Author Topic: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard - Pending sale  (Read 49688 times)

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Offline ai03

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[IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard - Pending sale
« on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 08:18:21 »


Orbit-X
Ergonomic keyboard by ai03
Latest update here


Small board, bold design. Orbit-X unites a comfortable ergonomic layout with a high-end CNC-milled case to create a luxurious experience that’s easy to learn and enjoyable to use.





Ready By Design

An unusual layout can be daunting to use, especially if coming from something very different.
Orbit-X has been designed specifically to be easy to migrate to, regardless of what your current layout preferences are.

Typical modifier key placements means your fingers move where they should.
A carefully devised layout makes use of symmetric key placements to keep layout memorization to an absolute minimum while offering functionality comparable to a board as large as a TKL.





Tailored to You

The Orbit-X layout packs in function as close to the home position as possible to minimize finger movement.
The bottom row modifiers allow for easy migration from typical keyboard layouts, and the thumb cluster is reduced to two keys to reduce thumb strain as much as possible.
A top-mounted polycarbonate plate matches the layout with the typing comfort required.

The case is designed with light-catching curves that adorn the front and rear, paired with strong straight sides that give the tiny board a daring look well beyond its size.
The "screwless" internal screw design hides all screws out of sight once assembled, leaving the curvatures unbroken even on the bottom.
A specially designed polycarbonate wristrest matches the Orbit-X’s aesthetic perfectly while supporting your wrists for the most demanding typing sessions.





The do-everything keyboard

Just as the layout is tailored to the hand, the entire board can be tailored to your preferences.
Leave the supplied foam layer out for the extreme flex and typing comfort of a top-mounted polycarbonate plate, or drop it in to obtain maximized acoustics rare for a board of this size.

Both halves have a USB-C connector, so you can pick which one to use based on which is convenient for your cable.
The wristrests can be placed in front of the board for extended typing sessions, or removed to maximize desk estate.
If you only need one hand’s worth of keys for a task, you can plug in only one half of Orbit-X and extend available desk space even further.





Specifications
Case: Aluminum, likely grey and black, custom cut sub-PCB foam included
Plate: Polycarbonate, top mount
PCB: Soldered switches (non-hotswap)
Wristrests: Polycarbonate
Note: Polycarbonate is prone to visual damage due to its soft finish. The wristrest will pick up wear and tear over time.
Connections: USB-C to PC, 3.5mm TRRS between halves
Case Mass: ~350g per half, ~700g both halves, ~1kg with wristrests

Layout and Default Keymap:


Units: Around 100 total
Price: To be announced
Vendors: To be announced

Depending on response to the IC and other factors, the board may skip group buying and go straight to production for in-stock sale.
For faster updates and push notifications regarding this project, please join my Discord server here, then run the command .iam Orbit-X in the #bot-spam channel.







« Last Edit: Sun, 15 May 2022, 15:56:56 by ai03 »

Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 08:18:40 »
Reserved

Offline yui_

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 08:23:10 »
The symmetric punctuation keys is super interesting to me - I have to try this now on my corne !

Offline Vireca

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 08:25:21 »
Interested if you can make it an stock item

Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 08:42:34 »
Interested if you can make it an stock item

Depending on demand here at this IC, on the Discord server, and in various other communities, there is a strong chance that it may happen.
(Also because I'm sick and tired from many of my recent GBs having issues one way or another)

Offline zekth

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 08:48:00 »
Since i've seen the pictures on insta i'm really interested. I like the fact your choose TRRS for linking both sides, give a lot of customization possibilities.

Offline Darth_munkee

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 08:49:27 »
Shut up and take my money

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Offline phunktional

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 09:10:33 »
I've been waiting for this. Very excited!!

Offline mrkantz

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 09:16:43 »
I've been regretting selling my ergodox a couple years back, I think this will be it's replacement

Offline Slash Emperor

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #9 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 09:47:08 »
Not normally one for ergosplit boards, but this has me super interested and excited.

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Offline equalunique

  • Posts: 539
Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 10:19:52 »
Last night I saw these PCBs for sale on SpaceCat Designs. They look really intriguing, but I don't have the equipment or SMD soldering experience necessary to assemble. Interested!

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Offline Robosculpts

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 10:22:00 »
Oh man that case looks rad!

Offline Rayndalf

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #12 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 12:05:54 »
So are both colored keys spacebar and backspace is the top right key? I know its reprogrammable, but thats unusual, I would expect one if the spacebars to be (back)space.

Offline Vireca

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #13 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 12:12:27 »
Interested if you can make it an stock item

Depending on demand here at this IC, on the Discord server, and in various other communities, there is a strong chance that it may happen.
(Also because I'm sick and tired from many of my recent GBs having issues one way or another)

Perfect, stock Vega too :D

Offline nasp

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #14 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 12:20:32 »
What's the angle of the board? I didn't see it listed.


Offline Macmutant

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #15 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 12:21:36 »
Been waiting for this one. Very interested.

Offline Kokaloo

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #16 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 12:46:25 »
Got to mess with this a bit at socal, soooooo excited.  :cool:
Get ready for everybody who never wanted to try a corne/ergodash to want in lmaoooo
If I could suggest anything it would maybe be some tenting capabilities of some sort? I'm sure you've thought of it before and I'm curious what you think about it!
« Last Edit: Wed, 01 January 2020, 13:17:02 by Kokaloo »

Offline naked_and_jameson

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #17 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 16:41:16 »
Why choose TRRS over USB-C for interlink?

Offline Rayndalf

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #18 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 16:47:38 »
Why choose TRRS over USB-C for interlink?

Might directly connect the matrices instead of connecting two USB devices. That or the connector is smaller and can be rotated without unplugging it.

Offline belgium_waffles

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #19 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 16:48:04 »
I like.

Offline naked_and_jameson

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #20 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 17:20:15 »
Why choose TRRS over USB-C for interlink?

Might directly connect the matrices instead of connecting two USB devices. That or the connector is smaller and can be rotated without unplugging it.
Either way, USB-C or TRRS, the connectors and conductors are 4 wires connecting two PCBs together. Makes no difference on matrices. Issue with TRRS is you're shorting the pins against each other when you plug in or unplug. I recently built a Sol2 that uses USB-C interconnect and it's great.

Offline atfltr

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #21 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 18:54:16 »
I like the layout a lot. Any plans to have PCB available separately?



Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #22 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 19:45:17 »
Why choose TRRS over USB-C for interlink?
So people don't blow up their OrbitXs by plugging in the USB cable from the computer into the interlink port.

If I could suggest anything it would maybe be some tenting capabilities of some sort? I'm sure you've thought of it before and I'm curious what you think about it!
I might ready data for some 3D printed blocks for the board to rest on to provide the tenting.

What's the angle of the board? I didn't see it listed.
7 degrees.

So are both colored keys spacebar and backspace is the top right key? I know its reprogrammable, but thats unusual, I would expect one if the spacebars to be (back)space.
Both of the large thumb keys are bound to space by default to make migration/learning easy when coming from typical long-spacebar layouts. Of course, it is possible to change the layout to something you prefer.

I like the layout a lot. Any plans to have PCB available separately?
I will be open-sourcing (or already did, I forget) the PCB in the future.

Edit: I think this is the latest copy, but there's always the chance I left some commits unuploaded, so proceed at your own risk for the time being.
https://github.com/ai03-2725/Orbit/tree/master/OrbitX-PCB
« Last Edit: Wed, 01 January 2020, 21:00:01 by ai03 »

Offline equalunique

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #23 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 20:24:38 »
I like the layout a lot. Any plans to have PCB available separately?
See here: https://spacecat.design/collections/pcbs-cases-kits/products/orbit-pcb-sets-mx-choc

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Offline jrs

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #24 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 20:58:29 »
I like the layout a lot. Any plans to have PCB available separately?
See here: https://spacecat.design/collections/pcbs-cases-kits/products/orbit-pcb-sets-mx-choc

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That's for the regular Orbit, not the Orbit-X.

Offline equalunique

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #25 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 21:01:58 »
I like the layout a lot. Any plans to have PCB available separately?
See here: https://spacecat.design/collections/pcbs-cases-kits/products/orbit-pcb-sets-mx-choc

Sent from my Ono-Sendai Cyberspace 7 using Tapatalk
That's for the regular Orbit, not the Orbit-X.
Ooohhh

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Offline Zilleon

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #26 on: Wed, 01 January 2020, 21:50:45 »
I'm extremely interested in this board, have been following it as closely as possible, really hope I can get one :)

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Offline PocketAces

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #27 on: Thu, 02 January 2020, 13:19:21 »
Wow this is sexy.


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Offline DALExSNAIL

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #28 on: Thu, 02 January 2020, 13:25:52 »
Is the foam layer cut by you in house, or is that something being produced custom?

Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #29 on: Thu, 02 January 2020, 19:30:54 »
Is the foam layer cut by you in house, or is that something being produced custom?
Custom-cut at the factory.

Offline stoffelduss

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #30 on: Thu, 02 January 2020, 19:43:47 »
Cooool! Interested to see what the price will be.

Offline astronavy

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #31 on: Thu, 02 January 2020, 22:16:11 »
i’m interested. what is projected timeline for this group buy?

Offline Gonsterek

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #32 on: Fri, 03 January 2020, 11:42:17 »
interested, but it depends on price

« Last Edit: Fri, 03 January 2020, 11:57:26 by Gonsterek »

Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #33 on: Fri, 03 January 2020, 21:58:37 »
i’m interested. what is projected timeline for this group buy?
Based on the feedback so far at Geekhack and Discord, it's likely that I may just start production of a few units sooner or later.

interested, but it depends on price
The price tag likely won't amaze you, for it's basically two top mounted customs, one per hand.

Offline jrs

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #34 on: Sat, 04 January 2020, 01:02:15 »
It's a shame that this isn't gasket mounted, like the GSKT-00.

Offline befbef

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #35 on: Sat, 04 January 2020, 04:10:43 »
It's a shame that this isn't gasket mounted, like the GSKT-00.
What do you expect from gaskets for this board other than gasket mount is hip?

Offline zekkin

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #36 on: Sat, 04 January 2020, 05:43:11 »
It's a shame that this isn't gasket mounted, like the GSKT-00.

Given how the "gasket" works in GSKT, it would likely not be functional in this form factor.

Offline lookid

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #37 on: Sat, 04 January 2020, 16:11:38 »
at this moment Orbit-X, I think, best split-ergo board I've ever seen
flat design, human ergonomic (especially for thumb) and aesthetic case

Very interested.
VB

Offline ehagerty

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #38 on: Sun, 05 January 2020, 23:55:19 »
I need another keyboard like a hole in the head - but I MUST have this beauty! 😊

Offline Blissofbeing

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #39 on: Mon, 06 January 2020, 22:25:30 »
Very interested, will insta buy as soon as available.

Offline KingOfMemes

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #40 on: Mon, 06 January 2020, 22:39:45 »
You are killing it with the polaris and the equinox. Count me in for this one too

Offline SoraNoTenshi

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #41 on: Tue, 07 January 2020, 03:11:21 »
I am highly considering it, the problem for me is even the loss of the num-row, which may be not so pleasantly to use for the purpose i intend of using this keyboard.



Offline manolodeinternet

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #42 on: Tue, 07 January 2020, 11:48:57 »
Super Cool keeb !!!

1) Does it wear ProMicros ?

2) Can this keyboard be configured through QMK ?

;-)

Offline sinnyc

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #43 on: Wed, 08 January 2020, 07:37:31 »
Are you going to produce the Orbit (not the Orbit-X) or have you already done that and I missed it?  I think the Orbit-X is beautiful but I prefer 5 x keyboards like the Ergodash and Iris and the Orbit looks like a beautiful option for that form factor.

Offline wil

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #44 on: Wed, 08 January 2020, 10:04:05 »
very very interested!

Offline wangledorf

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #45 on: Wed, 08 January 2020, 11:59:15 »
Not enough keys for me personally but that's a really pretty design!  :) I feel like this is perfect for Planck users that want something a bit more ergonomic.

Offline gelmera

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #46 on: Thu, 09 January 2020, 20:03:53 »
this looks great count me in.

Offline snowkuma

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #47 on: Fri, 10 January 2020, 00:21:18 »
This looks great, I'm in!

Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #48 on: Thu, 16 January 2020, 03:26:27 »
Are you going to produce the Orbit (not the Orbit-X) or have you already done that and I missed it? 
It started GB around 1.5 years ago, and I'm guilty of still not having finished it (on third manufacturing attempt after the first two factories gave out).
The regular Orbit will ship to the buyers before OrbitX goes on sale.

1) Does it wear ProMicros ?
2) Can this keyboard be configured through QMK ?
1) No; it uses pre-soldered on-board MCUs.
2) Yes. The current prototype I've been using as a daily driver is working fine with QMK so far.


Also, some good news:
Based on general feedback, this board seems to have enough interest that I can avoid the pain of GB and jump straight to manufacturing as an in-stock item whenever it's ready.
I have begun preparing for the process, but it will be after CNY before it is ready, since just about every factory is closing for the holidays.

Offline ehagerty

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Re: [IC] Orbit-X: Compact Split Ergonomic Keyboard
« Reply #49 on: Thu, 16 January 2020, 05:20:17 »
Great news!  Forgive the noob question, but when you say it will become a general stock item, do you mean something in the next few months?  :)