Build your own ergonomic keyboard!

Lotus 58 - Glow is a fully programmable & customizable split keyboard in the Lotus 58 Keyboard family.

The Lotus 58 - Glow is meant as a DIY/beginner friendly build, that most can succesfully build yourself. The TRRS-link version is especially beginner friendly with exclusively though-hole components, while the USB type C link version is a bit more challenging with some surface-mount components, but still very much DIY friendly and easy to build if you have some prior experience soldering.

Sold as a single PCB, you will need two PCB's and accessories to make a complete keyboard.

Lotus 58 - Glow

Main Features:

• Features 58 keys, with a 4x6 main matrix and 4+1 thumb-keys per hand (56 normal keys with encoders on lower position).
• Supports up to one Rotary encoder and one OLED per hand.
• Designed with a Sandwich-style plate/case as part of the design and with 3D printed cases as added options.
• Can be used as a 'normal' split keyboard for typing and work, or with one hand as a dedicated gamepad/Gaming keyboard.
• Fully QMK and VIAL compatible, with every aspect of it being programmable.
• Kaihl Hot-swap sockets for Cherry MX compatible switches.¹
• Hands are connected using serial link (TRRS or USB type C) with support for ESD protection.²

Build Features:

• Main components are either Through-Hole or large and easily soldered SMD (RGB & Hotswap Sockets) suitable for beginners.
• Each hand uses an Pro Micro Arduino clone as the controller (Pro Micro or pin equivalent).
• The PCB design is reversible, making the PCB for both hands identical for lower cost.
• Full build instructions are printed on the PCB for an easy build.

Optional Features:

These options require additional parts

• Optional OLED Screen
• Optional Rotary Encoder
• Optional RGB Glow - Suitable as background lighting, and can be used as a layer indicator or similar.
• Optional Per key RGB - Multiple effects supported in QMK & Vial.
• Optional Slide switch - Used as an RGB selector or power switch.³

Physical dimensions:

Dimensions per hand (LxBxH): 145x115 mm Case height 11-13mm, Height with keycaps/encoder ~35mm

Basic Component Kit

These add-on kits contain all the basic components needed to make a complete and working keyboard for your PCB version.

Two main versions

Lotus 58 Glow comes in two main version, both with the same layout options and main features.

TRRS link

Uses the classic TRRS link, with optional protection for unintended hotplugging.

The classic, more beginner friendly variant can be built entirely out of easy to solder through hole (TH) type components. These are larger and more robust, making them easy for a novice builder with limited experience soldering. Even the RGB LED's are selected to be as easy as possible to solder for a beginner to solder without harming them.

This variant features support for an optional ESD protection circuit (a tiny SMD component) that should protect the controller from damage should you accidentally unplug or plug in the TRRS cable while the keyboard is powered. This does however NOT mean that it in any way supports intentional and/or repeated hot-plugging of the TRRS cable! Doing so will ultimately result in damage sooner or later.

USB type C link

USB type C link, allowing hot-plugging.

The more modern USB type C link offers care-free hot-plugging, you can simply unplug or plug the two hands together without risking any damage with the keyboard fully powered from the computer USB cable. The small downside is that the components needed are of SMD type, meaning it is slightly less beginner friendly to solder.

The USB type C port is designed into the keyboard to be as fool-proof as possible, and if you by accident plug it into a host port (computer or USB hub), it simply means nothing happens! No device is detected, and no power is applied. ⁴ To link the two hands you need a standard USB type C to type C cable.

What do you need to buy?

You can buy most parts for a full functioning keyboard in this listing or as additional components in this store. You will however need to add switches, key-caps and colored/sleeved cables of your choice from other sources, as it would be impossible for me to stock a reasonable selection of what the market can offer.

For a bare minimum functional keyboard (two hands) you will need:

• This PCB (x2) with the component kit of your choice (a kit is needed, the choice is based on your soldering skill)
• Controller (x2) Pro Micro or a more powerful equivalent Pro Micro RP2040.
• Case Kit (x2) with hardware or a set of 3D printed cases or similar.
• Controller Sockets (x2) Technically optional, but highly recommended!

If you prefer to have your keyboard pre-built, you can add the Build Fee (x2) to your order.

Required Accessories

• Key Switches, Cherry MX compatible (29 pcs / PCB, 58 pcs total)
• Key Caps, Cherry MX compatible (Set)
• Cable linking the two hands (TRRS or USB type C)
• USB cable to your computer (Connector types depend on the controller and computer port)

The Sandwich Case

Lotus 58 is designed as a complete keyboard with a sandwich style case of the same FR4 fibreglass material as the PCB.

The FR4 fibreglass plates used are quite stiff and give a good intermediate feel for keyboards, making it the ideal low cost material for a case. The 'case plates' are available in black or white, with multiple options based on your choice of layout.

Please Note! You do infact need a case of some kind, as being hot-swap compatible the front plate helps hold the switches in place, and without the plate, they will very easily come undone. You can however 3D print your own case, or have plates made in whatever material you desire. All the information required for this can be found on the linked GitHub page.

Required Tools

While better (and possibly more) tools often make the build experience easier and more enjoyable, this article lists the most basic tools that you actually will need.

A Beginner's Guide to Soldering Equipment

Build Guide

The PCB has most of the needed build instructions printed on the silkscreen, and you can likely build the entire keyboard from these! If you however need more detailed instructions, please refer to the GitHub link to Documentation below.

If ever the instructions in the build guide and the instructions on the silkscreen are different, the version on your actual PCB is what are in fact relevant for your version!

¹ Please note that Lotus 58 supports only Cherry MX type switches (3 & 5 pin), NOT Kaihl Choc, as they require a different PCB and plate design.

² The ESD protection is optional/extra on the TRRS version, but neccesary and included on the USB type C version.

³ Having both Per-key and Glow active at the same time can easily overpower the controller/USB ports ability to deliver power. Without the switch, a soldered jumper selects the type of RGB used.

 ⁴ Connecting powered hubs with questionable standards adherence, keyboards and possibly multiple computers together in entriely non-standard ways can still potentially cause power loops, and damage to components, user beware!

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.