Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
TOTEMX
An MX version of Geist's TOTEM: TOTEMX by azhizhinov.
Published March 28, 2025
TOTEMX, this 38-key column-staggered split keyboard by azhizhinov, has been around for some time, but it was brought to my attention by dummyboi_cyc's recent post (the image on top depicts his builds). This board is a replica of the famous TOTEM by GEIGEIGEIST – for MX-spaced (19.05x19.05mm) MX switches.
Ever since I bought a totem from AliExpress it has been my daily driver. My only complaint is I wish to use MX switches for typing feel and keycaps tailored to my taste – dummyboi.
Sure, there's also the feature-rich KLOR as an alternative, but the TOTEMX is a no-frills adaptation. In addition, it was meant to be used with a Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 or nRF52840 (vs the Pro Micro footprint of the KLOR).
Specs
- 38 keys
- MX, hotswap or soldered (also soldered-only Choc?)
- reversible PCB
- Seeed XIAO footprint (e.g. RP2040 or nRF52840)
- TOTEMX uses the same firmware as the original TOTEM
- various 3D-printed cases
Dummyboi and his friend also made modifications to the case, aiming for a similar low profile to the original Totem. They shaved 2mm off the top and bottom cases, customized the bottom case cutouts for the hotswap sockets à la Horizon, and added 3mm x 2mm magnet holes to the middle and top cases for screw-less assembly.
Resources
- https://github.com/azhizhinov/TOTEMX
- https://github.com/GEIGEIGEIST/totem
- https://github.com/GEIGEIGEIST/KLOR
Published on Fri 28th Mar 2025. Featured in KBD #189.
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