Swallowtail

A split keyboard with 5x6 column staggered keys.

Parts List

Required

Name	Number	Notes
PCB	2	This PCB is reversible. One is for left and the other is for right. You can use a gerber file in `pcb/plot` directory to order your one.
Top plate, bottom plate, OLED protection plate	2 sets	You can see the svg file in `plate` directory. This is designed for 2mm acrylic plate. If you create your plate with another thickness or material, you may need to change spacer height and screw length.
3mm female-to-female spacer	12	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33033691154.html
3mm female-to-male spacer	16	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33033691154.html
8mm female-to-female spacer	4	https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33033691154.html
M2 3mm screw	32	3.5mm will be better if you can get.
Diode 1N4148	60
Kailh PCB Socket	60
2 pin Tactile switch	2	For reset switch
3.5mm TRRS jack	2
Adhesive Rubber Cushions	8
Pro micro	2
Cherry MX switch (5 pin)	60
Keycaps	60	58 1u keycaps and 2 1.5u (or up to 2.25u) keycaps
TRS (3 pole) audio cable	1
Micro USB Cable	1

Options

Spring loaded pin headers

Highly recommend for beginners. Some shop sell it with a Pro micro.

Name	Number	Notes
Spring loaded 12-pin header (a.k.a. Conthrough)	4	https://talpkeyboard.net/items/5e056626d790db16e2889233

OLED

Just a decorative parts.

Name	Number	Notes
SSD1306 OLED module	2
4 pin low profile socket (low profile)	2
4 pin low profile header (low profile)	2

Back light

A led places in bottom (south) side of keycap. Transparent key switch is recommended.

Name	Number	Notes
SK6812MINI-E	60

Build Instructions

Preparation

QMK firmware

Swallowtail uses QMK firmware. See firmware section and flush a firmware to Pro micro in advance.

Pro micro

Pro micro USB connector is fragile. You can reinforce the connector with epoxy resin adhesive. Put a small amount of epoxy resin around the connector. Be careful not to flow it into the connector. Leave it until fixed.

Soldering

All parts have a position and orientation. See the photo to make sure it is placed correctly before soldering.

Maybe a good idea to use masking tape to hold parts before soldering.

Bridge jumpers

The PCB is reversible. Use one board for the left and the other for the right. Bridge five jumpers on each board. One should be "Left" and the other should be "Right".

Diode

Place diodes on the back side of the pcb. This is the same side on which you jumpered. Make sure the diode orientation is correct. All diodes orientation must be the same on a pcb.

Reset switch and TRRS jack

Solder a reset switch and TRRS jack on the front side of the pcb.

Pro micro

Insert pin headers from the surface on which parts are mounted. Solder it from the blank side of the Pro micro.

Insert a Pro micro into the place on the PCB. If you are using spring loaded pin headers, you don't need to solder it on the PCB so that you can remove Pro micro later easily. If you don't, solder it and cut pins a little not to conflict with the cover plate.

Test

Before moving to the next step, test the pcb once. Flash a firmware to the Pro micro. Then, make short-circuit on each keyswitch pads. You will see some characters in your computer.

Kailh PCB Socket

Place a PCB socket on the back side of pcb. Make sure the position is correct.

OLED (optional)

Place a pin socket on the front side and solder it. Then solder a pin header on a OLED.

Back light (optional)

See a LED. You will see one of pins' corner is cut. The pin should be placed on the bottom-left in where a "L" shape silk is printed.

LED can be broken easily by heat. Be careful not to take too long time to solder. I usually solder only one pin at once and go to the next LED. After all LEDs in a row is fixed, back to the first LED to solder the second pin and repeat the process. This will be good not to heat too much on a LED.

Assemble

Screw top plate spacers. 3mm female-to-male spacer should be on the front side. Attach a PCB and fix the PCB with a 3mm female-to-female spacer from the back side.