# ScribeKey

> ScribeKey is an open-source hardware security key that combines a password manager, TOTP/2FA authenticator, Ethereum wallet, and FIDO2/U2F token in one offline device. Firmware and hardware documentation are MIT-licensed. It can be self-built from about $20 in parts or pre-ordered fully assembled for $69.

Canonical page: https://scribekey.dev/
Russian page: https://scribekey.dev/ru/
Source code: https://github.com/privatych/scribekey
Contact: contact@scribekey.dev
Last updated: 2026-10-24

## What ScribeKey is

ScribeKey is a pocket-sized hardware security key built on the Seeed XIAO nRF52840 Sense (ARM Cortex-M4, 64 MHz, 256 KB SRAM, 1 MB flash). It works over USB-C and Bluetooth 5.0 BLE HID, has a 128×64 OLED display and four physical buttons, and stores secrets on-device instead of in a cloud account.

It combines five jobs in one device:

- Password manager — up to 50 entries, USB HID auto-type or BLE keyboard, no companion software required.
- TOTP/2FA — RFC 6238 compatible, QR-code import, works with Google, GitHub, and other TOTP services.
- Ethereum hardware wallet — BIP44 key derivation, on-device secp256k1 signing via CryptoCell-310; keys never leave the device. ETH transaction signing is still in active development.
- FIDO2/U2F — WebAuthn hardware token over USB HID for phishing-resistant login.
- BLE HID keyboard — wireless password and TOTP entry on mobile, including iOS.

Additional capabilities include PIN protection with auto-lock, a 12-word BIP39 recovery phrase for the ETH wallet, AI voice-note transcription, and a BLE bridge for personal AI agents.

## Key facts

- Product name: ScribeKey
- Category: open-source hardware security key
- Price: $69 assembled pre-order; about $20 for a self-build bill of materials
- Availability: pre-order; expected delivery Q2 2027
- Payment: ETH or BTC, no account required
- License: MIT for firmware, hardware schematics, BOM, and setup UI
- MCU: nRF52840, ARM Cortex-M4, 64 MHz
- Memory: 1 MB internal flash + 2 MB QSPI, 256 KB SRAM
- Display: OLED 128×64, SSD1306, I²C
- Crypto: CryptoCell-310, secp256k1, AES-128/256, SHA-256
- Wireless: Bluetooth 5.0, BLE HID keyboard
- USB: USB-C, Full-Speed, HID + CDC
- NFC: NFCT pins P0.09/P0.10, NDEF T2T planned for v0.3
- Size: approximately 21×17.5×3.5 mm (XIAO form factor)
- Country of origin: not specified

## Who it is for

Privacy-conscious users, developers, security researchers, and hardware hobbyists who want offline password storage, 2FA codes, an Ethereum wallet, and a FIDO2 token without a subscription or cloud dependency. Buyers can choose a tested assembled unit or build one from the published BOM and firmware.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScribeKey really fully open source?

Yes. The firmware, hardware schematics, bill of materials, and web setup UI are published on GitHub under the MIT license. Anyone can audit, fork, and build the device.

### Do I need to solder or build it myself?

No. The $69 pre-order ships fully assembled and tested. A self-build requires buying the components (about $20 total) and following the assembly guide in the repository.

### How secure is the ETH private key?

The key is derived on-device with BIP44 and is never transmitted. Signing uses the nRF52840 CryptoCell-310 hardware with secp256k1, and a transaction must be confirmed with a physical button press. ETH transaction signing is still in active development, so on-device confirmation details may vary between builds.

### Does ScribeKey work with iPhone and iOS?

BLE HID keyboard mode works on iOS for password auto-type. FIDO2 works through a USB adapter. NFC CTAP support is planned for v0.3.

### What happens if the device is lost?

During setup the user records a 12-word BIP39 recovery phrase, which can restore the ETH wallet in any BIP44-compatible wallet. Passwords are stored only on the device, so users should keep a CSV backup.

### Can I add my own passwords and TOTP seeds?

Yes. The web setup UI (scribekey_setup.html) works over USB or BLE. It can import passwords from CSV and add TOTP secrets by scanning a QR code.

## Comparison

ScribeKey is compared on the site with YubiKey 5 and Ledger Nano X. ScribeKey's differentiators are fully open-source firmware and hardware, on-device password management, TOTP, BLE HID, self-buildability, and a $69 assembled price. NFC is planned for v0.3, while YubiKey 5C NFC already includes it.

## Links

- [English product page](https://scribekey.dev/)
- [Russian product page](https://scribekey.dev/ru/)
- [Firmware and hardware source](https://github.com/privatych/scribekey)
- [MIT license](https://github.com/privatych/scribekey-landing/blob/main/LICENSE)
- [Sitemap](https://scribekey.dev/sitemap.xml)