In the Market for a Split Keyboard? Think Again

For those who dare to be different, split keyboards have become a coveted accessory. But what happens when you take a regular mechanical keyboard and chop it in half? Japanese YouTube channel Nomoluk Report recently took us on a journey to find out.

A Desperate Measure?

Nomoluk Report's decision to hack apart their keyboard was not taken lightly. With the help of a saw blade, they took a rather-fancy-looking regular mechanical keyboard and chopped it in half. The result? A device that looks more like an amateur magician having a bad day than a functional piece of hardware.

As spotted by Hackaday, Nomoluk Report's process involved using a soldering iron to wire the traces back together. And then there was some cable conduit wizardry to tidy up the mess. But would their creation be usable?

A Nightmarish Creation

Take a look at the resulting device and you'll see what we mean by "nightmare." The wires, the switch still attached to one side of the board, and the RGB lighting that surprisingly still works – it's a jumbled mess. And if you thought that was bad, there's also a split membrane keyboard that didn't even receive conduit surgery.

"I regret why I started doing this," says the narrator in the video. "The detailed work was too hard so I escaped and came to see the sunset." We can't help but feel for them.

A Lesson Learned

Keyboards have enough of a rough existence already, what with all the spills, crumbs, and greasy fingerprints they take. Do we really need to add hacking and wiring to the mix? Nomoluk Report's creation may look functional, but it's clear that this is not a recommended DIY project.

So if you're in the market for a split keyboard and want something reliable, consider leaving your old model alone. Instead, opt for a properly designed and tested peripheral that won't give you gray hair.

A Word from the Author

"I'm feeling slightly woozy after watching this video," admits PC Gamer's Andy, who built his first gaming PC at 12 and has been reviewing hardware ever since. "I think I need to go for a lie down."

Andy has reviewed every bit of PC hardware he can get his hands on, from the latest gaming mice to the most affordable keyboards. He's seen it all, and we're glad he's here to warn you about the dangers of hacking your own keyboard.

The Verdict

If you value your sanity and your keyboard's functionality, stick with a properly designed split keyboard from a reputable manufacturer. Your wallet (and your nervous system) will thank you.