Bayleaf
Hardware
custom mechanical keyboard
SHOW HN2025
735points
247comments
#35of 3,837 in 2025
Top 1%of 2025 by points
How HN took it
MixedNo clear lean
48 positive, 37 neutral or asking, 4 mixed, 14 critical, out of 103 comments about the project. Thread score +0.36.
Design: 26 for, 11 againstIdea: 10 for, 1 againstPricing: 5 for, 0 againstExecution: 2 for, 0 againstPerformance: 0 for, 1 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Beautiful, sleek design and execution
From 5 comments
Fantastically beautiful keyboard! Keyboards are such a good hobby project. The scope is comparatively small, yet within that scope you get in contact with many different and…
klauserc on HNThis is beautiful. I'm a "Let's Split" style keyboarder as well so this made me giddy! There's a distinct lack of solid cases out there for this layout style. You mention…
snide on HNThis is gorgeous! well done.
2wrist on HNBeautiful build, and very close to my dream keyboard. Excited to see the v2 of this. Great writeup as well - thanks for sharing!
jjcm on HNWouldn’t even know it’s not a professional product. Great write up too
memhole on HN
Low height is comfortable for wrists
From 1 comment
I'd definitely buy this to try if it works for me. > Typing on the keyboard is very comfortable due to it’s low height. No more wrist arching. Fully agreed. I went through many…
jjani on HN
Wants to buy it if it is sold
From 3 comments
This is beautiful. I'm a "Let's Split" style keyboarder as well so this made me giddy! There's a distinct lack of solid cases out there for this layout style. You mention…
snide on HNYes. Shut up and take my money! This is exactly what I've been looking for and couldn't find. Seriously, can I just give you money and take the prototype right now?
kirillzubovsky on HNFantastic write up and beautiful design decisions. Really remarkable work! As another market data point, I would definitely pay a premium price if you were to go to market with it.
szvsw on HN
Objections
Non-standard layout without labels or arrow keys
From 2 comments
Criticism: - Non-standard layout - Where's the arrow keys block? Insert/delete/home/end/pgup/pgdown block? - Non-staggered keys makes it hard to type due to mistyping on the…
Executor on HNIt's a very impressive accomplishment. Nice job and you should be proud. My main reaction when seeing this was "this is not for me." In terms of the layout, no labels, etc. I'm…
nonethewiser on HN
Non-staggered keys are hard to type on
From 2 comments
Criticism: - Non-standard layout - Where's the arrow keys block? Insert/delete/home/end/pgup/pgdown block? - Non-staggered keys makes it hard to type due to mistyping on the…
Executor on HNLooks really nice. I do have my doubts about the ergonomics of it though. Once you've had a taste of concavity and column-staggering nothing else feels the same.
zaruvi on HN
Low profile not comfortable without palm support
From 1 comment
Personal opinion, but I really don’t get low-profile keyboards. I always need a foam cushion for my palms, which means that a normal profile always feels best for me. Low feels…
danielvaughn on HN
Requests
Add trackpad or trackpoint
From 3 comments
For next iteration, consider integrating trackpads? Moving to the mouse and back is pain enough that people go all-in on keyboard-only interfaces. I velcroed a trackpad to the…
w10-1 on HNI feel the large spaces in the middle could instead be for a trackpad. One side only of course, the other would have keys up to the edge. I often long for the convenience of the…
emmelaich on HNLooks awesome! This with a small carrying case would be amazing. Maybe the space next to the keys could be a kind of small touch pad used for scrolling?
roetlich on HN
Offer a notify list or sale
From 1 comment
This is beautiful. I'm a "Let's Split" style keyboarder as well so this made me giddy! There's a distinct lack of solid cases out there for this layout style. You mention…
snide on HN
Add multi-device switching
From 1 comment
sensational. well done! one feature I would really like to see is multi-device connectivity/switching like the Logitech MX Keys. Outside of that, this keyboard is my grail board.…
hhheath on HN
Questions
How do the two halves communicate and how is latency handled
From 2 comments
This is really impressive, especially considering the complexity of designing a wireless split keyboard from scratch! Having built my own mechanical keyboard before (though not…
Umang018 on HNDo the two sides communicate with each other or do they act as independent devices?
donio on HN
How the two halves are charged
From 1 comment
I have been working on a very similar build. One feature I decided was a requirement is holding me up. I really want pogo pins on the sides of the keyboards, so that they…
flyingpenguin on HN
Cost of the build
From 1 comment
Quite neat result and presentation! Can you estimate what did your research and final product cost turn out to be?
azthecx on HN
Alternatives named
ZSA Voyager and Moergo Glove 80
From 1 comment
OP, congrats on the product and effort. _NOTHING_ beats prototyping and building. For other split-mechanical keyboards check out: ZSA Voyager Moergo Glove 80
UI_at_80x24 on HN
Kinesis Advantage
From 1 comment
I’m currently using the kinesis advantage. It’s a great keyboard but I’ve been hoping to find a wireless split keyboard for a while. This one looks great.
user68858788 on HN
ZSA Moonlander and Ergodox
From 2 comments
This looks incredible, I was hoping when I clicked that it would be ortholinear, pleasantly surprised it is! Probably about four years ago I bought a ZSA Moonlander, and started…
jacksontheel on HNBeautiful design, great execution. All-in-all this is a wonderful project. However... ever since transitioning to an ergonomic/curved keyboard I don't think that I could ever go…
whalesalad on HN