About the Toucan2 and other split mechanical keyboard considerations

2026-09-30

[ I am not affiliated with anybody, so I am not including links just to be sure. ]

I was asked in a private context about my opinion on the Toucan2 keyboard. It is a split mechanical keyboard that has 42 keys. Its switches are the Choc type, specifically version 1. It relies on a wireless connection between the two halves, meaning that it depends on batteries. And it has a module for a trackpad on the right hand split. In short, it looks good to me if that is what you want. But is that what you want?

Below I elaborate on thoughts that are consistent with what I have written before about where to start with mechanical keyboards (2025-10-18). They are general in nature and should apply to every split mechanical keyboard.

Be sure about the number of keys

Split mechanical keyboards will typically be in the 30-50% size range in terms of the keys they have. This means that they will not have a numpad, navigation keys, a function row, and maybe not even a number row. This is not a problem per se, as they are programmable: all keycodes are available through combinations of inputs, such as layers (think of it like a Shift key that changes 1 to ! on a US Qwerty layout).

The fewer the keys, the steeper the learning curve, and the more challenging the task of defining layers or input combinations that are efficient. For example, without a number row you have to figure out where to move the number 1 and also where to place !. Should 1 be where q is (assuming US Qwerty) and ! be in the same physical spot under a different layer? Should you design a numpad instead which decouples 1 from ! and move the latter to a symbols layer? These and many others are all valid and potentially super effective. Though you have to design them carefully and, more importantly, learn them well.

In so doing, you have to question how much of a benefit did you really get from switching to a tiny keyboard.

For me, small keyboards in the 50%-60% range are the best compromise. They keep the number row, which makes the decisions about the layers considerably easier. In my keyboard, the Iris by Keebio (thanks to “Andreas” for the donation!), I only really have a single layer which brings navigation keys around the home row and provides quick access to a few symbols that I mostly need for programming.

Having a ~50% keyboard still lets you experiment with fewer keys. You can simply stop using the number row, for example, either by programming it to do nothing or by removing the keycaps and switches altogether. Sure, that may not look as cool but (i) it gets the job done and (ii) nobody actually cares about your keyboard and how cool you think you are. And if you really like the experiment with the fewer keys, then you can sell that keyboard and buy a smaller one.

Whereas if you go straight to the ~30% size you cannot expand the number of keys from there. If that does not work for you, then the keyboard is a waste of resources.

Switches are very important for keycaps

The Toucan2 has the Choc v1 switches from what I saw. Other such keyboards will have the Choc v2 version. The mainstream platform is called “MX”. Choc switches have a low profile, closer in spirit to what you get on a laptop, whereas MX are taller. Do you prefer typing on a laptop or a regular keyboard? If it is the former, then Choc is the way to go. Otherwise you want to look into MX.

The switch type determines what keycaps you can use. Choc v1 and v2 are mutually incompatible, due to the distinct shape of their stem. You will typically pick low profile keycaps to go with these switches, since this is how you get closer to the laptop feel. There are some keycaps that are somewhat taller and are designed for Choc switches, though I would personally just opt for MX at that point as it was engineered for that very purpose.

Choc v2 has a stem that is like MX but this is a false friend: their short height means that the bottom of a keycap may still hit on the plate as you type. You would need keycaps that are specifically designed for a low profile switch. Otherwise, the keycap will break where it connects to the switch.

Owning to the popularity of the MX platform, you have plenty of options in terms of shape, height, colours, and materials. There are keycaps that have a flat top, others with a cylindrical top, and others still with a spherical top. Some have a larger surface area. Keys will have different height to make typing more ergonomic, so that, for example, the number row will be taller than the home row to effectively shorten the distance between the two in actual use.

With small keyboards, the distance is shortened by removing keys, so fingers do not travel too far away from the home row. It thus makes sense to use low profile keycaps. Otherwise, it is better to try keycap profiles that are meant for the MX platform.

Switches and keycaps define your typing experience

Switches determine the keycaps you will be using. This already influences how the keyboard feels to use. These two together control how a key press is experienced.

A Choc switch (either v1 or v2) will have a short travel distance, which means that it will bottom out earlier. This is exactly what you want is you plan to minimise finger travel: you effectively minimise finger movement altogether. Such a combination pairs nicely with a switch that is light to the touch. The goal is to maximise comfort by reducing the total effort it takes to type.

With MX switches there is more variety. They have a longer travel distance, though this can be shortened with the appropriate springs (you could do that manually, but you would typically buy such a switch). You can still get something that is closer in spirit to what Choc does, though you have a higher profile. Even if you use low profile keycaps, the total height is still taller than what Choc would give you.

I thus think that MX is not the best choice if you wish to minimise finger travel. You opt for Choc instead and work to bring down the total number of keys on the keyboard that you rely on.

Otherwise, MX offers the widest number of options. There are so many switch types that innovate in different ways. There are switches that are light to the touch and others that are heavy. Some have an earlier bottom out event to make the tactile feedback sharper. Others bottom out later and combine with a heavier spring to give you a strong rebound that effectively creates a cushioned typing experience where you never really bottom out. And there is plenty of variety therein (Choc also provides options, but not to the same extent).

All these have implications for the sound profile, but I will not even elaborate on that. The focus is this right now: if you are okay with moving your fingers around a little bit, the way you would on a ~50% keyboard, then MX switches will give you more flexibility to tweak everything to your liking. Otherwise opt for Choc switches and a small form factor.

[ There technically are differences in spacing between the switch platforms, but you do not need to know such details. ]

Is the Toucan2 a good keyboard?

All split mechanical keyboards I have seen are fine products in their own right. Whether they are “good” depends on how suitable they are for your purposes. There is no one-size-fits-all and it is impossible for me to know what will work for you.

If you are not sure what your preferences are, then it means you need to experiment. Which, in turn, implies that MX switches on a ~50% keyboard is a safer choice. The Toucan2 is a more opinionated take in this regard: great for those who want what it offers.

I personally am not keen on devices that rely on batteries and do not use wireless connectivity anywhere. Wires look more busy, I know, but I prefer their reliability.

I cannot comment on the trackpad module that the Toucan2 has. Maybe it is something I would enjoy using. Though I would never decide on a keyboard based on that. So for me, this is a potentially useful extra if everything else is met.

Finally, keep in mind what I wrote recently about the hyperoptimiser’s mechanical keyboard trap (2026-08-20). What I described here will help you decide how to configure a decent setup. It will not be “perfect” but it will get things done in a manner that is reliable and sustainable. What stands between that and perfection is your attitude: be content with what you have achieved and it will reward you long-term.