Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Aphelo30
The aphelo30 is MajinEvelyn's open-source, wireless split keyboard design – without thumb keys for a reason.
Published February 10, 2026
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MajinEvelyn (aka Ignoratio) released the gorgeous aphelo30, an open-source split keyboard with low-pro Choc switches. This layout addresses a very specific requirement, as it comes without any thumb keys.
Designed with ergogen, kicad, and shapr3d with lots of help from the absolem club community 💜Made pretty with some wonderful Asymplex keycaps, matching the feather pattern of the scrub jay genus this board is named after – Ignoratio.
Why and how no thumb keys? The author has thumb RSIs, and this layout aims to reduce pain by delegating common thumb-key roles to combos (e.g. space is a middle + ring combo.)
Pictured with Chicago Steno keycaps by Asymplex, case printed in Cream PETG-HF.
Features
- 30 keys (5x3), split, no thumb keys
- low-profile Choc V1 switches (hotswap)
- reversible PCB
- Nice!Nano v2 controllers
- splay
- ZMK firmware
- 3D-printed carrying case
Resources
Published on Tue 10th Feb 2026. Featured in KBD #206 (source).
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