[IC] OIL-68 (5/20/20 - CLOSED)

[Arezok]

Closed. 

New Thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=106507.0

[shxWN]

Looks absolutely gorgeous, one thing I don’t like is the separated escape but other than that nice job!

[andymer]

Definitely interested! The Esc may be a dealbreaker for some but with all the dank 75s we've been seeing lately, I feel like this design sets the board apart quite nicely.

[002 DC]

Any renders with a USB port?? I think you might've ordered a prototype with no usb port based off the renders I am seeing!!!

[Aloyz0991]

This looks sick. The accent plate looks amazing! Why the f hasnt anybody done this yet.

[Arezok]

Any renders with a USB port??

Unfortunately not at the moment.  The PCB is still being developed but the intent is to have the USB port centered in the board. 

That's pretty high on my list though.

Looks absolutely gorgeous, one thing I don’t like is the separated escape but other than that nice job!

Definitely interested! The Esc may be a dealbreaker for some but with all the dank 75s we've been seeing lately, I feel like this design sets the board apart quite nicely.

We're pretty fond of the separated escape key, but we'll definitely consider changing that if there's enough pressure to do so.

[002 DC]

So did you order a proto with no usb port? (Your ic is implying you bought one proto without a usb port)

[Arezok]

So did you order a proto with no usb port? (Your ic is implying you bought one proto without a usb port)

Yes, you are correct.  I can get the USB port machined at a local shop.  I needed to get a prototype in hand to determine what tolerances needed to be tweaked to ensure the upper case and the accent plate would fit together without leaving too much of a gap or being too difficult to assemble. 

[honoka]

So did you order a proto with no usb port? (Your ic is implying you bought one proto without a usb port)

you seem very anxious when it comes to renders and usb ports.

OP, you do you. don't change the placement of the esc key. you intentionally put it there and it's unique

[002 DC]

"Yes, you are correct.  I can get the USB port machined at a local shop.  I needed to get a prototype in hand to determine what tolerances needed to be tweaked to ensure the upper case and the accent plate would fit together without leaving too much of a gap or being too difficult to assemble."


Just for future reference that isn't a good way to approach prototyping. If you're testing tolerances it really should be with a pcb, plate and many types of switches.

[002 DC]

So did you order a proto with no usb port? (Your ic is implying you bought one proto without a usb port)

you seem very anxious when it comes to renders and usb ports.

OP, you do you. don't change the placement of the esc key. you intentionally put it there and it's unique

I'm only saying it's preferable to have one full proto at the start compared to waiting for a pcb. You could easily find an open source pcb and place a usb port step file to extrude a cutout

[Vigrith]

The design is lovely, I personally find the layout to be interesting too - only real "downside" for me is the fact that it obviously benefits from an accented plate (be it brass or coloured aluminium) and I massively favour plastic plates but other than that, great.

[bisoromi]

Wireless??

[Jaltr]

The accented borders look quite nice, want to see how to comes to be.

Sent from my SM-J415G using Tapatalk

[TalksToChalk]

I’m in if the symbol is removed from the top right


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Arezok]

So did you order a proto with no usb port? (Your ic is implying you bought one proto without a usb port)

you seem very anxious when it comes to renders and usb ports.

OP, you do you. don't change the placement of the esc key. you intentionally put it there and it's unique

I'm only saying it's preferable to have one full proto at the start compared to waiting for a pcb. You could easily find an open source pcb and place a usb port step file to extrude a cutout

That's a fair point and I appreciate the input.  My thought was that it doesn't affect the construction of the board, so I didn't think it was a deal breaker to leave out at this point.  It's a little late now for the prototype, but that's a lesson learned.  I'll work on the model and update the renders this week.

[Zeelobby]

I'd love to see an exploded view and how things fit together.

[phabulous]

So did you order a proto with no usb port? (Your ic is implying you bought one proto without a usb port)

you seem very anxious when it comes to renders and usb ports.

OP, you do you. don't change the placement of the esc key. you intentionally put it there and it's unique

I'm only saying it's preferable to have one full proto at the start compared to waiting for a pcb. You could easily find an open source pcb and place a usb port step file to extrude a cutout

That's a fair point and I appreciate the input.  My thought was that it doesn't affect the construction of the board, so I didn't think it was a deal breaker to leave out at this point.  It's a little late now for the prototype, but that's a lesson learned.  I'll work on the model and update the renders this week.

I dunno man, I prefer my ports not just to be a gaping hole you stick the cable in so I would imagine that a USB port properly designed would affect the construction of the board.

[Thighs]

i was going to get a sakura660, but man... this one is hot. will surely keep an eye on this one!

[Butterbeer]

I can see a very good use for this board as a showpiece to show off artisan(s).

I usually don't like logos in functional space, but as a showpiece this would be amazing just to stare at and have on display.

[benfrain]

Really like the key groupings. Aesthetically I always think they look odd but in use the physical differentiator is very useful.

Personally don’t like the logo there. Would rather have an extra key to allow for home/end/pg up/pg down.

[eskimojo]

Are the plate and key border the same piece of metal?

[danieljgrouse]

I really love the design, accented borders are something I've been wishing we'd get more of for a while now. That said I feel like the logo in the upper right corner is bit too much and makes the whole thing feel way too busy and kinda unrefined. It clashes with the separated Esc key and detracts from it, which is a shame because that Esc gives the board so much character. Honestly I'd much prefer adding an additional key to the three key cluster instead of having the logo there (or just remove the logo). Either way I hope this makes it to a GB and is super successful because it's doing something new and interesting and we need more boards like that.

[apexshikari]

This is one of the best looking boards I have seen especially in the default colour way. Hope this turns into a GB.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hottrout]

The ESC is unusual but I like it.  I agree with the separation of the arrows from the main board.  It is this for this reason that I keep using my CA66 over other boards.  I like your internal surround for the cut out.  Overall very nice and I would be interested.

[Arezok]

The design is lovely, I personally find the layout to be interesting too - only real "downside" for me is the fact that it obviously benefits from an accented plate (be it brass or coloured aluminium) and I massively favour plastic plates but other than that, great.

The accent surrounding each group is actually separate from the switch plate.  So you could still use a plastic plate if you wanted.  I'll add that to the interest check form!

Wireless??

Unfortunately not. Sorry!

I dunno man, I prefer my ports not just to be a gaping hole you stick the cable in so I would imagine that a USB port properly designed would affect the construction of the board.

I understand the concern.  I can assure you it won't be treated as an afterthought.

i was going to get a sakura660, but man... this one is hot. will surely keep an eye on this one!

¿Por que no los?     I'm glad you like it! 

I can see a very good use for this board as a showpiece to show off artisan(s).

I usually don't like logos in functional space, but as a showpiece this would be amazing just to stare at and have on display.

One of my coworkers saw me working on this during lunch and said the same thing! 

Really like the key groupings. Aesthetically I always think they look odd but in use the physical differentiator is very useful.

Personally don’t like the logo there. Would rather have an extra key to allow for home/end/pg up/pg down.

 I'm glad to hear a lot of people like the accents around the keys.  I personally like the logo because it provides a symmetry to the offset Esc key, but I'd consider alternatives depending on the results of the interest check!

Are the plate and key border the same piece of metal?

No, I separated the Switch plate from the key border (I call it the Accent Plate for lack of a better term).  This way the switch plate can be swapped out while maintaining the overall aesthetic provided by the border.

[cryworm]

YIKES this looks really nice. I love the separated key clusters and the accent plate and even the separated ESC key. The only criticism I have is that the logo is kind of tacky looking to me, I'd rather have an extra key in that space.

[Vigrith]

The design is lovely, I personally find the layout to be interesting too - only real "downside" for me is the fact that it obviously benefits from an accented plate (be it brass or coloured aluminium) and I massively favour plastic plates but other than that, great.

The accent surrounding each group is actually separate from the switch plate.  So you could still use a plastic plate if you wanted.  I'll add that to the interest check form!

Now that's fantastic news.

[batdog]

Great concept, but don't like the logo, would be much better with a fourth key in the right vertical group.

[eskimojo]

Are the plate and key border the same piece of metal?

No, I separated the Switch plate from the key border (I call it the Accent Plate for lack of a better term).  This way the switch plate can be swapped out while maintaining the overall aesthetic provided by the border.

That's great! I'm not keen on metal plates, so I'm glad it'll have the option to have different materials.

Any plans on specific layout support e.g. ISO? If you're not willing to have it in the default plate (which is totally fair enough), you can offer it in the PCB, and release plate files for people to get their own cut. 

[Jof]

I'm down with everything tbh. Looking forward to the IC!

[Cobertt]

Since you've removed the `/~ is there any chance for a split backspace to make up for the lost key, that would be a good option to have I believe.

[sumbody]

May I suggest looking into 7V or Chimera65 and use a similar blocker spacing?
I think the 0.25U spacing around arrow cluster leads to a cleaner look.

Logo advice:
I'm not opposed to the logo being there but I think a slightly smaller size will appear more tasteful rather than tacky

Looking forward to the GB if it goes through! I really love these Mini-1800 layouts as I'm a fan of the separated arrow cluster.
Gasket or burger mount will be a bonus!

[baobaozi]

Looks very nice! I’d be interested 

Not so much a fan of the pushed out Esc, but it’s not a deal-breaker for me.

As long as it’s QMK programmable so I can get my `~ back (extremely necessary for web developers) it looks great!

[child]

While separated Esc looks like a slight functionality downgrade to me, it also gives this keyboard a unique character. I really like all those separate "regions" of keys and I'm a sucker for CA66-like layouts. Would most likely buy this one if it goes to GB phase.

[jayoliver]

it has such a regal look

[Iksion]

Very unusual and very cool! Interested!!!

[TPT]

This with a copper option and ISO support and I'll buy three!

[baoduy23]

I suggest you make the logo smaller

[child]

I suggest you make the logo smaller

+1

[Glychd]

Really nice design. I'd love to see a white and black option if you're going to be doing more colorways.

[Arezok]

YIKES this looks really nice. I love the separated key clusters and the accent plate and even the separated ESC key. The only criticism I have is that the logo is kind of tacky looking to me, I'd rather have an extra key in that space.

I'm glad you like it!  The front logo was thrown in as a placeholder and will be revised to be more subtle or will be removed in its entirety.

That's great! I'm not keen on metal plates, so I'm glad it'll have the option to have different materials.

Any plans on specific layout support e.g. ISO? If you're not willing to have it in the default plate (which is totally fair enough), you can offer it in the PCB, and release plate files for people to get their own cut. 

That's definitely going to be a question on the interest check form I'll be posting in the next few days!

May I suggest looking into 7V or Chimera65 and use a similar blocker spacing?
I think the 0.25U spacing around arrow cluster leads to a cleaner look.

Logo advice:
I'm not opposed to the logo being there but I think a slightly smaller size will appear more tasteful rather than tacky

Looking forward to the GB if it goes through! I really love these Mini-1800 layouts as I'm a fan of the separated arrow cluster.
Gasket or burger mount will be a bonus!

I appreciate the input -- I actually drew inspiration from both of those boards! I found that it was difficult to combine the border with the 0.25u separation.  It either felt like the border was so thick that it was overwhelming or it was so thin that it was pointless to even have.  The corner logo is definitely going to be updated or removed though.

Looks very nice! I’d be interested 

Not so much a fan of the pushed out Esc, but it’s not a deal-breaker for me.

As long as it’s QMK programmable so I can get my `~ back (extremely necessary for web developers) it looks great!

The plan is to provide QMK compatibility and split backspace support to give back the key I wrongfully took from web developers.

Really nice design. I'd love to see a white and black option if you're going to be doing more colorways.

Definitely planning more colorways depending on the outcome of the interest check!

[Arezok]

I've posted the interest check form in the OP. 

Here it is:  https://forms.gle/dJC1Aw7GTef5uPHt7

[Jade]

Any chance for a hotswap pcb?

[Arezok]

I've been working on this since I posted the initial interest check to clean up the design and internals.  I received the proto-prototype early last week and everything fit together, more or less, like I wanted.  I've been playing with it for the past week to dial in the tolerances and test plate mounting points for the next revision.

Listening to everyone's feedback, two things were very obvious to me:

1) People disliked the size/tackiness of the logo in the upper right.
2) Given the option, people still wanted something in the corner, whether that was a logo/badge or another key.

Because of this, I revised the corner badge to something that I personally found to be more aesthetically pleasing. This freed up enough space in the upper right that I also decided to add an extra key to the right cluster, changing this from a 67 key to a 68 key layout.

In addition to this change, I've added split backspace and stepped caps lock support, added a centered USB port, included switch plate relief cutouts, and cleaned up a lot of the interior of the case.

I posted an updated interest check link to see how many people desired a hotswap option here: https://forms.gle/JnryR9ewp8j15sy98

[danieljgrouse]

I absolutely love the updated design. It looks amazing. Good job!

[MyManMart]

Wireless??

??

[Glychd]

If this comes in a hotswap white and black version it's an autobuy from me. Looks awesome.

[chowbabyloving]

Is the back weight an infinity? It also looks a bit like a bikini top

[Pach]

very nice, the accent plate makes the board stand out. The bottom weight looks a little out of place to me, I'd like to see it more like the "infinity" symbols on the plate. Dunno, maybe a rectangular weight with engraving.