Building an Open Source Keyboard From Scratch
Nathan Alspaugh, an aerospace engineering student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, spent roughly 100 hours designing an innovative open source keyboard. While standard peripherals lock users into a rigid layout, this project relies on magnetic pogo pins and individual RISC-V microcontrollers to let builders rearrange keys like Lego bricks. Because Alspaugh wanted complete layout freedom without manufacturing compromises, he engineered a custom modular hardware ecosystem.
Open Source Keyboard: Overcoming Manufacturing Hurdles and Prototype Costs
Designing a modular open source keyboard required overcoming frustrating setbacks. Alspaugh struggled with magnets that refused to stay put, alongside numerous circuit board errors caught during the design phase. To bring the vision to life, he learned how to operate a resin 3D printer for custom cases. Meanwhile, outsourcing component assembly drove up expenses significantly. According to his project journal, buying the specialized parts required a careful financial investment:
- Keybit individual control boards: a couple of bucks apiece
- Keyword controller modules: $30 each
- Keybit professional assembly: $69 total
- Keyword professional assembly: $203 total
Although the initial GitHub repository features basic documentation, his detailed project journal offers complete transparency regarding the development process. Hardware enthusiasts eager to explore the project can check out the GitHub repository for further design insights.
How This Compares to Traditional Mechanical Boards
Unlike mainstream mechanical options from brands like Corsair or Keychron, Alspaugh’s creation prioritizes absolute physical adaptability. Traditional units use a fixed printed circuit board, whereas this hardware treats every single key as an independent computing node. That said, the complex assembly process means it is currently tailored for advanced builders rather than mainstream consumers.
The Bottom Line for Modular Hardware Enthusiasts
This MIT project proves that amateur hardware design is evolving rapidly. While mass-produced peripherals dominate retail shelves, custom projects push creative boundaries. Whether this unique open source keyboard inspires commercial manufacturers to adopt magnetic modularity remains uncertain, but it certainly redefines what a dedicated builder can achieve at a student workbench.