Mechanical Keyboard Kit - Lotus 58 - Glow (Single Hand)

Lotus 58 - Glow (Single Hand)

Sold by Tweety's Wild Thinking

$12.00

No tax for United States [change]
Choose the type of link between hands
The basic components required for a functional keyboard. (Exact content depends on PCB version, see below)
Select various stages of build/help depending on your preference & skills.
Stock available: 7
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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 successfully 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 PCBs 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 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 a 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 a Pro Micro Arduino as the controller (Pro Micro or pin equivalent).
  • Reversible PCB design, identical PCB for both sides lower the cost.
  • Full build instructions 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.

Part TRRS link USB type C link
Hot-Swap Sockets 29 pcs Kailh (Cherry MX) 29 pcs Kailh (Cherry MX)
Diodes 30 pcs 1N4148 (DO-35) 30 pcs 1N4148W (SOD-123F)
Link Connector 1 pcs TRRS female connector 1 pcs USB type C connector
ESD Protection (Optional) 1 pcs SRV05-4 1 pcs SRV05-4, 2 pcs Ferrite Beads
Reset Switch 1 pcs 1 pcs

Two main versions

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

Feature TRRS link USB type C link
Hot-plug link NOT SUPPORTED! Full support
Support Wireless Builds Battery Connection/Power Switch NOT SUPPORTED!
DIY beginner friendly SMD optional (ESD) Limited SMD required (USB/ESD)
Select active RGB (Glow / Per-Key) External switch External switch
Reset switch Supported Supported
Universal Case-plates Supported Supported
3D-printed case Dedicated version Dedicated version
Current version (Change Log) v1.29 v1.41

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 in soldering. Even the RGB LEDs are selected to be as easy as possible 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 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.

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 by 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:

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

The FR4 fiberglass 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.

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 the 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 is in fact relevant for your version!

Build Level

DIY Kit

This one is fairly obvious. You get a PCB and parts, and you solder all the parts yourself. If you choose the through-hole component kit, and the TRRS link, this is extremely easy and well suited to a beginner, and even if you have never soldered before, using a decent soldering iron and practicing a fair bit of patience, you should be able to build this.The SMD & USB type C version is a little bit more challenging, but still DIY friendly.

Partially Built

If you do want to build the keyboard yourself, but are either a novice at soldering, or unsure and want a little help. This comes with the more challenging parts like the USB port, ESD protection circuit, and ferrites already soldered and tested. This way you can build the more basic parts yourself, and know that the USB type C link will in fact work from the start. (For the TRRS version, the ESD circuit is soldered in place, and included in the price.)

Fully Built

This option allows you to have a fully built, ready-to-use keyboard, where you simply need to flash/configure the firmware and assemble the case/keys/caps you have chosen to start using it. The option DOES NOT INCLUDE the components needed like the controller, OLED, encoder, and RGB depending on your choice, in the given price. This is ONLY the cost of the build/work/time needed. To have a complete keyboard, you need to also ADD the components needed to the order.


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 necessary 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 port's 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 entirely non-standard ways can still potentially cause power loops, and damage to components, user beware!

Links to code and documentation

Code (github.com)

Design Files (github.com)

Schematics (github.com)

Product HS Code: 85340090

Shipping policy

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.

Here are some extras that might be useful for your project!
Add a display (max one per hand)
Add an encoder (max one per hand)
Add Plate/Case
Add a power switch or RGB selector switch (One per hand)
Needed to link the two hands (TRRS version only)
Per Key RGB & RGB Glow (12-58-70 pcs)
Make the controller removable/replaceable (1 kit per hand).
Add optional ESD protection (Only applicable to TRRS version)
You really do need a controller.

The seller

Tweety's Wild Thinking

Skurup, Skane lan, Sweden
226 orders since May 21, 2022
Designing and selling keyboard related kits of all types. Sales in this store is mainly funding new designs.
All items are continually restocked, and if nothing else is noted, should restock in 7-10 working days. All notices regarding stocking is made on Discord.
Custom design requests welcome.