[IC] Sagittarius (dates, proxies and US prices announced)

[Gondolindrim]

I used the printable layout guide to make an approximation of this layout on a two board Dumang DK6 Ergo (limited to 1u and 1.25u modules for now). The DK6 Ergo boards are a bit too narrow to fit the PgUp/PgDn/Home/End keys in this layout, but the standard size DK6 rectangular boards (206mm wide vs the 147mm wide larger sections of the DK6 Ergo) would almost certainly fit them. Liking it so far after about half an hour of using it, but I will be modifying it a bit as the backspace and pipe keys are a bit too much of a stretch for my small hands/short fingers. I'll probably incorporate an arrow cluster and one or two horizontal/vertical combo thumb keys as well and of course replace the keycaps with something nicer.

(Attachment Link)

Awesome!

[Scriba]

The layout looks really promising! The case design not so much...so I can't wait for the reworked case pictures.

[Gondolindrim]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand someone did a carboard prototype.

[Hdjekso]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand someone did a carboard prototype.

flex 100

[Gondolindrim]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand someone did a carboard prototype.

flex 100

Never has cardboard sounded so good.

[FlitzDeelman]

Can KeyCult or Rama or Smith & Rune claim to have been cardboarded?

I think that’s quite a claim to fame. I can imagine Tom would’ve been chuffed.

[Gondolindrim]

Can KeyCult or Rama or Smith & Rune claim to have been cardboarded?

I think that’s quite a claim to fame. I can imagine Tom would’ve been chuffed.

If anything it's flattering to have people so hyped up for my keyboard they'll make cardboard prototypes of it. I won, Keycult. Your turn now.

[yorsem]

Very excited to see this come to fruition.

[FlitzDeelman]

Can KeyCult or Rama or Smith & Rune claim to have been cardboarded?

I think that’s quite a claim to fame. I can imagine Tom would’ve been chuffed.

If anything it's flattering to have people so hyped up for my keyboard they'll make cardboard prototypes of it. I won, Keycult. Your turn now.

Exactly!

[Gondolindrim]

One more Sagittarius project coming right from Funkie -- dude made a mockup acrilic plate for Sagittarius!

[hottrout]

The bottom curve looks better I think.

[PBZ]

I've been looking at ergonomic keyboards for a while and tripped across this one recently. I quite like the looks of it, so I decided to mock one up using a 3D printer.

It's printed in two parts, so could be used split, but that's obviously not how it was designed.

First impressions: it certainly keeps your wrists in line with your forearms (little/no ulnar deviation) and it's quite comfortable. For me, I could feel stretching in my fingers when typing the G and H keys (I touch type); this could be my posture, the key positioning on my mockup could be out, or I might just need to get used to it.

Since it's in two parts, I tried tenting it slightly which felt really good and even made reaching the G and H keys less of a stretch.

No, I am not going to make the STL or Fusion files available; please don't ask :-)

[Gondolindrim]

I've been looking at ergonomic keyboards for a while and tripped across this one recently. I quite like the looks of it, so I decided to mock one up using a 3D printer.

It's printed in two parts, so could be used split, but that's obviously not how it was designed.

First impressions: it certainly keeps your wrists in line with your forearms (little/no ulnar deviation) and it's quite comfortable. For me, I could feel stretching in my fingers when typing the G and H keys (I touch type); this could be my posture, the key positioning on my mockup could be out, or I might just need to get used to it.

Since it's in two parts, I tried tenting it slightly which felt really good and even made reaching the G and H keys less of a stretch.

No, I am not going to make the STL or Fusion files available; please don't ask :-)

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Hooooly molly this is awesome!!!

Maybe you can publish the files after the PCB is open sourced??

[PBZ]

Hooooly molly this is awesome!!!

Maybe you can publish the files after the PCB is open sourced??

Yep, I'll publish this when everything is open sourced, though it really needs someone more skilled in Fusion 360 than me to do a proper job.

[Pluto19]

Looking forward to see the new case design

[Scriba]

any updates?

[Gondolindrim]

any updates?

New case is en route to Upas and we should see the new design soon

[perry4761]

Do you have any updates regarding the paper that will be published about this layout? I'm anxious to read it!

[Gondolindrim]

Do you have any updates regarding the paper that will be published about this layout? I'm anxious to read it!

No papers are being published about the layout itself; were I to write such paper I wouldn't be able to open source the layout.

The papers being published are two. One about the biomechanical optimization method, which was already approved in a journal and should be published in Q3 2020. The second one about the numerical method we developed using hybrid Karash-kun-Tucker and evolutionary algorithms ("machine learning"). This one is still under development

[beigeandbrown]

For those interested, Taeha is streaming the build of a prototype board as we speak.

[perry4761]

Do you have any updates regarding the paper that will be published about this layout? I'm anxious to read it!

No papers are being published about the layout itself; were I to write such paper I wouldn't be able to open source the layout.

The papers being published are two. One about the biomechanical optimization method, which was already approved in a journal and should be published in Q3 2020. The second one about the numerical method we developed using hybrid Karash-kun-Tucker and evolutionary algorithms ("machine learning"). This one is still under development

Please let us know when and where these articles get published! I’m assuming you meant Q4 since Q3 ends in a few days!

Also, I watched a bit of Taeha’s stream today. I know that you have a new case design on the way, but I was wondering if the plate material and design were final? Why go through the immense trouble of these huge flex cutouts on the PCB, only to mount that pcb to a rigid brass playe devoid of any flex cuts? I’m not criticizing, I’m just genuinely curious about the choices here. I have very limited (read: zero) knowledge on the subject of innovative PCBs such as yours.

[Gondolindrim]

Do you have any updates regarding the paper that will be published about this layout? I'm anxious to read it!

No papers are being published about the layout itself; were I to write such paper I wouldn't be able to open source the layout.

The papers being published are two. One about the biomechanical optimization method, which was already approved in a journal and should be published in Q3 2020. The second one about the numerical method we developed using hybrid Karash-kun-Tucker and evolutionary algorithms ("machine learning"). This one is still under development

Please let us know when and where these articles get published! I’m assuming you meant Q4 since Q3 ends in a few days!

Also, I watched a bit of Taeha’s stream today. I know that you have a new case design on the way, but I was wondering if the plate material and design were final? Why go through the immense trouble of these huge flex cutouts on the PCB, only to mount that pcb to a rigid brass playe devoid of any flex cuts? I’m not criticizing, I’m just genuinely curious about the choices here. I have very limited (read: zero) knowledge on the subject of innovative PCBs such as yours.

The plate was my ****up. Plain and simple. I used those hideous plate mount stab cutouts and Upas had to sand the plate down to fit PCB mount stabs, but apparently he didn't file enough and the backspace cutout was a tight fit. Material-wise, we are planning other materials yes. Once we have prototype pictures I'll post them here. I will open-source the plate files and will also make available FR4 files so that anyone can order new plates in a PCB factory. The PCB will also be open-sourced.

I obviously got rid of the plate mount cutouts and the final plate will of course have the common square cutouts for PCB mount stabs as it should have been in the first place.

As for the papers, it all depends on the journals revisors and editors. Since the pandemic arrived, all scientific meetings like conferences and proceedings are being either held until further notice or cancelled, so I wouldn't know exactly when the journal will go published. The paper was submitted in december of last year if I recall correctly and the conference was supposed to happen in november 2020, but of course it was postponed.

[perry4761]

Do you have any updates regarding the paper that will be published about this layout? I'm anxious to read it!

No papers are being published about the layout itself; were I to write such paper I wouldn't be able to open source the layout.

The papers being published are two. One about the biomechanical optimization method, which was already approved in a journal and should be published in Q3 2020. The second one about the numerical method we developed using hybrid Karash-kun-Tucker and evolutionary algorithms ("machine learning"). This one is still under development

Please let us know when and where these articles get published! I’m assuming you meant Q4 since Q3 ends in a few days!

Also, I watched a bit of Taeha’s stream today. I know that you have a new case design on the way, but I was wondering if the plate material and design were final? Why go through the immense trouble of these huge flex cutouts on the PCB, only to mount that pcb to a rigid brass playe devoid of any flex cuts? I’m not criticizing, I’m just genuinely curious about the choices here. I have very limited (read: zero) knowledge on the subject of innovative PCBs such as yours.

The plate was my ****up. Plain and simple. I used those hideous plate mount stab cutouts and Upas had to sand the plate down to fit PCB mount stabs, but apparently he didn't file enough and the backspace cutout was a tight fit. Material-wise, we are planning other materials yes. Once we have prototype pictures I'll post them here. I will open-source the plate files and will also make available FR4 files so that anyone can order new plates in a PCB factory. The PCB will also be open-sourced.

I obviously got rid of the plate mount cutouts and the final plate will of course have the common square cutouts for PCB mount stabs as it should have been in the first place.

As for the papers, it all depends on the journals revisors and editors. Since the pandemic arrived, all scientific meetings like conferences and proceedings are being either held until further notice or cancelled, so I wouldn't know exactly when the journal will go published. The paper was submitted in december of last year if I recall correctly and the conference was supposed to happen in november 2020, but of course it was postponed.

That’s great to know about the plate material!

I just want to clarify that I was not asking about the stab cutouts nor the tolerances of the plate, such issues are to be expected out of a prototype, it’s not something anyone should hold against you or upas.

What I meant was that the plate on stream was a full plate that did not have any cutouts or relief cuts, nor did it use leaf springs. The design of the pcb had led me to believe that the board was designed with a certain amount of flex in mind, and yet the plate of the proto seems to go against that. I’m not someone who has a strong preference when it comes to flex in my boards, so either way it won’t be a dealbreaker, but seeing that plate on stream made me wonder if it was because a half-plate was going to be offered, if the plate was going to feature relief cuts, or if there was another reason than flex behind the cutouts on the pcb.

I hope I’m not too much of a bother with my questions!

EDIT: OH GOD THE NEW CASE IS SO SEXY

[beigeandbrown]

are there new pics somewhere?

[Pylon]

You can check out the VOD from Taeha's stream yesterday.

[beigeandbrown]

That's not the new case though that's just the old prototype. I'm assuming that's what was referred to when the sexy new case was mentioned earlier. Well I'm excited for the new new case anyways lol

[hkhawk]

are there new pics somewhere?

Go to 4:02 https://www.twitch.tv/videos/749096405

[FlitzDeelman]

Go to 4:02 https://www.twitch.tv/videos/749096405

Wow, new cases look awesome! I disagree with Taeha, with curvy keycap rows, a boxy case would have not fitted. The new curvy cases look great, and fit the design of the Sagittarius well.

Thanks for highlighting. Sneaky Gondo.

[grundlemere]

Wow. That case. Makes me wanna write comments so thirsty an IG model would block a person. Definitely my next high-end board...after a few others. Can't wait for GB.

[mbsurfer]

Direct link to the part of the VOD: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/749096405?t=04h02m10s

And here are screenshots of the new case for those that can't view Twitch at work:

[kidpid]

Wow, that's quite the improvement! Well done Upas. Kudos for listening to the feedback.

[zoo]

woah the case design is completely redesigned. if I was forced to pick, I would choose the first case design for the straighter edges, though. the top contour in this redesign is really good, but the bottom curves and margins are not quite there for me.

[hottrout]

That is definitely unique.  Keeping an eye on this.

[terrad]

The engraving right in the middle is a bit too much for me, but the shape and everything else is great!

Sent from my IN2023 using Tapatalk

[OkLobster3]

I'm digging the new case design a lot more, but I'm also iffy on the engraving in the middle as well. Perhaps it could replace the Cannonkeys logo (which I think is completely fine as is) but IMHO it would be best incorporated into the brass weight, opposed to looking more of an afterthought on a gorgeous case.

[lemmebuildthings]

I'm digging the new case design a lot more, but I'm also iffy on the engraving in the middle as well. Perhaps it could replace the Cannonkeys logo (which I think is completely fine as is) but IMHO it would be best incorporated into the brass weight, opposed to looking more of an afterthought on a gorgeous case.

Definitely would look better if it replaced the Cannonkeys logo, or even if it was placed on the underside or the top side


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gondolindrim]

I'm digging the new case design a lot more, but I'm also iffy on the engraving in the middle as well. Perhaps it could replace the Cannonkeys logo (which I think is completely fine as is) but IMHO it would be best incorporated into the brass weight, opposed to looking more of an afterthought on a gorgeous case.

The engraving right in the middle is a bit too much for me, but the shape and everything else is great!

Sent from my IN2023 using Tapatalk

I'm digging the new case design a lot more, but I'm also iffy on the engraving in the middle as well. Perhaps it could replace the Cannonkeys logo (which I think is completely fine as is) but IMHO it would be best incorporated into the brass weight, opposed to looking more of an afterthought on a gorgeous case.

Definitely would look better if it replaced the Cannonkeys logo, or even if it was placed on the underside or the top side


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The engraving in the middle gives the drawing of the constellation using the "stars" RGBs. There will be RGBs in every vertix of the constellation, that is, every star will have an RGB LED and the engraving in the middle connects them.

As for the CK logo, unfortunately Upas has made his decision and it stays. I respect his position.

[lemmebuildthings]

I'm digging the new case design a lot more, but I'm also iffy on the engraving in the middle as well. Perhaps it could replace the Cannonkeys logo (which I think is completely fine as is) but IMHO it would be best incorporated into the brass weight, opposed to looking more of an afterthought on a gorgeous case.

The engraving right in the middle is a bit too much for me, but the shape and everything else is great!

Sent from my IN2023 using Tapatalk

I'm digging the new case design a lot more, but I'm also iffy on the engraving in the middle as well. Perhaps it could replace the Cannonkeys logo (which I think is completely fine as is) but IMHO it would be best incorporated into the brass weight, opposed to looking more of an afterthought on a gorgeous case.

Definitely would look better if it replaced the Cannonkeys logo, or even if it was placed on the underside or the top side


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The engraving in the middle gives the drawing of the constellation using the "stars" RGBs. There will be RGBs in every vertix of the constellation, that is, every star will have an RGB LED and the engraving in the middle connects them.

As for the CK logo, unfortunately Upas has made his decision and it stays. I respect his position.

Oh if there's going to be RGB LEDs to represent the stars that changes things, personally I would think that would look super rad, but definitely would need to see an actual prototype of it to see if it works in practice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[OkLobster3]

I'm digging the new case design a lot more, but I'm also iffy on the engraving in the middle as well. Perhaps it could replace the Cannonkeys logo (which I think is completely fine as is) but IMHO it would be best incorporated into the brass weight, opposed to looking more of an afterthought on a gorgeous case.

The engraving right in the middle is a bit too much for me, but the shape and everything else is great!

Sent from my IN2023 using Tapatalk

I'm digging the new case design a lot more, but I'm also iffy on the engraving in the middle as well. Perhaps it could replace the Cannonkeys logo (which I think is completely fine as is) but IMHO it would be best incorporated into the brass weight, opposed to looking more of an afterthought on a gorgeous case.

Definitely would look better if it replaced the Cannonkeys logo, or even if it was placed on the underside or the top side


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The engraving in the middle gives the drawing of the constellation using the "stars" RGBs. There will be RGBs in every vertix of the constellation, that is, every star will have an RGB LED and the engraving in the middle connects them.

As for the CK logo, unfortunately Upas has made his decision and it stays. I respect his position.

Cool, looking forward to the final product. Any final design changes in mind before the GB? How are the logistics (in terms of running a small/large run) as well? Your profits are for a good cause, so I am ready to allocate the funds for a couple of gifts down the line.

[ACF101015]

Any chance of a polycarb case?

[Wamuu]

Still really looking forward to this case.

[emperact]

I think the updated design looks absolutely amazing. Very excited for this project.

[lakeboredom]

Still looking forward to this layout, but the old case design was more pleasing to my eye. It had a more professional look, despite the imbalance of sharp and rounded parts which I believe was the complaint that resulted in the new design. We got exactly what we asked for though, I'll give you that. It's definitely more rounded and evolved. But almost.. too evolved, too many curves, too natural and unnatural (for a kb). This may as well be a poem though, I know we aren't going to get a third design.

[Scriba]

Still looking forward to this layout, but the old case design was more pleasing to my eye. It had a more professional look, despite the imbalance of sharp and rounded parts which I believe was the complaint that resulted in the new design. We got exactly what we asked for though, I'll give you that. It's definitely more rounded and evolved. But almost.. too evolved, too many curves, too natural and unnatural (for a kb). This may as well be a poem though, I know we aren't going to get a third design.

agreed, it looks somehow like a cheap plastic ergo keeb that I can buy in every store.

[danieljgrouse]

I actually really like the new design and prefer it to the old one.

[Gondolindrim]

Still looking forward to this layout, but the old case design was more pleasing to my eye. It had a more professional look, despite the imbalance of sharp and rounded parts which I believe was the complaint that resulted in the new design. We got exactly what we asked for though, I'll give you that. It's definitely more rounded and evolved. But almost.. too evolved, too many curves, too natural and unnatural (for a kb). This may as well be a poem though, I know we aren't going to get a third design.

agreed, it looks somehow like a cheap plastic ergo keeb that I can buy in every store.

Might I suggest you simply don't buy it?

[kevchigga]

So so so so so so so so ready for this GB to happen! Any ETA?

[basedRNC]

New design > old


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[lakeboredom]

Still looking forward to this layout, but the old case design was more pleasing to my eye. It had a more professional look, despite the imbalance of sharp and rounded parts which I believe was the complaint that resulted in the new design. We got exactly what we asked for though, I'll give you that. It's definitely more rounded and evolved. But almost.. too evolved, too many curves, too natural and unnatural (for a kb). This may as well be a poem though, I know we aren't going to get a third design.

agreed, it looks somehow like a cheap plastic ergo keeb that I can buy in every store.

Might I suggest you simply don't buy it?

I'll take his.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

[Gondolindrim]

I'm digging the new case design a lot more, but I'm also iffy on the engraving in the middle as well. Perhaps it could replace the Cannonkeys logo (which I think is completely fine as is) but IMHO it would be best incorporated into the brass weight, opposed to looking more of an afterthought on a gorgeous case.

The engraving right in the middle is a bit too much for me, but the shape and everything else is great!

Sent from my IN2023 using Tapatalk

I'm digging the new case design a lot more, but I'm also iffy on the engraving in the middle as well. Perhaps it could replace the Cannonkeys logo (which I think is completely fine as is) but IMHO it would be best incorporated into the brass weight, opposed to looking more of an afterthought on a gorgeous case.

Definitely would look better if it replaced the Cannonkeys logo, or even if it was placed on the underside or the top side


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The engraving in the middle gives the drawing of the constellation using the "stars" RGBs. There will be RGBs in every vertix of the constellation, that is, every star will have an RGB LED and the engraving in the middle connects them.

As for the CK logo, unfortunately Upas has made his decision and it stays. I respect his position.

Cool, looking forward to the final product. Any final design changes in mind before the GB? How are the logistics (in terms of running a small/large run) as well? Your profits are for a good cause, so I am ready to allocate the funds for a couple of gifts down the line.

PCB is pretty much done and we are just waiting on new case/plate prototypes. Once Upas gets those himself and takes some eye candy pictures I'll post them here. The only changes we are envisioning are eventual prototype fixes.