[IC] Enso-E: split ergo HHKB with EC/MX support

[CleverKeebs]

👉 CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE ENSO-E INTEREST CHECK FORM

💬 Join the conversation on Discord: Clever Keebs Discord

[IC] Enso-E — A Split Ergo HHKB with EC/MX Support


Overview 
Hello everyone, Clever here with a new keyboard design I’ve been developing this year. I’m planning to launch the Group Buy (GB) in Q4 2025, and it’s finally time for the Interest Check (IC).

Highlights: 

• Custom split ergo HHKB layout with separated bottom row 
• Hybrid PCB by Cipulot supporting both EC and MX 
  
• Pogo pin connection (no wires, seamless assembly) 
  
• Custom silicone gasket socks that can be used independently or as a cushion in a bottom-mount configuration for a stiffer feel 
  
• 8.125° typing angle 
  
• 17.3 mm front height 
  

Design Concept 
The Enso-E celebrates the beauty of asymmetry, drawing inspiration from the flowing patterns of Japanese zen gardens. 

Everything installs from the top down, except for the silicone feet, which press into the bottom.

Components & Materials 

• Main Body: Aluminum or Titanium 
  
• Bottom Weight: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Brass, or Copper 
  
• Top Shell: Injection-molded Polycarbonate (transparent, frosted, and colored options) 
  
• Accent Border: Magnetically attached Aluminum or Patina’d Brass 
  
• Silicone Border Gasket: Custom-molded, dampens vibration & anchors assembly 
  
• Silicone Gasket Socks: Optional, for varying stiffness and vibration damping 
  
• PCB: Hybrid hot-swap PCB (MX + EC support) 
  
• DB Connector: Pogo pin + silicone grommet (collaboration with Omnitype) 
  
• USB Daughterboard 
  

Vendors, Pricing & Timeline 

• Confirmed Vendor (US): Omnitype 
  
• Confirmed Vendor (Singapore): ktechs 
  
• International Vendors: TBD (reach out if interested!) 
  

GB Launch: Planned for Q4 2025 
Pricing: 

• Base models starting around $450 
  
• High-end builds (Titanium body + heavy metal weight + swirl PC top shell) estimated around $1200 
  

Disclaimer: All pricing is preliminary and subject to change following IC results and vendor feedback.


Prototypes

Prototype A 

• "Bottom isolation mount" using silicone tab "screws" that hold the assembly in place — similar to a tadpole mount but in reverse 
• JST connection 
• CNC’d acrylic top 

Photos — Prototype A: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Prototype B 

• Pogo pin connection (replaces JST from Proto A) 
• Custom-molded silicone border gasket (no more washers) 
• Optional bottom-mount gasket socks added 
• Hotswap socket cutouts in the main body (to prevent bottom-out at low front height) 
• Updated zen garden engraving (more intricate patterning) 
• Additional magnetic attachment point for accent border (between split spacebars) 
• Wider gap between PC top shell and metal body (double-wall glass inspiration → less vibration at palm rest) 

Photos — Prototype B: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Renders — Prototype B: 
 
 


Prototype C (expected pre-production) 

• Removal of the bottom isolation mount which, while comfortable, caused occasional PCB contact with the case sidewalls (may return in the standard HHKB version next year) 
• Silicone gasket border — inner side walls that obstructed keycap travel will be removed 
• Bottom standoffs/guides for the silicone gasket border elongated and optimized for better stability 
• Custom magnetic screws for the top to improve adhesion of the border accent 
• Optimized screw choices to reduce the number of driver bits needed for assembly 
• Male pogo pins moved to the daughterboard for easier assembly 

Stream Schedule 

• October 12 — 1 PM ET: Alexotos Stream 
  
• More streams coming soon! 

Next Steps 

• Please leave your feedback in this IC: layouts, materials, pricing thoughts, or anything else you’d like to see! 
  
• Fill out the IC Form to help shape the Group Buy. 
  
• Join the Clever Keebs Discord for updates and discussion. 
  
• Check out the photos and typing test videos above for a closer look at the Enso-E in action. 
  

👉 CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE ENSO-E INTEREST CHECK FORM

💬 Join the conversation on Discord: Clever Keebs Discord

Thanks for reading — I’m really excited to share this with you all. 

— Clever / Clever Keebs

[HoffmanMyster]

Approval

[Manukbs_]

GIVE GIVE GIVE

[koolkeebs]

Would you consider making the bottom row not exploded?

[Findecanor]

Would you consider making the bottom row not exploded?

I once made a mock-up with Cherry MY modules with a similar gap to the bottom row, and I think that felt fine to type on, if you're (like me) are using thumbs to hold down modifiers.
There are many "ergo" rubber dome keyboards that have thicker keys on the bottom row, and I think this setup could be the best way you could emulate that without needing custom keycaps.

The height and typing angle are not for me though, as I prefer keyboards that are nearly flat. But to each their own.

[CleverKeebs]

Would you consider making the bottom row not exploded?

I replied in Discord but I'll the answer here as well

I tested and purposefully chose the exploded bottom row for 2 reasons:
1. Natural thumb resting position this way when your hands are slanted
2. To achieve the right curve without sacrificing design goals, the spacebar either would have to be like it is (which I wanted to do anyway because of reason 1), or the spacebars would have needed to be on slightly different Y-axis positions and not mirrored like they are

[mvkb]

This board blew me away when I saw it IRL.

[phoenixrage]

Unfortunate USB placement given the limitation of the layout/design.

Otherwise, everything else is pretty cool.

[CleverKeebs]

This board blew me away when I saw it IRL.

Thanks friend!

[CleverKeebs]

Unfortunate USB placement given the limitation of the layout/design.

Otherwise, everything else is pretty cool.

I purposefully owned the placement instead of adding a macro column like most Alice layouts do. Making it look asymmetrical to the key layout fit the theme

To each their own though! Thanks for looking

[Anorexus]

Damnnnn... so pretty

[CleverKeebs]

Alexotos will be streaming Prototype B for the first time today in just a few minutes!
https://www.twitch.tv/alexotos

[Daesya]

me likey