Author Topic: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard  (Read 28697 times)

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Offline Scarecrow

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[IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 00:01:58 »
Hi,guys!  I'm a keyboard player form China.
So my English is very poor,This is also my first post,I hope you can understand.
I started playing the custom keyboard from three years ago.Have paid tuition, have won praise, and basically play all the author's work in the circle.
So i'm thinking of a custom keyboard in my mind.It's Retro Typewriter68.



Typewriter68 separate design with upper and lower cover,this looks like a whole, and the overall appearance is very strong.
There is no traditional upper and lower cover to merge the gap in the middle.The top cover integrates the positioning plate,accuracy is very good,the keycap is installed on Typewriter68 you can't see the switch,even can't see the gap at the bottom of the keycap.
Replaceable custom nameplate design leave the player a custom space.
(That means there are logos that can be painted, rgb light area, and nameplates that can be customized.)
When you are tired of the unchanging 80% keyboard and standard 60% keyboard,let's use it.


The pcb powered by bootmapper,full key customization.with type-c port.
Matching support iso,including backspace splitting.
The cover is considered to add a version without a direction key,personally feel that removing the arrow keys is also a good choice.
In addition, the top left button is a 1U two 1.25U,the original design concept was to consider almost all of the key caps in the circle are neither part of GMK original height nor SA R1 height.
This brings a problem:80% keyboard's ESC is a separate area,installing a unique height personality keycap does not affect the overall look and feel.But the ESC of the 60% keyboard is closely attached to the number keys,so it’s very uncomfortable to have a height difference with a personality keycap.
So this time, I took it out alone and formed two 1.25U ectopic areas like the old keyboard.(There are many 1.25U characters in the SA kits)


Here are some sample picture:





The group buy will come soon.(The initial plan is from November 12th to November 30th.)
« Last Edit: Fri, 09 November 2018, 04:55:36 by Scarecrow »

Offline _ODIN_

  • Posts: 629
Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 00:06:11 »
I actually kinda like this. How heavy is the keyboard?

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Offline NINJER

  • Posts: 23
  • Location: Melbourne, Australia
Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #2 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 00:17:43 »
Like most of it, Don't like the font of the Typewriter on the top left.

Also don't like the other text.

Your branding on the bottom is enough in my opinion. Maybe a logo instead? Kind of like the CA66?

Any chance of a split Backspace to make it a HHKB layout?

Offline rondg

  • Posts: 500
Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 00:17:56 »
For me, this is going to be the reason to buy an SA keyset. I am in, if the price is right  ;D

Offline mrpetrov

  • Posts: 641
Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #4 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 00:26:20 »
This looks really good actually - as long as you get rid of all the logo and writing across the top area.

Given its your first GB - if it happens - I think its important you explain to people how you will run the gb to ensure there arent any critical hiccups.

Offline stoic-lemon

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Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 00:47:30 »
Cool idea, but the text is very cringe. Nice work so far though.

Offline _ODIN_

  • Posts: 629
Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 00:49:41 »
Cool idea, but the text is very cringe. Nice work so far though.
Yeah please remove the text

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Offline flying1911

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Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 03:02:33 »
I feel like I need this in my life. Definitely agree that the amount of engraved text should be reduced. Instant buy if you could keep this around $300 and offer it on ZFrontier.
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Offline gr4v3m4n

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Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 03:35:46 »
Holy sheettt...now this design i like not just simple but beautiful.
Love how those SA completes the look of the keyboard.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk


Offline Scarecrow

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Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 04:25:16 »
Like most of it, Don't like the font of the Typewriter on the top left.

Also don't like the other text.

Your branding on the bottom is enough in my opinion. Maybe a logo instead? Kind of like the CA66?

Any chance of a split Backspace to make it a HHKB layout?

yes,the version without a direction key can support HHKB layout

Offline Scarecrow

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Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 04:27:22 »
Holy sheettt...now this design i like not just simple but beautiful.
Love how those SA completes the look of the keyboard.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk



THX!

Offline Scarecrow

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Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #11 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 04:31:41 »
According to everyone's request,when opening group can have no logo without text,You can choose by yourself.

Offline Scarecrow

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Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #12 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 04:40:02 »
I actually kinda like this. How heavy is the keyboard?

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The sample almost weighs 4.1KG.

Offline Scarecrow

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Re: [IC] Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #13 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 04:49:01 »
I feel like I need this in my life. Definitely agree that the amount of engraved text should be reduced. Instant buy if you could keep this around $300 and offer it on ZFrontier.

First of all, thank you for your like.Question about lettering you can choose your own or without text.The GB will on ZFrontier,but the price has not been finalized yet.

Offline KaosJ

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #14 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 12:16:01 »
Ik you have samples so there will be no change, but i would be totally in if there would be NO HKKB option and a custom engrave on that top part.   

I agree with some above that the text is cringe. In a nutshell:


« Last Edit: Fri, 09 November 2018, 12:24:45 by KaosJ »




Offline dead_pixel_design

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #15 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 16:39:05 »
Very interested, really solid overall design and really well realized.

Concerned with the complexity though; there is a lot of room for error, delays, manufacturing problems.

Agree that the board would look better without text, or with a custom option. I like the narrower bottom row.

Offline Scarecrow

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #16 on: Fri, 09 November 2018, 22:44:19 »
Ik you have samples so there will be no change, but i would be totally in if there would be NO HKKB option and a custom engrave on that top part.   

I agree with some above that the text is cringe. In a nutshell:

Show Image



yeah,“Typewriter”can with normal font,and without text,but the custom engrave can not move.

Offline ZyBeR

  • Posts: 178
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #17 on: Sat, 10 November 2018, 01:13:23 »
Interesting indeed!

I like the narrow bottom row, but the overall first impression is a little bit "bussy".
« Last Edit: Sat, 10 November 2018, 03:54:22 by ZyBeR »

Offline rondg

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #18 on: Sat, 10 November 2018, 01:31:04 »
Ik you have samples so there will be no change, but i would be totally in if there would be NO HKKB option and a custom engrave on that top part.   

I agree with some above that the text is cringe. In a nutshell:

Show Image



yeah,“Typewriter”can with normal font,and without text,but the custom engrave can not move.

If the custom engraving is not an option, how about replacing it with a simple logo/emblem?

Offline mtuanvu

  • Posts: 39
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #19 on: Sat, 10 November 2018, 07:23:37 »
Some suggestions
Just pm op via zf message, my ID is: 菌汤

Offline yap68

  • Posts: 124
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #20 on: Sat, 10 November 2018, 07:37:55 »
Nice retro design. Why the rush for groupbuy? I still see a lot of room for improvement

Offline KaosJ

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #21 on: Sat, 10 November 2018, 09:31:57 »
Some suggestions
Just pm op via zf message, my ID is: 菌汤
Show Image


Are you me :D

OFC I agree on everything

Nice retro design. Why the rush for groupbuy? I still see a lot of room for improvement

I also agree with this, this has a good potential but in the current state the GB would be pretty empty imho. 
We are starting to forget the point of ICs, Op please don't rush the gb on this
« Last Edit: Sat, 10 November 2018, 09:33:33 by KaosJ »




Offline Scarecrow

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #22 on: Sun, 11 November 2018, 02:36:01 »
Some suggestions
Just pm op via zf message, my ID is: 菌汤

We can make it like this

Offline ZyBeR

  • Posts: 178
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #23 on: Sun, 11 November 2018, 10:38:14 »
I hope you're not considering changing layout, the original one is really nice and the only one I would buy.
« Last Edit: Sun, 11 November 2018, 10:41:38 by ZyBeR »

Offline mrpetrov

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #24 on: Sun, 11 November 2018, 11:25:08 »
I hope you're not considering changing layout, the original one is really nice and the only one I would buy.

I dont think that enter key will be very attractive for most buyers...

I dont mind the bottom row changes personally.

Offline KaosJ

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #25 on: Sun, 11 November 2018, 11:36:38 »
I hope you're not considering changing layout, the original one is really nice and the only one I would buy.

I dont think that enter key will be very attractive for most buyers...

I dont mind the bottom row changes personally.

OP showed there are both options, ANSI and ISO. 

I think he means keep the layout like it is for the rest (e.g. hhkb and so on), which i DISAGREE.

2 top options would be great, both HHKB for weird people and NO HHKB and 6.25u spacebar for smart people /s




Offline Findecanor

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #26 on: Sun, 11 November 2018, 16:54:57 »
That reminds me more of 8-bit home computers from the 1980's than of typewriters TBH.

BTW. That's a large chunk of metal at the back.

Offline ZyBeR

  • Posts: 178
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #27 on: Mon, 12 November 2018, 14:08:09 »
I just noticed that a Group Buy for the Typewriter68 came up on zF now, cool!
I have some questions though.

1. How thick is the plate and how thick can it be made? This keeb seam super solid so I'm hoping the plate to be massive.
2. The colors shown was (to me) kind of "meeh", I think this design deserves gold and and more extravagant colors.
(personally I would love to see a green color option)

Here are the colors:


Offline KaosJ

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #28 on: Mon, 12 November 2018, 15:18:39 »
1. How thick is the plate and how thick can it be made? This keeb seam super solid so I'm hoping the plate to be massive.


Interested in this too.

Anyway seems like someone totally skipped IC stage again. 

Questions:

- Now that there is a non-HHKB option, what bottom rows we can use? just the 1.5-1-1.5-7u or other bottom rows too, e.g. 1.25x3+6.25
- The non engraved option, what will not be non-engraved? just the text on the diagonal piece or by picking non-engraved we also pick to not engrave "Typewriter"
- Brass nametag is customizable, but the page to customize it doesn't work at moment
« Last Edit: Mon, 12 November 2018, 16:29:50 by KaosJ »




Offline KaosJ

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #29 on: Mon, 12 November 2018, 16:38:21 »
Also, i assume the configuration circled in red is all possible OP?





Offline mrpetrov

  • Posts: 641
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #30 on: Tue, 13 November 2018, 09:56:14 »
So it looks like this has hit GB already, notwithstanding the uniformly negative feedback about the egregious use of slogans/branding?

https://en.zfrontier.com/products/tw68

Offline anfledd

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #31 on: Tue, 13 November 2018, 10:35:03 »
I really like this, but I'm gonna have to wait and see how this shakes out. Skipping the IC stage makes it hard for me to understand exactly what I would be buying.

Offline pixelpusher

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #32 on: Tue, 13 November 2018, 11:33:30 »
On the Zfrontier page, it appears that the logo will be in "normal font"  Not sure what that means, but it has to be better than what we see in the photos.  Thankfully, the engraving that many do not like is optional and you can have it blank.  Also, you can opt for a standard bottom row if you're not into HHKB style.  All in all, it's a pretty cool board.  Just wish there was more communication going on here.

You can pay extra to have e-coat white on both the mid and top piece.
« Last Edit: Tue, 13 November 2018, 11:38:30 by pixelpusher »

Offline pixelpusher

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #33 on: Tue, 13 November 2018, 11:37:35 »
I just noticed that a Group Buy for the Typewriter68 came up on zF now, cool!
I have some questions though.

1. How thick is the plate and how thick can it be made? This keeb seam super solid so I'm hoping the plate to be massive.
2. The colors shown was (to me) kind of "meeh", I think this design deserves gold and and more extravagant colors.
(personally I would love to see a green color option)

Here are the colors:
Show Image



Show Image


In addition, the "coffee" and white colors are not shown. 

Offline gr4v3m4n

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #34 on: Tue, 13 November 2018, 20:50:22 »
I think op is rushing this gb or he's already made up his mind not changing anything perticularly the layout, i guess he doesn't need anymore feedback. Nevertheless good luck..

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Offline KaosJ

  • Posts: 1054
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #35 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 00:05:06 »
I think op is rushing this gb or he's already made up his mind not changing anything perticularly the layout, i guess he doesn't need anymore feedback. Nevertheless good luck..

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Gb started already since 2 days, we are just asking questions at this point since gb page is extremely unclear and not working




Offline Scarecrow

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #36 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 03:20:37 »
I think op is rushing this gb or he's already made up his mind not changing anything perticularly the layout, i guess he doesn't need anymore feedback. Nevertheless good luck..

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Gb started already since 2 days, we are just asking questions at this point since gb page is extremely unclear and not working

Sorry, because the reason for these two days of work is too busy, there is no time to reply to the post.Next, some details will be confirmed with everyone.

Offline Scarecrow

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #37 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 03:32:25 »
Also, i assume the configuration circled in red is all possible OP?

Show Image


I am currently determining the layout,compatible ANSI and ISO,just different in the last line.




Offline Scarecrow

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  • Posts: 60
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #38 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 03:38:57 »
I just noticed that a Group Buy for the Typewriter68 came up on zF now, cool!
I have some questions though.

1. How thick is the plate and how thick can it be made? This keeb seam super solid so I'm hoping the plate to be massive.
2. The colors shown was (to me) kind of "meeh", I think this design deserves gold and and more extravagant colors.
(personally I would love to see a green color option)

Here are the colors:
Show Image



Show Image


In addition, the "coffee" and white colors are not shown. 

Here are the "coffee" and white colors sample.


Offline Scarecrow

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  • Posts: 60
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #39 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 03:45:53 »
I just noticed that a Group Buy for the Typewriter68 came up on zF now, cool!
I have some questions though.

1. How thick is the plate and how thick can it be made? This keeb seam super solid so I'm hoping the plate to be massive.
2. The colors shown was (to me) kind of "meeh", I think this design deserves gold and and more extravagant colors.
(personally I would love to see a green color option)

Here are the colors:
Show Image

Show Image


Sorry interface is not added “Green”,i will contact customer service to make changes in GB.BTW i have already released coffee and white colors picture,i hope you like it.

Offline Scarecrow

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  • Posts: 60
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #40 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 03:57:11 »
I just noticed that a Group Buy for the Typewriter68 came up on zF now, cool!
I have some questions though.

1. How thick is the plate and how thick can it be made? This keeb seam super solid so I'm hoping the plate to be massive.
2. The colors shown was (to me) kind of "meeh", I think this design deserves gold and and more extravagant colors.
(personally I would love to see a green color option)

Here are the colors:
Show Image

Show Image


gold and green


Offline Scarecrow

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #41 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 04:08:56 »
You can reply to your favorite logo font below the post.I will choose the highest rated font as the final font.
Of course you can choose without logo.

Offline mtuanvu

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #42 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 04:37:02 »
totally in....

Offline Scarecrow

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #43 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 06:25:24 »
I just noticed that a Group Buy for the Typewriter68 came up on zF now, cool!
I have some questions though.

1. How thick is the plate and how thick can it be made? This keeb seam super solid so I'm hoping the plate to be massive.
2. The colors shown was (to me) kind of "meeh", I think this design deserves gold and and more extravagant colors.
(personally I would love to see a green color option)

Here are the colors:
Show Image

Show Image


the plate is 1.6mm thick and the middle frame is 9.6mm thick.

Offline mrpetrov

  • Posts: 641
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #44 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 10:10:22 »
Do you have a better picture of what the green looks like?  Also, can we have some more details on the PCB - is it 3- or 5- pin and (presumably) it is *not* hotswap?

EDIT: I'm confused - can you get the whole keyboard in green or only the "mid-piece" (whatever that is??)?

Thanks.
« Last Edit: Wed, 14 November 2018, 10:18:25 by mrpetrov »

Offline KaosJ

  • Posts: 1054
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #45 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 13:04:47 »
Also, i assume the configuration circled in red is all possible OP?

Show Image


I am currently determining the layout,compatible ANSI and ISO,just different in the last line.
Show Image

Show Image

Show Image


ok but is the one i i showed supported or the cutouts on the plate or pcb doesn't allow my bottom row?




Offline KaosJ

  • Posts: 1054
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #46 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 13:06:59 »
Also, every external link in the GB page doesn't work op... (customize engrave and extras)




Offline ZyBeR

  • Posts: 178
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #47 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 14:17:23 »
I just noticed that a Group Buy for the Typewriter68 came up on zF now, cool!
I have some questions though.

1. How thick is the plate and how thick can it be made? This keeb seam super solid so I'm hoping the plate to be massive.
2. The colors shown was (to me) kind of "meeh", I think this design deserves gold and and more extravagant colors.
(personally I would love to see a green color option)

Here are the colors:
Show Image

Show Image


the plate is 1.6mm thick and the middle frame is 9.6mm thick.
Thank you for replying.

1.6mm is disappointing for a keyboard at this level. Look at the Doro67 it has a 4mm plate, the Zeal60 has a 5mm. A tick plate gives a ridgid, high end feeling which a thin one can't compare with.
I hope you can consider a ticker plate, preferably as tick as the Zeal as everything else in your design is top level.

Offline Scarecrow

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 60
Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #48 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 21:19:21 »
I just noticed that a Group Buy for the Typewriter68 came up on zF now, cool!
I have some questions though.

1. How thick is the plate and how thick can it be made? This keeb seam super solid so I'm hoping the plate to be massive.
2. The colors shown was (to me) kind of "meeh", I think this design deserves gold and and more extravagant colors.
(personally I would love to see a green color option)

Here are the colors:
Show Image

Show Image


the plate is 1.6mm thick and the middle frame is 9.6mm thick.
Thank you for replying.

1.6mm is disappointing for a keyboard at this level. Look at the Doro67 it has a 4mm plate, the Zeal60 has a 5mm. A tick plate gives a ridgid, high end feeling which a thin one can't compare with.
I hope you can consider a ticker plate, preferably as tick as the Zeal as everything else in your design is top level.

oh!the plate and the middle frame are integrated,so when you actually get it,is a whole,quite thick.

Offline Scarecrow

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Re: [IC]Typewriter68 custom retro keyboard
« Reply #49 on: Wed, 14 November 2018, 22:10:13 »
Do you have a better picture of what the green looks like?  Also, can we have some more details on the PCB - is it 3- or 5- pin and (presumably) it is *not* hotswap?

EDIT: I'm confused - can you get the whole keyboard in green or only the "mid-piece" (whatever that is??)?

Thanks.

Because Chinese people don't have green players in the whole shell, so there is no physical picture of the whole shell.
and there is pcb sample: