[IC] The Rabelius - a compact full size

[Lord_Rabel]

Hello everyone,

So I've been working on my dream keyboard.

(And already made a Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/gcrb5k/the_rabelius/ ). But I want to get more serious about it.
It's a 105 key ANSI/ISO supporting board. (See the PCB and layout here: https://github.com/LordRabel/Rabelius/tree/master ).
Like the DISCIPLINE 65 by coseyfannitutti the top window allows sight on the components of the keyboard (which all have to be soldered).
More pictures are available on my imgur account: https://imgur.com/user/LordRabel/posts

I feel like 1800s and compact full size boards are so hard to find. Maybe there is not a huge demand for them, but I really need the numpad.
If you got any suggestions or things you would like to see feel free to tell me! Either here at Rabel#9414 trough Discord or trough Reddit u/Lord_Rabel.

I made a Google form too, which you can fill out here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelQexONaXlF7qsbUTCsPeE1AouoGurZSPbyXEojNDGr0N1WQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

I would love to see your feedback!



Have a nice day
Lord_Rabel

[Crack85]

Looks clean

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[thecyangiant]

This is really cool, a compact full size like this looks really nice. would a southpaw variant be a realistic option?

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[Jaltr]

This looks v clean, I'm in.

Sent from my SM-J415G using Tapatalk

[Vireca]

I dont get it, the case its going to be of aluminum? Or its a case like the Disciple, Plaid, etc?

[Rejeckted]

I'll be watching this. Still looking for a decent full sized custom. This is a contender

[Lord_Rabel]

I dont get it, the case its going to be of aluminum? Or its a case like the Disciple, Plaid, etc?

I have to say I thought about it, but the top aluminum piece, the plate and the pcb/firmware would have to be redone. Maybe in a future version, but not in this one sorry.

I dont get it, the case its going to be of aluminum? Or its a case like the Disciple, Plaid, etc?

It's going to be aluminum, my google form lists all parts

[TinyShinyCrumb]

I need this in my life!!! Really nice looking.

[TalksToChalk]

Looks clean


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[switchnollie]

What purpose will the top window serve?

[Jaltr]

What purpose will the top window serve?

To see the components and such.

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[Capsy]

Interesting layout and design. A few observations:

1) Top row looks very busy. Can probably remove a key and add indicator lights.
2) Sandwich mount is not bad but can be kind of very stiff with SS/brass plates. Making it a simple top mount would open up different plate materials like CF and can also push the design to a seamless look.
3) Components being displayed at the top look good but I think the board has enough going for it to not make the forehead larger. Okay with it either ways.

[Lord_Rabel]

Interesting layout and design. A few observations:

1) Top row looks very busy. Can probably remove a key and add indicator lights.
2) Sandwich mount is not bad but can be kind of very stiff with SS/brass plates. Making it a simple top mount would open up different plate materials like CF and can also push the design to a seamless look.
3) Components being displayed at the top look good but I think the board has enough going for it to not make the forehead larger. Okay with it either ways.

Thanks for your respons!
1.: Good idea, but I wanted to keep the all key layout (rotary encoder was an idea too), but LEDs would add more components to solder a therefor more crammed space. I don't really like that idea.
2.: Yeah I've heard of it, maybe I can add more holes in the Plate to make it more flexible, because I wanted the color accent of the plate on the side as a feature.
3.: I love soldering and I really wanted to solder my own keyboard once, that's why I made it this way.

[gipetto]

your kicad pcbnew file seems to be corrupted. when you click on a diode to route it every diode lights up. i don't know of any way to save a file like that, you generally have to start again from scratch, often needing to do the schematic too.

[Pylon]

This is the same width as the Austin - it trades the 2u numpad 0 key for a better looking layout without the funny gap next to the right arrow on Austin.

[thornkin]

The look is amazing. Like the sandwich look and also the top window. I am interested, depending on price point...

[vaf1en]

3.: I love soldering and I really wanted to solder my own keyboard once, that's why I made it this way.

Having the display window at the top is what draws me to this board.
But I really do not like those sentences at the top of the PCB. Would prefer it clean.

[hottrout]

Why oh why are there so many decent full size boards.  I love this and am interested but I am going to need to get a 2nd mortgage to cope with all the great boards that are being designed at the minute.

[bananasplit_00]

Looks really nice

[Kalibrrr]

clean design with the clear part at the top

[Thighs]

Custom text PCB? Hell yeah. Love it.

[Lord_Rabel]

Small update:
Thanks to everyone, giving me support and helping me with this project!!!
I'm currently in the phase of gathering all the components and making a price estimate. All small bits (screws, standoffs, electrical components) are pretty much in the range of $20-25.
The PCB is another big part. 50% of you (so far) like the idea of custom PCB text. I will talk with a supplier and  probably will get a custom silk version for $20-25 too. Ones who don't like the idea of custom text can leave it empty and get a small decrease in price (am not quite sure how much, but it's probably around $2-$5).
I really want to get this project up and running for less than $380. At the time of posting I only talked to one CNC supplier, who offers me a kit of 25 for like $330 each, however that's only for the Black version. Silver, gray and e-white where loved options too, that's why I have to try my best offering you the best I can. The problem is, that I don't know how much of which kind I can sell, making the estimate hard, because I want to give you the most accurate and less expensive option, so we can all be happy.

Hope you have a great week,
Lord_Rabel

[Lord_Rabel]

-New plate
-PCB updated
-First render with components

[BruceDinh]

That PCB so sick man!!

Love this design

[i luv chuletas]

absolutely love this, the plate layer looks amazing from the sides too

any idea as far as timeline goes? Want one.

[TAKUUU]

Looks very nice

[Lord_Rabel]

absolutely love this, the plate layer looks amazing from the sides too

any idea as far as timeline goes? Want one.

Me too xD
The files are all done and Í only make small improvements. I'm currently in the process of pushing the costs down. We'll see how good I do on that

[f1]

Looks clean. Everything I was looking for in a compact full size. All the best!

Sent from my smartphone which I have. Case, charger and everything.

[penguinspy]

Following this, please offer add-on additional PCB's for those of us likely to mess up something soldering thru-hole components. Thanks!

[fraymotif]

I really love this! Austin was the only other compact full size I've ever seen but the price and very limited run put it out of my reach. I actually like the look of this better, with the component window up top. A nice clean look and and a definite buy for me! 

[PandamanPete]

This looks amazing, definitely interested!

[Lord_Rabel]

I'm so sorry to say, that my idea of having a top glass windows probably isn't coming around. The problem is, that the factories I contacted don't make such small pieces with holes for a reasonable price. I've already figured out a way to sick with the 4 Standoffs and having no sag. But sadly it's probably going to be acrylic.
I hope you understand, however if you know a glass factory, that would do something this special feel free for letting me know.

With that said, have a great week!
Lord_Rabel

[i luv chuletas]

I'm so sorry to say, that my idea of having a top glass windows probably isn't coming around. The problem is, that the factories I contacted don't make such small pieces with holes for a reasonable price. I've already figured out a way to sick with the 4 Standoffs and having no sag. But sadly it's probably going to be acrylic.
I hope you understand, however if you know a glass factory, that would do something this special feel free for letting me know.

With that said, have a great week!
Lord_Rabel

So just to confirm, we'll still have a small window, it's just now going to be made of acrylic instead of glass?

[Lord_Rabel]

So just to confirm, we'll still have a small window, it's just now going to be made of acrylic instead of glass?

Correct the window will still be there just acrylic instead of glass

[Puddsy]

if i'm gonna have that giant forehead i want a whole nav cluster

the only time i use a fullsize is when i'm using excel for work, for which i do use the nav cluster

[stein3]

You could get around the glass issue by having it slide into place through a slot in one of the sides. Bonus is that the glass could be standard rectangular which would be WAY cheaper to cut.

I'd also love to see some open through-hole slots to add optional LED lighting to the component window... just a circuit with resistor and LED, bonus points if it can be driven off the MCU.

[Lord_Rabel]

You could get around the glass issue by having it slide into place through a slot in one of the sides. Bonus is that the glass could be standard rectangular which would be WAY cheaper to cut.

I'd also love to see some open through-hole slots to add optional LED lighting to the component window... just a circuit with resistor and LED, bonus points if it can be driven off the MCU.

But with a slide in solution I would destroy the seamless look. Lighting in the Top compartment would, in my eyes, destroy the minimal look too. But you should be able to mod it to your liking, there would be enough space

[manaorme]

Don't set the quantity limit too low plz.
I can find lots of gb running less than 100, too hard to get one
Also the price no more than $450 will be great.

[musdem]

Just missed out on the Austin R2, though I think this board is more my style. Hopefully I will be able to jump in on this one it looks fantastic!

[Xdoc6]

Based on how fast Austin sold out, I don’t think you should be concerned about the demand for a custom full size.

[musdem]

Based on how fast Austin sold out, I don’t think you should be concerned about the demand for a custom full size.

I have a feeling it sold out so fast because there are so few choices so those who want one will really jump on a GB fast.

[roguesystem087]

pretty dope, if feel the top bit might make the keyboard feel really large on the desk.
But if you can pull it off and make the keyboard some what affordable,
that... would be a pretty nice aesthetic touch to something that wouldn't normally have that top glass/acylic area (forgive me for not knowing the exact terminology for this see through area, seems to be more common on smaller boards but i have no idea what its for other than looking cool).

I do have one criticism tho, is there anyway to refine the logo for the brass weight?
so that it looks less ... 'texty' ? Or slightly more minimal branding if u know what i mean

[amarotea]

I too find 1800s and compact full boards hard to find. Definitely watching.

[FRANCO]

Alps compatible?

[Lord_Rabel]

Hey,
The last week and a half weren't that great, that's why I have to submit, that I am not able to fulfill a GB on my own.
On the one hand because of my lack of knowing how to do a GB and on the other hand because of personal stuff.
If somehow there is one wanting to work with me on releasing it, I would be happy to collaborate. However as it is now, I'm not able to.
I'm really sorry, I would have wanted the board too.

Have a nice weekend
Lord_Rabel

[TibtibThePrincess]

Hey,
The last week and a half weren't that great, that's why I have to submit, that I am not able to fulfill a GB on my own.
On the one hand because of my lack of knowing how to do a GB and on the other hand because of personal stuff.
If somehow there is one wanting to work with me on releasing it, I would be happy to collaborate. However as it is now, I'm not able to.
I'm really sorry, I would have wanted the board too.

Have a nice weekend
Lord_Rabel

Sad to hear this I was looking forward to this.
I hope you can get things together and run this in the future.

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[atxk]

Will there be support for split backspace and/or split right shift?
Looking forward to seeing how this progresses, have been wanting a nice looking fullsize for a while now, this looks like it would be it! 

[musdem]

Hey,
The last week and a half weren't that great, that's why I have to submit, that I am not able to fulfill a GB on my own.
On the one hand because of my lack of knowing how to do a GB and on the other hand because of personal stuff.
If somehow there is one wanting to work with me on releasing it, I would be happy to collaborate. However as it is now, I'm not able to.
I'm really sorry, I would have wanted the board too.

Have a nice weekend
Lord_Rabel

Hey I'm not sure if I'd be of help but I'd love to see this board actually go through to GB so if you'd like please PM me with the help you'd need and I'll let you know if I could be of help or at least point you in the right direction of someone who can.

[Sylvestyeo]

+1 would love to see this turn live too!

[nuclearzcy]

hey，I like the design very much，but what I want to know most is whether this product will be sold to China,is there a vendor？

[Whale_algorithm]

Would you consider a 2U zero?

[Pylon]

Would you consider a 2U zero?

That's...basically the Austin

[Buttsecks]

Is there a possibility for a wkl version?

[nyc_xela]

Definitely love this idea! I hope everything works out, would love to pick one up.

[clik_clak]

I love the idea, but one of the greatest features of the Msyterium/Discipline is the open-source nature of the projects. It looks like you may have had the PCB files available on your git but they've been removed.

Make it so the Gerbers/BOM/case files are open source and easily replicated and you have a real winner on your hands. I'd be the first to order my own PCB's and get a case cut for it. I'd love to get some PCB's made and build this up as I wait for my Austin R2 to get here.

[Lord_Rabel]

I love the idea, but one of the greatest features of the Msyterium/Discipline is the open-source nature of the projects. It looks like you may have had the PCB files available on your git but they've been removed.

Make it so the Gerbers/BOM/case files are open source and easily replicated and you have a real winner on your hands. I'd be the first to order my own PCB's and get a case cut for it. I'd love to get some PCB's made and build this up as I wait for my Austin R2 to get here.

I know. Open source projects are amazing. I too wanted to make it open source. However the PCB files aren't great. That's why I took them down. I know a laser made case would be cool, no doubt and I would be really interested in designing a rev2 of this board and making it open to the public, but I sadly don't have the possibilities to prototype and stuff right now. So maybe in future? I hope so

[clik_clak]

I love the idea, but one of the greatest features of the Msyterium/Discipline is the open-source nature of the projects. It looks like you may have had the PCB files available on your git but they've been removed.

Make it so the Gerbers/BOM/case files are open source and easily replicated and you have a real winner on your hands. I'd be the first to order my own PCB's and get a case cut for it. I'd love to get some PCB's made and build this up as I wait for my Austin R2 to get here.

I know. Open source projects are amazing. I too wanted to make it open source. However the PCB files aren't great. That's why I took them down. I know a laser made case would be cool, no doubt and I would be really interested in designing a rev2 of this board and making it open to the public, but I sadly don't have the possibilities to prototype and stuff right now. So maybe in future? I hope so

What's not great about the PCB files? If the PCB files aren't that good, I wouldn't be interested in purchasing a full keyboard build of this. Releasing the PCB files would be a great way to get help and suggestions from community members to help you refine the PCB. With it only costing around $25 USD for 5 pcb's and another $10'ish in parts for building a PCB up, it's a cheap way to have community members give you feedback. I know I'd be happy to provide it myself.

I bet you'd even get some good suggestions from community members on getting a workable acrylic case for it as well.

[Lord_Rabel]

I love the idea, but one of the greatest features of the Msyterium/Discipline is the open-source nature of the projects. It looks like you may have had the PCB files available on your git but they've been removed.

Make it so the Gerbers/BOM/case files are open source and easily replicated and you have a real winner on your hands. I'd be the first to order my own PCB's and get a case cut for it. I'd love to get some PCB's made and build this up as I wait for my Austin R2 to get here.

I know. Open source projects are amazing. I too wanted to make it open source. However the PCB files aren't great. That's why I took them down. I know a laser made case would be cool, no doubt and I would be really interested in designing a rev2 of this board and making it open to the public, but I sadly don't have the possibilities to prototype and stuff right now. So maybe in future? I hope so

What's not great about the PCB files? If the PCB files aren't that good, I wouldn't be interested in purchasing a full keyboard build of this. Releasing the PCB files would be a great way to get help and suggestions from community members to help you refine the PCB. With it only costing around $25 USD for 5 pcb's and another $10'ish in parts for building a PCB up, it's a cheap way to have community members give you feedback. I know I'd be happy to provide it myself.

I bet you'd even get some good suggestions from community members on getting a workable acrylic case for it as well.

Ok yes you got a point there. I will look into it. My schedule is kinda rough, but I will do what I can when I do have time for it ツ

[Bobatype]

Good luck! It looks really good. I like how you married some of the highlighted aesthetic features I also really like in other boards together, but also in less-common layout.
In terms of the back design engraving, I'd prefer it was the large logo design came without the text 'rabelius' below. It's not bad as it is, but I think removing the bottom text would make it look better personally.

[davisthegreat]

I like this alot - 1800 is my fave layout. The logo is a little busy on the back for me and removing the F-row would make it really compact w/o losing the full size feeling. Offer more plate options - Carbon fiber, FR4 and Polycarb would be nice. FR4 at minimum, its cheap and sounds great

[engyshow]

Looks amazing... compact full size... :OO yes please!

[Starius]

Do you think the GB will go live this year?

[Lord_Rabel]

Do you think the GB will go live this year?

No. I don't really like the design anymore. Sorry i would have to work out a new board and sadly haven't got time for it...

[Starius]

Do you think the GB will go live this year?

No. I don't really like the design anymore. Sorry i would have to work out a new board and sadly haven't got time for it...

Ah sorry to hear that! 

[Helios247]

noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo This  design was so cool. Its hard to find full size group buys. Everything is a stupid 65 WKL

[Starius]

noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo This  design was so cool. Its hard to find full size group buys. Everything is a stupid 65 WKL

I know, I’m pretty bummed out about this still too.  I ordered a Infinikey 808-Boom keycap set just for this keyboard.    Risks of the hobby though.

[StrangPrisoner]

Do you think the GB will go live this year?

No. I don't really like the design anymore. Sorry i would have to work out a new board and sadly haven't got time for it...

Curious if you'd be willing to let someone else take up the mantle? I know it's your design but maybe someone could take it and run since you are no longer attached?
Note: I am not that person. Do not put that voodoo on me.

[Lord_Rabel]

Do you think the GB will go live this year?

No. I don't really like the design anymore. Sorry i would have to work out a new board and sadly haven't got time for it...

Curious if you'd be willing to let someone else take up the mantle? I know it's your design but maybe someone could take it and run since you are no longer attached?
Note: I am not that person. Do not put that voodoo on me.

I would totally be up to that. I mean I really would love to redesign it, and I would do it if someone would manages the groupbuy, but I don't think many people are really interested in doing it

[SNG91]

okaay new to keyboards, this looks perfect to me.
how do i stay in toch with this, dont wanna miss gb!

i wouldnt miss the keys above the upper arrow key, could be seen as a suggestion
great board

[yui]

sadly i only now discover this project, i could likely help a bit with pcb prototyping and testing, i pretty much have everything for that but the controller, that would not be hard to source, but i am not great at designing anything, especially not in 3d, i learnt pcb design 12 years ago but have not practiced since then either so would maybe not be of great help there either, but i like the style, and the 105 key nature of it so i'd be willing to try to help.

[Lord_Rabel]

sadly i only now discover this project, i could likely help a bit with pcb prototyping and testing, i pretty much have everything for that but the controller, that would not be hard to source, but i am not great at designing anything, especially not in 3d, i learnt pcb design 12 years ago but have not practiced since then either so would maybe not be of great help there either, but i like the style, and the 105 key nature of it so i'd be willing to try to help.

That's for your offer to help! PCB desing and prototyping is no problem for me, but prototyping the case is expensive af. And it is really hard to make a literal GB, since I have no experience in it

[yui]

well hopefully the newfound interest in this project may attract some more mechanically minded peoples, if one day i manage to fix my CNC (a CNC3018 from banggood that came with a wrong screw) i could maybe do a cheap prototype, but it would be in 2 pieces at least, as if i remember right the 3018 is just enough to machine a 60% case.

[Lord_Rabel]

well hopefully the newfound interest in this project may attract some more mechanically minded peoples, if one day i manage to fix my CNC (a CNC3018 from banggood that came with a wrong screw) i could maybe do a cheap prototype, but it would be in 2 pieces at least, as if i remember right the 3018 is just enough to machine a 60% case.

Thank you so much for your will to support me If I find some spare time I will probably model a new design, since I've gotten some ideas over the time, but who knows what the future holds.

[phxrbn]

Really love the look of this keyboard. Pretty clean except the top row.

As others have mentioned, it looks a bit cluttered. It would be nice to add an extra 1u slot above the alpha cluster and remove the fillers in between. This would give 15u | 1u | 4u similar to a compact full size 96key (instead of the current 1u|4u|4u|4u|1u|1u|4u). I think that alone would really clean up that appearance and seperate this a bit more from the Austin.

I'd still opt for a knob in that 1u spot over the nav cluster. Excited to see this progress.

[UGunaLOSE]

looks nice and hope you can find a way to get this out to the community. GL!

[Starius]

I gotta say, I disagree with those that say spacers should be taken out.  Those spacers and that window are my favorite things about this board.
I still do hope it becomes a reality someday! 🤞

[Volny]

Just so you know, the imgur link doesn't seem to work for people like me who don't have the imgur app and are too belligerent to install it.

[Lord_Rabel]

Hello there!

First of all, thank you all for the interest, it makes me kinda happy, that the work I put in there, wasn't useless!

About the current state: I have yet to redesign this model, but I have some spare time to do so now. That doesn't mean it will go into GB in a foreseeable future, since I haven't got, and probably will not get, the capabilities to run something like this on my own. But who knows what's coming

For my redesign: The original model is now more than a year old, so I gathered some new ideas and would love to hear your opinions on them:

• I was thinking about removing the through hole forehead. I don't know if I should change to a SMD-PCB since it would give more features, like Hotswap and maybe an USB-hub.
• The layout also seemed like a mixed feeling for many, so I don't know if I should change it to a regular compact 1800 (like the SAR) and have a 1u*5u macro row on the left side.
• Above the numpad is a space of 4*1u. I had an idea of putting a "big" 256*64 OLED display there, and have the numlock-key switch it between showing time/stats and a small calculator mode, using the numpad. I need to calculate things all the time, and it would be kinda useful. (Maybe adding something like https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/AlexIII/t-rex-duino-arduino-clone-of-chrome-t-rex-game-2ed11f too for fun)
• Do you want a rotary encoder? Like on the left top of the board. I also would be super into a motorized-slider, but that would just take up so much space xD
• I will also change the mounting style to be top-mounted.
• Any additional ideas? I am open to consider everything.

So yeah, I don't know if my ideas are too much, but please tell me what you think and consider filling out my form: https://forms.gle/fBogwGSiDGUizmBr9

I wish you all a happy week!

[jabe8i]

I like the through-hole look but I think more people would be into this if it were hotswap.

I don't find too much use for an OLED but it would look kinda cool, but would likely drive up the cost in someway. (I do like the mini calculator idea)
as for the layout I personally find this layout fine, a regular 1800 would be fine aswell since it would functionally serve the same purpose (for me at least).

(I may be in the minority for this) As for the rotary encoder I personally think it's kinda useless, I use an amp for my audio so I don't need a rotary encoder for volume, and I'm too dumb/lazy to be able to change the functionality of the encoder.

[yui]

as a complement to the form:

• I was thinking about removing the through hole forehead. I don't know if I should change to a SMD-PCB since it would give more features, like Hotswap and maybe an USB-hub.
• The layout also seemed like a mixed feeling for many, so I don't know if I should change it to a regular compact 1800 (like the SAR) and have a 1u*5u macro row on the left side.
• Above the numpad is a space of 4*1u. I had an idea of putting a "big" 256*64 OLED display there, and have the numlock-key switch it between showing time/stats and a small calculator mode, using the numpad. I need to calculate things all the time, and it would be kinda useful. (Maybe adding something like https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/AlexIII/t-rex-duino-arduino-clone-of-chrome-t-rex-game-2ed11f too for fun)
• Do you want a rotary encoder? Like on the left top of the board. I also would be super into a motorized-slider, but that would just take up so much space xD
• I will also change the mounting style to be top-mounted.
• Any additional ideas? I am open to consider everything.

1 - i liked the through hole design because it made it an easier projects for peoples with less soldering experience compared to most other open source boards out there, kinda part of what drew me to this project. and hot swap would lock you to either iso or ansi layout.
2 - although more of a full size bottom row kind of guy i thought that the current layout allowed for very little sacrifice while being compact, but then without seeing your new idea we can't know what is better.
3 - personally i do not find oled screens on keyboard useful, but i do not find media keys any more useful so the option is good to have i think.
4 - same as 3 for me, option is good, although a motorized slider would require custom driver and the license to get those signed by Microsoft is rather expensive if i remember right
5 - if you think it is better, i got no experience with that.
6 - please keep it opensource, that would be rather nice for future "generations" of kb enthusiasts.

[Altain]

Really looking forward to getting this board in the future! Do you have any means of communication (Instagram, Discord, etc.) to release further updates that are in your mind?
Don't want to miss this when this goes live.

[lllchevy350lll]

a lot of us are here because of the original design. what's wrong with it? why the need to reinvent the wheel?

[hardwaredaemon]

Fully agree. You have a good design. Stop tinkering.

[Atacx]

I would love a rotary encoder, but i would buy it like this as well

[Extra Fox]

Is this where we're voting for "The original design is Aces and what drew my interest". Because check that box for me please. 

[chibicute89]

Sleek and smooth design

[Bobatype]

I think you should keep it simple and stick to your original design language/theme of a through hole forehead.
That look is what draws most people's interest here.A more premium looking Discipline/Mysterium with a numpad.
It's why people are interested in the Argyle too.

The OLED/rotary dial is a nice idea, but I'm unsure if it would fit well with the rest of the aesthetic, not to mention the additional complexity and cost with it added.

I would suggest is the bottom weight design could be a bit more stylised instead of a just giant logo and text. I get that it is your logo/brand, but for me it's definitely a large detractor from the overall aesthetic. Would prefer something far more cleaner. I personally prefer a nice simple graphic/emblem, unless the logo looks more 'restrained'/classy (aka Keycult).

[Lord_Rabel]

I thank you all so much for the great feedback!

• I will keep the through hole forehead as it seems you all like it.
• I will dismiss my knob and OLED idea and just keep it a simple through hole.
• I will add hot-swap support. That means I am designing 3 PCBs. One soldered PCB and 2 hot-swap PCBs (6.25u and 7u space-row). The sockets would need to be soldered manually, but that shouldn't be a problem if you can solder 100 diodes.
• In therms of the layout choice, I am still undecided. I understand, that many are here because of the layout, but adding a key between numpad and alpha block would minimize mouse space even more in addition to the numpad. Furthermore, I have yet to get a good idea how to handle the f-row if the bottom layout would stay as is.
  What about numpad to the left and a 75% right? But then the arrow keys would look so lonely. Maybe one of you has an idea :-)

I wish you all a great weekend!

[Extra Fox]

Giving folks the option for an encoder in the upper-left position would be a "Nice to Have".
In my opinion, even though it might chafe some, picking a single hotswap layout would greatly simplify your life.

[lllchevy350lll]

I thank you all so much for the great feedback!

• I will keep the through hole forehead as it seems you all like it.
• I will dismiss my knob and OLED idea and just keep it a simple through hole.
• I will add hot-swap support. That means I am designing 3 PCBs. One soldered PCB and 2 hot-swap PCBs (6.25u and 7u space-row). The sockets would need to be soldered manually, but that shouldn't be a problem if you can solder 100 diodes.
• In therms of the layout choice, I am still undecided. I understand, that many are here because of the layout, but adding a key between numpad and alpha block would minimize mouse space even more in addition to the numpad. Furthermore, I have yet to get a good idea how to handle the f-row if the bottom layout would stay as is.
  What about numpad to the left and a 75% right? But then the arrow keys would look so lonely. Maybe one of you has an idea :-)

I wish you all a great weekend!

i think that the oled/ rotary idea is cool, but you should get an ironed out pcb without it first. then worry about adding the fancy stuff later  super excited that you've got revived interest in this!

[yui]

In therms of the layout choice, I am still undecided. I understand, that many are here because of the layout, but adding a key between numpad and alpha block would minimize mouse space even more in addition to the numpad. Furthermore, I have yet to get a good idea how to handle the f-row if the bottom layout would stay as is.
What about numpad to the left and a 75% right? But then the arrow keys would look so lonely. Maybe one of you has an idea :-)

to be honest i find this layout a decent compromise, my absolute favorite is terminal 122 with iso enter the more key the better for me, the only problem is that desk space is at a premium at my work so my M122 and FK9200 are too deep, it is where a slightly less deep board would do wonders, and as i like the design i thought i'd support this one .

TL;DR: the more keys the better, to me

[Doblki]

I love the design as it is! I'm so happy to see that you've been trying your best to keep this project alive. I'm sure there's many people in the community that are more than willing to give you a helping hand on certain details with running a group buy, especially with reaching out to getting prototypes and designing the PCB. As it is I agree with the others that the design doesn't need that much rework but at the end of the day this is *your dream board!

[IkaKeys]

How's Progress so far?

[Lord_Rabel]

How's Progress so far?

Not great. I am sorry for everyone. I tried to do a little bit of redesigning, but I am currently not happy with the looks.
I can also not run a GB currently and properly for a long time.

[GogNogler]

Sorry to hear that I'm still interested and will wait to see how redesigning goes.

[lllchevy350lll]

Any change of purchasing the original files of this board/pcb for a one off? was a proto ever made?

[Lord_Rabel]

Any change of purchasing the original files of this board/pcb for a one off? Was a proto ever made?

Protos were never made. The design is very bad. Like, very bad.

The PCB files have been deleted at some point by myself. (It had some flaws and I want Hot-swap xD)

If there is still enough demand, I could recreate the PCB and make acrylic case files. But even if I get the time to do so and many are interested, I will not make a GB and PCB/Components/Case would have to be obtained per person.

Again, I still am kinda disappointed at myself for this bad work xD

I wish everyone a great week!

[lllchevy350lll]

would also be potentially interested in that. as long as a bom list is provided, shouldnt be too hard to source the parts. would probably want a few people to go in on it with to cut down on costs for pcb/acrylic production.

Also solder > hotswap

[yui]

Any change of purchasing the original files of this board/pcb for a one off? Was a proto ever made?

Protos were never made. The design is very bad. Like, very bad.

The PCB files have been deleted at some point by myself. (It had some flaws and I want Hot-swap xD)

If there is still enough demand, I could recreate the PCB and make acrylic case files. But even if I get the time to do so and many are interested, I will not make a GB and PCB/Components/Case would have to be obtained per person.

Again, I still am kinda disappointed at myself for this bad work xD

I wish everyone a great week!

better bad work than not at all you contributed more than most of us, and everybody start low and get better.

[atl22033]

one look at that pcb im in already sign me up