ArtieKB - Custom Mechanical Keyboard

A fully custom mechanical keyboard designed from the ground up, featuring hot-swappable switches, per-key RGB lighting, wireless connectivity, and a companion mobile app for configuration.

Project Inspiration

Named after my dog Artie, this keyboard project began as an exploration into custom mechanical keyboards and evolved into a full hardware/software integration project. Just like Artie's playful personality, the keyboard features dynamic lighting effects that respond to typing patterns.

Design Features

Hardware Specifications

Layout: 65% compact design with arrow keys
Switches: Hot-swappable MX-style switch sockets
Connection: USB-C and Bluetooth 5.0 dual mode
Battery: 3000mAh lasting 2+ weeks with RGB
Case: CNC aluminum with brass weight
PCB: Custom designed 4-layer board

Key Innovations

Smart Layer System: Automatic layer switching based on active application
Gesture Control: Side-mounted touch strip for volume/brightness
Display: Small OLED screen showing layer/connection status
Sound Dampening: Integrated foam and gasket mount design

Technical Implementation

Firmware Development

Built on QMK framework with custom additions:

Bluetooth LE implementation for low power consumption
Advanced RGB effects engine with 20+ modes
Macro recording with up to 100 stored sequences
Adaptive typing detection for auto-sleep

PCB Design

Created in KiCAD with careful attention to:

USB-C with proper CC resistors
ESD protection on all user-accessible ports
Optimized trace routing for high-speed signals
Dedicated ground planes for noise reduction

Companion App

Developed mobile app for configuration:

React Native for cross-platform support
Bluetooth LE for wireless programming
Cloud Sync for backing up layouts
Community Sharing for RGB effects and macros

Manufacturing Process

Prototyping

3D printed initial case designs for fit testing
Breadboarded circuit for firmware development
Hand-wired first prototype for layout testing

Production

PCBs manufactured by JLCPCB with ENIG finish
Cases CNC machined from 6061 aluminum
Custom keycaps with dye-sublimation printing
Assembly using reflow soldering for SMD components

Challenges Overcome

Power Management

Balancing features with battery life required:

Aggressive sleep states
Efficient RGB driver selection
Bluetooth Low Energy optimization
USB/Battery seamless switching

Wireless Latency

Achieving gaming-grade performance over Bluetooth:

Custom packet structure for efficiency
Predictive key scanning
1000Hz polling rate when wired
Sub-10ms wireless latency achieved

Community Response

Released as open-source project:

500+ keyboards built by community members
Active Discord with 1,000+ members
Featured on mechanical keyboard blogs
Group buy organized for keycap set

Future Enhancements

Hall effect switches for analog input
Wireless charging through desk mat
E-ink displays for dynamic key labels
AI-powered typing optimization

This project combined my passion for hardware design, embedded programming, and creating tools that enhance daily productivity. ArtieKB represents the intersection of form and function, proving that custom hardware can be both beautiful and practical.