Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Alatus
A 38-key split keyboard with trackpoint: Alatus by DoomishGuy.
Published April 20, 2026
This blog is powered by 54 readers while read by 150,000. Donate like Trey Causey, Jacob Mikesell, and Micah Alpern!
The Alatus is a 38-key split keyboard designed and shared by DoomishGuy, featuring a trackpoint. Inspired by predecessors like the Fifi and Kyria.
I'm happy to share my first custom keyboard design, featuring trackpoint support, rotary encoders, and per-key RGB. […] This keyboard is basically a chocified Kyria, but with only the parts I actually use – DoomishGuy.
Alatus is Latin for "winged". The author got the inspiration while coding on a plane with his old Fifi.
After switching to a Kyria, he found the encoders and LEDs invaluable for indicating and controlling layer states, but wanted something more suitable for travel. To go fully mouseless, a trackpoint has also been integrated.
Features
- 38 keys (5x3+3-ish split layout)
- Choc v1 switches, Choc spacing, hotswap support
- Pro Micro/nice!nano footprint
- trackpoint (Sprintek SK8707-01-004 sensor), dedicated pads and mounting holes
- Switch/rotary encoder option on the thumb cluster
- Per-key + underglow + status RGB LEDs
- Parametric layout generated with Ergogen
Resources
Published on Mon 20th Apr 2026. Featured in KBD #210 (source).
Related
TBK Micro
Badjau's wireless split TBK Micro is a more enclosed version of the TBK Mini – with additional OLEDs.
Tamatama
Dane Lipscombe's Tamatama is a 28-key Dactyl derivative with dual trackballs.
Effiddy
Simon Schödler's Effiddy is a declarative split keyboard, inspired by the Totem.
Ellipsis Split V2
The Ellipsis Split V2 by Cameron Sun features a near-standard layout but with thumb clusters.