nRF DesktopReference design

The ideal starting point for Bluetooth LE keyboard, mouse, and dongle applications

The nRF Desktop reference design is a complete hardware and software reference design.  The nRF Desktop is well documented and allows for keyboard, mouse, and dongle designs that can operate using Bluetooth LE, providing enhanced security features, radio performance, and lower power consumption. This reference design is highly configurable. It is based on the nRF52 Series and our nRF Connect SDK. The mouse, as well as the keyboard, can operate either as Bluetooth-only devices (single mode) or in combination with the dongle (dual-mode). The gaming mouse in particular showcases an example of triple mode operation, communicating over Bluetooth LE, either via the dongle or USB. Moreover, it features the new Nordic proprietary feature Low Latency Packet Mode (LLPM), which is available out of the box in the SoftDevice Controller in Nordic nRF Connect SDK. LLPM can reduce the connection interval down to 1 ms (1000 Hz report rate) to give hardcore gamers the best gaming experience.

Highlights

  • Mouse and keyboard hardware and firmware reference for nRF52840, nRF52832, and nRF52810
  • Dongle hardware reference (nRF52840-Dongle) and related firmware
    • Alternative dongle reference designs available for nRF52833 and nRF52820 SoCs
  • Bluetooth LE, HID, LESC, Privacy, DLE, BAS, DIS
  • Swift pairing (Windows)
  • Multi-host association model
  • Device Firmware Update (DFU)
  • Gaming enhancements
    • Live configurations
    • Low latency packet mode (LLPM)
      • Allows up to 1000 packets/second
      • 1 ms connection interval (2 ms with two peripherals connected)
  • Support for Linux fwupd/LVFS and configurations for Work With Chromebook
  • AES 128 and all Bluetooth 5 security features
  • Detailed debug and logging
  • Visual profiling of events
 
Get Documentation
contact us
a calculator on a table

First steps

You can start with our reference design by using a standard nRF52840 DK. Here you can find a DevZone blog, nRF Desktop on a Development Kit, with a step by step guide on how to transform the nRF52840 DK into a mouse, keyboard or dongle.

If you need help at any point, get in contact with our DevZone team. 
 
To get your hands on this reference design kit (Laptop Mouse, Keyboard, Gaming Mouse, and Dongle) you can talk to your local Nordic sales representative. Alternatively, use our contact form to get in touch.

Explore DevZone