Key Takeaways
1. The Toucan is a lightweight, wireless, low-profile split ergonomic keyboard designed for portability and comfort, improving on the previous Piantor model.
2. It features a unique 42-key columnar stagger layout and includes a 40mm Cirque GlidePoint trackpad for easy mouse navigation without leaving the keyboard.
3. The keyboard has a memory-in-pixel display for efficient energy use and boasts impressive battery life with ZMK firmware, lasting up to 4,000 hours on a 1,500 mAh battery.
4. The Toucan’s construction combines an aluminum plate with a 3D-printed lower section, balancing weight and strength, and is priced between $189 and $352 depending on the model and additional components.
5. It offers low-profile Kailh Choc V1 switches with tactile, linear, and clicky options, and is compatible with Choc V2 switches, but users should be cautious with aftermarket keycap choices due to tighter spacing.
A well-designed ergonomic keyboard can significantly improve your workspace or gaming environment, as we discussed in our review of the Keychron Q13 Max. However, the Alice-layout mechanical keyboard mentioned earlier is bulky and heavy, making it unsuitable for travel. A small keyboard maker and online retailer called Beekeeb has introduced the Toucan, a new wireless low-profile split ergonomic keyboard that is much lighter and smaller than traditional mechanical keyboards while offering the same ergonomic advantages as the Q13 Max (currently priced at $249.99 on Amazon) and more.
Upgrades from Previous Models
The Toucan builds on an earlier model, the Piantor, which was inspired by the open-source Cantor split ergonomic keyboard. However, the Toucan features several enhancements that make it a great choice for anyone in need of a portable ergonomic keyboard.
Innovative Design Features
This 42-key split keyboard uses a columnar stagger layout, where the keys are arranged vertically rather than the typical horizontal layout found on most keyboards. This design is quite common in split ergonomic keyboards, but the Toucan sets itself apart by including a 40mm circular Cirque GlidePoint trackpad on the right side of the keyboard for mouse control. This feature allows users to keep their hands on the keyboard while still navigating, condensing essential input devices into a compact, travel-friendly format.
On the left side of the Toucan wireless keyboard, there’s a memory-in-pixel display, which is energy-efficient and usually seen in smartwatches. This low-power display works with ZMK firmware, known for its impressive battery life, allowing up to 4,000 hours on just 1,500 mAh. In contrast, the Epomaker Galaxy100 we reviewed achieved only 580 hours on an 8,000 mAh battery with QMK firmware.
Construction and Pricing
The keyboard’s casing combines an aluminum plate with a 3D-printed lower section, designed to provide a good balance between weight and strength.
As of now, the Toucan can be pre-ordered with a 12% introductory discount, and shipping is set to begin in December. There are two versions available: a DIY model for $189 and a pre-soldered model for $298; however, neither comes with keycaps or switches included by default. If you choose the pre-soldered model and add keycaps and switches to your order, Beekeeb will assemble the keyboard for you. The lowest price with keycaps and switches is a steep $352, but it’s important to mention that similar keyboards, such as the ZSA Voyager, which lack wireless functionality and a pointing device, are priced at $365. Additionally, Beekeeb cannot ship the Toucan with a battery due to shipping restrictions, but you can easily find a standard $9.99 3.7 V Li-ion or Lipo battery from hobby shops or on Amazon.
Switch Options Available
The Toucan comes with a selection of low-profile Kailh Choc V1 switches, offering tactile, linear, and clicky choices. While it is compatible with Choc V2 switches, it has a tighter Choc spacing compared to standard MX spacing, so be cautious when choosing aftermarket keycaps.
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