Micro Journal Rev.3 Nadia DIY Build — Phone Writing Station
A complete DIY build project for the Micro Journal Rev.3 Nadia, a 48-key ortholinear keyboard with phone holder that transforms any smartphone into a distraction-free writing station using 3D-printed parts and an RP2040 PCB.
Overview
The Micro Journal Rev.3: Nadia is a compact mechanical keyboard designed to sit beside a phone or tablet, creating an instant distraction-free writing environment. Designed by Un Kyu Lee, this revision takes a minimalist approach — rather than embedding a display and MCU for text editing, it pairs a high-quality ortholinear keyboard with the phone you already carry.
Design Philosophy
Rev.3 Nadia addresses a simple problem: phones are capable writing tools but also powerful distraction traps. By providing a dedicated keyboard with a phone holder, it creates a physical boundary that encourages focused writing while leveraging the phone's screen and writing apps.
Hardware Components
- Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) — keyboard controller
- 48-key PCB — custom ortholinear layout with Cherry MX hot-swap sockets
- 2x EC11 rotary encoders — 15mm half-handle for scrolling and volume
- O-ring stabilizers — for key stability
- 3D-printed enclosure — available in multiple colorways (Olympia, Coffee, Army, Ferrari, Stanley)
- USB-C connection — with included short USB A-to-C cable
- USB-C to USB-A OTG adapter — for phone connectivity
- M2/M3 hex screws and heat inserts — for assembly
Build Options
The Rev.3 Nadia is available in three configurations from Tindie:
- DIY Kit — unassembled parts, bring your own switches and keycaps
- Assembled without Switches/Keycaps — pre-built, customize with your preferred Cherry MX switches
- Fully Assembled — complete with clicky or silent switches and keycaps
Colorways
Multiple 3D-printed color options are available:
- Olympia — beige and black, classic typewriter look
- Coffee — beige and brown, warm and inviting
- Army — dark green and black, rugged aesthetic
- Ferrari — red and black, bold statement
- Stanley — black and grey, understated elegance
- Custom colors — available on request
Supported Keyboard Layouts
- US English
- AZERTY (French)
- Nordic
- Korean
Firmware
Ships with QMK/Vial firmware — fully programmable via the Vial desktop app. The precompiled .uf2 firmware and QMK source code are available on GitHub.
Community
The project is discussed on Reddit (r/writerDeck, r/unkyulee) and in the Flickr AlphaSmart Writing Tools group. Build guides and STL files are open-source on GitHub.
