[IC] Mechlovin' Kyuu & OTD Replacement PCBs

[flying1911]

Hello Geekhackers,

We’re Mechlovin’, a team of two Mech enthusiasts based in Vietnam and specialised in providing PCB & Plate solutions. Since our first Group buy back in last October, we have successfully run many others, while working with reputable members of the community in collaboration projects.

Today, we’re posting an Interest Check for seemingly unrelated items: Kyuu PCB & WKL OTD PCB (and possibly plates). These are projects that were not in our original plans, but we decided to give them a go thanks to community requests. We understand there may not be much demand for these particular products but many owners of these boards seem to be struggling with finding replacement parts for their builds, and we’re all about contributing to the community.

WHY THESE TWO?

These boards need no introduction. There are a number of factors leading to the scarcity of their replacement PCBs:

-  The Kyuu PCB, for the most part, is pretty much similar to other 65% PCBs with centered USB port placement. However, the exact position of the USB-C connector is a bit tricky to pin down, and it seems to be a rather tight fit with the case cutout.

-  Regarding OTD PCBs, they have different spacing between clusters compared with the standard A87 form factor, so getting it right isn’t exactly simple.

WHAT’S THE PROGRESS?

-  We have made 3 Kyuu PCB prototypes and sent them to volunteer testers in the US. We’re waiting for their feedback, which should come in within the next couple of weeks.

-  We’re making the 2nd prototype for the OTD PCB (the first one failed), and also a replacement plate that fits the 360C for testing. We have access to the original 360C and will report findings as soon as they’re available.









SPECS & PRICING


• PCB is programmable via QMK and VIA

• PCB thickness: 1.6mm

• Powered by STM32F303 MCU (ARM-Based).

• NO underglow RGBs

• ESD protection

• PCB color: Matte Black (Kyuu) and Red (OTD) solder mask with immersion gold

• OTD 360C Plate (not sure if it fits other OTD boards): FR4 and anodised aluminium

The price may be a bit higher than our usual GB price due to the smaller quantity, but we’ll keep it in the range of $50/ PCB.

WHAT’S NEXT?


As we wait for further feedback and findings, please leave comments on this thread and/or the respective channel on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/jqVbMpM if you have any input.

We’re especially interested in information regarding the compatibility of the OTD PCB and plate. The ones we make are compatible with the 360C, and we’d like to know what other OTD boards will they work on.

Thank you!

[Kinesiologist]

first

- Is the OTD pcb compatible with the UTD 360c?
- will there be cable and plates as well?

[catamscott]

totally in for a couple kyuu pcbs! 

[gnhuy91]

as long as the OTDs fits my UTD I'll be all in

[IMZO]

Yay , id be down for some otd pcbs...

[Puddsy]

corsa pcbs should be compatible with 356CL, .2, DGE, and i think 456 as well

not sure about N or L (and other versions thereof)

i haven't double checked this info in a while but i know people have used PCBs from corsas in other 356 TKLs, will try and confirm which ones over the coming days

OTD is a forum, it's like saying the Geekhack HBCP or the Rama Zenith. Eungsam designed the 356 series.

[yicaoyimu]

QMK 360C PCB would be instant buy for me!

Edit: what is the plan for 360c cable?

[MK47]

Would this fit Key65?

[ddnomad]

Can you sell me 2 Leaf60 PCBs by any chance?

[subcat]

360c internals are definitely compatible with 456gt and 356.2. not sure about any others.

[futurecrime]

I’m down for a pcb for my 456GT. Would prefer 1.2mm thickness and CEM-3 material for closest match to OG but I’ll take whatever is on offer tbh.

From Kawasaki’s OTD PCB thread regarding compat:

Fits: OTD 356.2, 360c, 456gt, The Cheat, (356n and 356n mkii, but only with a different plate because it does not support the original layout), and is very likely to fit 356cl, 356cl DGE and 356cls, so every TKL except the 356l

[flying1911]

corsa pcbs should be compatible with 356CL, .2, DGE, and i think 456 as well

not sure about N or L (and other versions thereof)

i haven't double checked this info in a while but i know people have used PCBs from corsas in other 356 TKLs, will try and confirm which ones over the coming days

OTD is a forum, it's like saying the Geekhack HBCP or the Rama Zenith. Eungsam designed the 356 series.

I’m down for a pcb for my 456GT. Would prefer 1.2mm thickness and CEM-3 material for closest match to OG but I’ll take whatever is on offer tbh.

From Kawasaki’s OTD PCB thread regarding compat:

Fits: OTD 356.2, 360c, 456gt, The Cheat, (356n and 356n mkii, but only with a different plate because it does not support the original layout), and is very likely to fit 356cl, 356cl DGE and 356cls, so every TKL except the 356l

Thank you very much for your input!

[flying1911]

1.2mm is a possibility but we'll need to provide the Stabs spacers, and according to our experience with a recent GB that offers 1.2mm option, manufacturing those 0.4mm spacers is quite expensive. CEM, on the other hand, will not be available. We understand as enthusiasts the temptation to replicate the original PCBs, but it makes things complicated, and we think the tradeoff isn't worth it.

We're planning to make the cables for OTD PCB pluggable (if that's even a word). That means there are connectors at the end of the cable and on the PCB, which eliminates the needs for soldering. There will also be pins available if users want to solder in their own cables.

[HPE1000]

I'd be down to buy a few of the 360c PCBs

[audax989]

down for a replacement 360c pcb.

[ttom]

interested in an otd plate/pcb combo or two

edit: ne polycarb half-plates going to be offered?

[wholypantalones]

Interested in a couple 360c plates and pcbs or whatevs.

[catamscott]

Would this fit Key65?

no, key65 has the usb connector on the top of the pcb, not the bottom as the kyuu does. i'd also wager that there are differences in the length of the pcb protrusion (no idea what to call that lol) that has the connector on it

[Luciqueii]

If this 360c PCB will be 1.2mm thick and possible to use in OTD and UTD version it would be amazing (:

[flying1911]

If this 360c PCB will be 1.2mm thick and possible to use in OTD and UTD version it would be amazing (:

We don't want to actively promote it tbh but the PCB & Plate we're working on are likely to fit the UTD as many people have confirmed that the OTD 360C and UTD's PCBs and plates are interchangeable.

[flying1911]

1st feedback on the Kyuu proto PCB is good. See pic below:


I've also been informed by another tester that the cutout on his case is of a much tighter fit. Something to do with the different rounds of the Kyuu, so we'll see.

[flying1911]

Update: the fitment is also good with the Kyuu case with smaller USB cutout. We're pretty much ready for the GB phase.

The OTD PCB also arrived yesterday and we'll wait for the plate and then test them both together.

[shuijiao]

This would be an instant buy if this would be compatible with the UTD360c! I assume it would since from what i hear the regular 360c otd pcb Works on the UTD as well, however i could be wrong.

[flying1911]

Quick update:

- GB for the Kyuu compatible PCBs is live here (a few days to go): https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107977.0

- We're making good progress with the OTD PCB & Plate, and will soon publish pictures and findings after fitting them in both the OTD 360C & UTD. We raised the conversation with QMK Mod Team regarding whether we can advertise UTD compatibility when the GB is live. It's worth considering due to the fact that the UTD, at the end of the day, is a knock-off with full intention. The original UTD PCB was denied official QMK support for the same reason. After discussion, they gave us the green light to do that, and so we can now be more open in communications related to the UTD. We really appreciate that!

[Ramen Champ]

Really hoping for replacement group buy soon! Thank you for your work Mechlovin!

[ramnes]

interested, please make this happen

[flying1911]

Hi y'all

While the Kyuu Group buy is close to shipping, we thought we'd provide some updates of our work on the OTD project:

WHAT WE'VE DONE SO FAR
- Measured the OG OTD PCB and the Cheat's switchplate to work out the basic measurements and spacings
- Measured the UTD 360C PCB & Plate to look for differences and enrich our data
- Created 4 rounds of PCB & Plate prototypes in the process, with another (and hopefully final) one coming

WHAT WE'VE FOUND OUT
- This is hard
- OTD & UTD measurements are different, but so minor that their builds can be swapped, but their parts are not interchangeable (UTD plate in OTD PCB for example)
- There is a 0.2mm misalignment at the right Alt & Ctrl cluster on the OG OTD PCB & Plate (see pic), which we assume is a design error. This is mainly why our previously made plate prototype wouldn't fit well in the OG PCB. This, again, is largely indiscernible.

WHAT'S NEXT
- We decided to stay true to the original design, meaning that we'd honour the mentioned misalignment in the hope that our recreated parts are interchangeable with OG parts.
- The PCB & Plate COMBO that we're making will still fit the UTD despite the found misalignment (as it's extremely minor), but of course you will have to buy both of them.
- We're waiting for the next round of prototypes (both PCB & Plate). New updates will be posted after we play with them

[Nevermore012]

any chance if you have extra utd plate and pcb, thanks )


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[audax989]

Hi y'all

While the Kyuu Group buy is close to shipping, we thought we'd provide some updates of our work on the OTD project:

WHAT WE'VE DONE SO FAR
- Measured the OG OTD PCB and the Cheat's switchplate to work out the basic measurements and spacings
- Measured the UTD 360C PCB & Plate to look for differences and enrich our data
- Created 4 rounds of PCB & Plate prototypes in the process, with another (and hopefully final) one coming

WHAT WE'VE FOUND OUT
- This is hard
- OTD & UTD measurements are different, but so minor that their builds can be swapped, but their parts are not interchangeable (UTD plate in OTD PCB for example)
- There is a 0.2mm misalignment at the right Alt & Ctrl cluster on the OG OTD PCB & Plate (see pic), which we assume is a design error. This is mainly why our previously made plate prototype wouldn't fit well in the OG PCB. This, again, is largely indiscernible.

WHAT'S NEXT
- We decided to stay true to the original design, meaning that we'd honour the mentioned misalignment in the hope that our recreated parts are interchangeable with OG parts.
- The PCB & Plate COMBO that we're making will still fit the UTD despite the found misalignment (as it's extremely minor), but of course you will have to buy both of them.
- We're waiting for the next round of prototypes (both PCB & Plate). New updates will be posted after we play with them

Show Image

Good news man!

[flying1911]

Giving this IC a BIG BUMP.

We had a fully-working prototype for the UTD months ago, but decided to shelve it because we weren't sure about releasing a product for a clone board, and at that time, QMK's stance was that they would not officially support the (original) UTD PCB. We then reached out to QMK about the possibility of supporting a compatible PCB (made by Mechlovin') and received a greenlight, which was very encouraging. However, it was always our intention to not make it available until we have a working OTD PCB as well.

And it was much more challenging then we originally thought. The OG OTD PCB has some peculiar dimensions and spacings, which took us 5 tries (meaning 5 prototypes) to get right (maybe it's difficult, or we're just not that good LOL). To be honest, we could have just released the UTD version of PCB and Plate, as one can actually put the whole UTD build onto an OTD 360C and it'd work perfectly, but it doesn't feel right.

Right now we're confident that we'll have a GB some time in January. There are still some details that need clarifying, but here's the gist of what will (and may) be available:
- Separate versions for OTD and UTD 360C compatible PCBs & Plates
- QMK and VIA support
- 1.6mm & 1.2mm PCBs (CEM-3 availability still under consideration)
- ISO support, but last row will be fixed to 7U

We're probably creating a compatibility sheet within the next couple of days, so any input is massively appreciated.

[aadk5]

Giving this IC a BIG BUMP.

We had a fully-working prototype for the UTD months ago, but decided to shelve it because we weren't sure about releasing a product for a clone board, and at that time, QMK's stance was that they would not officially support the (original) UTD PCB. We then reached out to QMK about the possibility of supporting a compatible PCB (made by Mechlovin') and received a greenlight, which was very encouraging. However, it was always our intention to not make it available until we have a working OTD PCB as well.

And it was much more challenging then we originally thought. The OG OTD PCB has some peculiar dimensions and spacings, which took us 5 tries (meaning 5 prototypes) to get right (maybe it's difficult, or we're just not that good LOL). To be honest, we could have just released the UTD version of PCB and Plate, as one can actually put the whole UTD build onto an OTD 360C and it'd work perfectly, but it doesn't feel right.

Right now we're confident that we'll have a GB some time in January. There are still some details that need clarifying, but here's the gist of what will (and may) be available:
- Separate versions for OTD and UTD 360C compatible PCBs & Plates
- QMK and VIA support
- 1.6mm & 1.2mm PCBs (CEM-3 availability still under consideration)
- ISO support, but last row will be fixed to 7U

We're probably creating a compatibility sheet within the next couple of days, so any input is massively appreciated.

Exciting! Thanks for the update and I can't wait to hear more. Happy New Year!

[mech0nly]

Giving this IC a BIG BUMP.

We had a fully-working prototype for the UTD months ago, but decided to shelve it because we weren't sure about releasing a product for a clone board, and at that time, QMK's stance was that they would not officially support the (original) UTD PCB. We then reached out to QMK about the possibility of supporting a compatible PCB (made by Mechlovin') and received a greenlight, which was very encouraging. However, it was always our intention to not make it available until we have a working OTD PCB as well.

And it was much more challenging then we originally thought. The OG OTD PCB has some peculiar dimensions and spacings, which took us 5 tries (meaning 5 prototypes) to get right (maybe it's difficult, or we're just not that good LOL). To be honest, we could have just released the UTD version of PCB and Plate, as one can actually put the whole UTD build onto an OTD 360C and it'd work perfectly, but it doesn't feel right.

Right now we're confident that we'll have a GB some time in January. There are still some details that need clarifying, but here's the gist of what will (and may) be available:
- Separate versions for OTD and UTD 360C compatible PCBs & Plates
- QMK and VIA support
- 1.6mm & 1.2mm PCBs (CEM-3 availability still under consideration)
- ISO support, but last row will be fixed to 7U

We're probably creating a compatibility sheet within the next couple of days, so any input is massively appreciated.

Nice. Actually I also working on replacement PCB and Plate for OTD/UTD, and yeah, it is difficult and very odd. Given this project is reaching final, I guess I will drop mine and just wait for this. Really hope it came with CEM-3, my 456GT needs them.

Thanks mechlovin team, good job

[bball2]

Oh man I would definitely be in for a couple of UTD PCB's!! Thanks so much for the work :-)

[HPE1000]

awesome news!

[flying1911]

Updates: We are splitting the GB for OTD & UTD compatible PCBs & Plates into 2 separate phases. UTD will get the first treatment, with a GB to be run in the next week or so, and OTD will follow after a few weeks. Why we'll be doing this:

- To avoid confusion: having both in one GB will result in too many options, which is likely to cause confusion among buyers. Separating them will also make it easier on our end logistically.

- To race against the clock: CNY is around the corner and it will certainly affect the progress (everything's off for 2-4 weeks in Vietnam and China). We were able to pin everything down regarding the UTD a long time ago, but ultimately decided to wait until we figure out the OTD as well. Now that we have done it, but still have some final decisions to make regarding the OTD, we feel now's the right time to set things in motion in phases, which does allow us to move faster.

Some basic info for the upcoming UTD-compatible GB:
- Official name: Mechlovin' Rogue
- PCB will be in FR4 (CEM3 is exclusive to the OTD GB as a way to pay homage to the OG) with 1.6mm and 1.2mm options.
- Matte black solder mask with immersion gold.
- Plate options: FR4 with immersion gold coating and possibly PC.
- These PCB and Plate are cross-compatible with UTD’s bundled stuff, which means you can pair Rogue PCB with the original UTD plate, and the Rogue Plate with the original UTD PCB.
- GB date: by mid-January.

Some prototype pics of the UTD-compatible PCB and Plate (cross-assembled with the original UTD stuff):


Rogue Proto PCB and UTD Plate


UTD PCB and Rogue Plate

[flying1911]

The GB for Rogue (UTD compatible) PCBs & Plates is live on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/kv5ueo/gb_mechlovin_rogue_utd_360c_compatible_pcbs_plates/

The Geekhack is pending for approval.

With regards to the Kyuu compatible PCB (Mechlovin' 9), Round is likely to come after CNY.

[flying1911]

GB for Rouge (OTD-compatible) PCBs and Plates is live on Reddit. Geekhack post is waiting for approval.

We're running R2 of the Kyuu-compatible PCBs soon due to popular demand (especially after Quantrik released the case files  )

[Rx003]

Thank you for this! Totally down for some Kyuu pcbs! Good luck and I wish you all the best for this IC!