Vortex M0110A Aluminum Barebones Hotswap DIY Keyboard Kit
Best premium foundation for enthusiasts building a custom mechanical keyboard.
Build your ultimate typing experience with the Vortex M0110A Aluminum Barebones Hotswap DIY Keyboard Kit. This premium kit features a durable CNC aluminum case and stainless steel bottom plate, enhanced by a gasket mount design for superior typing feel and acoustics. The hotswap PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches and accommodates ANSI and ISO layouts, offering extensive customization. Multiple layers of foam ensure excellent sound dampening. This barebones kit comes with a protective carrying case, ready for you to personalize with your chosen switches and keycaps.
$219.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1632
/ 3798
#1632 in Keyboards
Price vs Category Average
+57%
Above average
Case Material
CNC Aluminum with Stainless Bottom Cover Plate
/ CNC Aluminum with Stainless Bottom Cover Plate
Who it's for
- Enthusiasts who enjoy swapping switches to refine typing feel
- Users seeking a durable, premium-feeling desk centerpiece
- Builders wanting total control over every component choice
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers wary of high total build costs
- Beginners intimidated by sourcing multiple individual components
- Power users requiring advanced open-source firmware customization
Performance breakdown
Build Integrity
CNC aluminum and stainless steel provide a premium, heavy-duty foundation.
Acoustic Dampening
Multi-layered foam stack delivers a refined, muted typing sound profile.
Switch Versatility
Hotswap PCB accommodates nearly any 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switch.
Layout Flexibility
Seamless support for both ANSI and ISO standards broadens user options.
Firmware Customization
QMK and VIA compatibility offers industry-leading control over key mapping.
Assembly Accessibility
Intuitive barebones design makes the custom build process approachable for beginners.
Key Specs
Case Material
CNC Aluminum with Stainless Bottom Cover Plate
Plate Material
FR4
PCB
1.6mm Non-flex Cut Hot Swap
Compatibility
QMK and VIA (V3)
Layout Support
ANSI and ISO
Interface
USB-C
Key Count
104 keys (Full Size)
Included Dampening
Poron plate foam, IXPE switch pad, PET pad
Know before you buy
The kit includes the CNC aluminum case, stainless steel bottom plate, FR4 mounting plate, and the hotswap PCB. You also receive a set of sound-dampening foams (Poron plate foam, IXPE switch pad, and PET pad) and a protective carrying case. You will need to purchase your own mechanical switches and keycaps separately to complete the build.
Yes, the PCB is designed to accommodate both ANSI and ISO layouts, making it a versatile choice regardless of your preferred regional configuration.
The PCB supports standard 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. Because it is hotswap-compatible, you can install or swap switches without needing to solder them, provided they are standard MX-style mechanical switches.
Yes, the M0110A is fully compatible with QMK and VIA (V3). This allows you to remap keys, create custom macros, and manage layers directly through the software interface.
The gasket mount design allows the plate to 'float' inside the case rather than being screwed directly into it. This provides a softer, more cushioned typing feel and helps create a more consistent sound profile across the entire board.
No, this model does not include built-in LED backlighting. It is designed as a premium, minimalist board focused on build quality, acoustics, and typing feel.
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$219