If you did direct wiring, all switches could share ground then get an individual pin each.

@mangahacker

6 ай бұрын

What a reaction speed for a year old video. Thank you! @@joe_scotto

can you make an explanation video on keyboard knobs?

You can 'encode' the outputs of some of the row or column lines, and then add a decoder chip. The 74HC138 will decode 3 lines into 8. This gives you an extra 5 IO lines. Use two of these chips to encode 4 lines into 16. This gives you 12 extra IO lines. Some changes will be needed to the software, but that isn't rocket science.

My handwired ortho keyboard was listed from qmk!!!!

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Oh nice! What’s it called?

Is it possible to use RGB switches and set the lights using the pro micro and/or the firmware?

This might be a year or two too late, but I'm wondering if it's possible to do a programmable keyboard that simply simulates keyboard input? Press X, Y, Z at various intervals and send to the PC through the use of USB cable ?

very helpful video, thanks a lot ! I was wondering, is it possible to an irregular matrix ? Like 4x9 ?

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, you could even do like a 1x1 matrix lol. It’s really whatever you decide as long as your controller has enough pins for the rows and columns.

@muse59

Жыл бұрын

@@joe_scotto would you recommand to use resistors ? I saw that in other tutorials

Will you show how to handwire a split keyboard using TRRS, like crone for example ?

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

I have more builds coming soon and one of them is a split that uses two controllers

Does anyone know if it is possible to wire up multiple controllers to a single keypad in order to send out a keypress to, for instance, 3 computers with a single keypress? Could you just come off the end of each grid with 3 wires instead of 1? With each one going to a different controller?

how do the controller differentiate 3 combination in a square because the 2 row and column are on in every combination

Can you make a wireless one that has light speed wireless

Hey there, great video. Have been bashing my head trying to figure this out for so long since QMK is so insanely un-friendly to non CS professionals. I am getting thrown errors about MATRIX_ROW_PINS and have no idea what its supposed to mean. I am making a 1x5 keyboard. Is this below not how it should be looking? Am extremely confused and so far youre the only person whos made me get this far lol {"matrix": [0, 0], "x": 0, "y": 0}, {"matrix": [0, 1], "x": 1, "y": 0}, {"matrix": [0, 2], "x": 2, "y": 0}, {"matrix": [0, 3], "x": 3, "y": 0}, {"matrix": [0, 4], "x": 4, "y": 0}

@joe_scotto

8 ай бұрын

Hop in my Discord and I or someone else can help, it’s hard to do anything useful from KZread comments: discord.gg/EgTv7tS5W5

For the copper wire when you say 16 Ga is that swg or awg?

What extension changes the color of nested JSON keys?

My local electronics store doesn't seem to have bare wire like yours, is it an Amazon find or something?

What was that floating image window, how did you achieve that. P.S great video thanks

@ishaankapoor933

9 ай бұрын

Read through the comments, it is "Cleanshot X"

are those keyboard projects TKLS?

hi everyone. I need help on this one. I did already lots of research ansd I wasn't able to have a key that do a combination of 2 combinations. In my case I want to do Ctrl+K and Ctrl+C to comment a line of code on VSCode. Is it possible? thx

does this design have n-key rollover? I'm trying to make a steno keyboard

So I am planning on making your scotto40 but I have a question. Does the code and layout for that build include function keys or secondary keys, or can they only be mapped to 1 function?

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

There is a layer on the number layer for function keys. The board basically has 4 layers, the main one (Colemak), code layer, number layer, and function keys/QMK bootloader

@Live2playloud

Жыл бұрын

@@joe_scotto ok I am not familiar with the code but I really like building this stuff. I just finished an azeron copy yesterday. The code was very easy for that . I have a spare pro micro and might as well use it. Do you have a discord group or something you can be reached on easier?

Could you please expand on your closing note about running into bugs? Do you mean fixing soldering issues or firmware bugs? I have built a number of split boards from kits but never hand wired. The only ‘debugging’ I have come across is having to reflow solder etc. I’m about to embark on my custom, so any input would be greatly appreciated.

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Both. You will end up messing up something in the firmware or wiring stuff up incorrectly, it’s just part of building handwired boards. The most common issue I encounter is wiring my rows/columns backwards either on the physical board or in firmware.

@alfie8778

Жыл бұрын

@@joe_scotto Thank you for your time.

Hm.. I keep having trouble with my last row (the one that doesn't need shrink wrap) I have it wired the same as the rest if the 3x3 but that row doesn't work -- Does it matter which side I solder to on the copper wire when connecting it to the microcontroller?

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Nope, it doesn’t matter where you connect the copper to the wire but you need to make sure you’re wiring it to the correct pin on the controller.

have you ever used enameled copper wire?

Mr. Scotto, I'm begging you. Please please please please please please please please please make a tutorial on setting up ALL the QMK firmware stuff. I couldent find any videos online doing it, and the documentation kind of sucks. Like a lot. This was harder than soldering and getting my 3D printer to behave. I wanted to die. PLEASE make a tutorial on this.

@joe_scotto

8 ай бұрын

I’m doing a few build videos then I’ll have a video on setting up firmware from scratch. It will be the final one in the PCB series trilogy :)

@sharkyboi6018

8 ай бұрын

@@joe_scotto Alright! Also, I just finished building the macropad and it works and im so happy. It was my first time soldering and using electronics and stuff and it works!

hello, i want to built a cheap split keyboard and have been looking into the cheapino. I am concerned about the soldering fumes but don't have enough money for a fume extractor. Do i have to be concerned?

@joe_scotto

3 ай бұрын

You’ll be fine if you just sit by a window with a fan. You don’t need a fume extractor especially if you’re just building a board once in a while.

This can work with Arduino Leonardo?

I wonder if everyone is throwing out compliments because they have tried this and succeeded or you just because the video looks interesting. Cause I'm having the HARDEST time figuring out this QMK stuff and documentation is absolutely disgusting. This video isn't helping much either in this regard, it's just making a very simple 3x3 deforming the default auto-generated example... I'm doing an 8x1 with single pins connected to one pin each and all to D2 and I have NO IDEA what I'm doing wrong but shit won't compile.

@bplus2351

8 ай бұрын

Having the exact same issue. I actually hate QMK. Insane how this is where were at when YEARS ago this could all be done through GUIs and would be done in 15 minutes and not require a CS degree to figure out. Really mad this is becoming the standard when it is impossible to use for anyone that isnt a programmer.

how to add LEDS?

Can you make one with an oled screen attched?

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

My repo has a couple with OLED screens: github.com/joe-scotto/keyboards

we're doing the scotto9 file. Everything is ready, but there are some points that we can't understand because we don't use a mac; I can't upload these files to the pro card. Can you tell me how it was loaded? The key links you made are not the same as the file. is it enough for us to connect it to the ends numbered 2 3 4 5 and 6 and change the row columns from the program? Thank you

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

You can change the pins on the controller to whatever you feel is best, they don’t have to be exactly what I showed. As for uploading you can use QMK Toolbox after compiling.

I can still use an Arduino Nano right? No difference? Or will I encounter some delay when typing?

@joe_scotto

10 ай бұрын

It is very unlikely that any MCU you use would have noticeable input delay. However, I know some people have a hard time flashing firmware onto a Nano so take that into consideration. You would be better suited using a Pro Micro or RP2040 board.

@Joe Scotto Can i use a Pi Pico instead of a Pro micro for this build?

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

I don’t think it would fit in the macropad but QMK does seem to support the Pico so I don’t see why not.

How do i get those copper wires? I can only find enameled ones

@joe_scotto

8 ай бұрын

Its called “dead soft copper wire” and this is the exact stuff I use: amzn.to/3xLDVvJ

Good video The pictured controller is not a pro micro. It's a mini pro, based on atmega328p. Cannot run qmk Just fyi if anyone gets one and can't figure out why it's not working

@joe_scotto

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, it’s the only controller image I could find that had clear pins

@CountParadox

Жыл бұрын

You should totally switch to rp2040 boards to future proof

@sharansrinivasan5236

Жыл бұрын

@@CountParadox is the pi pico a good option for a mcu? does it work with qmk now. And if it does, do we have to use the GPX notion to specify the rows and cols?