【IC】WIND X98 | Not Only BiggerHello everyone, we are Wind Studio.
First, we very much appreciate your love and support for our previous projects, the WIND X and WIND X65.
We have heard a lot of compliments about our products that it further encouraged us, so we decided it is time to start our next project wind X98!
Absorbing the experience from the first two keyboard kits, we improved both the appearance, structure of PCB, plate and the material of X98, which can enhance the end user's experience.
一．Appearance and Layout
The layout of X98 based on the layout of Wind X (65%+numpad) + F row with more function keys.
Why did we design this layout?
When using the normal 98% layout, it is always not easy to find arrow keys and not very comfortable to press the 1u “0” key（of course, forget it if you are used to it).
There are many people that told us that they like the layout of our flagship Wind X (also the quality
), so we decided to design this X98 layout. Compared to the normal 98% layout, the arrow keys of X98 doesn't sink to the left and more function keys, pressing the 2U “0” key is also more comfortable. Compared with full size keyboard, the X98 not only preserved the full layout keys as much as possible but also save some space on your desktop.
In terms of appearance, we have been adhering to the concept of simple and clean, the keyboard kit still followed the minimalist style of Wind X, keeping the slender brass weight on the back and brass piece above the arrow keys on the top.We design a colored PVD X logo on the blank space between the upper left corner of ESC key and the F row which make the blank space look more full and give users more visual enjoyment. The extended F row makes the whole keyboard ratio look more harmonious when compared with Wind X.
二、Structure
1.We increased the height of x98, from the height of 19.29mm from the original Wind X and Wind X65 to 20.8mm. We've tested this height over and over again, the slight increase height allows sink more place for the interior structure, which means typing feel will be more softer, lighter and just overall more flex, the X98 is also more comfortable when typing for a long period of time.
2.About the internal structure, we still use the popular gasket mount structure, split plate and PCB for the X98.
We designed new grooves on each key of PCB as much as can, we also changed the foam gasket for the plate to silicone gaskets. Silicone gaskets makes the keyboard have a more comfortable cushioning (nicer flex), which is easier to install and replace.
This newly designed PCB was hollowed as much as possible and the thickness of PCB will be 1.2mm which makes the typing feel more soft and comfortable, at same time we will use the black core board PCB material fr4 to maintain more consistency and balance.
The sample picture of PCB:
We did not design a groove plate, because that the plate itself is soft already, it will be even more soft if we design grooves for the plate in which the strong elasticity will at the same time, make it inconvenient to install switches when using the hotswap PCB. To improve this installation experience of switches, the thickness of X98 plate will be 1.5mm this time and there will be no quick swap for the stabilizers.
All in all, the soft elasticity and consistency will enhance a level in the new design/ material of PCB match with silicone gasket.
Most importantly, there will be wired (QMK) and bluetooth version (LDN) available for x98 keyboard kit. And the delivery package will be fully built, including the installation of the tuned screw in stabilizers (Gateron) on the PCB, you will only need to install switches and keycaps after you receive it, then you can enjoy it. Of course, you also can dismantle and assemble according to your favorite configuration if you want to try others. This package method is suitable for some new people in the hobby, or those who feel the headache of having to build the keyboard.
For X98 keyboard, we specially designed three matching keycaps and provide three different Gateron switches of your choice (Gateron CJ, Gateron Black Inks, Gateron Azure Dragon) the price of the switches will be cheaper than the recommended retail prices if bought with the Wind X98 keyboard kit.
Keycaps photos:The current popular two-color translucent PC keycaps（the specific information will be determined when in GB）
Switch details:
More pictures：
Above is the basic introduction of X98 keyboard kit, If you have any questions or comments about it, please join our discord (
https://discord.gg/TCMGz5yNsR) for more info
And any interest check collection can fill this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hOs6cu-KNuAsR8C5__E35SJZzZjcgDafs6mTon5912k/viewform?edit_requested=trueMore information：GB date：Expected to be in mid-July
GB method：400 sets in-stock，payment on our windstudio website
Case material：6063 Aluminium
Case color：E-white + E-pink, Grey 416u + Chocolate 4045UP, Blue 2392U + Red 3546U
Layout: 65% + Numpad + F Row
Price: Wired $320, Bluetooth Version $350 (3000mah)
Weight: Brass (Transparent Electrophoresis)
Angel: 7°
Fixed model: Gasket Mount
PCB material: Black Code Board fr4
PCB structure: 1.2mm Hotswap (QMK or LDN) There will be no soldered version
Plate: 1.5mm hot-swap PC (only PC available)
Package includes（all pieces assembled）:1*X98 keyboard case(top case/middle case/bottom case)
1*1.2mm hot-swap PCB Wired or Bluetooth Version
1*1.5mm PC plate
1*Stand foot x 4pcs
1*USB Type C Daughterboard x 2PCS ( 1pcs spare）
1*X PVD logo
1*Silicone gasket
1*Screws
1*Screwdriver +3head
1*Foam kit（1mm poron + 2mm poron + 2mm hotswap foam + 0.5mm IXPE sheet + 3.5mm poron）
1*Satellite axis 1set
1*Brass weight（back）
1*Brass piece（front）
1*User guide
Optional：Switch：if buy the X98 keyboard case kit,105pcs in package,$50/set/gateron cj,$80/set/gateron ink black,$50/set/gateron azure dragon
if not buy the X98 keyboard case kit,105pcs in package, $65/set/gateron cj,$95/set/gateron ink black,$65/set/gateron azure dragon
Keycap: $49/set ( if buy the X98 keyboard case kit)
$79/set (if not buy x98 keyboard case kit)
Extra price:Hotswap PCB (QMK): $50/pcs
Hotswap PCB(LDN): $80/pcs
Plate: $45/pcs
Foam kit: $10/set
