20 20 Split Keyboard
A wireless, handwired split keyboard with hotswap sockets and a magnetic snap-together design, built entirely without a PCB.
The Problem
Getting into custom ergonomic keyboards is often intimidating and expensive. Existing options usually require navigating complicated PCB orders, buying expensive pre-made kits, or committing to permanent soldering. There was a lack of highly accessible, "actually buildable" kits that offered premium features like hotswap and wireless capabilities without the high barrier to entry.
What I Built
A standalone wireless split keyboard that completely eliminates the need for a complicated PCB. Using custom 3D-printed plates to secure hotswap sockets for Cherry MX switches, the board is fully handwired while still allowing users to swap switches freely. It runs ZMK firmware on Nice!Nano v2 clones, enabling full Bluetooth wireless support. To make it versatile, I designed the 3D-printed case with an embedded magnet system. This allows the two halves to magnetically snap together into a compact 40% ortholinear layout, or detach into a fully ergonomic 24 + 24 split setup. I also fully documented the build with a detailed matrix pinout, step-by-step manual, and a wiring guide so anyone can build it at home.
Concrete Outcome
Published a fully open-source, accessible custom keyboard that removes the friction for newcomers. Provided the community with a complete kit including STEP files for remixing, a detailed Bill of Materials, and ZMK firmware setups, making it one of the simplest ways to get into custom split keyboards.
My Role
Designed and 3D modeled the hotswap plate, switch plate, and magnetic housing. Handwired the matrix and configured the custom ZMK firmware. Documented the entire project by writing the step-by-step build instructions, creating the visual wiring pinout, and producing a full YouTube build video.
Resources & Links
Supporting artifacts, downloads, and external references related to this project.