Tako is a vertical stagger split keyboard with electrostatic capacitive (EC) non-contact switches.
Depending on which parts you are going to use, make sure to select the proper top plate (OG or NIZ). Ensure you use the correct thickness - the OG (OEM, Deskeys, etc) plate should be 1.2mm, and the NIZ should be 1.6mm!
RP2040-based boards should be used for wired build - Liatris, Frood, Sea-Picro, Splinky, etc.
ATmega32U4 (Pro Micro) won't work.
For a wireless build, you can use nice!nano. Keep in mind that EC matrix consume significantly more power than mechanical keyboards. An 80mAh battery placed under the MCU will last for about a day only. I don't have exact numbers yet (still waiting for a power profiler), but you will likely need to use a larger battery. Consider using longer standoffs with a 3D-printed or acrylic spacer between the PCB and the bottom plate, and place the battery there.
5 pins for nice!view are exposed. 128x32 OLED can be used on first 4 pins but won't be perfectly centered.
| Component | Package | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPA350 | SOIC-8 / SOP-8 | 2 | LCSC |
| 74HC4051 | SOIC-8 / SOP-8 | 2 | LCSC |
| 100nF Capacitor | 0805 | 4 | LCSC |
| 220pF Capacitor | 0805 | 2 | LCSC |
| 100Ω Resistor | 0805 | 8 | LCSC |
| 1kΩ Resistor | 0805 | 2 | LCSC |
| 100kΩ Resistor | 0805 | 12 | LCSC |
| Reset Switch | 2 | LCSC | |
| PJ-320A | 2 | Wired only. LCSC | |
| 5.1kΩ Resitor | 0805 | 2 | Wired only. LCSC |
| Power Switch | 2 | Wireless only. LCSC |
| Part | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| M2x6 Standoff | 16 | Max OD 3.4mm. Aliexpress |
| M2x4 Screws | 32 | Aliexpress |
| M1.6x6 Standoff | 12 | Aliexpress |
| M1.6x4 screws | 24 | Aliexpress |
| Part | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| M2x6 Standoff | 28 | Max OD 3.4mm. Aliexpress |
| M2x4 Screws | 56 | Aliexpress |
| Part | Amount |
|---|---|
| Housings | 34 |
| Domes | 34 |
| Conical springs | 34 |
| Sliders | 34 |
| Silencing rings | 34 |
- If you going to use DES V3/Carrot domes then it's recommended to get DES Volcano springs to avoid sping crunch.
- Silencing rings are recommended for DES parts. If you want the same key travel as HHKB Type-S with DES housings and DES sliders then you should get #7 rings.
Some EC vendors:
- deskeys
- Unreal Keyboard
- NIZ Store
- Beekeeb (NIZ)
- YMDK Housings, Sliders and Domes
You can only use MX-compatible sliders due to the housing orientation. See details.
NIZ sliders are MX-compatible by default.
Special thanks to Cipulot for all the work on EC keyboards and assistance.
- jimmerricks for Swoop
- duckyb for Urchin I was inspired by
- Awesome Pete Johanson for assistance
- kanru for his work on Zephyr driver for HHKB which I used for reference
Check #ssbb channel on Absolem Club discord. Join