A script without a keyboard is like a beautiful song with no way to sing it. After completing the Yapiri font, the next urgent mission was clear: build a keyboard that feels natural, fast, and joyful to use.

This is the story of how the official Keyman keyboard for Yapiri was born.

Why a Dedicated Keyboard Matters

Even the most elegant script remains unused if typing it is slow or frustrating. We wanted every Tiprasa person — from students in Agartala to elders in remote villages — to be able to type Yapiri as easily as they speak Kokborok.

"The best keyboard is one you forget you’re using — because your thoughts flow directly onto the screen."

— Development note

The Design Challenges

Building a keyboard for a 25-consonant + 6-vowel phonemic alphabet brought unique challenges:

The Development Journey

We started with multiple layout experiments. Early versions used phonetic arrangements based on Roman keyboard habits. Later, we shifted to a more intuitive layout that groups similar sounds together — making it easier for native speakers to find letters naturally.

Keyman’s powerful rules system allowed us to implement smart behavior: automatic vowel placement, tone mark positioning, and even intelligent spacing.

Highlight The final layout feels like an extension of the language itself — logical, rhythmic, and deeply satisfying to type.

Testing with the Community

We shared early versions with students, writers, and elders. Their feedback was invaluable. Many suggested improvements to key placement. Some wanted simpler mobile layouts. We iterated again and again until the keyboard felt truly native.

Features of the Yapiri Keyman Keyboard

The keyboard includes:

The Joy of First Typing

Nothing compares to the moment someone types their name or a full sentence in Yapiri for the first time. Seeing their eyes light up when the glyphs appear smoothly on screen makes all the late nights worthwhile.

 Now typeable with ease Kokborok flows naturally through your fingers

The Heart of the Matter

Building the Keyman keyboard was never just a technical task. It was an act of empowerment. Every key we placed was a promise that our language belongs in the digital age.

Today, anyone with a phone or computer can download the Yapiri font and keyboard and start writing their thoughts, stories, and dreams in their own script. That is the true power of language technology.

The keyboard is ready. The script is ready. Now it’s your turn — come write with us.