2 layers275.2 × 109.2 mm
2 layers275.2 × 109.2 mm
Split K
Naivedya-sahu/Split-KSplit Keyboard handwwired with raspberry pi pico as mcu
- Size
- 275.2 × 109.2 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 108
- Nets
- 118
- Pads
- 486
- Tracks, vias
- 0, 0
- Routed
- Not yet
- KiCad
- KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
- Created
- 6 Feb 2026
- Updated
- 6 Feb 2026
Overview
Split K is an open-source printed circuit board by Naivedya-sahu, from the Naivedya-sahu/Split-K repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 275.2 × 109.2 mm with 108 parts on 118 nets.
It is built around the MX1A-11NN. Its parts include 54 diodes and 54 switches. It belongs with the keyboards and input boards of this library.
Main components
1README
README.mdSplit-K
A custom handwired split ergonomic keyboard designed using Ergogen for layout generation and 3D-printed enclosures. This project explores ergonomic keyboard layout design, 3D-printable case modeling, and handwired matrix construction with a Raspberry Pi Pico.
Status: Design complete. Handwiring and assembly in progress.
Overview
Split-K is a 6x4 split keyboard with 3 thumb keys per side, using Cherry MX-compatible switches and a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller. The key layout and board outline are generated via Ergogen, and the case is fully 3D-printed. The keyboard is handwired — no custom PCB, just direct wiring of the switch matrix to the controller.
Design Highlights
- Split layout — mirrored halves with adjustable distance
- 6x4 matrix + 3 thumb keys per side
- Column stagger tuned for natural finger reach
- Handwired switch matrix with diodes
- Cherry MX-compatible switches
- Raspberry Pi Pico as the controller
- 3D-printable case — switch plate, bottom plate, and mounting hardware
3D Models
All case parts are designed for FDM 3D printing. Click any STL file below to view an interactive 3D preview.
| Part | File | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Switch Plate | switch_plate.stl | Top plate with MX switch cutouts |
| Case Bottom | case_bottom.stl | Bottom enclosure plate |
| Mounting Plate | mounting_plate.stl | Internal mounting structure |
| Pico Standoff | pico_standoff.stl | Standoff mount for Raspberry Pi Pico |
| Keycap | cap+1.35.stl | Keycap model |
| Prototype | prototype.stl | Early prototype plate with snap-fit key slots |
Full assembly (multi-part):
| Part | File |
|---|---|
| Assembly - Part 1 | Assembly 1 - Part 1.stl |
| Assembly - Part 2 | Assembly 1 - Part 2.stl |
Ergogen Configuration
The keyboard layout is defined declaratively in Ergogen, which generates the board outline, key positions, case models, and a reference PCB.
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| config.yaml | Current Ergogen layout configuration |
| ergogen/config.yaml | Ergogen workspace config with custom footprints |
| ergogen/footprints/ | Custom Ergogen footprint definitions |
Generated output from Ergogen:
| Output | File |
|---|---|
| Board outline | bottom.dxf |
| Plate cutouts | plate_with_holes.dxf |
| Reference PCB | navy_split.kicad_pcb |
| Mounting plate | mounting_plate.stl |
| Prototype case | prototype.stl |
Board Outlines
DXF outline files from various design iterations, used as templates for case profiles and plate cuts.
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| bottom.dxf | Board outline |
| switch_plate.dxf | Switch plate outline |
| demo.dxf | Key position demo overlay |
KiCad Files
KiCad project files are included from Ergogen output and early exploration. The PCB design is not started — the actual build is handwired.
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| Split-K.kicad_sch | Schematic (work in progress) |
| Split-K.kicad_pcb | PCB layout (not started) |
| Split-K_L.kicad_pcb | Left half (not started) |
| Split-K_R.kicad_pcb | Right half (not started) |
These are kept for potential future PCB revision. To view, open in KiCad 9 or later.
Component Libraries
KiCad component libraries bundled with the project.
| Library | Contents |
|---|---|
| MX1A-11NN | Cherry MX switch — symbol, footprint, and 3D model (.step) |
| RASPBERRY_PI_PICO | Raspberry Pi Pico — symbol, footprint, and 3D model (.step) |
Design Iterations
Earlier config iterations are preserved in archive/ for reference, showing the evolution from an Architeuthis Dux-based layout to the final Split-K design.
| Config | Based on |
|---|---|
| config-architeuthis.yaml | Architeuthis Dux (3x5, Choc switches, aggressive splay) |
| config-navy.yaml | Navy Split v1 (6x4, Choc switches, custom outline) |
| Split_k.yaml | Split-K early draft (6x4, MX switches, refined stagger) |
Project Structure
Split-K/
├── *.kicad_* KiCad project files (for future PCB revision)
├── config.yaml Ergogen layout configuration
├── ergogen/ Ergogen workspace (custom footprints + generated output)
├── libraries/ KiCad component libraries (MX switch, Pi Pico)
├── 3d-models/ STL files for 3D-printed case parts
├── outlines/ DXF board outlines from design iterations
├── reference/ Reference PCB designs used during development
├── archive/ Previous Ergogen config iterationsTools Used
- Ergogen — keyboard layout generator
- KiCad 9 — schematic and reference PCB viewer
- FreeCAD / slicer software — 3D model preparation and printing
Acknowledgments
This is a learning project. The design is based on the Architeuthis Dux split keyboard and various community Ergogen configurations. Built to learn ergonomic keyboard layout, 3D enclosure modeling, and handwired keyboard construction — not an original design.
License
This project is shared for educational and portfolio purposes.
Parts
108| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 1N4148 | ComboDiode | D1, D2, D10, D11, D12, D13, D14, D15, D16, D17, D18, D19, D20, D21, D22, D23 +38 |
| 54 | MX1A-11NN | MX1A-11NN:SW_MX1A-11NN | S1, S2, S10, S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, S16, S17, S18, S19, S20, S21, S22, S23 +38 |
Questions
How big is the Split K PCB?
It measures 275.2 × 109.2 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Split K use?
108 parts, built around the MX1A-11NN. 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 Split K KiCad files?
From the Naivedya-sahu/Split-K repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is Split-K.kicad_pcb and its schematic Split-K.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Split K design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask Naivedya-sahu before reusing the design.
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