Low-Profile Split Keyboards: Six Models Compared in Depth

Why low-profile split keyboards?

A full-height keyboard on the desk often leaves your wrists extended and draws your shoulders inward. Split boards let you place each half at shoulder width, which helps posture—but a thick case still raises your hands and keeps wrist angle a problem. Low-profile (thin) switches on a split layout aim to address both issues at once, which is why the category has gained traction.

Here we compare six models listed on KeyLab DB on specs and real-world fit. All numbers in the spec table are taken straight from KeyLab DB (missing fields show as “—”). All six are hot-swappable in the database, so that column is omitted.

Spec table

Model	Keys	Connectivity	Switch compatibility	Battery	RGB	Weight	Notes
NocFree &	105	USB-C + Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz	—	2850 mAh	Yes	—	Availability: Moderate (DB)
Elytra	63	USB-C + Bluetooth	Kailh	—	No	0.42 kg	Availability: Difficult (DB); depth 101.25 mm, height 11.8 mm
Jiffy75	75	USB-C + Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz	Kailth Choc V2	2800 mAh	No	0.87 kg	Width 332.5 mm, depth 127.7 mm
Cornix LP	48	USB-C + Bluetooth	Kailh choc V2	1300 mAh	No	0.56 kg	280 × 95 × 25 mm; 6063 aluminum case, FR4 plate
Iris LM	—	USB-C	Connector type: Kailh Choc V2 / Switch profile: Kailh Choc V1 & Kailh Choc V2 (with Iris LM-K PCB), or Gateron LP KS-33 (with Iris LM-G PCB)	—	Yes	—	Per half: 146 × 123 × 19.6 mm; case Black Aluminum
VORTEX M50 (bonus)	55	Bluetooth	Kailh Choc v2/Gateron LP 3.0	2000 mAh	No	—	—

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NocFree & Split keyboard

In this set, NocFree & feels the most polished as a finished product. KeyLab DB lists 105 keys with the matching numpad; the main keyboard alone is 84 keys, in a layout close to a standard 75%. A dedicated Delete key makes the move from a traditional board much easier.

Connectivity is tri-mode: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C. You can add a wireless numpad in the same design language, and the optional tenting stand charges the board while it sits in the dock—a nice touch. Overall fit and finish is strong enough that it looks at home on a desk full-time.

Price is the main downside, but you get ANSI, ISO, and JIS layouts, plus silent (Mist) or standard (Rime) switches at purchase time. Remapping is vendor software only (NocFree Link)—if you want QMK or VIA, that will feel limiting.

Among 75%-style split low-profile boards, this is the most complete package today if the cost works for you.

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Elytra: Ultralight Wireless Split Keyboard

This board chases low weight everywhere. The honeycomb-style cutout on the back looks distinctive and signals design choices beyond “just make it thin.” Per KeyLab DB it weighs 0.42 kg with 11.8 mm height—the lightest and thinnest entry here by a wide margin.

Firmware is Vial-capable, so remapping is flexible. You get USB-C and Bluetooth only—no 2.4 GHz dongle—and no RGB, a clear tradeoff for weight and simplicity.

Some users report noticeable bottom-out feel. Short-travel low-profile switches already transmit impact more directly, and a light chassis like Elytra’s can accentuate that. If you type for hours every day, plan on switch choice or lubing as part of the setup.

For a truly portable split, Elytra is a top contender—but availability is “Difficult” in the DB, so watch restocks and regional sellers.

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Jiffy75

A 75% split from the same maker as Cornix LP (JezailFunder)—worth cross-shopping the two.

“75% split” sounds conventional, but the layout adds keys along the outer edges of each half, which can feel unfamiliar at first. That extra width can pay off once you adapt, but buying expecting a standard 75% feel may disappoint. Remapping runs on custom firmware plus VIA.

A rotary encoder is uncommon in this class and handy for volume, scrolling, and daily shortcuts. Wooden palm rests add warmth in look and feel. Connectivity is tri-mode (Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz / USB-C) with a 2800 mAh battery.

A strong pick if you want value, an encoder, and palm rests without giving up wireless flexibility.

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Cornix LP

Also from JezailFunder, but tilted toward compact use. KeyLab DB lists 48 keys—the fewest in this roundup. The layout sits close to 40% territory and assumes layer-heavy typing.

A tenting stand is included. Other models sell tenting separately or skip it; Cornix LP ships ready to tilt, so you can tune angle to desk height and posture without extra spend.

It still packs a rotary encoder despite the small footprint. Materials are spelled out as 6063 aluminum case and FR4 plate, which helps set expectations for feel. 1300 mAh is modest—heavy daily wireless use may mean more frequent charging.

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Iris LM

The only wired-only board in this list. While the other five offer Bluetooth, Iris LM is USB-C wired only. Extra cables are a hassle, but if you do not need wireless, want to skip battery management, or prioritize wired stability, that becomes a strength.

QMK/VIA support delivers among the highest remapping freedom in the split keyboard world—ideal if you care about layers and macros.

Switch support depends on the PCB you buy: LM-K covers Kailh Choc V1/V2; LM-G covers Gateron LP KS-33. Choose the PCB before you commit to switches and caps. The aluminum case’s per-half dimensions in the DB are 146 × 123 × 19.6 mm.

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Bonus: VORTEX M50

A pre-release low-profile split from VORTEX. Some details are still TBD, so treat this as a watch list entry, not a buying guide.

55 keys sit between Cornix LP (48) and Elytra (63). The headline is a planned integrated trackball—rare in this space. Dedicated trackball users may get a big win in desk cleanup and workflow once specs firm up.

The layout also looks more idiosyncratic than typical 60% / 65% boards, so expect a learning curve. Connectivity is Bluetooth; switch compatibility per the DB is Kailh Choc v2 / Gateron LP 3.0. Confirm everything against official launch materials.

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Which one to pick

Split low-profile boards diverge sharply by design goal. Match the board to your priorities and you are less likely to regret the purchase.

• Finish and layout first, numpad expansion in mind → NocFree &. Pricey, but overall polish leads the pack; ISO/JIS support is a major plus.
• Maximum portability → Elytra. Budget for bottom-out feel (switching or tuning).
• 75% split plus encoder and palm rests → Jiffy75. Whether you gel with the outer-edge layout is the deciding factor.
• Smallest footprint, tenting in the box → Cornix LP. Best for people already comfortable with layers.
• Wired + full QMK/VIA freedom → Iris LM. Fits no-wireless, customization-first users.
• Trackball inside the keyboard (when it ships) → VORTEX M50. You trade layout quirks for integrated pointing—only you can say if that trade is worth it.

For more candidates and live specs, use the Split × Low Profile filter on KeyLab DB.