Keyboard Builders’ Digest / Evaluate
Elytra overview
The Elytra is a flowery break up in a cool alu case. Pre-built, wi-fi, low profile, optimized for journey – from ElimKeys.
KBD.information
Printed January 9, 2026
Inside the keyboard passion, many individuals are on the fence between conventional keyboards and totally ergonomic designs. The pre-built break up Elytra, trying jaw-dropping within the official pictures however much more interesting in actual life, is precisely for them: a break up with horizontal staggering.
TL;DR: The Elytra stuns customers with its high quality machining, smooth design, low profile, fancy backside. Options: compact design, light-weight alu case with Bluetooth connectivity, good POM Kailh Choc V2 switches (hotswap PCB and MX-compatible keycaps), Vial assist, beautiful hard-shell carry case. Very simple to customise – the proper selection if you would like to go break up however do not feel like soldering and coding, plus would keep on with a extra basic structure and skip relearning typing from the bottom. 🙂 Out there from simply $159 (tremendous early chicken) to $249 (full bundle with wrist relaxation and tenting).
After I see the Elytra, this attractive wi-fi 60% break up designed by ElimKeys, I can not assist however consider and examine it to the Cornix, my favourite challenge in 2025. Though ElimKeys is a unique staff, Jezail Funder Studio does have its marks on this board as a producing accomplice: the standard, machining, even the keycaps and change selection.
Whereas I am extra into true, columnar ergo splits, I noticed a variety of potential on this board, so took the time and put much more effort than common into testing the Elytra. When you’re searching for a deep perception – proper right down to a full teardown with disassembly pictures – take a look at the overview under. There’s additionally a photodump on imgur.
Disclaimer
- ElimKeys‘ Haobo Gu – creator of the Rust-based RMK keyboard firmware by the way in which – was variety sufficient to ship me this overview unit totally free. As all the time, freebies might introduce all types of biases – each damaging and constructive in my expertise. Take every thing I write with a grain of salt.
- This can be a Kickstarter marketing campaign, nevertheless, undoubtedly not from the shady render-only variety. With not simply early prototypes in existence, however with beta models at testers, the product is able to manufacture.
- That stated, the ultimate mass-produced model shall be additional improved in comparison with the beta unit within the pictures under.
Variants
There are two colour variants: a black and a silver one, each bead-blasted and anodized, with matching black and white keycaps, respectively. Plus there shall be two change choices – a light-weight linear and a silent one –, each Choc V2s. Backers will be capable to select colour and change kind after the marketing campaign.
As you possibly can see within the pictures, I acquired the silver model. It was a shock, I have never selected it intentionally, however I am more than pleased about it: no fingerprints in any respect, which I am undecided could be true for the black variant.
Unboxing & Contents
The Elytra got here in a easy, tiny, no-frills cardboard field, with no branding in any respect – it will in all probability change for the mass-produced model. Or not. It would not actually issues, as a result of contained in the outer cardboard, there was the keyboard in in all probability the cutest hard-shell case I’ve ever seen:
Contents:
- The pre-built break up Elytra keyboard itself with keycaps and switches mounted
- hard-shell case
That was it for the beta pattern. I would wish to stress that this wasn’t the complete, mass-produced bundle, so which may be one thing utterly totally different. The Kickstarter web page lists extra gadgets like:
- Handbook/Card
- USB cable
- 2x spare switches
- 2x spare caps
- mixed software to take away keycaps & switches
- additionally alternative backside insulating layer?
And for the extra expensive bundles:
First impressions, design language
Once more, in relation to the design language, I can not assist however consider the Cornix. In all probability solely as a result of the Jiffy SP75 (coming quickly) is not out but? That is one other comparable break up by Jezail Funder Studio, with horizontal staggering identical to the Elytra. However the Elytra was partially accomplished by JFS as effectively (manufacturing accomplice, meeting and keycaps). The standard of the milled aluminum case give all these boards a really refined feel and appear – comparatively unusual within the area of interest break up scene. As well as, the Elytra raises the stakes with the flamboyant “biomimetic” backside – a la Holy60.
When in use, it is a clear and easy construct visually, with no branding in anyway. Solely if you flip the board the wrong way up, will you realise that the designer went loopy with the underside. (A not too obtrusive branding is on the carry case.)
Specs (and ToC)
- Structure: 63 keys (basic horizontal staggering, simply break up)
- Keycaps: dye-sub PBT LAK profile (low-pro MX)
- Switches: two customized low-pro all-POM Kailh Choc V2 choices
- Case materials: CNC aluminum
- Mounting: Tray mounted
- Plate: FR4, matte black, no flex cuts (in the meanwhile)
- PCB: hotswap, matte black, no flex cuts or per-key LED
- Tenting: no tenting for the beta unit, 6 and 10.5 levels deliberate
- Software program assist: RMK/Vial
- Wi-fi: Bluetooth, 3 BL connections, 2x300mAh
- Peak: 11.8 mm case, lower than 2 cm with caps and bumpons.
- Dimensions: 15.4×10.1cm (left) and 17.3×10.1cm (proper)
- Weight: 420g
- Worth: from $159
Structure
No steep studying curve. 63 keys, ANSI, basic horizontal staggering with B keys on each halves. Very near the great previous 60% structure, solely break up into two halves, with minor variations with reference to mapping of some keys.
The basic structure advantages newcomers to the break up scene (simpler transition from conventional layouts), but additionally severe typers who’ve mastered e.g. ANSI QWERTY and do not actually wish to relearn typing and retrain muscle reminiscence to adapt to a totally ergo columnar association.
63 keys could also be thought-about already too many by hardcore break up customers typing on 36-42 keys (and even much less). Nonetheless, the Elytra continues to be very compact: missing bodily F-keys, numpad, and the basic arrow and navigation cluster. All you actually have right here beside alphas is the quantity row, modifiers, and the Elytra presents a devoted arrow cluster as effectively, sacrificing the correct mods.
One other small tweak is that the Esc key was mapped to CapsLock by default – truly, because it tuned out, that is Haobo‘s private choice, and he forgot to alter it again earlier than flashing the samples. 🙂
As well as, the FN key occupies the spot for the correct Shift. (In response to the FAQ on Kickstarter, the UP key, proper of the query mark, needs to be MT(RShift, Up), nevertheless it wasn’t in my case.)
Construct high quality, construction, case
Wonderful construct high quality. ElimKeys guarantees enhancements on this regard, however why? 🙂 My tester unit was flawless. Regardless of being very smooth, the entire thing has a wholesome mass in comparison with a lot bulkier 3D-printed plastic circumstances. As well as, this silver variant appears completely fingerprint-resistant. By the way in which, each colours are bead-blasted and anodized aluminum.
Elytra is constructed from premium CNC aluminum, designed to really feel stable but impossibly gentle. We took inspiration from beetle elytra – the ultralight but extremely robust protecting wing circumstances – and utilized the identical biomimetic concept to the underside of our CNC aluminum chassis – ElimKeys.
The screws are hidden, so to disassemble the Elytra, you need to take away a bunch of keyscaps first.
Truthfully, greater than half of the caps. That is undoubtedly a prebuilt-first keyboard, aesthetics was extra vital than simple disassembly. However, taking it aside is not unattainable both. Not less than it has all of the screws in the identical measurement and magnificence – one screwdriver is adequate.
5 screws to take away the highest case, one other 5 to take away the plate/PCB sandwich – for one half.
This construction just isn’t probably the most optimum from the reviewer’s standpoint, however the majority of shoppers will not trouble with disassembly anyway.
Construction & Mounting
Tray mounting, the plate/PCB sandwich is mounted to the underside case by 5 screws. This design leads to a extra direct typing expertise, no softness or additional cushioning like with gaskets and flex cuts.
Plate
Matte FR4 plate. No flex cuts in the meanwhile, so the typing really feel could be very direct. That stated, the ultimate plate may need cuts to scale back the load much more.
After the Cornix, this time not every thing is 1U, so there are three stabilizers – for the spacebars and the left shift. Good low-pro stabs.
PCB
This can be a prebuilt keyboard so most of you will not have to get so far as disassembling it – prying the PCB off the plate plus switches. The 1.2 mm PCB options hotswap sockets however no LEDs, besides the indicator LEDs in fact. No flex cuts both.
Switches
The beta unit got here with the already nice all-POM Kailh Choc V2 White Rain switches, seen first in my LEGO break up KBDcraft Israfel, however ElimKeys labored with Kailh to craft two customized low-profile switches for Elytra – CloudShell White (linear) and JZF Mist (silent). The ultimate manufacturing models will include these.
Each choices are gentle linears, 40 and 37gf, respectively. Complete journey: 2.8 mm.
If you would like to experiment, be happy to make use of the latest best-selling Choc switches, or your private favorites. (Be careful for the stem although, whereas Choc V1 and V2 switches share the identical footprint, you want totally different keycaps for them (MX vs Choc stem).
The purpose is: The PCB options hotswap sockets, so you are not restricted to the manufacturing facility setup as you possibly can simply swap switches with out soldering.
Choc V2 means Choc footprint/pins and MX stem. The most effective of each worlds: low-profile switches with a a lot bigger number of MX-compatible keycaps in comparison with Choc ones. When you assume that Choc change choice is sparse, assume once more.
Keycaps
The PBT LAK keycaps are already very usable, particularly for one thing break up: a uniform, cylindrical profile with comparatively small high floor. As a result of uniformity, you possibly can simply rearrange the caps to match totally different different layouts (aside from the homing keys in fact).
The inventory caps come from JZF, nevertheless, the legends are totally different – cleaner on this case. Lowercase, and no secondary legends and layer indicators, in distinction to the unique Cornix caps. As well as, the black caps look this elegant stealth black on black, not like the white on black set of some Cornix variants.
Truly, LAK is even higher for the Elytra than it was for the Cornix. The large hole and harsh edges made it much less optimum for thumb clusters. With a single convex spacebar per half, you do not have to slip your thumbs throughout a number of keys, so there is not any such drawback with the Elytra.
Identical profile, totally different legends – unique JZF LAK caps
That stated, whereas I haven’t got a suitable MX Lamé set to check it, I would in all probability swap the caps for one thing much less edgy – however this can be solely me and my style. Anyway, because of the MX stems of the Choc V2s, you are not restricted to those or low-pro caps in any respect.
Elytra with some Cherry keycaps (MoeeTech)
With reference to keycap compatibity, the 60%-ish structure needs to be extensively supported. Legend compatibility could also be tough within the backside proper area, however profile-wise solely the 1.5U backspace induced me some headache.
My solely situation was that the lengthy Cherry caps could also be too heavy for the keys with stabs? All three caught. (And on your curiosity: the Choc V2 White Rain switches had no likelihood towards the Awekeys steel keycaps.)
Backside & Weight
No fancy weight, however a cool milled backside with these natural holes acquainted from boards just like the Holy60 (“biomimetic CNC”).
The beta unit got here with no insulation in anyway, the PCB being uncovered by means of the holes. When the product is launched, it’s going to include a default insulation pad primarily to stop brief circuits. As well as, there shall be a full-size replaceable insulation pad included, which will be swapped in to offer additional safety towards moisture or water, and mud.
Tenting & Typing angle
No tenting by default, not what I may check out with the beta unit, nevertheless, there’s one thing what appears like a hard and fast tenting answer within the “Final Ergo Bundle”, in all probability accessible as an non-compulsory add-on as effectively.
The plan is to offer 6° and 10° tenting choices, which will be adjusted by swapping the facet helps.
Sound & Sound dampening
Keyboard sound just isn’t actually a factor within the DIY break up scene, is it? Nicely, the Cornix has proven that it may be, and the Elytra performs fairly effectively on this regard as effectively. Because it’s becoming for a pre-built break up in such a pleasant milled case. Undoubtedly not the DIY break up sound expertise: it is comparatively muted, however very clear and good – regardless of the shortage of any sound dampening layers.
Most of my different plastic and 3D-printed splits, often with large XDA caps, are a lot louder and rattly. In comparison with them, the Elytra is a refined precision machine with rather more refined sound.
To your curiosity, whereas at present no sound-absorbing foam is included (to save lots of weight), the plan is to survey backers after the marketing campaign. If there’s sufficient demand, the plan is to make it occur.
Lights & Indicators
No per-key RGB, ornament lights or shows, as it’s common for many wireless-first boards. However there are 4 tiny indicator LEDs on the entrance, two on each halves, dealing with the consumer, displaying information on mode, connection standing, and warning about low battery degree.
Wi-fi
The Elytra is wi-fi (Bluetooth), supporting three BL connections, and that includes 2x300mAh batteries. The left half is the principle gadget, you should use that one as wired too, however the USB socket of the correct slave is barely there for charging and reflashing the firmware. There is no cable between the halves.
Relating to battery life, ElimKeys‘ testing means that the left facet (central) lasts about 2-3 weeks, and the correct one (peripheral) at the least 1 month – with 8 hours of lively use per day.
There are devoted on/off switches on each halves for on the go, or when not in use (nevertheless, the board goes into sleep mode mechanically). I used to be knowledgeable that these switches do precise battery decoupling, not like the Cornix: when the change is off, the battery is phisically disconnected. On this case, the keyboard is powered by the USB cable, however the battery won’t cost. Good! (Protects the battery.)
And that is vital. The Elytra has all types of certifications: IEC 62133 and UN38.3 for the battery, FCC, CE, TELEC, and BQB for the wi-fi module – so it needs to be secure.
Nonetheless, as a common warning: should you use your wi-fi keyboards completely linked, please learn this text about built-in keyboard batteries and methods to keep away from hearth – for particulars, ideas, and horror tales.
Mainly, retaining wi-fi boards plugged in always (charging) results in accelerated degradation of the lithium battery. You must observe correct battery care practices.
That stated, verify the battery for swelling recurrently.
The correct half of the Elytra is wi-fi solely, so you possibly can’t take away or disconnect the battery. And whereas it is comparatively inconvenient to get to the battery – eradicating some keycaps, unscrewing screws, and so forth. –, you possibly can truly see the batteries, at the least partially, because of the holes within the backside of the case.
Software program
Having RMK/Vial assist is all the time good. Simple remapping could also be not that vital for the audience of the Elytra, at the least in comparison with customers of all-1U, columnar ergo splits with a lot much less keys, however you’ll have to customise some performance particularly across the arrows, relying on the language(s) you utilize.
High-quality-tuning your keymap is simple. The Elytra was immediately acknowledged by Vial, so establishing my customized keymap was a chunk of cake. I can not actually reside with out additional layers – activated by the 2 spacebars on this case, so the very first thing I did was be sure if SpaceFN works as I would anticipate. Spoiler: it really works.
When you’re new to layers, SpaceFN is that this single logical layer, an actual game-changer, placing arrows, navigation and numbers underneath your fingertips – accessible by combining tap-hold features, e.g. for the correct spacebar in my case:
However that is solely a teaser: you’ve gotten rather more choices with the Elytra. It helps tap-hold, tap-dance, macros, combos, and so forth.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is difficult, the Elytra just isn’t good from an ergonomic standpoint both, however balancing between a standard structure and egro options, it checks a variety of packing containers:
- In the case of ergonomics, a break up is all the time higher than a one-piece keyboard: you possibly can put the 2 halves at a snug angle and distance to open your chest, making certain more healthy wrist angle, assuaging ulnar deviation.
- As a result of low profile, wrist extension should not be a problem.
- The complete bundle has some form of tenting (assuaging forearm pronation).
- What would not actually work is: the basic horizontal staggering. Whereas not the Elytra’s fault, the basic association of keys is botched inherently in some ways, particularly for the left half.
- Lastly, let me level out the break up spacebar – it is an amazing enchancment over a basic one-piece keyboard. Even when it presents much less alternatives in comparison with a good thumb cluster, it permits for straightforward entry of two additional layers (tap-hold features) – bringing often-used keys nearer to the house positions, which means much less finger journey.
Portability & Carry case
The Elytra is a superb board each on your desk and when mobility is a vital requirement: it is compact and comparatively gentle. Its wi-fi options make it inherently moveable, no cables wanted. As well as, each halves characteristic on/off switches, so no unintentional keypresses and wakeups throughout journey.
Truly, the halves placed on high of one another are about as excessive as a traditional keyboard:
As well as, the Elytra comes with the cutest carry case I’ve ever seen. Like its massive brothers, only a thousand instances cuter. And with this super-nice plush cushioning inside.
All in all, the Elytra is completely fitted to on the go.
Beta pattern vs mass-produced model
As already talked about, the unit you possibly can see within the pictures of this overview was a beta pattern. The ultimate mass-production model shall be barely improved:
- Packaging: The complete retail packaging wasn’t prepared but, so this pattern got here solely with the keyboard and the complimentary carrying case.
- End & seams: Allegedly, the manufacturing models can have tighter seams and a extra refined floor end. That stated, I have never noticed any flaws of the pattern, no machining marks or gaps.
- Backside insulation: The ultimate model will embody backside insulation sheets (two choices: segmented or full-sheet).
- Switches: The switches are nonetheless in sampling, this beta unit used Kailh’s inventory White Rain switches as a placeholder. The mass-production models will include customized lighter switches, as described above.
Conclusion
The Elytra is an superior pre-built break up keyboard from ElimKeys – should you’re into the basic, horizontal staggering, it is as near the proper low-pro break up because it will get. Coming in a pleasant milled aluminum chassis, with a super-cute hardshell carry case, the staff paid a variety of consideration to reaching eye-catching design mixed with nice typing really feel – not the same old priorities within the DIY a part of the break up scene. That includes hotswap Choc V2 switches, low-profile PBT keycaps, and offering an amazing out-of-the-box typing expertise. Vial assist is the icing on the cake, for straightforward customizability. I can advocate this board to anybody who’d wish to attempt a high-quality alu break up, regardless that I examined a beta unit.
Professionals
- distinctive construct high quality for one thing low-pro break up
- extremely customizable (hotswap Choc footprint, MX stem, Vial)
- superior carry case
Cons
- a bit cumbersome full disassembly (wanted e.g. to correctly verify battery well being) – which may grow to be vital after a couple of years of use
Worth & Availability
In the mean time, the Elytra is out there by means of Kickstarter solely, value ranging from $159 – till Jan fifteenth!!!
Hurry up should you preferred what you learn on this overview. 😉
Printed on Fri ninth Jan 2026. Featured in KBD #204.
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