What components are included in the Mechboards Helix kit?

The Mechboards Helix kit includes all solderable components, a new FR4 plate case, and a build guide to assist you in assembling your keyboard.

Do I need to purchase anything separately to complete the Helix keyboard?

Yes, to complete the Helix keyboard, you will need to purchase 70 switches, two controllers, and keycaps separately.

Is the Helix Hotswap compatible with Choc switches?

No, the Helix Hotswap is not currently compatible with Choc switches.

What kind of layout does the Helix keyboard offer?

The Helix keyboard features a split ortholinear layout, which is designed to provide a more ergonomic typing experience.

How difficult is it to build the Helix keyboard kit?

Building the Helix keyboard kit requires some soldering skills, but it comes with a detailed build guide to help you through the process. It's a great project for those who enjoy DIY electronics.

What is an FR4 plate case, and why is it used in the Helix kit?

An FR4 plate case is made from a durable fiberglass material that provides stability and a solid feel. It's used in the Helix kit to ensure a sturdy build and enhance the overall typing experience.

Can I customize the keycaps on the Helix keyboard?

Yes, you can customize the keycaps on the Helix keyboard. Since keycaps are not included in the kit, you have the freedom to choose any compatible set that matches your personal style.

What are the benefits of a split keyboard design like the Helix?

A split keyboard design, such as the one used in the Helix, allows for a more natural hand position, reducing strain during long typing sessions. It can also be adjusted to fit your preferred typing posture.

Mechboards MakotoKurauchi Helix Split Starting at $49.99

Name: Mechboards MakotoKurauchi Helix Split
Brand: Mechboards
SKU: helix-kit

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
Mechboards MakotoKurauchi Helix Split
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
Helix Kit
	Shipping to US			$50	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

Mechboards MakotoKurauchi Helix Split

Global

Check vendor

Visit shop

Helix Kit

Shipping to US

$50

Visit Shop

Compare Mechboards MakotoKurauchi Helix Split vs Qwertykeys Neo60 Core vs Keychron Q3 Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	Mechboards MakotoKurauchi Helix Split	Qwertykeys Neo60 Core	Keychron Q3
		74	97
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (12 reviews)	4.7 stars (319 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2021 Built with the ANSI layout standard Offers Ortholinear ergonomics Made with a Plastic, Metal case	Released in 2025 Available in a 60% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard Features N-key rollover Uses a PCB Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 2200 mAh battery Weighs about 1500 g Sized at 18 x 293 x 109 mm	Released in 2022 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Silent switch options Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard Comes with a knob Compatible with both Mac and Windows Provides dedicated media keys Supports QMK firmware Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 2000 g Sized at 20 x 137 x 365 mm Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 41.7 Build Quality: 51.9 Productivity: 50.7 Customizability: 52.8 Portability: 41.4	Scores Performance: 56.3 Build Quality: 79.3 Productivity: 59.6 Customizability: 74 Portability: 87.1	Scores Performance: 72.1 Build Quality: 90.9 Productivity: 97.6 Customizability: 99.6 Portability: 57.4
Name	Name Mechboards MakotoKurauchi Helix Split	Name Qwertykeys Neo60 Core	Name Keychron Q3
Release year	Release year 2021	Release year 2025	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Unknown	Layout Size 60%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Ortholinear	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only,
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 2200 mAh	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style PCB Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, Metal	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 18 x 293 x 109 mm	Dimensions 20 x 137 x 365 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1500g	Weight 2000g

*Something incorrect or missing? Please

let me know

Product Description

The Mechboards Helix is a split ortholinear keyboard kit aimed at hobbyists who want to build a custom mechanical keyboard tailored to their preferences. It requires assembly and additional parts like switches, controllers, and keycaps, making it suitable for users comfortable with soldering and customization. Its ortholinear layout supports efficient finger movement and ergonomic positioning.

Key Features

Split design allows ergonomic hand placement and reduces strain during extended typing sessions.
Ortholinear layout arranges keys in a grid, which can improve typing accuracy and speed for users accustomed to this style.
Comes with a new FR4 plate case, providing a sturdy base for the keyboard components.
Supports solderable components only, giving full control over switch choice and placement.

Build Quality

The kit includes an FR4 plate case, a rigid material that offers durability and a firm typing surface. Assembly requires soldering all components, which allows for a highly customized build but demands soldering skills and tools.

Compatibility

The Helix requires two separate controllers and 70 switches to complete, offering flexibility in hardware choices. It does not support hot-swappable Choc switches, limiting switch options to traditional mechanical types that require soldering. Firmware and keymapping support is unknown from the provided data.

Trade-offs

Assembly complexity is high, making it less suitable for beginners or those seeking a ready-to-use keyboard.
Lack of hot-swap support for Choc switches restricts quick switch changes and limits compatibility with some switch types.
Additional parts such as switches, controllers, and keycaps must be sourced separately, adding to the build process.

Discover and compare Mechboards MakotoKurauchi Helix Split alternatives

Explore products with similar features and specifications.