2 layers99.5 × 83.1 mm
2 layers307.9 × 123.2 mm
Transparent Keyboard
Mithilessh2010/Transparent-KeyboardThis is a custom mechanical keyboard with a fully clear acrylic case and transparent keycaps. The goal of this project was to build a simple keyboard that shows all of the internal parts, lighting, and wiring.
- Size
- 307.9 × 123.2 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 166
- Nets
- 113
- Pads
- 945
- Tracks, vias
- 830, 113
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 10.0 (file 20260206)
- Created
- 18 Mar 2026
- Updated
- 5 Apr 2026
Overview
Transparent Keyboard is an open-source printed circuit board by Mithilessh2010, from the Mithilessh2010/Transparent-Keyboard repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 307.9 × 123.2 mm with 166 parts on 113 nets, routed with 830 tracks and 113 vias.
Its parts include 82 diodes, 82 switches and 1 IC. It belongs with the keyboards and input boards and the AVR (ATmega, ATtiny) boards of this library.
README
README.mdTransparent Keyboard
This is a custom mechanical keyboard with a fully clear acrylic case and transparent keycaps.
The goal of this project was to build a simple keyboard that shows all of the internal parts, lighting, and wiring.
About
This keyboard is designed to be easy to see through and easy to understand.
Every major part is visible, including the PCB, LEDs, switches, and wiring.
It uses QMK firmware and a Teensy microcontroller.
Firmware
This keyboard uses QMK firmware.
Flashing steps
- Download QMK Toolbox.
- Plug the Teensy 2.0 into your computer.
- Press the boot button on the Teensy.
- Flash the provided
.hexfirmware file using QMK Toolbox.
Bill of Materials (BOM)
| Item | Price | Quantity | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTT Kang White V3 Switches | $24.89 | 1 pack (90 pcs) | Mechanical key switches | https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807301426125.html |
| WS2812B LED Strip 5V (2m) | $5.16 | 1 strip | RGB backlighting | https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804103077154.html |
| Teensy 2.0 | $9.18 | 1 | Microcontroller | https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803067426595.html |
| USB Adapter 20cm V8F-V3ST | $2.24 | 1 | Internal USB cable | https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805661411472.html |
| Transparent Keycaps | $18.82 | 1 set | Keycaps | https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809158263730.html |
| 1/8 in Acrylic Sheet | $15.00 | 1 sheet | Case and plates | Makerspace |
| M2 Screws 4mm | $2.24 | 1 pack | Mounting hardware | https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806812715286.html |
| M3 Screws | $0.00 | Owned | Case assembly | Already owned |
| Custom PCBs (JLCPCB) | $33.74 | 5 boards | Keyboard PCB | JLCPCB |
| Keyboard Diodes | $2.38 | 2 packs | Switch matrix diodes | https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806058794623.html |
| Gateron V2 Stabilizers | $10.00 | 1 kit | Stabilizers for larger keys | https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/products/gateron-v2-stabilizers-plate-mount-clip-in-tkl-kit |
Estimated total (before tax and shipping): $121.32
Notes
This project was made for learning and for fun.
Feel free to reuse or modify anything in this repository for your own keyboard builds.
Parts
166| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | D | keyboard_parts.pretty-master:D_SOD123_axial | D1, D2, D10, D11, D12, D13, D14, D15, D16, D17, D18, D19, D20, D21, D22, D23 +66 |
| 76 | KEYSW | keebs.pretty-master:Mx_Alps_100 | K1, K2, K10, K11, K12, K13, K14, K15, K16, K17, K18, K19, K20, K21, K22, K23 +60 |
| 2 | KEYSW | keebs.pretty-master:Mx_Alps_225 | K58, K60 |
| 2 | KEYSW | keebs.pretty-master:Mx_Alps_150 | K31, K44 |
| 1 | KEYSW | keebs.pretty-master:Mx_Alps_175 | K46 |
| 1 | KEYSW | keebs.pretty-master:Mx_Alps_200 | K29 |
| 1 | LOGO | LOGO | G*** |
| 1 | TEENSY2.0 | keebs.pretty-master:Teensy_20 | U1 |
Questions
How big is the Transparent Keyboard PCB?
It measures 307.9 × 123.2 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Transparent Keyboard use?
166 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the Transparent Keyboard KiCad files?
From the Mithilessh2010/Transparent-Keyboard repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is Transparent Keyboard/Transparent Keyboard.kicad_pcb and its schematic Transparent Keyboard/Transparent Keyboard.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Transparent Keyboard design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask Mithilessh2010 before reusing the design.
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