Awesome
The Dilemma is a vertical stagger low-profile keyboard with mods.
Table of contents
Features
- Heavy pinky stagger
- MX and choc compatible
- Reversible PCB
- Elite-pi / Splinky / Nice!Nano compatible
- Tenting puck footprint
Versions
There are 2 versions of the dilemma, in 2 folders:
dilemma, for DIY that requires an additional MCU (eg. kb2040)dilemma_assembled, for PCB assembly
The Dilemma is made for rp2040, so if you go with the DIY version you should source your MCU board accordingly.
Wireless abilities
ZMK does not support input devices at the moment, and QMK does not support BLE.
However, as this is meant to be a portable keyboard, some ground work has been laid with the DIY version:
- pinout compatible with nice!nano
- 2 battery connectors footprints: JST, and THT
- on / off button footprint
At this time, the assembled version does not support wireless.
BOM
The PCB can work on standalone.
Depending on which version you go with, you will need to source different items.
On top of the basic build, you can add a range of options, which require additional components:
- 3d printed case
- mods (eg. trackpad)
Both versions of the Dilemma require:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| Audio jack | 2 | |
| Button, 4x4x1.5 | 2 |
DIY version
On top of the parts mentioned above, you will need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| SOD123 Diodes | 34 | Farnell, Mouser, Aliexpress |
| Dilemma PCB, DIY, 1.2mm | 2 | See Release section |
| RP2040 MCU board | 2 | KB2040, elite-pi... |
| Header pins | 2*12 |
Please note, the Dilemma is compatible only with rp2040 boards !
The release section contains the latest gerbers.
Order in 1.2mm thickness.
Assembled version
On top of the parts mentioned above, you will need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| Dilemma PCB, assembled, 1.2mm | 2 | See Release section |
The release section contains the latest gerbers with BOM and POS files.
Order in 1.2mm thickness.
Trackpad mod
This is the first mod made for the keyboard - so it can function as a standalone input device.
It uses I2C on the DIY version, and SPI on the assembled version.
The DIY version requires removing 2 resistors from the trackpad (see build guide).
When installing the trackpad mod, you will need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| M3 screw, torx, 6mm | 4 | Conrad |
| M3x5x5 screw insert | 4 | Aliexpress |
| 3d printed parts | See mechanical folder |
If building the PCBA version, you will also need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| 12-position FPC cable, 0.5mm pitch, same side contacts, 100mm | 1 | Farnell |
If building the DIY version, you will also need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| SOD123 Resistor, 5kOhms | 2 | |
| Cables |
3d printed thin case
Designed for the minimum footprint possible, while still protecting the PCB.
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| M3 screw, torx, 6mm | 6 | Conrad |
| M3 nut | 3 | Conrad |
| Anti slip pads, 10x2mm | 12 | Aliexpress |
| 3d case | 1 right, 1 left | See mechanical folder |
The case is reversible.
It needs to be printed at 0.2mm layer height supportless specifically for the nut inserts suport-less interfaces. If you are doing a different layer height, use supports.
3d printed less-thin case with tenting pucks
Accomodates the Splitkb tenting puck, to be used with a Manfrotto tripod.
BOM:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| M3 screw, torx, 6mm | 6 | Conrad |
| M3 nut | 3 | Conrad |
| Anti slip pads, 10x2mm | 12 | Aliexpress |
| Tenting puck assembly | 1 | Splitkb |
| Manfrotto tripod | 2 | Manfrotto |
| 3d case | 1 right, 1 left | See mechanical folder |
The case is reversible.
It needs to be printed at 0.2mm layer height supportless specifically for the nut inserts suport-less interfaces. If you are doing a different layer height, use supports.
Build guide
https://docs.bastardkb.com/hc/en-us/sections/6848232395410-Dilemma
Support me on Patreon
If you like the keyboard, please consider helping me with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bastardkb
I post regular updates and hindsight on my work. I work full time on keyboard innovation, and this helps a lot !
Others / in progress
The PCB has available connectors for:
- oled