Robert Feranec creates a customized keyboard: working with JLCPCB and JLC3DP

Robert Feranec is a well-known expert in hardware design. He founded FEDEVEL Academy, which helps engineers around the world learn circuit design and PCB production through online courses and teaching videos. As a content creator on YouTube, Robert shares tutorials, tips and tricks for hardware design, and has cultivated a large number of professionals and amateurs. In this video, Robert designs a customized keyboard for video editing.

As one of the world's leading PCB manufacturers, JLCPCB is committed to providing high-quality, low-cost PCB solutions for electronic designers and engineers, and has maintained a good cooperative relationship with Robert Feranec for a long time. The two parties have completed multiple project videos together, also had in-depth exchanges at electronic exhibitions.

In order to improve the efficiency of video editing in DaVinci Resolve, Robert decided to build a fully customizable keyboard from scratch, combining innovation and practicality. The keyboard has advanced features such as hot-swappable key switch system, RGB lighting, rotary encoder and tactile feedback.

Robert used the free online tool EasyEDA to design the PCB, which was equipped with a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller that was soldered directly to the board. In order to accommodate more than 50 switches on the limited microcontroller pins, Robert implemented a matrix scanning system. This efficient method allows the software to detect the keys by identifying the rows and columns connected within the matrix. After finalizing the design, the PCB was produced by JLCPCB. Robert said that "JLCPCB's website ordering process is very simple, and its price is acceptable to professionals and hobbyists."

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG2Ci_xr0pM

For the keyboard shell, Robert initially used his FDM 3D printer to create a prototype. However, for a more refined final version, he chose JLC3DP's SLA printing service. The industrial-grade 3D printer provides a smooth, glossy surface, eliminating visible layers and enhancing the keyboard's aesthetics. Later, Robert also used WJP full-color printing to print the colorful small keyboard shell. The detailed production video can be watched at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4cLFE0FF2U

Source:https://x.com/robertferanec

The heart of any keyboard lies in its switches. Robert chose Cherry MX Red linear switches because they operate smoothly and quietly, ensuring a seamless typing experience. In addition, he designed his own keycaps, which come with customizable text. The keyboard’s functionality is powered by QMK firmware, an open source solution for input devices. To simplify shortcut updates, Robert used the VIA app, which allows him to adjust key mapping, lighting, and macros in real time directly from his browser. This flexibility ensures that the keyboard can evolve with his workflow.

With all the design work complete, Robert tested the custom keyboard in DaVinci Resolve, showcasing the ability to adjust playback, zoom and execute shortcuts, while additional features such as LED customization and online configuration enhanced usability.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG2Ci_xr0pM

This project showcases Robert’s outstanding ability in hardware design, and with the support of JLCPCB and JLC3DP, he was able to turn his ideas from concept to reality.