Piantor pro by beekeeb REVIEW - cool idea but perhaps too small
I spent some time testing out the Beekeeb Piantor Pro, a super minimal 3D printed split keyboard with Choc switches. What made this keyboard unique was its extremely compact design - both in terms of its flat profile and the tight key spacing. The keyboard featured an aggressive pinky stagger that created a more pronounced claw-like hand position compared to other keyboards like the ZSA Voyager.
The Choc switches and keycaps were packed really close together, which theoretically meant less finger travel, but this came with its own set of challenges. The keyboard came pre-flashed with Vial firmware and had some interesting keycaps with sharp bottom edges for home row identification.
While the build quality was decent for a 3D printed board and the price point was attractive, there were some significant usability compromises that made it challenging for daily use.
Pros
- Very compact and portable design
- Minimal finger travel distance required
- Good build quality for a 3D printed keyboard
Cons
- Awkward thumb cluster placement, only one thumb is comfortable
- No number row which complicated certain shortcuts
- Keys might be too close together for larger hands