[IC] Athena – A Modular & Highly Customizable 65% Keyboard [GB is Live]

[shiva1796]

Introducing Athena




Precision. Customization. Elegance.

Hey Everyone,

After months of design, prototyping, and iteration, I'm excited to introduce Athena — a 65% keyboard designed with customization at its core.

This is my first keyboard project at this scale, and I wanted to build something that stands out, offering a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and user customization.

Whether you prefer ISO, ANSI, split backspace, multiple spacebar options, or a knob, Athena lets you configure it to your preference.

If you're looking for a solid, premium keyboard with a unique modular twist, this might be the perfect board for you.

Key Features

✓ 7° Typing Angle – Comfortable and ergonomic incline
✓ ZMK Firmware – Wireless-first, open-source firmware
✓ ZMK Studio Support – Easy wireless remapping with ZMK Studio
✓ Wired, Wireless, and Wired+Wireless modes
✓ Swappable Side Accents – Choose between Anodized Aluminum, Brass or Copper
✓ Available in Hot-Swappable and Solderable PCB Options – Supports ANSI & ISO layouts
✓ Split Backspace & Split Spacebar Support – Layout flexibility
✓ Full CNC Aluminum Body – Precision-milled for a sleek premium feel
✓ Hot-Swappable Key Position – Install a rotary encoder or a customizable metal cap
✓ Gasket Mount Design – Soft, cushioned keystrokes for a smooth typing experience
✓ Two PCB Options:

Flex Cut Per-Key RGB PCB (1.2mm)

Non-Flex Cut PCB (1.6mm)

Design & Build

Athena features a fully anodized aluminum case, designed for both aesthetics and performance. The gasket mount provides a softer typing experience while maintaining firm feedback.

One standout feature is the hot-swappable key position, allowing you to install a rotary encoder or a customizable metal cap depending on your preference.

Athena’s modular system means you can customize the board to suit your needs and style, including swappable side accents for even more personalization.

Why Athena?

I wanted to create something different.

Many keyboards force you into one layout, one aesthetic, one experience. Athena is built to be versatile, so you can make it truly yours.



Current PCB Layout Options

Prefer a knob? Install a rotary encoder.

Prefer a cleaner look? Install a customizable metal cap.

Need an extra key? Install a Key.

Athena is designed to adapt to your workflow, whether for productivity, gaming, or daily use.

Interest Check – I Need Your Feedback
Group Buy

After quite a few iterations and going back and forth with the community Athena is finally in it'sGroup Buy Phase.

The project has evolved quite a bit from what it was to what it is now, and it's all thanks to the community. Another cool addition we did was themed artisan keycaps. We designed and manufactured keycaps just to fit Athena. Another fun little addition to the project is Patina. We've been doing Patina on everything we can and well the community seems to love it. We recently got the keyboard reviewed by Alexotos and upto that point we offered Patina keycaps, Patina weight but he mentioned Patina Accents would look really cool too so here we are, thats now on the menu too.

You can check Alex's review here: -

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Renders and Photos

Keycaps










Poseidon Blue







Hades Burgundy







Artemis Green







Aphrodite Pink







Hermes White








Bottom Case and Weight's

Anodized Gold colored Aluminum with Brass Weight



Anodized Copper colored Aluminum with Copper Weight



Anodized Black colored Aluminum with Anodized Black Aluminum Weight



Our try at "Aesthetic Photography" yeah we need to do better...









Next Steps

Receive and test final prototypes ✓

Finalize any necessary case/PCB tweaks ✓

Select final colorways (based on voting feedback) ✓

Confirm pricing and vendor information ✓

If you’re interested in seeing Athena come to life, drop a comment below. Your feedback will help shape the final product.

Groupbuy details

• The Groupbuy will run till September 23rd
• We have 100 units premachined which we are hoping to deliver by the end of this year by Christmas! all other orders will be delivered end of q1 2026/early q2 2026.
• We will be handling shipping for USA and Canada, for EU we have KeyGem as vendor and for Asia its KTech, they dont have the listings up yet they should be up this week sometime

I would like to thank the community for their kind words, and all the support we got they really made this a journey worth embarking on. We really hope you enjoy Athena as much as we enjoyed designing it.

Join the Community & Stay Updated

Want to follow along with the development, give feedback, or just chat with fellow keyboard enthusiasts?

🔗 Join the Discord: NyxKeys Discord
🌐 Visit the Website: NyxKeys Official Website

Stay tuned for more updates!

[Randomlosername]

Before commenting on the design It would be nice to see the bottom of the board. As far as layout goes I personally love an exploded nav layout. I will say not offering 7U seems like a big miss though. Would definitely like to see that included. 

[shiva1796]

Before commenting on the design It would be nice to see the bottom of the board. As far as layout goes I personally love an exploded nav layout. I will say not offering 7U seems like a big miss though. Would definitely like to see that included.

You're absolutely correct, I just updated the post and added the picture of what the back looks like as of right now and a side view, 7U is definitely doable! its something I can add on to my list of improvements.

[Randomlosername]

Before commenting on the design It would be nice to see the bottom of the board. As far as layout goes I personally love an exploded nav layout. I will say not offering 7U seems like a big miss though. Would definitely like to see that included.

You're absolutely correct, I just updated the post and added the picture of what the back looks like as of right now and a side view, 7U is definitely doable! its something I can add on to my list of improvements.

Just checked it out and I love the owl haha, nice clean side profile and a distinct bottom. From the render will the bottom be brass ? Looking forward to seeing more info as the project develops!

[shiva1796]

Before commenting on the design It would be nice to see the bottom of the board. As far as layout goes I personally love an exploded nav layout. I will say not offering 7U seems like a big miss though. Would definitely like to see that included.

You're absolutely correct, I just updated the post and added the picture of what the back looks like as of right now and a side view, 7U is definitely doable! its something I can add on to my list of improvements.

Just checked it out and I love the owl haha, nice clean side profile and a distinct bottom. From the render will the bottom be brass ? Looking forward to seeing more info as the project develops!

Thankyou! I'm glad you liked it. There will be 2 options for the bottom it can be anodized aluminum or brass whatever the end user prefers!

[The0rigina1]

Are you sure this is not a glorious gmmk or something

[cqdemal]

None of ISO / split backspace / stepped caps support and a knob you can swap out is unique.

Having split space support but 6.25u only however is pretty different, but not in a good way.

glwic but I don't see this as something different at all. It even looks like a Monsgeek or Glorious board with something extra, and (no offense) those are not positive associations for something running as a GB.

[shiva1796]

Are you sure this is not a glorious gmmk or something

I can see why you would think that but I can assure you its not

[shiva1796]

None of ISO / split backspace / stepped caps support and a knob you can swap out is unique.

Having split space support but 6.25u only however is pretty different, but not in a good way.

glwic but I don't see this as something different at all. It even looks like a Monsgeek or Glorious board with something extra, and (no offense) those are not positive associations for something running as a GB.

Well its still not finalized yet and I'm still looking at things to improve to appeal to people but thankyou for stopping by and taking the time to comment

[Turnip487]

i like the design. i generally prefer exploded layouts for 65s and 75s. exploded layouts may be more common amongst the big in-stock brands, but i don't buy from those brands so this design is interesting to me.

one thing i'd love to see is the more common 2.25u-1.25u-2.75u split space support, which i've found to be the most suitable for most people's typing styles as it presents a space bar right below the C-V keys (for left handed space bar users), a space bar right below the B-N keys (for right-handed space bar users) and a mod key right between those space bars under the B.

[shiva1796]

i like the design. i generally prefer exploded layouts for 65s and 75s. exploded layouts may be more common amongst the big in-stock brands, but i don't buy from those brands so this design is interesting to me.

one thing i'd love to see is the more common 2.25u-1.25u-2.75u split space support, which i've found to be the most suitable for most people's typing styles as it presents a space bar right below the C-V keys (for left handed space bar users), a space bar right below the B-N keys (for right-handed space bar users) and a mod key right between those space bars under the B.

I'm glad you liked the design! Thankyou for the feedback on your preferred space layout. I'm still making changes and this is something I can definitely change and provide as an option. Thanks!

[Parrot]

where are the protos?

if it's so highly customizable, where's the solder pcb?

[shiva1796]

where are the protos?

if it's so highly customizable, where's the solder pcb?

The prototypes are in works right now, and there is an option for solderable PCB we just haven't uploaded pcb designs as of yet there will be a solderable PCB, and a hotswappable PCB available, my apologies for the inconvenience ill update the post once we have everything finalized as the layout is still not final. As the comment above mentioned they prefer a different space bar layout so we are working on getting layouts finalized and once they are we will be posting the PCB options but yes there will be a solderable PCB option.

[JackQn]

I like the owl design! It seems like one of my favorite Pokιmon, Noctowl!

[shiva1796]

I like the owl design! It seems like one of my favorite Pokιmon, Noctowl!

Thankyou! That was the inspiration before I sketched that design haha, we ended up improving quite a lot of things on this keyboard. I plan on posting updates once I have the protos.

[JKAF3]

Just came across this and wow… this keyboard looks amazing. I’m not super deep into the custom keyboard world or anything, but this really caught my eye. The design looks super clean, and I love how customizable everything seems — even the little details like the side accents and the knob option are such a cool touch.

Honestly, it looks like a lot of care went into making this. Definitely something I’d consider picking up if it ever goes live. Super impressed!
Also, I really like the connection between the owl and the name Athena, it is such a clever nod to the goddess of wisdom.

[shiva1796]

Just came across this and wow… this keyboard looks amazing. I’m not super deep into the custom keyboard world or anything, but this really caught my eye. The design looks super clean, and I love how customizable everything seems — even the little details like the side accents and the knob option are such a cool touch.

Honestly, it looks like a lot of care went into making this. Definitely something I’d consider picking up if it ever goes live. Super impressed!
Also, I really like the connection between the owl and the name Athena, it is such a clever nod to the goddess of wisdom.

Thankyou for the kind words, you have no idea how much it means to me! you can join our discord if youd like to stay updated on this! Thanks again!

[Metakeebs]

This side profile looks clean

[shiva1796]

This side profile looks clean

Thankyou! Appreciate the kind words

[LMNPI]

Love the design. This might be my first 65% keyboard if it goes live.

[shiva1796]

Love the design. This might be my first 65% keyboard if it goes live.

Thankyou! This will definitely be going live we're almost through with testing the proto and will be posting that here shortly too!

[Metakeebs]

This side profile looks clean

Thankyou! Appreciate the kind words

[JKAF3]

broooooo, wtf
those patinas look sick

[shiva1796]

broooooo, wtf
those patinas look sick

Thankyou!