Introducing the Toucan Keyboard

A slim, lightweight, wireless ZMK keyboard with touchpad, a big display and strong aggressive staggered pinky column.

Background

Back in 2022, we released the Piantor (Pico-Cantor) keyboard, which featured the same strong column-staggered layout as the Cantor, powered by the then-new RP2040 controller from Raspberry Pi. Since its release, the Piantor, later joined by the Piantor Pro, has been well received by the community. Its column-staggered layout has proven especially comfortable for users like me who have a shorter pinky.

I am grateful to everyone who reached out with feedback and suggestions for improvement. After 3 years, I am excited to introduce the Toucan (Touch-Cantor) keyboard.

Introduction

As the name suggests, the Toucan is a keyboard with an integrated touchpad, built around the familiar Cantor (Piantor) layout. I’ve been traveling frequently for business lately, and one of my main goals with this design was to create a truly portable split keyboard, something easy to bring along for work, travel, or even to use comfortably on a flight.

With the Toucan, I wanted to eliminate the need for cables that the original Piantor required. When traveling, I prefer to keep my setup as simple and lightweight as possible. That’s why the Toucan is compact, wireless, and integrated with a touchpad for using on the go.

I have been bringing it with me everywhere lately, even using it on 2 recent flights from Hong Kong to Tokyo. It has been a great travel companion so far.

The case in my photo is 3D printed. For the final production version, the default top plate is made from anodized aluminum for improved strength and durability.

Features of Toucan

Toucan is a slim, lightweight, wireless ZMK keyboard with touchpad, a big display and strong aggressive staggered pinky column.

  • Wireless - Powered by the latest Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 Plus controller, the Toucan connects to iPads, notebooks, and computers via Bluetooth. It can also pair with a Bluetooth dongle, such as the Prospector.
  • DIY Fun - Like the original Piantor, the Toucan uses microcontroller boards instead of embedded controllers, allowing it to remain a true DIY kit. You can enjoy the process of soldering and assembling it yourself, or choose a pre-soldered and fully assembled version if you prefer. You can even easily solder wires to the unused pins for DIY modding.
  • Portable & All-in-One Design - The keyboard and trackpad are integrated into a single compact device, making it easy to carry wherever you go. The trackpad is Cirque’s 40mm GlidePoint circular trackpad, you do not have to worry about forgetting your mouse on a trip again.

  • Compact enclosed case design - The case is designed to be as lightweight and compact as possible, making it easy to carry anywhere. The enclosed case helps protect the PCB and internal components from dust and dirts, making the keyboard more durable and reliable for everyday use.
  • Compatible with both Choc v1 and Choc v2 Switches - The Toucan supports Kailh Choc key switches, known for their reliability and low profile. You can use your favorite switches such as Twilight (Choc v1) or Deep Sea Silent Mini Islet (Choc v2). Note that the Toucan uses the same Choc spacing as the Piantor. If you use Choc v2 switches, you will need to pair them with Choc-spacing MX-stem keycaps (for example, Tai-Hao’s MT165).

So if you have ever wanted a wireless Piantor Pro, this is our version. I hope you will enjoy using it as much as I have enjoyed creating it. The Toucan is now available for pre-order in both DIY kit and pre-soldered versions in https://s.beekeeb.com/toucan, with shipments planned to begin in mid-December 2025.

The toucan is also a bird known for its large beak which is strong yet lightweight, much like the Toucan keyboard itself.

More Photo in: https://s.beekeeb.com/toucan