Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Banana keyboard
RGBKB's Legonut shared the Banana, a funky unibody split keyboard. GB launched too.
Published September 1, 2025
The Banana keyboard by RGBKB is a cool monoblock split keyboard. A fun ergo board or the most usable meme – as you wish –, with steel bottom weight and an RGB 4-way nav switch. Shared as open hardware, but offered also as a group buy – 5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code.
Return to your inner monkey and embrace the banana. Its 48 glorious RGB keys are all you need to type ripe code or precious prose. Reduce slip-ups with the curvy ergonomic design and sturdy ASA + steel case. Be the envy of the rectangle-heads at any meetup. This kit is an appealing option to all keyboard enthusiasts, just bring your own switches! Potassium not included – Legonut.
We talked about this project with Legonut in early 2024, and I’m glad to see this board reach this stage. It's not only fun and eye-catching in its design, but it's also a true ergo board at the same time.
In addition, this is my favorite distribution model: releasing it as open hardware for those who have the knowledge and means to print and manufacture their own boards, while also offering it as a pre-built product for the average customer. The Banana is open source and available both as a kit for home printing and as a fully pre-built keyboard.
Features
- 48 keys (3x6+2-ish)
- hotswap MX switches
- on-board RP2040 MCU
- per-key RGB
- RGB 4-way nav switch
- Gasket-mount & silicone rubber bottom layer
- 1.5mm steel bottom weight
- ASA-printed case & switchplate
- Screwless design with magnetic fasteners
- Firmware: Vial/QMK
- Weight: 590g
Group buy
Well, I don't often promote group buys, but RGBKB is a trusted designer and vendor, with lots of expertise and popular designs as the Sol, Mün or Phobos, so:
- Group buy starts today (Sept 1st)!
- Group Buy End: Sept 31, 2025
- Est Ship Date: January 2026
That said, be aware of the known risks associated with GBs.
Kits
Print it Yourself kit, ASA-printed kit, pre-assembled board.
The matching yellow DSA keycaps are part of all kits.
The Print it Yourself kit will include the PCB, gaskets, magnets, polycarbonate nav switch, and steel bottom. You will need to print the case top and switchplate, requiring a bed size of 250mm x 250mm. ASA/ABS is recommended with a 100.7% scale applied to account for shrink.
Resources
Github repo, RGBKB shop, and dedicated Banana group-buy page (5% off with the KBDNEWS coupon code):
- Banana keyboard product page at RGBKB.
- Banana keyboard group buy splash page.
- https://github.com/RGBKB/Keyboard-files/tree/main/BANANA
Published on Mon 1st Sep 2025. Featured in KBD #198.
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