uniCorne Build Guide

Materials Needed:

• Common parts

  Component	Quantity	Description
  PCB	2	Left and right side
  Switches	36	Mechanical switches (e.g., Cherry MX, Kailh Choc)
  Keycaps	36	Keycaps compatible with your switches
  Hotswap Sockets	36	Hotswap sockets compatible with your switches
  1N4148W SOD-123	36	Diodes for each switch
  Tactile Push Button	1	SMD 2x4x3.5mm
  Top Plate	1	Case compatible with uniCorne-3x5 PCB
  Bottom Plate	1	Plate compatible with uniCorne-3x5 PCB
  M2x4 Screw	20	Screws for assembling the case
  M2x6 Standoff	10	Spacers for assembling the case

• Wired or Wireless

  • Wired keyboard

    Component	Quantity	Description
    MCU	2	Promicro-ish e.g. Promicro, Elite-Pi, etc.
    TRRS Sockets	2	For connecting the two halves of keyboard
    TRRS Cable	1	Cable to connect the two halves of keyboard

  • Wireless keyboard

    Component	Quantity	Description
    MCU	2	Promicro-ish NRF52480 board e.g. nice!nano
    MSK-12C02 SMD	2	Power switch for wireless
    Pico-EZmate 78171 2P	2	2P socket for battery

• Optional parts
  

  Component	Quantity	Description
  OLED Screen	1	For displaying information, 128x32
  Tenting Kit	1	For ergonomic typing angle

  • Wired keyboard

    Component	Quantity	Description
    SK6812 mini-e	30	For per-key LED
    SK6812 mini 3535	6	For backlight LED
    10k SMD2012(metric)	2	For handedness for wired keyboard
    4.7k SMD2012(metric)	2	For I2C communication for wired keyboard

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Before starting:
   uniCorne is designed to be soldered only on the bottom side.
2. Align PCBs:
   
   Theres is a marking on top side indicating the correct side.
   
3. Hotswaps:
   Place the hot-swappable sockets on the PCB, and make sure it align with the holes on the PCB. Then, solder it.
   
4. Diodes:
   Diodes have markings to indicate the direction. Make sure they are aligned with slikscreen.
   
5. MCU
   1. Solder jumpers for MCU on the bottom side.
      
   2. Solder pin sockets which allows you to replace MCUs later.
      
   3. Place the MUC on pin sockets and insert pin headers.
      
   4. Cut the pin header for one side once everything is aligned.
      
   5. Solder one side and repeat for the other side. The result should look like this when done.
      
6. TRRS Socket:
   Solder TRRS socket.
   
7. Test the PCB:
   Before fully assembling, test the PCB to ensure all switches work correctly after installing the relavant firmware. You can use a keyboard tester software for this e.g. QMK Toolbox.
8. Optional parts:
   • LEDs:
     Solder LEDs. There are two types: one for per-key lighting and the other for backlighting.
     
   • OLED Screen:
     If you have an OLED screen, solder jumpers for OLED as well as 5-pin socket on the bottom side.
     
   • Hardware Handedness:
     If you want to use hardware handedness, solder the handedness resitor on the bottom side.
     
9. Assemble:
   Place top plate, the PCB, and the bottom plate. Then, secure them with screws.
10. Add Keycaps:
    Place your keycaps onto the switches. Ensure they are firmly seated.
11. Install Tenting Kit (optional):
    If you have a tenting kit, attach it to the bottom of the case for an ergonomic typing angle.
12. Final Check:
    Double-check all connections and ensure everything is securely in place.
    Test the keyboard again to ensure all keys are functioning properly.
13. Enjoy Your New Keyboard:
    Customize your keymap and enjoy typing on your new uniCorne-3x5 keyboard!