[IC] Doro67 - Integrated Plate 65% (Updated RGB PCB option, GB coming real soon)

[Gghi]

More details for how the backside looks like. The bottom slab is 3mm thick if you are curious.

(Attachment Link)

  There is still some space at the bottom. Will lower the case in the final prototype.

[Kerasan]

it's thin indeed a brass option would be nice

KMK Labs.

[Gghi]

it's thin indeed a brass option would be nice

KMK Labs.

will be a brass option if got enough interest.

the 3mm bottom is thin but the rubber and screws areas are supported by the top case. it shouldn't be a problem.

[bard]

btw is it compatible with other 65% PCBs (like m65/tada)?

[oldcat]

btw is it compatible with other 65% PCBs (like m65/tada)?

unfortunately no. The customized pcb is included in pricing.

[oldcat]

Keycaps will be lower than normal keebs to avoid making switches visible.

[bthezebra]

Keycaps will be lower than normal keebs to avoid making switches visible.

(Attachment Link)

Just curious possible alps pcb for this buy?

[Gghi]

Keycaps will be lower than normal keebs to avoid making switches visible.

(Attachment Link)

Just curious possible alps pcb for this buy?

Not familiar with alps switches (never use them), will not support alps.

[bthezebra]

Keycaps will be lower than normal keebs to avoid making switches visible.

(Attachment Link)

Just curious possible alps pcb for this buy?

Not familiar with alps switches (never use them), will not support alps.

No worries and thank you for the quick response.

[oldcat]

Keycaps will be lower than normal keebs to avoid making switches visible.

(Attachment Link)

Just curious possible alps pcb for this buy?

Not familiar with alps switches (never use them), will not support alps.

No worries and thank you for the quick response.

Lunar seems a good board for your preference

[bthezebra]

Keycaps will be lower than normal keebs to avoid making switches visible.

(Attachment Link)

Just curious possible alps pcb for this buy?

Not familiar with alps switches (never use them), will not support alps.

No worries and thank you for the quick response.

Lunar seems a good board for your preference

I am definitely watching that thread anticipating the GB, was just curious on this one for the more ideal bottom row layout with blocker. Either way I am sure this buy will have no issue finding many buyers.

[stoic-lemon]

Great to see you fixing what was lacking on the board that inspired this.

[meliewx]

Happy to hear there will be an ISO option. I understand not wanting to cut the plate too much so thank you for another option

Will the final product support iso?

It may cost a little extra ($20) to get a single ISO support plate.

Would be ok. Single layout support plate is better anyways

Yes, dont wanna cut plate too much.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[Darknight00z]

Brass weight?

[oldcat]

Brass weight?

There will not be a brass weight. An optional brass bottom slab add-on may be available if there is enough interest.

[kokoon]

Brass weight?

There will not be a brass weight. An optional brass bottom slab add-on may be available if there is enough interest.

This is me expressing interest.

[Kerasan]

Brass weight?

There will not be a brass weight. An optional brass bottom slab add-on may be available if there is enough interest.

GREAT! 

KMK Labs.

[Fatboychard]

Brass weight?

There will not be a brass weight. An optional brass bottom slab add-on may be available if there is enough interest.

Yes please!

[_ODIN_]

Brass weight?

There will not be a brass weight. An optional brass bottom slab add-on may be available if there is enough interest.

Yes please!

+1

[Gghi]

I am getting the final prototype, should receive that before the end of this month.

[_ODIN_]

I am getting the final prototype, should be received that before the end of this month.

[Darknight00z]

Are there more purple samples, even if it is from DC60? Just want to see how the purple looks.

Thanks!

[Gghi]

Are there more purple samples, even if it is from DC60? Just want to see how the purple looks.

Thanks!

You can check the gallery of our website. We are adding more pics to it.
https://alfstudio.club/DC60Gallery/

[dario]

(Attachment Link)

Is it just me or most of the holes seem to be horribly misaligned with each other (especially on the upper row)?

It almost looks like they were cut by hand. I hope that final product will be better.

[Gghi]

(Attachment Link)

Is it just me or most of the holes seem to be horribly misaligned with each other (especially on the upper row)?

It almost looks like they were cut by hand. I hope that final product will be better.

I don't know which picture makes you think that. But they are aligned perfectly.

[mushubanane]

(Attachment Link)

Is it just me or most of the holes seem to be horribly misaligned with each other (especially on the upper row)?

It almost looks like they were cut by hand. I hope that final product will be better.

Yeah, I don't see what you mean either

[oldcat]

The cuts for the switches are done by CNC and they do align perfectly. Please be assured of that.

[TheNamesTy45]

I. Like. This.

[Gghi]

I. Like. This.

Thanks man!

[dario]

Alright, I have three more questions.

Are you sure 8° is the right number for a slope angle? Seems too steep for me. Most of the other custom keyboards use 6°.

Is white only color available as a premium finish? Can we get some others (like black) too?

What is the method beyond "regular" colors? Are they anodized or powder coated?

Is there any chance we might get split-backspace as a default? I honestly think most people would like to have it that way.

Thanks.

[breckstar]

Are you sure 8° is the right number for a slope angle? Seems too steep for me. Most of the other custom keyboards use 6°.

I agree here. IMO 8 is too steep for SA because R1 doesn't feel right. OP states that this design should be more comfortable with SA by having a lower over height profile. Based on the prototype, it appears to be shorter (we haven't seen a base yet and this is purely based on the caps sitting under the lip and not over the lip which the M65 does by about 1mm) than a M65 since the keycaps sit below the edge lip. This could make 8 degrees bareable but I would prefer a lower angle as to feel the sculpt of SA better. 

[oldcat]

Alright, I have three more questions.

Are you sure 8° is the right number for a slope angle? Seems too steep for me. Most of the other custom keyboards use 6°.

Is white only color available as a premium finish? Can we get some others (like black) too?

What is the method beyond "regular" colors? Are they anodized or powder coated?

Is there any chance we might get split-backspace as a default? I honestly think most people would like to have it that way.

Thanks.

Hello, thanks for your feedback!

Regarding your questions:
1. It will be 8 degrees. We feel it works well with SA.
2. Regular colors are anodized.
3. The default option will not have any splits or ISO. Customizations for splits or ISO can be added at a small fee.

We are already making our second prototype, the GB will start very soon with the specification of the second prototype.

[dario]

Hello, thanks for your feedback!

Regarding your questions:
1. It will be 8 degrees. We feel it works well with SA.

How does this work with regular Cherry profile?

I'm interested in getting new GMK Chocolatier. There has to be some angle which is considered as a default for Cherry profile. Does anybody know what would that be?

The default option will not have any splits or ISO. Customizations for splits or ISO can be added at a small fee.

If I choose split spacebar  + split backspace, would that cost 20+20 or is it just $20 for any kind of modification?

BTW, please consider adding black (or, even better, titanium grey) as a smooth premium finish.

[Gghi]

Are you sure 8° is the right number for a slope angle? Seems too steep for me. Most of the other custom keyboards use 6°.

I agree here. IMO 8 is too steep for SA because R1 doesn't feel right. OP states that this design should be more comfortable with SA by having a lower over height profile. Based on the prototype, it appears to be shorter (we haven't seen a base yet and this is purely based on the caps sitting under the lip and not over the lip which the M65 does by about 1mm) than a M65 since the keycaps sit below the edge lip. This could make 8 degrees bareable but I would prefer a lower angle as to feel the sculpt of SA better.

Thanks for your feedback！
I really dont think 2 degree will make that much difference. I once made a 7 degree keyboard, I decide 8 mainly based on my experience on that keyboard.
There will be more pics to release this week. Both the first and second prototype with caps on them. myself is looking forward to see them.

[Gghi]

Hello, thanks for your feedback!

Regarding your questions:
1. It will be 8 degrees. We feel it works well with SA.

How does this work with regular Cherry profile?

I'm interested in getting new GMK Chocolatier. There has to be some angle which is considered as a default for Cherry profile. Does anybody know what would that be?

The default option will not have any splits or ISO. Customizations for splits or ISO can be added at a small fee.

If I choose split spacebar  + split backspace, would that cost 20+20 or is it just $20 for any kind of modification?

BTW, please consider adding black (or, even better, titanium grey) as a smooth premium finish.

that will be $20, for any possible layout. I am not sure what is this premium finish like, but we do have black and titanium grey.

[dario]

that will be $20, for any possible layout.

Sounds good. Are new holes for split spacebar/backspace drilled on an existiig (already drilled) plate or is completely custom bespoke layout without any redudant holes?

I am not sure what is this premium finish like, but we do have black and titanium grey.

Hm, I'm not sure I understand. I know you have titanium grey as anodization option, but do you have it as a premium smooth finish (like everest white)?

If you have that, I actually think I'm willing to experiment, pay extra and just wait and see how it turns out.

[Gghi]

that will be $20, for any possible layout.

Sounds good. Are new holes for split spacebar/backspace drilled on an existiig (already drilled) plate or is completely custom bespoke layout without any redudant holes?

I am not sure what is this premium finish like, but we do have black and titanium grey.

Hm, I'm not sure I understand. I know you have titanium grey as anodization option, but do you have it as a premium smooth finish (like everest white)?

If you have that, I actually think I'm willing to experiment, pay extra and just wait and see how it turns out.

The holes are completely customized as long as fit the PCB.
We don't have smooth finish except the white one.

[dario]

What kinds of split-spacebar configurations PCB supports? Can we take a look at the PCB bottom row? Does it maybe support 2-1-1-2 or 2-1-2 spacebar?

[Gghi]

What kinds of split-spacebar configurations PCB supports? Can we take a look at the PCB bottom row? Does it maybe support 2-1-1-2 or 2-1-2 spacebar?

The test PCB is not final, I will update possible layout later. I'm not sure what is this 2-1-1-2 spacebar like, literally 2u 1u 1u 2u? probably not.

[oldcat]

ALF is back in town tomorrow to anodize the last DC60 GB cases! The second prototype for Doro67 is coming soon...

[dario]

The test PCB is not final, I will update possible layout later. I'm not sure what is this 2-1-1-2 spacebar like, literally 2u 1u 1u 2u? probably not.

Yeah, 2u 1u 2u, or 2u 1u 1u 2u.

I know it's an unusual ideal, but here's what I had in mind: it's the only way to have a proper convex spacebar(s).

Most split-spacebars people do these days are 2.75-1.25-2.25, which makes for 6.25U in total. However, I think this is a horrible solution because people use shiftt keys which are concave and not really made for pressing sideways using a thumb. Even regular 6.25 convex spacebars are not comfortable to press with a thumb (that's why people do fipped spacebars), and I can only try to imagine what would it be like to press a 2.75 shift key with my thumb. Dear god, it's not a keyboard, it's a medieval torture device.

However, most modern keysets offer (albeit as an extra spacebars pack) at least two 2U convex spacebars.

For example this: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=96481.0

So, if you put 2-1-2 you can get 5U width in total or 2-1-1-2 to get 6U, which is perfectly normal spacebar size and makes it easy to arrange other bottom row keys.

Give it a thought, I think it makes sense.

[Gghi]

The test PCB is not final, I will update possible layout later. I'm not sure what is this 2-1-1-2 spacebar like, literally 2u 1u 1u 2u? probably not.

Yeah, 2u 1u 2u, or 2u 1u 1u 2u.

I know it's an unusual ideal, but here's what I had in mind: it's the only way to have a proper convex spacebar(s).

Most split-spacebars people do these days are 2.75-1.25-2.25, which makes for 6.25U in total. However, I think this is a horrible solution because people use shiftt keys which are concave and not really made for pressing sideways using a thumb. Even regular 6.25 convex spacebars are not comfortable to press with a thumb (that's why people do fipped spacebars), and I can only try to imagine what would it be like to press a 2.75 shift key with my thumb. Dear god, it's not a keyboard, it's a medieval torture device.

However, most modern keysets offer (albeit as an extra spacebars pack) at least two 2U convex spacebars.

For example this: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=96481.0

So, if you put 2-1-2 you can get 5U width in total or 2-1-1-2 to get 6U, which is perfectly normal spacebar size and makes it easy to arrange other bottom row keys.

Give it a thought, I think it makes sense.

Thanks for your feedback. I agree that 2.75/2.25 split is not comfortable. unfortunately, this 2-1-1-2 split spacebar will probably not be supported.

1. I don't think GMK or SP have 2U convex spacebars. correct me if I'm wrong. I know some profile like XDA have concave 2U, but they also have convex 2.25 and 2.75.

2. I don't think there will be enough demand for this split.

[_ODIN_]

will the PCB support in-switch/ trough hole LEDs ?

[dario]

Thanks for your feedback. I agree that 2.75/2.25 split is not comfortable. unfortunately, this 2-1-1-2 split spacebar will probably not be supported.

1. I don't think GMK or SP have 2U convex spacebars. correct me if I'm wrong. I know some profile like XDA have concave 2U, but they also have convex 2.25 and 2.75.

Actually, GMK does produce convex 2U spacebars. Just open up the last interest checks page here on geekhack. Almost all of the popular keysets do have 2U spacebars as an extra (GMK Chocolatier, GMK Carbon R2 etc.)

2. I don't think there will be enough demand for this split.

What about split-backspace? Is there any hope for that? If we can't even get split-backspace, then that would be a very bad news, enough for me to give up on this IC.

[Gghi]

Thanks for your feedback. I agree that 2.75/2.25 split is not comfortable. unfortunately, this 2-1-1-2 split spacebar will probably not be supported.

1. I don't think GMK or SP have 2U convex spacebars. correct me if I'm wrong. I know some profile like XDA have concave 2U, but they also have convex 2.25 and 2.75.

Actually, GMK does produce convex 2U spacebars. Just open up the last interest checks page here on geekhack. Almost all of the popular keysets do have 2U spacebars as an extra (GMK Chocolatier, GMK Carbon R2 etc.)

2. I don't think there will be enough demand for this split.

What about split-backspace? Is there any hope for that? If we can't even get split-backspace, then that would be a very bad news, enough for me to give up on this IC.

Please notice that these "convex 2U" are only in the renders.
we do offer split backspace, and split spacebar (2.75 1.25 2.25 mainly).

[Gghi]

will the PCB support in-switch/ trough hole LEDs ?

This PCB will not. Only caps indicator. My friend is making more powerful PCB tho.

[_ODIN_]

will the PCB support in-switch/ trough hole LEDs ?

This PCB will not. Only caps indicator. My friend is making more powerful PCB tho.

Will you be able to buy it during the GB?

[Gghi]

will the PCB support in-switch/ trough hole LEDs ?

This PCB will not. Only caps indicator. My friend is making more powerful PCB tho.

Will you be able to buy it during the GB?

I will check with my friend before GB start.

[_ODIN_]

will the PCB support in-switch/ trough hole LEDs ?

This PCB will not. Only caps indicator. My friend is making more powerful PCB tho.

Will you be able to buy it during the GB?

I will check with my friend before GB start.

Thanks

[dario]

Since I'm planing on buying this thing, I almost feel obligated to try to further improve the design of the boards.

So I was looking at the pictures you provided and two things came to my mind:

- you should try to make it as low as possible. OP stated in the first post his goal from the start was to make a low profile keyboard, and I certainly encourage that. However, there seem to be few millimetres left inside that could be used to lower the plate even more.

One of the keys of making a low profile keyboard is a thin slab at the bottom, so I don't mind it's just 3 mm. More than enough weight in total considering the thickness of the upper part. However, feets seem to be placed on a thin slab and that bring us to my next point:

- feets are way too small and wimpy looking for such a heavy board. I mean, just look at this thing



Feets in general are known as the first point of failure on any keyboard, and this is why they should be generously sized. I don't want those tiny feet to unglue after 6 months of use. Look at Clueboard feets.



And then, finally, speaking of feets, placement is not unimportant. In this case, since Doro67 is basically just one giant plate, the best way to place them would be on a plate itself. This kind of design would provide firm, rigid sense of being anchored to the table. Placing feets on a slab brings risk of resonance and small vibrations when typing. I think it's a good idea to make an iregular shape slab that "avoids" feets on the corners of the case.