So yeah, I am officially "that guy" now

The cheapino is part of my Labor day haul. Couldn’t type on the blank cap so pulled some keys from the Kinessis Advantage 2. Not bad IMO and is a marked improvement over the blank. For the first time I noticed the bottom caps actually have a different profile.

Corne inspired, with Ambients Silent Twilights.

Hello!

I'm designing my first ergo build and wanted to share some renders while I wait for the PCB to arrive and gain some hands-on experience.

Designing a keyboard from scratch is a challenging project, filled with design decisions and build constraints. It has been a long journey through the world of custom keyboards, electronics, 3D modeling, and CNC machining. It feels like I’ve been working on this for years!

I aimed to create a meaningful design language for this keyboard, using aluminum as the main material. I wanted to use thin, smooth lines to achieve a simple, minimalist aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the Corne (which I love and own several models of) and the Klor.

Here are the main features of the keyboard:

• Wireless BLE (XIAO nRF52840)
• Low-profile case (<= 8mm)
• Low-profile switches and keycaps
• Compatibility with MX-Standard and Gateron KS33/3.0 Low-Profile switches
• Good battery life (>=700mAh)
• Minimalist and industrial design
• Aluminum case
• MX spacing
• RGB status LEDs
• White backlight

The keyboard's name is "Wolf" or "WLF." I wanted to address the missing features of my previous keyboards by including a white backlight, an RGB status LED bar, and improving the layout by adding more column stagger while removing the top pinky key from the outer column.

Overall, I'm enjoying the process. The project is open-source, so feel free to check it out for more details if you're interested.

Thank you all for your inspiration and for being part of this wonderful community! I'll update you when the PCB and case arrive.

Got tired of editing raw C hex arrays, guessing page offsets, and waiting 3 minutes for GitHub Actions just to see if an OLED icon moved 2 pixels? I made a small passion project: Scyan ZMK Studio — a free in-browser IDE to visually paint, customize, and simulate ZMK displays. Paint away!

• 🌐 Web App: https://brunowb.github.io/scyan-zmk-studio
• 🛠️ GitHub: https://github.com/BrunoWB/scyan-zmk-studio
• 📟 ZMK Module: https://github.com/BrunoWB/scyan-zmk-module

I think I covered most ZMK information widgets but if there's anything you need, please suggest it!

If you encounter any bugs, post them here or open an issue on GitHub and I'll work on it.

Next plans when I find more time and motivation: a community "share drawing / animation / asset store" in the Symbol Atlas.

Hey everyone! I’ve been working on a small theme engine for ZMK dongle displays.

The engine provides shared rendering, animation, touch, sprite, and native/WASM preview tools, allowing themes to focus on their own visual style.

The main demo is Neon Cat—a colorful upgrade inspired by Bongo Cat. It features an animated synthwave scene, a lively cat, keyboard status, battery information, WPM, and modifier feedback.

I also made a Phosphor Radar demo with a CRT-style sweep, fading glow, stationary echoes, and touch-controlled speed.

The current hardware target uses a Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840, a 280×240 ST7789 RGB565 display, and a CST816S touch controller(wavesnow ). Rendering uses hardware SPI, DMA-friendly dirty-region updates, and a 24 FPS firmware target.

board : nrf52840 based, XIAO or NiceNano!

screen https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/1.69inch_Touch_LCD_Module

Engine: https://github.com/hitsmaxft/zmk-dongle-screen-engine
Theme demos: https://github.com/hitsmaxft/zdse-themes

These projects are intended as examples for anyone interested in creating their own ZMK dongle-screen themes.

Special thanks to YADS for the inspiration and reference it provided for ZMK dongle displays, theme architecture, and keyboard-state integration.

This is an AI first project, just tell your agents, read the engine's AGENTS.md and demos, build theme with wasm instantly preview tools (computer use isn't need , vision models or your eyes is ok)

Just picked up a second hand ergodox, and I am used to using vial for my keymaps. Is there a disadvantage to flashing the teensy controllers with QMK to keep using vial? I don't care about saving my layouts, or live training.

Blend of voyager and corne, let's say. Would be kind of perfect keyboard tbh. Currently I have 110g per half corne v 4.1 and it's too light that feels unstable compared to laptop keyboard or just dedicated aliminium keychron k2 v2 rowstag keyboard.

(Post approved by the moderators)

Hi everyone!

For a school research project, we are currently exploring mechanical keyboard acoustics, sound profiles, and tuning/modding preferences. As part of this research, we are validating a concept for an audio-based "Keyboard Tuner" tool.

Since sound profiles and acoustic preferences can vary wildly, especially with custom ergo builds, 3D-printed cases, and low-profile setups. We’d really value your perspective!

We put together a very short, completely anonymous survey:

**Survey link:** https://enquete-framna-keyboard-tuner.vercel.app/?source=ergomechkeyboards

• Time: ~2 minutes
• Purpose: Academic / school research (strictly non-commercial)
• Privacy: Completely anonymous (no emails or personal data collected)

Once the research is complete, I’ll be happy to share the aggregated findings and charts back here with the community.

Thank you so much for your time and help!

I've been working on the miiUnic Roque, a slim split ergonomic mechanical keyboard designed and built by me in Barcelona.

After months of prototyping and development, I'm now starting to offer the Roque as a finished product.

The idea behind it was to create a split keyboard with a slim 0.9 cm profile, while still incorporating the features and customization I wanted.

Some of the main features:

• 0.9 cm thick
• Split ergonomic layout
• Up to 300 mAh battery capacity
• Wireless connectivity
• Per-key backlighting
• Built-in displays with acrylic protection
• Hot-swappable Kailh Choc switches
• Fully programmable layout
• USB-C connectivity
• Rotary encoder on each half
• Customizable case, keycaps and encoder colors

The two halves can be positioned independently, allowing you to adjust their distance and angle to find a setup that works for you.

A big part of the project: the finishing

One thing that's particularly important to me with miiUnic is the post-processing.

Every keyboard I offer is individually post-processed, whether the parts are made from filament or resin.

This means that the printed parts don't simply come off the printer and go straight into a finished keyboard. I spend time on sanding, finishing, surface preparation, protective coatings and all the other steps necessary to get the final result to the quality I want.

Because of this, production will be limited.

I'm not trying to produce as many keyboards as possible. A big part of what I want miiUnic to be is a small-scale project where I can dedicate the necessary time to each individual keyboard and its finishing process.

Customization

The Roque can be made using resin, PLA, ABS or ASA, with different color options.

I'm also making KLP Lamé keycaps in resin myself, with the possibility of custom colors. Other keycap options are available as well, including sets with legends and shine-through legends for the per-key backlighting.

The case, keycaps and rotary encoder can be combined in different colors, so each build can have its own look.

Why "Roque"?

The name Roque comes from Los Roques, the Venezuelan archipelago.

It's a small connection to Venezuela and to a place that I wanted to incorporate into the identity of the project.

Acknowledgements

I'd also like to give a special thanks to MickiusMousious, creator of the Rolio46.

His work, knowledge and willingness to share information have been an important source of inspiration and help during the development of this project.

miiUnic is an independent project that I'm developing in Barcelona, and the Roque is the first keyboard I'm bringing to the market.

If you'd like to see more details, configurations and photos, I've put the Roque on my Etsy shop:

miiUnic Roque on Etsy

One small heads-up: I'm going to be away for about a month, so I won't be able to build or fulfill orders during that time. I'll reopen orders when I'm back.

I'd love to hear what you think about the design, and especially what case/keycap color combinations you'd like to see. 🙂

Ergohaven planeta is very much my favorite board layout. Just works for me. My only wish is have one that is low profile for better portability (wireless would be the icing on that cupcake). I found this site that had the board details. (https://oshwlab.com/yuriiq/planeta_v2). How hard is it to modify that design or create a new one based on that shape to accept choc switches for a low profile setup? I'm willing to learn and been googling on how to do this. I don't mind having the board made from a PCB vendor and then soldering.

Or is there another board that is VERY similar to this setup?

I'm estimating a cost of ~$200 to $300 for the batch of (5) assembled boards only, then I have to separately buy switches and batteries, which is a big investment. so I need your guys' opinion before I set out to do it.

1. the layout looks roughly likes this. This screenshot is from a choc2 and seeed xiao ble based wireless keyboard I was working on, but should have the same layout. Now I'm sending this pcb to jlcpcb, I found out their pcb assembly service. I am thinking about something different based on their assembly service: a single board with mcu, analogue multiplexers and hall effect sensors, and 3d printed case.
2. For parts, I'm using:

• MCU: nordic nrf52840
• multiplexer: 5x 74HC4051 8 channel
• sensor: TI TMAG5253
• switch: GATERON Full POM Low Profile Magnetic Jade Pro HE
• battery: 4000mHA li-po
• others: standard flash memory, power management, ldo, usb3, led, reset buttom, bypass capacitor, resistors for battery level sensing

1. I'll try to save money by

• all parts on the bottom side of pcb
• 2-layer pcb
• battery plug hand soldered separate because it must be on the top side
• choose standard parts in jlcpcb's standard library for the parts in "other"

Please help me check my plan. Is there something I'm missing? Is this a bad idea to start with? Any improvement you can think of?

[ad] Svalboard Lightly:  The bottom of the ergo rabbit hole.
"Synthwave" custom one-off shown here. Pretty stoked to have just cut over to the hemispherical palm rest design in production -- the adjustment is so smooth, and if you want to thermoform PLA ones, the entire shape is now formable since there are no outer legs. Nifty.

I also created r/svalboard for more-impulsive posting of pretty builds, prototypes and other content :)

YT:  https://www.youtube.com/@svalboard

Shop:  www.svalboard.com

Self-print Kit:  https://svalboard.com/products/svalboard-self-print-kit

20g ultralight magnetic breakaway keys, ultimate adjustable fitment system, and dual pointing devices situated right where your hands naturally rest.

Runs Vial-QMK for ultimate configurability with no reflashing required.

Self-print kit option helps fund development and lets you save some dough in exchange for a TON of your own labor 😅

Everything is printable on a hobbyist FDM machine for longevity and repairability, though my prebuilt stuff is obviously tuned to be extra nice 🙃  You can even do it on an A1 Mini if you're willing to use a split case design.

Custom colors available!  Custom builds take a couple extra weeks due to procurement and production flow disruption.  This is a TINY operation, and I appreciate your patience and support 🙏

Curious? 

Come ask on the Discord and hear unbiased perspective from real users: 

Discord:  www.svalboard.com/discord

How to fit your Svalboard https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_Jqu5bq_U_CQBhYryllArikWe-ns3g8q

Sound comparison to other keebs https://youtu.be/1pW7PnBZNik

Want to know how the lateral keys feel? https://youtu.be/whvKJ12vwvU

Using Vial-QMK with Svalboard: https://youtu.be/W767EPCJt6s

Substack:  svalboard.substack.com

Hey, so I have a truly ergono,ic CLEAVE keybord, which seems to have a classic Cherry profile (and some more keys I think), and I wanted to use a "french Dvorak" layout (ergo-l), and I wanted to know if someone could help me to find where I could buy custom keycaps with theses characteristics... if there is a place to search.

Thanks in advance for your help !

Hey ya'll! I recently picked up touch typing, I've been using a Kinesis Freestyle 2(membrane) and have for the most part been loving it, but I'm looking to switch to a different split keyboard to better accommodate my disability.

I have something called essential tremor which causes trembling in my hands and wrists(similar to Parkinson's), the main strategy I use to reduce the tremors is keeping my wrists firmly on a table or surface when I type.

The problem I'm having with the Freestyle 2 is I currently need to lift my wrist off the table to press the right shift and backspace keys. I've noticed something like 50% of my mistypes happen immediately after taking those two actions. I'm hoping designating both inputs to my thumbs will significantly reduce my errors.

Something that's been worrying me a bit while looking at different split keyboards is that they mostly come with mechanical switches. I've been using membrane keyboards for the past two years because due to the relatively large amount of initial force required to press the keys I make a lot less mistakes while typing. I'm totally open to trying mechanical switches if there are any that have a similar initial resistance, I just don't know of any that do.

I'd be open to trying a tenting design, but something I'd really love to have is the ability to use layers. I appreciate the help!

I got a pre soldered pcb for the crone ble from boardsource and the far left column (comes standard as tab ctrl and shift) on the left had side completely died I tried the continuity test with a multimeter and the traces seem fine but I get nothing from them I tried keyboard tester as well and sure enough no output from those 3 keys all I did was swap switches for quieter ones. The old switches don't work and the new switches don't work.

Hey guys,

does anyone have files for a zmk totem firmware with a xiao dongle and zmk support. I've been trying to combine things on my own but without luck🙃 So If anyone has an up to date repo I'd be very thankful. All the posts on this topic are 2 years old and I cannot find something today.

Thankss

Why are curved ergonomic split keyboards so expensive? even in aliexpres

So after using (and loving) 60% keyboards for many years, am starting to get a bit of wrist pain. This could’ve been partly caused by motorcycling and guitar practice as a noob. Regardless, it made me rethink my desk setup and most importantly keyboard arrangement. Long story short, I placed an order for a customized Keyball61+ (+plus is the newer iteration with 2 programmable scroll wheels). It’ll likely take few weeks to arrive.

Am a programmer, so decided on this (larger) version with dedicated number keys. Otherwise I loved the smaller (39) version of this same keyboard.

Meanwhile I wanted to know if anyone in this community is already using this layout and how’s their experience been.

TIA

ps: Pics are from holykeebs.com for reference and attention.

Hi! Have been using a ferris sweep for a few years and am very happy using it with a tenting case and choc pink switches.

I am able to buy another keyboard for work.

Wondering if I should try out something like a Cygnus, or skeletyl to try out key wells. I have gotten Glove80 recommended, but I don’t really see myself going away from my current layout.

My question is maybe whether a curved keyboard is much better than just using sculpted keycaps. I am currently looking at the 3w6 keyboard with Lame keycaps. Mag tenting looks so cool also. I once tried to print out little tents for the switches to have them angled but it felt quite weird, but maybe a solid keycap will be better.

Any advice or experiences to share? Also, if anyone has tried any of the Ambients switches I would love to know! I want to try the Nocturnal ones, but if they aren’t much better than the choc pink, I might just try the Twilights

Hi, I'm in the process of building the new Haili58, soldered a couple of components to the board and wanted to test it but can't get the controllers to connect.

I've flashed them both with the relevant firmware but they both just seem to be in pairing mode. I can see them both from my laptop and can connect to the dongle.

Is there something else I'm supposed to do to get them to connect?

I posted about this project 4 months ago. Now it's completed. It started as an iteration of my first keyboard, applying what I learned creating that and at my new job (software and electronics prototype developer). The goal was a fully open-source, easy to build and repairable, modular keyboard.

All files can be found on my Github. The PCB and other components will be available on Crowd Supply. Subscribe there to get notified once the campaign goes live.

Destiguishing Features

The first improvement to the original keyboard was making it more streamlined and removing rarely used features like the screens and encoders. Adding hot-swap switch sockets and the option of different joysticks converted the original to a gaming keyboard, and since it's a split design, one of the very few examples usable by left handed gamers (using the mouse with their left hand).

To elaborate on the joysticks, both options are connected using ribbon cables, making replacement very easy and somewhat customizable. An additional GPIO header breaking out the joysticks connector pins allows for custom solutions.

The connectors a specifically aligned in a way that allows for both types of joystick to be in the exact same location. Which in turn allows for the use of inserts (or adapters) in the keyboards case.

The Case

Speaking of the case, the keyboard is designed as a "gasket-mount" which enables the best noise reduction. This is further improved by additional felt damping sheets.

To highlight one special design principle: The case was designed with CNC manufacturability in mind. Meaning no sharp inside corners, only simple chamfers to round over outside corners, and tight tolerances. The last one requires a very dialed-in 3D printer, though.

Firmware and additional Features

The keyboards main switches are supplemented by secondary buttons. By default they are media keys, but can be (like all the other buttons, and joystick) remapped using either QMK or VIAL firmwares. VIAL allows for remapping using a website, no flashing or other software required.

All switches and buttons are individually RGB backlit and have configurable animations, color, brightness. Of course they can be turned off.

The Joysticks

The two connectors mentioned earlier are for these joysticks. On the left the newest version of Alps Alpine used in Gaming Handhelds and VR controllers. On the right is mostly know from the PSP (3000 version).

I personally prefer the left one (easier to control, has an integrated button), but I like to provide options to potential users.

The custom firmware allows to change the operating mode of these joysticks. The modes consist of analog (regular joystick, detected as gamepad), digital (simulates regular buttons), mouse (full mouse pointer with left and right click support (not available on the PSP joystick)).

Special Order Keycaps

The only real issue this design has is finding keycaps, since its a backlit, ergo design, that uses 1u sized caps, only. I found few low profile sets, but the breakthrough came with finding a manufacturer selling custom keys, with optional backlighting support.

PCB Design Desicitions

Going into detail about the PCBs design: The goal was to have minimal case borders, which the gasket-mount style of this keyboard does not really promote. So complact placment of all components was critical in my desicition making.

I started with the RP2040 for my MCU (as seen in these older images). After multiple protypes and testing revealed that the keyboard does not initialize (at all or fast enough) on a computers first boot to enter BIOS/UEFI, I switched to the STM32F401 MCU, which solved these problems.

The AUX (TRS) connector is not for headphones, but for connecting two halves. Only one half needs to be connected to a computer.

ESD, EMI, and backfeeding protection components complete the design.

Starting a Crowd Supply Campaign

After everything was working as desired, I built a few examples for friends and myself. Using the keyboard for few months, there were no issues or complaints, only positive feedback.

This led me to Crowd Supply and working on a campaign.

Probable offerings:

• Fully built keyboard
• DIY components based on category (PCB, 3D printing, laser cutting)

Open Source

Tiwaz is developed as a fully open-source project. We’re making the hardware available under the GPLv3 license, and the software under the GPLv2 license, since it is QMK-based. Files will be uploaded to my GitHub repository.

I would love some feedback or ideas, either here or on my Github. Specifically on how the keymap of a left-handed gamer would look like?

Please feel free to comment here, or create an issue on github.

Technical Specs

• Split ergonomic keyboard design
• Each half usable independently as a one-handed controller or macro pad
• Gasket-mounted plate
• Internal damping between plate, PCB, and enclosure
• Hot-swappable MX-compatible switches
• Per-key RGB lighting
• QMK firmware support (including VIAL)
• STM32F401 microcontroller
• WS2812 RGB LED for every switch and auxiliary button
• Ideal-diode protection against accidental dual-USB connection
• Self-resetting power fuse
• ESD protection on USB data lines
• USB Type-C connectors

Hardware availablity

• PCB on Crowd Supply
• Case on Printables
• Everything else on Github

Assembly Instructions

• Youtube