Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Ilwol & Phalwol
Two row-staggered split keyboards by Yuburoll: Ilwol and Phalwol – with reversible PCBs.
Published June 21, 2026
Yuburoll's Ilwol and Phalwol (top and bottom in the cover image, respectively) are two very similar splits, with slightly different thumb clusters: Phalwol has a more aggressive thumb cluster angle, and it's connected to the lowest row. Watch out for the licence though: Since the Phalwol was inspired by the Hatsukey70, its licence is more restrictive.
I made two row-staggered split keyboards, with thumb clusters. I know that the people here are allergic to row-staggered keyboards, but these have reversible PCBs – which can significantly reduce the price. I hope this will be the keyboard for beginners who are searching for a lazy option – Yuburoll.
Phalwol means August in Korean, with reference to the Hatsukey (Hatsuki is August in Japanese). And ilwol is the Korean word for January.
Specs
- 73-78 keys (row stagger)
- MX switches, hotswap
- Pro Micro form factor development boards
- reversible PCB
- 3D-printed case
Layout variations
The PCBs support alternative layouts:
- Split left shift, to ISO shaped one (2.25u to 1.25u+1u).
- Split right shift, to HHKB inspired shape (2.75u to 1.75u+1u).
- Split outside thumb keys (2u to 1u+1u).
- Split backspace (2u to 1u+1u).
- Stepped Caps Lock support.
Resources
Another differences between the Ilwol and Phalwol beside the thumb cluster shape is the license.
Since Phalwol was inspired by the Hatsukey70, the license was determined together with Murasaki, the original author.
Published on Sun 21st Jun 2026. Featured in KBD #213 (source).
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