# PB Gherkin 30% keyboard with KMK, CircuitPython, & KB2040

## Overview

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/108/547/medium800/circuitpython_pb_gherkin.jpg?1643741962)

###### Image credit: [keyhive.xyz](https://keyhive.xyz/shop/pb-gherkin)
In this guide, you'll learn how to set up your PB Gherkin 30% keyboard to use KMK firmware. You'll use the PB Gherkin, designed by [40percent.club](https://www.40percent.club/), and the new Adafruit KB2040, to build a keyboard that you'll put KMK firmware on and learn how to remap it and create your own configuration.

**What is KMK?**

> KMK is a feature-rich and beginner-friendly firmware for computer keyboards written and configured in&nbsp;[CircuitPython](https://github.com/adafruit/circuitpython).

**What is the Gherkin?**

> The Gherkin is a fun project to practice soldering and is a fun talking piece to have on display! This Gherkin (PB Gherkin) can have switches oriented in any direction.
> 
> The kit comes with:
> 
> - Top/Bottom plates, PCB (all black FR4)
> 
> - Pro micro
> 
> - 30 Diodes
> 
> - Enough screws and standoffs to hold it together (10 or more standoffs, 20 or more screws)
> 
> Things you’ll still need:
> 
> - MX style switches
> 
> - Keycaps
> 
> - Micro USB cable
> 
> All credit goes to 40percent.club for creating this amazing keyboard (and many other really fun projects!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/108/549/medium800/circuitpython_IMG_2080.png?1643743835)

## Parts
[PB Gherkin Kit](https://keyhive.xyz/shop/pb-gherkin)

The Gherkin is a fun project to practice soldering and is a fun talking piece to have on display! This Gherkin (PB Gherkin) can have switches oriented in any direction.

**$25.00**

![circuitpython_pb_gherkin.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/108/551/medium640/circuitpython_pb_gherkin.jpg?1643744857)

### Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver

[Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302)
A wild Kee Boar appears! It’s a shiny **KB2040**! An Arduino Pro Micro-shaped board for Keebs with RP2040. (#keeblife 4 evah) A lot of folks like using Adafruit parts for their Keeb builds – but with the ItsyBitsy not being pin-compatible with the Pro Micro pinout, it...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5302/guides)
![Angled shot of short black microcontroller.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5302-07.jpg)

### USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long

[USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit. This&nbsp;&nbsp; **USB Type A to Type C** cable will help you with the transition to USB C, even if you're still totin' around a USB Type A hub, computer or laptop.

USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4474/guides)
![Angled shot of a coiled black, USB-C to USB-A cable.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4474-02.jpg)

## Tools
To complete this project you will need a few tools. You should be able to use any soldering iron, I just linked the one that I used. You also don't technically need the precision flat pliers, but unless you have a different way to bend the diodes, they will save you a lot of time.

A soldering iron such as:

Solder:

### Solder Wire - 60/40 Rosin Core - 0.5mm/0.02" diameter - 50 grams

[Solder Wire - 60/40 Rosin Core - 0.5mm/0.02" diameter - 50 grams](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1886)
If you want to make a kit you'll need some solder. This 0.1 lb (about 50 grams) spool is a good amount, not too much (like 1 lb spools) and not too little (like those little 'pocket clip' vials).  
  
This spool of solder contains approximately 0.6mm / .02" diameter in...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1886)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1886/guides)
![Solder Wire - 60/40 Rosin Core - 0.5mm/0.02" diameter.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1886-01.jpg)

Something that can cut excess through-hole component leads such as these diagonal cutters:

### Flush diagonal cutters

[Flush diagonal cutters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152)
These are the best diagonal cutters, large super-comfortable grip to use and have strong nippers for perfect trimming of wires and leads. I've used my pair every day for years.

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/152/guides)
![Red and black diagonal flush cutters](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/152-02.jpg)

Some way to bend the diodes such as these pliers:

### Hakko Precision Flat Pliers

[Hakko Precision Flat Pliers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1368)
These Italian-made Hakko pliers are excellent for any precision work. The nose is flattened and fairly short to provide excellent control. The inside of the jaws is also flattened so they won't leave ridge-marks. And the grips are ultra comfy too, you can use these all days with no...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1368)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1368/guides)
![Red and black flat needle-nose pliers](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1368-03.jpg)

A small Phillips head screwdriver to assemble the standoffs such as the one included in this kit:

### Precision screwdriver set (6 pieces)

[Precision screwdriver set (6 pieces)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/424)
Break seals! Void warranties! With this handy screwdriver set at your hands, all hardware you touch will open up and reveal their secret innards.  
  
This set contains 6 screwdrivers, 3 Phillips (#1, #0 and #00) and 3 flat (2.4mm, 1.8mm and 1.4mm). These sizes will open up pretty much...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/424)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/424/guides)
![Open case of Precision screwdriver set.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/424-05.jpg)

- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/pb-gherkhin-30-keyboard-with-kmk-circuitpython-kb2040/circuitpython.md)

## Featured Products

### Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver

[Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302)
A wild Kee Boar appears! It’s a shiny **KB2040**! An Arduino Pro Micro-shaped board for Keebs with RP2040. (#keeblife 4 evah) A lot of folks like using Adafruit parts for their Keeb builds – but with the ItsyBitsy not being pin-compatible with the Pro Micro pinout, it...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5302/guides)
### USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long

[USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit. This&nbsp;&nbsp; **USB Type A to Type C** cable will help you with the transition to USB C, even if you're still totin' around a USB Type A hub, computer or laptop.

USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4474/guides)
### Digital Genuine Hakko FX888DX-010SV (936 upgrade)

[Digital Genuine Hakko FX888DX-010SV (936 upgrade)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1204)
Known by engineers for making excellent quality tools & soldering irons! This is a genuine Hakko FX-888D with **digital temperature control**! We worked hard to get the best and a great price, these are **not** &nbsp;knock-offs. This iron is an upgrade to the...

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1204)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1204/guides)
### Solder Wire - 60/40 Rosin Core - 0.5mm/0.02" diameter - 50 grams

[Solder Wire - 60/40 Rosin Core - 0.5mm/0.02" diameter - 50 grams](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1886)
If you want to make a kit you'll need some solder. This 0.1 lb (about 50 grams) spool is a good amount, not too much (like 1 lb spools) and not too little (like those little 'pocket clip' vials).  
  
This spool of solder contains approximately 0.6mm / .02" diameter in...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1886)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1886/guides)
### Flush diagonal cutters

[Flush diagonal cutters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152)
These are the best diagonal cutters, large super-comfortable grip to use and have strong nippers for perfect trimming of wires and leads. I've used my pair every day for years.

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/152/guides)
### Hakko Precision Flat Pliers

[Hakko Precision Flat Pliers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1368)
These Italian-made Hakko pliers are excellent for any precision work. The nose is flattened and fairly short to provide excellent control. The inside of the jaws is also flattened so they won't leave ridge-marks. And the grips are ultra comfy too, you can use these all days with no...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1368)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1368/guides)
### Precision screwdriver set (6 pieces)

[Precision screwdriver set (6 pieces)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/424)
Break seals! Void warranties! With this handy screwdriver set at your hands, all hardware you touch will open up and reveal their secret innards.  
  
This set contains 6 screwdrivers, 3 Phillips (#1, #0 and #00) and 3 flat (2.4mm, 1.8mm and 1.4mm). These sizes will open up pretty much...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/424)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/424/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Adafruit KB2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-kb2040.md)
- [See N Say Brain Transplant](https://learn.adafruit.com/see-n-say-brain-transplant.md)
- [Super Nintendo USB Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/super-nintendo-usb-controller.md)
- [Using QMK on RP2040 Microcontrollers](https://learn.adafruit.com/using-qmk-on-rp2040-microcontrollers.md)
- [May Pad Macropad with the KB2040, KMK, and CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/maypad-macropad-with-the-kb2040-kmk-and-circuitpython.md)
- [Breakbeat Breadboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/breakbeat-breadboard.md)
- [Cyber Cat MIDI Keyboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/midi-cyber-cat-keyboard.md)
- [How to Choose a Microcontroller](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-choose-a-microcontroller.md)
- [Big Key Switches Macro Pad](https://learn.adafruit.com/big-key-switch.md)
- [Commodore Keyboard to USB HID with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/commodore-keyboard-to-usb-hid-with-circuitpython.md)
- [Rotary Phone Dial Keypad](https://learn.adafruit.com/rotary-phone-dial-keypad.md)
- [DOOM Keeb](https://learn.adafruit.com/doom-keeb.md)
- [Navi10 MacroPad with KB2040 and KMK CircuitPython keyboard firmware](https://learn.adafruit.com/navi10-macropad-with-kb2040-and-kmk-circuitpython-keyboard-firmware.md)
- [Fisher-Price USB Foot Pedal](https://learn.adafruit.com/fisher-price-usb-foot-pedal.md)
- [Motorized Camera Slider 2-Axis](https://learn.adafruit.com/motorized-camera-slider-2-axis.md)
