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.

• 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.

Build Guide

• QMK Firmware
• ZMK Firmware

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