Keybytes: Modular Keyboard Powered by Distributed RISC-V Keys

Repositorynotaroomba/keybytesResource

Keybytes is an open-hardware project that breaks mechanical keyboards into individual 1u modules running dedicated RISC-V microcontrollers. Pogo pins and magnetic cases allow arbitrary physical layouts that communicate over I2C to an STM32 base module.

Key points

  1. Each 1u key module (Keybit) features a CH32V003 RISC-V MCU and four-way pogo pins for power and I2C bus connections.
  2. The main controller (Keyword) is powered by an STM32WB55RGV6 providing Bluetooth Low Energy and USB-C connectivity.
  3. The stacked main board includes a BQ25895 battery charger, TPS631000 buck-boost converter, and 2MB QSPI flash.
  4. Magnetic 3D-printed enclosures keep adjacent key modules aligned and physically connected without fixed backplates.
  5. Hardware designs are built using KiCad for electronics and Onshape plus Blender for CAD modeling.

Why it matters

It demonstrates how cheap microcontrollers combined with spring-contact buses can eliminate rigid backplanes to create completely reconfigurable physical interfaces.

Analysis

Problem and Concept

Standard mechanical keyboards rely on rigid PCBs or static matrix wirings. Reconfiguring key layouts, such as transitioning between standard staggered setups and split ergonomic designs, typically requires building an entirely new keyboard. Keybytes decentralises keyboard hardware by turning every single key into an autonomous 1u (19.05 mm x 19.05 mm) module.

Technical Architecture

  • Key Modules (Keybit): Each module integrates a Cherry MX footprint and a cheap CH32V003 RISC-V microcontroller. Pogo pins along all four edges pass 3.3V, ground, and I2C signals across neighbouring keys, with dedicated corner pads used for flashing.
  • Base Controller (Keyword): The controller uses a stacked dual-PCB design. The top board carries an STM32WB55RGV6 for processing, BLE wireless, and 2MB QSPI flash storage. The lower board houses the USB-C port, battery charge management, and buck-boost regulation.
  • Enclosure: Neodymium magnets embedded in custom cases provide mechanical cohesion across keys.

Target Audience and Maturity

The project is aimed at embedded developers, hardware hackers, and custom keyboard enthusiasts. Currently, Keybytes is an experimental prototype; KiCad schematics and CAD assets are shared, but it is not yet a commercial, turn-key product.

Mentioned links

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Summary generated by AI (Gemini 3.8 Flash, 28 October 2026). It may contain errors – the original source is authoritative.

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Locations

  • Mattersburg
    Johann Nepomuk Bergerstraße 7/2/14
    7210 Mattersburg, Austria
  • Vienna
    Ungargasse 64-66/3/404
    1030 Wien, Austria

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