Lily58 Custom Split Keyboard

Inviting, fun and relatively affordable

I got my hands on a Lily58, which is an open-source split keyboard design that I found through a Dutch hobbyist who builds these. What made this build particularly interesting was the addition of a tilting kit from 3DKeycap that transformed the typing experience. The kit allowed me to create a pseudo key-well effect by adding height and angles to specific keys, making them more accessible to my fingers.

While it wasn't quite the same as a proper ergonomic keyboard like the Glove80, it definitely feels like it offers something fun for the hobbyist. The keyboard came pre-flashed with VIAL, making it easy to customize layouts and add features like home-row mods. The whole setup, including the tilting kit, came in under 200 bucks, making it an accessible entry point into the custom keyboard hobby.

Pros

• Affordable entry into ergonomic keyboards (under $200 complete)
• Highly customizable with VIAL/QMK firmware
• 3D tilting kit makes for a fun typing experience

Cons

• Noticeable key wobble with tilting kit installed
• More difficult to swap switches with tilting kit
• Some unused thumb keys without clear purpose
• Only two easily accessible thumb keys