The Helix keyboard is a split ortholinear design that features a 5x6 grid with two additional thumb keys on the bottom two rows. This keyboard design is one of the first well known split keyboards to come from Japan. Many of the innovations introduced by the Helix were carried over into other layouts like the Lily58 and Corne keyboards. The PCBs feature per key RGB lighting as well as footprints for optional OLED screens. By default, the screens display the current layer and information about recently pressed keys. The bottom row of the PCB can also be broken off in order to create a four row layout.
The Helix keyboard was designed by pluis9 with artwork by void_keys. Additional information about the Helix keyboard along with the source files from the designer can be found on the Helix Github repository. QMK key mappings and firmware can be found here.
PCB Variants
| Helix |
Switches must be soldered in to place. Compatible with Cherry MX and Kailh Low Profile Choc switches. Supports 4 or 5 row layouts. |
| Helix Hotswap |
PCBs utilize Kailh MX Hotswap Sockets that can only be used with Cherry MX compatible switches. 5 row layout is supported. PCBs can be purchased here. |
This particular Helix PCB variant does not include footprints that are compatible with Kailh Hotswap Sockets. Switches must be soldered in place in order to function.
Kits must be assembled in order to be used. The following components are included with each kit.
| 2 | PCB |
| 2 | TRRS Jack |
| 2 | Reset Switches |
| 64 | Through Hole Diodes (SMD available upon request) |
The following components are required in order to have a completed keyboard.
| 2 | Pro Micro or equivalent |
| 1 | Helix Keyboard Case |
| 50/64 | Cherry MX or Kailh Choc switches |
| 50/64 | Keycaps |
| 1 | TRRS Cable |
| 1 | USB Cable |
The following components are optional.
| 2 | OLED Screen | Link |
| 50/64 | RGB LED | Link |