NOVEM: 3D printed keypad
16 Dec. 2019 / Edit ✏️
*NOVEM* (means *nine* in Latin) is a homemade, 3D printed, programmable keypad. After I got my first 3D printer,
I decided to print my own keyboard plates and cases. To see if the mechanical switches would hold onto the plastic
plates instead of the aluminium ones, I decided to create a small keypad to try it out. That's how *NOVEM* is born!
![NOVEM][novem-top]
The NOVEM keypad.
## Parts used All the parts used to make *NOVEM* a whole: - 9 cherry MX switches; - 9 1N4148 diodes; - 9 3D printed keycaps; - 1 3D printed case; - 1 ATmega32U4 microprocessor; - 1 3D printed top plate & 1 3D printed bottom plate; - 6 3D printed support feet; - 6 M2 screws; - 6 M2 nuts. ## Design I designed the whole keypad on the 3D software [Tinkercad](https://www.tinkercad.com). I wanted the top plate to show off the microprocessor and the diodes next to the 9 keys. ![Top plate][3d-top-and-bottom-plates]3D model of the top and bottom plate.
![Plates assembled][3d-plates-assembled]3D model of the plates assembled.
![Keycaps and case][3d-keycaps-and-case]3D model of the 9 keycaps and the case.
![Final model][3d-final]3D model of the whole keypad.
## Building ### 3D printing I printed all the parts with a Creality Ender 3. The extruder size is 0.4 mm, and I set the precision to 0.12 mm at 100% infill. The total print time for all the parts was around 12 hours. ![Printing the top plate][printing-top-plate]Printing the top plate.
### Wiring Keyboards follow an electronic wiring matrix pattern (see [PUCH keyboard](/puch#solderingswitches) for an example). However, on *NOVEM*, things work out differently. Since the microprocessor and the diodes are on the outside of the case, the wiring is going to be longer. ![Wiring diagram][wiring-diagram]Wiring diagram of the electronic wiring matrix pattern.
The wiring was quite challenging. Taking your time in that kind of moment is important to avoid making a short and having to desolder your wiring. ![Wiring][wiring]Wiring of NOVEM.
## Programming I used [QMK firmware](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware) to program the microcontroller. I explained a little more what QMK is on my article about my [PUCH keyboard](/puch#programming). ## Conclusion The switches hold nicely on the 3D printed plate, and the 3D printed keycaps feel nice. *NOVEM* is a success! I am now ready to build a larger keyboard using 3D printed parts instead of aluminium and wood. ![NOVEM][novem-side]The NOVEM keypad, in all its beauty.
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