mechanical keyboard newswire
daily mechanical keyboards, firmware & tools
Tofu Dactyl¶
Yanos626 shared the STL files of his handwired Tofu Dactyl, designed via the Cosmos generator.
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.
Omnitype RF-8X groupbuy is live¶
Omnitype has opened a groupbuy for the RF-8X keyboard.
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.
Direct03xD¶
A 42-key diodeless wireless split: Direct03xD by lander03xD.
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.
[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.
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.
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.
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.
Tucky Two Times¶
Tucky Two Times is a low-pro split keyboard with funny placement of the thumb keys – by Stephan Møller.
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.
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.
Vanguard Keyboard Outsider¶
DreaM117er's Vanguard Keyboard Outsider is a modular ortholinear board, supporting various trackpads and encoders.
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.
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.
Shematics build jelp¶
Request for schematic review on a 3x3 macropad with 2 rotary encoders; good for seeing beginner PCB design questions.
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.
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 left numpad¶
AEBoards EXT65v2 used as a left numpad with DuRock Blue Lotus switches.
My new favorite keyboard - completed build¶
Keychron Q6 Ultra build with Durock Ice King and Chosfox Arctic Fox switches.
Git Core Alice¶
Keychron Alice Q10 build with Epomaker Sea Salt Silent switches and GMK Dracula V2.0.
keyboard base on zmk¶
Showcase of a portable Bluetooth keyboard using ZMK firmware.
Wireless Split Key with Numpad¶
Looking for a wireless split keyboard with numpad and arrow keys for music production.
Wireless Voyager Alternative?¶
Seeking a wireless alternative to the ZSA Voyager for travel.
TGR Lena Mini¶
TGR Lena Mini Carbon build with Cherry MX2a Blacks.
Nd75 vs wave75 vs inky 75 vs Rainey 75?¶
Comparison of budget aluminum boards: ND75, Wave75, Inky75, Rainey75.
Logitech G815 Linear - TAB key triggers 10+ keys¶
Hardware issue where TAB key triggers multiple keys simultaneously.
Happy Topre Tuesday!¶
Showcase of a JustSystems 91U with 86U internals.
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.
Finally bought new switches¶
Review of BSUN Strawberry Cheesecake R2 switches on a Rainy 75 Pro, noting quieter/muffled sound.
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.
Trackpads! Who’s got the deets?¶
Seeking advice on wiring and sourcing trackpad modules for a KLOR Polydactyl build.
Anyone know about this kit? Good? Bad?¶
Inquiry about a specific split board kit for gaming/macro pad use.
Keyboard and switch compatibility¶
Question about compatibility between Keychron C3 Pro and Akko Penguin Silent switches.
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.
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.
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.
Levels54 is now fully open source!¶
Creator released all files for the split 54-key dual-trackball board, including PCBs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Geonix teaser photo¶
Teaser image for a new Geonix—looks like a PC case variant; sparks discussion about a new revision/production.
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.
Krteq 5x12 (+2)¶
Same Krteq board cross-posted to r/MechanicalKeyboards (build pics) — community attention on PCB/switch choice.
Connecting Issues¶
First-build connectivity problems (Supermini MCU + ZMK) — several troubleshooting replies (worthwatch if ZMK USB/bluetooth fixes emerge).
My first split keyboard: Keyball61¶
High-engagement photo/build post of DIY split board using Remap for keymaps — good signal for ergonomic board interest.
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.