Show HN: Bayleaf – Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard • Hacker News Board

Show HN: Bayleaf – Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard

#1

Post by sgraz » Tue, Mar 04, 2025, 3:00 PM UTC

Hey HN,

I built a wireless, split, ultra-low profile keyboard from scratch called Bayleaf. As a beginner I learned all things electronics, PCB-building, designing for manufacturing, and many other hardware-related skills to put this together.

This case study dives into the build process and of course the final result, hope you enjoy!

Show HN: Bayleaf – Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard
graz.io

Re: Show HN: Bayleaf – Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard

#2

Post by [deleted] » Tue, Mar 04, 2025, 3:00 PM UTC

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Re: Show HN: Bayleaf – Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard

#3

Post by [deleted] » Tue, Mar 04, 2025, 3:01 PM UTC

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Re: Show HN: Bayleaf – Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard

#4

Post by [deleted] » Tue, Mar 04, 2025, 3:01 PM UTC

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Re: Show HN: Bayleaf – Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard

#5

Post by mattpavelle » Tue, Mar 04, 2025, 3:07 PM UTC

I love this. Well done. I've looked in the past for an ultra portable full sized keyboard (with a nice aesthetic) that I could throw in my pocket. I wonder if I could actually do any real work (not coding, of course) at a coffee shop with my iPhone in a stand and with a keyboard like that.

Re: Show HN: Bayleaf – Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard

#6

Post by aredox » Tue, Mar 04, 2025, 3:10 PM UTC

Nice write-up.

For something so thin, your soldering woes aren't surprising. The standard way to manage that would have been to solder everything in one go on a hot plate (reflow soldering).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QarizoUnRfk

Re: Show HN: Bayleaf – Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard

#7

Post by nickdichev » Tue, Mar 04, 2025, 3:10 PM UTC

Really well done! Looks great

Re: Show HN: Bayleaf – Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard

#8

Post by snide » Tue, Mar 04, 2025, 3:10 PM UTC

This is beautiful. I'm a "Let's Split" style keyboarder as well so this made me giddy! There's a distinct lack of solid cases out there for this layout style.

You mention possibly mass producing the next round. Please add a notify email list or something. I'd be all over this.

Re: Show HN: Bayleaf – Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard

#9

Post by azthecx » Tue, Mar 04, 2025, 3:11 PM UTC

Quite neat result and presentation! Can you estimate what did your research and final product cost turn out to be?

Re: Show HN: Bayleaf – Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard

#10

Post by nicksergeant » Tue, Mar 04, 2025, 3:13 PM UTC

I've wanted this for years. I've tried so many "ergonomic" mechanical keyboards, but the huge key travel (even if very soft switches), tends to always give me finger/wrist issues over a few weeks.