Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Aurora40
A low-profile, minimalistic 40-key split keyboard designed for simplicity by Lucas Merritt: Aurora40.
Published August 31, 2025
This blog is powered by 54 readers while read by 150,000. Donate like TALPKEYBOARD, Filip Salo, and Andres Sakk!
Lucas Merritt (aka merrittlj) shared this little wireless ortho split named Aurora40. (Not associated with splitkb's Aurora series of course.)
The design itself was not too interesting or different from essentially every other keyboard, although for a clean and finished look (as well as reducing space and complexity), I opted to put the microcontroller on the bottom side of the keyboard, allowing it to be hidden, as well as allowing me to use an identical PCB for both halves with no alterations between them – Lucas.
The Aurora40 uses nice!nanos for wireless connection, and tenting feet similar to what we've seen on the recently reviewed (and praised) Cornix:
Specs
- 40 keys (5x4)
- Choc switches (Pink Choc V1), soldered
- nice!nano v2 controller
- reversible PCB
- reset and power switch
- tenting feet
- ZMK
Resources
- https://github.com/merrittlj/aurora40
- https://github.com/merrittlj/aurora40-case
- https://github.com/merrittlj/zmk-config-aurora40
Published on Sun 31st Aug 2025. Featured in KBD #198.
Related
KBDcraft Israfel review
I tested KBDcraft's brilliant Israfel, a 50% unibody split with an adjustable angle, made of LEGO. It's impressive and offers a huge bang for your buck. Flock to the store, folks!
Bancouver40 (minipeg48, kowgary16)
This is my review of the Bancouver40, this cool little pre-built ortho keyboard in a premium CNC aluminum case – designed by Sporewoh and sold by Chosfox.
Scotto34 PCB
The Scotto34 (PCB Edition) is a low-profile 34-key split monoblock ortholinear keyboard by Joe Scotto. Choc spacing, hotswap, exposed controller.
Kebu
Cedutus created Kebu, a new Blackpill ortholinear PCB with multiple layout alternatives including 4 or 5 row options.