RefleXion X65

Features

The RefleXion 65 is the perfect keyboard if you want a larger split ortholinear keyboard. With 70 keys, split in two 5x7 hands, and the option for a 2u thumb-key on each hand, it equals a 65% keyboard in number of keys. Adding an optional OLED and encoder per hand, you have plenty of keys to suit your every needs.

Add RGB to that, both the option for a discrete Glow on the back & sides, or a complete Per-Key matrix RGB, which you prefer to use can be selected at power-up with a switch. For the optional thumb-key layout, which RGB is active can be selected. This is soldered by default, but an tool-less jumper can be added as an extra allowing you to swap it around as you move switches.

With an RP2040 MCU and 2 MB or more of on-board flash, you should have all the memory needed for advanced keymaps and/or RGB effects galore.

The RefleXion 65 is fully hotswap capable, and supports both the 2u key and the full 1u grid without any soldering changes, you can change layouts merely by swapping the switches and stabilizers around.¹

Main Features:

• QMK and VIAL compatible, fully programmable keyboard
• RP2040 MCU, Dual-core Arm Cortex M0+ processor, flexible clock running up to 133 MHz
  • 264 KB of SRAM, and 2/4 MB of on-board Flash memory (max 64 KB adressable in QMK/Vial) ²
  • 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) ³
• Cherry Style PCB mounted stabilizers (Clip-in type preferred)
• USB-C Full duplex serial link (Uses USB 2.0 compatible cable)
• Full ESD protection on both USB host and Serial link connection (SRV05-4)
• Fully reversible PCB & Plates, identical for both hands
• Designed with a Sandwich-style plate/case as part of the design, incorporating the option to tent & tilt your keyboard.
• Two main layouts:
  • 2 x 5x7 - 1u grid with 70 keys
  • 2 x 5x7 - 1 x 2u per hand with 68 keys
• Physical dimensions (LxBxH): 2 pcs 133 x 122 x 35 mm

Optional add-ons:

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
• Keyboard Tent & Tilt Bolt Kit - Set your keyboard at a comfortable angle.
• Optional RGB - SK6803 Mini-E Select either Glow or Per-Key with a switch.
  • Glow (16 pcs needed), can use any SK68xx Mini-E type LED.
  • Per-Key (72 pcs needed), should be built with SK6803 Mini-E type only.⁴

Please note that since the two LED strings share the same adress/power path, only one of the two options can be actively used at the same time.

Build Features:

• Reversible PCB design, identical options for both sides.
• Important build instructions printed on the PCB for an easy build.
• Smaller SMD components (RP2040 MCU, Flash memory & supporting components) are always fully pre-soldered and tested.
• Larger SMD components (HotSwap Sockets) are user mountable, and suitable for a beginner to solder.
• Optional parts (OLED, RGB & Rotary encoders) are user mountable, and suitable for a beginner to solder.

Assembly

Little or no tools at all needed! The PCB can be delivered fully built and ready to use, with all the options of OLED's/Encoders/RGB you prefer. This requires added components to be purchased along with the PCB!!!

Or as a basic Barebones Keyboard with no OLED/Encoder/RGB added, and no need to solder anything unless you want to add these yourself. This way the keyboard is ready to use as is, but can easily be customised to your needs with little need for skilled soldering.

Or if you prefer, as a "DIY-Kit" with soldering needed. In this case, all you really need to solder for a functional keyboard is the hotswap sockets, and any OLED's/Encoders/RGB you want to add, so it's very simple for a beginner to start learning. Other parts like the MCU and it's supporting components, as well as the USB ports, are already completed & tested.

Adding OLED's and Encoders to the PCB for both the barebone's option and DIY-Kit, is also fairly basic soldering with larger through hole components, and very well suited for a beginner wanting to learn.

The optional RGB LED's needs to be soldered in place if used. These are a tiny bit more advanced than the other parts being somewhat sensitive to overheating, but being winged, with the soldering and heating taking place 'outside' the main body, they are more than possible for a beginner to solder with some care and patience.

To assemble the plates you will need a hex head screwdriver, for the spacers & bolts. (Size H1.5)

The Sandwich Case

RefleXion 65 is designed as a complete keyboard with a sandwich style case

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 PCB comes with the case plates as part of the kit, and you select the color and how many OLED's & Encoders you want on what hand.

The 'case plates' are available in (black or) white, with either a blank upper shield, or with an OLED and Encoder or just an Encoder based on your choice. The most 'average' option is probably to choose one of each, as you rarely have a need for more than one screen and encoder. But if you want too, you can certainly have one of each on both hands.

For now, there is no 3D printed case designed. I'm not the worlds best 3D designer myself. But if you want to make a case for this keyboard you are more than welcome too, 3D files (.STEP) of the PCB will be available to start from. And I will most certainly link & credit any designs from the GitHub pages, for other users to print.

What's in the Kit?

The DIY-Kit and prebuilt contain the exact same components.

Included Components

Required Accessories

These are the parts you need to complete a usable, working keyboard

• Key Switches, Cherry MX compatible (70 pcs)
• Key Caps, Cherry MX compatible (Set)
• Stabilizers, Cherry MX compatible, clip-in or bolt-in type (2 pcs) - Optional, depending on layout.
• Serial link cable - USB type C/C (USB 2.0 standard)
• Cable to your computer (USB type C/C or C/A)

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 To insert or remove the stabilizer you will however have to remove all the keys and split the plates apart.

² Depending on parts availability, this can be delivered with a 2/4/8 MB FLASH EEPROM. QMK's base code can directly adress no more than 64 KB, and for wear leveling purposes this uses up too 128 KB of RAM/SRAM. The remaining memory can too some extent be used, but this requires custom code.

³ Please note that RefleXion X65 supports only Cherry MX type switches (3 & 5 pin), NOT Kaihl Choc, as they require a different PCB and plate design.

⁴ With the number of RGB LED's this PCB can support, it can easily overpower the USB ports ability to deliver power if SK6812 Mini-E type RGB are used, and can ultimately cause damage to the port in extreme cases. Please use ONLY SK6803 Mini-E, on the Per-Key option to keep power consumption at a somewhat sane level.

Normal handling time is 3-5 working days (Predominantly done on weekends). Build items usually take 1-2 weeks.

All packages are represented to the courier/customs at their true value, and all responsibility for import fees and taxes resulting thereof lies with the buyer. DDP is applied where available.

Please note that when selecting a shipping option clearly marked as ‘uninsured’ or without tracking, you accept the responsibility for packages lost in transit.

All items are sold with a 24-month limited warranty, as per (2011/83/EU). Shipping of items returned for repair or replacement is solely the responsibility of the buyer. (This includes taxes and/or customs fees resulting from incorrect/incomplete shipping documentation.)

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

Please note that in the case of kits with multiple components, warranty to the individual components cannot be applied to the resulting build, and does not cover physical damage from incorrect soldering or handling by the end user. Please test active components (controllers) and initiate a warranty claim for manufacturing defects BEFORE you start to solder them!