# Micro Journal Rev.3: Nadia > A 48-key ortholinear mechanical keyboard designed as a distraction-free writing companion for phones and tablets, powered by RP2040 with QMK/Vial firmware and dual rotary encoders. ## Quick Facts - **Brand:** un-kyu-lee - **Board Type:** keyboard-pcb - **Price:** ~$99 - **Product Readiness:** diy-kit - **CPU:** RP2040 - **CPU Architecture:** ARM Cortex-M0+ - **CPU Cores:** 2 - **RAM:** 264KB - **Flash:** 2MB - **USB:** USB-C - **Power:** 5V - **Operating Voltage:** 3.3V ## Open Source - **Firmware:** Yes - **Schematics:** No - **PCB Layout:** Yes ## Compatible Firmware qmk, vial ## Use Cases - mechanical-keyboard - distraction-free-writing ## Components - **RP2040** (mcu): Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller at 133MHz with 264KB SRAM and 8 PIO state machines — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fdatasheets.raspberrypi.com%2Frp2040%2Frp2040-datasheet.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=micro-journal-rev3-nadia&source=md-export) - **EC11** (rotary-encoder): Alps Alpine EC11 incremental rotary encoder with push-button switch — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Ftech.alpsalpine.com%2Fe%2Fproducts%2Fdetail%2FEC11E15244G1%2F&ref=openhardware.directory&product=micro-journal-rev3-nadia&source=md-export) - **1N4148** (diode): High-speed switching diode for keyboard matrix anti-ghosting — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vishay.com%2Fdocs%2F81857%2F1n4148.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=micro-journal-rev3-nadia&source=md-export) ## Protocols - **USB HID** ## GPIO Map | Pin | Name | Type | Functions | |-----|------|------|-----------| | GP2 | Matrix Row 0 | GPIO | — | | GP3 | Matrix Row 1 | GPIO | — | | GP4 | Matrix Row 2 | GPIO | — | | GP5 | Matrix Row 3 | GPIO | — | | GP6 | Matrix Col 0 | GPIO | — | | GP7 | Matrix Col 1 | GPIO | — | | GP8 | Matrix Col 2 | GPIO | — | | GP9 | Matrix Col 3 | GPIO | — | | GP10 | Matrix Col 4 | GPIO | — | | GP11 | Matrix Col 5 | GPIO | — | | GP12 | Matrix Col 6 | GPIO | — | | GP13 | Matrix Col 7 | GPIO | — | | GP14 | Matrix Col 8 | GPIO | — | | GP15 | Matrix Col 9 | GPIO | — | | GP16 | Matrix Col 10 | GPIO | — | | GP17 | Matrix Col 11 | GPIO | — | | GP18 | Matrix Row 4 | GPIO | — | | GP19 | Encoder 1 Pin A | Rotary Encoder | — | | GP20 | Encoder 1 Pin B | Rotary Encoder | — | | GP21 | Encoder 2 Pin A | Rotary Encoder | — | | GP22 | Encoder 2 Pin B | Rotary Encoder | — | ## Description ## Overview The Micro Journal Rev.3: Nadia is a compact 48-key ortholinear mechanical keyboard designed as a companion for phones and tablets, turning them into distraction-free writing stations. Built around a Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040), it runs QMK/Vial firmware and features Cherry MX-compatible hot-swap sockets with two rotary encoders for additional input control. Part of the Micro Journal series by Un Kyu Lee, the Rev.3 "Nadia" is the keyboard-only variant — it pairs with a phone or tablet via USB-C OTG for a minimal, focused writing experience without the distractions of a full computer. ## Key Features - **48-key ortholinear layout** with Cherry MX-compatible hot-swap sockets - **Dual rotary encoders** (EC11) for scrolling, volume, or custom functions - **QMK/Vial firmware** — fully programmable layers, macros, and real-time keymap editing via Vial GUI - **USB-C connection** — plug into any phone, tablet, or computer as a standard USB HID keyboard - **RP2040 powered** — Raspberry Pi Pico with dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ at 133MHz - **Open-source design** — PCB files and firmware available on GitHub ## Hardware Design The keyboard uses a 12-column x 5-row matrix with 1N4148 switching diodes for N-key rollover anti-ghosting. The matrix is scanned by the RP2040 using GPIO pins GP2-GP18, while two EC11 rotary encoders are connected to GP19-GP22. The PCB is designed for Cherry MX-compatible hot-swap sockets, allowing switch changes without soldering. The board connects via USB-C and presents as a standard USB HID keyboard device. ## Firmware The device ships with Vial firmware (built on QMK), enabling real-time keymap configuration through the Vial desktop application without recompilation. Users can customize: - Multiple keyboard layers - Macros and tap-dance keys - Rotary encoder functions per layer - LED underglow effects (if LEDs are added) ## Use Case The Micro Journal Rev.3 is designed for writers who want a dedicated, portable writing device. Connect it to a phone or tablet running a writing app (Google Docs, iA Writer, etc.) via USB-C OTG, and you have a distraction-free writing station that fits in a bag. The ortholinear layout and mechanical switches provide a satisfying typing experience, while the rotary encoders offer quick access to scrolling or undo/redo functions. ## Community The Micro Journal project has an active community across Reddit (r/writerDeck), with coverage on Boing Boing, Hackster.io, and various maker blogs. The Rev.3 Nadia is available as a kit or assembled unit on Tindie. ## Where to Buy - [Tindie](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tindie.com%2Fproducts%2Funkyulee%2Fmicro-journal-rev3-nadia%2F&ref=openhardware.directory&product=micro-journal-rev3-nadia&source=md-export) — $99.00 ## Resources - [product](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tindie.com%2Fproducts%2Funkyulee%2Fmicro-journal-rev3-nadia%2F&ref=openhardware.directory&product=micro-journal-rev3-nadia&source=md-export) - [github](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Funkyulee%2Fmicro-journal&ref=openhardware.directory&product=micro-journal-rev3-nadia&source=md-export) - [datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fdatasheets.raspberrypi.com%2Frp2040%2Frp2040-datasheet.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=micro-journal-rev3-nadia&source=md-export) ## Tags `mechanical-keyboard`, `distraction-free-writing`, `ortholinear`, `rp2040`, `qmk`, `vial`, `cherry-mx`, `usb-hid`, `writerdeck`, `raspberry-pi-pico` ## Images ![Micro Journal Rev.3: Nadia](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/micro-journal-rev3-nadia/abdd206103ad.png) --- [View full device page](https://openhardware.directory/devices/micro-journal-rev3-nadia)