/tako

34 key EC split keyboard

MIT LicenseMIT

Tako

Tako Keyboard Tako Keyboard

Tako is a vertical stagger split keyboard with electrostatic capacitive (EC) non-contact switches.

Bill Of Materials (BOM)

Production Files

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!

MCU

RP2040-based boards should be used for wired build - Liatris, Frood, Sea-Picro, Splinky, etc.

ATmega32U4 (Pro Micro) won't work.

Wireless

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.

Display

5 pins for nice!view are exposed. 128x32 OLED can be used on first 4 pins but won't be perfectly centered.

Components

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

Mounting

OG Plate

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

NIZ Plate

Part Amount Details
M2x6 Standoff 28 Max OD 3.4mm. Aliexpress
M2x4 Screws 56 Aliexpress

EC Parts

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:

You can only use MX-compatible sliders due to the housing orientation. See details.

NIZ sliders are MX-compatible by default.

Build Guide

Build Guide

Firmware

Thanks

Special thanks to Cipulot for all the work on EC keyboards and assistance.

Support

Check #ssbb channel on Absolem Club discord. Join