Killer Whale
Killer Whale
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Killer Whale keyboard is a split keyboard with a unique and versatile thumb cluster, created by Taro Hayashi.
Main features:
- 48-56 keys (4 key thumb cluster on each side)
- 30 degree tilt
- trackball, d-pad or joystick thumb cluster on each side
- built in scroll wheel and toggle switch on each side
- modular build - thumb clusters can be swapped for others (or removed altogether)
In addition to these functional features, Killer Whale offers a unique look with acrylic or printed pillars that structurally support the different parts of the keyboard. See this video to get an idea of its build process and capabilities! Note that the version brought by holykeebs brings a few "quality of life" improvements that make the build easier and less time consuming, without sacrificing the tenets that make this keyboard awesome.
The base price comes in kit form and includes:
- 2 x Pi Pico controllers with USB C sockets
- 2 x PCB sets (BASE, SIDE, ADD and TOP)
- Acrylic plates and/or printed parts (pick Custom under Colorway to fully customize these for an extra fee)
- SMD parts: diodes, capacitors, resistors, regulator
- MX hotswap sockets, TRRS jacks, pin headers and sockets
- Toggle switch, scroll wheel + encoder (for ADD unit)
- Fasteners: screws, nuts, washers, rubber feet
Configuration dependent:
- For trackball side unit: bearings, PMW3360 trackball sensor and lens
- For joystick side unit: analog joystick, pressable (Kailh CPJ1311)
- For D-pad side unit: Kailh mute buttons
Optional:
To complete the build, you'll need:
- 48-56 switches + keycaps
- 34mm trackball (if side is picked)
- TRRS + USB C cables
Customer Reviews
Easy assembly. If you are familiar with ergo keyboards this is a perfect solution. The changes made on the original design makes it more flexible.
Really fun and challenging build - watch out for the FFC connectors, they're challenging even with lots of soldering experience. Great support and troubleshooting from holykeebs. The keyboard itself is awesome: the trackball is in the right spot, the scroll wheels on each side are nice, the toggles are cool(I'm using one for numpad mode when I'm inputting lots of numbers). Remap-app takes a bit of getting used to compared to VIA or VIAL, but it has all the options, and the firmware is open source if you need more options.
This was my first attempt to assemble a split keyboard and it turned out amazing! There were some struggles but the seller was very helpful. I sent him a ton of questions and he was always ready with a prompt response! Highly recommend this keyboard, this piece really stands out on my desk. Best present I have gave myself in years!
Purchased the soldered variant on this, was definitely worth it as there are quite a few parts to assemble. Came exactly as expected and worked perfectly after flashing the firmware.