keyboard-pcb-guide VS kad

I followed this guide to get me started and I've gotten to the point where I'd like some feedback to make sure I'm not missing anything important. I'm about to order parts so I can start working on the any custom footprints I'll need and translating the schematic into a PCB for manufacturing.

I referred to this guide to get the libraries and also for connecting the switches and diodes. Really helpful even at the end where you generate the files for production.

Now I have largely just directly been copying from a guide here and from how I have laid it out so far I have no auto routing errors and no design rule check errors but know this doesn't mean it will work. Would really appreciate a look at the whole board to confirm functionality but especially want to confirm if I have done the follow correctly:

I designed the circuit while looking at your "Keyboard PCB Guide" on GitHub. (Because I happened to be designing a similar PCB)

i do! i used this guide but it is over 5 years old. It is recommended to use the updated guide here . both of the guides tell you how to work with kicad (pcb design software) and most importantly how the basic circuit should be build.

As for switch hole sizes, I haven't designed anything myself but heard ppl use http://builder.swillkb.com/ to design their plates - it's some generator with size standards for switches and stabs.

Not 3d printing, but found this site which can generate files for laser cutting http://builder.swillkb.com/

In terms of workflow: I'm using a generated layout from Plate & Case Builder - swillkb after pasting in the raw data from http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/ : if there's a better workflow out there im all ears and open to trying anything new.

Use SwillKB to create layer design files

I design my own key layout and copy paste the raw json file to this site to generate the case and the plates. http://builder.swillkb.com

The only thing is, it's hard to do a plateless design with handwiring - but not many customs are plateless, anyway. You'll need to get a plate cut, but that workflow can be quite streamlined using a tool like Swillkb's builder.

I used this incredible tool to generate the top and bottom .svg files for the switch portion of the plate and a vector graphics editor to make the silly screen bump on the top right. The cost for the plates on this one was around 180USD after shipping but they charge by area so I was at a distinct disadvantage. I wish you luck on your keeb! This project was very fulfilling once all the bugs got hammered out, I hope yours is as well.

If you can't find a plate file, make a QAZ layout with KLE, import it to this plate generator to make a plate file. The thing is, the generated plate file will be without mounting point or holes. If you want more control, use this one, it's more complicated but with more options.

I just swiped it off of here. seeing as it's a custom board and all hahaha.