Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Zaphod ECBrox
Pete Johanson published his Zaphod ECBrox, a 34-key wireless EC keyboard.
Published June 17, 2025
The unibody split Zaphod ECBrox is a 34-key electro-capacitive ergo split keyboard designed and shared by Pete Johanson – wireless, powered by XIAO and ZMK.
Finally finished building the first prototypes of my new design, Zaphod ECBrox! (…) It's an evolution of my very first keyboard design, the Zaphod – Pete.
The design is comprised of:
- The 4-layer PCB, which takes a XIAO via low profile mill-max sockets and two pogo pins
- A switch plate, ideally 1.5mm laser cut, but tested with 1.6mm alu PCB
- The case, composed of a top, bottom, and reset button.
Specs
- 34 keys (5x3+2)
- electro-capacitive (EC) switches
- Seeed XIAO nRF52840 Plus
- 4-layer PCB
- Room for about 450mAh of LiPo battery
- 3D printable case
- ZMK
This keyboard was made with electro-capacitive (EC) switches in mind, designed initially for Naevy EC switches, but should support standard Topre parts with a new plate and minor case adjustments as well.
Only XIAO nRF52840 Plus is supported at this time. The original nRF52840 is NOT supported, since it has different battery pads. XIAO RP2040 isn't supported either. It has a hardware ADC bug, and is not suitable for EC use.
Resources
Published on Tue 17th Jun 2025. Featured in KBD #193 (source).
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