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[GB] Link - Split ergo keyboard (with wireless option!) - GB live 05/16

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upas:



Link


CANNONKEYS COMING SOON PAGE

SEE THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AS IT HAPPENED ON THE IC THREAD


Specs and features:

Choice of wired hotswap or wireless hotswap versions (see more details below)
Anodized 6063 aluminum cases
Ergonomic column-staggered layout, based on the Solfe58 V2
USB-C interconnect
Rotary encoders with shiny brass knobs (silver)
Aluminum screen covers
Hybrid tray/gasket mount
1.2mm PCB
0° angle case
¼” threaded holes in the center of each half, for use with off-the-shelf tenting solutions


Details on each edition, and their key differences:

Wireless

Includes ZMK-powered hotswap PCBs w/ ZMK Studio support
Compatible with the nice!view MIP screens
The nice!view screens are not included by default (they are also available for purchase)
The screen cover windows are slightly smaller than the wired version
The screen covers include an acrylic insert to provide a more complete look, for those who do not wish to run screens
If the acrylic insert is still not to your taste, then blank aluminum covers will be available to purchase as add-ons
This version is truly wireless, in that no cables are required between each half in order for them to pair seamlessly; the right side talks to the left side, and the left side talks back to the right side while also talking to your computer
Both halves connect to the connect to the computer as one singular device
Battery life on the left side is estimated to be 3-4 weeks, and the right side should last much longer, both based on a 230mAh battery
Wireless range has been tested to 50ft without issue




Wired

Includes QMK/VIA compatible hotswap PCBs (not wireless)
Comes complete with SH1107-powered OLED screens
The OLED cover windows are slightly larger than the wireless version
The OLED covers do not include acrylic inserts (as there is no need)
Requires a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect the two halves (included)
If you wish, you can disconnect the two halves from each other and connect each of them individually to your computer to use as two separate input devices
Range is limited to the length of the USB-C cable running to your computer :thumb:




A distinctive mounting style:

Gaskets are mounted inside the tray of the case, which align with various points on the PCB.




The plate assembly is then screwed down into the case, which allows the PCB to be comfortably suspended on the gaskets to effectively dampen the vibration from typing regardless of typing force.




A subjective approach to ergonomics:

In addition to the 1/4" threaded hole for off-the-shelf tenting options, we also designed a cost-effective tenting solution that you can 3D-print yourself at home. It has a 3.5° L-R tenting angle and a 3.5° negative front to back angle. The files for this tenting kit will be fully open sourced so you can adjust the specs and dimensions to suit your liking. For those who would rather not go down the DIY route, we will also be selling these as add-ons during the group buy and because they’re 3D-printed, we shall be able to offer these as cheaply as possible.

A few of you also requested wrist rests for this board. We did look into this and played around with some designs but given that the chunky, flat wrist rests wouldn’t provide much help for comfort. Coupling this with the fact that the tenting kit is going to be fully adjustable via the open sourced files, we decided the best option here would be to open source the design so those who want to tweak the tenting kit can also adjust the wrist rests to the same degree.

Photos of the tenting kit in action:
More







Formally introducing PBS Modern Abacus:

...or PBS MoAb for short.

Following up on the high demand shown in the IC, we got in touch with biip who cooked up an amazing set for the Link - so good, that we're also going to run it as a standalone PBS set at the same time as the Link GB.

The PBS MoAb name kinda works in 2 ways - it was designed mostly based off of retro calculator vibes, but also has colors reminiscent of the southwest outdoors (like Moab, UT) - so it's really neat!

There are two kits specific to Link (or in fact any Sofle58 V2):



MoreThe kitting for the following kits are still being finalized - details will be posted here when confirmed.

If you fancy more keys for wider compatibility:


If you want to buy this set for use for a more conventional layout, then there is also a more traditional base kit available:


The confirmed colorways:
As chosen by you via the IC form.

Black - Wired


Black - Wireless


Burgundy - Wired


Burgundy - Wireless


Green - Wired


Green - Wireless


Orange - Wired


Orange - Wireless


Silver - Wired


Silver - Wireless



What's in the kit:

Wired version

1x 6063 aluminum left case
1x 6063 aluminum left wired cover
1x Left hotswap PCB including rotary encoder
1x 6063 aluminum right case
1x 6063 aluminum right wired cover
1x Right hotswap PCB including rotary encoder
2x Brass encoder knobs (silver)
2x Polycarbonate plate (reversible)
2x SH1107-powered OLED screens
12x Poron gaskets
8x 8mm bumpons
USB-C to USB-C cable
Assorted hardware and screws
Microfiber cloth
Hard carry case

Wireless version

1x 6063 aluminum left case
1x 6063 aluminum left wireless cover
1x Left wireless hotswap PCB including rotary encoder
1x 6063 aluminum right case
1x 6063 aluminum right wireless cover
1x Right wireless hotswap PCB including rotary encoder
2x Brass encoder knobs (silver)
2x Polycarbonate plate (reversible)
2x Acrylic insert (black)
2x 230mAh battery (availability may depend on region)
12x Poron gaskets
2x Battery gasket
8x 8mm bumpons
USB-C to USB-C cable (for ease of charging)
Assorted hardware and screws
Microfiber cloth
Hard carry case


GB details and pricing:

The Link GB will run from May 16th to June 16th

GB details and pricing:

US: CannonKeys
EU: Keygem
UK: Mechboards
OCE: Daily Clack
Canada: Minokeys
CN: zFrontier

Pricing:

Keyboards:
Link - Wired Edition: $245
Link - Wireless Edition: $275

Add-ons:
Extra hotswap PCBs (2): $50
Extra wireless PCBs (+ batteries) (2): $80
Extra SH1107-powered OLED screens (2): $20
nice!view MIP screens (2): $40

Blank covers (2): $30 - these will be available in all board colors

Aluminum plates (2): $45
Polycarbonate plates (2): $40
FR4 plates (2): $28
Carbon Fiber plates (2): $40

Extra USB-C to USB-C cable: $5
Extra brass knobs (2): $15 - gold, silver and black
Extra gaskets (12): $5
Extra 8mm bumpons: $4
Foam kit (2x3pcs): $26


A final thankyou:

The development of this project stood out as markedly different to what we were typically used to. Historically, we keep our cards relatively close to our chest throughout the development process until we feel like the product is polished enough to present to the public. This time we wanted to hear some genuine feedback early on, and you really came through with it. We took this feedback to heart and used some of your suggestions to help elevate this project to something that we feel genuinely proud of. We hope will be too, and we hope you'll join us on May 16th too :thumb:

MossieMurphy:
This is the first time I've seen a keyboard designed in two like this, quite interesting.

aumz.work:
The wireless version is looks so clean

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