Chameleon is a grid type orthogonal keyboard with two optional layouts in one single PCB. Being able to break off the bottom row allows both a 5x12 layout similar to the popular Preonic and a 4x12 layout similar to the equally popular little brother Planck on the same PCB.
Using the more common 19.05 mm grid spacing (vs Preonic & Planck's unique 19 mm) this PCB fit's several popular 'aftermarket' keyboard cases intended for JJ40/JJ50 and BM40 PCB's without modification. (Please read below!)
Being fully hot-swap and with PCB mounted stabilizers, Chameleon adds support for up to four encoders and a bottom row allowing either a single stabilized 2u key or two 2u keys in the middle, allowing for a layout that suits most users. If used as a 5 row keyboard, the bottom encoders can alternatively be placed at the edges on the second row, but not more than one per corner.
The Chameleon features 8 bottomfacing RGB LEDs for underglow effects or to be used for layer indication or similar.
Please Note! This PCB does NOT fit a Planck/Preonic case! You will need a different case to complete the build!
- QMK and VIAL compatible, fully programmable keyboard**
- RP2040 MCU, Dual-core Arm Cortex M0+ processor, flexible clock running up to 133 MHz
- 264KB of SRAM, and 4MB of on-board Flash memory
- USB-C connector, (USB 1.1 device and host support)
- Low-power sleep and dormant modes
- Drag-and-drop programming using mass storage over USB
- Kaihl hot-swap sockets for Cherry MX compatible switches (3 & 5-pin)
- Cherry Style PCB mounted stabilizers
- Two main layouts:
- 5x12 with 58 to 60 keys
- 4x12 with 46 to 48 keys (Break off bottom row)
- Configurable bottom row:
- Full 1u grid
- 1x centered, stabilized 2u key
- 2x centered, stabilized 2u keys
- Support for up to 4 rotary encoders (one encoder per corner)
- Optional RGB underglow (8x SK6812 mini-e)
- FR4 Front plate (FR4 material, same as PCB), with full layout options (Black / White). This is designed to fit most/all existing cases of a tray (or burger) mounting type, 3D printed or CNC. Se below for listed tested cases.
These options requires additional components not included in this listing and sold separately.
Little or no tools at all needed! The PCB can be delivered fully soldered and ready to use, either as a full matrix, or with your selection of rotary encoders (encoders need to be added to the order), or as a "DIY Kit" with the hotswap sockets for the 6 encoder positions not soldered.
The 8 optional RGB LED's needs to be soldered in place if used. (These are pre-soldered together with the encoders/hot-swap sockets at no extra cost, if that option is selected and all parts are purchased in the same order).
The design is made to fit any existing cases for JJ40/JJ50 & BM40 both CNC and 3D printed. This means that existing cases with an integrated plate is then limited to the layout options supported by that case/plate even if the PCB supports more layouts.
- JJ50 Aluminium & Acrylic Case
- JJ50 Stainless Steel Case
- JJ40 Aluminium Tray Case
- JJ40 Aluminium & Acrylic Case
- Poseidon PSD40 Case Anodized
- Poseidon PSD40 Case Electonplated
*Mounting hardware is associated with the case, and not delivered with the Chameleon PCB and Plate.
A front plate in FR4 (PCB core material) is available as an add-on, but may not fit all cases. To be as much a "one size fit's all" plate, this plate has rounded corners, which may leave gaps in the corners on some cases.
A full sandwich type case in FR4 material will be added at a later date for those interested, but is for now WIP.
** Firmware pending
Chameleon is open source / open hardware, and can be manufactured by anyone. The release contains all the neccesary files like parts lists, positions files etc for a full PCB/SMT production.
The formatting and files are geared towards JLCPCB, but never tested as such, as I only manufacture the PCB then do the assembly myself (at least until this reaches a volume justifying full SMT production).
The components are small enough that you would have to be highly skilled to attempt to assemble this either as hand soldered, or small scale/DIY SMT. I would highly recommend ordering the PCB as fully assembled unless you know you have the neccesary skill-set.
I sell complete kits, making it easy to build your keyboard, and it also supports prototypes for new wacky ones.
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