Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects

KrtkusRetro

A 5x12 ortholinear keyboard in a Model M-inspired case: KrtkusRetro by Jan Bláha.

KBD.news
Published October 30, 2025

Jan Bláha aka swift502 updated his Krtkus project with a custom IBM-inspired case, turning the 5x12 ortho keyboard into a Model M style retro cuteness.

Yes, it shouldn't be low profile. Yes the kecaps add a curved profile onto an existing curve, which doesn't make any sense. Maybe I'll make a more faithful build with the original Model M keycaps one day, but this is just what I had lying around for now – swift502.

The IBM Model M style case actually bends the PCB a little, but "nowhere near as much as the Model M".

Specs

• 62 keys, ortholinear (5x12+2)
• low-pro KS-33 switches
• Pro Micro controller
• 3D-printed case
• the LED indicators are only for decoration

Resources

• https://github.com/swift502/KrtkusRetro
• https://github.com/swift502/Krtkus

Published on Thu 30th Oct 2025. Featured in KBD #201 (source).

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