TAIKO-01 - Split Curved Ergonomic Keyboard

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Hey all,
My name is David. I’m a Canadian primary care doctor who used to have a large chronic pain practice. I built a concave split ergonomic keyboard I’m launching June 2nd.

TLDR:

TAIKO 01 ergonomic keyboard in white on a standing desk with a Dell monitor in the back.
TAIKO 01 ergonomic keyboard in white on a standing desk with a Dell monitor in the back.1360×1360 138 KB

How did this start?

I developed carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist tendinosis back in 2020-2021, tried a bunch of things like physio, wrist brace, etc that helped but didn’t fix my problems. I ended up looking into workplace ergonomics and made my own split dactyl-like keyboard. By sheer coincidence, I ended up making keyboards for people for the past 4 years. I’ve talked to a ton of awesome users over those years, made a ton of iterations. I quit my job this year to create the TAIKO-01 based on all the feedback.

What’s happened since last year?

Since the last year, I did a full redesign of the keyboard, twice. This was to optimize design for manufacturability. But now it’s finally done, so everything is ready for injection molding. Since I’ve been doing this for years, you wouldn’t think it’d take this long. But it ended up taking an entire year :scream:. It’s humbling how hard it is going from 3D printing to injection molding.

Why is this more ergonomic than every other keyboard?

You might’ve seen split concave keyboards like Kinesis Advantage, Glove80. Here’s how the TAIKO-01 is different and more ergonomic:

  1. Way more ergonomic thumb cluster
    1. TAIKO-01 has a thumb cluster that’s easier to reach because it’s oriented at a downward angle.
    2. This allows us to use thumb abduction rather than thumb extension, clarified by this diagram.
    3. Thumb abduction is much more ergonomic than thumb extension because it puts you in a neutral handshake position.
    4. However, Kinesis Advantage, Moonlander and Glove80 moves your thumb to an extension position. Our thumb is not meant to be in this position. You can even test it yourself. Or think of the last time you moved your thumb in a handshake position versus extended position.
    5. For a side by side comparison with the Kinesis Advantage, I made a quick video here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/z3uCZGYSmaE
  2. Layer keys are offset at a lower height compared to other keys on the thumb cluster so you won’t accidentally hit it.
  3. Hotswappable
  4. Compatible with QMK, VIA, Vial
  5. It’s more compact, which makes it a bit easier to transport. It’s still bulky though, but it fits in a backpack unlike the Kinesis.

Diagrams of the ergonomics

Diagram showing TAIKO 01 ergonomic keyboard keeps fingers extended in a relaxed posture while regular keyboards force fingers to be clenched in a claw position
Diagram showing TAIKO 01 ergonomic keyboard keeps fingers extended in a relaxed posture while regular keyboards force fingers to be clenched in a claw position1360×764 114 KB

Diagram show TAIKO 01 keyboard has no ulnar deviation while regular keyboards have high ulnar deviation
Diagram show TAIKO 01 keyboard has no ulnar deviation while regular keyboards have high ulnar deviation1360×764 142 KB

Diagram showing TAIKO 01 keyboard reduces pronation while regular keyboards increase pronation
Diagram showing TAIKO 01 keyboard reduces pronation while regular keyboards increase pronation1360×764 101 KB

Diagram showing TAIKO 01 keyboard keeps your thumb in a natural handshake position while Kinesis, Glove80 and Moonlander force your thumb into an unnatural extended thumb position
Diagram showing TAIKO 01 keyboard keeps your thumb in a natural handshake position while Kinesis, Glove80 and Moonlander force your thumb into an unnatural extended thumb position1360×764 68.5 KB

If you’re interested, please join the waitlist at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/taikohub/taiko-01-keyboard

I also document the development here: https://taiko.taikohub.com

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