2 layers138.1 × 89.7 mm
Tao Te Ching LEFT
sudo-apt-install-tap/TaoTeChing
A open-source split keyboard made for ergonomics!! Made to feel minimalist. This is a ortholinear keyboard.
49 parts3
2 layers278.2 × 89.7 mm
Tao Te Ching
sudo-apt-install-tap/TaoTeChing3A open-source split keyboard made for ergonomics!! Made to feel minimalist. This is a ortholinear keyboard.
- Size
- 278.2 × 89.7 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 113
- Nets
- 76
- Pads
- 506
- Tracks, vias
- 556, 71
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
- Created
- 5 Feb 2026
- Updated
- 25 Jul 2026
Overview
Tao Te Ching is an open-source printed circuit board by sudo-apt-install-tap, from the sudo-apt-install-tap/TaoTeChing repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 278.2 × 89.7 mm with 113 parts on 76 nets, routed with 556 tracks and 71 vias.
Its parts include 48 diodes, 48 switches and 2 ICs. It belongs with the keyboards and input boards and the nRF52 and nRF5x boards of this library.
README
README.mdTao Te Ching
Split keyboard. Ortholinear grid with column stagger. Built for comfort and long sessions.
Overview
Tao Te Ching is a split mechanical keyboard that combines the predictability of ortholinear rows with the ergonomics of column stagger. Each half is compact, symmetric, and designed to keep hands in a neutral position.
Why?
This will be my first split keyboard. Ive seen many people make splits. But nearly noone uses custom layout. So I made this layout.
How?
You can write up a simple firmware or use the KMK script in my repo.
Layout
- Split, mirrored halves
- Ortholinear rows with column stagger
- Compact layout with outer thumb/utility keys
- Optimized for touch typing and minimal finger travel
See renders and PCB files for exact spacing and geometry.
Index:
Hardware
- MX-compatible switches
- Per-key diodes (matrix)
- Controller footprint suitable for XIAO-class boards
- Board-to-board connection pads for split communication
Plates can be 3D-printed (PLA works) or CNCed.
Firmware
Designed to work with common keyboard firmware:
- QMK / KMK / ZMK (controller-dependent) I will use KMK
Renders
- KiCAD Render:
- CAD Exploded:
- CAD Assembled:
- Left Case:
- Right Case:
- Left Plate:
- Right Plate:
KiCAD Images
- Layout:
- Left Sheet:
- Right Sheet:
- Wiring:
Project Status
- Layout: finalized
- PCB: routed and rendered
- Prototypes: Done!
- Revisions: Done!
DONE!!
Build Images And Videos
Bill of Materials (BOM)
| Item | Description | Cost Per Unit | Quantity | Total | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keycaps | Full keycap set | ₹1,400.00 | 1 | ₹1,400.00 | https://curiositycaps.in/products/gradient-gray-polar-day-oem-side-backlit-keycaps |
| PCB | Custom PCB fabrication | ₹3,726.00 | 1 | ₹3,726.00 | https://www.JLCPCB.COM |
| Switches | Keygeek x MZ Y1 Keyboard Switch (Pack of 10) | ₹255.00 | 5 | ₹1,275.00 | https://www.stackskb.com/store/keygeek-y1-keyboard-switch/ |
| Diodes | Per-key matrix diodes | ₹2.04 | 50 | ₹102.00 | https://robu.in/product/1n4148w-sod-123-1206-diodereel-of-3000/ |
| MCU | Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 | ₹618.00 | 2 | ₹1,236.00 | https://robu.in/product/seeed-studio-xiao-rp2040-v1-0/ |
| Case & Plate | 3D printed case and plate (shipping included) | ₹500.00 | 1 | ₹500.00 | NUL (This was before Print Legion gave printers shipping money) |
| Total | ₹8,239.00 |
Project Cost: ₹8,239 (~$95 USD)
CAD SOURCE FILES AVAILABLE!
License
Open source. Build it, modify it, improve it.
Parts
113| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | D | Diode_SMD:D_SOD-123 | D1, D2, D10, D11, D12, D13, D14, D15, D16, D17, D18, D19, D20, D21, D22, D23 +32 |
| 48 | SW_Push_45deg | KEYS:SW_Hotswap_Kailh_MX | SW1, SW2, SW10, SW11, SW12, SW13, SW14, SW15, SW16, SW17, SW18, SW19, SW20, SW21, SW22, SW23 +32 |
| 12 | LOGO | LOGO | G***, G***, G***, G***, G***, G***, G***, G***, G***, G***, G***, G*** |
| 3 | MouseBite | Panelization:MouseBite-Slot_2.0x2.0mm_outset_D0.5mm_P0.85mm_3h | B1, B2, B3 |
| 2 | XIAO-nRF52840-DIP | XIAO:XIAO-nRF52840-DIP | U1, U2 |
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Questions
How big is the Tao Te Ching PCB?
It measures 278.2 × 89.7 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Tao Te Ching use?
113 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the Tao Te Ching KiCad files?
From the sudo-apt-install-tap/TaoTeChing repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is PCB/Tao Te Ching.kicad_pcb and its schematic PCB/Right Sheet.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Tao Te Ching design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask sudo-apt-install-tap before reusing the design.