Image credit: keyhive.xyz

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, 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 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!

Parts

PB Gherkin Kit

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

Angled shot of short black microcontroller.
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...
$8.95
In Stock
USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit. This  USB Type A to Type C cable will help you with the transition to USB C, even if you're still...
$4.95
In Stock

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:

Two piece adjustable soldering iron with blobby temperature adjustable body and separate fancy holder
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...
$129.95
In Stock

Solder:

Solder Wire - 60/40 Rosin Core - 0.5mm/0.02" diameter.
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...
Out of Stock

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

Red and black diagonal flush cutters
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.
Out of Stock

Some way to bend the diodes such as these pliers:

Red and black flat needle-nose pliers
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...
$14.95
In Stock

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

Open case of Precision screwdriver set.
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...
$7.95
In Stock

This guide was first published on Feb 08, 2022. It was last updated on Mar 29, 2024.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

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