This is almost a work of art.
The Elimkeys Elytra is a low-profile mechanical keyboard with a 65% split layout.
It uses the familiar row-staggered layout and keeps the arrow keys while omitting the function row, making for an appealing, compact design with just the essentials.
Its features include a lightweight design at approximately 420 g, a slim case measuring just 11.8 mm at its thinnest point, a CNC-machined aluminum case, hot-swappable low-profile switches, and programmability for changing the keymap.
The Voronoi pattern on the underside is especially beautiful.
This beautiful design does more than look good: it also helps reduce weight, bringing together function and beauty.
It ran a Kickstarter campaign from December 16, 2025, to January 15, 2026, and received support from 227 backers.
As of this writing, it has moved to regular in-stock sales and can be ordered at any time.
In this article, I review the Elytra.
Updated November 6, 2026: A proprietary dongle using the 2.4 GHz band has been announced as a separate purchase.
At a glance
- Quick take : The Elytra is a lightweight, slim, ready-to-use keyboard for anyone looking to move to a split layout without giving up the familiar row-staggered arrangement.
- Strengths : Lightweight at approximately 420 g, with a CNC aluminum case, fully wireless connectivity, and the flexibility to use it either as a split or unibody keyboard.
- Things to note: The assembly-required tenting legs and thumb cluster layout take some getting used to, and opinions may differ on the B keys on both sides and the 6 key on the left. Since it must be purchased from overseas, some people may be reluctant to order it. You can enter your address and other details into an address conversion site to make the purchase relatively easily. The company seems trustworthy, so paying for it feels like a relatively low hurdle.
- Who it’s for : People who are accustomed to the English layout and are looking for a portable split low-profile keyboard.
- 一般的なロウスタッガードレイアウトでコンパクト
- 軽量で持ち運びが容易なのにアルミボディで耐久性が高い
- 一体型としても使える
- 完全無線接続に対応
- テンティングでさらにタイピングしやすくなる
- テンティングレッグが組み立て式
- テンティングレッグの適切な配置位置が不明確
- サムクラスタキーの配置には改善の余地がある
- 左右に「B」キー、左手側に「6」を配置するのは好みが分かれそう
- 右Fnの印字や位置は検討の余地がある
When choosing a split keyboard like the Elytra, be sure to consider the number of keys and layout differences.
For a broader guide to choosing a split keyboard, see A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing a Split Keyboard: How to Avoid Common Pitfalls and Find a Commercial Model for a detailed explanation.
Price, Sales Format, and Availability
- Availability : ★★★★☆ (Easy to find, but sold from overseas)
- Price range: From $249.00
- Sales format: Regular sales (available through the official store)
- Where to buy: Official overseas website
Advantages of the Elimkeys Elytra
Advantages of the Elimkeys Elytra
- Compact, with a familiar row-staggered layout
- Lightweight and easy to carry, yet durable thanks to its aluminum body
- Can also be used as a unibody keyboard
- Supports fully wireless connectivity
- Tenting makes typing even easier
Compact with a conventional row-staggered layout
One of the Elytra’s biggest advantages is its conventional row-staggered layout.
That may seem obvious, but a layout this conventional is very rare in the split-keyboard scene.
Even just having a conventional row-staggered layout makes the Elytra well worth considering if you want to keep the switching cost down.
It’s also notably compact and lightweight compared with competing models like the “NocFree &” and “Jiffy75 LP.”
Lightweight and portable, yet durable thanks to its aluminum body
As mentioned above, one of the Elytra’s standout features is its remarkable lightness.
Despite its CNC-machined aluminum body, it weighs just over 400 g.
(About 440 g, to be precise)
This is likely thanks to the “Voronoi pattern” on the underside.
It may not be a mathematically exact Voronoi diagram, but this detail shows real ingenuity in bringing beauty and lightness together.
The dedicated soft case also makes it easy to carry.
Can also be used as a unibody keyboard
Another major advantage of the Elytra is that it can be used as a unibody keyboard, not just as a split keyboard.
Split keyboards often have an unfamiliar layout that can be difficult to adjust to, and you may find it hard to type well on one.
Since the Elytra can also be used like a unibody keyboard, it may help lower the adjustment cost of switching to a split keyboard.
Fully wireless connectivity
The Elytra connects wirelessly not only to a computer, but also between its two halves.
This gives your desk a much cleaner look.
It’s also worth noting that the product is certified under Japan’s technical standards, so it can be used with confidence in Japan.
In addition, a separately sold USB dongle for wireless communication over the 2.4 GHz band went on sale on November 5, 2026.
A firmware update is required, but being able to use a lower-latency wireless connection is another advantage.
Tenting makes typing even more comfortable
In keeping with its split-keyboard design, the Elytra can be used with tenting by attaching the optional tenting legs.
This is subjective, but I felt that tenting made it easier to shift the center of gravity toward my little fingers and move my index fingers.
It’s great that this is possible with an official accessory.
Drawbacks of the Elimkeys Elytra
Drawbacks of the Elimkeys Elytra
- Tenting legs require assembly
- The ideal placement for the tenting legs is unclear
- The thumb-cluster key placement could be improved
- The “B” keys on both halves may not suit everyone
- The right Fn key’s label and placement could use reconsideration
Tenting legs require assembly
The Elytra’s tenting legs require assembly.
Removable legs make sense for portability, but since the keyboard comes in a pair, you have to carry 4 leg pieces on their own. If you want to switch between tenting angles, you need to carry 8 pieces.
The wrist rests also come with 2 types of feet for different angles, so you may need to carry as many as 16 foot pieces in total.
Given the risk of losing them, it might have been better if the tenting components weren’t designed to be assembled from separate pieces.
The ideal placement for the tenting legs is unclear
To type, you place the keyboard on the plates fitted with the tenting legs.
There’s no clearly defined position for the keyboard, so it may wobble on a hard surface depending on where you place it.
It would be even better if the underside had some kind of guide for where to place it.
The thumb cluster layout could be improved
The Elytra has only one thumb cluster key on each half.
With a split keyboard, I think another option would have been to make better use of the thumb cluster for more efficient typing.
I think it would be even easier to use if there were more keys within thumb reach, even if that meant making the spacebar keys smaller.
The B keys on both halves and the 6 key on the left may not suit everyone
Perhaps taking a cue from the Alice layout, the Elytra has a B key on the right-hand side as well as the left.
Touch-typing conventions often assign B to the left index finger.
Some people, however, seem to type B with their right hand, and the extra B key on the right may be intended to accommodate them.
This is a welcome feature for people who type B with their right hand. But for those who follow convention and type it with their left index finger, having a B key on the right could lead to accidental keystrokes.
Including switch blockers so users can cover the key themselves seems like one possible solution.
Under the touch-typing conventions common in Japan, the 6 key falls within the right index finger’s range.
This is clearly a matter of personal preference.
KawamuraThe placement of the 6 key in particular is likely to divide opinion.
My personal workaround is to put the number keys on a layer.
The right Fn key’s label and placement could use reconsideration
The Fn key is where the Elytra’s right Shift key would normally be.
Even the default keymap assigns “MO(1)” to it, suggesting it isn’t intended to be used as right Shift.
For most users, it might be better to simply make this key right Shift.
I also think it could be more convenient to use a 2.25u Shift key and share it with the up-arrow key using Mod-Tap.
Comparing Keyboards with Similar Concepts
Elimkeys Elytra combines a split design, a low-profile build, wireless connectivity, and a layout close to a standard keyboard.
Products often compared with it for their similar approach include NocFree & and Jezail Funder Jiffy75 LP.
Both are aimed at users who are interested in split keyboards but reluctant to adopt an extremely unconventional layout.
The 3 models may look quite similar, but in practice they have different priorities.
Elytra’s strengths are its light weight and slim profile; NocFree & offers Japanese layout support and a range of layouts; and Jiffy75 LP stands out for its domestic sales channel and easy-to-use 75% layout.
Key Specifications Compared
| Product | Elimkeys Elytra | NocFree & | Jezail Funder Jiffy75 LP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard type | Split low-profile keyboard | ||
| Layout | ANSI 65% layout | ANSI / JIS / KR / ISO 75% layout | ANSI 65% layout |
| Connection | USB Type-C / Bluetooth | Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz / wired | Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz / wired |
| Connection between halves | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless |
| Case | CNC aluminum | ||
| Mounting structure | Tray mount | Low-profile gasket mount | Tray mount |
| Switches | Kailh Choc V2 family | CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE family | Kailh Choc V2 family |
| Hot-swap | Supported | ||
| Keymap customization | Supported | ||
| Weight | Approx. 440 g | Unconfirmed | Unconfirmed |
| Thickness | 11.8 mm | Unconfirmed | Unconfirmed |
| Ease of purchase | Primarily purchased through overseas e-commerce Official overseas website | Primarily purchased through overseas e-commerce Official overseas website | Reseller Japanese reseller |
| Price | $249 Approx. ¥40,000 | $269 Approx. ¥43,000 | Planned retail price ¥42,800 (tax included) |
The dollar-yen conversion is estimated at approximately ¥161 to the dollar. The actual amount paid will vary depending on the exchange rate, shipping, payment fees, customs duties, and consumption tax.
Price Competitiveness and Packaging
Elimkeys Elytra has a slight edge on price, although all 3 are in a similar price range.
When accessories are taken into account, NocFree & appears to offer the best package.
The optional charging dock, which also serves as a tenting leg, seems both highly distinctive and practical.
The differences between the three models at a glance
Here’s a summary of how the three models differ.
- Elimkeys Elytra | A lightweight, thin, portable split low-profile keyboard. A good fit for anyone who wants to carry a split keyboard every day or create a minimalist desk setup.
- NocFree & | Its biggest strength is the option to choose a Japanese layout. A valuable choice for anyone looking to switch to a split low-profile keyboard while keeping their JIS layout.
- Jezail Funder Jiffy75 LP | A beautiful blend of wood and aluminum. Recommended for anyone who cares about looks or wants a keyboard that pairs well with a wood-grain desk.
How to choose
Here’s how to choose based on your needs.
If you prioritize light weight, a slim profile, and portability
We recommend the Elimkeys Elytra.
Its lightweight design at around 440 g and slim 11.8 mm case give it a distinct identity among the three models.
If you plan to use it not only at home but also on the go or across multiple locations, the Elytra’s compact size is appealing.
If you prioritize a Japanese layout
The NocFree & is the strongest contender.
There still aren’t many wireless, split, low-profile keyboards that offer a Japanese layout (JIS).
For anyone who doesn’t want to give up their Japanese layout, there’s a good reason to choose it even when you factor in the price difference.
If price is your priority
The Elytra has a relative advantage in terms of the keyboard’s base price alone.
However, if you’re buying from Japan, you should consider shipping, exchange rates, payment fees, and warranty support as well.
In any case, domestic purchasing options for the Jiffy75 LP are not yet in place, so it seems likely that all three products will need to be purchased from overseas.
The Elytra is for those who value lightness, a slim profile, and compactness
Of the three models, the Elytra is the most focused on being lightweight and slim.
It’s also the only one with a pure 65% layout, making it a good choice for anyone drawn to its especially compact size.
The Elytra has clear strengths: its lightweight design at around 440 g, slim 11.8 mm case, CNC aluminum case, and Vial support.
For anyone who wants to use a split keyboard that’s as light, slim, and minimal as possible, the Elytra is an appealing option.
Review setup
The review setup was as follows.
- Connection: macOS
- Switches used: Kailh CloudShell White
- Layout: 65% ANSI split layout
- Main use: Writing content (typing in Japanese)
See the switch specifications ▷▷
| Item | Kailh CloudShell White | Jezail Funder MIST / 霧 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear | Silent linear |
| Supported switch type | Low-profile switch | Supports Kailh Choc V2 |
| Actuation force | 40±10gf | 37±10gf |
| Actuation point | Not specified on the official page | 1.3±0.3mm |
| Total travel | 2.8mm | 2.8±0.25mm |
| Durability | 50 million keystrokes | 50 million keystrokes |
| Material | All POM | POM + PC |
| Features | A light linear switch. Not a silent type; a straightforward option focused on typing feel. | A linear switch designed for quieter typing. Its light actuation force makes it easier to use quietly, even in a low-profile setup. |
Typing Feel and Sound
Switch tested: Kailh CloudShell White
- Typing sound volume: ★★★☆☆ (Not especially loud, but noticeable to people nearby)
- Pitch: Slightly high (about average for a typical keyboard switch)
- Key weight: Average
- Bottoming-out feel: Pronounced (probably softer with a silent switch)
- Key wobble: Average
Elimkeys Elytra Review in Photos
Let’s take a look at some photos of the Elytra.
This time, we were provided with the Silver (Linear Switch) and Black (Silent Linear Switch) models.
Added July 31, 2026: The packaging has been substantially revised and is now more compact.
The overall layout is a basic 65% row-staggered layout.
It is available only in ANSI layout; there is no Japanese layout option.
The legends use lowercase rather than uppercase, giving the keyboard a very stylish, minimalist look.
The legends are centered, which gives the keyboard a modern look.
The bottom row has a distinctive layout, and the gap in the middle may not be to everyone’s taste.
The keyboard shown in the photos has a Windows layout, but replacement keycaps for Mac are also included.
The “Fn” legend in place of the right Shift key may not be to everyone’s taste.
KawamuraPersonally, I think it would also be nice to use Mod-Tap to share the right Shift key with the “↑” arrow key, as on the Keychron K2 HE. That would allow the right Shift key to be 2.25u.
The keycaps use the LAK profile, licensed by Jezail Funer.
All rows have the same incline, and the keycap tops have a curved, cylindrical shape.
The Voronoi pattern on the back is an artistic touch.
Update, July 6, 2026: According to ElimKeys, the Elytra initially displayed the certification number for its certified Bluetooth module, but this was later updated to the certification number for the finished product. The white review unit provided to the author did not have the updated label attached, but ElimKeys explained that later production batches have the finished product’s certification number laser-etched on them.
Elimkeys Elytra: Specifications at a Glance
| Product name | Elimkeys Elytra |
|---|---|
| Keyboard type | Wireless split mechanical keyboard |
| Number of keys | 63 keys |
| Layout | QWERTY layout |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C / Bluetooth / proprietary 2.4 GHz dongle (sold separately) |
| Number of simultaneous connections | Up to 3 devices |
| Case material | CNC-machined aluminum |
| Weight | Approx. 440 g |
| Dimensions | Left side: 153.97 mm × 101.25 mm Right side: 173.33 mm × 101.25 mm |
| Thickness | 11.8 mm (excluding keycaps) |
| Switches | Kailh CloudShell White Linear Low-profile / JZF Mist Silent Linear |
| Hot-swap | Supported |
| Keymap customization | Vial support. Supports key remapping, macros, and combo settings. |
| Battery life | Up to 4 weeks |
| Supported operating systems | Windows / macOS / Linux |
| Colors | White / Black |
| Price | $249 |
Note: The Elimkeys official page lists the weight as both “approximately 440 g” and “420 g.” This article uses “approximately 440 g,” as stated in the specifications.
See below for the detailed documentation.
https://docs.elimkeys.com/ja/elytra
| Item | Kailh CloudShell White | Jezail Funder MIST / Mist |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear | Silent linear |
| Compatibility | Low-profile switches | Compatible with Kailh Choc V2 |
| Actuation force | 40±10 gf | 37±10 gf |
| Actuation point | Not specified on the official page | 1.3±0.3 mm |
| Total travel | 2.8 mm | 2.8±0.25 mm |
| Durability | 50 million keystrokes | 50 million keystrokes |
| Materials | All POM | POM + PC |
| Features | A lightweight linear switch. It is not a silent type, but an option focused on a straightforward typing feel. | A linear switch focused on quiet operation. Its light actuation force makes it easy to use quietly, even in a low-profile setup. |
Conclusion
That concludes our review of the Elimkeys Elytra.
The thumb cluster takes some getting used to, but I think this split keyboard is easy to adopt with minimal switching costs for anyone accustomed to using an English-layout keyboard.
It is also Giteki-certified, which makes it reassuring to use.
For a keyboard that is portable, easy to carry, and compact, I think it has a truly unique appeal.
If you’re interested, be sure to visit the official site.
- First published: July 5, 2026
- Last updated: July 31, 2026
- Review sample: Product provided
- References and image sources:https://elimkeys.com/
- Conflict of interest: Product provided: Yes; monetized links in this article: Yes
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