Build your own open source keyboard with ZMK/QMK

Your keyboard is the tool you touch more than any other computer hardware. Why is it the least programmable?

Ever looked at your boring old keyboard and thought what if I could make something better, faster, cheaper and completely open source?

- Want to use a 10 finger key macro that'll trigger your custom buff combo in Elden Ring to one shot Radahn?

- Wanted to build a split keyboard that sits under your hands like a glove instead of forcing your hands to adapt to it?

- Ever wanted to launch your entire development environment with a single keypress?

- Wished you could create your own keyboard instead of choosing from someone else's designs?

You can do all this without installing a third party software with ZMK or QMK firmware.

In this session I'll walk you through an open source keyboard design, a completely open hardware project using ZMK/QMK and show how the same principles can be applied to design your own custom keyboard from simple macropads to fully wireless split ergonomic mechanical keyboards or customize your existing supported mechanical keyboard.

One of the best aspects of ZMK keyboard firmware is that it's built on top of Zephyr RTOS. Underneath the layers lies a complete embedded ecosystem which powers your keyboard. Whether you're an embedded veteran or someone just getting started, building a custom keyboard is a unique opportunity to explore every layer of the stack and have fun along the way!

• Understand how modern keyboards work, from matrix scanning to USB/Bluetooth HID.

• Learn the workflow for designing a custom keyboard, from schematic and PCB design to firmware development.

• Understand how layers, combos, macros, and custom behaviors can improve your workflow.