Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Hawk / Verzweiflungstat
The handwired split Hawk by VBNC8 features latching pushbuttons and molded weights.
Published May 16, 2026
This free blog runs thanks to just 54 supporters - like Dickiedyce, HubertTheMad, and Bob Cotton. Join them now!
The Hawk / Verzweiflungstat by VBNC8 (aka Admirable-Guava-6138) is a handwired project, I can't see any STLs either, but it utilizes some clever ideas that I have to cover: molded tenting weights and latching pushbutton Bluetooth selector. Not even mentioning the five-way encoder and the adjustable test-rig.
Hawk handwired hotswap 3D-printed mechanical ergo keyboard with molded tin tenting weights and Mechanical Latched Pushbutton Bluetooth Selector (with permanent zero energy 'display' function) – Admirable-Guava-6138.
Specs
- 36 keys (5x3+3 split)
- MX, handwired
- Pro Micro footprint
- latching pushbuttons for selecting Bluetooth
- 5-way switch
- tented molded weight
- 1,100 g total weight
Latching pushbuttons
Not holes, I built it as a comb to keep it flat but the function is all the same. Right, you CAN push some or all of them in. Once all are in you need the 'emergency release' to free them. This is done by the crossplate protuding to the outside (right in picture), so you can push it manually and release all pushbuttons at once – VBNC8.
Molded tented weights
For the tin tenting weights, first a PLA positive was printed for each side with space for batteries and BT-selector, plaster/sand moulds formed and filled with molten tin. Final drill holes, some local machining and polishing was necessary to make the weights ready for assembly.
Red ball thingy
It's an Alps RKJXT1F42001 5-way encoder switch. Four directions digital plus center push and rotary function. So like an EC11 with additional four direction switches. I use it mainly for media control and cursor movement on another layer – VBNC8.
Resources
Published on Sat 16th May 2026. Featured in KBD #211 (source).
Related
Flynn
A handwired low-pro unibody keyboard by Joshua Chung: Flynn.
New version of the Lil Chonky Bois
New version of the Lil Chonky Bois by Sndr666. MX version added.
CH552-48 & CH552-44
Richard Goulter shared two orthos: CH552-48 & CH552-44 – both using the cheap CH552 MCU.
Ajisai
Ajisai is a 58-key handwired monoblock wireless build by u/DCharlo.