The Switch 180
The Switch/Swiwi 180 keyboard is a 65% layout with dedicated arrow keys and a separated function cluster. The design is inspired by the larger 1800 layout. Too many 65% layouts are just a regular rectangle so I am hoping this is a step away from that for once.
In the beginning I don't plan on having many features on the board, since its designed mainly for a very small group of people interested in it. It will be fairly minimal; no per-switch leds, no RGB, no crazy layout support. What it will have is:
- TMK/QMK Support
- (Hopefully) Indicator LEDS
- Custom PCB with cool silkscreening
So, here is the layout:
(http://i.imgur.com/COa2qqo.jpg)
The design started as almost a 40% with stuff tagged onto it but for the sake of keycap support and usability it was enlarged.
I have started designing a pcb, you can see some screenshots from KiCAD
(http://imgur.com/xYjGM19.jpg)
First Revision PCB "render"
(http://imgur.com/JFYYujZ.jpg)
Spaghetti Routing.. I tried to do this at 3AM and wasn't fully using my brain.
(http://imgur.com/upk4I7M.jpg)
Second Iteration, a bit better but after a bit of brainstorming and rearranging the pinout I got it to a better place.
(http://imgur.com/PPMY1US.jpg)
Much better routing and some design errors fixed after consulting some very helpful people :)
It was only after I finished all my work on it that I realized I had used an outdated KLE for reference of one of the smaller iterations. :'( But whatever it was good practice and now I have been redoing most of the design, and done it quite a bit faster and more well though out. the next stage of my design is to figure out how I should do the indicator leds. I also plan on changing the footprints for the switches because I have been
Thats all for now..
Would love to hear feedback and suggestions, tell me if this is something you'd use or find interesting.. or tell me why this is the stupidest thing you have ever seen!
UPDATE LOG
03/04/2017- PCB ORDERED
18/04/2017- PCB Received
20/04/2017 - Components Received
CURRENT STATE :( : This round of PCB's is messed up either in design or in manufacturing. I've tried soldering one together and sent one away to someone whose soldering I trust more than my own since it was basically my first time doing SMD; The plan is to use the components and design a small PCB (numpad/macropad) and use the remaining components them to recoup a few of the costs before I do a fixed batch of PCBs.
-Kiwi
2018 - Switch 180 v0.2 (the first one was v0.5 but wew lad I didn't know how far off I was from finished)
NOT LATEST UPDATE (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88233.msg2578123#msg2578123)
SWITCH 180 COMIN 2027 BAYBEE!!
Really like the design but I think it could use a split space option.
I know if I ever produce these for the public I will definitely add more layout support and features. Right now my biggest focus is to get something fully functional before I muddle around with other stuff. :)
(https://puu.sh/uJ8PP/9c5c6af1bc.png)
That's a big spacebar for such a little guy...
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/7SGQKoH.gif)
nathan, 7u is weak.. 10u support will definitely be added :cool:
what about modern 1800?
been thinking about it, very popular layout so might be included.. but I think to switch it up, I'd do all 1u bottom row keys, including the spacebar then also add ortholinear support and then a homerow spacebar as well. Show Image
(https://puu.sh/uz80e/69b623e5ff.png)
what do you think?
would suit my need perfectly :-*
what about modern 1800?
been thinking about it, very popular layout so might be included.. but I think to switch it up, I'd do all 1u bottom row keys, including the spacebar then also add ortholinear support and then a homerow spacebar as well. Show Image
(https://puu.sh/uz80e/69b623e5ff.png)
what do you think?
I like this layout the most because it forces you to use the home-row the most.
Thanks for the support Joey, As for alps support I am still unsure if I should really keep it since lightcycle (if it hits MOQ) is one of the only sets that would work on the board. Only a few vintage sets have short R-shifts anyways so not sure if it is really worth it .
That being said I wanted to ask people what they thought of these split spacebar options:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/yOzZsNB.png)
ideally I would like to just have one opinion for cleanliness
edit: Also switches are in the proper layout now, and spaced out properly so thats good.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/rw9ahiO.png)
(I know some things aren't connected yet)
few things I am looking into
- circuitry for the indicator LEDs
- Look if I can add a breakout like the GH60 so that if people wanted they could use one of those WS2812 RGB led strips if they so desired.
Alpine Winter would fit the PCB as well FYI.
Being a 'right thumber' my personal favourite split space setup is 2.25u - 1.25u - 2.75u. Extra spacebars not really an issue for me as I have a bunch of GMK mods + extras. The bottom example comes close enough though :thumb:
Which microcontroller are you planing to use? Maybe you said and I missed it but I skimmed back over and didn't see mention of it.
I'm looking at doing something similar but 84key. If you didn't see my concept art render in another thread here is the latest.
Show Image
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/H4uxEHRFqXIEADtDEuE_wf6fgyuol6kgISshRE44KffXmNnbDNs9Dcbfp-ixEhR19CIfC8ISvVEIgPZRYK2bhHgsVHiDtj2T6iZ7KGsKd4AQaVxWJnF6dVEkCYuK8Eg8IR01RHZ0KA4lDhXgfPxfT2l7a7nZbReY2wUktf-qJfzD9jJ5FWqnTuwaqp7CA2tX-fU-P9wI9B6bXdkufnbzHLDyvoHLCO-5yl1G2Sk0QYc2w4mLfjFbByhqbp2becRfgQ5xUvpoNpqUqOLYXwihyZfMh0Mx6JuhT51LQpo3twTmsnkLk9k4FPpt6LPBFGDqOq6L8nVlLE4BhnUxLlt1lZFnDNH1CNzUiziJtNZrhQkkfyCECFk-cAYagNHwBycabXZXldD-8CSoR81zcJ2Fd8tUlR5xn3Ozgf_cVFQq7SaDujq2vTMsLjsTNsomsWOMeR1IgQ3VGjYGMXKCBRpiWybutEmbc4OwSHjLvo8rwYMknm-pGr-R6AwZt-OXewp5S7hy_u-hgSeM7kbs9XeywMfqKZHCetWAWR8OOioCSYs4wN-27gj-_euooAVN6bkuDJPO6TwNwR9V1ekzAshKb_Mjvc7a_Nz6y_Y-I-ZNAZTHG9PnH3kS=w1343-h755-no)
I'm going to change out the 10 LED layer indicators for a 8x8 SPI module (https://www.adafruit.com/products/959).
Also I was thinking of having it be a USB-C connector with internal hub as I describe in this thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88369.0
Just thought I would share my thoughts in case you derive some inspiration from it. I'm pretty interested in seeing how this comes along. I love building keyboards but I don't have anyone to buy them off me when I'm done and I don't need a dozen or more just laying around. That said I've been considering a 60/65 to see what I think as right now I have 2 TKL and one Full sized Razer Blackwidow (with cherry before they made their own switches).
Cool Render, that is an interesting layout and the idea of having a LED matrix is pretty interesting.
I've been using the atmega 32u4 for my board as its commonly used for custom boards and there is lots of documentation and resources for it.
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/NIAL78N.jpg)
Are you planning on doing a GB or just a small run? Either way, I'd like to buy one whenever possible!
:thumb: :thumb:
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/NIAL78N.jpg)
I love PCB with drawings
Ok $50 isn't bad though. Seems like you would have to a lot of work to offer a small savings and these would definitely sell at $50. Even $30 and self soldering diodes is totally fine. My thought would be offer it bare for $30 or pre soldered for $50 and save yourself the effort. I think your time would be better spent lining up plates/cases, even if it's a simple acrylic case!
Thanks for the support :thumb: I am just in the final stretch of classes and also in the middle of preparing to move 4000km so I had to sell my case and some other stuff to prepare. I am putting this aside for the next 2 weeks and will pick it back up once I get all moved :confused: Acrylic sandwich case will be really fast to get the files put together and then I am working on a new "solid body" case design as well.
Show Image
(https://puu.sh/v2pkA/ab075bd06c.png)
original concept with a lip inspired by older cherry cases but there is some things I don't like about this iteration so I decided I wanted to try the look of something more "modern" :
Show Image
(https://puu.sh/v6lYo/0d0c10f0e4.png)
This was a second version, but ultimately I find this way too boring so I am going to scrap them both and I think end up somewhere between the two.
Sounds like that would give the meme board quite a spicy price... ^-^
GL with the move.
Ok $50 isn't bad though. Seems like you would have to a lot of work to offer a small savings and these would definitely sell at $50. Even $30 and self soldering diodes is totally fine. My thought would be offer it bare for $30 or pre soldered for $50 and save yourself the effort. I think your time would be better spent lining up plates/cases, even if it's a simple acrylic case!
Thanks for the support :thumb: I am just in the final stretch of classes and also in the middle of preparing to move 4000km so I had to sell my case and some other stuff to prepare. I am putting this aside for the next 2 weeks and will pick it back up once I get all moved :confused: Acrylic sandwich case will be really fast to get the files put together and then I am working on a new "solid body" case design as well.
Show Image
(https://puu.sh/v2pkA/ab075bd06c.png)
original concept with a lip inspired by older cherry cases but there is some things I don't like about this iteration so I decided I wanted to try the look of something more "modern" :
Show Image
(https://puu.sh/v6lYo/0d0c10f0e4.png)
This was a second version, but ultimately I find this way too boring so I am going to scrap them both and I think end up somewhere between the two.
Seeing the renders make me want this more. Have you thought about the hhkb version or that's not happening?
Ok $50 isn't bad though. Seems like you would have to a lot of work to offer a small savings and these would definitely sell at $50. Even $30 and self soldering diodes is totally fine. My thought would be offer it bare for $30 or pre soldered for $50 and save yourself the effort. I think your time would be better spent lining up plates/cases, even if it's a simple acrylic case!
Thanks for the support :thumb: I am just in the final stretch of classes and also in the middle of preparing to move 4000km so I had to sell my case and some other stuff to prepare. I am putting this aside for the next 2 weeks and will pick it back up once I get all moved :confused: Acrylic sandwich case will be really fast to get the files put together and then I am working on a new "solid body" case design as well.
Show Image
(https://puu.sh/v2pkA/ab075bd06c.png)
original concept with a lip inspired by older cherry cases but there is some things I don't like about this iteration so I decided I wanted to try the look of something more "modern" :
Show Image
(https://puu.sh/v6lYo/0d0c10f0e4.png)
This was a second version, but ultimately I find this way too boring so I am going to scrap them both and I think end up somewhere between the two.
I like the second version, simple and boring but works everytime, plus it goes well with the smaller 1800 form factor. I wasn't a fan of the original concept because the lip edges look too sharp.
Nevertheless will definitely be looking for what you come up with next, amazing work so far :thumb:
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/Tz1ZdKq.jpg)
:thinking: wut dis?
is doge board
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170419/068ca98520163a3761b94b01fa02885d.jpg)
I just had to see what it would look like working.
Waiting for the smd components to arrive, solder paste is here so it's the last thing I need to build up a prototype
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That's ****ing awesome kiwi
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170419/068ca98520163a3761b94b01fa02885d.jpg)
I just had to see what it would look like working.
Waiting for the smd components to arrive, solder paste is here so it's the last thing I need to build up a prototype
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
(https://media.giphy.com/media/l0MYO3rFwZcvUnvO0/giphy.gif)
Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170419/068ca98520163a3761b94b01fa02885d.jpg)
I just had to see what it would look like working.
Waiting for the smd components to arrive, solder paste is here so it's the last thing I need to build up a prototype
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
oink oink
..maybe it's just the red (magenta?) lights making it look pink lol... but that nose
(https://i.imgur.com/NHwtuLS.jpg)
Alright, my lifes getting into a rhythm again where I'll try to dedicate time to this project.
Have found and addressed the main issue with the PCB, Going to see if I can get a single prototype made once I finalizing it before doing a bigger order.
Sandwich case design was finished to test the layout and pcb in the real world.
this is an early render of a case design that I think will be very similar to what I want for the final product (pretty much a mini g80-1800)
Lots of POLISH and features to still work on the case, going to try some other random ideas.
Right now the top style will stay quite similar.
Switch
1 8 0 2 0 1 8
Small update
(https://i.imgur.com/obKursA.png)
with the help of ai03 the pcb has been updated with some QoL changes. Silkscreen being redone by me right now as well.
Case is being worked on just have to come up with a new solution for the USB cutout. Might have to use a daughter board of some sort.
(https://i.imgur.com/zQXwTg6.jpg)
It's time for the yearly update right?
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/zQXwTg6.jpg)
It's time for the yearly update right?
Oh yes baby. That strong jaw line :cool:
Edit: Added a KLE here just in case someone wants to play around with the layout ideas.
More
Clicking on image sends you to KLE btw
(https://i.imgur.com/DDzmHwl.png) (https://bit.ly/2EBgMQf)