MB-44

Overview

MB-44 is the first project to be publically available and truely embodies the MB series. The MB-44 features a 12.75u layout with a 0.5u blocker separating the spacebars from the arrow cluster similar to a typical 65% layout. This project was all about learning product development, prototyping and manufacturing and grew to become the foundation of all the projects that came after.

MB-44 Keyboard Layout

Case Construction

The case is typical top mount construction with a top and bottom piece. This was the first keyboard project that I knew I wanted to have CNC machined of aluminum. As such, I wanted to experiment with different modeling tools. The top piece features a large 3.5-mm chamfer that wraps around the perimeter. The bottom piece mirros the large 3.5-mm chamfer around the perimeter, while also featuring a fun loft to create the 7-degree typing angle.

This was my attempt at departuring from a typical rectangle keyboard, and I hope this accomplished some sort of individuality and sense of fun.

PCB

The PCB is powered by an Atmel Atmega32u2-AU and features an assortment of bottom row options that support big spacebar (6.26u) and split spacebar layouts. A large driver for this layout was to incorporate 2x 3u split space layout since it was not very common at its time. Rotary encoder support is also provided in two independent locations.

The mainboard PCB is connected to a C3 Unified Daughterboard via a 4-pin JST cable to provide ESD, oversurge protection, shield noise decoupling, and single-path grounding to chasis functionality.

MB-44 PCB Bottom