Great job using zmk! Any chance you could offer a solder version too? I prefer the stronger mechanical connection and greater layout options. (split bs and rs pls)
Looks cool! Any chance that you'd add cut-outs on the edge to fit a board like the Singa Unikorn? Here's a repo with the models for exact dimensions if you're into it: https://github.com/evyd13/plain60-flex-edition
Where does the battery live? Will you need to fully disassemble the board to replace it?
What module are you using? Holyiot, E73?
sounds like an interesting alternative to the keychron. So from my understanding, you just flash the chip on the keyboard with the github files and that's it? Will it work with any OS? (windows, iOs, macOs, android)
If yes then I will probably get that! I just want a good BT board that is not too expensive and has no software tail behind it.
sounds like an interesting alternative to the keychron. So from my understanding, you just flash the chip on the keyboard with the github files and that's it? Will it work with any OS? (windows, iOs, macOs, android)
If yes then I will probably get that! I just want a good BT board that is not too expensive and has no software tail behind it.
It will come pre-flashed with a standard keymap, if you'd like to change that you can use an online tool on the zmk GitHub. It will compile the keymap for you and give you a uf2 file you can drop onto the board (double-tapping reset makes it show up as a memory stick).
So far we tested it with windows, android and ipadOS. We found absolutely no issues with pairing or using it on those devices
sounds like an interesting alternative to the keychron. So from my understanding, you just flash the chip on the keyboard with the github files and that's it? Will it work with any OS? (windows, iOs, macOs, android)
If yes then I will probably get that! I just want a good BT board that is not too expensive and has no software tail behind it.
It will come pre-flashed with a standard keymap, if you'd like to change that you can use an online tool on the zmk GitHub. It will compile the keymap for you and give you a uf2 file you can drop onto the board (double-tapping reset makes it show up as a memory stick).
So far we tested it with windows, android and ipadOS. We found absolutely no issues with pairing or using it on those devices
nice! I'm wondering, will there be a turn on/off button somewhere or will it turn on/off with a special key combo (eg strg+alt+1) or will it use the reset button (simple click, no hold)? Something that come into my mind after watching a keychron review.
Does the BT module support multiple devices?
That's awesome! I'm definitely in for at least 1, maybe more. I may rebuild all my 60s with this board.Does the BT module support multiple devices?
Yes, you can connect the PCB to up to 5 devices and there is a hotkey to switch between them
That's awesome! I'm definitely in for at least 1, maybe more. I may rebuild all my 60s with this board.Does the BT module support multiple devices?
Yes, you can connect the PCB to up to 5 devices and there is a hotkey to switch between them
Will it support wired mode also? This isn't a deal breaker for me but would be nice to have.
My end goal would be to have a lightweight MX version of a HHKB Pro Hybrid.
Pretty interesting concept! I'd love to try this on a TFV2, which uses a daughterboard in the middle for USB C connection, would it work?
Do you know if this DZ60 CNC 60% brass plate (Plate-A: left shift is 2U) from KBDFans (https://kbdfans.com/collections/60-layout-plate-1/products/dz60-cnc-aluminum-plate?variant=39293765124235) will work with the BT60?
Will there be another run?
UPDATE 16/06/2021:
After lots of testing and iterating, we are happy to announce the BT60 is now in production! There are a total of 480 PCBs in the first batch, half are hotswap and half soldered. They will be heading out to retailers in the next month. Here's the vendor list and prices:
Upgrade Keyboards (USA) - $55-65
https://www.upgradekeyboards.com/product/bt60-60-hotswap-or-soldered-tray-mount-wired-or-wireless-pcb/
Keygem (EU) - €55-60
https://keygem.store/products/bt60-60-bluetooth-pcb?variant=40309989572774
Mechboards (UK) - £60-65 (LIVE)
https://mechboards.co.uk/shop/parts/bt60-pcb/
Hotswap Features:
- Bluetooth connectivity (Works in metal cases!)
- Connect to up to 5 devices
- Weeks of battery life (1200mAh battery included 4x30x80mm)
- Fits into most 60% cases
- Standard ANSI layout
- Solder pads for optional split back space
- USB pins broken out
- ESD Protection
Soldered Extra Features:
- Encoder support
- Lots of layouts (no room for a split space)
We tested the range in a TFV2 with a brass plate and found it to be about 30m in open air.UPDATE 04/03/2021:
After the initial post, a lot of comments were asking for a soldered version with support for multiple layouts. So we decided to go ahead and design just that, it will be sold alongside the hotswap version of the board and has support for the following layouts:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/3wywabQ.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/0h7A6Zr.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/814605142741352518/815705990359285800/unknown.png)
It also has support for a rotary encoder, either in the top right or to the right of a 1.75u right shift. We also tried to fit on a split spacebar but that wouldn't have left space for the module, which lives under the spacebar area. Currently, we are working on testing the new PCB. We are happy with it so far and we will be sending units to beta testers shortly.BT60 - Wireless 60% PCB with standard footprintShow Image(https://i.imgur.com/BCk0AOn.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/2CzcOOD.jpg)
The Polarity Works BT60, a simple, functional, hotswap wireless 60% that drops into most cases. The BT60 focuses on a polished experience rather than every bell and whistle. The Nordic Semiconductor BLE module delivers high performance and excellent range even in metal cases, and in conjunction with ZMK, it delivers the functionality to match. Zephyr's energy optimisation delivers fantastic battery life and with an easy-to-use UF2 bootloader making changes is as simple as drag and drop, no DFU drivers, no programming software, just double-tap reset or use the bootloader keycode and it pops up as a thumb drive. If you wish to make customisations ZMK's module-centric design lets you make changes without installing build environments or screwing around with path variables, just set up a ZMK-config GitHub repository, then build it in the cloud with GitHub actions and download the UF2 directly to your keyboard!
As a drop-in replacement for any DZ60 footprint PCB, it's an easy and inexpensive upgrade to free yourself from wires for weeks at a time.
Quick Demo - https://youtu.be/OJloE9lCjD8 (https://youtu.be/OJloE9lCjD8)
Features:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Weeks of battery life (battery included)
- Fits into most 60% cases
- Hotswap sockets
- Standard ANSI layout
Price:
£50-60
We are still gauging interest and confirming with manufacturers so this is just an estimate. We don't expect this to be higher, though it could drop if there is enough interest.
Feedback:
Let us know what you think of the BT60 here:
https://forms.gle/bT5okqymYH3DGySY9
If you'd like to receive regular updates on the project, head over to our Discord here:
https://discord.gg/X7snWCTAvz
Edit. I see the US vendor is saying July 26th, is solderable also available through US vendors?