- Custom compact layout — 47 keys + half of number row
- Waveshare RP2040-Zero MCU
- MX hotswap
- Split spacebar support (2 × 3u or 1 x 6u)
- Two plate options: Standard and Extra (extra plate has enlarged stabilizers holes)
- Top mount with o-rings
- The two halves of the case and top weight are held together by magnets
- VIAL / QMK firmware
| Part | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Laika PCB | 1 |
| Laika Case Top | 1 |
| Laika Case Bottom | 1 |
| Laika Plate (Standard or Extra) | 1 |
| Top Weight | 1 |
| Battery Cover (optional) | 1 |
| Waveshare RP2040-Zero | 1 |
| 1N4148W SOD-123 Diodes | 53 |
| MX-compatible switches | 53 |
| MX hotswap sockets | 53 |
| Stabilizers (PCB-mount) | 2x3u or 1x6u |
| M2 screws x 4 mm | 10 |
| M2 inserts OD:3.2, H:3 | 8 |
| Rubber feet 3M SJ5302 (8x8x2) | 4 |
| Magnets 5x3 | 14 |
| Magnets 5x1 | 4 |
| Silicone o-rings 5x2 | 8 |
laika/
├── case/
│ ├── top.step # Top case
│ ├── bottom.step # Bottom case
│ ├── battery-cover.step # Battery cover
│ ├── standart-plate.step # Standard plate
│ ├── extra-plate.step # Extra plate
│ ├── top-weight (laika).step # Top weight — "laika" text
│ └── top-weight (laika-the-keyboard).step # Top weight — "laika the keyboard" text
├── laika-pcb/
│ ├── laika-pcb.kicad_pcb # PCB layout (KiCad 10)
│ ├── laika-pcb.kicad_sch # Schematic (KiCad 10)
│ ├── laika-pcb.kicad_pro # KiCad project
│ └── Production files/
│ └── Laika PCB gerbers.zip # Ready-to-order gerber files
└── plate-dxf/
├── standart-plate.dxf # Standard plate for laser cutting / CNC
└── extra-plate.dxf # Extra plate with enlarged stabilizers cutouts / CNC
Send laika-pcb/Production files/Laika PCB gerbers.zip to your preferred PCB manufacturer (JLCPCB, PCBWay, etc.) with the following settings:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Layers | 2 |
| Thickness | 1.6 mm |
| Surface finish | HASL / ENIG |
| Color | your choice |
Laika runs on VIAL (QMK fork with real-time key remapping — no flashing required for layout changes.
https://github.com/vial-kb/vial-qmk/tree/vial/keyboards/laika
Flashing (RP2040-Zero):
- Hold the BOOT button on the RP2040-Zero while connecting USB.
- A drive named
RPI-RP2will appear. - Drop the
.uf2firmware file onto that drive. - The keyboard will reboot and be ready to use.
| Part | Is tested? |
|---|---|
| Top | Changed since proto, untested |
| Bottom | Changed since proto, untested |
| Standart plate | ✅ |
| Extra plate | Untested |
| Top weight | ✅ |
| PCB | ✅ |
| Battery cover | ✅ |
Named after Laika — the first living creature to orbit Earth.