# tompi/cheapino

An affordable split 36 keys keyboard

Repository: https://github.com/tompi/cheapino
Canonical: https://ross.abutalabs.com/products/cheapino
Language: OpenSCAD
License: CC-BY-4.0
License Family: other
Topics: ergomechkeyboards, keyboard, pcb
Last push: 2026-03-15T12:11:14+00:00

## Health v2 (maintenance only)
Score: 54/100 (v2, computed 2026-09-03T02:20:16.233290+00:00)
- activity 72, release rhythm 8, longevity 94
- inputs: {"age_days": 1323, "days_push": 171, "days_rel": null, "gap_med": null, "n_releases_24m": 0}
- flags: none
- formula: round(0.45*activity + 0.35*rhythm + 0.20*longevity); archived -> min(score, 10)

## Adoption (not part of the score)
Stars 1162, forks 49 (observed 2026-08-28T04:03:49.565295+00:00)

## What it is
Cheapino is an open-source hardware design for an affordable 36-key split ergonomic keyboard, including reversible PCB files, OpenSCAD case designs, and build/ordering guides. It uses a single RP2040-Zero MCU with a japanese duplex matrix over RJ45 and supports Vial or custom QMK firmware.

## Use cases
- build a cheap split ergonomic keyboard
- order and solder a DIY 36-key keyboard PCB
- customize keyboard firmware with QMK or Vial
- 3D print a case for a hotswap split keyboard
- learn to build an ergomech keyboard on a budget

## When to choose
- you want a very low-cost DIY split keyboard with full design files and guides
- you want a 36-key layout with hotswap or soldered options
- you want Vial/QMK support and a single-MCU design

## When to avoid
- you want a pre-built, ready-to-use keyboard
- you need more than 36 keys or wireless out of the box
- you are not comfortable soldering or sourcing parts yourself

## Facets
- artifact type: application
- maturity: active
- function: embedded
- domain: hardware, developer-tools, cross-platform
- platform: embedded, cross-platform
- tags: hardware, keyboard, ergonomic-keyboard, split-keyboard, pcb-design, openscad, diy-electronics, qmk, vial, rp2040

## Member repositories
- tompi/cheapino (main) score 54

## Provenance
- Observed fields: from GitHub, fetched 2026-08-28T04:03:49.565295+00:00.
- Health v2: computed from the inputs above; adoption is never an input.
- Inferred fields (summary, facets, guidance): AI-extracted, prompt v1, taxonomy v1, on 2026-08-30T06:31:39.852492+00:00, confidence not recorded.
  - readme: https://github.com/tompi/cheapino (fetched 2026-08-28T04:03:49.565295+00:00, sha ddc51e1a6a9a)
- Data as of 2026-08-30T08:39:29.467469+00:00.