Open-source files for V4N4G0RTH0N are on GitHub: https://github.com/jpuerto96/V4N4G0RTH0N
V4N4G0RTH0N is an open-source ortholinear V4N4G0N-compatible PCB designed by community member s8erdude.
¶ Design
| Designer | s8erdude |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | V4N4G0N |
| Firmware | GitHub |
| Layouts | KLE link |
| Plate files | Gerbers on GitHub |
| Switches | Soldered MX/Alps |
| 1x slider (rev 2) | |
| LEDs | 3x 3mm indicators |
| Connection | Integrated USB-C |
| Controller | ATmega32u4 |
V4N4G0RTH0N is a drop-in replacement PCB for V4N4G0N cases. The board was designed to offer an ortholinear layout for an already unique 40% board. The creation of the PCB came with the challenge of fitting a traditional ortholinear layout (comprised of a grid of 1u keys) into a 12.75u-wide case. The decision was made to create two symmetrical grids of keys separated by a .75u gap down the middle of the board. The half-numrow was left offset to maintain compatibility with existing V4N4G0N cases.
The board supports both Cherry MX and Alps switches. All switches are oriented in the south-facing position. There are no through-hole or surface-mount pads for per-key LEDs. There are three through hole pads for indicator LEDs are present to the left of the numrow. A pair of reset pins are located on the underside of the board next to the MCU between the spacebars. The board uses a USB-C connector.
¶ Layout
V4N4G0RTH0N features a pair of 6x4 clusters, each anchored by a 3u spacebar. The layout includes an un-modified offset half-numrow from V4N4G0N to maintain compatibility with existing cases. There is only one supported layout and no alternative switch positions anywhere on the board.
Gerber files for FR4 switch plates can be found in the GitHub repo linked above.
¶ Revisions
¶ Rev 1.0
Affectionately referred to as "coasters" by the creator, the first batch of boards that were produced included some electrical design issues that rendered the boards inoperable. These problems were sorted out in V2 boards. The files can be viewed in the commit history on GitHub.
They are covered in a black soldermask with a white silkscreen. They feature an image of a VW bus on the back above the name of the board. The words "Trashman inspired" and "S8erdude Designed" were added below the van to pay homage to the original V4N4G0N PCB. The front of the board includes the words "STAGGER BAD" and "ORTHO GOOD" in the gap between the two clusers of keys.
¶ Rev 1.1
While the V1.1 boards recieved some tweaks they were still not 100% functional and required a complete redesign. The files can be viewed in the commit history on GitHub.
¶ Rev 2.0
A new V2 PCB was designed and produced that proved to be functional. The latest revision adds a user-programmable slider down the middle of the PCB to fill in the gap between the clusters.