Minibaen V2 files have been open-sourced on GitHub: https://github.com/rainkeebs/minibaen-r2
Minibaen is a 13u ortholinear PCB for MiniVan cases. Two revisions have been created by Aeternus and Rain.
Only a handful of V1 boards were produced and sold to community members who had expressed early interest in an experimental ortho MiniVan PCB. V2 boards were sold as part of a small group buy run by Rain in the #minibaen channel on Aeternus's Discord server.
¶ Design
Check the MiniVan Compatibility Matrix for case compatibility
| Designer | Aeternus |
|---|---|
| rainkeebs | |
| Compatibility | MiniVan |
| Layouts | R1: KLE link |
| R1: KLE link | |
| Plate files | DXFs on the Files page |
| Switches | Soldered MX |
| 1x rotary encoder (rev 2) | |
| LEDs | Addon RGB strip (rev 1) |
| Connection | Integrated USB-C |
| Controller | ATmega32u4 |
Minibaen is a drop-in replacement PCB for MiniVan cases. The most prominent feature of Minibaen is the ability to fit a 13u wide ortholinear layout in a 12.75u wide MiniVan case. Standard Cherry MX switch spacing is 19.05mm. Minibaen uses 18.68mm spacing to squeeze in an extra 0.25u worth of keys. The idea was taken from many Korean "kustoms" boards which commonly use tight switch spacing as low as 18.75mm. "Mini van" literally translates to "mini baen" in Korean. While this is still within spec of Cherry keycaps there are some keycap sets that will rub on ajacent keys.
The board uses a USB-C connector to connect to the host. The port is located in the top-right to ensure compatibility with MiniVan cases. All switches are oritented in the south-facing position. There are no per-key or indicator LEDs on the board.
Bottom: Minibaen V1 with GMK Paperwork in a Rackmount case
¶ Layout
¶ Rev 1.0
Minibaen V1 supports two distinct layouts each with unique bottom row options. The bottom rows are interchangeable between the layouts (eg. the ortholinear bottom row can be used with the staggered layout). Both layouts support a 2u Backspace key, though there are no stabilizer mounts on the PCB.
- Ortholinear: a simple grid of 13x4 switches. A 3u spacebar can be installed in place of the center 3 keys on the bottom row. A 2u/1u/2u spacebar arrangement is also supported with PCB-mount stabilizers
- Staggered: Traditional (0.25u/0.5u) row stagger. Three options are available for the bottom-right corner including an "arrows" layout with a 0.25u gap. The split 2.25u/2u spacebars use PCB-mount stabilizers
¶ Rev 2.0
The redesigned V2 PCB dropped support for a staggered layout and focused on adding support for new bottom row options. In addition to the previous single 3u and split 2u spacebar layouts, there are new split 3u and centered 7u spacebar options. Due to the reduced switch spacing, 7u bars will almost certainly interfere with ajacent switches. Rain had to file off almost 1mm of material from both ends of a 7u bar to stop the caps from rubbing.
A single rotary encoder is supported in the 1u position centered directly above the spacebars.
¶ Revisions
¶ Rev 1.0
The V1 PCB waa designed by Aeternus. It is covered in a green solder mask with white silkscreen. The front of the PCB is dominated by the Hangul word 미니 밴, which is "mini baen" written in the Korean alphabet. The back of the PCB includes the phrase "nE oRtHo AvAil" (any ortho avail), a joke referencing ortholinear enthusiasts that request ortho layout support on PCBs and keyboards that cannot evenly divide into grid layouts (such as the 12.75u wide MiniVan).
There are conflicts between several switch positions and the mounting screws used in tray mount cases. The mounting hole in the top-right (below the USB port) will conflict with a switch pin if using the 2x1u Backspace layout. The two screw holes on the bottom row interfere with switch legs if using the ortholinear layout.
¶ Rev 2.0
Minibaen V2 files have been open-sourced on GitHub: https://github.com/rainkeebs/minibaen-r2
The V2 PCB was designed by Rain. The board is red with a white silk screen. The name of the board is written on the back in large font. Due to the ortholinear layout interfering with some screw holes, not all of the mounting points exist for tray mount cases. Specifically, there are only three mounting holes on the board - two in the top-left and one in the center of the board.
