Drift Keyboard V2 by Timception

• For those interested: Drift Keyboard V3 is now available

• These can be shipped internationally - DM me on INSTAGRAM or on reddit (u/timception)

Contents:

• Specifications - Some details about the Drift Keyboard

• Basics - How to use / Basics

• Versions - Versions of the Drift Keyboard

• Updating Early Versions - How to update earlier versions with newer firmware

A Hearty 68-Key Split Keyboard using Vial-QMK firmware

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*Can fully support the Thai Alphabet (สปลิทคีย์บอร์ดสำหรับคนไทย)

This keyboard was designed for users who prefer a familiar typing experience of a 65% keyboard
without having to learn new shortcuts — while enjoying the ergonomic benefits of a split layout.

Adobe .ai files to lasercut your own acrylic plates

Specifications:

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MCU: RP2040-ZERO

Switch Support: 5-Pin or 3-Pin Cherry MX switches - the PCB has hotswap sockets.

OLED: (Horizontal) SSD1306 128x64

Encoder: The Limited Panasonic EVQWGD001 Roller Encoder and the EC11 Encoder

Serial Connector Cable: Either TRS or TRRS 3.5mm audio jacks can be used

Dimensions: Width: 128mm, Length: 196mm

Important

You MUST NOT plug in or disconnect your 3.5mm audio connector when the USB-C is connected, otherwise, you may cook your keyboard.

WHEN IN DOUBT - IMMEDIATELY UNPLUG YOUR USB-C - EASY..

3.5mm audio connectors are the better choice vs USB-C - don't argue,
you will agree with me fast when you try making your own split keyboard.

I have been using split keyboards since 2022 with prior knowledge about this issue, zero problems so far.
Keep out of reach of children, or unpower the keyboard to prevent accidents when not in use.

However, mistakes can happen, and you can use a heat gun to remove the MCU and replace it with a new one.
Just don't forget to flash firmware on it first.

The RP2040-Zero MCU requires you to hold the BOOT button before plugging in the USB to enter bootloader mode.
A new drive will appear, then you can simply drag the .uf2 firmware file into it and wait for it to complete.
When flashing firmware, one side at a time (unplug the 3.5mm connector).

Basics

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• You can download the Vial App to see where all your keys are, this is a must.

• To turn off the beeping sounds you can press "Audio Toggle" found on the last layer (the left encoder).

• This keyboard also has a Music Mode (an interesting feature that could be implemented and therefore, was implemented).

  • By pressing the left encoder on the default layer you will toggle Music Mode. Your keyboard is now a musical instrument and unusable until you press "Music Toggle" again.

  • These audio toggles can be found in the Quantum section of the vial app.

• The three curved keys on the bottom of each half are called the "Thumb Cluster". By default, the middle key of the thumb cluster on each half is the spacebar.

• It is highly recommended that you understand LAYERS - when a momentary layer key is assigned "MO(layer number)", the keys on the layers above it should be set to transparent (KC_TRANS), the triangle symbol in the Vial App.

  • This keyboard has 4 layers and the first layer is layer 0 (Zero), so this is the order: Layer 0, Layer 1, Layer 2 and Layer 3.

Versions

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• Version 4 (Drift Keyboard V4) - A 3D-Printer-friendly, smaller, 64-key version (ready soon!)

• Version 3 (Drift Keyboard V3) Wireless - Drift V2, but with a Bluetooth Enabled MCU using ZMK firmware

• Version 3 (Drift Keyboard V3) Wired - Drift V3, but with an RP2040 Promicro MCU using Vial-QMK firmware

• Version 2 (Drift Keyboard V2) - The original Drift Keyboard by Timception, with an RP2040-Zero MCU running Vial-QMK

• Early Versions - These versions have a master (MSTR) and slave (SLV) switch beside the OLEDs

Updating Earlier Versions

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If your Drift Keyboard has switches on the side that determine the master and the slave, you can update your firmware and forget about those switches forever.

• You will have to update one half at a time, so do not insert the 3.5mm audio jack.

• Starting with the left half, set the switch to Master (MSTR) then plug the USB-C into your computer.

  • You can hold the MO(1) key then hit the RESET button on the top left of the keyboard to enter bootloader mode.

  • You can drag and drop the .uf2 firmware file for the LEFT side into the drive that shows up after entering bootloader mode.

  • After the firmware has completed loading, the drive should disappear then you can unplug the keyboard and set the side switch to slave (SLV) and never care about it again.

• Do the same with the right half: Set to Master, press RESET to enter bootloader mode - Hold MO(2) and press the top right button.

  • Drag and drop the .uf2 firmware file for the RIGHT side into the drive that shows up after entering bootloader mode.

  • After the firmware is done loading, you can unplug the keyboard and set the side switch to slave (SLV) and never care about it again.

• After these steps have been done successfully - you could even snap the switches off with some cutting pliers to prevent yourself from accidentally switching them on in the future.

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Pixel Art by OLIVlOUS | KO-FI

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I owe ZANNIKB a HUGE thanks for Cooler Animated versions of Firmware!

Cool Wallpaper by my pal Danm.edits

Special Thanks to Tecsmith for making this keyboard even possible since the start, and for helping with the keyboard layout code.

Special Thanks to TweetyDaBird for patiently helping with some issues when RP2040-Zero was still a new mcu for QMK.

Inspired by Foostan's Corne Keyboard

The reversible pcb design from the Sofle Keyboard was also an inspiring factor