3×6 (+2 outer-pinky) Split Keyboard · 3 Thumb Keys · All 1U · MX Compatible
The WᛝLF Keyboard, or wlfkbd, is a 40-key keyboard featuring only 2 outer-pinky keys to improve ergonomics, white backlight and RGB status LEDs.
Thanks to JLCCNC for sponsoring the production of the aluminum case. New customers can receive a total of $70 in coupons, so if you haven't used them yet, please check them out.
- Wireless BLE XIAO nRF52840.
- Ultra-low-profile build (8mm case and 11mm total).
- Lightweight (only 300 g for both halves).
- MX-Spacing.
- Compatible with Gateron KS33/3.0 Low-Profile switches.
- Long battery life (700mAh each half).
- Minimalist design.
- White backlight.
- RGB Status LEDs.
The firmware for The Wolf is powered by ZMK and is maintained in its dedicated repository: zmk-config-wlf
This repository links the firmware as a Git submodule under firmware/. To clone both the hardware designs and firmware together:
git clone --recurse-submodules https://github.com/WillACosta/wlfkbd.git| Zone | Columns | Rows | Keys/half | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matrix | 6 (outer → inner) | 3 (bottom, home, top) | 17 | Outer column skips bottom row (2 keys only) |
| Thumb | 3 (inner, home, outer) | 1 | 3 | Splayed arc, anchored below index |
| Total | 20 | 40 keys full board |
outer pinky ring middle index inner
stagger: — +u/2 +u/4 +u/4 −u/4 −u/4
mm: 0 +9.525 +4.763 +4.763 −4.763 −4.763
Thumb Cluster Geometry
| Key | Splay | Spread | Stagger | Effective rotation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| thumb_inner | 0° | u (19.05mm) | 0mm | 0° |
| thumb_home | −15° | u+2.5 (21.55mm) | −2.7mm | −15° |
| thumb_outer | −14° | u+2.5 (21.55mm) | −2.5mm | −29° |
The thumb cluster anchors at matrix_index_bottom with a [-0.1u, -1.30u] offset, placing it slightly left and well below the index column — a natural resting position for the thumb.
See the Ergogen config file here (used only for the layout diagram)
After stepping into the rabbit hole of "Custom Split Keyboards", I found myself fascinated by this new world of different keyboard layouts, techniques, and a lot of fun!
I have used and own some beloved models created by incredible people, including:
The Corne is my favorite keyboard out there (you may notice some similarities between the wlfkbd and crkbd).
Still, I was missing something—that little thing that would improve my experience with the keyboard. Then I started testing different layouts on paper and came up with the layout shown earlier. I even used Ergo Pad to find the most comfortable way of typing for my long fingers.
I'm very fond of good, minimal design, so I've taken inspiration from Apple products, especially the Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad.
I really enjoy the white backlight of the built-in Mac keyboard, so I wanted to implement this in the first revision. Even though I only use the backlight occasionally, it's a nice-to-have for me.
The major feature I present here is the status LED on top of the outer-pinky column. It's something that I really wanted to have in previous keyboards but hadn't.
For more pictures head to the gallery
I really enjoy the symbolism of Wolves, it reminds me of the raw aspect of being human and a strong connection with nature and solitude. Regarding the Norse rune, the "Inguz", it represents "transitions", "new beginnings", "a force of will", etc. I have it tattooed on my right arm, so it's also a personal reference.
The PCB was built to be ordered already assembled. This means that all components are SMD, so while you may be able to solder them by hand, it requires solid soldering experience.
