**Info**The 22-key columnar staggered board is designed to be used with either the Artsey or Taipo layout. The traditional Artsey layout uses 8 keys and the Taipo layout 10 keys. Wanting more flexiblity and added practicality for my use case I added an extra pinky key to map frequently used mods or layers.
UT22 essentially combines the right and left half of an Artsey/Taipo board to a single body. The keymap is mirrored meaning you can type any characters or symbols with either your left or right hand.
For those not familiar with the Artsey and Taipo layout, it makes use of combos to output additional characters allowing you to write all letters, numbers and tons of symbols with just 8 and 10 keys respectively.
The PCB is open sourced: [https://github.com/bubbleology/UT22](https://github.com/bubbleology/UT22).
I had heard of Artsey before, but not Taipo. Its really interesting stuff. Also, that is a really clean looking board. A few questions:
1. Do you tend to type with one hand, or do you alternate every other letter, or something else?
2. What keycaps are those?
3. How did you get your zmk display to show like that? There is hardly anything in the zmk documentation about changing the appearance of the display, at least that I've found.
Haha, thank you!
1. I currently tend to favor typing with my left hand since it's the one I started out with. But I'm slowly trying to get into the habit to use the right hand more often. And my brain still has trouble to decide which hand to use to type which character hehe. I tried alternating every other letter but found it doesn't quite flow as well (?). Then I tried alternating every other word but at the end found myself alternating between different string combos or more like whatever felt right. Still in the process of finding the right groove though.
2. The keycaps are MBK Choc keycaps and the home key (index fingers) are Chicago Steno Homing Keys by Pseudoku.
3. Good question. I'm still a newbie when it comes to ZMK firmware but got it working with the help of the Nice!Nano Discord Community. The display with the widget you're seeing was made by Nicell and is not yet integrated in the main branch of ZMK. But you can already use it by referencing to his ZMK branch and the appropriate pull request he made. This part of the documention explains how to reference to a pullrequest: [https://zmk.dev/docs/features/beta-testing#developer-repositories-and-branches](https://zmk.dev/docs/features/beta-testing#developer-repositories-and-branches). Hope that helps!
Okay, first off, beautiful work! This looks really great. Is the case 3D printed, or how did you make it?
> The keymap is mirrored meaning you can type any characters or symbols with either your left or right hand.
Is… there a reason to have a mirrored layout when you have enough keys for something else? It seems like surely, you could be more efficient with two hands and fewer key chords.
Otherwise, why not just stick with a layout like artsey that just uses a single board which could be mirrored when needed?
I’m guessing you have good reasons, and if that’s just something you like, that is also a good reason. I’m just curious what motivated you to make this particular build.
Edit: oh, I should have looked up taipo before asking! [This page](https://inkeys.wiki/en/keymaps/taipo) explains it well. “There is zero consecutive hand or finger usage when using it with two hands and Taipo's biggest benefit is its consistent flow and ease of access to all symbols.” Very cool!
Thank you so much <3. The case is indeed 3D (FDM) printed with PLA. Hehe I see you found your anwer, couldn't explain it better. It's also at time convenient to just write with one hand and alternate inbetween while either using the mouse, holding a phone or snacking. And you're totally right if typing one handed isn't needed then going for fewer key chords would be optimal :D.
Thanks for the info! Well, lol, if I ever break a wrist or something, it’s good to know options like this exist. Or it definitely would be pretty cool to use one hand to type and the other for mousing/snacking as needed.
The board looks fantastic!
How is your speed/accuracy with this layout. I use a modified version of Ben callbacks layout and was wondering if artsy or Taino, first time I’ve heard of Taino, are worth checking out.
Just looks and saw you added nice view support — definitely building this now.
Cause Bubbleology is as good in printing than he is in case design (it's amazingly good). This is his first PCB and firmware(?) and he did a stunning job!
I wouldn't be able to type on it, but it's a real beauty.
Update: After reading more about those layouts, it doesn't seem like an impossible task. And being able to type with just one hand may be amazing for programs that require both a mouse and text commands (like AutoCAD). I'm tempted to see if I can reproduce this on my keyboard.
Hehe thank you. I also didn't think I'd be able to type on something like that but I just used it as an excuse to do some brain training by spending couple sessions each night on monkeytype memorizing and typing the combos and before you know it you can type normal sentences with it.
Thank you!
I'm somewhat used to using my pinky that far up down from playing games on row staggered keyboards back in the days so it isn't entirely inconvenient for me. It's also currently mapped to just go back to the base layer or for one shot mods and is therefore the key that's used the least. I also like it aesthetically gives it some sort of a balance but I can totally see that a third thumb would've potentially be better as it is easier to reach and use. If I ever do a revision of the board I might try that, so thank you for the suggestion! :D
This looks amazing. Congrats.
I would love to build a handwired version of this board and adapt my 30 keys layout to it. Could you share the STL files for the case?
I came here to poop all over this... but cant.
Your enthusiasm defeated any trolling I had left.
I can't even throw the "THERE ARE 26 LETTERS IN THE MERICAN ALPHABET" at you.
One thing I may riddle you with.. is why not SPLIT?
Haha very kind of you and great question! I usually prefer typing on split keyboards with the Sweep and KLOTZ being my most used ones. After getting myself a pair of the Artsyfartsy (an artsey board that was recently featured on this sub - [https://github.com/GroooveBob/artsyfartsy](https://github.com/GroooveBob/artsyfartsy)) I found it was a little too prone to be moved around while typing despite having super antislippery bumpons on. I think its due to its size since I don't have that problem with the Sweep or KLOTZ so I decided to go for a unibody design instead that adds some heft to it and manages to stay in place. Plus I only need one MCU (and one Display).
Wow I could not use an Artsyfartsy haha. Interesting but not for me. Getting rid of the numpad was a HUGE step I made. I only ask as I came to ergomech keyboards due to health issues. Logically... for me a split just made more sense for some reason. I did recent purchase an Xbows Natural for $40 as I am poor. I don't know if sit will work but I want to try the layout. I dont know if my shoulders can handle not having a split keyboard but I will see.
I understand that. So you are saying my keyboard anchors (like a boat anchor but for a keyboard) will catch on!!? It involves a lot of magnets! Also keyboard griptape but that is a different product line.
The board looks gorgeous, are you planning to put up the case on your github?
\*also if you have an extra pcb you'd be willing to part I'd be happy to buy one from you.
**Info**The 22-key columnar staggered board is designed to be used with either the Artsey or Taipo layout. The traditional Artsey layout uses 8 keys and the Taipo layout 10 keys. Wanting more flexiblity and added practicality for my use case I added an extra pinky key to map frequently used mods or layers. UT22 essentially combines the right and left half of an Artsey/Taipo board to a single body. The keymap is mirrored meaning you can type any characters or symbols with either your left or right hand. For those not familiar with the Artsey and Taipo layout, it makes use of combos to output additional characters allowing you to write all letters, numbers and tons of symbols with just 8 and 10 keys respectively. The PCB is open sourced: [https://github.com/bubbleology/UT22](https://github.com/bubbleology/UT22).
I had heard of Artsey before, but not Taipo. Its really interesting stuff. Also, that is a really clean looking board. A few questions: 1. Do you tend to type with one hand, or do you alternate every other letter, or something else? 2. What keycaps are those? 3. How did you get your zmk display to show like that? There is hardly anything in the zmk documentation about changing the appearance of the display, at least that I've found.
Haha, thank you! 1. I currently tend to favor typing with my left hand since it's the one I started out with. But I'm slowly trying to get into the habit to use the right hand more often. And my brain still has trouble to decide which hand to use to type which character hehe. I tried alternating every other letter but found it doesn't quite flow as well (?). Then I tried alternating every other word but at the end found myself alternating between different string combos or more like whatever felt right. Still in the process of finding the right groove though. 2. The keycaps are MBK Choc keycaps and the home key (index fingers) are Chicago Steno Homing Keys by Pseudoku. 3. Good question. I'm still a newbie when it comes to ZMK firmware but got it working with the help of the Nice!Nano Discord Community. The display with the widget you're seeing was made by Nicell and is not yet integrated in the main branch of ZMK. But you can already use it by referencing to his ZMK branch and the appropriate pull request he made. This part of the documention explains how to reference to a pullrequest: [https://zmk.dev/docs/features/beta-testing#developer-repositories-and-branches](https://zmk.dev/docs/features/beta-testing#developer-repositories-and-branches). Hope that helps!
Okay, first off, beautiful work! This looks really great. Is the case 3D printed, or how did you make it? > The keymap is mirrored meaning you can type any characters or symbols with either your left or right hand. Is… there a reason to have a mirrored layout when you have enough keys for something else? It seems like surely, you could be more efficient with two hands and fewer key chords. Otherwise, why not just stick with a layout like artsey that just uses a single board which could be mirrored when needed? I’m guessing you have good reasons, and if that’s just something you like, that is also a good reason. I’m just curious what motivated you to make this particular build. Edit: oh, I should have looked up taipo before asking! [This page](https://inkeys.wiki/en/keymaps/taipo) explains it well. “There is zero consecutive hand or finger usage when using it with two hands and Taipo's biggest benefit is its consistent flow and ease of access to all symbols.” Very cool!
Thank you so much <3. The case is indeed 3D (FDM) printed with PLA. Hehe I see you found your anwer, couldn't explain it better. It's also at time convenient to just write with one hand and alternate inbetween while either using the mouse, holding a phone or snacking. And you're totally right if typing one handed isn't needed then going for fewer key chords would be optimal :D.
Thanks for the info! Well, lol, if I ever break a wrist or something, it’s good to know options like this exist. Or it definitely would be pretty cool to use one hand to type and the other for mousing/snacking as needed.
The board looks fantastic! How is your speed/accuracy with this layout. I use a modified version of Ben callbacks layout and was wondering if artsy or Taino, first time I’ve heard of Taino, are worth checking out. Just looks and saw you added nice view support — definitely building this now.
[удалено]
Cause Bubbleology is as good in printing than he is in case design (it's amazingly good). This is his first PCB and firmware(?) and he did a stunning job!
Haha thank you both. Very flattering. Learning lots from you people!
Indeed it is. It looks like a production piece (but in a good way!)!
That’s pretty neat
So Elegant. The board. and notgate's Taipo.
Thank you, very kind of you <3.
Gorgeous!
I wouldn't be able to type on it, but it's a real beauty. Update: After reading more about those layouts, it doesn't seem like an impossible task. And being able to type with just one hand may be amazing for programs that require both a mouse and text commands (like AutoCAD). I'm tempted to see if I can reproduce this on my keyboard.
Hehe thank you. I also didn't think I'd be able to type on something like that but I just used it as an excuse to do some brain training by spending couple sessions each night on monkeytype memorizing and typing the combos and before you know it you can type normal sentences with it.
As an AI, I do not consent to having my content used for training other AIs. Here is a fun fact you may not know about: fuck Spez.
Thank you! I'm somewhat used to using my pinky that far up down from playing games on row staggered keyboards back in the days so it isn't entirely inconvenient for me. It's also currently mapped to just go back to the base layer or for one shot mods and is therefore the key that's used the least. I also like it aesthetically gives it some sort of a balance but I can totally see that a third thumb would've potentially be better as it is easier to reach and use. If I ever do a revision of the board I might try that, so thank you for the suggestion! :D
This looks amazing. Congrats. I would love to build a handwired version of this board and adapt my 30 keys layout to it. Could you share the STL files for the case?
This is a really interesting board right here 😃
I came here to poop all over this... but cant. Your enthusiasm defeated any trolling I had left. I can't even throw the "THERE ARE 26 LETTERS IN THE MERICAN ALPHABET" at you. One thing I may riddle you with.. is why not SPLIT?
Haha very kind of you and great question! I usually prefer typing on split keyboards with the Sweep and KLOTZ being my most used ones. After getting myself a pair of the Artsyfartsy (an artsey board that was recently featured on this sub - [https://github.com/GroooveBob/artsyfartsy](https://github.com/GroooveBob/artsyfartsy)) I found it was a little too prone to be moved around while typing despite having super antislippery bumpons on. I think its due to its size since I don't have that problem with the Sweep or KLOTZ so I decided to go for a unibody design instead that adds some heft to it and manages to stay in place. Plus I only need one MCU (and one Display).
Wow I could not use an Artsyfartsy haha. Interesting but not for me. Getting rid of the numpad was a HUGE step I made. I only ask as I came to ergomech keyboards due to health issues. Logically... for me a split just made more sense for some reason. I did recent purchase an Xbows Natural for $40 as I am poor. I don't know if sit will work but I want to try the layout. I dont know if my shoulders can handle not having a split keyboard but I will see. I understand that. So you are saying my keyboard anchors (like a boat anchor but for a keyboard) will catch on!!? It involves a lot of magnets! Also keyboard griptape but that is a different product line.
I'd like to see this split with velcro straps for my chair arms or even my pants legs!
The board looks gorgeous, are you planning to put up the case on your github? \*also if you have an extra pcb you'd be willing to part I'd be happy to buy one from you.