geekhack Marketplace > Group Buys and Preorders
[GB] Theseus75 - A balanced 75% split w/ USB passthrough | EXTENDED TO 2 AUG
haversnail:
Theseus75
If every part of a vessel is replaced, is it still the same vessel?
IC Thread | Discord | Instagram
Nearly two years after the first IC, the Theseus75 Group Buy is finally underway. Living up to its namesake, the board has been designed, prototyped, scrapped, re-designed, and re-prototyped more than ten times (my wallet hurts now) until arriving at something I felt comfortable enough putting into the hands of others.
No small part of that effort comes from ebastler, the PCB designer. Chief among the board's features is the integrated USB passthrough: it's the first split board we know of (GH, keep me honest) to support this capability—and the work required to implement (and remain spec-compliant) was not trivial. I can't thank Moritz enough for his support in bringing this project to life.
(So what does that mean, exactly?)
MoreGlad you asked. With a symmetrical USB-C port on each half of the board, whichever port is not connected to your computer can be used as a hub for another peripheral device: a mouse, macropad, Yubikey, dongle, flash drive, etc. And if you decide to swap which side should connect to your computer, the peripheral port will swap too. :thumb:
Feel free to check out the IC thread for more history and context about the board.
Group Buy dates:
1 July – 20 July 2 August 2024
See vendor list below
Base Kit pricing:
$449 USD
See pricing & kitting list below
Estimated fulfillment date:
Q4 2024 - Q1 2025
Taeha Types Build Stream (full VOD)
(Taeha Reacts)
Alexotos Build Stream
Captain Sterling Build Stream
Nainaigogo Sound Test
Highlights
* Split 75% layout (w/ macro column and exploded navigation)
* Two Alps EC-11 rotary encoders
* Magnetic interlocking between halves
* LEMO-compatible 5-pin interconnect (w/ panel-mount connectors)
* USB 2.0 passthrough (w/ support for up to 1.5A charging)
* Hybrid top-mount system (combines silicone grommets + PORON gaskets to isolate split plate)
Vendors
United States: DangkeebsCanada: DeskheroUnited Kingdom: Proto[Typist]Europe: KEYGEMOceania: ALL CAPSPhilippines: Zion StudiosSingapore: iLumkbVietnam: MOKB StoreChina: zFrontier
Collaborations
Official custom interconnect cable service will be provided by VoxelMods More
Reviewers
* Taeha Types
* Alexotos
* Captain Sterling
* Dutchmasterw
* Jae (ProtoTypist)
* Nainaigogo
Pricing & Kitting
Note that these prices were established with an MOQ of 100 units and conservative margins in mind.
Base Kit: $449 USD
Contents:
* Keyboard case (aluminum frame + polycarbonate base)
* PCBs & daughterboards
* Flat flexible cables (FFCs) for daughterboards
* LEMO-compatible panel-mount connectors w/ cable
* LEMO-compatible interconnect cable
* FR4 plate
* PORON plate gaskets
* PORON switch pads
* Magnets
* Knobs
* Knob mounts
* Knob mount set screws
* Knob mount silicone o-rings
* Friction-fit silicone feet (1 set black + 1 set white)
* Silicone grommets (1 set 50A (blue) + 1 set 70A (purple))
* Grommet screws
* Daughterboard screws
* Case screws
* Magnet screws
* Plate standoffs and screws
* Assorted tools
* Custom carrying case
Color options: More
* Apollo (E-White / chroma knob / chroma cable)
* Artemis (Black Anodized / black knob / silver cable)
* Hermes (Silver Anodized / black knob / silver cable)
* Demeter (Emerald Anodized / gold knob / gold cable)
* Poseidon (Blue Anodized / gold knob / gold cable)
* Ares (Burgundy Anodized / gold knob / gold cable)
* Dionysus (Violet Anodized / gold knob / gold cable)
* Hera (Purple Anodized / chroma knob / chroma cable)
* Aphrodite (E-Pink / gold knob / gold cable)
* Helios (E-Yellow / black knob / silver cable)
(IRL color chips/samples also available here.)
PCB options: More
* Hot-swap (split backspace, stepped caps, split left shift, reversible left space/fn)
* Solder (all hot-swap options + ISO enter and pseudo-Tsangan bottom row)
Wrist Rest: $99 USD
Note: the Wrist Rest is a separate item with its own MOQ.
Contents:
* Matching aluminum accents
* Polycarbonate base
* Magnets
* Magnet screws
* Assembly screws
* Friction-fit silicone feet (1 set black + 1 set white)
Color options: same as base kit colorways above More
PCB Extras: $59 USD
Contents:
* Left and right PCBs and daughterboards in panelized FR4 frame
Options: same as base kit PCBs above
Knob Extras: $49 USD
Contents:
* 2x brass PVD knobs
* 2x aluminum knob mounts
* 2x silicone knob mount o-rings
* 2x set screws and hardware
Color options: More
* Chroma (polished)
* Gold (polished)
* Black (polished)
Plate Extras: $20-45 USD (depending on material)
Contents:
* Left and right plate
Material options: More
* Brass - $45 (sandblasted, clear coated)
* Aluminum - $25 (Black anodized)
* Polycarbonate - $25 (clear)
* Carbon Fiber - $25
* POM - $25 (black)
* FR4 - $20 (black w/ ENIG accents)
Cable Extras: $25 USD
Contents:
* 0.8m LEMO-compatible FGG-to-FGG interconnect cable
* Black woven PET sleeving
Finish options: More
* Chroma (satin)
* Gold (polished)
* Silver (satin)
Silicone Extras: $15 USD
Contents:
* 10x grommets, 50A (blue)
* 10x grommets, 70A (purple)
* 10x friction-fit feet, 50A (black)
* 10x friction-fit feet, 50A (white)More
PORON Extras: $15 USD
Contents:
* Left + right plate gaskets (4790-92), 3.05mm thick, 2 mil PET-backed
* Left + right switch pads (4790-92), 0.53mm thick, 2 mil PET-backed
* Switch pad sticker pack (4790-92), 3.05mm thick, adhesive-backedMore
Specifications
MEASUREMENTS
* 6° typing angle
* 20mm front height
* 36.6mm total height (case bottom to top)
* Kit content weight: 6.44 lbs (2.923 kg)
LAYOUT
* 75% XT (single macro column)
* Switches: 88-91
* Stabilizers: 3-5 (2U)
* Exploded navigation cluster
* Two 1U rotary encoders
PCB
* Designed by ebastler
* QMK firmware w/ VIA support
* RGB LED underglow
* Caps lock LED (with VIA customization support)
* Integrated USB 2.0 hubs
* Dual-role USB-C ports (either port can function as hub or host connection)
* Alps EC11 encoders w/ 1.5mm push travel
* STM32G431 microcontrollers
* uSB S1-inspired form-factor daughterboards
* 1.6mm black-core FR4, ENIG finish
MOUNTING
* Hybrid system combining PORON foam gaskets and snap-in silicone grommets
* Foam gaskets double as acoustic dampening between switch plate and PCB
* Silicone grommets support both top-mount (with M2 screws) and friction-mount (screw-less) styles
MATERIALS
* 6063 aluminum frame w/ anodized or electrophoretic finish
* Polycarbonate base w/ frosted finish
* PVD coated brass knobs w/ gold, black, or chroma (rainbow) finish
* Aluminum knob mounts
* PORON gaskets and switch padsSilicone Parts:
* 50A and 70A grommets
* 70A knob mount O-rings
* 50A friction-fit feet (no adhesive required)
CABLE & CONNECTIONS
* Wired USB-C connectivity
* LEMO-compatible EGG.1B.305 panel-mount socketsInterconnect cable:
* 0.8m length
* Woven PET outer sleeving
* 22/28 AWG conductors
* Shielded USB data lines
* LEMO-compatible FGG.1B.305 push-pull connectors
Changelog
Changes will be summarized here as the thread is updated.
* 2024-06-26: OP
* 2024-06-27: Layout options graphic added
* 2024-06-28: Bottom photos added
* 2024-06-30: Color chips/samples album added, more collab cable images added, extras for silicone & PORON (with images) added
* 2024-07-04: Taeha's build stream VOD added, layout graphic updated (HS will support 1.5u right mods)
* 2024-07-08: All build stream dates added
* 2024-07-08: Alexotos' build stream VOD added, Captain Sterling build stream VOD link added
* 2024-07-19: GB date extended, remaining review VODs added
Signature:
--- Code: ---[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=123207.0;all][img width=400 height=120]https://i.imgur.com/8a4iupE.png[/img][/url]
--- End code ---
P.S. – for those that have been wanting to see bottom pics (looking at you, Simon ;)), want no More
Teaser Album
.
I know the majority of enthusiasts loves a good bottom weight on their board, but after experimenting with a few different designs, I ultimately decided against adding one. Not only would it increase the overall cost of an already costly board (remember, two sides = double the parts), but more importantly, it seemed to be at odds with the underglow effect I was aiming for, and frankly just felt "tacked on." So rather than compromising the integrity of the design, I opted to keep things simple. :thumb: Besides, with those beefy aluminum bezels, the board is plenty hefty as-is.
As always, I sincerely appreciate everyone that has considered, supported, and followed along with this project. If there is anything I may have left out or if you have any questions/comments/concerns, I'm always willing to chat.
Thanks all.
bombay.duck:
You mention multiple prototypes - is the last prototype the final design or do you anticipate tweaking further? Will this go into manufacturing right after GB ends?
A lot of keyboard GBs are delayed due to designers not achieving desired results once boards are being manufactured. Does the manufacturer have historical success in achieving quality at scale?
haversnail:
--- Quote from: bombay.duck on Thu, 27 June 2024, 10:47:25 ---You mention multiple prototypes - is the last prototype the final design or do you anticipate tweaking further? Will this go into manufacturing right after GB ends?
A lot of keyboard GBs are delayed due to designers not achieving desired results once boards are being manufactured. Does the manufacturer have historical success in achieving quality at scale?
--- End quote ---
Yes, the last prototype (and the one going out to reviewers) is the final design; barring any unexpected snafus, this will go into manufacturing immediately after. :thumb:
And yes, they do: both the lead manu and PCB manu are ones that several high-profile boards and vendors use. Part of the early prototyping phase involved sifting through other manufacturers who either had a well-known reputation in the hobby, quality results, or decent communication (which of course, not all manus do). I'm happy to say the one we landed on checks all three of those boxes.
Xoloitzcuintli:
Is there a plate comparison anywhere? I was wondering if there are any recommendations or one the board was mainly built with in mind. Also, what is the difference between the FR4 and others—the mounting points look… different
haversnail:
--- Quote from: Xoloitzcuintli on Thu, 27 June 2024, 11:07:51 ---Is there a plate comparison anywhere? I was wondering if there are any recommendations or one the board was mainly built with in mind. Also, what is the difference between the FR4 and others—the mounting points look… different
--- End quote ---
Good question — most of the reviewers listed will be getting two different plate materials to compare, so almost every material will be covered in the reviews (except for brass and FR4 iirc). Personally I've really enjoyed the CF, PC, and POM plates based on sound.
And oh, the FR4 plate uses the same mounting as the rest, it's just that the product render shows what it'll look like when you get it. It'll come panelized as one "PCB" to make manufacturing affordable, so you'll just need to snap off the mousebites (i.e. where it says "HEX") before assembling. It will come with instructions printed on the back. ;)
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version