P40 Keyboards - pabile/Pabile-Keyboards GitHub Wiki

Pabile 40-key keyboard

The Pabile P40 is a compact, 40-key custom keyboard platform designed for hobbyists and keyboard enthusiasts. It comes in two layout options: staggered and ortholinear, providing flexibility in typing style and form factor. The P40 has gone through multiple hardware revisions, with continuous improvements in features and ease of assembly.

P40 Staggered

The P40 Staggered features a 4×10 staggered key layout, offering a compact yet familiar typing experience. It is built around a custom PCB designed for MX-compatible switches and powered by a Pro Micro microcontroller.

  • Top Plate: Stainless steel for structural rigidity
  • Bottom Enclosure: 3D-printed to allow rapid prototyping and design iteration

p40 staggered

P40 Ortholinear

Version 1

The first P40 Ortho PCB was designed with flexibility in mind:

  • Compatible with MX and ALPS-style switches
  • Dedicated pads for 3mm LEDs, enabling optional per-key backlighting
  • Powered by a Pro Micro microcontroller, fully compatible with custom firmware such as QMK
  • Optional 2U spacebar support with stabilizer mounts for a MIT-style layout

p40 with alps

Version 2 (Unreleased)

This version introduced several experimental features and was primarily used as a development platform. It was never publicly released. Key changes:

  • Onboard ATmega32U4 microcontroller (no external controller required)
  • Footprints for hotswap MX switch sockets
  • Support for up to four EC11 rotary encoders
  • Backlight support removed to simplify routing and reduce complexity
  • Four breakout pins for RGB lighting or other external add-ons

atmega32u4

up to 4 rotary encoders

Version 3

Version 3 reverted to the Pro Micro footprint, allowing support for both standard Pro Micro controllers and NRF52840-based development boards for wireless functionality.

Notable changes include:

  • Per-key RGB backlighting using SK6812 LEDs
  • Mounting holes for hotswap MX switch sockets
  • Provisions for a power switch and battery connections
  • North-facing switch orientation for improved LED illumination and keycap compatibility

p40 ortho

Version 4

Version 4 updated the design to use the RP2040 microcontroller in a Raspberry Pi Pico footprint, providing greater processing power and flexibility for advanced firmware features. Aside from this controller change, all other features remain identical to Version 3.

Resources

Assembly guides:

Staggered version

Ortholinear version