kmk_firmware/docs/Officially_Supported_Microcontrollers.md
2022-04-25 16:53:22 +00:00

67 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown

# Officially supported microcontrollers
While most CircuitPython devices are great for hand wired keyboards, most
keyboards are designed to accept a Pro Micro. The boards listed below either
are, or can be adapted to that pinout to use common keyboards already on the market.
## nice!nano
Features include
- Pro Micro pinout
- Both USB HID and Bluetooth support
- Can do Bluetooth split keyboards with no wires at all
- Has battery support including charging
Downsides
- $25 USD per microcontroller at most retailers
### Pre-compiling KMK for nice!nano
nice!nano has limited flash memory which does not fit CircuitPython, adafruit-ble, and KMK by default. You will need to use pre-compiled KMK to get it to fit. Grab [compatible mpy-cross](https://adafruit-circuit-python.s3.amazonaws.com/index.html?prefix=bin/mpy-cross/) and run `make compile` to generate `.mpy` version of KMK files before copying them over.
Common Retailers
- [Boardsource](https://boardsource.xyz/store/5f4a1733bbaa5c635b83ed67)
- [Nice Keyboards](https://nicekeyboards.com/nice-nano/)
## ItsyBitsy M4 Express
Features include
- Affordable at $15 USD
- Can run most features of KMK including RGB
Downsides
- Needs adapted to work with Pro Micro pinout keyboards. Adapter can be found
[HERE](https://github.com/KMKfw/kmk_firmware/tree/master/hardware)
Common Retailers
- [Adafruit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3800)
## RP2040
Features include
- Very affordable
- Very powerful for the price
Downsides
- Little support for keyboard kits
Common Retailers
- [Adafruit](https://www.adafruit.com/pico?src=raspberrypi)
- [SparkFun](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/17829?src=raspberrypi)
## Adafruit ItsyBitsy nRF52840 Express
Features include
- Both USB HID and Bluetooth support
- More affordable than the nice!nano at only $18
Downsides
- Needs adapted to work with Pro Micro pinout keyboards. Adapter can be found
[HERE](https://github.com/KMKfw/kmk_firmware/tree/master/hardware)
- No battery support without addon board found
[HERE](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2124)
Common Retailers
- [Adafruit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4481)
## Other microcontrollers
What you'll need to have at minimum
- CircuitPython
- 256KB of flash storage
- HID over USB and/or Bluetooth.