Ashwing64 – Build – Phoenix Boards

Project Info

Switches: Gateron Yellow
Keycaps: XDA profile keycaps with Neon Genesis Evangelion style
Controller: NiceNano equivilent, support for Bluetooth (NRF52840)
PCB: Transparent mask with white silkscreen (pcbway.com)
Case: PCB top and bottom plates from mechboards.co.uk
Battery: 1200mAh battery with 2P JST connector
Firmware: ZMK

Github Repo: https://github.com/gzowski/ashwing64
Etsy Store: (N/A) at present
Purchase from PCBWay: (N/A) at present

Build and Review

Once again, a big thank you to PCBWay for sponsoring this project and helping bring the final design to life. Through this sponsorship, I had the opportunity to experiment with some of their newer manufacturing options, most notably, the transparent solder mask.

This choice quickly became a core part of the design. By opting for a transparent solder mask, the PCB effectively offers an “inside view” of the circuitry, making the traces themselves part of the visual identity of the board. Because of this, extra care went into the PCB layout to ensure it was not only functional, but also visually pleasing when fully exposed.

I was initially sceptical about how a transparent solder mask would look on a keyboard where the PCB is on display. However, the end result genuinely exceeded my expectations. It’s a finish I’d strongly consider using again in future projects. From a personal standpoint, it highlights the work that goes into the design and presents the PCB exactly as it is with nothing hidden.

The final build uses clear acrylic for both the top and bottom plates, intentionally showcasing the PCB positioned between them as a central part of the design.

Wireless connectivity using a NRF52840 microcontroller utilising the ZMK firmware as opposed to QMK used for the Ashwing66. ZMK was chosen for it’s wireless supported ecosystem and the ease of being able to write the firmware.

For anyone interested in ordering a transparent solder mask PCB themselves, there is a small caveat. At the time of writing (5th January 2026), transparent solder masks aren’t selectable under PCBWay’s “Standard PCB” options and instead appear under “Advanced PCB”, which significantly increases the cost. In my case, I placed a standard PCB order and then contacted PCBWay’s support team to request the solder mask be changed to their transparent option. This resulted in a modest price increase, but one that I found entirely reasonable.