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The MiRage is an open-source, DIY 60% ortholinear keyboard designed by Zack Freedman. Its three uses are a compact keyboard, a split keyboard, and a standalone right-hand “Rage Pad” for number entry, macros, or stream-deck-style controls. The important caveat: Freedman’s own README says, “THIS PROJECT IS INCOMPLETE. DO NOT MAKE IT.” It is a design to study or revise, not a finished kit.
What the MiRage is
The original MiRage is built around a custom PCB, Kailh Choc low-profile switches, a Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 controller, and three clickable 128×64 OLED modules. Its 60% ortholinear layout places keys in straight columns rather than the staggered rows of a conventional keyboard. Like other compact layouts, it does not include a conventional number pad.
The board is designed with breakaway perforations, sometimes called “mouse bites,” so it can be used as one unit or separated into left and right halves. A 3.5 mm connection carries power and I2C data between the halves. Hackster’s 2021 project coverage says the low-profile switches were chosen to keep the board thin and inexpensive; it describes the XIAO RP2040 as a low-profile controller with USB-C and a CircuitPython workflow.
The MiRage’s three functions
1. A compact ortholinear keyboard
Joined together, the board serves as a compact 60% keyboard. The ortholinear arrangement can feel unfamiliar to someone used to staggered rows, and the compact layout means relying on layers or another device for keys and functions not present as dedicated keys.
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2. A split keyboard
The PCB can be separated into two halves, allowing the hands to sit apart instead of remaining close together on one board. The inter-half connection is part of the design, so splitting the board is not simply a matter of placing two independent keyboards on a desk.
3. A standalone Rage Pad
The right half can be used on its own as the “Rage Pad”: a number pad, macro pad, or stream-deck-style controller. That makes it the design’s most distinctive alternate use, though the original project README specifically lists unfinished or missing Rage-board behavior among its problems. Its intended role should not be mistaken for proof that the original implementation is ready for streaming or daily use.
Rank #2
- ✅【QMK/VIA Customization】 Full support for tailored key mapping,macros,and backlighting to optimize your workflow and gaming experience. With VIA Programmable Custom funtion, you can easily program each key to work exactly the way you want.
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How its displays and firmware are intended to work
The three clickable OLEDs provide display and input elements beyond ordinary keys. The custom CircuitPython firmware reads keymap files and can map events to standard keystrokes, key combinations, macros, layer changes, text entry, delays, reset, and bootloader actions. The documented event behaviors include click, double-click, hold, release, layer, and macro actions.
That flexibility is part of the concept, not evidence of a polished user experience. Freedman’s README also identifies parser and key-event bugs, performance problems, reset-line issues, and reversed power pins on the PCA9505 expanders. Those faults affect whether the design can be assembled and operated reliably.
Rank #3
- ✅【QMK/VIA Customization】 Full support for tailored key mapping,macros,and backlighting to optimize your workflow and gaming experience. With VIA Programmable Custom funtion, you can easily program each key to work exactly the way you want.
- ✅【Hot-Swappable Mechanical Switch】The custom BOYI GMK67 keyboard kit is equipped with hot swappable terminals,which you could install the switches directly without soldering. It’s compatible with 3 pin or 5 pin Mechanical switches.You can easily build up your own mechanical keyboard with this kit. (Please note:This kit only suitable for Mechanical Switch and not suitable for Optical Switch or magnetic Switch by now)
- ✅【Triple Mode Connection GMK67 Keyboard】It supports triple mode connection, including Bluetooth 5.0/2.4G/Wired Type-C Tri-Mode,offers more choice for you. The 4000mAh bulit-in long life battery don't worry games and office work.
- ✅【RGB Presets Varied&Pro Software Customizable】South-Facing RGB is such a cool element while playing games. This custom kit fully know your needs and thus this model is equipped with RGB SMD light. More than 16.8 million lights are available.You can also remap your kit by your willing on VIA Software.
- ✅【Gasket-mounted Barebones Keyboard】This 65% Layout Customized mechanical keyboard uses a gasket material on the keyboard plate's top that reduces the occurrence of vibrations within your keyboard case,complemented by gaskets, significantly minimizes cavity sound, enhancing your typing sounds. Offering a very satisfying typing experience!
Can you build or buy the original MiRage?
The MiRage is an open-source design, not a verified currently sold commercial keyboard or a confirmed ready-to-assemble kit. The project files may be useful to examine or adapt, but the author’s own warning is unambiguous: “THIS PROJECT IS INCOMPLETE. DO NOT MAKE IT.” The README also cites enclosure access and fit problems alongside the electronics and firmware issues.
For anyone considering a reproduction, that warning changes the practical answer: do not treat the published design as a dependable build plan. The listed defects may require redesign, debugging, and enclosure changes; the available project description does not establish a corrected bill of materials or a reliable finished build. Current kit availability has not been established.
Rank #4
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- Gasket Mounted&Hot-Swappable keyboard pcb: Features a silent gasket structure with a cushioned typing experience and supports 3-pin/5-pin switch replacements, making it easy to DIY your keyboard without soldering.
- South-Facing RGB Backlight Barebone keyboard: Offers customizable RGB backlighting (FN+|) and full compatibility with Windows and macOS, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functionality for a wide range of users.
How MiRage Mk2 differs
Keyboard Builders’ Digest reported on July 25, 2022 that MiRage Mk2 replaced the original clickable OLEDs with a large clickable e-paper touchscreen and used Arduino on a XIAO RP2040. The report attributed the display change to reliability problems with the original clickable displays. This is a reported later iteration, not evidence that the original design’s incomplete-project warning was resolved or that Mk2 is currently sold.
| Version | Display | Controller and firmware | Build status described by sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original MiRage | Three clickable 128×64 OLED modules | XIAO RP2040; custom CircuitPython firmware | The project README calls it incomplete and says not to make it. |
| MiRage Mk2 | Large clickable e-paper touchscreen | XIAO RP2040; Arduino, according to Keyboard Builders’ Digest’s July 25, 2022 report | The cited report describes the iteration; current availability and build readiness are not stated. |
Who the MiRage is for
The original design is most useful as an exploration of a modular keyboard concept: a split-capable ortholinear layout paired with clickable displays and a programmable right-hand pad. It may interest people who want to study custom keyboard electronics or firmware and are prepared to revise an unfinished project. It is not a sound choice for someone seeking a finished keyboard, a straightforward kit, or a dependable stream-control device.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- ✅【Software Customization】Up to 18 factory-set lights and music rhythm modes are free to choose from the keyboard. Custom software is also available for designing your new effects. Build macros, and set up per-key lighting and effects.
- ✅【Compatible with Windows and Mac Systems】Full keys anti-ghosting bring you more smooth gaming experience. Detachable USB-C keyboard cable make the 75% gaming keyboard more portable and customized
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