[IC] Project Athena – A Modular & Highly Customizable 65% Keyboard

[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
✓ Tri-Mode Support – Wired, Wireless, and Wired+Wireless modes
✓ Swappable Side Accents – Choose between Anodized Aluminum, Brass, or LED Accents
✓ 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

This is still in the Interest Check (IC) phase, and your feedback is critical to refining the final design.

I'd love to hear your thoughts:

What do you think of the design and features?

What color finishes would you love to see? We currently have voting going on for final 5 colors, if you would like to weigh in please Vote here!

Would you like to see additional accent materials (carbon fiber, PVD, etc)?

Color Voting is Live! You can help choose the 5 final colors — Vote here!

Renders

Poseiodon 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





(More photos will be posted once the final units arrive.)

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.

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!