[PCB Review Request] "Swirl" a choc-spaced helix-like board with reversible thumb encoders instead of a top inner button
[PCB Review Request] "Swirl" a choc-spaced helix-like board with reversible thumb encoders instead of a top inner button
helix-like choc spaced keyboard with dual thumb rollers - GitHub - vmorganp/swirl: helix-like choc spaced keyboard with dual thumb rollers
Hey guys, not sure if we do PCB reviews in this group, but I figured I'd give it a shot since I know it was a thing that happened over in the bad website.
It's essentially a 5x6+1+encoder board. Images below and open source hardware repo is linked.
kicad render for the juicy thumbnail
Front
Back
This is baby's first PCB design, so feel free to tear me a new one in the comments so I can make good boards.
I’ve not gone tracing through it all. It looks neat. My one call out would be to try not to have 90 degree bends. You have on on the bottom right of the image. Not saying it won’t work. Just something I’ve always been told to avoid.
I feel like the top button (where the rollers are) is helpful in the Helix, but wonder if the bottom-most, outermost buttons are equally helpful. Maybe put the rollers there, like in a Kyria? Just a thought.
Definitely your prerogative if you like it. I personally have bigger hands so I like keeping my momentary layer keys on the bottom inner button for my thumbs.