Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Slimkeeb 36
A compact, no-frills, and cheap ergo split: Slimkeeb36 by Keji Li.
Published July 6, 2025
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Keji Li (aka Palpatine/Palpatineli) released the Slimkeeb 36, a compact wireless ergo split for travel.
This is an updated version of my previous design […] I changed the switch to choc v2, and made the thumb cluster wider – Palpatine.
Compared to existing ergo keyboards, Slimkeeb36 can be a portable, beginner friendly, and affordable choice, as it is diodeless, easy to build, and can be cheaply manufactured (under 100x100mm PCB).
Specs
- 36 keys (3x5+3)
- Choc, hotswap
- Xiao footprint (Xiao nrf52840)
- reversible PCB, under 100x100mm
- 3D-printed case
- QMK firmware
The board doesn't have an on/off button, it relies on deep sleep to conserve power. It's set up to only be woken up by the middle 3 keys in the homerow, which are protected during travel.
When I need it to be functionally "off" for testing or repair, I just switch it to a second ble profile – Palpatine.
Resources
Published on Sun 6th Jul 2025. Featured in KBD #194 (source).
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