GoKawiilRecap: While popular manufacturer Keychron offers partially open-source keyboards and is working to open-source its mouse firmware, modder Juho T's fully open-source Silakka54 design has been inspiring affordable ergonomic split keyboards for some time. A new fork from another tinkerer adds Hall-effect switches.
Fans of minimalist ergonomic split keyboards and users familiar with the Silakka54 might be interested in a new Hall-effect variant. If it catches on with resellers, it could become one of the more affordable Hall-effect keyboards available, while its open-source hardware and firmware allow for unrestricted modding.
Juho T's original Silakka54 design first emerged on GitHub in late 2024. The 54-key split keyboard draws inspiration from the REVIUNG41 and Corne, supports 5-pin MX-style switches, and uses firmware based on the open-source QMK and VIA standards.
While the project's GitHub repository includes instructions for building the PCB and firmware from scratch, pre-built models from unaffiliated resellers are available on stores such as AliExpress for as little as $50. As a fully open-source project, forks were to be expected, and a recent creation from modder Hanthebot introduces a useful Hall-effect option.
The Silakka54-HE mostly retains the original design and firmware support. However, in addition to adding Hall-effect switches, it supports Wooting cases and features a reversible design, with its firmware and PCB schematics based on Choi Byungyoon's TrueStrike42. Other features include adjustable actuation points (APC), rapid trigger, full-duplex communication, and much more.
Currently available only as a DIY project, the Silakka54-HE requires the following off-the-shelf components:
PCB x2
SOT-23 SS49E x54
0805 0.1uf capacitor x62 (0.1~1uf)
PJ320A TRRS socket x2
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