The Padavan/Vanapad Ortho

Features

The Padavan/Vanapad Ortho is a Minivan derived keyboard with a small numpad and a two-handed un-split orthogonal layout meant for a 3D-printed case and using either a wired (RP2040) controller or a nice!nano wireless controller. Being double sided, the keyboard can be build either as the 'normal' Padavan configuration, or as the southpaw Vanapad, which is the exact mirror configuration.

Padavan/Vanapad Ortho is based on the normal/staggered Padavan/Vanapad and use the same 3D-printed case available to download/print, with only a different plate for the alternate layout. The plate can either be 3D-printed like the case, or a gloss white plate in FR4/PCB material is available as an optional add-on.

Padavan/Vanapad Ortho uses a un-split two handed design with a small gap between the hands and the inner columns can use either 1u or 1.25u key-caps. The bottom row can be built with either a full 6.25u spacebar, or a split space configuration that should fit most standard key-cap sets using the existing key-caps (2.25u - 1.25u - 2.75u). The order of the split space can be reversed according to your preference and is selected on build (This cannot be changed without soldering).

In either Padavan or Vanapad configuration, the keyboard is fully hot-swappable, and all the optional layouts can be swapped between without any soldering, although you will still need to disassemble the keyboard and re-configure the stabilizers if you decide to swap the space bar layout.

The Padavan/Vanapad Ortho also features two optional RGB LED's in the small split between the hands, these are mainly intended to be used as Caps-Lock/Num-Lock indicators or as layer indicators, but are fully programmable, and you are really only really limited by your imagination in how to program and use them.

Main Features:

• Uses the classic ProMicro footprint (3.3V RP2040 MCU preffered)
• Compatible with nice!nano wireless controller (Option to add a power switch/battery disconnect)
• QMK and Vial firmware supplied (ZMK firmware pending)
• Kaihl hot-swap sockets for Cherry MX compatible switches (3 & 5-pin) ¹
• Cherry Style PCB mounted stabilizers (Compatible with both clip-in & bolt-in types)
• Features a 58-61 key layout with arrow cluster and numpad
  • Optional 3x 1u or 2x 1.5u bottom corner (All options can be soldered and hot-swapped)
  • Optional inner columns - 1u or 1.25u (All options can be soldered and hot-swapped)
  • Optional split space bar - 1x 6.25u and 2.25u - 1.25u - 2.75u or 2.75u - 1.25u - 2.25u (Select order at build)
• Designed to be used with the a complete 3D-printed case & plate
  • Optional add-on FR4 plate available

Optional add-ons:

• Optional RGB indicator LED's (2 pcs SK6812 mini)
• Optional power switch (1 pcs MSK-12C02 )

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

Additional parts needed:

These parts are needed for a fully functional keyboard, but are NOT sold in this shop and needs to be sourced elsewhere.

• 58 - 61 pcs Cherry MX compatible key switches.
• 1 pcs 6.25u or 2 pcs 2u Cherry MX compatible stabilizers.
• 1 set of Cherry MX type key-caps (Any standard 104-key set will work)

Assembly

Little or no tools at all needed! The PCB can be delivered fully built and ready to use, either as the Padavan or the Vanapad configuration, and with your choice of spacebar layout. In this configuration, all other key options are fully populated and can be used without any changes requiring soldering. This option requires an additional ProMicro RP2040 CE to be added to the same order!

RGB indicators are also soldered and functional if (2 pcs SK6812 mini) are added to the same purchase.

Or as a "DIY Kit" with soldering required. As a full DIY kit all the hotswap sockets, RGB as well as the controller are left unsoldered, while the small SMD diodes are already fully soldered and tested. This option is for those that either prefer soldering as an experience, or if you simply want too save a few bucks. All components are very DIY friendly and easy to solder, and no previous experience soldering is needed. ²

Case & Plate

The PCB design is made as a direct replacement to the normal/staggered Padavan PCB designed by 'kilipan' and fit in the existing Padavan Case designed by 'DizzySkizzo' These designs are licensed and credited to their respective owners. My sincere thanks for allowing them too be shared and re-imagined!

To use the Padavan/Vanapad Ortho PCB in this case you need a different front plate, which can either be 3D-printed just like the original plate, or purchased as an add-on option in a much stiffer and bouncier FR4/PCB material. This plate is available in gloss white and has a cut-out for the optional RGB LED's giving a nice muted but clearly visible RGB effect, with the gloss white as a great contrast and 'mirror' under the keys.

If you prefer to print your case and plate yourself, I highly recommend using white PLA for the plate and a slightly darker color PLA for the case as this creates a nice glow under the plate, while a transparent plate tends to create very bright spots instead, and using a colored plate makes the RGB colors rather unpredictable.

I do not sell any of the 3D-printed parts needed to complete the keyboard, nor the additional hardware needed for the case. You are free to print the parts yourself from the supplied files, or order them printed from any printing service of your choice.

This PCB does not fit any case not advertised as specific fitment for it.

Version

Version 1.00 - Initial version

Credits

This design was created by 'TweetyDaBird' Markus Knutsson, with a concept and continuous input from 'The Reflex' Pedro Quaresma, although with a fair amount of liberty taken accounting for hardware constraints.

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

² 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 (Predominantly done on weekends) Build items usually take 1-2 weeks. All packets are represented to courier services and customs at their true value, and all responsibility for import fees, taxes and tariffs resulting there of lies with the buyer.

All items (as originally delivered) are sold with a 24 month limited warranty, as per (2011/83/EU). Shipping of items returned for repair is solely the responsibility of the buyer. (This includes taxes/customs fee's from incorrect/incomplete documentation.)

The SE "Act on Distance Contracts and Off-Premises Contracts" (SFS 2005:59) & The EU "The Distance Selling Directive" (97/7/EC) allows returns of the items initiated within 14 days of receiving it. Shipping of returned items is solely the responsibility of the buyer.

(Please note that in the case of kits as is mainly sold here, this does no longer apply once you start soldering/building the kit as it is then no longer in it's original condition, and you have at that point explicitly accepted the purchase contract! Please test components and initiate a warranty claim BEFORE you solder them!)