Possible migration to ESP32?

[VeryFastSnail]

I'm planning on building this unit and am wodering if this codebase can be transferred to esp32 based unit. Unit with USB type C could be used.

ESP32 would allow us to use both USB and Bluetooth HID libs for wireless operation. I'm wiling to invest some time in this if there are more people interested.

Main things to consider:

• PCB design update to include ESP32 module.
• Case modification for accepting off the shelf battery that can be bought on ALIEXPRESS (https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4eqa9TD)
• Charge/protection board would need to be implemented on board or added as a module. (bq25185) could be used (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009821356936.html) because it could be soldered with header to the board and support data lines too.
• other things that are smaller in nature.

[shaise]

The main concern with ESP32 modules is that the USB-C attached is going through a USB to UART chip, meaning no direct control over the USB peripheral.
For it to work both by bluetooth and USB-C you need to use the dual USB-C connector module, or do it yourself. Its tricky but possible.
(it was the same for the stm32 unit - the built in usb connector can not be used for the above same reason)

[VeryFastSnail]

The main concern with ESP32 modules is that the USB-C attached is going through a USB to UART chip, meaning no direct control over the USB peripheral. For it to work both by bluetooth and USB-C you need to use the dual USB-C connector module, or do it yourself. Its tricky but possible. (it was the same for the stm32 unit - the built in usb connector can not be used for the above same reason)

I agree that some models does have uart in a way. But some have native USB support. I think it's worth investigating if community thinks that's worth it. I think it is.

[shaise]

I definitely agree this is a good idea as I like the ESP32 much better.
Regarding community - I don't think there are so many users of this project. So its up to you...

[CJGuirao]

I would choose the nrf platform instead of esp32. you can have ble and power consumption would be much lower. El mar, 17 feb 2026, 18:09, Shai Seger ***@***.***> escribió:

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*shaise* left a comment (shaise/DiSE#5) <#5 (comment)> I definitely agree this is a good idea as I like the ESP32 much better. Regarding community - I don't think there are so many users of this project. So its up to you... — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#5 (comment)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAIVH4SMFHGPSGZWDNJUG4L4MNDMNAVCNFSM6AAAAACVMVDN3KVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZTSMJVHE2DGMZSG4> . You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[VeryFastSnail]

I would choose the nrf platform instead of esp32. you can have ble and power consumption would be much lower.

Agree, but my expierience with it is limited. I can build PCB and edit 3D files no problem, but we have to find someone who knows NRF then.

[VeryFastSnail]

I definitely agree this is a good idea as I like the ESP32 much better. Regarding community - I don't think there are so many users of this project. So its up to you...

Community is small due to lack of articles about this. This is very good looking project and manufacturing kits would be a great idea if it gets popular

[shaise]

NRF is less popular hence harder to find examples and libraries.

[VeryFastSnail]

NRF is less popular hence harder to find examples and libraries.

And to be honest, optimizing the ESP by disabling WIFI radio, doing some optimizing with other peripherals and so on can lower the power draw drastically. Even the sleep can be used with a timer so after some time of inactivity esp would go to sleep, it can be ofc toggled in fw to enable disable sleep. wake up can be handled by interrupt on one or all keys (maybe, but I guess so).

I would say ESP variant is more than doable. I did the research and using good clones for keys, this keyboard can be built with sub 70eur.