Stop Replacing Batteries – Add USB-C to Your Keyboard
by NewsonsElectronics in Circuits > Electronics
840 Views, 7 Favorites, 0 Comments
Stop Replacing Batteries – Add USB-C to Your Keyboard
My old wireless keyboard kept running out of batteries… so I decided to fix that. 🔧
In this Instructable, I modified my wireless keyboard to add a USB-C charging port, transforming it into a rechargeable setup instead of constantly swapping out batteries.
Now it charges just like a modern device — simple, convenient, and no more dead batteries at the worst time.
Video of the detailed process
Supplies
- TP4056 Charger Module→ Amazon.ca , Amazon.com
- 3.7V 200ma Battery→ Amazon.ca | Amazon.com | Taobao
- Solder & Soldering Iron → Amazon.ca, Amazon.com
Optional: Hot Glue Gun for securing the USB-C port.
Open the Keyboard
Start by removing the screws from the back of the keyboard. Carefully open the case to see what’s inside, then look for a suitable space where you can install the charging module.
Drill Hole
After finding a suitable location, carefully drill a hole in the keyboard case for the USB-C charging port. Take your time and make sure the opening is properly aligned so the port sits flush and secure.
Solder TP4056
Solder the 3.7V LiPo battery to the TP4056 charging module. Connect the red (positive) wire to B+ and the black (negative) wire to B-.
Next, solder two additional wires from the charging module’s output to the keyboard’s main logic board. Connect OUT+ (or VCC) to the board’s VCC, and OUT- (GND) to the board’s GND.
Make sure to double-check polarity before powering anything on, as reversing the connections can damage the board.
Add Charger
Once all connections are soldered, use some hot glue to secure the USB-C charging port in its location. Make sure the port is properly aligned so a charger can be easily plugged in without obstruction.
Charge and Test
Plug the keyboard into a charger and check that the charging LEDs on the TP4056 module light up. Then, connect the keyboard’s wireless dongle to your computer and test that all keys work correctly.