Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Mikecinq
Mike Hölscher released the files of his mikecinq, a ULP monoblock split featuring PG1316S switches.
Published July 21, 2025
The mikecinq is a ultra low-profile unibody split by Mike Hölscher aka dynam1keNL, a blend of his mikefive keyboard with aesthetic inspiration from Le Chiffre and Le Oeuf.
Building with PG1316S switches is not for the faint-hearted. I wrote down a lot of advice in the GitHub readme. Read everything carefully if you want to go for it – Mike.
Just like the mikefive, this keyboard features Kailh PG1316S switches in a Corne unibody layout with a more aligned thumb cluster. The top face of the case is slanted to allow unobstructed use of the thumb clusters while maintaining a 5mm back edge to house a battery, controller, and USB-C port. The front case edge is 3mm tall.
Features
- 36 keys (3x5+3)
- 35g Kailh PG1316S switches, soldered
- wireless via nice!nano controller
- 0.8mm PCB
- 3D case
- 5mm overall height (with countersunk screws, extra small head)
A new switch footprint was used with pads that actually align with the Kailh PG1316S switch pads, because on the stock footprint they don't. Also, it's a reversible footprint, so identical PCB's could be used for the split mikefives halves.
I had much less issues with surface mounting the switches using this new footprint compared to the stock one I used on the OG mikefive. The new mikefives footprint is on the mikefive repo if anybody wants to use it – Mike.
Attention: Building and tweaking this keeb is unlike a Choc or MX board. The PG1316 switches are relatively new and are designed to be attached to PCBs in professional reflow ovens in large quantities. They are not meant for the DIY community. As Mike puts it: Soldering is hard, removing keycaps is hard, and the parts are tiny and unforgiving. You WILL find yourself swearing when building this keeb.
Resources
Published on Mon 21st Jul 2025. Featured in KBD #195 (source).
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