mechanical keyboard newswire
daily mechanical keyboards, firmware & tools
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Quiet day — nothing notable.
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Tofu Dactyl¶
Yanos626 shared the STL files of his handwired Tofu Dactyl, designed via the Cosmos generator.
Evergreen
Quiet day — nothing notable.
Quiet day — nothing notable.
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MoeeTech custom metal artisans¶
I tested MoeeTech's new custom metal artisan keycap service: beginner-friendly design process, great quality, surprisingly competitive prices.
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IQUNIX x Ghost in the Shell EV63 Cyber Blue review¶
Two brand-new EV63 variants have been released recently: the Ghost in the Shell-themed Shell Core and Cyber Blue. For this review, I took a closer look at the latter.
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Best-selling keyboard switches of May 2026¶
Here are May’s top mechanical switches, the community’s favorites based on vendor sales data.
Space Mission 30¶
Ergohaven's Space Mission 30 is now fully open-source.
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Epomaker Glyph review¶
The retro, mid-century modern Epomaker Glyph is a typewriter-style tri-mode wireless keyboard with huge displays.
Omega Point 36¶
Ergohaven's wireless split Omega Point 36 is now open source.
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Omnitype RF-8X groupbuy is live¶
Omnitype has opened a groupbuy for the RF-8X keyboard.
✉ GKBDfans Tofu PAD Pre-Sale ending May 29¶
KBDfans is closing pre-orders for the wireless Tofu PAD desk mat on May 29.
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mass releases omni CS bearing swap kit on BOOTH¶
Creator mass has listed an omni CS bearing replacement kit for 1,300 yen on the BOOTH marketplace.
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Direct03xD¶
A 42-key diodeless wireless split: Direct03xD by lander03xD.
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Upgraded my "raveniung" and "ravensplit" keyboards with a Azoteq trackpad :-D¶
Integration of an Azoteq touchpad into split keyboards, likely involving custom firmware for gesture handling.
Chosfox Geonix Rev 2.5¶
Review of the Chosfox Geonix Rev 2.5 ortholinear board. While primarily hardware, the discussion centers on QMK/VIA compatibility and the user experience of the new layout.
[WIP] Building a handheld 8-key chording keyboard to type while walking.¶
A unique WIP build using Seeed Studio XIAO BLE (ZMK-compatible) for a wireless chording keyboard.
What are your most-used macros on your ergo keyboard?¶
High-engagement discussion on practical macro usage beyond copy/paste, relevant to anyone configuring their keymap software.
First Totem build — right-half XIAO RP2040 won't enter bootloader or enumerate after soldering. Salvageable without hot air?¶
Troubleshooting a Totem split keyboard build where the RP2040 fails to enumerate, discussing bootloader entry and soldering issues.
XYZ workboard r2 - an OLKB first timer thoughts :)¶
First impressions of the Work Louder XYZ Workboard R2, discussing the ortholinear layout and raw PCB aesthetic.
Spilled my drink on my K86, need HE keyboard recommendations (75%)¶
Seeking Hall Effect keyboard recommendations with good software/low latency, relevant to Wooting/DrunkDebounce users.
Android QMK media controls?¶
Technical query on whether standard QMK media control codes (brightness/volume) register correctly on Android devices.
This little CNC aluminum macropad showed up on my desk and I can't decide if it's genius or too minimal to matter¶
OP highlights a macropad with automatic app-aware key remapping, noting it solves the "profile switching" maintenance headache of traditional macro pads.
Key overrides in vial / qmk¶
Discussion on configuring Shumift backspace as delete in QMK/Via, noting conflicts when using Vial for other settings.
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Keyboard Builders Digest #211: Switch sales, Epomaker HE68 Lite review, open source Levels54¶
Newsletter highlights April's top selling mechanical switches, reviews of Epomaker HE68 Lite and KiiBOOM Phantom 98 Lite, and open source projects like Levels54 and Vanguard Keyboard Outsider.
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Tucky Two Times¶
Tucky Two Times is a low-pro split keyboard with funny placement of the thumb keys – by Stephan Møller.
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KiiBOOM Phantom 98 Lite review¶
I reviewed KiiBOOM's Phantom 98 Lite, a cute wireless keyboard with 1800-ish layout and the silly froggy keycap design.
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ZSA releases Navigator trackpad for Voyager¶
ZSA launched the Navigator trackpad, a swappable input core for the Voyager shell, priced at $99, featuring a smooth surface and firmware tuned with Cirque.
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Vanguard Keyboard Outsider¶
DreaM117er's Vanguard Keyboard Outsider is a modular ortholinear board, supporting various trackpads and encoders.
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They don't want you to know this, but Alps switches can be used in any hot-swappable keyboard (if you're crazy enough)¶
Detailed guide on desoldering hotswap sockets to physically fit Alps SKCM/SKCL pins, requiring custom plate cutting or 3D printing.
CLASSIC-TKL Underscore Edition Now in Stock. Fully Built. $189¶
NovelKeys announces stock availability for the fully built Classic-TKL Underscore Edition.
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Building ZMK Firmware Locally on Apple Silicon MacBooks Without Docker¶
Tutorial on compiling ZMK locally on M-series Macs to bypass GitHub Actions wait times, including a build script.
69split - my split keyboard with broken out IO for project development¶
Showcase of a split keyboard designed to break out ATmega32u4 IO pins for external project development while functioning as a keyboard.
I made a small tool to check if I actually use all the keys on my keyboard before switching to 60%¶
Release of "KeyRecord," a local Python tool to analyze real-world key usage patterns to justify downsizing to a 60% layout.
How to enable NKRO?¶
Discussion on verifying NKRO status in QMK without relying on magic key combos, noting issues with key rollover limits.
ZMK sometimes rapidly repeats keys?¶
User reports rapid key repetition (e.g., 'i' becoming 'iiii...') on a Bluetooth ZMK board under Linux/Wayland, seeking causes.
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ScottoAcademy Workshop Logistics and Kit Info¶
Joe announces upcoming workshop details, requests Discord usernames for access, and advises checking kit parts and bringing spare wires.
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Modified Scylla (BastardKeyboards)¶
Handwired modified Scylla with encoders, joysticks, and TFT screens; interesting custom build details.
Mictlán Centinela¶
Synth60 build featuring GMK Mictlán R1 and Unity switches.
Show your boards the_world¶
MB44 V1 build with Scandivan PCB and Cherry Milkshake keycaps.
Reign + GMK CYL Salamander¶
Renders of a potential Reign variant with GMK CYL Salamander; currently in IC/prototyping.
Keychron V3 8k and V0 Ultra¶
Comparison/showcase of Keychron V3 8k and V0 Ultra; user switching to wired for reliability.
My first build¶
First build: Athena 1800 with Durock V3 stabs and Gateron Oil Kings.
Fully Custom Keyboard¶
Custom PCB and case design by the author; QMK firmware with calc/volume keys.
My new-to-me Prime L southpaw¶
Prime L southpaw with DSA Lightcycle keycaps and white LEDs.
My new left numpad¶
AEBoards EXT65v2 used as a left numpad with DuRock Blue Lotus switches.
zFrontier sold defective TP1 Dieter...¶
Complaint about zFrontier and Geistmaschine regarding defective TP1 Dieter keycaps and poor customer service.
My new favorite keyboard - completed build¶
Keychron Q6 Ultra build with Durock Ice King and Chosfox Arctic Fox switches.
my eyes keep going back to it all day 😭¶
Keychron K4 Pro with cute keycaps from Malaysia.
Git Core Alice¶
Keychron Alice Q10 build with Epomaker Sea Salt Silent switches and GMK Dracula V2.0.
WHICH ONE ????¶
High engagement discussion on laptop choice for CSE/Software Engineering.
Updated TOTEM dongle zmk module¶
Author migrated their dongle setup into a standalone ZMK module after Zephyr 4.1 broke their config; useful for others using the TOTEM dongle.
Ask ANY Keyboard question, get an answer - May 10, 2026¶
Weekly "Ask Me Anything" thread for keyboard questions.
Midwest meetups¶
Inquiry about upcoming keyboard meetups in the Midwest.
Looking for features ...¶
Seeking a wireless split keyboard with more keys than Keyball39 for travel and Emacs usage.
keyboard base on zmk¶
Showcase of a portable Bluetooth keyboard using ZMK firmware.
What to do with miss colored batch of GMK alters¶
Discussion on what to do with off-color GMK Alters keycaps from a past group buy.
Help with Layout¶
New to split keyboards, asking for ergonomic feedback on a custom thumb cluster layout.
Thinking of trying split keyboards¶
User seeking starter split keyboard recommendations to alleviate wrist pain.
Keyboard.io Atreus and a zaunkoenig M1k... Where would you put a scroll function?¶
Discussion on mapping scroll functions on a Keyboard.io Atreus + Zaunkoenig M1k setup.
Wireless Split Key with Numpad¶
Looking for a wireless split keyboard with numpad and arrow keys for music production.
[US-MI] [H] Ergo/ortho keyboards, cases, keycaps [W] PayPal¶
Marketplace listing for various ergonomic/ortholinear keyboards and parts.
Old Grievances¶
Discussion on the Steam Controller 2's trackpad keyboard issues.
Wireless Voyager Alternative?¶
Seeking a wireless alternative to the ZSA Voyager for travel.
My layout tour - Combos, neovim, symmetrical¶
Tour of a ZSA Voyager layout optimized for combos and Neovim.
TGR Lena Mini¶
TGR Lena Mini Carbon build with Cherry MX2a Blacks.
I need help identifying the layout of my laptops keyboard. Thanks for the help¶
Request for help identifying an unknown laptop keyboard layout.
Keycron Q6 ULTRA version worth?¶
Discussion on the worth of the Keychron Q6 Ultra Wi-Fi version vs Q6 MAX.
Nd75 vs wave75 vs inky 75 vs Rainey 75?¶
Comparison of budget aluminum boards: ND75, Wave75, Inky75, Rainey75.
Windows key not working¶
Troubleshooting a Windows key that types 'd' on an Aula F75.
Trouble with F keys not working - Lofree Flow lite¶
Issue with F keys not working on Lofree Flow Lite, possibly related to multimedia keys.
Logitech G815 Linear - TAB key triggers 10+ keys¶
Hardware issue where TAB key triggers multiple keys simultaneously.
Please help me find this type of keyboard!¶
User saw a keyboard in CS2 and wants to find it.
Awaiting use¶
Showcase of accumulated keycaps from various builds.
Are split keyboards Sliced Bread?¶
Link to a BBC Sounds episode discussing split keyboards.
Best Ergonomic Keyboard in 2026?¶
Request for available ergonomic keyboards in 2026.
IKI model update: layout weight¶
Technical discussion on the IKI layout model and weight distribution.
IKI model update: layout weight¶
Duplicate of the above layout model discussion.
Evergreen
Shematics build jelp¶
Request for schematic review on a 3x3 macropad with 2 rotary encoders; good for seeing beginner PCB design questions.
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Omnitype Firsty Thursdays Symbiote¶
Omnitype is offering a 50% discount on the Symbiote keycap set via their Firsty Thursdays collection.
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MID.1, a folded stainless steel 40% board I’ve been building for a long time¶
Showcase of the MID.1, a folded stainless steel 40% board by A.Okay!, now open for reservations.
Happy Topre Tuesday!¶
Showcase of a JustSystems 91U with 86U internals.
Oh no, I became the guy with two of the same board¶
User shares their two Mode Tempos and the reasoning behind the duplicate purchase.
[GB] DCS Grass Valley | Live now till June 1st¶
DCS Grass Valley group buy is live, hitting MOQ with price drops at higher tiers.
New to keyboards!¶
OP found a vintage Cortron terminal keyboard (possibly from the USS Lexington) and is seeking info.
Finally bought new switches¶
Review of BSUN Strawberry Cheesecake R2 switches on a Rainy 75 Pro, noting quieter/muffled sound.
Akko has good after sales support¶
Positive experience with Akko's support regarding a Bluetooth connectivity issue on the Mineral board.
QK80 Brown in 2026¶
Showcase of a second-hand QK80 with PBTFans Retro 100 caps and HMX Orange Grape switches.
I admit I've become dependent on this little guy.¶
Long-term review of the Geonix Rev.2 compact keyboard, praising its weight and portability.
Glitter Q4¶
Showcase of a Keychron Q4 with PC plate, PBTfans Neon R2 Glitter caps, and Gateron Oil King switches.
Flat keyboard or go all in?¶
Discussion on choosing between Glove80, Charbydis MK2, ZSA Voyager, and Sofle for an ergonomic setup.
“Casual”/“Non-Typing” ergonomics¶
Discussion on ergonomic keyboards for developers who use hands for navigation/mouse tasks more than typing.
[US-WI] [H] Ataraxia wireless trackball keyboard [W] PayPal, Venmo¶
Sale of a pre-programmed Ataraxia with ZMK Studio firmware support.
Trackpads! Who’s got the deets?¶
Seeking advice on wiring and sourcing trackpad modules for a KLOR Polydactyl build.
Keychron Q9 Plus - is it dead? Split space suggestions¶
Concerns about the future of the Q9 Plus split space model and suggestions for alternatives.
Anyone know about this kit? Good? Bad?¶
Inquiry about a specific split board kit for gaming/macro pad use.
Keychron J2 HE stuck in a 'bootloader mode'.¶
Troubleshooting a Keychron J2 HE stuck in bootloader mode after a firmware glitch.
I can't find the AJAZZ AK980 V2 Pro Software¶
User unable to find official software for the AJAZZ AK980 V2 Pro keyboard.
Keyboard and switch compatibility¶
Question about compatibility between Keychron C3 Pro and Akko Penguin Silent switches.
Double typing characters on keyboard¶
Troubleshooting double-typing issue on a Legion S7 laptop keyboard.
There is an update to the Galaxy XR firmware as of today, May 5, 2026¶
Major Android XR update rolling out with auto-spatialization and improved hand/eye tracking.
Evergreen
ZMK - Double Tap Hold for momentary layer¶
Discussion on implementing complex double-tap-hold behavior for momentary layers in ZMK, specifically for the Night layout.
Recent Ergodox Infinity keymap example?¶
User seeking a modern Ergodox Infinity keymap example with `visualizer.c` support after updating QMK.
Breaking
Inline hardware device for host-independent remaps/macros: useful niche, or useless?¶
Discussion on validating a hardware USB device concept for host-independent remapping, comparing it to software solutions like QMK/VIA/Kanata.
If you had to choose between Home Row Mods or Auto Shift, which one would you choose?¶
Debate on input method preferences (HRM vs Auto Shift) among ergonomic keyboard users.
Evergreen
Mx mechanical mini qmk¶
User shares a GitHub repo with working QMK code and individually addressable backlighting for the MX Mechanical Mini.
Omnitype restocks Dualshot Substance Deskpad and GMK Dualshot Accent kit¶
Omnitype has restocked the Dualshot Substance Deskpad and GMK Dualshot 2 keycap accent kit.
NuPhy releases WH80 wireless 8K magnetic gaming keyboard¶
NuPhy launched the WH80, a wireless gaming keyboard featuring 8K polling rate and Hall-effect magnetic switches.
Kanata brings firmware-level remapping to any keyboard—even laptops (I made a UI for it)¶
Author highlights Kanata's cross-platform capabilities and layers/tap-hold features as an alternative to flashing firmware.
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It's all wired up. Now all I have to do is learn to code.¶
OP is a complete beginner who just finished their first build and is now tackling the firmware coding aspect. High engagement due to the "journey" narrative.
HoldTap software only to re-create ZMK/QMK on Mac¶
Creator of "HoldTap" announces a new macOS application designed to bring layer/hold-tap functionality to standard keyboards without flashing firmware. Relevant for Mac users who want ZMK-like features.
Evergreen
Finally designed my own shell, PCB and top plate!¶
Custom build running KMK (Kaleidosaurus Microkernel) on an RP2040. Interesting technical discussion on the design process and sound test.
Free your minds! DIY no-stabs build.¶
DIY ortholinear build using a Pi Pico running ZMK. Discusses the challenges of a no-stabilizer layout and the "jank" involved in the build.
Keytogo, yet another keyboard navigation tool for macos (open-source)¶
New open-source, Rust-based macOS daemon for keyboard-driven mouse navigation. Alternative to Mouseless/Warpd for users who prefer CLI/menu-bar tools.
Breaking
List prices on many websites are borderline false advertising¶
Community discussion on Shopify configuration issues causing misleading kit pricing.
Levels54 is now fully open source!¶
Creator released all files for the split 54-key dual-trackball board, including PCBs.
Evergreen
macOS Utilities for Identifying Apps Hijacking Global Keyboard Shortcuts?¶
Tooling discussion for debugging global shortcut conflicts — relevant for remapping software users.
How to use QMK's matrix implementation as a custom lite matrix?¶
Technical discussion on leveraging QMK's matrix scanning code for custom firmware.
No Code Reviews by Default¶
Raycast on shipping without mandatory code review — adjacent to keyboard-tools workflow culture.
ScottoAcademy enrollment closes May 3rd¶
Joe from ScottoKeebs is offering 3 spots for a live, handwired macad build session to support his channel.
Keyreative Santa Llum keyboard now in stock¶
Keyreative announces the Santa Llum keyboard is available for purchase in two colors.
ZSA releases Zapp CLI tool and Classic Books mode for typ.ing¶
ZSA introduces Zapp, an open-source terminal tool for flashing firmware, and a new Classic Books mode on typ.ing for typing practice.
Treasure announces TYPE-9 Series IV and 3 new projects¶
Treasure is launching the TYPE-9 Series IV along with three additional new keyboard projects.
Omnitype Firsty Thursday: GMK Dracula under $88¶
Omnitype is selling a GMK Dracula keycap set for Firsty Thursday at a price under $88.
Omnitype releases GMK Burgundy keycap set¶
Omnitype has released the GMK (CYL) Burgundy keycap set, coinciding with the end of the Bauer 65 preorder.
Keyboard Builders Digest #210: IQUNIX EV63 HE, Laika, MMOrtho, Alatus, Krteq, and more¶
Newsletter highlights IQUNIX EV63 HE review and open-source projects including Laika, MMOrtho, Alatus, Krteq, Leonardo KeycapRio, Lemonshark, and PISIC.
Omnitype Bauer 65 groupbuy ends soon¶
The Bauer 65 groupbuy is closing in one day, with the Dune colorway available.
ScottoAcademy live workshop: build a 3x3 macropad¶
ScottoKeebs is hosting a live workshop to build a direct-wired 3x3 macropad from scratch, with enrollment closing May 3rd.
Mode Designs announces 2026 Encore with Crown Mounting System¶
Mode Designs released the 2026 Encore keyboard featuring a new Crown Mounting System, with pre-orders open and fulfillment starting in July.
Keyreative KAP Capo Soda keycap group buy¶
Keyreative has opened a group buy for the KAP Capo Soda keycap set.
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New Geonix teaser photo¶
Teaser image for a new Geonix—looks like a PC case variant; sparks discussion about a new revision/production.
Evergreen
You may not like it, but THIS is peak split keyboard¶
High-engagement photo/post showcasing an eye-catching split build — good visibility in the community.
Built the keyboard — what do you use for a pointing device?¶
Active discussion about pointing devices for split/ZMK setups — practical community input on peripherals and workflow.
Self designed ISO MX PCB to fit Holy80¶
Small couple-designed ISO PCB that uses QMK — notable because it’s a custom ISO PCB + full RGB and shows a DIY ISO QMK build that others may reuse.
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Krteq (Open source)¶
New open-source 61-key unibody using Raspberry Pi Pico and QMK/VIA — notable for Gateron LP 3.0 compatibility and hotswap support.
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My first split keyboard: Keyball61¶
High-engagement photo/build post of DIY split board using Remap for keymaps — good signal for ergonomic board interest.
Krteq 5x12 (+2)¶
Same Krteq board cross-posted to r/MechanicalKeyboards (build pics) — community attention on PCB/switch choice.
Copilot Key on My Keyboard¶
If you'd like, I can expand to broader HN searches (remove the 24h filter) or run this again tomorrow.
Connecting Issues¶
First-build connectivity problems (Supermini MCU + ZMK) — several troubleshooting replies (worthwatch if ZMK USB/bluetooth fixes emerge).
Breaking
Marshmellow UI goes wireless!¶
Marshmellow UI adds wireless/Bluetooth support (v0.6.4 required) and mobile support — notable tooling/firmware UI update.
Evergreen
Is it possible to make holding space shift and I want to rebind my ctrl with alt¶
User asks about remapping (mentions Kanata) and where to learn Kanata — kept for Kanata monitoring.
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Breaking
Open-sourced My Corne Eclipse Design w/Dual Encoder & nice!view¶
Custom Corne MX build with dual encoders, dual nice!view screens, ZMK firmware, and ZMK Studio support now open-sourced on GitHub.
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Binepad BNK-16 - Review and issues¶
Detailed review of BNK-16 with VIA/QMK issues — JSON save/load breaks layer switching, modifier+mousewheel combos don't work, poor vendor support.
kanata backtick shows as "§" and tilde as "±"¶
Solved issue with kanata on macOS where backtick/tilde keys displayed wrong characters — fixed by changing keyboard type in settings.