Starboard
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| Manufacturer | Stenography Store |
|---|---|
| Connector | USB-C |
| Key switch | Kailh Choc Pink |
| Stock key weight | 20 grams |
| Javelin | Yes |
The Starboard is a hobbyist steno writer made by Stenography Store with a unique ergonomic design.
The layout includes 24 keys used for the normal steno layout, and 2 additional keys on the left pinky which are not assigned function out-of-the-box, but can be used to switch layers, or extend the layout with extra keys using the plover-stenotype-extended plugin.
The Starboard does not have keys for # above the main two rows, but has two larger keys to the inside of the pointer finger positions. By default, the right key is * and the left key is #. Like most other hobbyist keyboards, the left S- is made up of two keys.
According to the 2025 Open Steno Community Survey, 25 respondents among 108 (23.1%) reported having used the Starboard.
Use with Plover
By default, the Starboard uses the Gemini PR protocol.
- See also: Setting up a hobbyist writer with Plover
Physical Features
The Starboard features a staggered column design, where each column is slightly offset to more closely match finger lengths. As a steno-specific stagger would require, the two columns to the far sides must be aligned in order to accommodate the pinky fingers, and the larger inside keys must be aligned for the pointer fingers.
The two halves of the keyboard are also at an angle from each other, which some people find more ergonomic than a straight keyboard.
The Starboard comes with a 1/4"-20 nut attached to the back of the PCB, which allows for screwing the board onto a standard camera tripod.
The Starboard arrives without a case for the PCB, which is completely safe and durable, but has a slightly pokey and rough backside as a result.
Mods
Community member Skippit shared a 3D-printable case for the Starboard here.
Firmware
Instructions for customizing the Starboard with QMK to modify the layout can be found at the bottom of the store page.
Many Starboard users opt to flash their board with Javelin and use the user-friendly web tools to modify the layout, bypassing the need to build code.