Author Topic: [IC] Extremely low profile aluminum 60% based on Kailh PG1232 switch (Read 8205 times)

holtenc · « **on:** Sat, 16 September 2017, 14:07:26 »

I'm hoping to gauge interest in a project like this. I find the switches interesting and I think it would be fun to develop an aluminum case and PCB for the switches.

Of course I don't yet have any designs worked up yet. I wanted to see if anyone even cared besides myself before I invested time and resources into the design

I've only put limited thought into the idea but the basics would include:

- low profile CNC aluminum base with a tilt
- basic backlight support (assuming these little switches support it)
- fully assembled PCB (integrated MCU)
- support for capslock indicator
- standard 60% layout.

let me know your thoughts. I haven't a clue about potential costs yet and I won't even speculate.

switch info: https://mechanicalkeyboardsite.wordpress.com/2017/09/12/newkailh-mini-choc-switch-pg1232/

currently only clicky variation available.

Lepidus · « **Reply #1 on:** Sat, 16 September 2017, 14:11:44 »

I really like the idea. Main issue tho would be keycaps, do you know anybody that would be able to manufacture them?

holtenc · « **Reply #2 on:** Sat, 16 September 2017, 14:19:29 »

Other than Kailh themselves I'm not sure. I think it might be safe to assume the "premium" manufacturers such as signature plastics and GMK are out. at least for now.

You can see a few samples of potential caps here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0722GG88M
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=91535.0
The new Planck light (can't find a link)
https://www2.woodkeys.click/product/gb-meira-low-profile-40/

pixelpusher · « **Reply #3 on:** Sat, 16 September 2017, 14:42:55 »

Always interested in something new. It would depend on the cost most likely. I wouldt pay too much of a premium for a board that could only use lasered abs caps.

holtenc · « **Reply #4 on:** Sat, 16 September 2017, 14:43:40 »

Quote from: reececonrad on Sat, 16 September 2017, 14:42:55

Always interested in something new. It would depend on the cost most likely. I wouldt pay too much of a premium for a board that could only use lasered abs caps.

a fair point

William_S_Jones · « **Reply #5 on:** Sat, 16 September 2017, 16:26:14 »

Definitely interested!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ideus · « **Reply #6 on:** Sat, 16 September 2017, 16:54:36 »

Interested in a sixty with this new switches. Assuming you source appropriate key caps with quality legends.

Tiramisuu · « **Reply #7 on:** Wed, 20 September 2017, 16:38:15 »

I'm extremely interested in the switches and keycaps but much less interested in yet another 60% board.

FoC_Tow · « **Reply #8 on:** Sat, 23 September 2017, 05:50:57 »

Haven't read up much on these honestly.
From the looks tho, I'm not sure if I value the form factor enough to justify scissor style caps...

Might be in depending what caps look like =)

LastBrat · « **Reply #9 on:** Wed, 27 September 2017, 13:46:13 »

I applaud the idea. I think the case should be flat, considering the goal here, and you can always add feet. Kailh have the new low profile switches (PG1350) with Cherry ML-like caps, and they released new ones, that are even lower profile, which would be interesting too. I'm in the process of ordering some swithces from Kailh myself, to test them out.

60% is a good start, but maybe something even smaller would be nice, to make this keyboard super portable, like those split bar 40% ones or an 60-70 keycap ortho.

TriangleLab · « **Reply #10 on:** Wed, 27 September 2017, 14:05:25 »

Sounds great!

holtenc · « **Reply #11 on:** Wed, 27 September 2017, 21:11:29 »

Quote from: FoC_Tow on Sat, 23 September 2017, 05:50:57

Haven't read up much on these honestly.
From the looks tho, I'm not sure if I value the form factor enough to justify scissor style caps...

Might be in depending what caps look like =)

Quote from: ideus on Sat, 16 September 2017, 16:54:36

Interested in a sixty with this new switches. Assuming you source appropriate key caps with quality legends.

Decent caps will be the biggest issue here. I'm assuming these switches use the same caps as their PG1350 switches... which frankly isn't too appealing. Due to the similarity to Cherry ML switches, I'm wondering if SP can slightly modify their stem placement on the ML series keycaps to fit the PG1232 and PG1350 switches. They can produce them in double shot ABS.

Quote from: LastBrat on Wed, 27 September 2017, 13:46:13

I applaud the idea. I think the case should be flat, considering the goal here, and you can always add feet. Kailh have the new low profile switches (PG1350) with Cherry ML-like caps, and they released new ones, that are even lower profile, which would be interesting too. I'm in the process of ordering some swithces from Kailh myself, to test them out.

60% is a good start, but maybe something even smaller would be nice, to make this keyboard super portable, like those split bar 40% ones or an 60-70 keycap ortho.

\

As for case I'm thinking something similar to the newest Apple Magic Keyboard (https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MLA22B/A/magic-keyboard-british-english). Of course it wouldn't be as low profile.. but it certainly wouldn't be as tall as your typical MX board.

I'm having a hard time convincing Kailh to send me some sample switches to prototype PCBs with.

pabile · « **Reply #12 on:** Wed, 27 September 2017, 23:04:30 »

40% and flat case for super low and portability please

ShadeDream · « **Reply #13 on:** Thu, 28 September 2017, 19:24:16 »

I've been keeping my eye out for some projects utilizing these switches. Definitely wouldn't want it to be a super expensive build, partially (as mentioned) because of keycap availability, but definitely interested.

holtenc · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 28 September 2017, 21:24:04 »

Quote from: ShadeDream on Thu, 28 September 2017, 19:24:16

I've been keeping my eye out for some projects utilizing these switches. Definitely wouldn't want it to be a super expensive build, partially (as mentioned) because of keycap availability, but definitely interested.

What sort of price range would peak your interest? Unfortunately most projects like this don't have enough volume to get prices down to a reasonable level. And to add to that, this would require specially made keycaps since the stuff available through kailh seem to all be pretty bad.

I guess using some sort of plastic case would cut a fair bit of the price.. but thats no fun

TalkingTree · « **Reply #15 on:** Fri, 29 September 2017, 07:42:48 »

Interested regardless of the keycaps quality as long as I can split backspace and left shift.

4sStylZ · « **Reply #16 on:** Fri, 29 September 2017, 08:01:31 »

You can have some information of the low profile planck keyboard.

I have ordered some of theses switch (100 red, 100brown) and two 104 keycaps sets.

The exw price was 200*0.23USD=46USD
Two set keycap was 2*5USD=10USD
The freight to France was 22USD.

So the total is 78USD and 30€ for the tax…

Contact Bella Hwang, Marketing representative. She have some labelled keycaps too.

Dongguan Kaihua Electronics Co., Ltd
No.1. Lindong #2 Road. Tangxia Town. Dongguan. Guangdong.CN
Cell: +86-135-8080-3551
Tel :0769-87915858- 8340
Fax :0769-87915848
Skype:13580803551
E-mail: sales12@kailh.com

holtenc · « **Reply #17 on:** Sat, 30 September 2017, 08:01:49 »

Thank you for the info. Very useful.

I think Bella and Amy at Kailh haven't been very responsive due to the upcoming Chinese Holiday.

Tiramisuu · « **Reply #18 on:** Sun, 01 October 2017, 19:06:59 »

The chinese seem to take their holidays very seriously.

Puddsy · « **Reply #19 on:** Sun, 01 October 2017, 19:09:41 »

Quote from: Tiramisuu on Sun, 01 October 2017, 19:06:59

The chinese seem to take their holidays very seriously.

They only get 3 weeks off every year. New year, Dragon Boat, and Harvest Festival/National Day.

They take it very seriously.

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Author Topic: [IC] Extremely low profile aluminum 60% based on Kailh PG1232 switch (Read 8205 times)