> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.beekeeb.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.beekeeb.com/build-guide/sofle-rgb-v2.1-soflekeyboard-build-log-guide-with-photos.md).

# Sofle RGB v2.1 SofleKeyboard Photo Build Log

## Project Files

* KiCAD: <https://github.com/josefadamcik/SofleKeyboard>
* QMK: <https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/sofle>
* Official Build Guide: <https://josefadamcik.github.io/SofleKeyboard/build_guide_rgb.html>

## Getting the Hardware

You can get the hardware from one of the following links.

* My Etsy Store: <https://www.etsy.com/listing/1026250275/sofle-rgb-v21>
* My Shop: <https://shop.beekeeb.com/product/sofle-rgb-v2-1-pcb-kit/>
* Gerber Files (if you order the PCBs by yourself): <https://github.com/josefadamcik/SofleKeyboard/tree/master/Gerbers/RGB>

## Firmware

### VIA Firmware with 72 RGB LEDs Enabled

{% file src="/files/-MiqFzsWb5ZTsG3rGipn" %}
VIA Firmware
{% endfile %}

This is a firmware modified from the v1 VIA firmware with the following lines added to the `config.h`

```
#define RGBLED_NUM 72
#define RGBLED_SPLIT {36,36}
```

### VIA Firmware with 72 RGB LEDs Enabled (with SPLIT\_USB\_DETECT)

SPLIT\_USB\_DETECT is required for some of the pro micro boards.

{% file src="/files/KBdmNJQHfvWoSmKFtH56" %}

### Official QMK Firmware with 70 RGB LEDs

Also, check out another example with RGB Matrix at <https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/sofle/keymaps/rgb_default>

## Build Guide

This guide assumes you have some keyboard soldering experience. There are multiple ways to build the Sofle RGB Keyboard v2.1. Here is a build with 72 RGB LEDs, two rotary encoders, and two OLED display modules.

### Flash the Firmware

Flash the two Pro Micro Controllers or USB Type-C Controllers with [QMK ToolBox](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_toolbox).

### Flippable Board

The Front side is for the pro micro controller boards, OLED display modules, TRRS jacks, reset buttons, rotary encoders.&#x20;

The Back side is for the diodes and Kailh MX switch hotswap sockets.

There are RGB LEDs on both sides.

### Bridge the Solder Pads for OLED Display Modules

![](/files/-MitpQqsSjDP_kE3KGYs)

![](/files/-MitpoZQANMYqBLgyVDx)

On the Front Side, bridge the 4 solder pads on left hand PCB and right hand PCB.&#x20;

### Solder the Diodes

Flip to the Back side, solder all the diodes on both sides. Diodes are directional.

![](/files/-Mitr1f1vmAFmT1TIIYH)

A common mistake is, we miss the diode near the rotary encoder.

![do not bridge the solder pads on the back](/files/-MitrDKonreAT9wB47Jb)

&#x20;The OLED solder pads should NOT be bridged on the Back side.

![](/files/-MitrLLcHpYGyk-72yJh)

All the diodes are soldered.

### &#x20;Microcontroller Breakout Board

#### USB Type-C (ShiroC)

![](/files/-MitrRAmrEEVrb7UMyH5)

![](/files/-MitrXYHZysrTD7GQ6oS)

Align the two controllers according to the silkscreen outline. The boards should be mounted with the components facing down.

#### Pro Micro

![](/files/-MitrcvCeBqXhAg_35iQ)

The same applies to a generic pro micro controller board.

#### For Either Controller Boards

![Back Side](/files/-Mitrgk136Kblnos0WBq)

The back side should look like this.

### Testing the Keyboard

You now have a minimally working, single-sided keyboard.&#x20;

![](/files/-MitrvG36ZBtQypDwbxD)

If you connect the left side, or the right side to the computer, and short the hotswap solder pads (front or back), you should be able to enter some keys.

### Kailh Hotswap Sockets

![](/files/-Mits1T27EFyluiD0IMw)

Solder the hotswap socket according to the silkscreen. A common mistake is to mount it 180 degree rotated.

![](/files/-Mits6drW877tSmati0a)

Make sure the sockets stay flat.

![](/files/-MitsFGnLPNA00GXfzB5)

Solder the rest of the sockets.

### TRRS Jack and Reset Button

![](/files/-MitsK9RFW9C44D7c1lV)

### OLED Display

![](/files/-MitsNYLjwYWDFRH01iD)

### Rotary Encoder

If you plan to add the RGB LEDs, you should skip this step and move this to the last.

![](/files/-MitsTIiHT6C-dvmlV_F)

### RGB LEDs for the Right Hand

![](/files/-Mitsdo5keMaMJcWDPfT)

Bridge "IND", "UND\&BL", and "ENA" on the back side.

![](/files/-MittkDP1SGPfPM3xKEj)

![](/files/-MitslWzBhqDpnTywX5f)

Set the soldering iron to a low temperature (around 280°C or 530°F). Extra flux is helpful. Start with the indicator LED. See [RGB LED Orientation](/build-guide/sofle-rgb-v2.1-soflekeyboard-build-log-guide-with-photos/extra-photos-for-soldering-the-rgb-leds.md) and the ordering at the [Official Build Guide](https://josefadamcik.github.io/SofleKeyboard/build_guide_rgb.html).

![Droplight](/files/-Mittrf47hJT1NGMyXpV)

Flip to the Back side and solder the second RGB LED.

![](/files/-Mitu2hvYVrqWNguKGFr)

![](/files/-Mitu5TyGTV8IgILQYQW)

![](/files/-Mitu8LnH8V6LK4OUTLT)

![](/files/-MituAsPofl-argz-1Wn)

![](/files/-MituDJF5Ys6TCxsVY2q)

Complete the 6 droplight RGB LED. And start with the per key lighting.

![First per key lighting](/files/-MitujZ_cGq4EVpGDs3Y)

![Testing the first per key lighting](/files/-MituQ0ZdXtQyO0EKq4i)

![](/files/-MituXVR-skyfIv8tWSm)

![](/files/-MituzugDte3Hduh_ips)

![](/files/-MitvyGTZqV2xFL3ghVB)

![](/files/-MitwM2LXVx0OcO8Qlv9)

### RGB LEDs for the Left Hand

![](/files/-MitxKPJTyIj8G0o_NWi)

Bridge "IND", "UND\&BL", and "ENA" on the back side.

![](/files/-MiqET8o-KjOpleRjWmQ)

![](/files/-MiqEXIBM4NVVLzuDQ-q)

See more photos for the [RGB LED Orientation](/build-guide/sofle-rgb-v2.1-soflekeyboard-build-log-guide-with-photos/extra-photos-for-soldering-the-rgb-leds.md).

## Fully Soldered

![](/files/-Miu--7gYx1z9TYnhvbq)

![](/files/-Miu-6Ug-FLaJrB1sK8e)

####