The Redox project is an open-source, QMK (Quantum Mechanical Keyboard Firmware) powered, ergonomic split mechanical keyboard. This repository will be used to share information about the project and instruction on how to use and assemble the Redox keyboard.
Designer's bio: Mattia Dal Ben (aka u/TiaMaT102) obtained a master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Computer Science at the University of Udine. Currently works as a Software Engineer in R&D department for a big IoT and Embedded Computers company. Mechanical keyboard enthusiast and maker, the Redox keyboard is the result of all of his passions.
An ambitious fork of Redox tasked with creating a FOSS Keyboardio Model 100 layout with an added trackball, wireless, and 3D-printed housing.
Love those Keyboadio sculpted keys, am frustrated by that closed-source layout. I want to be able to add these features to my keyboard without waiting for the manufacturer to implement them. That is the point of open source. So, this keyboard is entirely open source, using the MIT License.
I hope to build on the shoulders of Mattia and the beautiful ideas that the Charybdis opened my eyes to with regard to the possibility of wireless, 3d-printed housings that contain trackballs. Still, I can't imagine liking anything more than the Model 100's layout and I couldn't fork the Charybdis because I don't like his license either.
So, here we are. I picked the Redox for this project because it is the most up-to-date and popular of the ergonomic split wireless keyboards and it has the right amount of possible keys (and eyeballs on their repo) to accomplish what I am imagining in the best way possible. I am typing this on a Keyboardio Model 100.🤤
- Redox handwire: The first incarnation of the Redox keyboard. It consists of a 3D-printed case and a handwired matrix.
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Tilted Redox case: tilted case for the Redox prototype by jschloer.
- Tilted redox case pro micro: Remix of the tilted case to support pro micro and usb c instead of TRRS.
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couscous-kbd: Redox-inspired parametric OpenSCAD keyboard design.
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Redox tenting kit: modified base to support tenting, mini-USB for the interconnect, and a hole for microswitch for reset needed when uploading new firmware by Lenbok.
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Iris-inspired Redox case: a case inspired both by the Redox rev1.0 and the Iris designed with OpenSCAD by Lenbok.
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Redodactyl keyboard: handwired 3D printed Dactyl-inspired Redox variant by u/darknao.
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- Redox Manuform: full rework of the Redox case inspired by the Dactyl Manuform. Designed by Fosk_LL.
- Redox rev1.0: the Redox rev 1.0 is the first commercially available version of the Redox keyboard.
- Rev1.0 PCBs: available at Falbatech's store
- Firmware sources:
- 3D-printable cases:
- 3D printable case, freely available.
- Redox keyboard case (high profile), by Michele Ferri.
- Travel-friendly Redox Keyboard case, by Fosk_LL.
- Redox Neodox case, by Pastitas
- Redox big battery, by Marco Silvestri.
- Commercially available cases:
- Redox rev1.0W: the Redox rev 1.0W is the wireless version of the Redox keyboard.
- Rev1.0W PCBs: gerbers available in this repo.
- Falbatech's Rev1.0W Hot-swap PCBs: available at Falbatech's store (Incompatible with the 3D-printable cases down below)
- Firmware sources:
- 3D-printable cases:
- 3D printed case, freely available.
- Redox Neodox case, by Pastitas
- Commercially available cases (only compatible with the Falbatech's store PCBs):
- Redox rev2.0WHS: the Redox rev 2.0WHS is the wireless hot-swappable version of the Redox keyboard.
- Rev2.0WHS PCBs: gerber files available here
- Firmware sources:
- 3D-printable case:
- 3D printed case, freely available.
The Redox keyboard uses three different wireless implementations, differentiated by firmware:
- QMK based: Leveraging the Gazel protocol. It needs its own PCB and a receiver dongle (see Redox Wireless for details) and needs three YJ-14015 MCUs + a Pro Micro compatible controller.
- ZMK based: Leveraging the Bluetooth protocol. It is based on the Redox wired PCB and the nice!nano controller.
- KMK based: Adding Bluetooth Split code to
boards/redox/main.py. Combined with a compatible wireless controller completes wireless configuration. Would advice adding Bluetooth keycodes in keymap;keyboard.keymapelement inmain.py.
The notable differences for the three implementations are as follows:
- Battery life: QMK Redox Wireless uses two CR2032 coin cell batteries which last approximately one year (YMMV), while the nice!nano support LiPo rechargable batteries (you can choose the capacity you want but expect them to last for a few weeks on a single charge).
- Flexibility: The receiver dongle limits the flexibility of QMK Redox Wireless.
- Cost: The 3x YJ-14015 + Pro Micro combo is cheaper than two wireless controllers required for ZMK and wireless KMK.
- Range: Bluetooth implementations, of ZMK and KMK, should be more capable than what can be achieved with the QMK Redox Wireless (At this point in time, I lack the evidence to support these claims though).
| Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5u | 6 | |
| 1.25u | 10 | You can get away with 8 if you use two 1u keycaps for the 1.25u rotated keys |
| 1u | 54 |
ℹ️ On pimpmykeyboard.com site you can find a SA 1976 keyset kit specifically made for the Redox keyboard: the "Ergo Redox kit (12 keys)".
In partnership with Falbatech you can now use the code "mattdibi05" on Falbatech's store for a 5% OFF special discount.
If you've read this far and found something useful, please consider donating to help me maintain and further develop this project.
