This is a modified version of Dilemma keyboard 3x6_3 with more aggerssive pinky stagger.
Head over here for a build guide.
QMK firmaware: https://github.com/ghostbuster91/qmk_firmware/tree/bkb-master/keyboards/bastardkb/dilemma/3x6_3
The Dilemma is a vertical stagger low-profile keyboard with mods.
- Features
- Versions
- Wireless abilities
- BOM
- Community mods
- Build guide
- Forks
- Support me on patreon
- Others / in progress
- Heavy pinky stagger
- MX and choc compatible
- Reversible PCB
- Elite-pi / Splinky / Nice!Nano compatible
- Tenting puck footprint
There are 2 versions of the dilemma, in 2 folders:
dilemma, for DIY that requires an additional MCU (eg. kb2040)dilemma_assembled, for PCB assembly
The Dilemma is made for rp2040, so if you go with the DIY version you should source your MCU board accordingly.
ZMK does not support input devices at the moment, and QMK does not support BLE.
However, as this is meant to be a portable keyboard, some ground work has been laid with the DIY version:
- pinout compatible with nice!nano
- 2 battery connectors footprints: JST, and THT
- on / off button footprint
At this time, the assembled version does not support wireless.
The PCB can work on standalone.
Depending on which version you go with, you will need to source different items.
On top of the basic build, you can add a range of options, which require additional components:
- 3d printed case
- mods (eg. trackpad)
Both versions of the Dilemma require:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| Audio jack | 2 | |
| Button, 4x4x1.5 | 2 |
On top of the parts mentioned above, you will need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| SOD123 Diodes | 34 | Farnell, Mouser, Aliexpress |
| Dilemma PCB, DIY, 1.2mm | 2 | See Release section |
| RP2040 MCU board | 2 | KB2040, elite-pi... |
| Header pins | 2*12 |
Please note, the Dilemma is compatible only with rp2040 boards !
The release section contains the latest gerbers.
Order in 1.2mm thickness.
On top of the parts mentioned above, you will need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| Dilemma PCB, assembled, 1.2mm | 2 | See Release section |
The release section contains the latest gerbers with BOM and POS files.
Order in 1.2mm thickness.
This is the first mod made for the keyboard - so it can function as a standalone input device.
It uses I2C on the DIY version, and SPI on the assembled version.
The DIY version requires removing 2 resistors from the trackpad (see build guide).
When installing the trackpad mod, you will need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| M3 screw, torx, 6mm | 4 | Conrad |
| M3x5x5 screw insert | 4 | Aliexpress |
| Cirque trackpad* | 1 | Mouser |
| 3d printed parts* | See mechanical folder |
*You can use either the 35mm (TM035035-2024-003) or 40mm (TM040040-2024-303).
Print the appropriate parts from the mechanical folder.
If building the PCBA version, you will also need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| 12-position FPC cable, 0.5mm pitch, same side contacts, 100mm | 1 | Farnell |
If building the DIY version, you will also need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| SOD123 Resistor, 5kOhms | 2 | |
| Cables |
There are a range of cases available. See details in the mechanical/cases folder.
There are a range of community mods available (hex plates, covers...).
You can find more information in the readme in the mechanical/community mods folder.
https://docs.bastardkb.com/hc/en-us/sections/6848232395410-Dilemma
If you like the keyboard, please consider helping me with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bastardkb
I post regular updates and hindsight on my work. I work full time on keyboard innovation, and this helps a lot !
The PCB has available connectors for:
- oled