Hi Geekhack. I'd like to share a project I've been working on.
Nue is a 60% plate-less keyboard, using a gasket mount style via tabs on the PCB. My goal was to design a keyboard with a simple aesthetic but also offer something a bit different from other customs, with a specific focus on typing feel and acoustics. Nue is french for "nude", in reference to its plate-less design.
Sound and feel are very important to me, and most of the time prototyping was spent on these aspects. Things I am testing include a combination of:
A USB-C daughterboard is utilized to alleviate any tension or stress on the port due to flex.
Extra PCBs will be available, but it will also be open sourced after the group buy is over.
Based on the previous IC, rose and slate blue were the most popular colors. I will be running these two alongside two top options, WK and WKL. Sorry HHKB
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09-19-2020First aluminum prototype has arrived and I've been putting it through the paces. The anodization is really good with only minimal streaks on the interior. Fit is great and no major revisions are needed. The color is not what I was expecting though, it's more mauve/lilac than pink depending on the lighting. I may order a second prototype with small adjustments as well as a different top and color (HHKB maybe).
More prototype pictures. Proto PCB is green but production version will be black.
As for typing feel, I think it's acceptable but a bit too soft with the flex cuts. I've designed and ordered another round of PCB prototypes with different flex cuts to see how this changes the typing dynamic.
Sound is great in my opinion, but it is always subjective. There is no audible ping that I can hear coming from the case. At this point I don't think case foam is necessary, but I may decide to make this an optional add-on.