3D Printed Handwired 40% Keyboard

Handwired 40% Keyboard

A compact 40% ortholinear keyboard you can build entirely yourself.
No PCB, simple parts, all inside a fully 3D printed case.

Designed to be cheap and approachable, whether this is your first handwired keyboard or just a fun weekend build.

Why this build

• Step-by-step build guide included
• Very low total cost
  The full keyboard can cost as little as €20–30 if you:
  • Use a nice!nano v2 clone
  • Print your own keycaps
• No PCB required
  Fully handwired matrix. Great for learning how keyboards actually work.
• Wireless-ready
  Built around nice!nano v2 / NRF52840 Pro Micro clones
• ZMK + ZMK Studio
  Bluetooth support and live keymap changes without reflashing

Note: Keycaps 

To hit the lowest possible build cost, you can print your own keycaps.
Here’s a set I designed that works perfectly with this build:

Click the image to go to the model

Printing your own keycaps removes one of the biggest cost drivers in keyboard builds.

Printing Notes (IMPORTANT)

This is a large flat print. Print quality matters.

• Warping WILL cause fit issues
• Warped print = nothing will fit
• Use dry filament
• Wash your build plate with dish soap and warm water
• Make sure bed adhesion is solid before starting

If you’ve had adhesion issues before, don’t ignore this step.
Skipping it will almost guarantee problems during assembly.

Full Build Guide & Firmware

Detailed wiring instructions, BOM, pinout diagrams, and firmware are available on GitHub

You can also find the build manual directly on MakerWorld.