Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Heatwave
Heatwave is a 36-key wireless, curved unibody split keyboard by dohn-joh – with integrated lever keycaps.
Published July 7, 2025
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After releasing projects like the Alias or Leveret – both with lever keycaps –, dohn-joh shared the files of his Heatwave. This unibody split keyboard features a curved alpha stagger, which reminds me of the Willow layout.
It's difficult to give an exact cost because this build took a lot of prototyping. […] I also bought some parts during the height of US tariffs, so they may be cheaper for you depending on your location – dohn-joh.
In the photos, the Heatwave is built with the author's new swell keycaps – a sculpted keycap set inspired by Pseudoku's DES profile.
Specs
- 36 keys (3x5+3)
- MX, hotswap
- Xiao footprint
- lever thumb keys
- Swell keycaps
- 3D-printed case
- ZMK firmware
Resources
- https://github.com/dohn-joh/heatwave
- https://vimeo.com/1097657262
- https://github.com/dohn-joh/swell-keycaps
Published on Mon 7th Jul 2025. Featured in KBD #194 (source).
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