Introducing the Carpenter Tau, an innovative mechanical keyboard that combines premium wooden aesthetics with cutting-edge open-source hardware and firmware. Designed by a senior software engineer and keyboard enthusiast, this keyboard supports USB, BLE, and 2.4GHz connectivity and is fully ZMK-compatible.

Key Features of the Carpenter Tau Keyboard

Premium Wooden Build: The keyboard case and keycaps are crafted from wood, customizable to your choice of material for a natural, elegant feel.
Open-Source Tri-Mode Connectivity: Supports USB, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and 2.4GHz wireless connections for versatile usage.
ZMK-Compatible: Enjoy the flexibility of open-source ZMK firmware, allowing extensive customization for layouts and key mappings.
Community-Driven Design: The open-source firmware, PCB files, and 3D hardware models for both the keyboard and the 2.4GHz dongle will be released after the campaign—even if the group buy doesn’t succeed.

Why Choose the Carpenter Tau Keyboard?

The Carpenter Tau stands out as a rare combination of natural materials and innovative, open-source design:

Unique Wooden Build: Unlike traditional plastic or aluminum keyboards, the wooden construction offers a tactile, warm typing experience and a visually stunning aesthetic.
Open-Source Commitment: By sharing firmware, PCB schematics, and hardware 3D models, this project fosters collaboration and transparency within the keyboard community.
Tri-Mode Connectivity: With USB, BLE, and low-latency 2.4GHz options, you get seamless connectivity for desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
Customizable and Expandable: Thanks to its ZMK compatibility, you can fully customize keymaps and layers for your preferred workflow.

Open-Source Innovation

The Carpenter Tau sets a new standard by offering open-source tri-mode support. Its 2.4GHz wireless mode achieves lower latency compared to traditional BLE, making it a perfect solution for both casual and professional users.

Post-campaign, the following resources will be shared with the community:

Firmware: Fully compatible with ZMK for maximum customization.
PCB Designs: Open-source PCB schematics for continued development and modifications.
3D Hardware Models: Files for both the keyboard case and the 2.4GHz dongle, enabling enthusiasts to build and adapt the hardware.

Support the Project

The Carpenter Tau keyboard is available through Crowd Supply, a platform supporting innovative, community-driven projects. By backing this project, you’re not only getting a beautifully crafted wooden keyboard but also supporting the development of open-source tools for the keyboard community.

Engage and Provide Feedback

Have questions or suggestions? The creator welcomes feedback and discussions to improve the project and address community needs.

Final Thoughts

The Carpenter Tau is an exceptional blend of design, function, and open-source accessibility. Whether you’re drawn to its wooden craftsmanship, tri-mode versatility, or its contribution to the open-source ecosystem, this keyboard is a unique addition to any setup. Support the project on Crowd Supply and help bring this innovative keyboard to life!

Carpenter Tau Wooden Keyboard (IC)

Summary

Community Sentiment