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Awesome-Keebs


A collection of awesome mechanical keyboards, doo-dads, and thingy-mcbobbers.1


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BUY ME A COFFEE / KEYSWITCH


I love teaching others and seeing the community grow. Time is limited but donations will allow me to to help the community more. How useful was this to you? If it was I would be humbly grateful for your donation.🙏

paypal.me/keebweeb

Thank you! May you be rich as Crassus and happy as Buddha! :)


Keyboards

Low profile keyboard database

Name Available Files Open Source Mods Tags Image
_33-Keyboard pcb, case ✔️ gerber-only, stl
00Key pcb, case ✔️ 75%, teensy, ssd1306, oled, backlight, through hole
AEK II USB pcb ✔️ QMK compatible drop-in replacement PCB for the Apple Extended Keyboard II aek2 pcb
AKKO 3068 60%
ANHEDRAL pcb, case ✔️ pro micro
Akihabara pcb, case 40%, 3d print
Alpha pcb, case ✔️ <30%
Ajazz AC064 65%, bluetooth baby blue
Ajazz K620T v2 60%, bluetooth, rgb, rotary
Ajazz K690T 65%, bluetooth, rgb
Ajazz Zinc 65%, blueooth
Arisu Keyboard PCB pcb, case ✔️
Atreus pcb, case ✔️ 40%
Atreus62 pcb, case ✔️ 60%
Baguette 66% 65%
Bakeneko 60 pcb, case ✔️ 60%, usb-c, atmega32U4
Bakeneko 65 pcb, case ✔️ 65%, usb-c, atmega32U4
Bella
Bevi pcb, case ✔️ 60%, numpad, pro micro, atmega32U4
BMEK - Bemeier Ergonomic Keyboard pcb, case ✔️ ergo, hotswap, usb-c
Boop 65%, VIA
Boston ✔️ 100%+
Buzzsaw Alice / 40%, breaks apart break away
Cherry G80-1800
Cherry G80-5000 75%
Cooler Master NovaTouch TKL 75%
Cooler Master QuickFire Rapid 75%
CozyKeys Bloomer pcb, case ✔️ 75%, underglow
CPM43 pcb ✔️ 40%, 4x12, underglow, atmega32U4, usb-c, esd
CW40 pcb ✔️ 40%, underglow, alps
Discipline pcb, case ✔️ 65%, staggered, through hole, usb-c,
Ducky DK1087
DZ60 V2 60%
DZ60 V3 60%
DZ65 V3 65%
Entropy pcb, case ✔️ 96%, southpaw, rgb, led, split space, encoder
Env-KB pcb, case ✔️ 65%, staggered, through hole, usb-c, rpi-pico
FaceW 60%
Filco Majestouch tkl
Filco Zero
Flounder pcb ✔️ micro-usb, kailh-choc, low-profile
Gameboy Keyboard case case, pcb 3d print, pcb
GH60 pcb ✔️ 60%, atmega32U4
GK61X 60%, rgb, bluetooth aluminum kit
GK96X 96%, rgb, bluetooth
GK108 100%, hotswap, bluetooth
Grabert pcb, case ✔️ 60%, usb-c, oled, rotary-encoder, stm32f072v8t6
HacKeyboard pcb, case ✔️
HHKB Pro Classic Alt Controller with Mini-B Connector
Alt Controller with USB-C
60%, Topre
HHKB Pro Hybrid 60%, Topre, bluetooth hhkb all black top down
HHKB Pro Hybrid Type-S 60%, Toper, silent, bluetooth
IBM Model F
IBM Model M USB-C Controller 104 keys unicomp
IBM Quiet Touch
IBM Unsaver
Isometria75 pcb, case ✔️ 75%, iso, sk6812-mini, rotary-encoder, stm32f072cbt6
Katana60 60% katana 60
KBD67 REV2 67%, 65%
KBD67 MKII V3 67%, 65%
KBD75 REV2 75%
KBD8X MKII 80%
KBParadise V80
Launch pcb, case ✔️ usb-hub, staggered, per-switch-rgb, rgb,
Le Chiffre pcb, case ✔️ atmega32u4, ergo, smd, stl, 3d print
Leopold FC200R
Litl pcb, case ✔️ 40%, Pro Micro, through hole, rotary encoder, oled
Logitech DiNovo Edge
Magicforce Smart 68 60%
Melody65 65%
Monolith ✔️ 100+, southpaw
Mullet pcb, case ✔️ staggered, smd, usb-c, underglow, atmega32u4
Mysterium pcb, case ✔️ tkl, ATMEGA32A, usb-c
Nibble 65%, rotary encoder, rgb, oled, ansi, iso, through hole, QMK nibble assembled
NiZ Atom 66 / 68 / 82 / 84
NiZ Plum 66 / 68, bluetooth
Pain27 pcb, plate, qmk ✔️ 27%, qmk, rgb, arduino pro micro 27 keys
Pheromone pcb, case ✔️ atmega32U4,midi encoder, midi slider, oled
Plain60-c pcb ✔️ 60%, usb-c, atmega32U4
Pteron case ✔️ 3x5, 3x6, 4x6, handwiring, pro micro
Rapoo V500
Reviung pcb, case ✔️ ergo, vertically staggered, pro micro, ws2812b, underglow
Realforce Topre
Realpoint Topre
Royal Kludge RC930-87
RS6 WKL 60%, RS software
Sesame pcb, case ✔️ ergonomic, through-hole, atmega32A, usb-c
SB-147 case ✔️ 3d print, handwiring
Shinobi NKRO, Thinkpad style mouse, bluetooth, US / ISO / JP layouts
Solheim68 (Varmilo VA68M replacement) pcb ✔️
Sun60 WKL 60%
Sun Type 5
Tanuki pcb, case ✔️ 40%, underglow
Tartan pcb, case ✔️ 60%, through hole, Atmega328p
Tecware Phantom
Tg4x pcb, case ✔️ pro micro, 40%
Tofu96
Voyager pcb ✔️ 60%, ansi, iso, rgb, led
X-Bows
XMMX TKL pcb ✔️

Ortholinear Keyboards

Name Available Files Open Source Tags Image
Alpsie pcb, case ✔️ 4x12, pro micro, alps, plate
Boardwalk ortho, 60%, ergodex boardwalk with 2 knobs
CatBoard pcb ✔️
Cheap_boi pcb, case ✔️ atmega32u4, ssd1306, oled
Contra pcb ✔️ 4x12
DIY Low-Profile Ortholinear (PCB File) pcb ✔️ 14x6, low profile, teensy
Dorsch 40k pcb ✔️ 4x10, micro-usb, kailh-choc, low-profile
Dorsch 48k pcb ✔️ 4x12, micro-usb, kailh-choc, low-profile
Framework pcb, case ✔️ 5x12, through-hole, usb-c, rotary-encoder
Gherkin pcb ✔️ 30%, 3x10
Helix pcb, case ✔️ split, oled
Kinesis Advantage
Koda pcb, case ✔️ 4x12, pro micro, kailh choc
Lumberjack pcb ✔️ 5x12, through-hole, usb-mini, ATMEGA328P-PU
Maltron
NIU Mini
Plaid pcb ✔️ 4x12, atmega328p, through hole
Planck THK pcb, case ✔️ 4x12, rotary encoder
PouetPouet pcb ✔️ 5x12, smd, usb-c, STM32F072CBT6
PRKL30 pcb, case ✔️ 30%, pro micro, bluetooth, underglow
Punk75 pcb, case ✔️ 5x15, through-hole, usb-c, rotary-encoder, atmega32a-pu
QOL56 pcb, case ✔️ 4x14, pro micro, underglow, rgb
SharkPCB pcb, case ✔️ 4x12, rotary encoder, STM32, underglow, 3d print
Splitish pcb ✔️ 4x12, ortho, choc, pro micro
Ukiha pcb, case ✔️ 5x12, smd, micro-usb

Split Keyboards

Name Available Files Open Source Tags Image
36keys pcb ✔️ 4x5, vertically staggered, thumb keys, caseless, pro micro
5plit pcb, case ✔️ 4x5, plate, pro micro, kailh choc
Apoptosis pcb ✔️ 3x6, vertically staggered, thumb keys
Architeuthis dux pcb ✔️ 34 key, staggered, zmk
BFO-9000
Chimera Ortho pcb ✔️ split, wireless
Chimera Ergo/Ergo Mini/Ergo 42 pcb ✔️ split, wireless, vertically staggered
Colosseum ✔️
Comet46 pcb, case ✔️ split, wireless, 40%, column-staggered, atmega32u4, nrf51822
Crkbd pcb, case ✔️ split, oled, 3x6, vertically staggered, thumb keys, kailh choc
Crkbd x jian pcb, case ✔️ split, oled, 3x6, vertically staggered, thumb keys, kailh choc
Dactyl pcb, case ✔️ split, thumb keys, 5x6, 60%, 3d print
Dactyl Chimera case ✔️ This project aims to provide a "test bench" for various column curvatures in mechanical keyboards.
Dactyl-ManuForm pcb, case ✔️ split, thumb keys, 4x5, 5x6, 40%, 60%, 3d print
Disconnect72 firmware, pcb + case coming soon oled, 2x rotary encoder, trackpad, bluetooth disconnect on dark wood desk
Djinn pcb, case ✔️ 4x7, split, rotary encoder, underglow
DMOTE case ✔️ concave, thumb keys, split, alps, mx
Dosidicus gigas pcb ✔️ 32 keys
DouBallz ✔️ ortho, concave, rotary encoder, oled, trackball
DracuLad pcb, case ✔️ 3x5, 36keys, split, rotary encoder, underglow
Dumang DK6 modular
Elephant42 pcb, case ✔️ split, pro micro
Ergo42 pcb, case ✔️ split, 4x7
ErgoBlue ✔️
ErgoDash pcb, case ✔️ 5x7, plate, led, split, thumb key
ErgoDash Mini pcb, case ✔️ 4x7, plate, led, split, thumb key
ErgoDone pcb ✔️ pro micro
ErgoDox official pcb, acryl case, 3d printable case ✔️ split, thumb keys, 5x7, 3d print
ErgoDox EZ ergodox ez
ErgoDox Infinity led control screen, KLL, infinite layers ergodex infinite
Ergoinu pcb, case ✔️ split, plate, mx, pro micro
ErgoMac pcb ✔️ split, vertically staggered, thumb keys
ErgoTravel pcb, case ✔️ split, vertically staggered, thumb keys
Ferris pcb, case ✔️ split, pro micro, thumb keys, choc
For Science pcb ✔️ trrs, reversible
Fortitude60 pcb, case ✔️ 60%, 4x6, split, vertically staggered
Fourier pcb ✔️ split, staggered
FreiKey ✔️
Gergo
GergoPlex Heavy
Helix pcb, case, firmware ✔️ ortho
Idiosepius thailandicus pcb ✔️ ARTSEY, ASTENIOP, Blue Micro, Choc
Jiran pcb, case ✔️ split, pro micro, thumb keys, hotswap
Jorne pcb, case ✔️ split, pro micro, thumb keys, oled, underglow
KeySeeBee pcb ✔️ split, STM32F072CBT6, smd, choc
Kissboard pcb, case ✔️ split, thumb keys, vertically staggered, mx, bluetooth, pro micro, 3d print
Koolerton
Kotonoha-BONSAI pcb, case ✔️ split, pro micro
Kotonoha-IAI pcb, case ✔️ split, pro micro
Kotonoha-WABISABI pcb, case ✔️ split, pro micro
lalboard pcb, case ✔️ split, 3d print, clustered lalboard 5% copper pla
Levinson split, ortho, pro micro, rgb, 40% diy kit
Levinson / Nyquist split, 60% / 40%, ATmega32u4, MX, Alps, Choc, rgb, 5x6, ortho, QMK diy pcb
Lily58 pcb, case ✔️ split, oled, 4x6
Let's Split pcb, case ✔️ split
Lyra pcb, case ✔️ split, ortho, pro micro, rotary-encoder
Manta 60 pcb, case ✔️ 5x14, split, pro micro
Medusa pcb, case ✔️ 5x7, split, plate, bluetooth, nrf51822
MiniDox pcb pcb ✔️ split, 3x5, vertically staggered, thumb keys
Minisplit pcb, case ✔️ split, 4x6
Mitosis pcb, case ✔️ split, wireless
Model01
Moonlander ortho, columnar moonlander two colors
Orbit pcb ✔️ split, 5x7, thumb keys, usb-c
Ortholink-5x4 Build Guide pcb, case ✔️ 38keys, split, smd
Pinky2 Pinky3 Pinky4 pcb, case ✔️ 2x5 / 3x7 / 4x7, vertically staggered, thumb keys, split, through hole
Pteron36 pcb, case ✔️ 3x5, split, oled, rotary encoder, pro micro, through hole, vertically staggered, thumb keys
Redox case ✔️ split, thumb keys, opensCad, 3d print
Sepia officinalis pcb ✔️ 34 keys
Science pcb ✔️ split, arduino, 5x5
ScyllaBallz ✔️ concave, split, ortho, rotary encoder, oled, trackball
Sector pcb, case ✔️ split, arduino, pro micro, oled
Sofle Keyboard pcb, case, build guide ✔️ 5x6, rotary, pro micro, split
Sol rgb
Space_ginny pcb, case ✔️ asetniop, ssd1306, oledsplit, pro micro
Split Infinitive pcb ✔️ split, 5x6, pro micro
Todarodes pacificus pcb ✔️ 30 keys, Hummingbird
Torn pcb, case ✔️ split, rotary-encoder, oled, 3x6, vertically staggered, thumb keys, atmega328p, through hole
Ultimate Hacking Keyboard pcb ✔️ split, display, 31FL3731
Uncokeeb ✔️ split, clustered uncokeeb reddit prototype
VE.A
Viterbi ortho
Xenon Keyboard pcb, case ✔️ split, vertically staggered, thumb keys, oled, pro micro
YAEMK Keyboard pcb, case ✔️ split, 5x8, vertically staggered, hotswap, thumb keys, oled, rgb led, arm, risc-v, usb-c
Zen (RGBKB) Build Guide pcb, case ✔️ split, ergo, ortho, thumb keys, rgb led

Handwired

Name Available Files Open Source Tags Image
52Te case ✔️ pro micro, split
60% Fixed Split Mechanical Keyboard case ✔️ 3d print, split
Arke case ✔️ 3d print, split, pro micro
Akihabara pcb, case ✔️ 40%, 3d print
ANHEDRAL pcb, casecase ✔️ 40%
Atreis case ✔️ handwiring
Atreus Split Keyboard pcb, case ✔️ 3d print, split, pro micro
Atreus62 pcb, case ✔️
Bloid40 case ✔️ 3d print, bluefruit-32u4-le, bluetooth
Ergo-Warped case ✔️ 3d print, split, ergo
fAuxLICE case ✔️ 3d print, handwiring, stm32, ergo
Freoduo case ✔️ 3d print, split, ergo
Keyberon case, firmware ✔️ 3d print, handwiring, blue pill, ortholinear
Keyberon-f4 case ✔️ stm32f401, usb-c, handwiring, 3d print
MECH - TKL case ✔️ 3d print, handwiring, teensy, tkl
METATRON case ✔️ 3d print, handwiring, teensy, 65 percent
MHKB case ✔️ 3d print, handwiring, teensy, HHKB Style, Happy Hacking Keyboard
Mech-104 case ✔️ 3d print, handwiring, teensy, full size, 104 key
Mech-60 case ✔️ 3d print, handwiring, teensy, 60 percent
Mechagodzilla case ✔️ 3d print, handwiring, teensy, no number pad, no function row
Mechanical Gamepad case ✔️ 3d print, handwiring, pro micro, ortholinear
Mechanical Keypad case ✔️ 3d print, handwiring
Monolith case ✔️ Awesome-Keebs3d print, handwiring, teensy, 65 percent
Redox Manuform case ✔️ 3d print, split, pro micro, underglow Tags
UNK pcb, case low profile, qmk, split, thinkpad nub mouse assembled with wood rests

Numpad/Macropad

Name Available Files Open Source Tags Image
1-key ISO 1x1 assorted colors
2% Milk pcb, case ✔️ 1x2, pro micro
4x5-wireless-keypad-pcb pcb ✔️ 4x5, bluetooth
Aball pcb, case ✔️ trackball, no buttons buttonless trackball for all
Amoeba Single-Switch PCB pcb ✔️ single-switch, handwiring
ANAVI Macro Pad 8 pcb, case ✔️ pcb, stl, atmega32u4, openscad, kicad
Arcade Button Control Box 2x2
Ardu Keyboard pcb ✔️ 3x3, ATmega328P
Banana case, firmware 1x8, arduino, handwired, pro micro banana for scale
Bento pcb ✔️ 5 key, 2x2 + 1, rotary bento macropad
bigKNOB pcb, case ✔️ 5x1, 4 key, 1 rotary, rgb, USB-C Thinkpad multicolor
Butter Stick 2x10 disassembled
Cherry-Mx-Bitboard-Re pcb ✔️ single-switch, handwiring, hotswap
Cherry MX Keypad pcb ✔️ 1x4, led
CHOCO pcb, case ✔️ 4x7, choc, usb-c, STM32F072C8T6, smd
Cookpad Pad pcb, case ✔️ 2x3, pro micro, ws2812b, underglow
Deej firmware, case ✔️ windows, linux, go, arduino nano, arduino uno, pro micro, sliders, 3d print deej github
Discipad pcb, case ✔️ 4x5, through hole, usb-c,
Drink Me pcb, case ✔️ 4%, VIA, QMK, 3d print drink me in blue
duckyPad pcb, case ✔️ 5x3, oled, rgb, sd-card
Dumbpad pcb ✔️ pcb, atmega32u4, rotary encoder
Env-MCRO pcb ✔️ pcb, rpi-pico
Env-NPD pcb ✔️ pcb, numpad, rpi-pico
FaunchPad 2x4
FreeDeck pcb, case ✔️ 2x3, oled, stream deck, pro micro, sd github banner
FreeDeck Deej Combo pcb, case ✔️ 2x3, oled, stream deck, pro micro, sliders, 3d print wood freedeej
Game cart macropad pcb, case ✔️ 4x4, 3d print assembled pokemon red
GeekPad pcb, case ✔️ 3x3, 3d print
GK21S numpad, bluetooth, rgb space grey
Gowla Macro Boards assorted parts
Hub16 pcb, case ✔️ 4x4, rotary encoder, usb hub, hotswap, underglow, ws2812
IsoPad pcb, case ✔️ 1x1, iso enter, VIA assembled with standoffs
Jack modular synth, up to 12 modular rotary encoders, 5x4, 20 keys, mill max jack macropad
KBDPAD MKII VIA, rgb underglow, USB-C, numpad layout kbdpad rgb
Keybow rgb, raspberry pi, 12 key, 3x4 rgb pcb kit
Ladispad pcb, case, firmware ✔️ 11 key, QMK, VIA, rotary encoder, pro micro ladispad
Leaf Cutter Labs MIDI Fader sliders, rgb midi rgb sliders
LFK17 pcb ✔️ 5x4, numpad, hotswap, rgb
Lysergic 25 pcb, plate ✔️ 5x5, pro micro, plate, underglow, ws2812b, esd, usb-c
Meishi2 pcb ✔️ 1x4, pro micro
miciMACRO5 1x5, up to 5 rotary, rgb various rotary
miniMACRO6c ✔️ 2x3, oled, QMK, USB-C
MMPad plates ✔️ 3x4, pro micro, USB-C
Mulletpad pcb, case ✔️ numpad, usb-c, atmega32u4, smd
OneKeyboard 1x1 dark assembled
openGRID pcb, case ✔️ 4x4, rgb opengrid
Pedal Pi ✔️ diagram of parts
Plaid Pad pcb, case ✔️ 4x4, 4 rotary, oled, QMK, VIAL, VIA four rotary
Pix pcb, case ✔️ pro micro, 1x4, rotary encoder, oled, desk mounted, monitor mounted
ProMicro Macro Keyboard Ver2.0 pcb, case, firmware ✔️ rgb, rotary encoder, steam deck, 3d print, pro micro
Remnant pcb, case ✔️ 2x4, through hole, attiny85
SAMD21 Bridge Module Cherry Board pcb, case ✔️ plate
SAN pcb, case ✔️ 1x3, STM32F042F6P6, hotswap
Scramble 2x3, QMK, VIA, hotswap, oled, rotary encoder, led underlighting scramble assembled
Sweet 16 4x4, diy kit Sweet 16 Keycaps
The Big Switch a big switch
The Big Switch PCB 1x1, 2 pcb's, pro micro / elite-c not included
The Enabler 1x1, comes in various u 1u
Tidbit 19 key, numpad layout, oled, rotary encoder, rgb, pro micro, QMK tidbit with matrix and rotary
Twiddler 3 chording, multi device, multi language Twiddler 3
Uno pcb and assembled
VOID9 case, firmware ✔️ 3x3, pro micro, handwired, QMK, 3d print white and yellow
vsFIGHTER pcb, case, firmware ✔️ arrow keys + 2x4 assembled
XD002 2%, rgb hot swap sockets
Yampad pcb, case ✔️ numpad, pro micro, oled, hotswap, underglow, ws2812
Zesty 25 pcb, case ✔️ 5x5, pro micro, plate, underglow, ws2812b

Arcade

Name Available Files Open Source Tags Image
BLE Arcade Stick pcb, firmware, cad ✔️ bluetooth, joystick, arcade button, 2x3
Cherry Macro Fighter pcb, case ✔️ 3x3, arcade buttons, qmk, 3d print, arduino pro micro, thin profile arcade button box
Jaycar Joystick bom, code ✔️
Joystick Controller pro micro controller with pro micro

Chorded / Steno

Name Available Files Open Source Tags Image
Chordie pcb, case ✔️ with trackball
Chordite ✔️
ChordVR 3d print, code ✔️ for VR render
DecaKeyer code ✔️ 10 key in use
Georgi 30 keys steno for all
Gergo 50 keys partially assembled
Gergo Heavy
GergoPlex 36 keys, QMK ants silkscreen
Ginny 10 keys ginny
Ginny Heavy
Juni code ✔️ Code for Keybow
NaN-15 pcb, case, firmware ✔️ 15 key, numpad, mouse emulation blank keycaps

Case

Name Open Source Tags Image
60% (Poker II, Pok3r) Keyboard Case 2.0 ✔️ 3d print
Alpha keyboard case ✔️ 3d print
Arisu Keyboard Case ✔️ plate
Atom47 for Vortex Core ✔️ 3d print
Atreus62 High Profile Keyboard Case ✔️ 3d print
Chimera Egro 42 Tenting Case ✔️ 3d print, tenting, split
Cospad Case ✔️ 3d print, numpad
Cospad Diamond Case ✔️ 3d print, numpad
CRKBD Case ✔️ 3d print, split
CRKBD Case Cloud ✔️ 3d print, split
CRKBD SpaceCase ✔️ 3d print, split
CRKBD Case VOID Ergo S ✔️ 3d print, split
Dactyl extended bottom case with gel wrist rests ✔️ 3d print, split
Dactyl Manuform 5x6 keyboard wrist rests ✔️ 3d print, split
ErgoDash Tenting Case ✔️ 3d printing, split, tenting
ErgoDox-Case ✔️ split, thumb keys, 7x5
Ergodox Case ✔️ 3d print
Ergodox Case PrintDox ✔️ 3d print, split
Fourier - Split 40% Keybaord ✔️ 3d print, split
Iris Case ✔️ 3d print, split
Iris Case V2 ✔️ 3d print, split
Iris Mech Build ✔️ acrylic, brushed copper, led
Iris Ice Project ✔️ 3d print, acrylic, white, led
Iris Tenting Cases (High & Low Profile) ✔️ 3d print, tenting, split
Kyria ✔️ acrylic, split, ortholinear, oled
Let's Split Keyboard Angled Case ✔️ 3d print, split, ortholinear
Let's Split Keyboard Case ✔️ 3d print, split, ortholinear
Let's Split Keyboard Plate & Case ✔️ 3d print, split, ortholinear
Minidox Case ✔️ split, 3x6, vertically staggered, thumb keys
Minidox Tenting Case ✔️ 3d print, tenting, split
Miuni32-Case ✔️ 3d print, ortholinear, 3x11
Nyquist Plate + Case ✔️ 3d print, split, ortholinear
OLKB (Planck, Preonic & Atomic) ✔️ 3d print, plate
Preonic & Planck 5 Degree like keyboard case ✔️ 3d print, ortholinear
Redox-Case ✔️ split, thumb keys, opensCad, 3d print
Sofle v2 5 degree high profile ✔️ split, thumb keys, stl, 3d print

Parts


Drop-in replacement PCB & Microcontrollers

Name Open Source Description Tags Image
AEK II USB ✔️ Apple Extended Keyboard II (QMK compatible)
Adafruit Feather 32u4 Bluefruit LE BLE controller with full QMK support atmega32u4, nRF51822, micro usb, bluetooth, eaglecad
ATmega32A low-power, high-performance Microchip 8-bit AVR RISC-based ATmega32A
ATmega32U4 low-power Microchip 8-bit AVR RISC-based
Bit-C ATmega32U4, Pro micro drop in pro micro, USB-C, QMK bit-c white
BLE Micro Pro Breakout board of BL654(nrf52840 module) which is almost compatible with Pro Micro. This board is designed for wireless split DIY keyboards. nrf52840, bluetooth
BluePill Plus ✔️ https://deskthority.net/wiki/Blue_Pill USB-C
Bonsai-C ✔️ pro micro, proton c, STM32F303CC, bonsai c from JLCPCB
E80-1800 ✔️ Cherry G80-1800 (QMK compatible)
Elite-C v4 ATmega32u4, USB-C built elite-c
GH80 Series ✔️ GH80-1800, GH80-3003, GH80-3700
Goldfish A thin, USB-C, Pro Micro/Elite-C compatible microcontroller pro micro, atmega32u4, usb-c, kicad
M0110a USB ✔️ Apple M0110a (QMK compatible)
M0116 USB ✔️ Apple M0116 (QMK compatible, Mini-USB)
Model M Type C ✔️ IBM Model M keyboard
MX-5160 ✔️ Chicony 5160c
nice!nano Pro Micro drop-in replacement
Nrfmicro Arduino Pro Micro-sized breakout board for E73-2G4M08S1C (nRF52840) modules pro micro, nrf52840, usb-c, micro usb, kicad, bluetooth
NT-Series ✔️ Leopold FC660m, FC750r and FC980m
Proton C The Proton C is an Arm STM32F303xC based drop-in replacement for the Pro Micro. qmk arm drop in
Pro Micro Pro Micro - 5V/16MHz
QF XT Ghost Squit CM Storm QuickFire XT QF XT Ghost Squid Controller-0
RobotDyn Black Pill https://stm32-base.org/boards/STM32F103C8T6-RobotDyn-Black-Pill STM32F103
Rosewill Black Petal Rosewill RK-9000 Rosewill Black Petal Controller-0
ShiroMicro ProMicro clone with Mid-Mount USB Type-C connector pro micro, usb-c, kicad
SparkFun Rotary Encoder Breakout
STM32 Black Pill
Teensy img
The Unloved Bastard Controller CM Masterkeys S The Unloved Bastard Controller
USB4VC: USB Input for Retro Computers ✔️ USB4VC is an active protocol converter that let you use USB keyboard, mouse, and gamepads on a wide range of retro computers.
WeAct STM32F4x1 MiniF4 ✔️ https://deskthority.net/wiki/Black_Pill black pill
WY-60 USB ✔️ Wyse ASCII WY-60QMK (QMK compatible, Mini-USB)

Encoders

Name Style Part Number Linked Parts Tags Image
Grayhill Touch Encoder Smart Rotary COM-15965 touch screen, rotary
Sparkfun High Detent Force EC-11 Rotary COM-16879 SparkFun Rotary Encoder Breakout ec-11
Sparkfun LED Tactile Button Button COM-10443 rgb
Sparkfun RG EC-11 Rotary COM-15140 SparkFun Rotary Encoder Breakout ec-11, rgb
Sparkfun RGB EC-11 Rotary COM-15141 SparkFun Rotary Encoder Breakout ec-11, rgb

Hardware

Name Style Part Number Tags Image
Clear Plastic Knob Knob COM-10597 ec-11, rgb

Lubricants

Name Tags Image
Krytox GPL 105
Krytox GPL 205g0
Permatex 22058 Dielectric Grease

Film

Name Style Material Thickness Tags Image
Durock MX MX HTV + PC 0.15 mm

Switches

Switch Database - Collated by Epsilon Keyboards

Switch Stem Leg Comparison Database - Please leave comments in cell if you have more info on the stem, such as material, or any info I have missed or any mistakes I made. Thank you for you time and contributions. Note: filter button is on the lower right corner of the 1st row cell, very small, pay attention.

Gateron vs Cherry Color Codes

Switch Type of Pressing force Cherry equivalent
Gateron clear Linear 35g -
Gateron red Linear 45g MX Red
Gateron yellow Linear 50g -
Gateron black Linear 65g MX Black
Gateron blue Clicking 55g MX Blue
Gateron green Clicking 75g MX Green
Gateron brown Tactile 50g MX Brown
Name Style RGB Friendly Tags Image
✔️

Stabilizers

Name Style Material Tags Image
Cherry Plate Mount Plate Mount
Costar Plate Mount Plate Mount
CuXiu Plate Mount Plate Mount
Durock v2 PCB Mount
GMK Cherry Screw In
N/C Panda Plate Mount
NFK Snap-in Plate Mount POM
Zeal Plate Mount Stabilizers Plate Mount
Zeal Transparent Gold Pated Screw-in Stabilizers v2 Screw In

Firmware

  • AVR Keyboard - For ATmega32u4-based controllers.
  • BlueMicro_BLE - Bluetooth for the NRF52832.
  • Bluetosis - Bluetooth for the Mitosis keyboard.
  • EasyAVR - For custom keyboards based on USB AVRs.
  • Kaleidoscope - Flexible firmware for Arduino-powered keyboards.
  • Keyberon - Pure rust.
  • Keyplus - Easy to use with support for wireless and wired split keyboards.
  • KMK - Feature-rich and beginner-friendly for keyboards written and configured in CircuitPython.
  • Mechy - Arduino compatible, plugin based.
  • MK32 - Simple BLE keyboard for ESP32
  • nrf52-keyboard - BLE using nrf52810/52832
  • Python-Keyboard - Highly extensible and written in Python, based on CircuitPython, with RGB, USB and Bluetooth.
  • QMK - Based on the tmk_keyboard firmware for Atmel AVR and ARM controllers.
  • Teensy - For Teensy based boards and others using the same microcontroller. Based on usb_keyboard.
  • TMK - For Atmel AVR and Cortex-M.
  • ZMK - MIT-licensed, built on top of the Zephyr RTOS that is “wireless first”.

QMK

  • Chording Engine - Pure QMK combos were not sufficient as they do not really support overlapping combos. For example. if you define 3 combos (KC_Q, KC_W), (KC_Z, KC_X) and (KC_Q, KC_W, KC_Z, KC_X) and press Q, W, Z and X at the same time, all three combos will activate.
  • kbd-prettier - Automatically format your keyboard layout
  • Keyboard Firmware Builder - Online QMK Firmware Builder (2+ years behind QMK firmware master)
  • Q2K - A python based utility for parsing QMK Firmware keymaps to various outputs
  • QMK Configurator - An open source configurator for QMK Firmware
  • QMK Docs
  • QMK Toolbox
  • qmk_emote_macro_generator - Easily generate QMK macro/leader sequences for arbitrary unicode sequences.

TMK

Software Tools

EAGLE Part Libraries and Tools

KiCAD Part Libraries and Tools

Hardware Tools

Stores

Places to buy keyboards, parts, and other paraphernalia.

AVOID THESE

Vendors that I have had multiple negative experiences with and personally steer clear of. Your Mileage May Vary.

  • KBD Fans
  • Drop

Custom Keyboard Stores

Keycaps

Keyboard Parts

Custom Cables

Bits-and-Bobs Suppliers

Other Lists of Keyboard Vendors

Prototype and Fab Shops

  • Elecrow - PCB design + fab + assembly, laser cutting, machining, assorted electronics parts
  • JLC PCB - Custom PCB's, minimum order of 5
  • Lasergist - Custom laser cut stainless steel.
  • OSH Park - High quality, ethical, USA based PCB fab
  • Ponoko - Custom laser cut parts.
  • Sculpteo - Custom 3D prints.

Tutorials

Visual Guides

  • Diode Icon Explanations and Positioning: Diode Icon Explanations and Positioning

  • How to Holee Mod: holee mod gif

  • Mounting Styles: mounting styles quick guide

  • North Facing vs South Facing Switches: Most north facing switches have interference with cherry-profile keycaps, which can cause a bad sound and feel. Most cheap keyboards have north facing switches, but its always good to look for south-facing switches if you ever plan to use cherry-profile keycaps like GMK or HK gaming. Backlit keycaps work better with north facing switches.

    north vs south facing switches

  • Soldering Quick Guide:

    Perfect Soldering Steps

  • Three Pin vs Five Pin Switches 3

    Which one do I use?

    If your pcb does not support 5 pin switches, and you have a plate in your keyboard build, use 3 pin switches. If you are doing a build without a plate, use 5 pin switches on a pcb that does support them. This is because without the two extra pins on the 5 pin switch, it will be very hard to align the switches straight.

    What if my PCB does not support 5 Pin switches?

    It is possible to cut off the extra two pins on the switch in order for it to fit inside a pcb that only supports 3 pin switches. You can use anything from nail clippers to flush cutters to clip these legs off. Just keep in mind that this may depreciate the value of your switches if you ever wish to resell them.

    3 v 5 leg switches

  • Spring Curve Visual 4

    spring curve visual

  • Anatomy of a Stem:

    stem anatomy

Lube Volume Guide

Size Product Weight (approximately) Switch Coverage
3mL 5.7g 240
5mL 9.5g 400
10mL 19g 800
20mL 38g 1600
40mL 76g 3200

Build-Guide Videos

Miscellaneous

3D Design Tools

  • Cherry Keycaps - 3D models for legened and unlegended Cherry profile caps
  • KeyV2 - 3D Parametric Mechanical Keycap Library
  • MX Switches - 3D models for Cherry MX switches
  • XDA Keycaps - 3D models for unlegended XDA caps
  • Kailh Sockets - 3D models for Kailh MX and Choc hotswap sockets

3D Prints

Name Image
Alps Switch Opener
ALPS Switch Top Remover
Architeuthis Dux Tent Case
Big Switch Case
Big Switch SA R1 Keycap
Cherry MX alignment guide
Cherry MX Kailh Socket Holder for handwired keyboards
Cherry Popper - 3D printable Mechanical Keyboard Switch Opening Tool.
CRKBD Bento Case
EC11 Rotary Encoder to MX Switchplate Adapter adapter that allows a rotary encoder to be easily placed into a Cherry MX-compatible switch plate
Encoder Knob
Kailh Choc Opener
Kailh Choc Switch Opener
Kailh Choc to MX converter
Keyboard Stand
Lalboard - a 3D-printed keyboard inspired by the DataHand.
MX-Fidger
Nav Switch to MX Adapter - adapter that allows an inexpensive 5-way nav switch to be easily placed into a Cherry MX-compatible switch plate.
Pointer Nub Thing - A replacement cap for your TrackPoint ™ style pointing device. nipple mouse replacement
Rhombicuboctahedron Mechanical Keyboard Switch Tester
OpenSCAD Mechanical Keyboard Cases - is a OpenSCAD script to make 3D-printable split keyboard cases.
Z-Butt-1U: Artisan Keycap creation platform z-butt

Keycap 3D Models

Laser Cutting

Keyboard Layouts

Data Sheets

Games

  • Typing Game - for keyboard exhibition. ranking and dictionary data is stored in local pc. you can use offline. Github
  • Typings - is a sleek and modern typing test website. it supports many custom themes. Github
  • Typefast.io - minimalistic type-test sites with 16 different languages and custom word list. (Github)

Community

Forums, realtime chat, social media, and other ways to participate in the keyboard community. [^community]

Chat

Forums

Newsletters

  • KBD.news aka Keyboard Builder's Digest - KBD.news is a blog and weekly newsletter from Tamas Dovenyi about custom keyboard projects, tips, tools, vintage keyboard spottings and community news.

Reddit

Wiki

FAQ

Credit: 5

Q: Why the heck did you spend so much time making this?!

A: I love makers. I love those beautiful, crazy people who make things that bring people joy. This is my way of giving back and helping the community as a whole learn and grow. If you appreciate what I have done here please consider buying me a coffee.

Q: What keyboard should I get?

A: You should be more specific. First determine your layout (60%, tkl, full size, etc) and then your preferences.

Q: What is the best switch?

A: Like choosing your keyboards, you have to determine what you are looking for in a switch. Tactility? Smoothness? Looking to mod? Etc.

Q: Which switch is optimal for gaming?

A: Whichever one you like best. Don’t fall for the “x is for gaming” bullshit. If you like a switch and not one for “gaming” then don’t get the one for “gaming”.

Q: What keycaps should I get?

A: Please refer to the keycap guide to see what you would like first, then determine your budget and requirements.

Q: I am wanting to build my first board, which one should I get?

A: Depending on your experience there may be some stuff more suitable for you. In most cases, it is recommended you go for hotswap first so you are not limited to one switch.

Q: What’s with all this RGB hate?

A: RGB can be very gaudy to many, especially in the enthusiast community.

Q: Why is everything out of stock?

A: The mechanical keyboard hobby is still fairly small and most stuff is manufactured in group buys ran by people in the community. There isn’t enough demand to justify mass producing everything for the enthusiast grade products.

Q: Why are these keyboards so expensive?

A: Because the hobby is small, many boards are projects of community members and can be expensive to produce for new tooling.

Q: So where can I buy the stuff that is out of stock? I really want (fill in the blank) keyset!

A: You can wait for a round 2 group buy or check the aftermarket (Ebay, r/mm, etc). Beware of scalpers!

Q: How do I know if my keycaps are compatible with my keyboard?

A: Look at your layout and see if your set has the special keys required.

Q: What is the difference between hotswap and soldered?

A: Hotswap: Hotswap keyboards allow you to put in switches without desoldering. You are going to be required to use a plate if you go this route and also be aware that the hotswap sockets will wear over time. You can also solder sockets onto a pcb to make a pcb hotswap as well. If you have kailh/gateron hotswap sockets and want to make a pcb hotswappable, you need to make sure that the pcb had pads to support them.
Soldered: Soldering switches means that you have a stronger bond from your switch to your pcb. Unfortunately, it is harder to change your switches because you would have to desolder, which is a time consuming process. Soldering is also required for a plateless build in order to keep the switches stable.


Footnotes

[^ community ]: I have only listed English speaking communities here as I cannot personally verify the content of other languages. Deskthority offers a list of some non-English communities here: https://deskthority.net/wiki/Keyboard_communities

Footnotes

  1. Forked from https://github.com/BenRoe/awesome-mechanical-keyboard to include more boards and projects, including some open sourced and some closed source / retail products at my random, personal choosing.

  2. Credit to Powwu#0001 on Oct 25, 2020 on MechKeys Discord.

  3. Credit to KanyeGrande#7566 on Dec 03, 2020 on MechKeys Discord.

  4. Credit to logo4poop#0788 on Oct 09, 2020 on MechKeys Discord.

  5. Shoutout to @Bassett for doing the original FAQ, edited by EanNewton on Nov 21, 2021.