Fracture

A Bluetooth Powered 48-Key Split Keyboard

A keyboard designed to physically split apart - because productivity and aesthetics shouldn't stay connected.

Overview

Fracture is a wireless 48-key split mechanical keyboard built around modularity, portability, and aesthetics.

Unlike traditional keyboards, Fracture is designed to literally seperate into two halves, giving users a more ergonomic typing expereience while creating a visually unique "fractured" appearance.

Built using the Seed Studio XIAO nRF52840, Kailh Choc Switches, and low-profile keycaps, Fracture blends minimalism with functionaly in a compact wireless setup.

Gallery

Zine

Motivation

Most keyboards are designed around a fixed layout.

Fracture was built around a different idea:

What if keyboard itself reflected flexibility?

The split design is inspired from Corne keyboards:

• Better ergonomics
• Adjustable positioning
• Cleaner desk setups
• Compact portability
• A visually striking design language

The project also explores how industrial design and hardware aesthetics can coexist with practicality.

Assembly Guide

Hardware

1. Order the PCB

Navigate to:

PCB/Production/

Upload the included Gerber files to your preferred PCB manufacturer and order the PCB.

2. Order the Components

All required components and purchase links are available inside: (India)

PCB/BOM/BOM.csv

Order all listed parts before starting assembly

3. Solder the SMD Components

Start by soldering first few SMD components on the PCB:

• Diodes are on the front
• MCU pads are on the back

It is recommended to use:

• Flux
• Dine-tip soldering iron
• Tweezers

4. Install Hot-Swap Sockets

• Solder all Kailh hot-swap sockets onto the PCB carefully.

• Ensure every socket sits completely flat agains the PCB before soldering.

5. Install the Rotary Encoders

• Solder the EC11 rotary encoders in their designated positions.

• Make sure they are aligned staright before fully soldering.

6. Insert the MCU

• Now the XIAO nRF52840 (or any other if changed) controllers onto the PCB.

7. Assemble the Case

• Print the 3D enclosure, and inert the PCB by aligning its M3 screw holes with the joints.

8. Install Switches

• Insert all Kailh Choc switches into the plate and hot-swap sockets.

• Check alignment carefully to avoid bent pins.

9. Install Keycaps

• Press the keycaps firmly onto the switches,

Firmware Installation

1. Enter Bootloader Mode

While the keyboard is unplugged:

• Short the BOOT and GND pads using tweezers or screwdriver
• Plug in the USB cable

or

• Double press the reset button on the XIAO nRF52840

A new drive should appear on your computer

2. Download Firmware

Naviagte to:

Firmware/

and download adafruit-circuitpython-Seeed_XIAO_nRF52840_Sense-en_US-10.2.1.uf2 or compile the files in Firmware/Config file if ZMK is to be used.

3. Flash the Firmware

Drag and drop the uf2 file onto the mounted drive. Repeat for the second half as well.

BOM

Features

• Physically Splits Into Two Halves
• Bluetooth Powered
• 48-Key Layout
• Rotary Encoders
• Low Profile Kailh Choc Switches
• Kailh Hot-Swap Sockets
• Powered by XIAO nRF52840
• Custom Themed Enclosure
• Slim Keycaps
• Portable & Lightweigth
• Fully Custom PCB

Hardware Stack

PCB Design

The PCB was custom designed specifically for the Fracture layout and enclosure.

Features include:

• Wireless microcontroller support
• Rotary encoder integration
• Kailh hot-swap compatibility
• Compact routing for slip profile construction

PCB

Schematic

Placement

Enclosure

The enclosure follows the central "fracture" design language:

• Broken center seam
• Aggresive angular styling
• Compact low-profile body
• Seamless split mechanism

The goal was to make the keyboard feel more like a designed object rather than just a perpheral.

Firmware (ZMK)

Firmware features:

• Bluetooth support
• Custom keymaps
• Layer switching
• Encoder controls

Fracture/
├── PCB/
├── CAD/
├── Firmware/
├── Assets/
└── README.md

Current Status

• Inital Concept
• Layout Finalized
• Enclosure Prototype
• PCB design
• Firmware
• Final Build
• Firmware Optimization

Contributing

Contributions, suggestions, and feedback are welcome.

If you'd like to improve Fracture:

1. Fork or Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/Sudo-Aju/Fracture.git
cd Fracture

2. Create your feature branch (if forked)
3. Commit your changes
4. Open a pull request

Creator

Azmeer Pirani

17 • India • @fallout

Built with a love for:

• hardware design
• industrial aesthetics
• mechanical keyboards
• expirimental products

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.