Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
ScottoKatana
Joe Scotto's ScottoKatana is a 33-key handwired keyboard with symmetric stagger.
Published January 4, 2024
I've been always a big fan of the symmetric katana layout, originally popularized by RominRonin's keyboards as early as 2015. It simply makes sense. That's why I'm glad to see more and more people discovering it: e.g. Joe Scotto, the handwiring guy, presenting his new ScottoKatana with a similar layout.
The ScottoKatana is a 33-key handwired, 3D printed, katanaish staggered keyboard in a uniquely shaped case, with a 6.25u spacebar and two 1.5u function keys.
I recently found out about katana layout and wanted to give it a go because it’s kinda an alternative to ortholinear. The board here is the first version with an integrated plate design but “V2” will be a double gasket mount. It’s very comfortable but more importantly, I think it’s my best sounding board yet – Joe.
In the author's opinion, something about not having metal standoffs as a mount is doing a lot for the sound and feel.
He also printed everything completely solid so the entire board weighs over a pound. In addition to all of that, even the keycaps are 3D printed.
Resources
Published on Thu 4th Jan 2024. Featured in KBD #149.
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