黑金 (Zephyr)

[Zeal]

[nickheller]

that pcb looks sick 

[Zeal]

 

[Moistgun]

bling bling

[dubious]

splo osh

[johnthedong]

If that fits the m65-a.... *looks into piggy bank*

[audax989]

If that fits the m65-a.... *looks into piggy bank*

I'm guessing with the usb placement it might not work with the m65 without modificationp

[johnthedong]

If that fits the m65-a.... *looks into piggy bank*

I'm guessing with the usb placement it might not work with the m65 without modificationp

Ah welp it's at the center - just realized that

[sherryton]

I think that's the best looking PCB ever.

[romevi]

Nice.

[ika]

[cicada]

Nice.

Nice.

[Zeal]

💯💯

[ygor]

bone cone

[BlackInk]

really nice pcb, any chance making pcb for tlk board?

[Malenky]

Pretty!

[BlackInk]

really nice pcb, any chance making pcb for tkl board?

[Zeal]

really nice pcb, any chance making pcb for tkl board?

There will be a TKL RGB board in the future, but it's unlikely it'll be compatible with pre-existing TKLs.

[soilheart]

Fixed 1.5+1.5+7+1.5+1.5 bottom row? =(

Looks awesome other than than that =P

I'm quite curious what cases it will fit into/how the accompanying case will look like.

[pomk]

So black soldermask and exclude traces from it completely?  Looks sick, though I guess it's easier for beginners to mess it up unless there is a secondary clear soldermask layer present.

[atomicus]

Is the one where the case doesn't support ISO? The PCB does but the case doesn't? That being the situation, would a custom case need to be designed for an ISO board using this PCB?

[Theconejo]

Fixed 1.5+1.5+7+1.5+1.5 bottom row? =(

Thanks for pointing that out I was to busy getting things in order to be ready to make the purchase.

[Zeal]

So black soldermask and exclude traces from it completely?  Looks sick, though I guess it's easier for beginners to mess it up unless there is a secondary clear soldermask layer present.

That would be irresponsible of us to do so. No, the traces are covered but your second guess isn't quite right.

Is the one where the case doesn't support ISO? The PCB does but the case doesn't? That being the situation, would a custom case need to be designed for an ISO board using this PCB?

The upcoming case will be WKL ANSI only, with support for hhkb layout. PCB supports ISO and we may sell a "regular" purple version with multi layout support with left or centered USB option.

Fixed 1.5+1.5+7+1.5+1.5 bottom row? =(

Aesthetics choice due to case design.

[grayish]

This could actually be compatible with the EXENT 
I've died and gone to heaven!
Wallet have mercy on my soul...

[pixelpusher]

So you people just don't use Windows or what?  I don't see how i could get through the day without using the win key.   Do you just remap it?

[Theconejo]

I hate the win key, but really don't like winkeyless boards. Also I play a lot of games and a pinky control key crucial.


Basically I'm not as hyped.

[Gamecat]

Is it hard gold plated?

[dubious]

So you people just don't use Windows or what?  I don't see how i could get through the day without using the win key.   Do you just remap it?

Ctrl + Esc = winkey

[pixelpusher]

So you people just don't use Windows or what?  I don't see how i could get through the day without using the win key.   Do you just remap it?

Ctrl + Esc = winkey

I guess that wouldn't be too bad on a 65% since you have arrow keys, but it's still awkward.  I want to move my window to the left half of my screen.  Ctrl + Escape + arrow left.  I want to open a file on my computer... Ctrl + Esc + E... ew... two hands now.  The win key has so many handy shortcuts.  Open any app on your taskbar... win + position, so first app is win + 1, second is win + 2.  Super handy stuff.

[Dominathan]

Hell ****ing yes please!
Just send the invoice now

[pomk]

So black soldermask and exclude traces from it completely?  Looks sick, though I guess it's easier for beginners to mess it up unless there is a secondary clear soldermask layer present.

That would be irresponsible of us to do so. No, the traces area covered but your second guess isn't quite right.

I had a better look at the drills and I think I know what is going on here. Didn't know there were manufacturers doing this sort of things. 

[Zeal]

So black soldermask and exclude traces from it completely?  Looks sick, though I guess it's easier for beginners to mess it up unless there is a secondary clear soldermask layer present.

That would be irresponsible of us to do so. No, the traces area covered but your second guess isn't quite right.

I had a better look at the drills and I think I know what is going on here. Didn't know there were manufacturers doing this sort of things. 

There aren't...this was fully custom down to the material.

[BlackInk]

Hey zeal which case does this pcb fits if the usb port is in the middle

[TheNamesTy45]

I have no desire for a 65% board, but just have to say that this thing is GORGEOUS.

[xondat]

Hey zeal which case does this board fits if the usb port is in the middle

His upcoming case, and other 65% cases with centered USB ports (currently none).

[Sissy]

Hey zeal which case does this board fits if the usb port is in the middle

His upcoming case, and other 65% cases with centered USB ports (currently none).

oh oh oh, Zeal 65% case?

[Theconejo]

Hey zeal which case does this board fits if the usb port is in the middle

His upcoming case, and other 65% cases with centered USB ports (currently none).

oh oh oh, Zeal 65% case?

This?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPi8yj1gqhU/?hl=en

[BlackInk]

Zeal should make a rgb pcb like this with usb ports in the middle for 60% case like duck eagle/viper

[MandrewDavis]

So you people just don't use Windows or what?  I don't see how i could get through the day without using the win key.   Do you just remap it?

Put capslock under the fn layer, move ctrl or windows key to where capslock is. Remap bottom row appropriately.

[pixelpusher]

So you people just don't use Windows or what?  I don't see how i could get through the day without using the win key.   Do you just remap it?

Put capslock under the fn layer, move ctrl or windows key to where capslock is. Remap bottom row appropriately.

I heavily rely on caps lock as my function key

Maybe I could make tab into a tap for tab and hold for Windows though

[KINGPIN]

Noooooo:c why it don't support m65a;_>;

[amnesia0287]

So will there definitively not be a win key? Or is that specific to this black gold version? Because I'm super looking forward to a nice rgb 65, but that would totally ruin this one for me.

I'm sure it would look great, but I also wanna be productive on my keyboard and there are way too many winkey keyboard shortcuts that I use all the time like win+r / win+e / win+s / win+m.

Unrelated: wonder if this would fit in exent.

[Zeal]

So will there definitively not be a win key? Or is that specific to this black gold version? Because I'm super looking forward to a nice rgb 65, but that would totally ruin this one for me.

I'm sure it would look great, but I also wanna be productive on my keyboard and there are way too many winkey keyboard shortcuts that I use all the time like win+r / win+e / win+s / win+m.

Unrelated: wonder if this would fit in exent.

Black gold version Zeal65 PCB won't have a winkey for aesthetic reasons.

[Auk]

So you people just don't use Windows or what?  I don't see how i could get through the day without using the win key.   Do you just remap it?

The only time I've ever used that key on any OS is to get into process monitor and force a frozen or sluggish app to exit. I would happily not have winkeys, winkeyless cases with blockers usually look prettier.

[Auk]

The upcoming case...

Was there a tease for this somewhere? and more importantly: can you reveal if this will be fixed profile? I'm looking for a wkl design that can be used at 0°, maybe even negative angle for more wrist comfort.

Also, re the PCB - could it be supplied with factory fitted Gold Holtites?

[Dominathan]

So you people just don't use Windows or what?  I don't see how i could get through the day without using the win key.   Do you just remap it?

The only time I've ever used that key on any OS is to get into process monitor and force a frozen or sluggish app to exit. I would happily not have winkeys, winkeyless cases with blockers usually look prettier.

It's required for OSX.  You can't work without a command key.  Maybe you could live without alt, but you'd be losing most secondary menus and text traversal.

[Zeal]

The upcoming case...

Was there a tease for this somewhere? and more importantly: can you reveal if this will be fixed profile? I'm looking for a wkl design that can be used at 0°, maybe even negative angle for more wrist comfort.

Also, re the PCB - could it be supplied with factory fitted Gold Holtites?

Case is undergoing revision after evaluating the prototype. Pictures weren't shown since there'll be quite a few changes. Angle will most likely be fixed around 8° or so. Holtites will still have to be inserted by the user as they're not meant for mass production fitting.

[amnesia0287]

So you people just don't use Windows or what?  I don't see how i could get through the day without using the win key.   Do you just remap it?

The only time I've ever used that key on any OS is to get into process monitor and force a frozen or sluggish app to exit. I would happily not have winkeys, winkeyless cases with blockers usually look prettier.

Do you use a computer as a primary productivity device in your job?

I am a C# software engineer. I am in windows all day. Win + E is explorer, Win + R is run, Win + S is search, Win+M minimizes all the windows, Win+L locks the machine, Win + D quickly toggles all between windows and the desktop. Not to mention in Windows 10, the search functionality is actually useful. For example to launch vs I usually do Win then "vis" and enter and I'm done.

I can absolutely get by without winkeys, but it would make me 2-3x slower and that seems counter to my reasons for upgrading to a compact keyboard.

Don't get me wrong, I completely agree for some keyboards it can LOOK better, but I could never justify a keyboard that would hurt my productivity so much, no matter how good I think it may look.

That's why I'm holding out hope that there will be a non-wkl version, ideally in zeal purple  . Then I'll buy like 5 (really probably more since I'd build some for my friends/family too), but a 65 with rgb would be endgame for me. I just miss arrows.

[Skuloth]

So you people just don't use Windows or what?  I don't see how i could get through the day without using the win key.   Do you just remap it?

The only time I've ever used that key on any OS is to get into process monitor and force a frozen or sluggish app to exit. I would happily not have winkeys, winkeyless cases with blockers usually look prettier.

Do you use a computer as a primary productivity device in your job?

I am a C# software engineer. I am in windows all day. Win + E is explorer, Win + R is run, Win + S is search, Win+M minimizes all the windows, Win+L locks the machine, Win + D quickly toggles all between windows and the desktop. Not to mention in Windows 10, the search functionality is actually useful. For example to launch vs I usually do Win then "vis" and enter and I'm done.

I can absolutely get by without winkeys, but it would make me 2-3x slower and that seems counter to my reasons for upgrading to a compact keyboard.

Don't get me wrong, I completely agree for some keyboards it can LOOK better, but I could never justify a keyboard that would hurt my productivity so much, no matter how good I think it may look.

That's why I'm holding out hope that there will be a non-wkl version, ideally in zeal purple  . Then I'll buy like 5 (really probably more since I'd build some for my friends/family too), but a 65 with rgb would be endgame for me. I just miss arrows.

I use win + e and win + name of program every day. I agree with you friend

[clappingcactus]

What's the latest news on the Zeal65?

[Zeal]

What's the latest news on the Zeal65?

Case design has been updated, next step is to work out a new prototype.

[Corgi Butts]

What's the latest news on the Zeal65?

Case design has been updated, next step is to work out a new prototype.

Good.  Allows more time to save up for it.   . Can't wait to see it!  You should be very proud of all the work you've put into it, I'm sure it's gonna be a triumph.  Make a note here: huge success.

[KINGPIN]

can we have a special edition that fits m65a?

[HotRoderX]

This still slated to be a thing guessing sometime 2018?

[Zeal]

This still slated to be a thing guessing sometime 2018?

GB is planned to launch before the end of the year. There has been a few delays with finalizing the case design to our satisfaction, but it will be worth it.

[amnesia0287]

This still slated to be a thing guessing sometime 2018?

GB is planned to launch before the end of the year. There has been a few delays with finalizing the case design to our satisfaction, but it will be worth it.

Will we also be able to buy bare PCBs? Or only as a kit?

[Zeal]

This still slated to be a thing guessing sometime 2018?

GB is planned to launch before the end of the year. There has been a few delays with finalizing the case design to our satisfaction, but it will be worth it.

Will we also be able to buy bare PCBs? Or only as a kit?

It will only be as a kit as 65% keyboards don't have a standardized PCB.

[amnesia0287]

This still slated to be a thing guessing sometime 2018?

GB is planned to launch before the end of the year. There has been a few delays with finalizing the case design to our satisfaction, but it will be worth it.

Will we also be able to buy bare PCBs? Or only as a kit?

It will only be as a kit as 65% keyboards don't have a standardized PCB.

Would it not fit in any top mount 65% case with a center usb? Like the sexy new TX65?

[Zeal]

This still slated to be a thing guessing sometime 2018?

GB is planned to launch before the end of the year. There has been a few delays with finalizing the case design to our satisfaction, but it will be worth it.

Will we also be able to buy bare PCBs? Or only as a kit?

It will only be as a kit as 65% keyboards don't have a standardized PCB.

Would it not fit in any top mount 65% case with a center usb? Like the sexy new TX65?

Possibly, we'll evaluate our options. But the current plan is to offer the kit first.

[Zeal]

Updated with pics of the newly redesigned case. 5mm, brass, PVD. RGB PCB will be changed to USB C.

[ihalatch]

Love it. Great design.

[pixelpusher]

Updated with pics of the newly redesigned case. 5mm, brass, PVD. RGB PCB will be changed to USB C.

Love the simplicity.  Nice design, sir.  Going to need to pick up a Yuri set if that blue comes to fruition.

[Visionaire]

Updated with pics of the newly redesigned case. 5mm, brass, PVD. RGB PCB will be changed to USB C.

That's quite a plate! How does it sound?

[Dominathan]

Endgame

[heyitsqi]

So what's the total weight for this bad boy?

[HotRoderX]

scared to ask but how much are we looking at for the kit! My guess is 300-400 bucks most likely? Zeal you do amazing work and the quality is worth the price but its never cheap

[xondat]

scared to ask but how much are we looking at for the kit! My guess is 300-400 bucks most likely? Zeal you do amazing work and the quality is worth the price but its never cheap

Previously $550 has been mentioned )

[dubious]

This pcb needs a polycarb case! too nice looking

[Zeal]

Updated with some real pictures.

[Perfex]

Gorgeous board!

[Marutks]

Very limited layout options for 550$. It supports only 1.5u mod keys   
5mm plate?  Why does it have to be so thick?   And why RGB LEDs?  they are just expensive gimmick

[amnesia0287]

Very limited layout options for 550$. It supports only 1.5u mod keys   
5mm plate?  Why does it have to be so thick?   And why RGB LEDs?  they are just expensive gimmick

I don't disagree that $550 is a lot, but fixed layouts are way nicer as long as its a layout you use and 1.5u mod keys are the only mod keys that matter anyway. Almost any DECENT keyset supports them.

5mm cause why not something different? There are plenty of options for 1.5mm plates. The "why does it have to be so thick" is that it's as thick as it can be and still fit. It's not an accident, its intentional. If you don't like it that's fine, but your argument seems to be "make it cheaper and more generic" which to me is asking for a totally different product.

TBH, to me it just sounds like you just are not the target audience for the Zephyr.

If you just want a normal universal layout 65%, just get a TX65.

[hervuli]

So what's the total weight for this bad boy?

Echoing this question. That 5mm brass plate alone has to weigh a ton. What does the case + plate + weight weigh?

[phorx]

really nice pcb, any chance making pcb for tkl board?

There will be a TKL RGB board in the future, but it's unlikely it'll be compatible with pre-existing TKLs.

TKL would be awesome, but I'd prefer 75% or better yet "75% +1" like this amazing custom that a geekhacker made himself https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=75880.0

[pixelpusher]

dat bottom sure has a lot of screws

[KHAANNN]

Don't know why but I'm probably going to join

[Visionaire]

Don't know why but I'm probably going to join

The power of Zeal compels you.

[KHAANNN]

Worst case scenario it's a timeless display piece, 50,000 years from now, when they dig the keyboard up, they'll respect my swag

[Zeal]

Don't know why but I'm probably going to join

 

So what's the total weight for this bad boy?

Echoing this question. That 5mm brass plate alone has to weigh a ton. What does the case + plate + weight weigh?

2kg on the dot, before PCB. Just the case + plate + nameplate + screws. Plate alone weighs around 700g.

-----------

Zephyr is now live: https://zealpc.net/products/zephyr

Will be making a GB post on GH as well.

[Starston3]

Don't know why but I'm probably going to join

The power of Zeal compels you.

You jest but...

I joined like on the third day of the GB after swearing off that I wasn't.