3D printed hand-shaped case for split mechanical keyboard comes with magnetic wrist pads

case for the split mechanical keyboard Halcyon Elora

 

Fatih Arslan creates a custom 3D printed hand-shaped case with magnetic wrist pads for the split mechanical keyboard Halcyon Elora. The Ankara-based software engineer produces the open-source holder because he couldn’t find a suitable case for the Elora model by the keyboard kits and cases company splitkb.com. He chose this specific device, which follows the design of the Kyria model, because of the added number row, which is important for him since he often uses keyboard shortcuts like Command+1 and Command+2.

 

The problem is that the split mechanical keyboard doesn’t come with a case, and the included wrist pads feel too light and not too durable for the engineer. Drawing from his experience working on design projects in the past, he decided to create a custom case for the device, making the shell more solid using 3D printing and having a chunkier set of wrist pads that are modular, so the owner has the option not to use them. The engineer describes that the resulting case for the split mechanical keyboard is somewhat similar to the Kinesis Advantage 360 Pro keyboard.

all images courtesy of Fatih Arslan

 

 

The Kinesis leather wrist pads attach magnetically

 

It took the software engineer Fatih Arslan several weeks to design and complete the open-source and 3D printable split mechanical keyboard case. He started with hand sketches, continued in Fusion 360, which is 3D CAD software, and tested different layouts to solve problems related to size, modularity, and cable access. The final design includes two main components: a bottom base and a top plate. These parts fit together to create a complete shell for each half of the split keyboard. Several versions of the top plate were developed, and this was necessary because the Halcyon Elora device supports different modular parts, such as a display, encoder, or touchpad. 

 

Some users may choose to attach a wrist pad, while others may not, and each of these options changes the shape of the top cover. The engineer adds two USB-C ports on the left part of the case, while the right part has one. The design includes space and holes for cable routing, which was a major design challenge. USB-C ports on DIY keyboards can be in different locations, so the case design had to allow for flexible placement. The split mechanical keyboard case supports Kinesis leather wrist pads, which attach magnetically. To fit this, four 10mm x 3mm magnet holes are placed in the bottom base of the case, and there are also versions of the top plate that skip wrist pad support if users prefer a cleaner look or different typing position.

view of the Halcyon Elora with case

 

 

rubber stoppers under the base of the accessory

 

Users can add rubber stoppers (9mm x 2mm) under the base of the case to prevent the split mechanical keyboard from sliding. The bottom also includes a cutout hole, which makes it easier to remove the typing tool from the shell if it needs to be modified or fixed, and the design introduces a five-degree positive tilt for the keyboard. This means the back of each half is raised slightly, and the tilt is intended to improve comfort without adding too much height or size to the keyboard. It is designed to be a subtle change that doesn’t affect portability.

 

The case provides full top and bottom coverage and a more solid structure. Without the case, the Elora is exposed and light, and with it, it looks more like a finished product rather than a custom one. The engineer has published the case files for free on his website, including links to Makerworld, where all 12 top plate files can be downloaded separately. It allows users to select only the parts they need and make their own 3D printed, hand-shaped case for the split mechanical keyboard Halcyon Era. 

view of Fatih Arslan Hyper Case for the Halcyone Elora model

the accessory supports Kinesis leather wrist pads

the bottom also includes a cutout hole, which makes it easier to remove the typing tool from the shell

the wrist pads attach magnetically so they can be removed when needed

the design includes space and holes for cable routing

detailed view of the keys

there aretwo USB-C ports on the left part of the shell, while the right part has one

the design introduces a five-degree positive tilt for the typing tool

making the accessory

 

project info:

 

name: Hyper Case

design: Fatih Arslan | @fatih.arslan_

files: here

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