Best YMDK Mechanical Keyboard Kits in 2026: 4 Picks Compared
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YMDK sells DIY keyboard kits for people who enjoy unusual layouts, and you will need to add your own switches and keycaps. Our top pick is the Corne V4.1, because $56.90 gets you a 46-key split board with hot-swap sockets, Vial programming and south-facing RGB. The wireless Corne V4 was slightly lower at $55. For a one-piece grid layout, compare the ID75 kits. We removed two keycap sets from this list because they are not keyboards. These 4 picks come from listed specs and prices, and we have not built them.
Our top pick: YMDK Corne V4.1 40% Split Keyboard.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | YMDK Corne V4.1 40% Split Keyboard Best overall | Most builders | Check price of YMDK Corne V4.1 40% Split Keyboard on Amazon |
| 2 | YMDK 2.4Ghz Wireless Split Keyboard Corne V4 46 Keys Ergonomic Hotswappable 40% Layout 3D PLA Vial All Key Programmable Mini Independent Gaming Keyboard Kit Best budget | Wireless split builds | Check price of YMDK 2.4Ghz Wireless Split Keyboard Corne V4 46 Keys Ergonomic Hotswappable 40% Layout 3D PLA Vial All Key Programmable Mini Independent Gaming Keyboard Kit on Amazon |
| 3 | YMDK ID75 75% Ortholinear Keyboard Best aluminum ortholinear | A metal ortholinear build | Check price of YMDK ID75 75% Ortholinear Keyboard on Amazon |
| 4 | YMDK ID75 Ortholinear RGB Keyboard Best acrylic ortholinear | Acrylic case fans | Check price of YMDK ID75 Ortholinear RGB Keyboard on Amazon |
Our 4 picks
YMDK Corne V4.1 40% Split Keyboard
Best for: Most builders
- Form Factor
- 40%
- Connectivity
- Type-C wired
- Backlighting
- RGB
- Case Material
- PLA
- Hot-Swap Support
- Hot-Swappable
- Use
- Gaming
View on Amazon: YMDK Corne V4.1 40% Split Keyboard Affiliate link
The Corne V4.1 is our top pick for most builders. It is a wired 46-key split kit with two PLA cases and top plates, two hot-swap PCBs, a USB-A to C cable and a connecting cable. It has full-key south-facing RGB and opens directly in Vial for programming. You must add your own switches and keycaps.
Pros
- 46-key split layout
- Hot-swap PCBs
- Vial programming
- South-facing RGB
Cons
- Switches and keycaps not included
- PLA case rather than metal
Good fit if
- You want to try a split board
- You enjoy building
Skip if
- You want a keyboard ready to type on
- You need a number row
Verdict: The most complete Corne kit here.
YMDK 2.4Ghz Wireless Split Keyboard Corne V4 46 Keys Ergonomic Hotswappable 40% Layout 3D PLA Vial All Key Programmable Mini Independent Gaming Keyboard Kit
Best for: Wireless split builds
- Form Factor
- 40%
- Connectivity
- 2.4GHz wireless
- Case Material
- PLA resin
- Hot-Swap Support
- Hot-Swappable
- Use
- Gaming
- Design
- Ergonomic
This Corne V4 was the lowest-priced kit here at our last check, and it is the wireless option. It uses a 2.4GHz connection and CR2032 button batteries, and both are included in the parts list. It supports full-key mapping in Vial. Its title says PLA, but the feature text says resin, so check the material.
Pros
- Lowest price here at last check
- 2.4GHz wireless
- Vial key mapping
- Batteries included
Cons
- Switches and keycaps not included
- Listing conflicts on case material
Good fit if
- You want no cable between the halves
- You already own switches and keycaps
Skip if
- You want RGB
- You want a keyboard ready to type on
Verdict: A good low-cost wireless split kit.
YMDK ID75 75% Ortholinear Keyboard
Best for: A metal ortholinear build
- Form Factor
- 75 Keys Ortholinear
- Connectivity
- Type C
- Backlighting
- Underglow LED
- Case Material
- CNC Anodized Aluminum, Acrylic
- Hot-Swap Support
- Hot-Swappable
- Color
- Black
View on Amazon: YMDK ID75 75% Ortholinear Keyboard Affiliate link
This ID75 kit is a one-piece 75-key ortholinear board with an anodized aluminum case and plate. It has an acrylic layer for underglow, a hot-swappable PCB and VIA support, plus a switch puller, USB-C cable, screws and rubber feet. It weighs 1.32 pounds, and switches and keycaps are not in the parts list.
Pros
- Anodized aluminum case
- VIA remapping
- Hot-swappable PCB
- Underglow through acrylic layer
Cons
- Highest price here at last check
- Switches and keycaps not listed
Good fit if
- You want a metal grid-layout board
- You like programming keys
Skip if
- You want a staggered layout
- You want the lowest price
Verdict: The sturdier ID75 option.
YMDK ID75 Ortholinear RGB Keyboard
Best for: Acrylic case fans
- Form Factor
- 75 Keys Ortholinear
- Backlighting
- RGB
- Case Material
- Acrylic
- Hot-Swap Support
- Hot-Swappable
- Dimensions
- 13.8 × 7.09 × 2.36 inches
- Weight
- 7.05 ounces
View on Amazon: YMDK ID75 Ortholinear RGB Keyboard Affiliate link
This ID75 kit uses an acrylic case and plate instead of aluminum, with the same 75-key ortholinear layout, hot-swap RGB PCB and VIA support named in its title. It has very little detail in its listing, so check the parts list with the seller. It weighs a listed 7.05 ounces, which looks light for a full case.
Pros
- Acrylic case
- VIA remapping
- Hot-swap RGB PCB
- 75-key grid layout
Cons
- Very few listing details
- Listed weight looks unreliable
Good fit if
- You want a see-through case
- You want to save a little over aluminum
Skip if
- You want full details before buying
- You want a metal case
Verdict: Choose it for the look, but confirm the parts first.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | YMDK Corne V4.1 40% Split Keyboard | YMDK 2.4Ghz Wireless Split Keyboard Corne V4 46 Keys Ergonomic Hotswappable 40% Layout 3D PLA Vial All Key Programmable Mini Independent Gaming Keyboard Kit | YMDK ID75 75% Ortholinear Keyboard | YMDK ID75 Ortholinear RGB Keyboard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | 40% | 40% | 75 Keys Ortholinear | 75 Keys Ortholinear |
| Connectivity | Type-C wired | 2.4GHz wireless | Type C | not stated |
| Backlighting | RGB | not stated | Underglow LED | RGB |
| Case Material | PLA | PLA resin | CNC Anodized Aluminum, Acrylic | Acrylic |
| Hot-Swap Support | Hot-Swappable | Hot-Swappable | Hot-Swappable | Hot-Swappable |
| Use | Gaming | Gaming | not stated | not stated |
| Design | Ergonomic | Ergonomic | not stated | not stated |
| Color | Wired White Split 46 | 2.4Ghz Wireless Gray Split 46 | Black | Acrylic Shine Case |
| Dimensions | 9.45 × 6.69 × 1.57 inches | 9.45 × 6.69 × 1.57 inches | 11.8 × 4.33 × 0.79 inches | 13.8 × 7.09 × 2.36 inches |
| Weight | not stated | not stated | 1.32 pounds | 7.05 ounces |
| Model | splitkeyboard4G2025040603 | splitkeyboard4G2025040607 | ID75 | ID75 |
How YMDK's lineup breaks down
The Corne boards are 46-key split keyboards in a 40% layout, with separate left and right halves and PLA cases. The V4.1 is wired, while the V4 uses a 2.4GHz connection and CR2032 coin batteries.
The ID75 kits are one-piece ortholinear boards with 75 keys in a grid. Both use a hot-swappable PCB with VIA support, and they differ mainly in the case: anodized aluminum on one and acrylic on the other.
How YMDK compares with other brands
YMDK is aimed at hobbyists rather than people who want a keyboard ready to use out of the box. Split and ortholinear layouts take time to learn, and each kit here needs extra parts before it works.
In return, you get programmable layouts through Vial or VIA and an unusual design at a fair price for this niche. If you want something ready to type on, a pre-built keyboard from a mainstream brand is the easier choice.
If you prefer an integrated setup, a comparison of the best tablets with keyboard outlines their portable hardware specifications.
How to choose a YMDK kit
-
Budget for the missing parts
The Corne listings say you must provide your own switches and keycaps, and the ID75 parts lists do not include them either. Add both to your budget before you compare prices.
-
Choose split or one piece
Corne boards let you separate your hands and use a smaller 46-key layout. The ID75 stays in one piece with 75 keys in a straight grid, so it needs less adjustment from anyone used to a number row.
-
Decide between wired and 2.4GHz
The V4.1 is wired by USB-C with RGB lighting, while the V4 here uses 2.4GHz and coin-cell batteries. The V4 listing mentions Vial key mapping but no lighting, so choose the V4.1 if you want RGB.
-
Check materials and listing details
The Corne V4 title says PLA while its feature text says resin, and the acrylic ID75 listing has almost no feature details. Check the images and ask the seller if the exact material matters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best YMDK keyboard kit?
The Corne V4.1 is our top pick for most builders because it combines a 46-key split layout with hot-swap sockets, Vial programming and RGB. You still need switches and keycaps.
Do YMDK kits include switches and keycaps?
No. The Corne listings say you must provide them yourself, and the ID75 parts list does not include them.
Which YMDK kit is cheapest?
The wireless Corne V4 was the lowest at $55 at our last check. Your final cost will be higher after you buy switches and keycaps.
Is a split or ortholinear keyboard hard to learn?
Both can take some practice, since keys are in different positions from a normal keyboard. The 46-key Corne usually takes longer, because it also relies on layers.
Can I program YMDK keyboards?
Yes. The Corne V4.1 and V4 support Vial, and the ID75 kit supports VIA, so you can remap keys without writing code.