Kindly Morrow
Mechanical Keyboard Starter Kit
Build a fully custom mechanical keyboard from bare PCB to finished board. Flash QMK firmware, remap every key, and design layered layouts that go far beyond what any off-the-shelf board allows. Most people type on keyboards. You'll know exactly how yours thinks.
The PCB ships with hotswap sockets, so switch swapping is tool-free and takes minutes, not an evening. QMK and VIA support means your layout lives in firmware, not in whatever the keycaps say. PCB, case, and stabilizers are all included so you can start building on day one.
Things to build with this
- Use QMK's layer system to build a dedicated CAD macro board, mapping Fusion 360 or SolidWorks shortcuts to single keystrokes with per-key RGB color coding by function group (sketch tools in blue, constraints in orange, export in green)
- Build a layered audio production controller that sends MIDI-mapped keystrokes to Ableton Live, using QMK's tap-toggle layer feature to switch between record, mute, and transport control modes without leaving home position
- Write a QMK macro sequence that types your full boilerplate license header, project scaffolding comments, or git commit template on a single keypress, using the SEND_STRING macro with conditional layer logic for different codebases
Key Features
- Hotswap PCB: switches press in and pull out by hand, no soldering iron required
- Cherry MX-style compatibility: fits 3-pin and 5-pin switches from Gateron, Kailh, Akko, Cherry, and most group-buy offerings
- QMK and VIA firmware support: full key remapping, layers, macros, and per-key RGB via browser UI or compiled source
- Complete build bundle: PCB, case, and stabilizers included for one standard-layout keyboard
- USB-C connection: reliable data and power, no adapter needed on modern machines
- US warehouse stock: typically 3 to 7 day delivery
- Everything needed to complete one full keyboard build, out of the box
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to solder anything to build this kit?
No. The PCB uses hotswap sockets, so switches press in and pull out by hand. No iron, no flux, no wick. You can swap between linear, tactile, and clicky switches in minutes.
Which switches are compatible?
Any Cherry MX-style switch with a 3-pin or 5-pin footprint. That covers the majority of the aftermarket: Gateron, Kailh, Akko, Cherry, and most budget options from overseas group buys.
How hard is it to get QMK running on this board?
If you want zero code, use VIA. It's browser-based and detects the board automatically. For full control, QMK has solid documentation and an active community. Compiling and flashing a custom keymap takes about 20 minutes your first time.
Does this kit include keycaps?
No. Keycaps are sold separately so you can choose your own profile and colorway. Any standard MX-stem keycap set will fit.
Why we stock this
Curated by Kindly Morrow. We test and vet every product before it hits the store. If we wouldn't use it in our own builds, we don't sell it.
Things to build with this
Fun projects to try once you get your hands on it.
Stream deck you actually built
Program each key to launch apps, trigger shortcuts, or control OBS scenes. Every key does something different, and you chose what.
AI prompt launcher
One key pastes your favorite Claude prompt. Another opens ChatGPT. A third runs a shell script. Your workflow, one tap at a time.
Custom Zoom controls
Mute button that actually works. Camera toggle. Screen share. All physical keys you can hit without hunting through menus mid-call.
Music production controller
Map rotary encoders to volume, knobs to EQ. Physical controls for your DAW that feel better than clicking tiny sliders.
