3w6 Build Guide

BOM

Parts included in the kit

Part name	Qty	Remarks
Top plates	2	Nr. 1 on the image below
Spacer plates	2	Nr. 2 on the image below, 3D printed PLA
PCB's	2	Nr. 3 on the image below
Foam	2	Nr. 4 on the image below, self-adhesive

Additionally required parts

Part name	Qty	Remarks
Choc V1 switches	36	Choc V2 switches are not supported
1U Choc keycaps (Lo Profile)	24	MX keycaps are not supported
1.5U Choc keycaps (Lo Profile)	2	MX keycaps are not supported
USB-C cable	1	To connect the keyboard to your computer
USB-C to USB-C cable	1	To connect both halfs, 20cm lenght is good

Optional parts

Part name	Qty	Remarks
Pimoroni Trackball module	1	support on the right half

Initial test

All PCB's are tested and the QMK firmware with the default keymap is already flashed on the master side.

I recommend to test each switch position for functionality.

Connect both half's with a USB-C to USB-C cable and connect the master side (left) with a USB-C cable to your computer.

Open QMK Configurator page and bridge each switch solder point pair with a tweezers. It should trigger a key press. If not please contact me.

Visual enhancement (optional)

This step is not nessesary, but will improve visually appealing of your 3W6 split keyboard.

Due to the manufacturing process of the PCB's, there are some rough edges. Use a small file to remove these marks from the mouse bites.

You could also paint the edges black with a black Sharpie/Edding.

Assembly

Attach the Choc V1 switches (36x) to the top plates and pay attention to the switch orientation. The lower row has a different orientation.

Check carefully if all switch pins are staight.

Put the 3D printed spacer on top of the PCB's.
The SMD components must face up. Pay attention that left and right spacer are different.

Put the assembled top plates with the switches on the PCB's with the spacer.
Do not press to hard. Turn the PCB's and check from the bottom view, if all switch pins are align with the holes in the PCB.

If all switch pins are aligned, press the top plate and the PCB together.
If you have problems to close the gap, probably a switch pin is bent.

While you press the PCB down, solder all switch pin's (green marked)

Connect both half's with a USB-C to USB-C cable and connect the master side (left) with a USB-C cable to your computer.

Open QMK Configurator page and test if all switches trigger a key press. If not check the corresponding solder point for the switch.

If everything works as expected, you can attach the self-adhesive foam to the underside.

The complete assembled 3W6 Split Keyboard should have 4 layers. The self-adhesive protection foil was not removed for demonstration purpose.

Firmware

The QMK firmware with the default keymap is already flashed on board.

If you are not familiar with keymaps and the use of the QMK tool, please refer to the QMK "Getting Started" guide.

With the command below, you compile the default keymap for the 3w6 (after setting up your build environment):

qmk compile -kb 3w6/rev2 -km default

To enter the bootloader mode, connect the board (master/left half) to the PC and push the reset button.

With the QMK Tool Box you can flash the new compiled firmware (.hex file) to the board, after you entered the bootloader mode.