We are moving onto the next phase. Group Buy on 17th September 2022!Latest Group Buy Post here (click BELOW):https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=118154Final Update on this IC post: 21st July 2022Hey guys! It's been such a journey for us...
We had an interest check on the Loki65 back in February 2021; it was nothing more than a passion project started by just my project partner and I.
We are 2 keyboard enthusiasts, both with a desire for bringing innovative features to the custom keyboard community. Seeking improvements on the existing features that we see on current keyboards, but also tossing away a few redundancies that we saw. The Loki65 is a by-product of a design that heavily favors function over form. Despite that, it definitely isn't made to be just another boring-looking custom keyboard.
A year and a half later, since the IC post, we are finally arriving at our Group Buy phase! We are so excited to be here. We were so glad (and pleasantly-surprised) to see the reception and sell-out when we launched the Early Bird sale a few months ago. We are grateful for all the love and support. (Early Bird units should be shipped in the next 2 weeks
)
We are definitely excited for the upcoming Group Buy too! It is planned to happen in August 2022. Do stay tuned for the YouTubers that will be reviewing/featuring the Loki65 on their respective channels in the month of August. We will update their schedules on our upcoming Group Buy post.
Have a great weekend ahead and see you guys in the upcoming post or do stick around in the Loki65 Discord channel for discussion and enquiries.
In the meantime, here are the latest photos of the Loki65 (prototypes: versions 2 and 3):
StoryHi everyone, I’m a keyboard enthusiast residing in Singapore!
I’d like to introduce to you, the Loki65. It is a Full-CNC PC (Polycarbonate) board with the ability to shapeshift (we are looking at multiple mounting-styles).
I'm very excited to present this board to you here! I hope you will share this same excitement with me too. Let’s get on with it!
The Name: Loki65The inspiration came from the board’s unique feature of having multiple mounting-styles, providing different typing experience and sounds based on how the user configures it.
This board is pretty much a “shapeshifter”, and I reckon you would agree too after looking through this post?
(upcoming diagrams below)
Hence, our favorite Norse God, Loki came to mind and became part of this project. (Any Viking fans around? Norse Mythology?)
Research and Thought ProcessAs someone who prefers the sound of boards made of Polycarbonate over Aluminum, I wanted to design a board that encompasses Quality, Functionality, and that signature Polycarbonate THOCK. Besides, there seems to be quite a lack options for high-end PC custom keyboards in the market right now, compared to the Aluminum counterparts. Isn't it?
Also, I've realized that many current Injection-Molded (IM) boards tend to have thin bezels or case "walls" which result in a fairly "hollow"-sounding and a less-than satisfactory typing experience.
I’m definitely not an expert at materials, but I’ve had my fair share of bad experience with other Polycarbonate keyboards in the current market. They’ve had “manufacturing-defects”, cracks, thread-shearing, squeaks, and a few more issues.
I cannot be sure if they’re of inferior quality, but it certainly goes against known material properties/characteristics of Polycarbonate for being extremely durable. The Loki65 will only be using the best-quality PC sheets from the fabricators.
We do agree, IM cases do have their own benefits, most-notably their lower costs due to bulk production. However, according to fabricators, CNC is sometimes the preferred choice due to higher precision and better quality-control. If you are seeking a high-end Polycarbonate custom keyboard, this is it.
To summarize, this is a board designed to achieve the following:
1. Full-CNC PC, for maximum quality, durability and sturdiness. We're talking about a thick, solid bezel and case. And to top it off, a hefty brass weight.
2. Screw-holes with Stainless steel inserts to ensure absolutely no thread-shearing (PC material in screw thread does not wear-off).
3. Ability to customize the typing and sound experience due to the plate’s unique design (featured below, in this post). Also, with an array of plate options available, the possibilities are huge.
4. A high-end, premium keyboard.
Interest check form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXSoneFSZeU2XQFcIQ6az8Ma1c8x_pMKQmtrBb3ORjbhn1xw/viewformDiscord link:
https://discord.gg/RHmR7HZK5JInstagram (many more pictures right here):
https://instagram.com/loki65kbYoutube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfctYC_sSYW6oZf5-XaP4TA/videosPrototype:
More
Prototype V2 Cases:
More
RGB Underglow:
More
Early Bird Renders (Thank you @Jaekeyed !)
Typing Tests and more:Series of Sound-Tests
Second Series of Sound-Tests
Third Series of Sound-Tests
More
Flexibility-Test (un-assembled)
Aluminium Flexibility-Test
PC, and Brass Flexibility-Test
Quick Sound-Tests
Some Renders (Thank you @Kingk22 !)More
Specifications:-KeyboardDimensions: 321mm (length), 122mm (width), 20.5mm (front height)
Case Material: Full-CNC Polycarbonate (sandblasted)
Case colours: Frosted, Ink Black
Weight Material: Brass (sandblasted, clear-coated)
Plate Material: PC, FR4, Anodised Aluminum, Brass (sandblasted, clear-coated)
Badge Material: Anodised Aluminum, Brass (sandblasted, clear-coated)
Typing Angle: 5 degrees
Mounting style: At least 3 variations (featured below in the post)
Full-build (alu plate): Approx. 1.35kg
-PCBHot-swap/Soldered
RGB Underglow
Caps Lock LED indicator
VIA/QMK support
USB-C connection
Misc.More
Vendors: TBA
Shipping Time: Based on the fabricators, we should be able to start shipping within an estimation of 6 months upon completion of order. This will just be an estimate, which may be subjected to delays and setbacks.
Price: We aim to keep it under 430USD
The Components Within
Mounting System and Plate Design:Now, let’s talk about this. Much of the philosophy and design-concept of the Loki65 revolves around the unique structure of the plate. This was the core-focus during the creation process of the Loki65. I designed a plate that meticulously-integrated flex-cuts (leaf-spring) with mounting tabs on the edges, which then allowed a variety of mounting-styles to take place on a single plate.
The Loki65's array of plate material options and mounting-styles enables the user to find the perfect plate flexibility. What will yours be?
The mounting-styles:
Mount 1 (top-mount)The Plate is attached to the Top Case via M2 screws with Poron gasket strips and silicone O-Rings.
Mount 2 (gasket-mount)The Plate is sandwiched between the Cases via Poron gasket strips.
Mount 3 (burger-mount)The Plate is attached to the Top Case via M2 screws and silicone O-rings.
Update: 1st March 2021More
Hi everyone.
I have seen the response on the google form survey. I was very pleased to see so many of them. They have been very positive. Thank you all for the support shown! There were also some feedback that were interesting. Let me address those that I can at the moment.
Case weight:
This is what's engraved onto the the case weight. For all who were asking for a close up view, here it is. This will be final, I hope you all like what you see!
Top-right blocker (badge):
This was a surprising one. I thought Mr. Unpopular here would be taken away from the final product based on some replies from this thread. However, it seems that most were in favor of the badge, as expressed in the google form survey.
The design of the badge has not been finalised. I will be collaborating with various artists/designers to pick the best-looking ones. You can be sure that there will be alternative designs to the ones you see in the renders above. If anyone would like to run a collab, hit me up. I would love to hear from you! (Add me on discord: Nedzc27#3879)
Chances are, the badge will come in different designs and material (looking at brass and anodised aluminum). They will be showcased later on this month. Keep a lookout here for updates!
That will be all for now! More updates will be posted as soon as I can. Have a great week ahead.
Update: 17th March 2021More
Hello everyone!
Hope these few weeks have been good to all. I have read every single one of your responses on the google sheets. I am very happy to see all of them. There are currently more than a 100 responses, and to be honest, this has gone beyond some of my expectations! Let's have a peek at the statistics so far:
(as of this update)
Moving forward, a few updates. Here we go:
1. First and foremost,
Protoype is on the way!The order has been placed. I am waiting for the fabricators to complete it. As much as I am excited to have my hands on it, I also can't wait to show it to all of you!
2. There
will be a soldered-PCB version coming! The available layouts will be presented in later updates. Stay tuned!
3. Following up from the second point, there has been changes made to the plate. Additional cuts were made. The plate is now universal. It'll be in favor of multiple layouts, and soldered-pcb. This one's especially for the enthusiasts out there armed with their soldering iron.
Here's how the plate looks:
4. Some changes were made to the initial offerings of plate materials. There will
not be FR4 included this time. I apologise to those who intended to pair this board with the FR4 plate...
5. The colours available for the cases will ONLY be in Ink Black and Frosted. There were definitely some interesting colours suggested, and I have kept them in mind! (perhaps next time?)
6. Last but not least, let's talk about the badges!
There has been a major concern regarding the design of the badge. It seems quite a number did not like the smiling face. I've taken certain suggestions from the responses gathered. Thus, it shall be changed. Time for a
face-lift I have collected different designs and have chosen to settle with these 3.
Runes
These are Futhark runes. They 'spell-out' the word "LOKI".
Fenrir
Norse Mythology Wolf. First child of Loki. This idea came along, to signify the first-run for the Loki65.
Helmet
The famous horned-helmet. Inspired by the Vikings, which then inspired the Marvel Comics' version of Loki.
Do take a minute to help me fill this up? Vote for your favourite badge(s)! Thank you
https://forms.gle/SExGonRPG1BGUAni8Don’t forget to fill the IC form for the board if you haven’t already done so:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXSoneFSZeU2XQFcIQ6az8Ma1c8x_pMKQmtrBb3ORjbhn1xw/viewformThat will be all for now. I look forward to your feedback. Have a great week ahead!
Update: 22nd March 2021More
Hello everyone!
Just a small, but important update nonetheless;
Discord channel is up!here is the link:
https://discord.gg/Ru6bZJ9mTjSee you guys there!
Update: 24th March 2021More
Hello everyone!
Some matters to share:
1. What you see below is a video I made quite a few weeks back.
A sample piece of Polycarbonate material was received from the fabricators as requested. I also wanted inserts to be included in the sample piece; stainless steel and brass ones. I decided to go for the heat-stacked brass inserts for the upcoming prototype in the end.
I toy-ed around with the sample piece. Here, you can see me conduct a ( not-too-scientific ) "stress-test" with it. I wanted to demonstrate how strong the material should really be. I'm confident that, with the included inserts, there will be magnificent results. You shouldn't be worried about broken screw-threads any longer.
2.
Instagram Page!here is the link:
https://www.instagram.com/loki65kbPlease, do follow the page for some exclusive updates too.
3. Lastly, regarding responses on the survey forms. Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond. Here are the figures so far:
That would be all for now!
Update: 7th May 2021More
Hi all! I have not had the chance to do an update here for quite a few weeks now!
Prototype for various components are here!I am here to share some pics that I have received from the fabricators. As of this post, DHL is shipping them to me, and I should receive by 10th May 2021.
That would be all for now! Have a great week ahead! Remember to join the discord for more updates, and I want to hear your suggestions and discussions over there too!
Update: 25th May 2021More
Hi all, I've uploaded some pictures up here and much more as well. The next update after this one would be the Typing Sound Test. Stay tuned for it! I can't wait to show it to you guys!
In the meantime, here are 2 videos which I have uploaded recently.
Showcasing the internals of the Loki65 and giving you a better look/understanding of how the mounting mechanism works.
Showcasing how flexible the plate can potentially be. More tests will be done with the PCB and keycaps on it.
See you soon in the next update!
If you haven't already done so, join the discord channel for more latest updates and discussions:
https://discord.gg/RHmR7HZK5JFollow the Instagram page as well:
https://instagram.com/loki65kb
Update: 7th June 2021More
I am back with some updates here today!
Flexibility-Test
Quick Sound-Tests
My findings:
Typing on Gasket-mounting configuration gives a softer, fluffier feel, whereas Top-mounting gives a firmer, solid feel.
With leaf-spring activation (Top-Mounting), the plate is more flexible. At the flex-cuts, the plate is able to bend. During the tests, I am able to achieve a greater depression (vertical-distance travelled downwards is more than Gasket-mounting) of the plate and keys using this configuration.
With the Gasket-mounting configuration (NO spring-leaf activation), there is also a good degree of flexibility. However, the flexibility stems more from the compression of the gasket strips, and not so much from the bending of the plates. The depression of the plate and keys is lesser, compared to Top-mounting.
And if statistics are your thing, here is a quick update on the interests so far:
That's it for now, I do have 3 new plates on the way from the fabricators; an aluminium (a different colour) plate, a brass one and a PC one.
More tests and demonstrations will be up soon! (:
If you haven't already done so, join the discord channel for more latest updates and discussions:
https://discord.gg/RHmR7HZK5JFollow the Instagram page as well:
https://instagram.com/loki65kb
Update: 26th July 2021More
How's everyone doing! It's been awhile since I have last updated on the progress of the Loki65. Hope things are going fine for you. I have a few updates to share today:
1. PC, and Brass Plate Flexibility Test:
PC, and Brass Flexibility-Test
My findings:
Due to the current design of the plates, the PC plate is “too soft” to hold up the combined weight of PCB, switches and keycaps when using the Top-mounting configuration.
There will be a new design implemented for the PC versions of plates. (Point 3 in this update)
Both plates, when using the Gasket-mounting configuration (NO leaf-spring activation), gives that nice, soft feel; the Brass plate offering a slightly firmer touch to it. There is a good amount of flex on the board as seen in this demonstration.
When the Brass plate uses the Top-mounting configuration (leaf-spring activates), there is also a good amount of flexibility. Stiffness of the Brass plate is greatly reduced due to the flex cuts. The design of the plate has worked as intended. Pretty happy with the results!
2. Prototype V2:
I have received the top and bottom cases of the Prototype V2. Based on the changes that I have made, the Loki65 feels a tad more solid than before. There are no longer any of the ‘squeaks’ that I mentioned earlier on the previous update. Overall, the top and bottom cases feel a little heftier than the Prototype V1; there is a slight increase in the thickness of the bezels, and the thickness of the bottom case (on the interior). Here are some pictures of the changes, You will be able to see the side-by-side comparisons between the 2 different versions. This will be the final version, no more changes will be made.
3. Polycarbonate plate
Upon running numerous tests on the various plates, mounting-styles and setups, I have come to realise that the PC plate might be ‘too soft’ for the Top-mounting and Burger-mounting configuration. This is largely-due to the size of the flex-cuts made for the leaf-springs. I will be reducing the size of these flex-cuts for the PC plate. The Brass and Aluminium plates will have their designs retained, while the PC plates will have a slightly different one.
4. PCB
There is good and bad news for this actually…
In the previous update, I have announced that the PCB will be designed by Coarse. However, due to certain unforeseen circumstances, our collaboration has ceased. I shall spare the details for now. I’m rather disappointed at the unfortunate situation as well. This will add up to some delays.
However, there is good news for me to share as well! I have managed to get in contact with Gondolindrim. I am very sure that many in the community know of him. He has been involved in numerous projects and collaborations. Thus, I am very pleased to announce that Gondolindrim and I will be collaborating for the upcoming PCB. I look forward to sharing more with you in the near future. Thank you for the patience and stay tuned for that! (:
That will be all for now! More updates will come soon.
If you haven't already done so, join the discord channel for more latest updates and discussions:
https://discord.gg/RHmR7HZK5JFollow the Instagram page as well:
https://instagram.com/loki65kb
Update: 28th Jan 2022More
Hey all, its been quite some time since I have last updated on the progress of the Loki65 project. Things haven't exactly been as smooth-sailing, but this ship will sail towards it's planned destination. We will make it happen.
For those interested in numbers, here's the response so far:
We've come a long way since the Loki65 was first unveiled last year, during the first quarter of 2021. Thanks to all who have shown their love and support for this project. The Early Bird sale will be live soon. Stay tuned! In the meantime, take a look at some of the renders of the Early Bird units above.
If you haven't already done so, join the discord channel for more latest updates and discussions:
https://discord.gg/RHmR7HZK5JFollow the Instagram page as well:
https://instagram.com/loki65kb
Update: 18th Feb 2022More
Hey guys!
Just a quick update regarding our progress on the Early Birds!
Our fabricators have officially started work today again! The orders have been requested to be submitted this afternoon. We will be finalising the details in the orders and payment will be made soon. I am so excited for this! Will keep you guys updated whenever possible! 😎
If you haven't already done so, join the discord channel for more latest updates and discussions:
https://discord.gg/RHmR7HZK5JFollow the Instagram page as well:
https://instagram.com/loki65kb
