This listing is for a single (1 pcs) Lotus 58 Glow PCB

Please note that this makes a single hand/side of the keyboard, a complete keyboard requires 2 sets of PCB's and (additional) components.

Build your own ergonomic keyboard!

Lotus 58 Glow is a fully programmable 58-key split, ortho-columnar keyboard with a 4x6 main matrix and 4+1 thumb-keys per hand, supporting up to two OLED screens and two rotary encoders.

• Layout very similar to the original Lily58 family which this is derived from
• QMK and VIAL compatible, fully programmable keyboard
• Kaihl Hot-swap sockets for Cherry MX compatible switches (3&5-pin)
• All components through-hole and easily soldered for beginners (optional SMD addons)
• Reversible PCB design, the PCB for both hands are identical
• Each hand can be used separate as a gamepad keyboard/device
• Hands are connected using serial link (TRRS or USB type C)
• Each hand uses an Pro Micro Arduino clone as the controller (Pro Micro or pin equivalent)
• Designed with a sandwich-style plate/case as part of the design
• Basic build instructions are printed on the PCB for an easy build
• Support for ESD protection on link connection

Optional Features

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

• Optional OLED Screen (max one per hand)
• Optional Rotary Encoder (max one per hand)
• Optional RGB Glow (Suitable as background lighting, and can be used as a layer indicator or similar)
• Optional Per-Key addressable RGB (Matrix programmable, multiple effects supported in QMK & Vial)

Please click the link 'Extras' to get suggested amounts for adding extra components to your build!

Please note that for power requirements, it is NOT recommended to build Lotus with both glow and per-key RGB at the same time. Read here for more information!

Two main versions

Lotus 58 Glow comes in two main version, both with the same layout options and main features, but also with some distinct differences.

TRRS link (PCB version 1.24)

• ESD protected TRRS link
• Supports wireless builds (Battery connector, power switch)

The classic, more beginner friendly variant can be built (almost) entirely out of through hole (TH) type components, that are larger and more robust, making them easy for a novice builder with limited experience soldering. Even the RGB LED's (Per Key) are selected to be as easy as possible to solder for a beginner despite being a surface mount type (SMD) component.

The current version (v1.24) features optional support for an 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 hot-plugging of the TRRS cable. Please, unplug your keyboard from the computer before unplugging or plugging in the TRRS cable!

This version also has designed in support for a power-switch and battery connection should you choose to build your Lotus as a wireless keyboard using a nice!nano or equivalent. Please note that the current version has no support (yet) for the nice!view screen designed fully for wireless and battery operated devices.

Please notice! Building a battery powered keyboard with lots of RGB and/or OLED screens is not recommended, as the battery life will be very limited! A nice balance can be had by building Lotus with underglow RGB only!

USB type C link (PCB version 1.30)

• USB type C link, allowing hot-plugging
• Does NOT support wireless builds (NO battery connector, NO power switch)

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, where as the more basic TRRS link variant should not be hot-plugged, as this risks causing damage to the controllers. 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. To link the two hands you need a standard USB type C to type C cable, with no special features.

This version does NOT have support for wireless builds, as plugging in the USB type C between the two wireless devices is unsupported (by both n!n and ZMK) and can cause damage to your devices. And since simply not soldering the connector in place leaves potentially dangerous connections exposed, the support was removed, making this suitable only for wired builds.

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
• Controller (x2) Pro Micro or a more powerful equivalent (Frood, KB2040, etc.)
• Case Kit (x2) with hardware or a 3D printed case or similar
• Controller Sockets (x2) Optional, but highly recommended!

If ordering your keyboard pre-built, you can select more advanced controllers as part of the Build Fee. These are not available for purchase as separate products, as I simply purchase and resell them at cost for a complete build, making no profit on them vs you purchasing them from their producer/retailer.

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)

Basic Component Kit

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

• Kailh (Cherry MX) Hot-Swap Sockets (29 pcs / PCB)
• Diodes (30 pcs / PCB)
  • 1N4148 type for (TH)
  • 1N4148W type for (SMD)
• Components for serial link, one of the following (depending on PCB version):
  • TRRS connector (1 pcs / PCB)
  • USB type C connector, 2x Ferrite beads , ESD protection circuit (1 set /PCB)

The Sandwich Case

Lotus 58 Glow is designed as a complete keyboard with a sandwich style case protecting the PCB, made of the same FR4 fibreglass material as the PCB. The plates or the 'case' is available in black or white, with multiple options based on your choice of layout.

The FR4 fibreglass plates used for PCB's are quite stiff and give a good intermediate feel for keyboards, making it the ideal low cost material for a case.

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 GitHub page.

Build Guide & Firmware

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!

Firmware

QMK

Using basic QMK for your keyboard is the most versatile and powerful option, but requires a bit more effort and/or knowledge to make more advanced options work. Lotus 58 is part of QMK's main fork and the firmware can be built from there, following QMK's guides. The most recent iteration of this firmware is available for use a template/starting point here.

VIAL

VIAL, a fork of QMK allowing interactive key-remapping without flashing a new firmware is the more beginner friendly option and a great starting point. A pre-configured ready to flash version is available here. The GitHub repository for the firmware, is available here, and can be customized to your own preference.

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

Shipping is mainly insured/signed for parcels, where no such service is available the parcel is sent as untraceable/uninsured parcel (Clearly noted at shipping selection), at the buyers responsibility. To some countries where for inexplicable reasons insured parcels are not traceable (and traceable & insured parcels are very expensive), a insured parcel is always selected over traceable.

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.

All sales are considered final and non-refundable once an order has shipped.