Entering the world of custom keyboards has been a fascinating journey for me, one that began just over a year ago. Along the way, I've encountered some truly unique designs, like the Starfish (Staryu) with its compact five-button layout and the Cherry 1800 layout keyboard, which spans as wide as a full 108-key setup. Starting as someone who only tinkered with soldering irons, I've since evolved into someone who modifies parts, occasionally helps beginners in the community with minor issues, and has gained insights from many experienced enthusiasts. This hobby has added immense joy to my otherwise solitary existence. (Though, let's face it, if I had a significant other, would I still be so obsessed with keyboards?)
For a long time, I’ve pondered what it truly means to customize something. Initially, I believed that customization meant drawing your own PCB circuits, designing layouts, and coding software to support them. However, I now realize that even assembling pre-bought PCBs, switches, and cases can be considered customization, albeit at a lower barrier to entry. To me, true customization involves designing PCBs from scratch, crafting unique layouts, and even creating custom keycaps or dyes. This realization made me hesitant to call myself a keyboard enthusiast, as I felt I hadn’t reached that level yet.
This post showcases a particularly intriguing keyboard set, the XD75Re, a full-key hot-swappable switch 60%-layout mechanical keyboard. Its name remains somewhat mysterious to me, but it’s definitely intriguing.
Reasons for Purchase:
My first foray into custom keyboards was the GH60 from the original direction key series, known as the XD60, which introduced me to the 60% layout. Later, I explored other 60% models like the YDP60, which boasts an inline key layout, compatibility with 3x and 6.25x spaced keys, and an acrylic shell free of frames, embodying Yang's minimalist aesthetic.
After spending time in the community, I noticed that many keyboard enthusiasts seek personalization without excessive complexity. Their primary demands revolved around three features: RGB lighting, wireless connectivity (Bluetooth or premium), and hot-swappable switches. RGB lighting often conflicts with multi-alignment compatibility due to fixed switch positions, and it significantly increases wiring and PCB costs. Wireless solutions, especially Bluetooth, require advanced knowledge, and while some modules exist for retrofitting standard keyboards, I haven’t delved deeply into how they work. Alternatively, wireless functionality can be achieved via specialized controllers or custom PCBs, but integrating this with existing receivers adds complexity and cost. Hot-swappable switches, however, offer a significant advantage by eliminating the need for soldering, making the process more beginner-friendly.
The XD75 stands out not only for its innovative layout but also for its full-key hot-swappable switch design. Let me walk you through the PCB design and final assembly!
Appearance:
As the group admin and creator of the XD series PCBs, I managed to secure an early sample of this new product before it hit the official shelves. Unfortunately, the initial batch came with a few quirks, such as an incompatible 2x keycap and screw hole compatibility issues with standard GH60 cases. Consequently, I received two double-chrysanthemum DSA-height keycaps and additional screws and spacers to address these issues.
The PCB arrived in anti-static packaging, featuring a soap-and-cat logo along with the group's QR code. Inside, there was also a metal sticker.
Unboxing revealed the XD series PCBs. The red one on the left is an heirloom XD60, now out of print, while the black ones represent the newer versions. The middle one is a 75-key and COSpad PCB, with a 4x6 numeric keypad area that supports multi-column and RGB underglow. The right side holds an XD84 PCB, though it’s now sold out.
The most striking feature of the XD75 is its 5x15 button layout, which inspired its name. The keys are arranged in a movable-type-like grid, utilizing every inch of the PCB space.
Three light holes are positioned at the front, enabling TMK-based layer displays or functions like Caps Lock and Num Lock indicators. Due to limited PCB space, there’s no physical reset button, but the reset points are pre-soldered for DIY enthusiasts.
The back of the PCB features neatly organized alignment holes and components. Each switch socket is equipped with a hot-swappable base, and seven 5050-sized RGB LEDs are embedded at the bottom, with an RGB LED strip interface for up to 16 LEDs. RGB effects can be edited via TMK and controlled directly from the keyboard.
Despite the XD75’s resemblance to a periodic table, it doesn’t yet have an official logo. Previously, it featured a soap-and-cat motif.
The main controller uses the ubiquitous ATMEL 32U4 chip, whose specifics remain somewhat obscure to me. Nonetheless, this chip is widely used in custom PCBs.
Two standout features of the XD75 are its 5x15 button layout and hot-swappable switch mounts. Earlier DIY enthusiasts resorted to drilling holes in PCBs and inserting hollow copper rivets for hot-swapping, but this method required skill and risked damaging the PCB. Kaihua’s practical solution, the 1511 Connector, simplifies this process. These connectors, named after the year and month they were designed, are now used in the XD75.
Frontal switch holes feature two metal plates that grip the switch contacts for conductivity and stability. While this design prevents loosening over time, it makes inserting disassembled switches challenging. Cleaning the solder residue is crucial to ensure proper insertion. Violent force risks damaging the switch socket, so new switches are recommended.
Unlike typical PCBs, the XD75 lacks pads on the switch pins, allowing direct insertion without soldering. Lamp holes are slightly larger to accommodate hot-swappable lamps.
Use Feel:
1. Installing the Case:
The next step is assembly. Due to the unconventional layout, the screw holes aren’t fully compatible with standard GH60 cases. I opted for a regular GH60 case, which provides partial compatibility but requires some adjustments.
I purchased two transparent plastic cases on Taobao for $50 each. One is unused, showing internal ribs and unmounted foot stickers.
Upon placement, the fit wasn’t perfect. Upon inspection, I discovered reinforcing ribs obstructing the switch seats on the back. Additionally, the switch seats might interfere with the screw holes on the case. Fortunately, the accompanying spacers and nuts proved useful.
Since the screw holes align with the switch bases, cutting off the pins at these locations creates a stable tripod. Using nuts ensures the screws are securely fastened.
Initial testing involved shorting the switch holes with tweezers to trigger the keyboard. If successful, the RGB lights beneath the data cable lit up immediately. Despite the transparent plastic casing, the light distribution was uneven, leaving some areas dark. A milky white translucent material would improve this.
Turning off the lights revealed a sleek design, though it’s better suited for dim environments.
In subsequent days, I acquired a set of positioning plates and bottom brackets from another group member. These acrylic pieces made installing the case and securing switches easier and more stable.
The upper positioning plate is 5mm frosted and transparent acrylic, with a broken ESC piece and a few patch lights and reset contacts. The screw holes on either side were slightly misaligned, requiring adjustment with a soldering iron.
The bottom, with its intricate backside, required some separation to maintain flexibility. It’s not overly sturdy, but it serves its purpose as a bottom-up component.
2. Flashing Firmware:
KLE for key editing has moved to God’s website, making the process straightforward. Before flashing, gather a keyboard connected to your computer, a Chrome browser, the TKG browser plugin, and a keyboard master drive.
The XD75 uses a Kai version of TKG, which supports newer keyboards like the XD series. Select XD75 in the keyboard options. For single-layer setups, use the simple mode to paste KLE data into the text box. Errors are highlighted in red, guiding corrections to make the text green.
Next, configure Fn settings, which typically involve lighting configurations. Multi-layer switches can be added, but I prefer simplicity.
LED settings depend on personal preference, with default RGB backlight intensity set to 7. Adjust individual quantities as needed.
Given the keyboard’s novelty, the firmware used during this review is an interim version provided by Xiudi. Future updates should come directly from the official source.
Preparation complete, short the reset hole on the PCB with tweezers. The brush button turns green, signaling readiness. Clicking the button completes the process within a minute, displaying success. If unsuccessful, check the network or refresh the page.
3. Switch Selection:
I chose the Jiadalong five-pin transparent switch cover, commonly referred to as the G-axis. Known for affordability, it costs half as much as the C-axis. I avoided common green and black switches, opting for red switches due to their smooth feel. For the numeric keypad, I used green switches for aesthetic appeal.
Regarding three-pin versus five-pin switches, five-pin switches can be mounted directly on the PCB without a positioning plate, whereas three-pin switches require one. Most mass-produced keyboards use tripods with positioning plates, while five-pin switches are common in premium brands like Cherry.
For the main keyboard area, I used red five-pin Jiadalong switches, which offer smoother typing compared to Cherry red switches. They’re ideal for daily typing tasks. On the numeric keypad, I used green switches. Always check the metal feet for straightness before insertion.
4. Lighting and Installation:
There’s no lighting effect on the positioning plate, as it’s an optional accessory.
Hot-swappable switches necessitate thoughtful lamp placement. The PCB design anticipates simultaneous hot-swapping of switches and lamps. Initially, I considered using hollow copper rivets, but commercial options proved costly. Instead, I experimented with alternative components.
A budget-friendly solution involves corn eyes, inexpensive copper rivets that achieve hot-swapping functionality. Though not aesthetically pleasing, they’re cost-effective.
Another option is a type of lamp holder found on Taobao. Without a top “hat,†these components match well with lamp holes, proving effective and affordable.
I also purchased additional 234 square lamps, ordinary white lamps, and patch lights. Given the added thickness of two acrylic layers, the original screws weren’t long enough, prompting the purchase of longer alternatives.
The lamp holder fits snugly into the lamp hole, catching the circular edge for stability. Once installed, the excess pins are trimmed and soldered.
Plugging in the keyboard reveals that the bottom of the switch isn’t flush with the PCB, creating a slight gap. This allows for better light diffusion.
Experimentation showed that individual lamp holders don’t light up until all are secured, a tedious but rewarding process.
Once everything is soldered and trimmed, the keyboard is complete.
Connecting to the computer confirmed normal lighting functionality. Both ambient and backlight modes look great, and an aluminum sandwich case would enhance the bottom light effect.
5. Keycaps:
I opted for Wenruo’s original high-gray color-matched Russian sublimation character keycaps, totaling 153 keys. They’re affordable, opaque, and feature colorful key positions. For extra space, I used a three-space keycap as a double-space.
This set of keycaps, made from thickened PCB material, has a slightly grayish white tone due to shading additives. The craftsmanship is decent, with nozzle markings on the back ensuring a clean finish. New keycaps fit snugly, making removal challenging.
In the three-space area, the three chrysanthemum-shaped caps align with the switch positions. However, the central switch is removed for easier movement.
Special characters replace some exotic keycaps, like the leftmost Tab and CAPS. The ESC uses a personalized keycap, and for the spacebar, I used a double-chrysanthemum DSA keycap sent by Xiudi.
With the lights on, the keycaps appear opaque, emitting light only through gaps. Personally, I enjoy this subtle effect. Due to the upward-facing lamp placement, the light is more concentrated in the upper region, resembling the effect of RGB or OMRON switches.
Turning off the lights gives a sleek, minimalistic appearance.
Final Effect:
Switches and lamps can be easily inserted or removed, offering unparalleled convenience.
Conclusion:
The XD75’s most appealing feature is its 75-key layout, which encourages creative customization. Hot-swappable switches cater to those who prefer solder-free builds or simply want the option. While not the first hot-swappable keyboard, the XD75 provides greater freedom and flexibility.
However, the vertical and horizontal key layout may require adaptation for newcomers, especially blind users. Relearning key positions after layout changes is essential. Additionally, keycap selection is crucial; double-height keycaps are necessary for extended keys, though creative solutions exist for longer keys.
Despite these limitations, the XD75 offers endless possibilities for customization and personalization.
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