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Batoid

Kotte's Batoid is a handwired monoblock split in a cute case. Small footprint, big personality.

KBD.news
Published September 7, 2023
Creators! Feel free to tip me off about your keyboard related projects to bring them to 150K readers.

The Batoid by Kotte Computer Electronics is a 3D printable, Alice-like, handwired 40%. Designed to be printable on standard/mid-sized home 3D printers, it's faux-gasket mounted with sealing strip and sports a Pro Micro.

Finally got my latest design up on Github for anyone interested in 40's and 3D printing. […] I've wanted an Alice-like 40's board for quite a while, so when @theerland on the Swedish MK-Discord server said he wanted one too, inspiration struck – KotteCE.

The name Batoid comes from the fact that it looks a bit like a member of the Batoidea family superorder of fishes.

Specs

  • 43 keys, handwired
  • tilted, split layout, staggered
  • two built-in indicator LEDs ("blink during high typing speeds")
  • 8 degrees typing angle
  • Pro Micro
  • 3-5mm sealing strip with P profile

The case is held together with M3 nuts and bolts, and the 3D-printed plate is mounted with a 3-5mm sealing strip, giving you a comfortable, soft typing experience with materials found at your local hardware store.

Pic: Sealing strip mounting

Sealing strip mounting

If there's anything I recommend you try, it's the sealing strip mount. It's in the same mindfuck category as that cardboard keyboard that went viral a while ago, that sounds unreasonably good – KotteCE.

Sound test

Sealing strip mount + Hako Violet switches:

Resources

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Published on Thu 7th Sep 2023. Featured in KBD #134 (source).


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