tompi/cheapino

An affordable split 36 keys keyboard

OpenSCAD

1,185

184 commits

updated Sep 25, 2026

See the code

README

Cheapino

Probably one of the cheapest split keyboards you can build.

V2 in case V2 in case

This is the result of really enjoying building keyboards, but not wanting to spend that much money on it. The pcb is reversible, connected using rj45, and utilizes a japanese duplex matrix, so only one mcu is needed. For hotswap I recommend a case(pictured above), but soldering the switches is of course the cheapest option :)

You want one? See the ordering guide for what you need and how to buy it.

See the build guide v2 for more details and pictures of how to actually build it.

Some info on the plate/case solutions I know about.

Checkout the troubleshooting guide if your Cheapino does not work.

See the firmware guide for how to build and customize keyboard firmware. The cheapino has vial support, or you can build your own QMK to customize EVERYTHING. Even the onboard RP2040-Zero LED is controllable by QMK...

I added a few tips and tricks here.

Loads of beautiful build pictures here.

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license.

ergomechkeyboards
keyboard
pcb

tompi/cheapino

An affordable split 36 keys keyboard

OpenSCAD

1,185

184 commits

updated Sep 25, 2026

See the code

README

Cheapino

Probably one of the cheapest split keyboards you can build.

V2 in case V2 in case

This is the result of really enjoying building keyboards, but not wanting to spend that much money on it. The pcb is reversible, connected using rj45, and utilizes a japanese duplex matrix, so only one mcu is needed. For hotswap I recommend a case(pictured above), but soldering the switches is of course the cheapest option :)

You want one? See the ordering guide for what you need and how to buy it.

See the build guide v2 for more details and pictures of how to actually build it.

Some info on the plate/case solutions I know about.

Checkout the troubleshooting guide if your Cheapino does not work.

See the firmware guide for how to build and customize keyboard firmware. The cheapino has vial support, or you can build your own QMK to customize EVERYTHING. Even the onboard RP2040-Zero LED is controllable by QMK...

I added a few tips and tricks here.

Loads of beautiful build pictures here.

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license.

ergomechkeyboards
keyboard
pcb

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