Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Batoid
Kotte's Batoid is a handwired monoblock split in a cute case. Small footprint, big personality.
Published September 7, 2023
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.
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
Published on Thu 7th Sep 2023. Featured in KBD #134 (source).
Related
Cheapis
Cheapis is a cheap single-MCU Ferris/Sweep alternative by PM_ME_YOUR_MAINFRAME.
Make a Keyboard
A handwired project and detailed tutorial on how to design and make a keyboard by berkstone.
Ergohaven Planeta review
The Planeta is a clean and simple monoblock split keyboard by Ergohaven – with piezo speaker.
CB34S
CB34S is a 34-key columnar staggered Choc V1 monoblock split keyboard by Bubbleology – with Nice!Nano and Nice!View.
TDPHSK keyboard
The open-source TDPHSK by ianliu88 is 3D printed and hotswappable.