Post by: mujimanic on Fri, 19 June 2020, 10:22:46
My previous projects include the Butterknife (in partnership with G Heavy Industries) and Prime_Elise (in conjunction with Prime Keyboards). Since I made a layered case Discipline65 with a handle (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/e0k5w1/feeling_grabby_might_plugandplay_later/), I've wanted to scale up the project in way that would be sustainable for me but also offer some improvements I felt would better complement the FM Radio aesthetic afforded by combining a Discipline65 with a handled case. To accomplish what I wanted I had to make a completely new PCB.
[attach=7]
I present to you Disarray.
GB moved up to August 1, 2020
Link to my Discord server for updates and support: https://discord.gg/77d4hDq
Group buy goes live Aug 1 https://Sneakbox.Design
Interest Check Form: https://forms.gle/2DH9SXg2ewdd6cNE8
Prototype Pictures
[attach=9][attach=8]
[attach=10][attach=12][attach=11][attach=13][attach=14][attach=15][attach=16]
Disarray is a 70% keyboard in the same PCB form factor of the Discipline65. It offers a rotary encoder with push-button support, as well as support for ISO, Shift-JIS, and Split Spacebars.
[attach=1]
[attach=3]
[attach=5]
[attach=6]
The keyboard contains a grip handle, and the overall layout is inspired by Braun products from the Dieter Rams era. The inspiration for the grip was based on my need to carry a keyboard around for the grab-and-go nature of my day job. In the grip, there is a notch to allow pass-through of a USB cable, however different from my original layered case, the notch has a wide trapezoidal-shaped chamfer for safety and comfort of holding. The case itself has a zero-degree typing angle, but planned to have threads to add an incline. The footing uses two custom silicone self-adhesive strips designed specifically for this case. There new component-view window, made of polycarbonate rather than acrylic, and is contour-chamfered to match the edges of the aluminum case. One simple indicator light. Brass switchplate with top-mount removal notches.
[attach=2]
The Disarray PCB is USB-C and QMK compatible. It utilizes surface-mount components, all pre-assembled onto the PCB and positioned in view through the polycarbonate window. While the Discipline65 uses through-hole components, I felt SMD components could be equally as beautiful if arranged in a similar windowed manner. However, owing to the small visual footprint of SMD components, I wanted to bring out the traces as best as I could.
As such, there will be two visual variants of the PCB: one standard option (cheaper) with traditional white solder mask, and one high-end option (more expensive) using black FR4 substrate and copper traces with clear solder mask. Unfortunately, black FR4 + clear solder mask combination is hard to come by and definitely costs more to produce.
PCB Variants
Disarray will come in both a staggered layout and an ortholinear layout
Here are the possible configurations for key layouts:
STAGGERED LAYOUT
[attach=19]
ORTHOLINEAR PCB LAYOUT
[attach=17]
In keeping with my desire to pay tribute to great existing designs from other creators in our community, the keyboard case will also accommodate a Discipline65 by CFTKB, and contains mounting holes for conventional tray layout for those who have existing Discipline65 builds, or alternatively a plate layout as is presented with the Disarray. The retrofit kit for Discipline uses the same Main body with handle, but exchanges the top bezel and polycarbonate window, and removes the rotary encoder.
Design Features
- T6 solid block aluminum CNC-machined enclosure, currently planned in uncolored anodized (silver aluminum color), black, AND RED, possibly dark blue if my supplier can do it reliably.
- Accommodates Disarray and Discipline 65 (using separate top bezel and polycarbonate window)
- Brass Plate (needs to be rigid material due to lack of plate anchors at the top side of PCB).
- Option to tray mount with 3mm standoffs , can be useful for existing Discipline65 builds.
- ZERO-degree typing angle. Plan to include thread for feet
- Disarray cheaper PCB in basic White solder mask, upscale option for FR4 with visible traces and clear soldermask for significant price premium.
Weight:
- Disarray case (2.1 lbs/924g), no plate
- Discipline retrofit complete case (1.95 lbs/888g), no plate
- Discipline retrofit bezel and window alone (0.25 lbs/113g)
- Brass switchplate (0.35 lbs/158g)
- PCB (0.27 lbs/121g)
Group Buy Details
GB Starts: August 1, 2020 @ 9pm CST
GB Ends: Sept 5, 2020 @ 9pm CST.
Est. shipping: Q1 2021 (Feb-Mar). Disclaimer: shipping date subject to change.
Group buy items are non-refundable. Cancellations not accepted.
At closing of Group Buy, bulk order will be sent to manufacturer.
Order will be shipped to me for inspection/QC. Depending on quality inspection, this may be a source of delay in shipment.
Shipment to purchasers will be issued once QC is completed.
Options offered for sale:
- Full Disarray Case, Top Bezel, Polycarb Window, Main Housing, Rotary knob, brass plate, silicone feet, case screws ($350 USD, no PCB)
- Colors: Black anodized, Silver, Red. Looking into dark blue.
- Each case will come with a 2mm custom cut EVA foam backing for under the PCB. I have to add this as some of the PCBs come bowed from the manufacturer, and this ensures that no pins contact the metal keyboard housing. This EVA foam is sized to match both Disarray and Discipline.
- Option for brass rotary knob (instead of aluminum) for $15 extra
- Full Discipline Case, Top Discipline bezel, Discipline Polycarb Window, Main Housing, brass plate, silicone feet, case screws ($350 USD, no PCB)
- Staggered PCBs:
- White Soldermask with Silkscreen traces ($50)
- Black Soldermask with Silkscreen traces ($50). Yes, It's back!
- Limited edition Black FR4 with visible copper traces and clear soldermask ($120). So there is a MOC of 50 for the black FR4. Less than that I won't be able to produce it at any price. Even at that price I'm actually subsidizing the production of the copper trace board and will be buying extras to drive the overall price down in the hope maybe I'll be able to sell any extras in the future.
- Ortholinear PCBs:
- White Soldermask with Silkscreen traces ($50)
- Black Soldermask with Silkscreen traces ($50)
- There is no Black FR4 option-- not enough interest to make this happen, unfortunately :[
Mockup of the expected PCBs with silkscreen prints:
[attach=16]
Ortho PCB (not final product)
[attach=18]
Post by: Zeelobby on Fri, 19 June 2020, 10:24:05
Post by: jb1830 on Fri, 19 June 2020, 10:29:56
Post by: apexshikari on Fri, 19 June 2020, 10:30:38
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Post by: Rejeckted on Fri, 19 June 2020, 10:32:50
Post by: MrPersePolis on Fri, 19 June 2020, 10:40:05
It would be super cool if LED's could be added to the portion of the PCB which is seen through the acrylic window and set them to respond to the whatever music is playing from the PC. Would it be feasible?
Post by: i luv chuletas on Fri, 19 June 2020, 10:48:23
Congrats brother, this one's a must have.
Post by: riChip on Fri, 19 June 2020, 10:56:44
Maybe I abuse the handle to use it as a mobile/tablet stand :p
Post by: riChip on Fri, 19 June 2020, 10:57:56
Post by: grundlemere on Fri, 19 June 2020, 11:00:45
Post by: DuellM on Fri, 19 June 2020, 11:07:30
. What I wouldn’t do for a red version Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: Mekanist on Fri, 19 June 2020, 11:18:50
Post by: Glueeater on Fri, 19 June 2020, 14:12:03
Post by: sl4ppy on Fri, 19 June 2020, 15:09:58
Post by: limenx on Fri, 19 June 2020, 22:21:50
glwgb
Post by: mujimanic on Fri, 19 June 2020, 22:25:38
Love the look of the visible copper traces. Does the Disarray PCB have VIA support?
glwgb
That's the plan.
I should have VIA up and running by ship date.
Post by: pixelpusher on Fri, 19 June 2020, 23:37:26
Post by: mujimanic on Fri, 19 June 2020, 23:39:28
Filled in the form. I have a Discipline65 coming, but the disarrya build puts it to shame. What a beauty, man. Fantastic stuff.
But that's the fun of this idea, right? This way it's possible to have both!
Post by: pixelpusher on Fri, 19 June 2020, 23:54:11
Filled in the form. I have a Discipline65 coming, but the disarrya build puts it to shame. What a beauty, man. Fantastic stuff.
But that's the fun of this idea, right? This way it's possible to have both!
Oh, I'm totally planning on it.
Post by: beekey on Sat, 20 June 2020, 04:47:17
Post by: mujimanic on Sat, 20 June 2020, 04:48:51
A cheaper black PCB option would be great. Would buy one as safety, in case the expensive one breaks.
Noted. Thanks for the feedback!
Post by: Swishy on Sat, 20 June 2020, 06:40:53
Post by: mujimanic on Sat, 20 June 2020, 07:02:25
So, I notice in the render at the beginning it used to be 65% with a knob why did you change, if you don't mind me asking?
Well Discipline65 supports 68 inputs. Adding split backspace, split space, ISO keys, a push button on the rotary, then filling in the gaps put Disarray at 73 inputs so technically it's a 70% as i don't think the percentage definition requires a defined switch function or arrangement to qualify. Still the same overall layout of a conventional 65%. Honestly i don't know what percentage to call it. Sounded correct to call it by the max inputs possible.
As to why i added the extra inputs... Because i wanted to. Especially the split spacebars!
Post by: syke on Sat, 20 June 2020, 07:22:35
Post by: Nyeezy on Sat, 20 June 2020, 11:51:44
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Post by: mujimanic on Sat, 20 June 2020, 18:56:27
Post by: HODO on Sun, 21 June 2020, 11:42:14
If I can see RGB effects or any responsive light through the transparent window it will be much more awesome!!
is it possible?
Post by: mujimanic on Sun, 21 June 2020, 11:51:29
This is very unique and cute design!
If I can see RGB effects or any responsive light through the transparent window it will be much more awesome!!
is it possible?
I don't have any plans to support lighting apart from the single indicator.
Post by: limenx on Sun, 21 June 2020, 13:06:30
Post by: mujimanic on Sun, 21 June 2020, 13:47:50
Are there any prototypes planned?
I already made a polymer rapid proto
took pictures of it to show someone what it would be like to fit a phone in the handle gap (long and short it works, if you want to use it for a typing stand you may be limited in phone positions due to the USB cable position)
http://imgur.com/a/barhWXo
http://imgur.com/a/4viEqg6
Metal protos currently in manufacture
Post by: limenx on Sun, 21 June 2020, 15:48:48
I like the idea of tray mount for discipline boards since I have one already built.
Post by: beekey on Mon, 29 June 2020, 01:52:37
Post by: rinkaan on Mon, 29 June 2020, 04:49:34
Post by: alphabirth on Mon, 29 June 2020, 09:14:14
Post by: mujimanic on Mon, 29 June 2020, 11:17:34
This is great! I thought I was done with boards for a while, but I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself on this one. But woof--those PCBs are expensive. :( Why so much?
Thanks!
The white PCB is pretty standard price for a PCB with SMD components assembled, I would think. However the black FR4 is the issue I'm working on. The main problem is that the black FR4 + clear soldermask isn't a combination that many manufacturers offer. I have a lead that may help drive the cost way down (on my end as well as the consumers), but I'm not confident about the build quality. Believe it or not with the current price quotation for black FR4 I'm actually losing money because of a required MOC on the black FR4. Yeah, it's a lot more complicated than I imagined it would be. The backup plan is the keep the black and copper trace option as a super premium option and open up a cheaper black solder mask with "emulated" trace lines using silkscreen. However, if I can get the price of the black+copper trace PCB down to about $10-$15 of the white I think that would help me keep only one option for black PCB.
Post by: Shiro on Mon, 29 June 2020, 12:10:40
Post by: switchnollie on Mon, 29 June 2020, 13:07:48
Post by: Curious Yellow on Mon, 29 June 2020, 13:35:52
Considering that a small PCB run from Oshpark runs into $100+ per PCB it looks like a decent-ish deal. Plus they've probably put some time into adapting the PCB to make it what they want to looks like and added a feature in terms of the rotary encoder so it feels like not too bad a price.
Post by: alphabirth on Tue, 30 June 2020, 06:13:09
Thanks!🤞
The white PCB is pretty standard price for a PCB with SMD components assembled, I would think. However the black FR4 is the issue I'm working on. The main problem is that the black FR4 + clear soldermask isn't a combination that many manufacturers offer. I have a lead that may help drive the cost way down (on my end as well as the consumers), but I'm not confident about the build quality. Believe it or not with the current price quotation for black FR4 I'm actually losing money because of a required MOC on the black FR4. Yeah, it's a lot more complicated than I imagined it would be. The backup plan is the keep the black and copper trace option as a super premium option and open up a cheaper black solder mask with "emulated" trace lines using silkscreen. However, if I can get the price of the black+copper trace PCB down to about $10-$15 of the white I think that would help me keep only one option for black PCB.
The GB runner outlined that they're an unusual combination of things hence the expense.
Considering that a small PCB run from Oshpark runs into $100+ per PCB it looks like a decent-ish deal. Plus they've probably put some time into adapting the PCB to make it what they want to looks like and added a feature in terms of the rotary encoder so it feels like not too bad a price.
Yeah, OSHPark is really expensive too. I've never figured out how they can get away charging so much, when JLCPCB is usually a fraction of the cost. Just for the "Made in the USA" stamp I guess...
Post by: zoo on Thu, 02 July 2020, 11:22:52
Post by: Curious Yellow on Mon, 06 July 2020, 01:54:46
Post by: Swishy on Thu, 09 July 2020, 11:02:25
Post by: mujimanic on Thu, 09 July 2020, 11:08:22
Would be nice to know shipping and taxes to the UK.
Working on that. Will let you know
Post by: mujimanic on Thu, 09 July 2020, 11:09:14
are there protos?
Yes! Just got them in yesterday. I'll get some pics up. I won't have the rubber feet yet.
Post by: Shiro on Thu, 09 July 2020, 14:59:19
are there protos?
Yes! Just got them in yesterday. I'll get some pics up. I won't have the rubber feet yet.
👀 cant wait to see it.
Post by: Arcen on Thu, 09 July 2020, 20:09:15
Post by: mujimanic on Sun, 26 July 2020, 16:32:40
This looks amazing! Any chance there can be a version without the handle?
Not planning on a non-handled version. Project is getting logistically too big already. Maybe in the future!
Post by: mujimanic on Sun, 26 July 2020, 16:33:16
Post by: mujimanic on Sun, 26 July 2020, 17:11:20
Added anodized Red case option.
Dark blue is still under review by my manufacturer
Disarray now is offered as an ortholinear PCB!
Post by: weinzierl on Sun, 02 August 2020, 02:50:47
Post by: mujimanic on Sun, 02 August 2020, 03:12:05
This is a real beauty, I love it. Are the components an behind the window acutally used or are they just for show?
Yes those components are the actual diodes for each switch in the matrix. Also the microprocessor and it's components are also seen
Post by: mujimanic on Wed, 05 August 2020, 19:25:15
Post by: DuellM on Tue, 08 September 2020, 15:16:03
Post by: mujimanic on Tue, 08 September 2020, 21:30:58
Anyone know the diameter of the knobs? was thinking about picking up a few extra for my macropad 🥰
23mm diameter. Wouldn't recommend for rotary encoder positioned within a key grid.
Post by: DuellM on Tue, 08 September 2020, 21:38:58
Aw man, the search for cool knobs for my macro pad continuesAnyone know the diameter of the knobs? was thinking about picking up a few extra for my macropad
23mm diameter. Wouldn't recommend for rotary encoder positioned within a key grid.
. Thanks for the info. Put in for a red dissaray today can’t wait to get it 
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