CRKBD Build with Holy Panda Switches and an IMK Case

If you’re a fan of mechanical keyboards, you know that the switch type and case can make a big difference in the typing experience. In this post, I’ll share my experience building a keyboard with lubed and filmed Holy Panda Invyr switches on an IMK Corne case.

Holy Panda Invyr
Holy Panda Key switches on an IMK Corne CRKBD

What are Holy Panda Invyr Switches?

Holy Panda Invyr switches are linear mechanical switches with a smooth, consistent actuation force. They’re known for their smooth travel and satisfying spring sound, making them a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts. In addition to the smooth action, the Holy Panda variant of the Invyr switch is known for its slightly heavier actuation force and a more pronounced spring sound. Lubricating the switches can make a big difference in the feel of the keyboard, and adding a switch film can help to further reduce friction and improve the overall typing experience.

Building the PCB:

  1. Start by gathering all of the necessary components, including the PCB, diodes, switches, and keycaps.
  2. Place the diodes on the PCB, making sure that the black stripe on each diode is facing the same direction as the stripe on the PCB silkscreen.
  3. Next, place the switches in the PCB, making sure that they are oriented correctly and that they snap into place.
  4. Once the switches are in place, you can install the keycaps onto the switches.
  5. Finally, you can connect the PCB to your computer using a USB cable, and use the QMK firmware to customize the behavior of your keyboard.

Keep in mind that these are just general steps, and the specific assembly process may vary depending on the specific PCB and components you are using. If you need more detailed instructions or encounter any issues during the assembly process, you may want to refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer or seek help from an experienced keyboard builder.

Have LEDs?:

If your Corne Keyboard PCB includes LEDs, you will need to install them during the assembly process. Here are the general steps for adding LEDs to a Corne PCB:

  1. First, gather the necessary components, including the PCB, LEDs, and resistors (if required).
  2. Locate the designated LED pads on the PCB. These are usually indicated by small circles with “+” and “-” symbols next to them.
  3. Place the LEDs onto the PCB, making sure that the shorter leg of the LED is aligned with the “-” pad and the longer leg is aligned with the “+” pad.
  4. If your PCB requires resistors, place them onto the PCB according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Once all of the components are in place, you can use a soldering iron to attach them to the PCB by melting a small amount of solder onto the pads.

Conclusion:

Overall, I’m really happy with the way my keyboard turned out. The lubed and filmed Holy Panda Invyr switches feel smooth and satisfying to type on, and the IMK case corne PCB is a great platform for customization and experimentation. If you’re interested in building your own keyboard, I highly recommend giving these components a try.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Corne Keyboard – The Perfect Keyboard for Gamers and Typists!

Hey everyone! I recently picked up a Corne Split Keyboard and I’m loving it so far. For those unfamiliar, the Corne is a mechanical keyboard designed by Foostan. It’s meant to be more ergonomic and comfortable to use than traditional rectangular keyboards.

One of the things that really sets this keyboard apart is its customizable RGB LED lights. You can choose from a wide range of colors and patterns to suit your style. I’ve been having a lot of fun playing around with different lighting setups.

In terms of the actual typing experience, I decided to go with “lubed” Holy Panda key switches. These linear switches are known for their smooth and responsive feel, and they definitely don’t disappoint. I’ve been using the Corne for both typing and gaming, and the Holy Pandas have been great for both.

The Corne Split Keyboard has gained a lot of popularity among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts due to its unique design and customizable features. If you’re interested in learning more about the Corne, there are several resources available online that can provide additional information and reviews.

One great place to start is the official Corne Keyboard repository on GitHub, which includes detailed documentation on the keyboard’s design and features. You can also check out the r/Corne subreddit, where users share their experiences and tips on using the keyboard.

Additionally, there are several online stores that sell the Corne Keyboard and its components, such as KeyHive.com and MechanicalKeyboards.com. These stores often have a wide selection of key switches and other customization options available for the Corne.

Flashing your Corne Keyboard Using QMK

To flash custom firmware onto the Corne using QMK, you will need to have a few tools and components ready. These include a USB-to-serial adapter, a soldering iron, and a computer with the QMK toolkit installed.

Once you have everything set up, you can follow the instructions on the QMK website to compile and flash your custom firmware onto the keyboard. Flashing custom firmware can be a bit technical and time-consuming, but it’s a great way to fully customize your Corne Split Keyboard and make it truly your own.

Home Assistant – 5 Ways It Can Save You Time and Money

Home Assistant is a powerful, open-source home automation platform that allows you to centralize and control all your smart home devices in one place. With Home Assistant, you can easily automate tasks and routines, set up custom triggers and actions, and monitor and control your home from anywhere.

One of the biggest benefits of using Home Assistant is the time and hassle it can save you. Imagine being able to turn off all your lights, adjust the thermostat, and lock your doors with just a single command. Or setting up your coffee maker to start brewing as soon as you wake up in the morning. The possibilities are endless, and the time and effort you save add up quickly.

In addition to the convenience factor, Home Assistant also helps you save money by allowing you to monitor and control your energy usage. You can set up alerts for when certain appliances are left on, or create automated rules to turn off devices when they’re not needed. All of these features combine to create a more efficient and cost-effective home.

In short, Home Assistant is a must-have for any smart home enthusiast. It’s easy to set up, constantly evolving, and will save you both time and money in the long run. Give it a try and see for yourself the benefits it can bring to your home!

Here are some of the ways Home Assistant Can Help You!

  1. Automate tasks and routines: Home Assistant allows you to set up automated tasks and routines, such as turning off all the lights and locking the doors when you leave the house, or setting your thermostat to a more energy-efficient temperature when you’re not home. This can save you time and effort, as well as reduce your energy usage and lower your bills.
  2. Control and monitor your home from anywhere: With Home Assistant, you can control and monitor your smart home devices from anywhere using your phone or computer. This means you don’t have to physically be at home to make adjustments or check in on things.
  3. Set up custom triggers and actions: Home Assistant allows you to set up custom triggers and actions based on a wide range of variables, such as the time of day, the weather, or the location of your phone. This can save you time and effort by automating tasks that you might otherwise have to do manually.
  4. Receive alerts and notifications: Home Assistant can send you alerts and notifications when certain events occur, such as a security breach or an appliance being left on. This can save you time and money by alerting you to potential problems before they become serious.
  5. Monitor and control energy usage: Home Assistant can help you monitor and control your energy usage, allowing you to see which appliances are using the most power and setting up automated rules to turn off devices when they’re not needed. This can help you save money on your energy bills and be more environmentally friendly.

Here’s an example of an automation you could set up with Home Assistant:

Let’s say you want to turn off all the lights and lock the doors when you leave the house in the morning. Here’s how you could do that with Home Assistant:

  1. Set up your smart home devices (such as smart lights and a smart lock) in Home Assistant.
  2. Use the “Automation” feature in Home Assistant to create a new automation.
  3. Set the trigger for the automation to be when your phone leaves a specified location (such as your home).
  4. Set the action for the automation to be turning off all the lights and locking the doors.
  5. Enable the automation and test it to make sure it’s working correctly.

Now, every time you leave your home, all the lights will automatically turn off and the doors will automatically lock behind you. This can save you time and effort, as well as provide an added layer of security for your home.

Top Ideas for Home Automation

  1. https://www.cnet.com/how-to/top-10-smart-home-automation-ideas/ – This article by CNET lists 10 smart home automation ideas, including automating lights, thermostats, and security systems.
  2. https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/smart-home-automation-ideas/ – This article by Digital Trends offers a variety of smart home automation ideas, including using voice assistants to control appliances, setting up automated schedules for devices, and using smart plugs to control non-smart devices.
  3. https://www.thespruce.com/smart-home-automation-ideas-4149335 – This article by The Spruce provides smart home automation ideas for various rooms in the house, such as the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. Ideas include automating lighting and temperature control, as well as using smart home devices to monitor air quality and energy usage.
  4. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-home-devices – This article by PCMag lists the best smart home devices across various categories, including security, lighting, thermostats, and more. The article includes recommendations for automation ideas and specific product recommendations.