[IC] 651 Keyboard - A Minimalist 65% - Project Open Sourced

[spooknik]

Project is open sourced now. Please use the files for whatever you wish 

Project Site


Hello everyone,

This is Spooknik from Keyboard Collective. I have a design for a 65% keyboard design that I'd like to do an interest check for. 

It's called the 651 Keyboard. 65% + First design = 651.

Please fill  out the IC form here.





About

The 651 is based on Scandinavian Modern Movement of design. It emphasizes a minimalism and simplicity combined with functionalism and aesthetics. I'd done my best to incorporate all of these traits into the 651 Keyboard.

• Simplistic - Large bezel that is equal distance the whole way around. 
• Minimalism - There are no outward facing logos, branding, screws, or seams. No unnecessary curves, fillets, or chamfers. Everything you need nothing you don't.
• Functionalism - The side profile has cutouts that allow the user to pick up and move the keyboard easily. Large chamfer protects edges from damage. All parts are held together by the same length M3 screws.
• Aesthetics - Modern and simple looks that will stay timeless for years. The bezel and large chamfer allows a better transition between your desk and keycaps. Heavy and solid board.

I've written a small article about my design philosophy if anyone cares to read it.



Details

Case:
Blocker or Non-Blocker bottom row [Depends on IC numbers]
6061 Alu
65% Layout
Unibody Design
Top mount
7 Degree Angle
2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)

Plate:
1.5 mm plate
Screws to case with 12 M3x5mm
Brass, Aluminum and maybe POM
Supports ANSI and ISO
Separate MX and Alps Plates

Weight:
Internal
Sandblasted Brass
Natural color PVD coating
Not Shiny
~0.6 kg (1.3 lbs)

PCB:
QMK
USB-C
ESD Protection
MX & ALPS
RGB Underglow
LED backlighting for key swtiches
Maybe Bluetooth [Voice your opinion in IC]


Layouts


MX Layout


Alps Layout

Pictures
















Brass PVD Sample


Internal Weight - View of bottom from inside.


Plate Assembly


Bottom Assembly


Back Profile

Maybe more pictures on Google Photos

Current Status

Two prototypes have been made.

IC form is live and community feedback is welcomed!

Please fill  out the IC form here.

[dexie]

Those renders have Rama vibes. Thick bezels are not my thing, but design definitely looks really cool.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[_ODIN_]

Interested

Gesendet von meinem H8416 mit Tapatalk

[spooknik]

Interested

Gesendet von meinem H8416 mit Tapatalk

 

Those renders have Rama vibes. Thick bezels are not my thing, but design definitely looks really cool.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Rama is a huge inspiration for me. No surprise there's some similarities between our styles. 

[lolafineday]

Love it but I feel like functionality wise it doesn't offer "more" than other boards. Nothing seems super outstanding exept for design.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[Kaktus]

Definitely interested if there is a dark grey version. 

[lac29]

Love it but I feel like functionality wise it doesn't offer "more" than other boards. Nothing seems super outstanding exept for design.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Meh, I think very few boards offer something most people would call truly new or innovative. All of them rely on aesthetics and design.

I'd like to see Bluetooth implemented as I'm still waiting for it to become a mainstream feature in custom kbs (especially 65%). I like the consistent use of one type of screw and general design philosophy. The keysets in one or two of the photos/renders looked high ... is there a typical distance keycaps are set under the level of the surrounding bezel of the case?

[lolafineday]

Love it but I feel like functionality wise it doesn't offer "more" than other boards. Nothing seems super outstanding exept for design.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Meh, I think very few boards offer something most people would call truly new or innovative. All of them rely on aesthetics and design.

I'd like to see Bluetooth implemented as I'm still waiting for it to become a mainstream feature in custom kbs (especially 65%). I like the consistent use of one type of screw and general design philosophy. The keysets in one or two of the photos/renders looked high ... is there a typical distance keycaps are set under the level of the surrounding bezel of the case?

True I agree with your statement. You can't really offer something really new... In this hobby you need to choose your board. Choose one that you think is perfect for you. Because buying any board beyond that will make no sense as they are similar.


Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

[spooknik]

Definitely interested if there is a dark grey version. 

There will be an option for this color. Here's a color sample render.

Love it but I feel like functionality wise it doesn't offer "more" than other boards. Nothing seems super outstanding exept for design.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Meh, I think very few boards offer something most people would call truly new or innovative. All of them rely on aesthetics and design.

I'd like to see Bluetooth implemented as I'm still waiting for it to become a mainstream feature in custom kbs (especially 65%). I like the consistent use of one type of screw and general design philosophy. The keysets in one or two of the photos/renders looked high ... is there a typical distance keycaps are set under the level of the surrounding bezel of the case?

So far the IC has been very positive towards Bluetooth. I'll try to make it happen if it's feasible. But people will likely have to pick between a weight and a battery.

For the keycap height in the renders I just tried to a line things based on the height of MX switches, probably wasn't totally accurate in the render. But the prototype turned out correct for keycap height. I used matt3o's guide for calculating the height of the top from the plate.

Love it but I feel like functionality wise it doesn't offer "more" than other boards. Nothing seems super outstanding exept for design.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

It's a good point you bring up. The board functionality wise is not revolutionary, but it's not about that.

It's about functionalist - the design of the board is shaped by the function.

i.e. the side notches in the board are there not because they look cool, but because you need them to lift a heavy board when you need to adjust it on your desk. Similarly the notches on either side of the weight are designed so you can install it without pinching fingers.

[kristmascane]

Wew thats a lot of plate mounting points. If you're going for a really stiff board, that'll do it.

[spooknik]

Wew thats a lot of plate mounting points. If you're going for a really stiff board, that'll do it.

Yea, it's pretty solid if you want it to be. Otherwise if you only screw in 8 of the screws and has a bit of flex.

I really want to try to make POM plates a thing for the GB so people can have the flex if they want it.

[rowie]

Interested to see where this goes. I filled out the form. Glad to see a keyboard with nice thick bezels. I don’t own one yet so I’m shopping around. Thick bezels offers a nice frame for my keycap collection. Plus I don’t feel like I’m being cheated out of material with the common thin bezel keyboards out in the wild. If I’m going to pay premium prices then I surely want as much material that a premium keyboard can offer.

[spooknik]

Interested to see where this goes. I filled out the form. Glad to see a keyboard with nice thick bezels. I don’t own one yet so I’m shopping around. Thick bezels offers a nice frame for my keycap collection. Plus I don’t feel like I’m being cheated out of material with the common thin bezel keyboards out in the wild. If I’m going to pay premium prices then I surely want as much material that a premium keyboard can offer.

Thanks for the support 

[Myoth]

looks nice, but something turns me off about the layouts, there is no "true" tsangan, like this : http://prntscr.com/nr1305


would you consider adding it ?

[xantiema]

So excited for this, question is how many to purchase  )

I feel like the standard weight-less design is far more aesthetic and flush with the rest of the design principles. Something off about the two screws holding in the weight and the two indents on each side - have you considered other methods of attachment or are those too complex (increasing price / manufacturing difficulty?) - was thinking of screw-in from the inside or like a drop-in to a larger square, with the smaller portruding frm the backside etc.

[spooknik]

looks nice, but something turns me off about the layouts, there is no "true" tsangan, like this : http://prntscr.com/nr1305


would you consider adding it ?

I can try to make it fit, but the bottom row is pretty 'crowded' on the PCB. I can't promise anything.

So excited for this, question is how many to purchase  )

I feel like the standard weight-less design is far more aesthetic and flush with the rest of the design principles. Something off about the two screws holding in the weight and the two indents on each side - have you considered other methods of attachment or are those too complex (increasing price / manufacturing difficulty?) - was thinking of screw-in from the inside or like a drop-in to a larger square, with the smaller portruding frm the backside etc.

Thanks for the nice words!

The two indents on the side of the weight are do you can install and uninstall the weight without pinching your fingers.
I'll see what I can do about the design of it though, I wanted to take another look. Would be cool to have a brass logo on the back that is also the weight. We'll see how it goes

[Vireca]

Really cool design but the bezels. I mean, i like them but they usually makes typing a bit difficult or uncomfortable.

Any idea about the price?

[spooknik]

Really cool design but the bezels. I mean, i like them but they usually makes typing a bit difficult or uncomfortable.

Any idea about the price?

It doesn't make typing unconformable for me and others who have tested it (around 4-5 people). Comfort is subjective, so if typing on a Novatouch is uncomfortable because of the reach, then this probably will be too.

Price is TBD at this point. I'll do my best to keep the prices as affordable as possible.

[Ashardalon]

I saw a good number of colour options. For things like the white and black, will these be electrophoresis, cerakote, or MAO? Also do you have an idea of what the purple shade would be?

[vicissitude]

interested.
The design of the weight and bottom case is attractive.

[spooknik]

I saw a good number of colour options. For things like the white and black, will these be electrophoresis, cerakote, or MAO? Also do you have an idea of what the purple shade would be?

Black will be regular ol' sandblasted anodization .
White will be via electrophoresis.
The purple i'm aiming for will be close to CA66's purple. (not an exact match, but just in that area or more on the blue side)

interested.
The design of the weight and bottom case is attractive.

Thanks for the support

[Xynerorias]

YES my dude! Full black with no blocker is so nice looking, so clean!

[spooknik]

YES my dude! Full black with no blocker is so nice looking, so clean!

Glad you like it, thanks for the support!

[spooknik]

[Update]

PCB prototypes have arrived. 





Also a picture with Alps swtiches and AEK/M0116 Caps.

[Kaktus]

Looks very promising. Do you have any idea what the grey color will look like?

I hope it's kinda dark. I think this could be absolutely amazing combined with oblivion v2.

[spooknik]

Looks very promising. Do you have any idea what the grey color will look like?

I hope it's kinda dark. I think this could be absolutely amazing combined with oblivion v2.

I'm aiming for this shade of grey. So on the darker end. Keep in mind it's just a render IRL it'll probably be darker.

[Kaktus]

Looks very promising. Do you have any idea what the grey color will look like?

I hope it's kinda dark. I think this could be absolutely amazing combined with oblivion v2.

I'm aiming for this shade of grey. So on the darker end. Keep in mind it's just a render IRL it'll probably be darker.

Show Image

That looks actually really good :) Do you think you will produce a real life sample before the group buy phase starts? So that we have actual Photos of the colors?

[spooknik]

Looks very promising. Do you have any idea what the grey color will look like?

I hope it's kinda dark. I think this could be absolutely amazing combined with oblivion v2.

I'm aiming for this shade of grey. So on the darker end. Keep in mind it's just a render IRL it'll probably be darker.

Show Image

That looks actually really good :) Do you think you will produce a real life sample before the group buy phase starts? So that we have actual Photos of the colors?

Yes, hopefully we can do color samples to show during the GB, so people can know exactly what color things will be. We'll do a few more prototypes, so those can also be used for color sampling.

[PvtSkittles]

I really love the look of the non-spacered version - everything is nice and uniform. With the spacered version, I can't help but wonder if the bezels were kept at a uniform width with the spacer, but then that takes away from the main feature of the chunky bezels I feel like.

[spooknik]

I really love the look of the non-spacered version - everything is nice and uniform. With the spacered version, I can't help but wonder if the bezels were kept at a uniform width with the spacer, but then that takes away from the main feature of the chunky bezels I feel like.

Thanks for the support!

That's an interesting idea, I might have to try to see what that looks like. I think you're right, it sorta defeats the idea of the thick bezels. The spacer is 0.5U which is about 0.9525‬ cm. The bezels are about 1.9 cm so it would need to loose like 1cm of 'chuck'.

[hicals]

Is there a quantity limit?
When does GB begin?
Will there be additional yellow?

[spooknik]

Is there a quantity limit?
When does GB begin?
Will there be additional yellow?

No limit is planned.

I don't know when the GB will start, the IC is still running. I'd like to do a final prototype and maybe color samples before a GB though.

Probably won't be a yellow color, I don't see it being very popular.

[Marutks]

I like this board. It looks good with MT3 keycaps.

+ It would be nice to have plate with ANSI Enter ONLY cutouts.  I don't like huge ISO Enter cutouts.
+ Center USB port would be better.   

[spooknik]

I like this board. It looks good with MT3 keycaps.

+ It would be nice to have plate with ANSI Enter ONLY cutouts.  I don't like huge ISO Enter cutouts.
+ Center USB port would be better.

Thanks for the interesting and feedback.

Unfortunately, the plate will be universal. Sorry if this doesn't appeal to you, but I want to try to suppose as many people as possible. Being an ISO user myself, this is pretty important to me. I will however release plate files that are ANSI or ISO only, so you can laser cut your own plate. Hopefully that's a fair a solution

The USB port in the middle i'm open to, I can try to see how the looks in CAD.

[lewisflude]

I like this board. It looks good with MT3 keycaps.

+ It would be nice to have plate with ANSI Enter ONLY cutouts.  I don't like huge ISO Enter cutouts.
+ Center USB port would be better.

Thanks for the interesting and feedback.

Unfortunately, the plate will be universal. Sorry if this doesn't appeal to you, but I want to try to suppose as many people as possible. Being an ISO user myself, this is pretty important to me. I will however release plate files that are ANSI or ISO only, so you can laser cut your own plate. Hopefully that's a fair a solution

The USB port in the middle i'm open to, I can try to see how the looks in CAD.

As a fellow ISO user I’d like to chime in and say I’m really happy you’re going universal for this. Plenty of boards that do ANSI only and don’t provide an ISO option at all.

[spooknik]

I like this board. It looks good with MT3 keycaps.

+ It would be nice to have plate with ANSI Enter ONLY cutouts.  I don't like huge ISO Enter cutouts.
+ Center USB port would be better.

Thanks for the interesting and feedback.

Unfortunately, the plate will be universal. Sorry if this doesn't appeal to you, but I want to try to suppose as many people as possible. Being an ISO user myself, this is pretty important to me. I will however release plate files that are ANSI or ISO only, so you can laser cut your own plate. Hopefully that's a fair a solution

The USB port in the middle i'm open to, I can try to see how the looks in CAD.

As a fellow ISO user I’d like to chime in and say I’m really happy you’re going universal for this. Plenty of boards that do ANSI only and don’t provide an ISO option at all.

Cheers 

[spooknik]

I like this board. It looks good with MT3 keycaps.

+ It would be nice to have plate with ANSI Enter ONLY cutouts.  I don't like huge ISO Enter cutouts.
+ Center USB port would be better.

Just an update. I put the USB in the center and it looks pretty good. I think I'll go with this.

[TuCZnak]

Fellow ISO user chiming in, thanks for standing up for us!
Is the USB a daughterboard, or will it be on the main PCB?

[spooknik]

Fellow ISO user chiming in, thanks for standing up for us!
Is the USB a daughterboard, or will it be on the main PCB?

 

It will be on the main PCB. Similar to the how the Canoe PCB does it.

[FatOldGuy]

Love the clean aesthetic! I can see this being my first f-row-less build.

Cool story... I added a note about to the IC form about how it would be nice to see a numpad with the same design style. Directly after submitting, I poke around the website and see there is an exact match, the 201 Numpad! Unfortunately it has been put on the back-burner... but at least there is hope.

[spooknik]

Love the clean aesthetic! I can see this being my first f-row-less build.

Cool story... I added a note about to the IC form about how it would be nice to see a numpad with the same design style. Directly after submitting, I poke around the website and see there is an exact match, the 201 Numpad! Unfortunately it has been put on the back-burner... but at least there is hope.

Thanks for the support!

I'd love to do a run of the 201. I don't make any promises but maybe after the 651 is done and the dust is settled. We'd probably need like 30 or 35 people on board, I think that's a tall order for a numpad. But I'm open to trying.

[Cods]

If this has both non-solder swappable switches and Bluetooth, count me in!

[derPuntigamer]

If the price is not too high, I will probably prefer this to the upcoming Keebwerk .mega. Let's see if I can resist ISO hotswap for a 65% board.

[obtuse]

This looks really slick, I'm in! Getting some rama vibes from it

[spooknik]

If this has both non-solder swappable switches and Bluetooth, count me in!

Bluetooth is a strong possibility. Many many people asked for it in the IC. Hotswap will not be possible with all the layouts I want to support.

This looks really slick, I'm in! Getting some rama vibes from it

Thanks, I really look up to Rama so it's a huge compliment

If the price is not too high, I will probably prefer this to the upcoming Keebwerk .nano. Let's see if I can resist ISO hotswap for a 65% board.

Thanks for the interest! Hopefully we can make it a good price, we've gotten a huge amount of people who filled out the IC.

[swangful]

I like this board. It looks good with MT3 keycaps.

+ It would be nice to have plate with ANSI Enter ONLY cutouts.  I don't like huge ISO Enter cutouts.
+ Center USB port would be better.

Just an update. I put the USB in the center and it looks pretty good. I think I'll go with this.

Show Image

Have you considered lowering the USB port? Thats super tall

[spooknik]

I like this board. It looks good with MT3 keycaps.

+ It would be nice to have plate with ANSI Enter ONLY cutouts.  I don't like huge ISO Enter cutouts.
+ Center USB port would be better.

Just an update. I put the USB in the center and it looks pretty good. I think I'll go with this.

Show Image

Have you considered lowering the USB port? Thats super tall

I'll look into it. I actually think the render isn't correct and it's higher than it should be. But the USB will be part of the main PCB so it will be a bit higher in general.

[dr_unconscionable]

Love the chunky bezels! The non blockered look is definitely cleaner imo. Following with interest!

[Cods]

If this has both non-solder swappable switches and Bluetooth, count me in!

Bluetooth is a strong possibility. Many many people asked for it in the IC. Hotswap will not be possible with all the layouts I want to support.

Regarding no-hotswap, fair enough - Bluetooth and reprogramming will be the deciders for me. I’ll have to find someone who can solder switches though!

Looks great!

[spooknik]

If this has both non-solder swappable switches and Bluetooth, count me in!

Bluetooth is a strong possibility. Many many people asked for it in the IC. Hotswap will not be possible with all the layouts I want to support.

Regarding no-hotswap, fair enough - Bluetooth and reprogramming will be the deciders for me. I’ll have to find someone who can solder switches though!

Looks great!

I'm working with someone on the Bluetooth. I'm pretty sure it won't be QMK, but it will be something like TMK instead. Eitherway it will be reprogrammable in someway. 

Love the chunky bezels! The non blockered look is definitely cleaner imo. Following with interest!

Thanks a lot for the interest 

[TuCZnak]

I'm working with someone on the Bluetooth. I'm pretty sure it won't be QMK, but it will be something like TMK instead. Eitherway it will be reprogrammable in someway. 

To be honest, I'd rather have QMK than Bluetooth, if these two were mutually exclusive. QMK supports BT though, so what's the issue?

[Marutks]

I am not sure if bluetooth is a good idea

+ LEDs/backlighting will drain battery very quickly
+ how will bluetooth signal escape thick aluminium case?

[spooknik]

I am not sure if bluetooth is a good idea

+ LEDs/backlighting will drain battery very quickly
+ how will bluetooth signal escape thick aluminium case?

If someone wants to run LEDs and backlighting  on battery that's their choice. You can actually fit a pretty big battery in the case, so you'd probably get a few hours of battery life. These things can be turned off of course. The board can also be plugged in if the lights want to be run for longer term.

The bluetooth module will be mounted on the bottom of the PCB by the space bar, so the plate will have an extra hole in it to let the signal out. This is what the CA66 is doing and I've heard it works pretty well. Of course we'll test it and if it doesn't work we'll figure something else out.

I'm working with someone on the Bluetooth. I'm pretty sure it won't be QMK, but it will be something like TMK instead. Eitherway it will be reprogrammable in someway. 

To be honest, I'd rather have QMK than Bluetooth, if these two were mutually exclusive. QMK supports BT though, so what's the issue?

Well, there will be a non-bluetooth version of the PCB that will 100% have QMK (I already have that made). A bluetooth PCB will be available as an upgrade.

QMK has only been tested on some hardware, most of it being pretty expensive. Whereas something like ydkb can use the cheap and common hc01 module. (KBDfans YD68 did this)

[hansikhouse]

Would definitely be in for white. Prototype looks so cleaaaaaan.

[GigaFlop]

I like the understated chunkiness of this. Looks hefty, but not too hefty.

[cronohack]

I think it looks great even with the thick bezels. Personally though if it's going to be bulky, why not add more uniqueness to it? Something like what CA66 did with the layout. Anyway that's just me.

[spooknik]

I think it looks great even with the thick bezels. Personally though if it's going to be bulky, why not add more uniqueness to it? Something like what CA66 did with the layout. Anyway that's just me.

I wanted to do a 'classic' layout first.

I like what the CA66 does for layout though and designing a version with that layout wouldn't be that difficult. Might happen in the future, who knows. 

I like the understated chunkiness of this. Looks hefty, but not too hefty.

Call me crazy, but without a brass weight and plate, it's actually not unreasonably heavy. It won't move while you type, but picking it up isn't a strain.

This is pretty subjective though, lots of people have told me it looks way too heavy.

[ZG2047]

I would buy the PCB if it's compatible

[GigaFlop]

I like the understated chunkiness of this. Looks hefty, but not too hefty.

Call me crazy, but without a brass weight and plate, it's actually not unreasonably heavy. It won't move while you type, but picking it up isn't a strain.

This is pretty subjective though, lots of people have told me it looks way too heavy.

It *looks* solid and hefty. I currently use a hipro alu case on a Tada68, and I'm a fan of the heft.

[derPuntigamer]

I am not sure if bluetooth is a good idea

+ LEDs/backlighting will drain battery very quickly
+ how will bluetooth signal escape thick aluminium case?

If someone wants to run LEDs and backlighting  on battery that's their choice. You can actually fit a pretty big battery in the case, so you'd probably get a few hours of battery life. These things can be turned off of course. The board can also be plugged in if the lights want to be run for longer term.

The bluetooth module will be mounted on the bottom of the PCB by the space bar, so the plate will have an extra hole in it to let the signal out. This is what the CA66 is doing and I've heard it works pretty well. Of course we'll test it and if it doesn't work we'll figure something else out.

I'm working with someone on the Bluetooth. I'm pretty sure it won't be QMK, but it will be something like TMK instead. Eitherway it will be reprogrammable in someway. 

To be honest, I'd rather have QMK than Bluetooth, if these two were mutually exclusive. QMK supports BT though, so what's the issue?

Well, there will be a non-bluetooth version of the PCB that will 100% have QMK (I already have that made). A bluetooth PCB will be available as an upgrade.

QMK has only been tested on some hardware, most of it being pretty expensive. Whereas something like ydkb can use the cheap and common hc01 module. (KBDfans YD68 did this)

Does this mean that you would be able to start the groupbuy if bluetooth would not be an option? I have got it from some other ICs as well, that adding bluetooth is serious effort (QMK compatibility, battery, antenne / interference with an alu case) and I don't know what percentage of people are interested in Bluetooth (have never seen IC results on the topic).

[tobiasvl]

I'm working with someone on the Bluetooth. I'm pretty sure it won't be QMK, but it will be something like TMK instead. Eitherway it will be reprogrammable in someway. 

What is it about Bluetooth that makes QMK infeasible, but TMK feasible? QMK is a fork of TMK, has it diverged that much? Perhaps the community could port it to QMK, I think that's been done for several TMK boards in the past?

I kinda agree with the people who say that this keyboard doesn't do too much new stuff (not that that's a problem), but if it had Bluetooth and QMK it would be something special.

[spooknik]

I'm working with someone on the Bluetooth. I'm pretty sure it won't be QMK, but it will be something like TMK instead. Eitherway it will be reprogrammable in someway. 

What is it about Bluetooth that makes QMK infeasible, but TMK feasible? QMK is a fork of TMK, has it diverged that much? Perhaps the community could port it to QMK, I think that's been done for several TMK boards in the past?

I kinda agree with the people who say that this keyboard doesn't do too much new stuff (not that that's a problem), but if it had Bluetooth and QMK it would be something special.

From what i understand Bluetooth hardware support for QMK is limited. So you have to use exact hardware for it to work. I'm working with PlayKeyboard who used a designer that seemed to figure it out for the G60BLE.

Yea, I'm really pushing for Bluetooth here, I think a lot of people would jump on board for that.

Does this mean that you would be able to start the groupbuy if bluetooth would not be an option? I have got it from some other ICs as well, that adding bluetooth is serious effort (QMK compatibility, battery, antenne / interference with an alu case) and I don't know what percentage of people are interested in Bluetooth (have never seen IC results on the topic).

I would like to have the BT PCB ready for the GB. I'm working with PlayKeyboard on it, they know a designer who made the G60BLE PCB. The battery will fit in the spot for the internal weight. Signal for BT will go through a cutout in the plate. I'm told this works well.

Roughly half of the people who filled out the IC said they wanted Bluetooth, so it's important to have.

Worst case if it takes a few months to get the BT PCB ready, then we'll got ahead with the GB and sell the BT PCBs at a later time. Not ideal, but it's a possibility.

[derPuntigamer]

Since you have a working prototype, do you have a rough price estimate (range) for the non-bluetooth version?

[GigaFlop]

Looking over it again, and liking it more. I'm a recent split-backspace convert, and split-shift feels like a necessity.

[xantiema]

Any timetable available yet? I highly prefer this to some of other 65% ICs ongoing r.n. 

[nyry43]

I've never typed on a keyboard with a bezel like that, so I can't speak to its practicality. I can, however, say that I think it is quite aesthetically pleasing!

[vidoardes]

Very nice, I am definitely interested. I quite liked the side aligned USB, but I understand  if the consensus is for middle, and I am very happy about ISO support.

I would be gunning for dark grey, very interested to see how this turns out!

[ecbob]

Is there a price estimate?

[Protein]

This is my cup of tea, clean and simple. I'd be in for a noblocker and no bluetooth kit if the price is right.

[sheldon]

Also a picture with Alps swtiches and AEK/M0116 Caps.

Show Image

Show Image

Is this bottom row (1.5/1.25/1.5) actually possible? In any case, I'm +1 for having a Tsangan bottom row (1.5/1/1.5)
Another niche request, but can the ALPs layouts have split backspace and split right-shift as well? 

[snaranda0305]

Ne update?

[spooknik]

Just a heads up, I made all the project files available here. Anyone can do whatever they wish with them 

[ACF101015]

Just a heads up, I made all the project files available here. Anyone can do whatever they wish with them 

Will you still be pushing this to GB?

[spooknik]

Just a heads up, I made all the project files available here. Anyone can do whatever they wish with them 

Will you still be pushing this to GB?

Probably not. Just don't have time or money right now. But never say never

[Kinesiologist]

Is this considered a high profile case? Either way it looks nice though. Looking forward to hearing more.

[rondg]

Just a heads up, I made all the project files available here. Anyone can do whatever they wish with them 

Whatever we wish? Let's say I want to make a 75% version of your case design... Will this be okay? 

[xantiema]

Just a heads up, I made all the project files available here. Anyone can do whatever they wish with them 

Whatever we wish? Let's say I want to make a 75% version of your case design... Will this be okay? 

Hit us up, if you go through with it   

[spooknik]

Is this considered a high profile case? Either way it looks nice though. Looking forward to hearing more.

Yes it is 

Just a heads up, I made all the project files available here. Anyone can do whatever they wish with them 

Whatever we wish? Let's say I want to make a 75% version of your case design... Will this be okay? 

Yes absolutely. Go for it, that would be cool to see.

[Kinesiologist]

Thank you very much, the board is looking real good, can't wait for the GB. Cheers.

[Beerbezerker]

It has a commanding presence, I like it! (you put it over the top for me with split space + backspace)

[Kinesiologist]

The interest check form website is not working, its showing an Error 404.

[rondg]

The interest check form website is not working, its showing an Error 404.

Just a heads up, I made all the project files available here. Anyone can do whatever they wish with them 

Will you still be pushing this to GB?

Probably not. Just don't have time or money right now. But never say never

[GigaFlop]

Just a heads up, I made all the project files available here. Anyone can do whatever they wish with them 

Thanks for the files. I was looking to get an PCB fabricated with the SMD components, but have generally no idea what I'm doing with this. So far, I've found everything but a CPL file in the archive. Do you happen to have one somewhere?

If anyone out there has done this before, I'm also looking for recommendations on where to get this fabricated. Currently looking at JLPCB, since they were one of the google ads listed.

[Fezznat]

If anyone out there has done this before, I'm also looking for recommendations on where to get this fabricated. Currently looking at JLPCB, since they were one of the google ads listed.

I used JLPCB a while ago to build PCBs from the UT47 github, and they turned out great (I use one of them regularly). Not sure how complicated these ones would be comparatively, but I've seen other places (like 40percent.club) recommend them as well

[GigaFlop]

If anyone out there has done this before, I'm also looking for recommendations on where to get this fabricated. Currently looking at JLPCB, since they were one of the google ads listed.

I used JLPCB a while ago to build PCBs from the UT47 github, and they turned out great (I use one of them regularly). Not sure how complicated these ones would be comparatively, but I've seen other places (like 40percent.club) recommend them as well

ah, I was also looking at that for another project. Did you do the SMD yourself?

[NumnerMan]

I love chunky bezels (especially a thicc forehead) and I think this is a really well designed chunk. There’s something about the edges that I find almost comforting. Anyways I was looking at the renders and think that the white would look better if it was more of a cream color.


P.s. the IC link wasn’t working for me

[GigaFlop]

Just a heads up, I made all the project files available here. Anyone can do whatever they wish with them 

Thanks for the files. I was looking to get an PCB fabricated with the SMD components, but have generally no idea what I'm doing with this. So far, I've found everything but a CPL file in the archive. Do you happen to have one somewhere?

If anyone out there has done this before, I'm also looking for recommendations on where to get this fabricated. Currently looking at JLPCB, since they were one of the google ads listed.

Found out how to generate the file from KiCad. Now to see about the other work I need to do..

[migbrgd]

Looks really good! I have a few questions for you! If ever you have time, send an email my way at mig360@live.ca Cheers!!

[migbrgd]

It looks amazing! I have a few question about the keyboard! If you could shoot me an email at mig360@live.ca That'd be awesome

[GigaFlop]

Just a heads up, I made all the project files available here. Anyone can do whatever they wish with them 

Thanks for the files. I was looking to get an PCB fabricated with the SMD components, but have generally no idea what I'm doing with this. So far, I've found everything but a CPL file in the archive. Do you happen to have one somewhere?

If anyone out there has done this before, I'm also looking for recommendations on where to get this fabricated. Currently looking at JLPCB, since they were one of the google ads listed.

Found out how to generate the file from KiCad. Now to see about the other work I need to do..

Turns out JLPCB's SMT line is closed for coronavirus. Looks like I'm putting this off for a while.

[GigaFlop]

The SMT line is open again, and it looks like every part except the 32u4 is available. Time to wait some more, it looks like.

Edit: Does this LED placement look off?



Also, gotta figure out the positioning for the USB connector. It seems to have escaped the generated POS file.

[neru]

May I ask how much did it cost you to do one prototype case ?