LEARN QMK KEYBOARD FIRMWARE - Expanded Project Guides

Generated from: LEARN_QMK_KEYBOARD_FIRMWARE.md

This folder contains deep-dive guides for each project in the learning path.

Overview

These guides expand each project into a full learning guide with theory, architecture, implementation phases, testing, and extensions.

Project Index

# Project Difficulty Time Key Focus
1 Keyboard Matrix Simulator (Understand Matrix Scanning) Level 1: Beginner 1-2 weeks Electronics / Digital I/O
2 USB HID Device from Scratch (Understand the Protocol) Level 3: Advanced 1-2 weeks USB Protocol / Embedded Systems
3 3x3 Macro Pad with Arduino (Your First Physical Keyboard) Level 2: Intermediate 1-2 weeks Embedded Systems / Hardware
4 QMK “Hello World” (Your First QMK Keyboard) Level 2: Intermediate 1-2 weeks QMK Firmware / Configuration
5 Multi-Layer Keymap with Tap-Dance (QMK Features) Level 2: Intermediate 1-2 weeks QMK Advanced Features
6 QMK with RGB and OLED (Display Features) Level 3: Advanced 1-2 weeks Hardware Peripherals / I2C/SPI
7 Design Your Own PCB (From Schematic to Fabrication) Level 4: Expert 1-2 weeks PCB Design / Electronics
8 Split Keyboard (Communication Protocol) Level 4: Expert 1-2 weeks Serial Communication / Split Keyboards
9 Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard (ZMK or Custom) Level 5: Master 1-2 weeks Bluetooth Low Energy / Power Management
10 Custom Keyboard Firmware from Scratch (The Deep Dive) Level 5: Master 1-2 weeks Firmware Development / USB / Embedded Systems

Prerequisites

  • Basic programming and system fundamentals
  • Comfort with command line tooling