An inexpensive 36-key split keyboard that became a practical workspace for experimenting with layouts, layers, and Vial configuration.
Context
This keyboard workspace contains Vial configuration exports (.vil), keymap assets, and a UF2 firmware artifact. It records experiments with compact keyboard layouts; the upstream project is linked below.
Goals
- Maintain and iterate keyboard layouts/firmware profiles.
- Preserve reusable keymap variants for different physical layouts.
- Keep firmware artifacts and mapping assets versionable.
Implementation
Stack
- Vial configuration files (
*.vil) - Keymap assets (
yaml,png) - UF2 firmware artifact
Architecture / Integrations
- Local-first configuration workflow with exportable layout presets
- Firmware flashing pipeline details: Unknown / needs verification
Repos / URLs
- Repository: https://github.com/tompi/cheapino
Status
Complete. The build and layout experiments are retained, but the keyboard is no longer in daily use and the current firmware state has not been revalidated.
Next actionable milestone: document exact keyboard PCB/MCU target and flashing procedure in reproducible steps.
Lessons
- Keep layout variant naming consistent to avoid firmware/profile confusion.
- Store both human-readable keymaps and binary/export files together.
Notes
- Configuration exports, firmware, and installer originals remain in the private notebook pending review. This page is a project summary, not a verified flashing guide.