[IC] had60 - An accessible, minimal, and universal-ish 60% PCB

[kidpid]

The Kei plates appear to use south facing wires, so that's my preference.

[Hadi]

The Kei plates appear to use south facing wires, so that's my preference.

The plate I plan to use supports either direction so I don’t have a preference. 

South-facing it is! I'll make sure to note it for buyers just in case anyone's expecting north-facing.

[Diggidy]

Would it be possible to have an option to have the USB port deleted? I'd plan to just use a daughterboard and the JST.

[Hadi]

Would it be possible to have an option to have the USB port deleted? I'd plan to just use a daughterboard and the JST.

Sure! I can probably remove it for a small fee, no more than $1-to-2 depending on whether the connector comes off cleanly.

[kidpid]

Would it be possible to have an option to have the USB port deleted? I'd plan to just use a daughterboard and the JST.

Sure! I can probably remove it for a small fee, no more than $1-to-2 depending on whether the connector comes off cleanly.

How difficult would it be to remove with a normal soldering iron? My plan is to put it on the Kei, which uses a daughterboard, but that's not going to ship for a while, so things may change. I wouldn't want to have the port removed in case my plans change and I want to use it on a board that doesn't use a daughterboard.

[Hadi]

Would it be possible to have an option to have the USB port deleted? I'd plan to just use a daughterboard and the JST.

Sure! I can probably remove it for a small fee, no more than $1-to-2 depending on whether the connector comes off cleanly.

How difficult would it be to remove with a normal soldering iron? My plan is to put it on the Kei, which uses a daughterboard, but that's not going to ship for a while, so things may change. I wouldn't want to have the port removed in case my plans change and I want to use it on a board that doesn't use a daughterboard.

I'd recommend just buying two honestly, especially at the price point I'm trying to hit. Happy to give you a small discount since some of the cost comes from packaging.

[kidpid]

I'd recommend just buying two honestly, especially at the price point I'm trying to hit. Happy to give you a small discount since some of the cost comes from packaging.

Haha, quite the tempting upsell. Yeah, I suppose I'll buy two. Won't hurt to have a second anyways!

[Saks]

Answered your google forms asking to consider some extra cut-outs to make another 60% case compatible. PM me if you need extra details!

[Hadi]

Answered your google forms asking to consider some extra cut-outs to make another 60% case compatible. PM me if you need extra details!

I'm guessing this is in reference to the Poseidon PSD60 compatibility? If so, does KPR even have a PCB on the market that makes use of the mounting points for reference?

[Hadi]

Answered your google forms asking to consider some extra cut-outs to make another 60% case compatible. PM me if you need extra details!

You messaged me privately but I'd prefer to keep the correspondence on the thread if that's okay. In short, if you have measurements or a reference file, happy to try to add support! There is certainly room on the bottom for additional slots, but I won't extend compatibility if they interfere with the Unikorn or Kei indentations.

[Saks]

Hi Hadi

Here are the measurement of the standoff of the psd60 case
I would like to give credits to feli_cetti#8427 (don't know if he has user here) to making the measurements of the case for me

I think that it's possible to add support, maybe just the bottom left one are really close to the cut that already have

What about the QMK/VIA support, is it going to be avaliable?

[Hadi]

Hi Hadi

Here are the measurement of the standoff of the psd60 case
I would like to give credits to feli_cetti#8427 (don't know if he has user here) to making the measurements of the case for me

I think that it's possible to add support, maybe just the bottom left one are really close to the cut that already have

What about the QMK/VIA support, is it going to be avaliable?

How confident are you regarding the length of the protrusions? They seem very large and will require modifying the existing indentations in the design.

QMK will be be compatible by default, and VIA support will be added as soon as I get a pull request merged.

[Saks]

Since the QC control of these cases are not the best, to be 100% compatible I guess that it would be necessary a cutoff of half circle with 5mm radius, since the 4mm that we measured varied a bit

[Hadi]

Since the QC control of these cases are not the best, to be 100% compatible I guess that it would be necessary a cutoff of half circle with 5mm radius, since the 4mm that we measured varied a bit

To be honest, I'm not terribly fond of the resultant intersection between the bottom-left mounting position you've specified and that of the Unikorn. The thin section is bound to deform with use, and I don't even think the circle is centered in between the switches--in short, it's just weird. If there were a significant number of similar requests within the thread or the IC form, I'd roll with the shortcoming, but I think a Dremel/file is a better approach since this was originally pitched as an alternative for the Unikorn. Just trying to stay true to what a I imagine people expect of the board.



Alternatively, I can leave the smaller indentations (~3mm) in place as references for DIY'ers to file down until they no longer interfere with the protrusions. I'd also happily run a smaller number of compatible boards in the future. If people have other opinions, please do let me know.

[Zeelobby]

Would love another standard pcb in 1.2mm. But this is cool too.

[DERBS]

Its gonna be a no from me dawg.

Also it doesn't seem like there's gonna be too much room for flex in that case(PSD60), it already seems like a tight fit for the switch pins base on the pics.

[Hadi]

Would love another standard pcb in 1.2mm. But this is cool too.

Happy to tackle other requests, let's just get this first run out the door. I feel like I've been working on it forever ha.

[Hadi]

Its gonna be a no from me dawg.

Also it doesn't seem like there's gonna be too much room for flex in that case(PSD60), it already seems like a tight fit for the switch pins base on the pics.

+++

The top positions are intuitively placed in between switch footprints, but those to the bottom-left seem random. (I imagine it has to do with bottom row interference...?) There was very clearly an attempt at symmetry (see the bottom-right point), though.  In the designer's defense, the original positions for the Unikorn and 356 Mini are kind of wonky, too.

[Zeelobby]

Would love another standard pcb in 1.2mm. But this is cool too.

Happy to tackle other requests, let's just get this first run out the door. I feel like I've been working on it forever ha.

Totally understandable. Hopefully next round

[CPU_Cartel]

Is it possible to add bluetooth capabilities?

[Hadi]

Is it possible to add bluetooth capabilities?

In a future round, sure, just trying to get something super simple and inexpensive out the door to start.

[hkiri]

Support for the PSD60 case would be really appreaciated!
Would be a nice and cheap alternative in combination with this pcb for trying out the gummy worm gasket mount.

[Hadi]

Support for the PSD60 case would be really appreaciated!
Would be a nice and cheap alternative in combination with this pcb for trying out the gummy worm gasket mount.

In order to stay true to the original goals of the project and provide a replacement PCB for the Unikorn (and then the Kei, given the overlap with the extended support added shortly thereafter), I decided to not expand the bottom indentations further at this time. There was only a single request to do so in the IC form (two if you'll count yours), and the mounting positions just seemed kind of random and relatively large. For the few that would like to use this in the PSD60, I imagine simply filing down the edge of the board would work, but I don't have a case in hand to confirm. I'll definitely follow up in the next run, let's just get this version finalized.

[DERBS]

Id love to see the next iteration to support 3-1-3 spacebars :eyes:

[Hadi]

Id love to see the next iteration to support 3-1-3 spacebars :eyes:

Honestly, not a fan of the configuration for 60% boards, but I may concede if there are a ton of requests in a subsequent suggestions/requests form.

[steebs]

any plans for split space? pretty please...

[Hadi]

any plans for split space? pretty please...

Not in this first run, no, but I'll put out a request form afterwards and try to incorporate as many submissions as possible. While LEDs and Bluetooth might be hard given the space constraints imposed by the channels, alternative layouts should be straightforward.

[kidpid]

Are you still waiting on components? I hope I didn't miss the run of this!

[Hadi]

Are you still waiting on components? I hope I didn't miss the run of this!

Just waiting on the boards to ship, hoping to have them up for sale within the next couple of weeks. I'll post here with a link if everything checks out!

[Hadi]

Hi everyone, the 60% PCBs and daughterboards are available now on my website! They are discounted at $25 and $8, respectively, for the next 24 hours. Just sharing on Geekhack for now.
https://senselessclay.com/

The boards comes pre-flashed with ANSI, and you can find instructions to program the board using VIA on the 'Downloads' page pending the merge for official support.
https://senselessclay.com/pages/downloads

Thanks for your patience throughout this process. If you appreciate the affordability of the pieces, please consider donating to help fund additional projects like this one.
 https://senselessclay.com/products/donation

[catamscott]

very cool, definitely in for a few! also it looks like the 'remove pcb' variant is unavailable, is this an error or intentional?

[Extra Fox]

Bought one and a daughter board (just 'cause), gotta support my fellow Oregonians!
P.S. I actually like the distressed looking silk screen on the back.

[Hadi]

very cool, definitely in for a few! also it looks like the 'remove pcb' variant is unavailable, is this an error or intentional?

Intentional and stated in the terms. Stock for variants on a single product are configured separately, so I need to update the two manually to avoid over-selling. One should be available now!

[Hadi]

Bought one and a daughter board (just 'cause), gotta support my fellow Oregonians!
P.S. I actually like the distressed looking silk screen on the back.

Honestly, a part of me wants to complain to the manufacturer, but it's been months and I just want to get over this project. Thanks for the order! Should have it picked up tomorrow.

[wencan008]

Hi everyone, the 60% PCBs and daughterboards are available now on my website! They are discounted at $25 and $8, respectively, for the next 24 hours. Just sharing on Geekhack for now.
https://senselessclay.com/

Hi looking on the site right now, it seems like the discount is already gone?

[Hadi]

Hi everyone, the 60% PCBs and daughterboards are available now on my website! They are discounted at $25 and $8, respectively, for the next 24 hours. Just sharing on Geekhack for now.
https://senselessclay.com/

Hi looking on the site right now, it seems like the discount is already gone?

You messaged me on Discord! Sorry for the hassle, only meant for the discount to apply for single pieces, not multiple. Ended it a little early in light of the mistake.

[it99]

hey Hadi, working on getting a plate done out of POM. Do you happen to have files for a plate with matching flex cuts so I don't lose out on most of the flex? I think you said you were working on also selling those (I'm getting a custom plate for a custom acrylic gasket mount so I have to make my own sadly, prolly can't use the ones you'd sell although I'll prolly still get one lol) so if you have any files you could send me I'd really appreciate it!

[Hadi]

hey Hadi, working on getting a plate done out of POM. Do you happen to have files for a plate with matching flex cuts so I don't lose out on most of the flex? I think you said you were working on also selling those (I'm getting a custom plate for a custom acrylic gasket mount so I have to make my own sadly, prolly can't use the ones you'd sell although I'll prolly still get one lol) so if you have any files you could send me I'd really appreciate it!

I think you messaged me on Discord but I'll reply here in case you're not the same person. No, I do not have any production-ready files at the moment, but I'd honestly just recommend going with a half plate. If you matched the cuts, you'd just add support and end up with really thin areas near the stabilizers.

[Ranger_Trivette]

do you have a drawing of the board?
i need the over-all dimensions (width and length) and the distance of one switch from the sides.

so i'll know if it fit in my board! thanks

[Hadi]

do you have a drawing of the board?
i need the over-all dimensions (width and length) and the distance of one switch from the sides.

so i'll know if it fit in my board! thanks

Hi Ranger. The board is 284.5mm x 93.8mm. FWIW, people generally design keyboards around the GH60 specification. See https://i.imgur.com/LQXco3J.png

[pixelpusher]

Okay, so I've been messing around with my had60 and plates for the past two hours and I've found something that works and feels really nice. 

Background story:
I am a proud owner of a R1 Unikorn.  It looks lovely... but I hate the way it feels.  It must be a combination of the mounting and the switches I chose, but it has no life to it.  It's really boring.  The switches are gateron milky tops, lubed wtih 205g0.  The springs are a bit light on them (can't remember, but I think they were TX 55g or 60g springs).  These are paired with the black aluminum plate from TGR x Singa.   Simply put, I hardly every use it because it feels "off."

Today:
I get my had60 in the mail.  What a flexiboi!  I have a full FR4 and half FR4 plate to try with it.  Well, neither really worked out for me.  It's entirely too flexible to use in the Unikorn case with a 1/2 plate.  We're talking switches hit the bottom of the case with normal typing.  The thing is, the Unikorn has very small clearance under the PCB.  So any large flex is going to cause issues.  I could probably line the case with thin fabric or plastic, but you'll still feel that bottoming out on the case.  The full plate honestly took almost all of the flex out of the PCB.  I really couldn't tell I had a flex cut PCB in it.

Then I remembered I had a PC plate cut about 5 years ago that I had never used.  Oh man... it's perfect.  1.5mm PC is very flexy if you've never tried it.  This setup is perfect for the Unikorn.  If I press hard around the G and H the PCB hits the standoff there.  So, I'll probably line it with paper or tape to be safe.  However, this setup brings my Unikorn to life!  This is what I had expected to feel from the board from day 1.  Really happy that I tried this combo.  POM/Delrin would probably also be a great solution here as well.  I know that Ponoko has it in 1.5mm thickness b/c I had one cut for my Prophet.

I'm also thinking about using the 1/2 plate with the stock PCB.  But that's a story for a later day.

[Hadi]

Okay, so I've been messing around with my had60 and plates for the past two hours and I've found something that works and feels really nice. 

Background story:
I am a proud owner of a R1 Unikorn.  It looks lovely... but I hate the way it feels.  It must be a combination of the mounting and the switches I chose, but it has no life to it.  It's really boring.  The switches are gateron milky tops, lubed wtih 205g0.  The springs are a bit light on them (can't remember, but I think they were TX 55g or 60g springs).  These are paired with the black aluminum plate from TGR x Singa.   Simply put, I hardly every use it because it feels "off."

Today:
I get my had60 in the mail.  What a flexiboi!  I have a full FR4 and half FR4 plate to try with it.  Well, neither really worked out for me.  It's entirely too flexible to use in the Unikorn case with a 1/2 plate.  We're talking switches hit the bottom of the case with normal typing.  The thing is, the Unikorn has very small clearance under the PCB.  So any large flex is going to cause issues.  I could probably line the case with thin fabric or plastic, but you'll still feel that bottoming out on the case.  The full plate honestly took almost all of the flex out of the PCB.  I really couldn't tell I had a flex cut PCB in it.

Then I remembered I had a PC plate cut about 5 years ago that I had never used.  Oh man... it's perfect.  1.5mm PC is very flexy if you've never tried it.  This setup is perfect for the Unikorn.  If I press hard around the G and H the PCB hits the standoff there.  So, I'll probably line it with paper or tape to be safe.  However, this setup brings my Unikorn to life!  This is what I had expected to feel from the board from day 1.  Really happy that I tried this combo.  POM/Delrin would probably also be a great solution here as well.  I know that Ponoko has it in 1.5mm thickness b/c I had one cut for my Prophet.

I'm also thinking about using the 1/2 plate with the stock PCB.  But that's a story for a later day.

Would love more feedback like this! Glad to hear you found a solid combination, pixel.

Your experience with the Unikorn sounds pretty similiar to my own when prototyping, and the lack of space beneath the PCB almost put me off of implementing the board. I'd be appreciative if you have photos of any of the half plate assemblies to send over for future projects. I'm on Discord, hadi#8307.

[beigeandbrown]

Hey there, wanna buy one of these for some ultra flexy no/half plate action on the fjell I just ordered. I was wondering what the thickness of the pcb is? It isn't listed anywhere, I'd assume its normal 1.6mm, but with how much you were aiming for flex, I wouldn't doubt that it could be a 1.2mm.

[Hadi]

Hey there, wanna buy one of these for some ultra flexy no/half plate action on the fjell I just ordered. I was wondering what the thickness of the pcb is? It isn't listed anywhere, I'd assume its normal 1.6mm, but with how much you were aiming for flex, I wouldn't doubt that it could be a 1.2mm.

1.6mm, standard.

[sumbody]

I don't know if anyone here tried to fit this PCB into a Kei, but the different location of the JST header doesn't allow the case to be closed together.
The H60/Plain60 has a different location for the JST head.

The attached image shows the groove where the JST rests within the Kei case

[Hadi]

I don't know if anyone here tried to fit this PCB into a Kei, but the different location of the JST header doesn't allow the case to be closed together.
The H60/Plain60 has a different location for the JST head.

The attached image shows the groove where the JST rests within the Kei case

Mea culpa--Kei compatibility was more of an afterthought in response to feedback in this thread, and I hadn't realized the clearance was so minimal. I'll update the location of the header if I run the board again with a coupon for anyone affected.

[Havattack]

I don't know if anyone here tried to fit this PCB into a Kei, but the different location of the JST header doesn't allow the case to be closed together.
The H60/Plain60 has a different location for the JST head.

The attached image shows the groove where the JST rests within the Kei case

Time to get out the dremel..

[Ranger_Trivette]

hi, i'm trying to buy pcb from senseless clay, but the web site seems offline.
do you know when will be back?

[Extra Fox]

The site indicates he's taking a (early) Summer break, so I'd say some time in the fall.

[Rob27shred]

Anyone have a copy of the VIA hex available? I never got a chance to DL it before the site got locked down.