Wander through keyboard build guides like strolling down the back alleys of Akihabara.
A curated stock-type portal collecting self-made keyboard build guides.
by ai03 / CannonKeys
An aluminum unibody keyboard in an 1800 layout that keeps the numpad. It combines a single-sided gasket system with top mount, with guide coverage for weights, daughterboard, foam, and hotswap or solder PCBs.
Build Guideby Phil Hagelberg
A 42-key unibody ergonomic keyboard. This classic DIY kit fits angled column-staggered key clusters for both hands into a compact case, relying on thumb keys and layers.
Build Guideby Quentin Lebastard
A small 3x5+3 Dactyl Manuform-style split keyboard with a three-key thumb cluster and an open-source case.
Build Guideby Perseus333
A 36-key wireless split keyboard built around Choc switches. The guide combines a Cirque trackpad, rotary encoder, 3D-printed case, and batteries in a low-profile build.
by Keebio
A 30-key low-profile ortholinear keyboard. It uses Choc switches and hotswap sockets with a Pro Micro-compatible controller for a compact unibody kit.
by coseyfannitutti
A 65% row-staggered through-hole keyboard. The build covers diodes, resistors, USB-C, ATmega32A-related parts, and the assembly of a hands-on unibody kit.
by Dominic Beauchamp
A large split column-staggered keyboard with thumb clusters. The classic DIY ergonomic build covers diodes, I/O expanders, TRRS wiring, and controller assembly.
by Joe Scotto
A 36-key keyboard with a split-inspired unibody layout, built with a 3D-printed case and handwiring. It directly wires MX-compatible switches, diodes, and a controller.
by MechWild
A unibody 40% keyboard with a half number row, rotary encoder, and solenoid. The guide covers the Pro Micro, transistor, flyback diode, solenoid, switches, and acrylic case assembly.
by MechWild
A split Alice-like row-staggered keyboard with rectangular halves suited for tenting. The guide covers both halves, including Pro Micros, USB ports, OLEDs, rotary encoders, and acrylic parts.
by MechWild
A split column-staggered keyboard with thumb clusters, a touchpad, OLED, and rotary encoders. The guide walks through the BlackPill, GPIO expander, Nugget, touchpad mounting, and case assembly.
by ssbb
A 34-key split keyboard for electrostatic capacitive switches. It supports RP2040-based wired builds and nice!nano wireless builds, with guide coverage for Topre/NIZ-style parts, domes, springs, and top plates.
by rish987
A 3D-printed Dactyl Manuform-style split keyboard with a clickable trackball mechanism that enters the mouse layer when pressed. The guide covers printing, wiring, the sensor, and firmware.
by Adafruit
A 3x4 RP2040 macropad with MX-compatible hotswap sockets, NeoPixels, a 128x64 OLED, rotary encoder, speaker, and STEMMA QT. It is designed for CircuitPython or Arduino workflows.
by Upas / CannonKeys
An aluminum unibody FRL-1800 keyboard with a knob. The build combines Poron gaskets, a solder PCB, unified daughterboard, and distinctive accent pieces for a large work-focused board.
by Mechboards
A 173%-class oversized unibody keyboard supporting 179 to 213 keys. The build covers the stainless case, dual hotswap PCBs, handle, foam, and a huge number of stabilizers and switches.
by MechWild
A 40% row-staggered through-hole kit with an OLED and rotary encoder. The build steps through the ATmega328P, USB-C port, diodes, IC socket, and other parts for an approachable compact 40% board.
by Keebio
A 70% split ortholinear keyboard with 5x7 keys per half. Rev. 2 follows the Levinson Rev. 3-style build flow with diodes, TRRS, Pro Micro-compatible controllers, and MX or Alps switches.
by weteor
A 36-key low-profile split ortholinear keyboard in a minimal 3x5+3 Choc layout. It uses onboard controllers, USB-C interconnect, and optional Pimoroni trackball or tenting puck support.
by Afternoon Labs
A 70-key split row-staggered keyboard. The Keebio Rev. 1.3 kit uses USB-C interconnect, an included case, and MX hotswap sockets, with guide coverage from controller soldering to case assembly.
by CannonKeys
A 65%-class unibody custom keyboard with plate gaskets, force-break pads, internal weight, and USB/RGB daughterboards. The guide covers both wired QMK/VIA and wireless ZMK Studio versions.
by Keebio
A 4x4 16-key macropad for Kailh Choc low-profile switches. The build covers diodes, a Pro Micro, and optional in-switch LEDs with their control components in a compact project.
by peej
A 5x12 ortholinear PCB designed to fit standard 60% cases. This unibody keyboard uses mostly through-hole parts, combining visible electronics with FR4 plate options and common case compatibility.
by null-ll / piit79
A through-hole kit with an Alice-like 65% ergonomic layout, arrow keys, and rotary encoder support. The guide walks through the USB-C port, ATmega32A, diodes, switches, and case hardware.
by Boardsource
A Lily58-style 6x4x4 split keyboard built around an aluminum top case, OLED covers, tenting legs, and optional rotary encoders, with an assembly-focused build process.
by Protozoa Studio / coseyfannitutti
A TKL keyboard based on the Mysterium-style PCB. The guide covers a full large-format DIY build, including through-hole electronics, USB-C, stabilizers, and case assembly.
by gtips
A 34- or 33-key unibody column-staggered keyboard with a centered thumb cluster, RGB LEDs, and an acrylic diffuser, offering a compact ergonomic layout in a single-piece build.
by David Philip Barr
A Ferris-family 34-key split keyboard with a minimal diode-free PCB. The guide covers hotswap sockets, TRRS jacks, reset switches, and Pro Micro-style controllers.
by Keebio
A Corne-like three-row low-profile split keyboard derived from the Iris CE, with Choc V1 hotswap, RP2040, a CNC aluminum case, and 3x6 or 3x5 layout options.
by Keebio
A split row-staggered TKL-style keyboard with MX-compatible switches, TRRS interconnect, and optional rotary encoder or LEDs, keeping a familiar layout while separating the halves.
by CannonKeys
A 12x5 60% ortholinear keyboard built around a Blue Pill microcontroller, with a mostly through-hole kit process covering diodes, USB port, Blue Pill headers, and optional backlighting parts.
by Coffee Break Keyboards
A compact roughly 35% row-staggered keyboard using a Pro Micro and diodes, known for its distinctive small layout that packs familiar keycap sizes into very few keys.
by CannonKeys
A TKL kit with a stacked acrylic case built around the DevastatingTKL PCB, combining an FR4 plate, seven acrylic case layers, feet layers, and support for RGB underglow.
by Taro Hayashi
A 48-56 key split keyboard with a 30-degree tilted 3D structure and swappable thumb clusters for trackball, D-pad, or joystick modules.
by EggsWorks
A 36-key ultra-low-profile unibody split-style keyboard using Kailh PG1425 X switches and a XIAO RP2040, emphasizing a thin direct-soldered build.
by Takuya Urakawa / Dm9Records
A 60% unibody keyboard using an ATmega328P with V-USB and all-through-hole components, packaging an ANSI/ISO-style layout for approachable DIY assembly.
by Yang Hu
A 42-44 key unibody keyboard inspired by Corne and Kyria, with an onboard STM32 MCU plus support for an OLED, buzzer, and up to two rotary encoders.
by CyanDuck
A 36-key split keyboard supporting MX or Choc hotswap sockets, OLEDs, rotary and roller encoders, and both wired and wireless build options.
by kagizaraya
A 48-key split ortholinear keyboard in the same family as Let's Split. It uses all through-hole parts without a Pro Micro, and the expansion kit can turn it into a three-part build with a numpad/macropad.
by yfuku / Daily Craft Keyboard
A 44-key split column-staggered keyboard with four thumb keys and inward-angled key positions for a natural hand posture. v3 adds MX hotswap, Type-C Pro Micros, and expansion plates.
by Makoto Kurauchi
A split ortholinear keyboard with up to 64 keys and selectable four- or five-row builds. The PCB can be cut down, and the guide covers MX or Kailh Choc low-profile switches, OLEDs, underglow, and backlighting.
by eucalyn
A 60% split keyboard close to a familiar row-staggered layout. It keeps typing approachable with standard keycap sets and generous soldering spacing while letting the halves sit at a more natural angle.
by recompile keys
A 31-key 30% unibody keyboard with a distinctive ISO Enter key. The acrylic sandwich build guide walks through diodes, the Pro Micro, stabilizer, MX switches, and bottom plate assembly.
by ai03 / CannonKeys
An aluminum unibody keyboard in an 1800 layout that keeps the numpad. It combines a single-sided gasket system with top mount, with guide coverage for weights, daughterboard, foam, and hotswap or solder PCBs.
by 40percent.club
An ultra-compact 30-key ortholinear keyboard. The guide covers soldering diodes, controller headers, and MX switches, assembling the plates with standoffs, and configuring it with KMK and CircuitPython.
by nullbits
A through-hole 65% kit with a left macro column, rotary encoder, giant RGB LED, and OLED header. It uses a Pro Micro-compatible MCU and focuses the build around diodes, IC sockets, and other forgiving through-hole parts.
by CannonKeys
A 75% unibody keyboard with a knob and hotswap OLED. The official guide covers the polycarbonate case, gasket mount, hotswap or solder PCB, RTC battery, and VIA/QMK setup.
by STHLM kb
A large ortholinear keyboard with support for up to 87 keys. The build can include a Pro Micro-compatible controller, diodes, ICs, stabilizers, OLED, two rotary encoders, and an RGB strip.
by kkatano / CannonKeys
A unibody O-ring gasket-mount keyboard family covering the Bakeneko60, Bakeneko65, and BakenekoGO. The official guide covers the aluminum case, hotswap PCB, daughterboard, and O-ring assembly.
by Keebio
A 3x3 nine-key macropad that supports up to three EC11/EC12 rotary encoders, MX, Alps, or Choc switches, and FR4 or acrylic cases. The guide keeps encoder-first assembly and case assembly concise.
by ai03
A unibody custom keyboard with a ZMK-based wireless hotswap PCB. The build covers the injection-molded polycarbonate case, gaskets, battery, and optional knob module for a lightweight portable board.
by CannonKeys
A 60% ANSI kit built around an STM32 Blue Pill board. The shared Bluepill guide covers diodes, USB, Blue Pill headers and mods, optional backlighting parts, stabilizers, and switches for a soldering-focused unibody build.
by Mattia Dal Ben
A 70-key split column-staggered ergonomic keyboard. The official README documents Cherry MX-compatible switches, Pro Micro controllers, TRRS wiring, 3D-printed or bamboo cases, RGB, and Mill-Max hotswap mods.
by ShiniNet
A 42-key wireless split keyboard with custom dual trackpads on both halves. It supports Choc V2-compatible switches, 5-way switches, tenting stands, and ZMK firmware.
by Cerbekos
A 40% keyboard that can work as a split board over TRRS or as a unibody board through magnetic pogo pins. It uses XIAO RP2040 controllers, Remap-ready QMK, and LED indicators.
by MechWild
A through-hole numpad and macropad kit with an OLED and rotary encoder. It supports normal numpad, mirrored numpad, and all-1U layout options.
by MechWild
An Alice-like unibody ergonomic keyboard with arrow keys and a left macro column. This through-hole kit supports BlackPill controllers, QMK/VIA/VIAL, optional encoder, and RGB strip headers.
by hsgw
A 12x4 ortholinear unibody through-hole keyboard. It uses an ATmega328P with V-USB, with Japanese and English docs covering assembly, bootloader setup, and QMK flashing.
by gohanda_kbd
A 44-key wireless split keyboard with a 25 mm thumb trackball on the right half. It combines a Grin layout, AA battery power, a PMW3610 sensor, and a simple gasket mount.
by Keebio
A split ortholinear keyboard designed to work well with standard keysets. The official page points to the shared Quefrency/Sinc/KBO-5000 flow and adds FoldKB-specific video, wiring notes, and keymap details.
by Keebio
A compact Choc V1 low-profile variant of the Iris. The guide covers Rev. 1 PCBs, aluminum or polycarbonate cases, Poron support, hotswap switches, and split case assembly.
by Keebio
A standard-spaced low-profile Iris variant. The guide covers Choc V1/V2 or Gateron LP PCBs, tray cases, silicone liners, foam, and hotswap switch assembly.
by Keebio
A low-profile split row-staggered Quefrency variant. The guide covers Choc V1/V2 hotswap PCBs, aluminum tray cases, silicone liners, foam, and macro/no-macro configurations.
by Keebio
A 75%/TKL split row-staggered keyboard. The Rev. 3-4 hotswap guide covers ISO Enter conversion, rotary encoders, stabilizers, and reflashing the RP2040 board.
by Keebio
A large split ortholinear keyboard configurable up to 6 rows by 9 columns. The guide covers diodes, TRRS, Pro Micro-compatible controllers, and MX/Alps/Choc-compatible plate builds.
by Keebio
A Choc V1 65%/65XT split row-staggered keyboard. The Rev. 1 guide covers hotswap PCBs, Choc stabilizers, aluminum plates, and split case assembly.
by Keebio
A 65XT row-staggered keyboard with a 2x5 left macro column. The guide covers acrylic case prep, PCB testing, stabilizers, rotary encoders, and MX-compatible switch soldering.
by Keebio
A low-profile split ortholinear keyboard configurable with 4 or 5 rows. The guide covers hotswap PCBs, aluminum tray cases, Choc V1/V2 switches, half identification, and case assembly.
by Keebio
A 65%/65XT split row-staggered keyboard. The Rev. 4-6 hotswap guide covers removable macro sections, ISO Enter conversion, rotary encoders, stabilizers, and case assembly.
by Phil Hagelberg
A 42-key unibody ergonomic keyboard. This classic DIY kit fits angled column-staggered key clusters for both hands into a compact case, relying on thumb keys and layers.
by omkbd
A split column-staggered keyboard. Its separable PCB lets builders choose their preferred key count and thumb-key layout, with support for backlighting, underglow LEDs, stabilizers, and VIA firmware.
by mmccoyd
A family of 40% split column-staggered keyboards centered on three-row layouts. It includes Hillside 46/48/52/56, with Choc v1 switches, wide thumb arcs, optional encoders, and wireless builds.
by Keebio
A split column-staggered keyboard with a number row. The Rev. 6-8 hotswap PCB guide covers MX-compatible switches, rotary encoders, 2u thumb keys, and several case configurations.
by gtips
A 41-key unibody column-staggered keyboard. Its compact layout places larger thumb keys in the center and supports MX-compatible switches, SMD diodes, hotswap sockets, and underglow LEDs.
by Svalboard
A split keyboard that modernizes DataHand-style ideas. Adjustable finger clusters use magnetic and optical keys, combined with 3D-printed parts and pointing devices.
by vitvlkv
A 64-key split column-staggered keyboard whose number row can be snapped off for 40% use. It offers five thumb keys, extra pinky and index keys, MX hotswap, OLEDs, and rotary encoder support.
by diepala
A 42-key split diodeless keyboard with stronger column stagger than the Corne family and a simple, approachable build. Cantor Classic is a low-profile Choc-based version.
by GroooveBob
A 36-key diodeless split Choc keyboard that uses the extra pins on the Sea Picro. The compact buzzer-ready design makes for a quick, lightweight low-profile build.
by illness072
A 42-key split ergonomic keyboard with four thumb keys and a pronounced pinky stagger. The non-reversible PCB reduces assembly mistakes while supporting MX hotswap and RGB LEDs.
by daneski13
A 60% split keyboard based on a 4x6 layout, with room for two to four rotary encoders and per-key RGB. It uses RP2040, strong column stagger, and MX hotswap.
by beekeeb
An RP2040-based split low-profile keyboard configurable as 42 or 36 keys. It combines strong column stagger, a diodeless matrix, and Choc hotswap for an approachable build.
by beekeeb
A 36/42-key wireless split low-profile keyboard based on the Piantor layout, integrating a 40 mm trackpad and memory-in-pixel display. It supports a travel-friendly thin case and Choc hotswap.
by beekeeb
A 42-key monoblock split keyboard using RP2040-Zero. It combines Choc v1 hotswap, a low-profile case, and a low part count for an approachable one-piece build.
by Makoto Kurauchi
A split ortholinear keyboard with up to 64 keys. splitkb.com reworked the Helix as part of the Aurora series, adding MX/Choc support, OLEDs, encoders, and power switches for wireless builds.
by Naoki Katahira
A 58-key split column-staggered keyboard with a number row. splitkb.com reworked the Lily58 for the Aurora series with MX/Choc support, OLEDs, rotary encoders, and wireless-friendly power switches.
by David Barr
A 34-key split column-staggered keyboard. Based on the Sweep Bling MX and reworked by splitkb.com for the Aurora series, it supports MX/Choc switches, OLEDs, encoders, and wireless power switches.
by tompi
A low-cost 36-key split keyboard using RJ45 interconnects and a Japanese duplex matrix, built from one reversible PCB per side and a single MCU.
by carrefinho
A 34-key low-profile split keyboard inspired by the ZSA Voyager. It is a wireless-only XIAO nRF52840 and Kailh Choc V1 design with magnetic tenting legs and an integrated case.
by Yowkees
The original 46-key Keyball: a split column-staggered trackball keyboard with a thumb-side 34 mm ball, OLEDs on both halves, and underglow support.
by Thomas Baart
A popular 40% split column-staggered keyboard with up to 50 keys, strong column stagger, and a large thumb cluster. It supports both MX and Choc switches plus selectable encoder positions.
by Naoki Katahira
A 58-key split column-staggered keyboard with a number row, OLED support, and rotary encoder support. Its reversible PCB and socket-header-friendly build made it widely loved.
by Squalius-cephalus
A 54-key column-staggered split keyboard using an RP2040 Zero and hotswap PCB. Inspired by REVIUNG41 and Corne, it offers a straightforward MX build.
by Thomas Baart
A 40%-class split keyboard with up to 50 keys, strong column stagger, and a large thumb cluster. The Halcyon version adds hotswap, USB-C, and module expansion.
by Yowkees
A 39-key split column-staggered trackball keyboard with a thumb-side 34 mm ball, OLEDs on both halves, and a reversible design. The non-trackball side is close to a numpad layout.
by Yowkees
A 44-key split column-staggered trackball keyboard with a thumb-side 34 mm ball. Compared with the Keyball39/61 line, it revises thumb key positions and MX switch orientation.
by Yowkees
A 61-key split column-staggered trackball keyboard with a thumb-side 34 mm ball and OLEDs on both halves. Its familiar key count makes it easier to move from standard layouts.
by 白湯_sayu / shakupan
The right-hand trackball version of moNa: a 42-key low-profile split keyboard with 17 mm key pitch, fully wireless ZMK firmware, a 25 mm trackball, rotary encoder, and rear magnets.
by kuma
A 42-key wireless split column-staggered keyboard influenced by Keyball. It features BLE via ZMK Firmware, a trackball, low-power sensor, and horizontal rotary encoder.
by Brian Low
A low-profile split keyboard based on Sofle RGB. It supports Kailh Choc v1 hotswap and per-key RGB, with an official guide for a slim build.
by Josef Adamcik
A 6x4+5 column-staggered split keyboard based on Lily58, Corne, and Helix. The standard guide covers v1/v2 differences and rotary encoder support.
by 五十川十一
A compact 40-key split keyboard with 16 mm pitch, dual trackballs, case-only tenting, and Bluetooth via ZMK. It uses 19 mm balls and low-profile switches.
by Quentin Lebastard
A 4x6+5 split concave keyboard with a thumb-side trackball and five-key thumb cluster. Its keywell shape reduces finger travel while keeping pointing close at hand.
by Quentin Lebastard
A compact 3x6+3 split concave trackball keyboard designed with quiet operation in mind. The official docs point builders to the Charybdis Nano build guide.
by Quentin Lebastard
A compact 3x5+3 split concave trackball keyboard designed with quiet operation in mind, with USB-C and 3.5 mm jacks on both halves.
by Matthew Adereth
Matthew Adereth's parametric split concave keyboard design. It is a landmark column-staggered, 3D-printed, handwired keyboard project.
by Quentin Lebastard
A portable 3x5+3 split trackpad keyboard focused on compact carry. It supports hotswap switches and per-key RGB.
by Quentin Lebastard
A 4x6+4 split trackpad keyboard that keeps the Dilemma concept while adding more keys. It supports hotswap switches and per-key RGB.
by GEIGEIGEIST
A 36- to 42-key column-staggered split keyboard with break-offs for four layouts. It supports RGB, encoders, OLEDs, haptics, a speaker, and a Pixart Paw3204 trackball.
by GEIGEIGEIST
A 34-key column-staggered Choc split keyboard with a low-profile encoder and three status LEDs on each side. It also supports the SplitKB Tenting Puck.
by Quentin Lebastard
A 4x6+5 split concave keyboard with a number row and five-key thumb cluster. Its keywell and column layout help reduce finger travel.
by Quentin Lebastard
A small 3x5+3 Dactyl Manuform-style split keyboard with a three-key thumb cluster and an open-source case.
by ai03
A single-PCB numpad kit designed by ai03. It builds with a Pro Micro-style controller and Cherry MX-compatible switches, using 17 to 20 switches depending on layout.
by Quentin Lebastard
A small 3x6+3 Dactyl Manuform-style split keyboard with a three-key thumb cluster. The official docs point builders to the Skeletyl build guide.
by GEIGEIGEIST
A 38-key column-staggered Choc split keyboard designed around the Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 BLE or XIAO RP2040. It is a compact low-profile board usable even without a case.
by foostan
A low-profile Corne Light variant with 42 split column-staggered keys. It supports Kailh Choc v1/v2 switches and includes bottom foam plus an OLED cover plate.
by foostan
A 3x6 column-staggered split keyboard with three thumb keys, built for Cherry MX-compatible switches. Also known as CRKBD, it is a classic entry point into custom keyboards.
by foostan
A 3x6 column-staggered split keyboard with three thumb keys, designed for Kailh Choc low-profile switches. Its thin, portable layout keeps the Corne feel in a slimmer form.
by foostan
The original Corne keyboard: a 3x6 column-staggered split layout with three thumb keys. It is a soldered through-hole diode build with optional LEDs and OLEDs.
by foostan
The first Corne Light, a simple soldered 42-key split column-staggered build with a reduced part count. It supports Pro Micro controllers with socket headers and OLED modules.
by foostan
A gasket-mounted one-piece aluminum column-staggered keyboard. This 48-key 40% layout has a 6.5-degree typing angle, with hotswap PCB standard and a solder PCB option.
by foostan
A low-profile Cornelius with Lofree switch support. It keeps an aluminum body while reaching a slim 27 mm height.
by foostan
A 48-key Let's Split-compatible ortholinear split keyboard. It is a low-profile Kailh Choc design with hotswap sockets and no soldering required.
by foostan
A 2x2 split macropad with PCB sockets for both Cherry MX and Choc switches. It is also known as a sample project from a Japanese DIY keyboard design book.
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Build Guide Yokocho is a place to browse self-made keyboard build guides at a glance. The actual guides live on each creator's site — here we focus on aggregating metadata and making them searchable.
Designers learn from each other's guides, builders quickly find assembly instructions for their kits, and enthusiasts discover their next board. Our goal is to make Japan's self-made keyboard culture visible to the world.
If you spot any errors or outdated info, feel free to reach out. Want to list your keyboard? Just send a PR on GitHub.