Only USB-C ports

[Lumi571]

Would it be possible to create variations of the Hillsides whose TRRS ports are replaced by USB-C ports?

[Lumi571]

It was explained to me that the USB-C port obviously has several advantages over the TRRS port, including its solidity, but that it has the disadvantage of being more difficult to solder by hand. However, it seems to me that if you provide the right documents to the PCB manufacturers, the complicated soldering can be done by machines. The PCBs would therefore be delivered with the USB-C ports installed, and the Hillsides would then benefit from all its qualities without any inconvenience.

[mmccoyd]

I continue to think about USB, but I'm not there yet. There are a few factors:

• Pro:
  • It solves worry about frying things when un/plugging the two sides.
  • PCBA is easy enough to set up as I use it for other parts of the boards.
• Con:
  • USB-C forces the more expensive PCBA over hand soldering for everyone. The drag soldering needed for USB-C is unlikely to be at all feasible those new to soldering or with less optimal equipment or solder.
  • Managing two versions of four boards, for a TRRS or USB solution to that, is non trivial.
  • Micro USB is a possible option that:
    • may still be hand solderable or can share a TRRS footprint.
    • has a few cables available, but not that many, and may fade to history longer term.
  • Needing to be sure I do not fry the boards with the redesign.
  • The MCU must be rewired, likely to RAW instead of VCC. A minor issue.
  • Rewiring to RAW breaks compatibility with ProMicro MCUs. Though they are less important these days.
  • It might change the board outline and compatibility with 3D bottoms people have designed.

I may make the switch, as bare boards are not that much cheeper than PCBA, but some other improvements are higher on the list. But thanks.

[Lumi571]

From my point of view, the USB-C version should just replace the TRRS version rather than maintaining two versions. I think people who are into soldering by hand wouldn't mind giving up manually soldering a TRRS port if it brings the qualities of USB-C to their hardware.
Here is a discussion about it on Reddit that might interest you: https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/comments/rt083u/as_a_reminder_while_the_usb_is_plugged_do_not/

[mmccoyd]

A good discussion, though not anything new. As Thomas says, debate for relacing it has been ongoing.

[mmccoyd]

A new addition to the factors list:

• Preventing phone plugged into split connect negotiating higher voltage charge from desktop through keyboard and thus frying keyboards MCU. Should just be by not passing those negotiation circuits to the split connection.