geekhack Marketplace > Interest Checks
[IC] 21XX - A modern unsaver keyboard
Pontus:
21XX
A modern unsaver keyboard
IC FORM IC FORM IC FORM
Specifications
Case:
▸ 5.5° typing angle
▸ 25.5° on F-rows
▸ 6063 Top and Bottom case
▸ PCB Top mount on the main alpha cluster
▸ Plate top mount for the f-row cluster utilizing a 5052 aluminum plate
▸ ~3900g unbuilt, ~4300g built (Current build is 4325g)
▸ WKL with cross nav cluster
▸ 20.2mm front height (Inner bezel edge to bottom, with feet)
▸ 23.5mm EKH (Bottom row switch stem to bottom, with feet)
Front height & angle diagram
More
PCB
▸ PCB designed by Cipulot
▸ QMK & VIAL compatible
▸ Indicator lights
▸ 5V solenoid support
▸ Solder only
▸ Faux integrated cable with an Internal USB C port
▸ FFC Ribbon interconnect cable between main & frow pcb
▸ 1.6mm FR4
Layout support
More
Design & Mount
As shown in the renders, and implied by the name, the design takes heavy inspiration from Cherry’s 2XXX series boards, especially the chopped converted boards reminiscent of the ever-classic IBM Unsaver keyboards. It features everything you would expect: chunky bezels, rounded corners, a proper Cherry lip, exaggerated seam, stepped design for the angled F-rows, an integrated cable, and plateless mounting.
More renders
More
In true 2XXX fashion the F-row plate features an aluminum plate that is top mounted, while the main alpha & navigation cluster features a plateless top-mounted assembly as shown in the render below. Due to the nature of the layout, the F-row cluster requires a separate PCB that is excluded from the render so that the F-row mount is visible.
(PCB featured in all renders uses an old & outdated outline. I will update the IC when I have the updated PCB design ;D)
The 21XX also features a “faux” integrated cable, utilizing an internal USB-C port it gives a classic look without forcing you to solder a cable directly into the PCB. Furthermore to complete the vintage references the PCB supports a toggleable 5V solenoid.
Fancy renders
(Some of these renders are slightly outdated)
More
Prototype pictures
V1(newest prototype)
V0(Previous prototype)
More
Who am I?
hej hej I am Pontus, I’ve been in the hobby since ~2019. You might have seen my name attached to some renders or somehow stumbled upon the DCS Dolch GB I helped run earlier this year. I really like keyboards.
Timeline
▸ Design 1 (V0) – finished (2022)
▸ Prototype 1 (V0) – finished, typed on for roughly half a year (Early 2023 - Aug 2023)
▸ Design revision (V1) – finished (July 2023)
▸ Prototype 2 (V1) – received, currently testing (Aug 2023)
▸ Confirm design (Aug 2023)
▸ Review units (??)
▸ Potential revisions (??)
▸ Group buy (??)
Sale info and format
TBA
The purpose of this IC is to gauge interest in the project. I currently do not have any vendor or final details so there’s not much I can share. Hoping to be able to reach a MOQ of ~50 units but if there’s substantial interest it can be raised.
The price will almost certainly be more than 500EUR and hopefully less than 700EUR. I will share a more accurate price estimate once I have an understanding of the interest for the board.
Details such as colors and kit contents will also be added later down the line as this is a relatively early IC.
If you’re a vendor interested in running this board, please reach out to me on discord ;D
Links
Discord
Instagram
IC FORM
Thanks
More▸ The regulars who encouraged me to start this project
▸ All the people who have found and supported the project pre this IC through my instagram & discord
▸ Cipulot for being the greatest PCB designer and putting up with all my stupid requests
▸ James for his pretty feet
▸ Ankit for his proofreading
▸ Myself for doing all the renders
▸ You! for reading this ;D
:p :p :p
Pontus:
FAQ
Questions from the IC form, will update as the IC progresses.
August 17 2023
Q: ALPS?
A: No. This is a cherry inspired board that has been designed to be used plateless. Adding alps support to the current PCB would be detrimental to the build experience for the majority of users who will build it with mx. Adding a separate alps PCB would increase cost and the amount of parts to be made. Resources such as PCB outlines (alternatively complete files) & plate files will be available if the GB runs
Q: WK? 3x5 nav? BAE?
A: Maybe. I will make a form to gauge what layouts people are interested in at a later date. Highly unlikely that the PCB will get more layout support but separate tops might be feasible. To my knowledge original Cherry BAE keys use a footprint that isn't compatible with modern ISO footprints so the chances of the PCB getting support for them are slim to none. Worth noting that plenty of modern sets, both in GMK CYL & SP DCS profiles with updated modern BAE keys that work on standard ISO/ANSI PCBs have ran recently all of which should work on the current pcb.
Q: Detachable cable?
A: Most of the people who have commented on this have seem to been worried about accidentally detaching the cable in use. From my experience this is not a problem, especially if you use cables that are on the thicker side. Cable cutout is 5.5mm wide, the silicone cable that I use with the board is friction fit into the cutout, if I want to get it out I have to use excessive force.
Q: Sticker, badge, weight, or something else on the back?
A: Maybe. I would love to add some personalisation on the back, most likely in the form of a sticker or badge. No plans for a weight, personally I don't feel like it would add anything except cost to the board.
Q: Can you do X colour or Y finish?
A: Colours are far from finished, GB options will most likely be quite limited due to the low moq. I hope to be able to offer at least one plain and one more fun colour. As for other finishes it would be something that I would have to prototype, if I find something that I love the feel and quality of I might try to offer it as an alternative to anodizing.
If you sent a question that I forgot to answer here don't be afraid to ask it again in my discord
ankit:
i'll take 2
glwic pongus
unusuaL_:
my favourite sousa no frieren board ;D ;D
whirlwind:
Phenomenal work, best of luck Pontus :thumb:
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version