The Chameleon

Features

The Chameleon is a grid type orthogonal keyboard with two optional layouts in one single PCB. Being able to break off the bottom row allows both a 5x12 layout similar to the popular Preonic and a 4x12 layout similar to the equally popular little brother Planck on the same PCB.

Using the more common 19.05 mm grid spacing (vs Preonic & Planck's unique 19 mm) this PCB fit's several popular 'aftermarket' keyboard cases intended for JJ40/JJ50 and BM40 and similar PCB's without modification. (Please read below!)

Being fully hot-swap and with PCB mounted stabilizers ¹, Chameleon adds support for up to four encoders and a bottom row allowing either a single stabilized 2u key or two 2u keys in the middle, allowing for a layout that suits most users. If used as a 5 row keyboard, the bottom encoders can alternatively be placed at the edges on the second row, but not more than one per corner.

The PCB is designed such that you can install hotswap sockets for all the options of the bottom row, and dynamically swap the keys and stabilizers, and have either a full 1u grid, or your choice of 2u keys without any soldering needed. ²

The Chameleon features 8 bottomfacing RGB LEDs for underglow effects or to be used for layer indication or similar.

Please Note! This PCB does NOT fit a Planck/Preonic case! See here for an alternative meant as a replacement Planck/Preonic PCB!

Main Features:

• QMK and VIAL compatible, fully programmable keyboard
• RP2040 MCU, Dual-core Arm Cortex M0+ processor, flexible clock running up to 133 MHz
  • 264KB of SRAM, and 4MB of on-board Flash memory
  • USB-C connector to host computer, (USB 1.1 device and host support)
  • Low-power sleep and dormant modes
  • Drag-and-drop programming using mass storage over USB
• Kaihl hot-swap sockets for Cherry MX compatible switches (3 & 5-pin)
• Cherry Style PCB mounted stabilizers (Clip-in type preferred)
• Two main layouts:
  • 5x12 with 58 to 60 keys
  • 4x12 with 46 to 48 keys (Break off bottom row)
• Configurable bottom row (Full hot-swap, no soldering):
  • Full 1u grid
  • 1x centered, stabilized 2u key
  • 2x centered, stabilized 2u keys

Optional add-ons:

• Support for up to 4 rotary encoders (one encoder per corner)
• Optional RGB underglow (8 pcs SK6812 mini-e)
• FR4 Front plate (FR4 material, same as PCB), with full layout options (Black / White). Se below for listed tested cases.

These options requires additional components not included in this listing and sold separately.

Assembly

Little or no tools at all needed! The PCB can be delivered fully built and ready to use, either as a full matrix, or with your selection of rotary encoders and/or RGB. Then the components for this needs to be purchased with the PCB!!!

If ordered fully built, the entire layout specified is fully populated with hotswap sockets, and accepts both a full 1u grid and 2u keys without any changes or soldering needed, and one or more encoders are soldered as per your note.⁴ Mounting studs are soldered if included. RGB is soldered and functional according to layout if added to the purchase. If you include encoders, please leave a note with their position.

The middle ground is "Partial/Barebones", where I will assume you want a full grid and fully populated bottom row for your chosen layout, but no extra components are added. If you want to leave out any sockets for easier use of any specific layout or to easily add encoders yourself, and deviating from standard, please choose "Fully Built" instead. Mounting studs purchased with this option will be soldered included in this price.

Or as a "DIY Kit" with soldering needed. As a full DIY kit all the hotswap sockets, studs and RGB are left unsoldered, while the small and more difficult SMD components, the USB port etc, are already fully soldered and tested. This option is for those that prefer soldering as an experience, or simply want too save a few bucks. All components are very DIY friendly and easy to solder, and no previous experience soldering is needed.⁵

Case & Plate

The design is made to fit any existing cases for JJ40/JJ50 & BM40 both CNC and 3D printed. This means that existing cases with an integrated plate is then limited to the layout options supported by that case/plate even if the PCB supports more layouts.

Cases verified to work:

• JJ50 Aluminium & Acrylic Case - Plate included in case, no extra plate required.
• JJ50 Stainless Steel Case - Plate included in case, no extra plate required.
• JJ40/BM40 Aluminium Tray Case - Plate included in case, no extra plate required.
• JJ40 Aluminium & Acrylic Case - Plate included in case, no extra plate required.
• Poseidon PSD40 Case Anodized - Plate is an optional add on to the case, above option suggested.
• Poseidon PSD40 Case Electonplated - Plate is an optional add on to the case, above option suggested.

Mounting hardware is associated with the case, and not delivered with the Chameleon PCB and Plate. Check what hardware is included in your specific case!

Front Plate

A front plate in FR4 (PCB core material) is available as an add-on, but may not fit all cases. To be as much a "one size fit's all" plate, this plate has rounded corners, which may leave gaps in the corners on some cases.

Plate Drawing

¹ Clip-in stabilizers are preferred, as they can clip into the PCB holes with all sockets installed. Bolt-in stabilizers can still be used, but you will need a felt/plastic washer or similar to avoid short circuiting the sockets with the metal bolt heads.

² Technically you can install sockets on both rows, but it makes installing stabilizers much more difficult.

³ Please note that the Chameleon supports only Cherry MX type switches (3 & 5 pin), NOT Kaihl Choc, as they require a different PCB and plate design.

⁴ I will solder both the encoder and the hot-swap socket unless noted otherwise, making it possible to remove the encoder easily and use the key position as normal.

⁵ Soldering experience is not needed, but it certainly helps. And if you have never ever held a soldering iron, please ask in discord, and I'm happy to help recommend tools, or how to practice first, and how to solder to avoid destroying things.

Normal handling time is 3 - 5 working days, not including build items (Those usually take 1 - 2 weeks).

Shipping is done with insured/signed for parcels, where no such service is available the parcel is sent as insured parcel, but may not be fully traceable the entire transit. If no insured or traceable service is available, parcels will be sent as uninsured/untraceable at the buyers responsibility. All of which is clearly stated on checkout.

All packets are represented to courier services and customs at their true sale value, and all responsibility for import fees, taxes and tariffs lie with the buyer.

The SE/EU "Act on Distance Contracts and Off-Premises Contracts (SFS 2005:59)" allows returns of the items in undamaged (unsoldered!) condition within 14 days of receiving it. Return shipping on returned items are the responsibility of the buyer.