AutoDesk Eagle - Not free, but is very capable. Has a canvas limit within the free version that’s smaller than a 60%+ PCB, but for smaller macropads etc. it works great.
kicad is definitely finnicky to start. I for one really dislike the library management. I’ve migrated to Altium so I’m not super well-versed on kicad atm, but someone like @donutcat could probably give guidance. I know his PCBs are all done in kicad.
Autodesk basically killed Eagle with that subscription model for advanced hobbyists, those who needs more than the free version has to offer but doesn’t have a reason for a high monthly payment to access the features the paid versions have.
I’ve been using Autodesk Fusion 360 for my keyboard’s PCB. It’s much more manual, but it’s definitely worked for me. It is free for hobbyists, but it’s a full CAD/CAM package, so you have to basically do everything that Eagle does manually. I glanced at Eagle, but yeah, that price tag for keyboard-sized boards is a show-stopper.
I’d also say a link to QMK’s discord may be a good idea. There is a specific hardware channel in the discord server, and a lot of people willing to help out.
I want to take on a new keeb project for the summer and I’ve decided I want to make a PCB. I’ve completed a couple of handwired builds, so I thought I would try something new. I’m not oblivious to the steep learning curve of KiCAD, nor manufacturing costs (minimum orders, etc.), but I’m willing to take it one step at a time and see where it goes.
My first question for all of you is if I conceptually have the idea correct. Basically, for a given layout, I want to solder switches, diodes, and a Teensy++ to a PCB, very much like @rockydbull 's Catch22. This is basically the same concept as handwiring but with less me squinting to see if I soldered wires together properly, yes?
