> 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

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitpQqsSjDP_kE3KGYs%2FIMG_6574.jpg?alt=media\&token=1804c201-9b7c-4302-873a-c198da384852)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitpoZQANMYqBLgyVDx%2FIMG_6575.jpg?alt=media\&token=96d719fd-1177-4c19-bd93-da53e5ee0529)

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.

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-Mitr1f1vmAFmT1TIIYH%2FIMG_6573.jpg?alt=media\&token=080fe54b-197a-421f-a698-54701d8f9b71)

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

![do not bridge the solder pads on the back](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitrDKonreAT9wB47Jb%2FIMG_6577.jpg?alt=media\&token=5ad0164d-4100-4f51-8132-c770de164fa3)

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

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitrLLcHpYGyk-72yJh%2FIMG_6576.jpg?alt=media\&token=5b88ee82-9434-45b3-93a1-4a3769e64de3)

All the diodes are soldered.

### &#x20;Microcontroller Breakout Board

#### USB Type-C (ShiroC)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitrRAmrEEVrb7UMyH5%2FIMG_6578.jpg?alt=media\&token=f8e279bb-9549-4dd1-a377-862ba6582d92)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitrXYHZysrTD7GQ6oS%2FIMG_6579.jpg?alt=media\&token=b3455759-7e9c-4151-812f-47d8708ba1a5)

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

#### Pro Micro

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitrcvCeBqXhAg_35iQ%2FIMG_6584.jpg?alt=media\&token=93ac6eb8-41d1-4049-93d4-535c0cc0f0f1)

The same applies to a generic pro micro controller board.

#### For Either Controller Boards

![Back Side](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-Mitrgk136Kblnos0WBq%2FIMG_6585.jpg?alt=media\&token=454cc169-9ddd-4e47-bf1c-67028a65e5db)

The back side should look like this.

### Testing the Keyboard

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

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitrvG36ZBtQypDwbxD%2FIMG_6580.jpg?alt=media\&token=7741e9fa-73bc-4d50-9b71-1f79d6f5a8c8)

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

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-Mits1T27EFyluiD0IMw%2FIMG_6586.jpg?alt=media\&token=ce888f3a-4eaf-4fac-a190-526b65ef6bf9)

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

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-Mits6drW877tSmati0a%2FIMG_6589.jpg?alt=media\&token=ce8be20b-88ed-436a-8e7d-56a518c1e445)

Make sure the sockets stay flat.

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitsFGnLPNA00GXfzB5%2FIMG_6588.jpg?alt=media\&token=7ba57000-ecb9-448b-a3a0-6680bbffb241)

Solder the rest of the sockets.

### TRRS Jack and Reset Button

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitsK9RFW9C44D7c1lV%2FIMG_6595.jpg?alt=media\&token=efcdaadb-867a-43cc-8c13-8a529a2ea140)

### OLED Display

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitsNYLjwYWDFRH01iD%2FIMG_6596.jpg?alt=media\&token=865bb6d4-2e49-42e5-b0ee-4e743f72c6c0)

### Rotary Encoder

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

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitsTIiHT6C-dvmlV_F%2FIMG_6597.jpg?alt=media\&token=d5ab6543-e7e2-4d4a-acb7-03876d221a54)

### RGB LEDs for the Right Hand

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-Mitsdo5keMaMJcWDPfT%2FIMG_6598.jpg?alt=media\&token=86ffbdc3-9469-43cd-adcb-7382f2e00bf4)

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

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitt6_XIVCuytZt9yF_%2F-MittkDP1SGPfPM3xKEj%2FIMG_6600.jpg?alt=media\&token=46142540-2cbb-4e76-ac64-8a6f7ea5c951)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mito5s7roJqniYZvwiF%2F-MitslWzBhqDpnTywX5f%2FIMG_6599.jpg?alt=media\&token=eeac79f4-5d2c-4084-9e90-b3786c945df0)

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](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitt6_XIVCuytZt9yF_%2F-Mittrf47hJT1NGMyXpV%2FIMG_6603.jpg?alt=media\&token=9c52472d-9ec9-4c76-b5ec-16e2a9201f57)

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

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitt6_XIVCuytZt9yF_%2F-Mitu2hvYVrqWNguKGFr%2FIMG_6604.jpg?alt=media\&token=57f25cc4-a16e-4a1b-bdf0-972898e9160d)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitt6_XIVCuytZt9yF_%2F-Mitu5TyGTV8IgILQYQW%2FIMG_6605.jpg?alt=media\&token=aad58558-5940-4e45-adea-2d58da1e6d60)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitt6_XIVCuytZt9yF_%2F-Mitu8LnH8V6LK4OUTLT%2FIMG_6607.jpg?alt=media\&token=97bf8a1f-a941-4324-b937-ccec7b26304e)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitt6_XIVCuytZt9yF_%2F-MituAsPofl-argz-1Wn%2FIMG_6609.jpg?alt=media\&token=0113c926-4238-4642-a27a-b37d3b47afa5)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitt6_XIVCuytZt9yF_%2F-MituDJF5Ys6TCxsVY2q%2FIMG_6610.jpg?alt=media\&token=ee9fac38-cd10-47ca-81a9-1ce9e9c37098)

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

![First per key lighting](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitt6_XIVCuytZt9yF_%2F-MitujZ_cGq4EVpGDs3Y%2FIMG_6615.jpg?alt=media\&token=1942aa7e-e4a7-4c89-a8dd-c97a41c0f4a1)

![Testing the first per key lighting](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitt6_XIVCuytZt9yF_%2F-MituQ0ZdXtQyO0EKq4i%2FIMG_6612.jpg?alt=media\&token=2cb95225-b2c4-44c1-9725-4def29b6dd09)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitt6_XIVCuytZt9yF_%2F-MituXVR-skyfIv8tWSm%2FIMG_6616.jpg?alt=media\&token=3be00bed-d91e-40c1-89b5-7bde6e55645c)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitt6_XIVCuytZt9yF_%2F-MituzugDte3Hduh_ips%2FIMG_6620.jpg?alt=media\&token=0d042ec7-303a-4327-8aff-99c81b65daeb)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitvc4aFFxSKkG8b4SW%2F-MitvyGTZqV2xFL3ghVB%2FIMG_6624.jpg?alt=media\&token=bc9b7bb4-d26b-46cb-b8c0-5dd077268518)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitw8Lr4ltaDdAqiF-G%2F-MitwM2LXVx0OcO8Qlv9%2FIMG_6626.jpg?alt=media\&token=3c7ae28f-9bda-402c-a304-eaf453bb9b8d)

### RGB LEDs for the Left Hand

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-Mitwia9Gb9MI2RTpPI1%2F-MitxKPJTyIj8G0o_NWi%2FIMG_6627.jpg?alt=media\&token=43703c3e-6aa7-413e-b3ba-25e81fc0ecf7)

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

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-MiqE1I6oPQYWhWnneiG%2F-MiqET8o-KjOpleRjWmQ%2FIMG_6634.jpg?alt=media\&token=9bd34865-eaa1-4d10-9635-ff43f46f8ba6)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-MiqE1I6oPQYWhWnneiG%2F-MiqEXIBM4NVVLzuDQ-q%2FIMG_6638.jpg?alt=media\&token=dfc69c59-5e22-4401-b30d-4f1670538956)

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

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-MitzTloqZMjaB_TIiUm%2F-Miu--7gYx1z9TYnhvbq%2FIMG_6639.jpg?alt=media\&token=fdbb08b3-41e8-4889-b5a3-078ef55d7162)

![](https://310059516-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MipCDWiRJbsrF2klOWK%2F-MitzTloqZMjaB_TIiUm%2F-Miu-6Ug-FLaJrB1sK8e%2FIMG_6642.jpg?alt=media\&token=98a480bd-9b55-4753-9c17-ee8c09a5e740)

####