2 layers40 × 45.8 mm
Expansion
nwsteenberg/NWSplit
A 52-key, column-staggered split ergonomic keyboard developed almost entirely through Ergogen.
8 partsMIT
2 layers146.5 × 126.2 mm
Traced pcbs
nwsteenberg/NWSplitA 52-key, column-staggered split ergonomic keyboard developed almost entirely through Ergogen.
- Size
- 146.5 × 126.2 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 114
- Nets
- 50
- Pads
- 626
- Tracks, vias
- 1,945, 329
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 10.0 (file 20260206)
- Created
- 22 Jan 2026
- Updated
- 26 Oct 2026
Overview
Traced pcbs is an open-source printed circuit board by nwsteenberg, from the nwsteenberg/NWSplit repository on GitHub, published under the MIT licence. It is a 2-layer board of 146.5 × 126.2 mm with 114 parts on 50 nets, routed with 1,945 tracks and 329 vias.
Its parts include 78 diodes and 26 switches. It belongs with the keyboards and input boards of this library.
README
README.mdNWSplit
A 52-key, column-staggered split ergonomic keyboard developed almost entirely through Ergogen.
The goal: build the perfect keyboard for me. Of course, getting there meant going through a handful of prototypes that didn't quite make the cut. Take a look at the Graveyard to see the keyboards that didn't make the cut.
✨ Features
- Declarative: Designed in Ergogen (both case and PCB).
- Firmware: Powered by QMK & VIAL for real-time keymap customization without flashing.
- Choc Switches: Hot-swap support for Kailh Choc v1 and v2 switches.
- Per-Key RGB: SK6812 MINI-E lighting support.
- Extra Inputs: Optional rotary encoder support (up to 2).
📂 Repository Structure
3d/— 3D printable models (.stl) for the keyboard and expansion modules.firmware/— Vial/QMK firmware source files and layouts.footprints/— Custom Ergogen and KiCad footprints.images/— Renders, wiring diagrams, and build photos.production/— Ready-to-use PCB production files (Gerbers).traced-pcbs/— Autogenerated and manually traced KiCad PCB projects.keyboard.yaml— Ergogen configuration file for the main keyboard.expansion.yaml— Ergogen configuration file for the expansion modules.
🛒 Bill of Materials (BOM)
| Component | Description | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCB | Gerber available in production/ | 2 | Reversible (left and right use the exact same PCB) |
| Diodes | 1N4148, SOD123 | 52 | |
| MCU | Waveshare RP2040-Zero | 2 | Clones work too just verify pinout compatibility |
| TRRS Connector | PJ320A Jack | 2 | |
| Switches | Kailh Choc V1/V2 | 52 | Dont use V2 with guide pin (stock red/blue/brown) |
| Keycaps | Low-profile keycaps of choice | 52 | THT or LPF profiles recommended |
| Heat Inserts | M2 L3 OD3.5 (or OD3 for resin prints) | 12 | |
| Per-Key LEDs | SK6812 MINI-E | 52 | Optional |
| Rotary Encoder | EC11 / EC12 | 0–2 | Optional (supports button click) |
| Pogo Connectors | Angled 6-pin Magnetic Pogo Pins | 0–2 | Optional (used for experimental modular connections) |
🚀 Roadmap & TODO
- Build Instructions: Step-by-step assembly guide.
- Sandwitch case: Cheap case option without 3d printing.
- Expansion Boards:
- Trackball module
- Trackpad module
- Images: Add build process and final images of the keyboard and expansions.
- Graveyard: Show what keyboards didn't make the cut.
💡 Inspiration
Throughout the journey the following projects provided a ton of inspiration to create the version of the keyboard as it is today:
Parts
114| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | ceoloide:diode_tht_sod123 | D1, D2, D10, D11, D12, D13, D14, D15, D16, D17, D18, D19, D20, D21, D22, D23 +36 | |
| 26 | ceoloide:led_SK6812mini-e (per-key, reversible) | LED1, LED2, LED10, LED11, LED12, LED13, LED14, LED15, LED16, LED17, LED18, LED19, LED20, LED21, LED22, LED23 +10 | |
| 26 | ceoloide:switch_choc_v1_v2 | S1, S2, S10, S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, S16, S17, S18, S19, S20, S21, S22, S23 +10 | |
| 6 | ceoloide:mounting_hole_npth | MH1, MH2, MH3, MH4, MH5, MH6 | |
| 1 | RP2040-Zero | ||
| 1 | ceoloide:trrs_pj320a (reversible) | TRRS1 | |
| 1 | PinHeader_1x06_P2.54mm_Vertical | Pin Header 2.54 1x61 | |
| 1 | ceoloide:rotary_encoder_ec11_ec12 | RE1 |
Questions
How big is the Traced pcbs PCB?
It measures 146.5 × 126.2 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Traced pcbs use?
114 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 Traced pcbs KiCad files?
From the nwsteenberg/NWSplit repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is traced-pcbs/pcb.kicad_pcb. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Traced pcbs design in my own project?
Its repository publishes it under the MIT licence: you may reuse it on that licence's terms (keep the author's notice, and for a copyleft licence share your changes alike).
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