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Bill of Materials (BOM)

This is the complete list of components needed to build one Temporal keyboard (both halves).

Required Components

Electronics

Component Quantity Notes Source Image
SMD Diodes (1N4148W) 36-42 One per switch, depends on configuration (not needed if using JLCPCB assembly) KEEBD Typeractive SMD diode
Kailh Choc Hotswap Sockets 36-42 Optional - allows switch swapping without desoldering KEEBD Typeractive Choc socket
Power Switch (MSK12C02) 2 Power on/off switch KEEBD Typeractive Power switch
Reset Button (3x6x4.3mm) 2 SMD tactile switch KEEBD Typeractive Reset switch
EZ-Solder Machine Sockets and Headers 2 sets For nice!nano installation KEEBD Typeractive EZ-Solder sockets
nice!nano v2.0 2 Wireless microcontroller KEEBD Typeractive nice!nano
Display Header Socket (5-pin 2.54mm) 2 If your display doesn't already come with the correct header KEEBD Typeractive Display socket
nice!view 2 Optional display KEEBD Typeractive nice!view
Battery Jack (JST PH 2.0mm) 2 For battery connection KEEBD Typeractive Battery connector
Lithium Battery 110mAh 2 PH 2.0mm connector (or similar capacity) KEEBD Typeractive Battery
ALPS EC11/EC12 Rotary Encoder 0-2 Optional, for thumb key encoder positions KEEBD Encoder
Low Profile Knurled Encoder Knob 0-2 If using encoders KEEBD Encoder knob
  • Encoders are optional. You can use regular switches in the encoder positions if you prefer.
  • Hotswap sockets are optional. You can solder switches directly to the PCB for a permanent installation.

Hardware

Component Quantity Notes Source Image
M2 Heat Set Inserts 10 3mm OD × 3mm height (2mm height also works) KEEBD Heat set insert
M2 Screws (4mm length) 18 Button-head recommended Amazon M2 screw
M2 Standoffs (8mm length) 4 For MCU cover mounting KEEBD Amazon M2 standoff
  • Try to get M2 inserts with 3mm outer diameter and 3mm height. 2mm height also works. Avoid inserts with 3.2mm+ outer diameter as they may not fit properly.

Switches & Keycaps

Component Quantity Notes Source Image
Choc v1 Switches 36-42 Low-profile switches, depends on configuration Low Pro KB KEEBD Choc switch
Choc v1 Keycaps 36-42 Compatible with Choc switches

I recommend Ambients Silent Choc switches for a quiet, smooth typing experience.

I recommend using sculpted keycaps as it significantly improves the feel, but ultimately it's personal preference.

KLP Lame Keycaps - 3D printable sculpted keycaps designed for Choc switches. If ordering from a printing service, here are the quantities needed for a full Temporal build:

Part Quantity Contents
Saddle part 1 1 6 tilted, 3 saddle
Saddle part 2 2 4 tilted, 4 saddle, 1 homing
Saddle part 3 1 9 tilted
Thumbs 1 9 thumbs

Totals: Tilted: 23, Saddle: 11, Homing: 2, Thumb: 12-15 (depending on encoders)

PCBs & Cases

Component Quantity Notes
Temporal PCB 2 Order using gerbers/temporal.zip
3D Printed Case (Left) 1 Choose your key configuration (38/42)
3D Printed Case (Right) 1 Choose your key configuration (38/42)
MCU Cover 2 Optional, protects the microcontroller

Use gerbers/temporal/temporal.zip for PCB fabrication with services like JLCPCB or PCBWay.

  • Material: FR-4, 1.6mm thickness
  • Surface finish: LeadFree HASL
  • See pcbs/README.md for detailed manufacturing specifications

Tip: For top plates, back plates, and MCU covers, you can choose HASL (with lead) instead of LeadFree HASL - it's usually cheaper and these parts have no exposed copper pads, so the surface finish doesn't matter.

Tip: Order top plates at 1.2mm thickness instead of 1.6mm for the best fit with Choc switches.

3D-printable case files are included in the cases/ directory. Cases are available for 38 and 42 key configurations, with optional kickstand variants for tenting.

For home 3D printing:

  • Material: Matte PLA
  • Layer height: 0.12mm
  • Infill: Not critical (walls are thin)

For JLC 3D printing service:

  • 3D Technology: MJF (Nylon)
  • Material: PA11-HP Nylon (verified to work well for cases and keycaps)

Note: Other materials would likely work well also

Alternatively, use the Gerber files in gerbers/ to order FR-4 switch plates along with your PCB. Files are provided for top plates, back plates, and MCU covers for all configurations.

Optional Tools

Tool Purpose Source Image
NovelLife Heat Set Insert Tool Makes installing heat set inserts easier with soldering iron Amazon Heat set insert tool
Flux Pen Helps solder flow nicely, especially for jumpers KEEBD Flux pen

Where to Buy

  • KEEBD - nice!nano, nice!view, switches, sockets, encoders, and other components
  • Typeractive - Alternative source for keyboard components
  • Amazon - Good for heat set inserts, screws, and general hardware
  • AliExpress - Budget alternative for many components (longer shipping times)

PCB Manufacturing

  • JLCPCB - Affordable PCB manufacturing with optional assembly service
  • PCBWay - Alternative PCB manufacturer

Use the gerber files in gerbers/ when ordering.

Tip: Here's how different PCB colors look from JLCPCB:

PCB color options

JLCPCB Assembly (Optional)

JLCPCB can pre-assemble SMD components onto your PCBs. This includes:

  • SMD Diodes - Saves hand-soldering 21 tiny components per board
  • Jumpers - 30 0-ohm resistors per board can bridge the solder jumper pads for MCU, display, and battery connections (eliminating manual jumper soldering)

To use this service:

  1. Select "PCB Assembly" when ordering
  2. Upload files from jlcpcb/:
    • temporal_BOM.csv - Bill of Materials with LCSC part numbers
    • temporal_CPL_top.csv or temporal_CPL_bottom.csv - Component placement

Note: Hotswap sockets are not included in assembly files because JLCPCB cannot assemble them.