OLKB Planck Rotary Encoder Guide 

Under-promise and over deliver is what they say!

@@thexxiskeyboards9361 true now we have timestamps

Is that because encoder support is already in the file?

I've considered it, but since I game quite a bit, i haven't done it since most default game bindings are designed around the qwerty layout. I have noticed that a few games have a dvorak option in the settings now, so in the future it might be more feasible for gamers. I also don't really have any issues with ergonomics regarding qwerty, and I think the switch from a staggered keyboard to an ortho linear keyboard has made a more impactful difference in terms of strain on my wrists.

I’ve been rocking the Dvorak lately:) And I really like it. Still a little slower than Qwerty cuz I’m still mentally remapping. But I think it is more comfortable especially if you already use proper fingering while touch typing. And I can still mentally switch pretty quickly if I need to use Qwerty.

The PCB that comes with the kit (on drop.com's website) supports a rotary encoder in 1 of 5 slots on the left hand side of the board.

yes, actually I didnt snip anything and soldered all the legs, just made sure that they are all straight. The PCB has the spots for the pins exactly placed, so it fits like a glove.

I'm also thinking of similar use cases. Did you manage to get any insights ?

@@sharoff8 most keyboards that knob isn't customizable in the way you want it to be- ended up buying a different keyboard and also a Xence Labs Photoshop macro remote thing that is more programmable and Adobe friendly.

@@fettyblap4436 Thanks man, I'll definitely check it out. Looks like a solid device :+1:

I just kind of... soldered around the hotswap socket. I'm not sure if it was the technically correct way to do it, but i got enough solder on it to make solid contact between the pins and pads, and haven't had any issues regarding rigidity.

Same here 🤣😂😂😂

I did not de-solder the hotswap socket and it works fine, but you can for more clearance if you want to.

​ @ThexxisKeyboards Thank for the response, I just went for it and it was alot easier then I initially thought. I think it would be nice to see a video of some usecases, but thats up to you haha.

I wouldn't know the case for all keyboards, but for all of the ones I've come across that support rotary encoders, none of them slot into hot swap sockets and must be soldered into place (the pins don't like up with Cherry MX switch pins) so you will have to solder the pins in place. This is why the planck only supports rotary encoders in certain locations on the PCB, as there are dedicated pinholes on the pcb for 5 pin rotary encoders. And yes, you could technically solder the switch into the socket and leave the rotary bindings blank. Aside from that I wouldn't recommend a rotary encoder as a switch replacement. mainly because the tactile experience of pressing down on a RE is rather subpar compared to a traditional keyswitch. there is basically no "key" travel and the actuation force is ridiculously high (it feels like 8-10 times harder to press down than a regular keyswitch.) instead for your use case I'd recommend placing a regular keyswitch in the hotswap socket and using something like the fidget spinner keycap by Hammer.

FANTECH MAXFIT67

If you don't remove the extra legs they end up blocking the encoder from sitting flush with the pcb (the 5 data pins on the encoder are meant to go all the way through the pcb holes). Oddly there are actually holes that line up with those extra legs, but the legs on my encoder were slightly larger than the holes on the pcb, so I had to remove the extra legs to get it to fit.

@@thexxiskeyboards9361 i dun think need to cut though, the holes on preonic pcb fit those 2 legs just nice on mine.

I simply flipped the bottom row keycaps. Many gamers flip the spacebar since spacebar is designed for floating wrists when typing.

Yes!

I don't have a gherkin in possession but i do not think it does. A PCB needs to specifically include slots for a rotary encoder. You will want to double check their product page just to be sure.