[HN Gopher] Industrial design files for Keychron keyboards and mice
___________________________________________________________________
Industrial design files for Keychron keyboards and mice
Author : stingraycharles
Score : 250 points
Date : 2026-04-10 16:22 UTC (6 hours ago)
(HTM) web link (github.com)
(TXT) w3m dump (github.com)
| stingraycharles wrote:
| Keychron just open-sourced their design files, which I didn't
| expect.
|
| I'm a happy user of their keyboards.
| mananaysiempre wrote:
| Not open source or open hardware, which they are pretty clear
| about.
|
| > This project is source-available. Personal and educational
| use is allowed, and commercial use is allowed for compatible
| accessories. You may not copy and sell Keychron keyboards or
| mice [...].
| observationist wrote:
| It's awesome if you mod your own gear, and 3d printing / one
| off part services are ubiquitous, so if you see something you
| like online, it's cheap and easy to do little upgrades.
|
| More companies should do what they do - the less ethical
| players are already cloning knockoffs anyways, stuff like
| this builds brand loyalty and probably makes it more likely
| that people stick with Keychron over going for the knockoffs.
| ZeWaka wrote:
| The Keychron K4/related (K4 HE here) compact 96% layout is
| definitely my favorite keyboard layout. Just a solid brick of
| keys.
| remarkEon wrote:
| Second this. I was skeptical because I thought I was attached
| to the "heft" of a full layout, but the 96% is the best of both
| worlds.
| stingraycharles wrote:
| Why do you like rhe 96% layout? I prefer the full space,
| recently upgraded to a Q6 Ultra, I'm really happy I can get a
| wireless version of most of their models these days.
| gwbas1c wrote:
| Wider keyboards (with the space for arrow keys and number
| keys to the right) put extra strain on your right shoulder
| when you use the mouse in your right hand.
|
| I've been using a narrow keyboard and ergonomic mouse for 2
| weeks, and my shoulder pain is starting to go away.
|
| I put a number pad on the left and it's much easier to key in
| numbers with my left hand instead of using my mouse with my
| left hand.
| rstupek wrote:
| The HE keyboards are really great. I have been using the K10 HE
| for a year and it's the best keyboard I've used.
| jhogendorn wrote:
| Oh, does this involve their questionable kickstarter units with
| the cheap knockoff keys they refused to warranty or support, but
| were known faulty, and they swiftly replaced in store in the
| first 6 months? The ones that are pin incompatible with any other
| standard keys so you cant replace them? Yknow, the ones that mean
| I will never buy or recommend a keychron kb again?
| altairprime wrote:
| The list of model numbers is clearly stated in the repo README
| and you're apparently a subject matter expert on this; so,
| please look up the answer to your question and let us know.
| irl_zebra wrote:
| No it's design files. Like CAD stuff.
| nickvec wrote:
| Pretty sure @jhogendorn was being tongue-in-cheek to call out
| (semi-related) questionable behavior from Keychron.
| irl_zebra wrote:
| I know, but given the subject of the OP it was an
| irrelevant garbage comment from a jilted user trying to
| smear the company. It deserves an equally obtuse response.
| OsrsNeedsf2P wrote:
| Hah, I just bought the Q6. Seeing they released their design spec
| makes me much happier with the purchase!
| m463 wrote:
| I bought one too - most heavy and heavy duty keyboard I have
| ever owned.
|
| I _wanted_ to use it but it has one fatal flaw - the
| backlighting is unusable.
|
| The keys it comes with are decent, but opaque, so the backlight
| doesn't actually illuminate the keys. And if you get shine-
| through keycaps, the LEDs are mounted below the center of the
| key instead of above, and you don't get good illumination.
|
| sigh.
|
| I used to use topre realforce rgb, then tried keychron, now use
| steelseries apex pro exclusively.
|
| if they could fix it, giving me illuminated shine-through keys,
| I would go back to stay.
| skrtskrt wrote:
| A Keychron has always been a great introduction for friends that
| want a good home desk setup without too much fuss.
|
| I have stuck with the System76 Launch keyboard but I basically
| always consider Keychron first when looking.
| lamasery wrote:
| I'd consider another Keychron (my first mechanical since a
| couple of AT and PS/2 Model M and variant devices I had years
| and years ago) and I like some stuff about it and definitely
| like the price, but would look for a model with a few
| differences next time and probably skip Keychron if I couldn't
| get all of these fixed in one of their boards:
|
| 1 - Longer battery life (I have a bluetooth + plug-in model).
| The battery life is crazy-low, even when not in use and the
| lights are turned off. I keep it plugged in all the time, as a
| result. I don't really get why it can't last, idle, about as
| long as a game controller does (many weeks! And those don't
| have much space for batteries).
|
| 2 - No light pattern button. That thing exists only to
| accidentally hit and switch it away from "gently and evenly
| lit" which is one of the very-few non-insane patterns
| available. Brush it by accident, there goes a minute or so of
| your time getting it back to something that's not trying to
| look like a disco ball. And it's right on the corner, so you
| _will_ hit it by accident when moving the keyboard around or
| reaching for something just past it. Easily my least-favorite
| thing about the board, despite how bad the next item is.
|
| 3 - Mine has a kind of tray-design around the edge, resulting
| in about a 1/8" lip, that looks very cheap to assemble (so
| that's nice, lower price) but means it collects _EVERYTHING_
| out of the air and is a pain in the ass to clean. It also makes
| it look kinda like someone 's 3D printed hobby project. Like
| it's an _ugly_ keyboard, both because of the design and because
| it 's visibly collecting dust and hair just a few days after
| its last keys-removed full cleaning.
| vladvasiliu wrote:
| I have a K2, and you can lock the lights with some key
| combination I don't remember and am too lazy to look up.
| kukakike wrote:
| You can remap/disable all light shortcuts using web app
| https://launcher.keychron.com/#/keymap
| chaosharmonic wrote:
| On the source-available piece:
|
| I'm not saying I'm for those over open source licenses in
| general, but Prusa brought up some fair questions when discussing
| the OCL. Essentially: define "personal use." Have I violated a
| non-commercial license if I print this keyboard and then use it
| to build someone a website? Does CC-NC mean a Prusacaster -- or
| any guitar knob with such a license for that matter -- is
| strictly barred from being taken on tour? Or used to record
| albums that are then sold? (And I say "guitar" knob, but I'm
| choosing an example a little consciously that could exist in any
| variety of controls, instrument and otherwise.)
|
| Where _are_ the lines of that when it 's physical things? How far
| downstream does that go if it _isn 't_ CC-NC-SA in particular?
|
| I'm not really sure that Creative Commons had the idea of
| physical production in mind, given that it dates back to a time
| when we were more broadly talking about digital piracy, and I
| honestly haven't kept up with its evolution much in more recent
| years. But maybe it just doesn't make the same sense for designs
| of physical things, for comparable reasons to why it wouldn't
| make sense for code -- and, conversely, open source projects that
| opt to use CC licenses for assets.
|
| (None of this would stop me from attempting to build/mod one for
| fun, mind you. It just raises what a more averse person might
| call risks, and what I will at least call curiosities.)
| Analemma_ wrote:
| Hasn't Creative Commons disavowed or at least really downplayed
| the NC license for exactly these reasons? There are so many
| ambiguities and headaches involved that the only advice I've
| ever seen is not to use it.
| BeefySwain wrote:
| I'd love to see more info on this
| chaosharmonic wrote:
| Likewise, I was unaware of this (and still see it in use
| regularly, especially on places like Printables as I've
| recently gotten my hands on a printer myself)
| hananova wrote:
| Rule of thumb:
|
| - If it's a company doing an NC license, probably best to be
| careful because they can make your life hell with lawyers.
|
| - If it's a random joe doing an NC license, feel free to
| ignore it because they don't have the money to defend it
| anyway. Especially so if it's CC-BY-NC-ND, people that pick
| that one are especially likely to be in the all-bark-no-bite
| category.
|
| At least that's how one of the companies I worked for treated
| CC licenses... I don't work there anymore.
| dec0dedab0de wrote:
| Not a lawyer, but as I understand it the license is a matter of
| copyright, and the copyright only applies to the design files.
| So as long as you're making that keyboard for yourself then you
| should be good to do anything you want with the keyboard,
| because it is no longer using the license at that point.
|
| Now, what is interesting is if someone were to blatantly
| violate the license and start manufacturing commercial
| keyboards. I believe their only recourse would be to revoke
| their license of the design files, and then it would be
| copyright infringement. The thing is, I don't know how
| copyright law would handle any damages.
|
| I don't know if making a physical product could be a violation
| of copyright, regardless of if you had a license to use the
| design in the first place. I could definitely imagine a company
| trying to enforce this, and a judge throwing it out because it
| should have been handled with patents.
|
| Again, not a lawyer, just speculating on a forum.
| Majromax wrote:
| > Not a lawyer, but as I understand it the license is a
| matter of copyright, and the copyright only applies to the
| design files. So as long as you're making that keyboard for
| yourself then you should be good to do anything you want with
| the keyboard, because it is no longer using the license at
| that point.
|
| What if I take the design, print it, include the thing in a
| staged photo, and sell prints of the photo?
|
| What if I skip the printing and use the design files as a
| basis for a rendered photo or animation?
|
| What if I print the design, then use a 3D scanner to recreate
| a file from the physical artifact?
| dec0dedab0de wrote:
| _What if I print the design, then use a 3D scanner to
| recreate a file from the physical artifact?_
|
| Hmm, without patents it would definitely be fine to scan an
| existing one and recreate it. I think this would be fine
| too, but any time you are clearly going out of your way to
| skirt the law is a red flag. The thing is, I don't even
| think technical designs are copyrightable outside of their
| aesthetic value.
|
| _What if I take the design, print it, include the thing in
| a staged photo, and sell prints of the photo?
|
| What if I skip the printing and use the design files as a
| basis for a rendered photo or animation?_
|
| If it is indeed covered by copyright, then these would
| likely be violations, though I guess it depends on how
| prominent it is in the staged photo.
|
| ...this stuff is fun to think about.
| post-it wrote:
| You're asking some pretty niche copyright questions that
| even a lawyer would have to spend time searching for case
| law for. It may be more expedient to look for that case law
| yourself.
| pc86 wrote:
| If you need to be an attorney to figure out if you're
| allowed to take a picture of something, we've already
| jumped the shark.
| post-it wrote:
| Not what he asked.
| vablings wrote:
| > What if I take the design, print it, include the thing in
| a staged photo, and sell prints of the photo?
|
| This is probably acceptable
|
| > What if I skip the printing and use the design files as a
| basis for a rendered photo or animation?
|
| This is probably NOT acceptable
|
| > What if I print the design, then use a 3D scanner to
| recreate a file from the physical artifact?
|
| If you used that for personal things yes that would be
| acceptable. I do not think that would give you the right to
| then sell that as a product neither digitally nor phsically
| robinsonb5 wrote:
| Not a lawyer either, but:
|
| > What if I take the design, print it, include the thing in
| a staged photo, and sell prints of the photo?
|
| Probably fair use, provided the design wasn't the main
| focus of the photo, but merely part of the "set dressing."
|
| > What if I skip the printing and use the design files as a
| basis for a rendered photo or animation?
|
| > What if I print the design, then use a 3D scanner to
| recreate a file from the physical artifact?
|
| Those questions are simpler - both scenarios would be
| derivative works of the original files, so covered by the
| license.
| dec0dedab0de wrote:
| but are those derived works copyrightable? I don't think
| they are.
| robinsonb5 wrote:
| Copyright law forbids the creation of derivative works
| (excepting any region-specific fair-use rules) so you're
| only allowed to create them under the rights granted to
| you in the terms of the license - thus under this
| particular license you can't make commercial use of
| derivative works.
| dec0dedab0de wrote:
| But is a physical item a derivative work of it's
| technical specifications?
|
| If the design files qualify for copyright protections,
| then modifications to them would clearly be derivative
| works.
|
| I don't think it is clear if the keyboard itself would be
| a derivative work, as it almost certainly can't be
| protected by copyright. This is what patents are for.
| galaxyLogic wrote:
| What if I'm a sculptor and I design and produce a statue?
| Shouldn't I still have the copyright to the statue, no
| matter what kind of machine I used to do the actual
| sculpting?
| dec0dedab0de wrote:
| Yes, but that only applies if you count the keyboard as a
| work of art worthy of copyright protection.
| thatcat wrote:
| obviously the photos and media is covered by copyright, but
| rendering your own probably is not.
| bityard wrote:
| Yeesh. People. C'mon. It's okay to use some common sense here.
|
| Keychron is a keyboard/mouse company. It is VERY reasonable to
| interpret "non-commercial use" as meaning "don't sell
| mice/keyboards built or derived from these designs."
|
| NOT "we are going to sue you if a 3D-printed copy of our mouse
| ends up in the background shot of your movie," or similar
| contrived madness.
| ddtaylor wrote:
| I don't think they are interested in those nuances. I think
| they just want to get free PR for a widget they are making.
| dmarinus wrote:
| Wooting has done this already for many years:
| https://github.com/WootingKb/wooting-design
| JMiao wrote:
| great, one more
| nickvec wrote:
| Love my Keychron Q1 Max. Awesome to see them open source their
| design files.
| burnt-resistor wrote:
| The only problems I have with the Q6 Max are:
|
| - It's way, way too heavy. Heavier than my Northgate Omnikey
| Ultra. Like it's more adept as an improvised weapon as much as
| any keyboard ever was.
|
| - Didn't come with all black enter and escape caps (they were red
| orange), requiring purchasing an expensive complete replacement
| set.
|
| Minor areas for improvement:
|
| ~ Battery life could be better.
|
| ~ Charging takes a long time and I'm unsure if there's a charge
| finished indicator.
|
| ~ Would be nice to have an offline flash update & macro
| programmer to not depend on cloud-based software that will
| eventually evaporate like everything else.
|
| I do like:
|
| + Replaceability of switches as I've tried a bunch, settling on
| Kailh Box White V2.
|
| + RGB effects can be turned off completely or show a solid color
| at low brightness.
|
| + Native USB proprietary wireless dongle, BT with 3 profiles, or
| wired.
|
| + Wired or wireless connection while charging.
|
| + PC vs. Mac layout as a physical switch.
| delecti wrote:
| Can't speak much to most of your complaints (I like my keyboard
| heavy, planned to change all the keycaps and switches, and
| didn't get a wireless keyboard), but you can download an
| offline version of Via to configure it. https://github.com/the-
| via/releases/releases
| lofaszvanitt wrote:
| I have an IBM Model M, but after prolonged sessions of coding, my
| finger joints are aching. Are these Keychron keyboard have better
| switches or what are the experience using these mechanical ones?
| ch_123 wrote:
| Quite likely - the buckling spring switches in Model M are
| quite stiff as far as keyboards go. Brown switches are a good
| choice if you want a light switch with some amount of
| tactility.
| dddw wrote:
| Some would call buckling spring style (which inm keyboard use)
| surperiour to all the mx style switches. It is definitly on the
| more tactile end, so having aches doesnt surpise me. The
| variety in MX switches is bonkers. A well known switch
| collector called Theramingoat has over 4000 different ones. So
| if you get a hotswap board (keychron is not a bad place to
| start, but you can find better value-board for the same money
| nowadays), you can definitely find a switch of your liking.
| Check out milktooth, you can get a sample pack of different
| switches to try. And return the ones you dont like.
| delecti wrote:
| There is (deliberately) not much consistency or uniformity on
| the switches in mechanical because keyboard nerds are such a
| picky bunch. I got the Keychron Q11 specifically because the
| switches could be changed out. I replaced the Brown switches it
| came with with some "Zilent V2" switches with a much higher
| activation force.
|
| It can be a dangerous rabbit hole if you let it, but if you're
| just looking for an approximation of the Model M but that
| requires less force, then something with "Brown" switches might
| be up your alley. This one in particular has a similar
| aesthetic, comes with Brown switches as an option, and at a
| pretty good price.
|
| https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-c2-pro-8k-qmk-via...
| nhecker wrote:
| I can give a third vote to the rough comparison between a
| keyboard with brown switches, and a Model M. I've got both, and
| like both.
| TimBurman wrote:
| I've had three keyboards with red switches, two from Ducky that
| were Cherry switches and one from Lenovo that may be another
| company's switches, but feel the same. None failed on their own
| but I spilled drinks on the first two and they were never the
| same. Maybe check out some of the lighter switches, even reds
| are way lighter than my old 1990s model M.
| https://www.cherry.de/en-gb/products/switches
| arikrahman wrote:
| I love the design for the ergonomic mouse. Are there any plans
| for split keyboard or something Corne style?
| herrherrmann wrote:
| They have at least the Q11 as a split keyboard model. Or did
| you mean something else?
| cosmic_cheese wrote:
| I have their Q60, which is a retro-themed HHKB layout 60% board.
| Paired with a set of beige-Mac-themed MT3 Extended 2048 keycaps,
| out of my collection it's one of my favorites and sees some of
| the most use. It goes head to head with pricier one-off hobbyist
| boards.
|
| I wonder how suitable these CAD files would be for either CNCing
| or resin-printing a translucent fruit-colored plastic case for a
| different flavor of retro. That'd be really cool.
| pc86 wrote:
| MT3 really is a fantastic profile.
| cosmic_cheese wrote:
| Both variants are great but I'm particularly fond of the PBT
| version. The slightly rough/matte texture that doesn't wear
| away easily and exaggerated dome shapes are sublime to use.
| exmadscientist wrote:
| "Production-grade hardware design files... Study real CAD...
| Learn from how real products are built... STEP"
|
| I'm sorry, I hate to be that guy, but while STEP files are often
| used as the final export to the contract manufacturer to cut the
| molds, or for some level of fit checking, they're not used for
| anything _else_. The real engineering that you can actually learn
| from is in the SolidWorks (or equivalent) part files, and you 'll
| note that they're _not_ offering _those_.
| HugoDias wrote:
| I still use my K2, which I bought in 2019 from Kickstarter, non-
| stop. What a piece of hardware! I have no plans to switch and
| will use it until it dissolves, which doesn't seem to be
| happening in the next decade or so
| AlBugdy wrote:
| What's so special about these designs that makes it
| copyrightable? The keyboards in the image look very much like any
| other keyboard I've seen.
| kergonath wrote:
| Novelty is irrelevant to copyright. You are probably thinking
| of patents or trade marks.
| yc-kraln wrote:
| Great that these are source-available, but I wish they had a
| human copy edit the README, it's unbearable.
| moo-jason wrote:
| Very cool. I have the V7. I'm a fan. Just did this golang
| project: https://github.com/mbarlow/saengsation Can control the
| LEDs from commandline. Includes claude skill and hooks. I'm using
| it to now see claude state. Rainbow animation while claude is
| working, glows amber when need to switch back to give permission
| to command, etc. Configurable. Works well.
| sinsterizme wrote:
| I have the k10 he special edition! I am so happy with my
| purchase, I love the magnetic switches (they feel much nicer to
| me than mechanical), it's nice to look at, the build quality is
| great, and the software is really solid. Very impressed overall
| :)
| glaslong wrote:
| Their Q10 Max has hit an amazing sweet spot for me. Being able to
| keep DIYing on that base is like Xmas, this is awesome.
| gregsadetsky wrote:
| Sort of tangent - but I've always thought there would be physical
| stores in big cities (like NYC, where I am) where I could try a
| number of different keyboards and keys since it's such a tactile
| experience.
|
| But there seems to be no stores like this? So... is everyone
| ordering keys and keyboards, returning them, trying others, etc.?
| I know there are key switch samplers... is that it?
|
| Thanks
| hananova wrote:
| A combination of key samplers and going with the first
| acceptable switch rather than trying all of them and going with
| the best.
| zerebos wrote:
| If you live in NYC take a trip to your nearest Microcenter,
| they often have tons of keyboards out that you can play with
| and get a feel for
| gregsadetsky wrote:
| for sure, that's probably the best option here in
| NYC/Brooklyn
|
| but it definitely feels limited when compared with all of the
| options available online (that probably applies to most
| things)
|
| there's a specialized store in Brooklyn for modular synths
| [0] - obviously they don't stock every module but still...
| I'd assume that a keyboard store would be... popular? maybe?
| haha
|
| (((((((((should I start a keyboard store ahaha - I swear this
| was not market research)))))))
|
| [0] https://maps.app.goo.gl/rvsPscrphv1iKU8D8
| cocoto wrote:
| Pc hardware stores often have some keyboards available to try
| (mostly cheap cherry mx stuff).
| gosub100 wrote:
| I've thought about this. why not a boutique Keyboard Store in
| Grand Central? Every make, model, and design of keyboard and
| accessory.
| GZGavinZhao wrote:
| I want one for HiFi headphones / IEMs! I feel really bad to
| order two or three models that I want and have to return all
| but one, because I can't really tell the difference just by
| looking at the specs sheet. My ears should be the ultimate
| judgement.
| idle_zealot wrote:
| > So... is everyone ordering keys and keyboards, returning
| them, trying others, etc.? I know there are key switch
| samplers... is that it?
|
| It's pretty wild the degree to which our lives and economy
| depend on cheap shipping/trucking. Why have a store when a
| truck can deliver a 100g trinket for someone three States over.
| anonymous908213 wrote:
| I mean, you still need a truck to get the item to the
| store...
|
| Delivery is actually _more_ resource-efficient if the store
| isn 't within walking distance of its customers. If instead
| of making 10 people get in their car and make a round trip to
| the store/warehouse, you put 10 packages in one vehicle and
| deliver to everyone in the same neighborhood with one trip,
| you're looking at an order of 90% less wasted emissions.
| pluskid wrote:
| Yeah, this is a US issue. If you go to Tokyo or Taipei, you
| will find physical stores in cities with many different kind of
| mechanical keyboards.
| prmoustache wrote:
| It is such a niche market that even in a big city it doesn't
| make much sense to have physical shop dedicated to it. Most
| people into it are into custom dwsign and color, it would be
| impossible to stock everything and people would just go to the
| shop trying the keys and layout then order cheaper online to
| have the exact combo they want.
| LeoPanthera wrote:
| If you live in the bay area, Microcenter Santa Clara has lots
| to try.
| klooney wrote:
| Central Computer too
| walrus01 wrote:
| If there isn't a keyboard selection at somewhere like B&H's
| location on Manhattan's west side, it's unlikely for there to
| be retail display space for similar anywhere else. Setting
| aside even 50 square feet of standing height display tables
| with sample keyboards, as a product, is not cheap in terms of
| retail display space that could be better used for other high-
| volume, higher profit margin products.
|
| In an ideal world we could have something along the lines of a
| ca. 2002 era Fry's Electronics in size and concept of broad
| selection of products. But you'd need something the size of the
| largest Costco to have a really full array of every type of
| electronic gadget/product that's available online, and as we
| know, Fry's went famously bankrupt...
| alfiedotwtf wrote:
| Keychron :heart:
|
| I've got 2 ortholinears (home and work), and a compact for
| another machine.
|
| Is any or them dies, instabuying another Keychron!
|
| PS: IF you're listening, PLEASE release a split wireless
| ortholinear
| ddtaylor wrote:
| Source available, meaning we just want to use open source as a
| marketing gimmick and don't do anything too interesting with it
| that could affect our bottom line.
|
| These projects get shared on HN sometimes and it doesn't fit with
| the hacker ethos overall. Everyone wants to yell the cool part
| aloud, but mutter the asterisks and license language that takes
| power away from a would be tinkerer underneath their breath.
|
| It could actually be marketed in a decent way, like saying if our
| company ever goes under you'll have these designs and the license
| to do anything you want with them. Even a conditional license
| like that would have more value.
|
| As it stands this is a neat thing that some people can use and
| disregard the license that wants to hamstring you into doing free
| research and development for a company that produces a product
| that they tell you not to make.
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(page generated 2026-04-10 23:00 UTC)