Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Nomad
An open-source 68-key low-profile split keyboard by Andreas Tacke: Nomad.
Published April 24, 2025
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The Nomad is a 68-key split keyboard by Andreas Tacke aka fiendie, based in part on Brian Low's Sofle Choc. It uses low profile Kailh Choc v1 switches with hotswap sockets and features per-key RGB lighting via SK6812 Mini-E LEDs. Compared to the Sofle Choc, the nomad offers an additional thumb cluster key, an additional modifier key in the 5th row, and a 7th inner column with 3 keys on each side. An MX version is also available.
I wanted it to be very portable, hence then name and why I started out with the Choc version. I made an MX version to keep on my desk at home but it doesn't take up much space in the backpack either – fiendie_.
Features
- 68 keys (7x5+2-ish)
- hotswap Choc or MX switches (separate PCBs)
- reversible PCB
- RP2040 MCU
- EC12 rotary encoder
- OLED (SSD1306)
- per-key RGB (SK6812 Mini-E LEDs)
Resources
Published on Thu 24th Apr 2025. Featured in KBD #190 (source).
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