wholteza/5x6-split-kb
1
0
Fork 0
Code Issues Pull Requests Packages Projects Releases Wiki Activity
Files
main
5x6-split-kb/rev1
History

README.md

5×6‑Split‑KB (rev1)

An ergonomic split keyboard designed for comfort, low height, and simplicity—without thumb clusters or wrist rests.

Assembled halves with TRRS cable

Design Philosophy

After using the Planck keyboard for over 10 years, I found that common shortcuts—especially involving numbers—often require awkward finger gymnastics. This keyboard is an attempt to create something more comfortable and intuitive in those situations.

I also chose to remove the thumb cluster entirely, as I personally don't find them ergonomic. This layout avoids strain and keeps all keys within easy reach of the fingers.

Key ergonomic decisions include:

  • Low Profile: With a total height of just 19.4 mm, no wrist rest is needed.
  • Split Layout: Modeled after the Ergodox, allowing natural shoulder-width hand positioning.
  • No Thumb Cluster: Reduces thumb strain by omitting thumb-specific keys.

Specifications

  • Layout: 5 rows × 6 columns per side (ortholinear grid)
  • Total Height: 19.4 mm
  • Split Connection: TRRS 3.5mm audio cable (easy to find and replace)
  • Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi Pico (one per half)
  • PCB: Reversible; same board used for both left and right
  • Assembly Method:
    • Held together with 2×4 mm magnets
    • Requires super glue for final enclosure fit

Ordering Info

  • You'll need to order 2× copies of the same PCB
    • Designed for AISLER, but probably compatible with other PCB manufacturers.
    • On aisler you can simply upload the kicad pcb file directly.
  • 2x Raspberry Pi Pico.
  • 1x Usb micro b cable.
  • 60x Kailh choc v2 switches.
  • 60x 1u cherry mx compatible keycaps.
  • 1x TRRS 3.5mm audio cable.
  • 2x SMD TRRS connectors similar to this one.
    • Schematic is available on the site so that you find one with the same pinout and dimensions.
  • 60x 1N4148 diodes.
  • 14-22x small round rubber feet (optional, for the bottom of the case).
  • 10x 2×4 mm magnets for holding the chassi together.

3d printing

Will be updated as soon as i upload the 3d models.

For the right side:

For the left side:

  • 1x top dampener Mirror this piece to make it for the left side
  • 1x bot dampener Mirror this piece to make it for the left side

Assembly

For each side:

  1. Solder the TRRS connector.
  2. Solder the Raspberry Pi Pico.
  3. Solder the diodes.
  4. Put the top dampener in place on top of the PCB.
  5. Solder the switches.
  6. Put the keycaps on the switches.
  7. Put on the rubber feet on the bottom of the case (optional).
  8. Super glue the magnets to the bottom chassi.
  9. Place the bot dampener in the bottom chassi.
  10. Place the PCB assembly on top of the bot dampener.
  11. Place the top chassi piece up side down and super glue the magnets in place.
    • Important: Make sure that you glue the magnets in the right direction so that they attract each other.
  12. Place the top chassi piece on top of the PCB assembly.

Flashing the firmware

  1. Dissconnect the TRRS cable if you have it connected.
  2. While holding the reset button on the Raspberry Pi Pico, connect it to your computer via USB.
  3. Add steps on how to flash the firmware here once available.
  4. Do the same thing for the other half.
  5. Dissconnect the kyboard from the computer and connect the TRRS cable.
  6. Connect the keyboard to your computer.
  7. You should now be able to use the keyboard.

Image Gallery

Click to view:

🔗 Firmware

Firmware is based on QMK.

A link to the readme file will be added here as soon as he firmware branch is merged into the main repository.