[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=104696.0][img width=480 height=120]https://i.imgur.com/J3wLhWg.png[/img][/url]
Gotta be honest, I kinda hate how... useless the handlebar is.
- You cannot lift the keyboard up with it (too close to the keycaps).
- You cannot use it as a pen holder.
Yes I know it's pure decoration, but then that kinda goes against your source of inspiration: audio gears, which
tend to be designed as highly form-follows-functions as possible.
Pen rest is a nice touch, however
- I dislike that you have a handlebar there, which serves no other purpose aside from being mildly decorative
- I also really dislike how you needlessly will end up complicating the manufacturing process and jacking up the price of the board by adding the heatfin-esque thing which, again, serves no purpose other than to be mildly decorative and to add weight to the board.
The way I see it, you're making the board complicated for the sake of making something complicated
It's a heat pipe, obviously, just like the heat fins on the back... this sucker runs HOT
Gotta be honest, I kinda hate how... useless the handlebar is.
- You cannot lift the keyboard up with it (too close to the keycaps).
- You cannot use it as a pen holder.
Yes I know it's pure decoration, but then that kinda goes against your source of inspiration: audio gears, which
tend to be designed as highly form-follows-functions as possible.
Fair points. I have definitely considered this myself, but I really feel that it really completes the look and feels too different without it. As an interesting aside, I think in some audio equipment the handles are designed not only to allow grabbing the device, but also to protect the hardware if it's dropped, so that the handles and case are taking the impact instead of the pots.
In my original concept, I was also thinking of it less of a handle - I added the bar as a physical barrier to prevent smudging/accidental input (if touchscreen) on the screen part (the scope of this is all a ridiculously long shot anyway) - however this function doesn't really apply so much after replacing the screen with just the pen rest cavity. I guess the same separation does apply with whatever you put on the pen rest, but it wouldn't really matter since it's recessed anyway. At the end of the day, you're right - it's just an aesthetic element.Pen rest is a nice touch, however
- I dislike that you have a handlebar there, which serves no other purpose aside from being mildly decorative
- I also really dislike how you needlessly will end up complicating the manufacturing process and jacking up the price of the board by adding the heatfin-esque thing which, again, serves no purpose other than to be mildly decorative and to add weight to the board.
The way I see it, you're making the board complicated for the sake of making something complicated
I wouldn't say that these elements are mild, it's not really a small optimization on aesthetics. Rather, I think this package of design choices is a pretty pronounced statement, which in my opinion also happens to look cool (subjective ofc). Yes, many design elements on this board are very much form over function, and as such it certainly won't be for everyone.It's a heat pipe, obviously, just like the heat fins on the back... this sucker runs HOT
Exactly, this board is for typing at 300wpm.
This guy knows how to talk.
I admit the design is different in a good way by far from other keyboards that I've seen in GH, which makes this board not for everybody.
Did you think about having dedicated arrow keys, either 65% way or just arrows?
60% is awesome for almost everything but painful for text editing.
How about integrating the bar onto the board so that it looks like embedded half pipe?
The board has fins and pen rest that already make it unique enough.
Even wall like square bar with no space in-between would look great.
This guy knows how to talk.
I admit the design is different in a good way by far from other keyboards that I've seen in GH, which makes this board not for everybody.
Did you think about having dedicated arrow keys, either 65% way or just arrows?
60% is awesome for almost everything but painful for text editing.
How about integrating the bar onto the board so that it looks like embedded half pipe?
The board has fins and pen rest that already make it unique enough.
Even wall like square bar with no space in-between would look great.
I'm pretty set on doing a 60% layout for this board - but I'm looking into some 60% variants (WKL, HHKB, ISO, etc.). But yeah, 60% definitely takes some getting used to and needs a mapping that works well for you. I do a lot of programming, so I have to move the text cursor a lot - I have my Function key bound to Caps Lock and arrow keys on WASD in the function layer, as well as Enter on Spacebar in the function layer. That does the trick for me.
Not sure what you mean about integrating the bar onto the board - do you mean having it be part of the same piece, or making it like a J-01 esque pen rest?
This is very interesting!
I could get with the thought, that I believe has been floated already, of lowering the bars vertical position, making it more of a step, or slightly raised bar, as opposed to something which resembles a handle, yet has no use as handle.
I think the fins have a very strong design wise quality, and removing one would also mean a break in a system of fins, which I'd be sad to see. I am very excited to see where you choose to go from here with this project.
Love the design (yes, including the bar) but I can imagine this costing a hell of a lot to produce...
With changing the USB port orientation, keep in mind that it would rule out pretty much every widely available 60% PCB out there without some janky hacking. I would heavily lean towards finding a way to support the common DZ60 format PCBs if possible.
HHKB-blocker top and split spacebar support would be enough to put this into the 'must have' category even at a premium price point.
J-01 is close to what I though but not that tall to work as pen rest. You have pen rest in the body of the board already. Just quick thought that there must be better approach than current bar which cannot be used as handle.
I am absolutely all for this design and hope it will at one time graze my desk. The only thing I would like altered a bit is the lip that covers the fins. When I use the board I would love to see the fins, is there a possiblity of the fins pertrueding somehow?
Keep it up!
I am absolutely all for this design and hope it will at one time graze my desk. The only thing I would like altered a bit is the lip that covers the fins. When I use the board I would love to see the fins, is there a possiblity of the fins pertrueding somehow?
Keep it up!
Some updates:
I realized I forgot to ask for an email address for those who would like to be notified the group buy details by email. If you've already filled out the interest form before 12pm GMT Wednesday and would like to be notified, please click on the interest form link again where you can update your response to add your email - make sure you click through to the last page to resubmit.
Also, I finished the the gasket mount:
Gasket Mount Renders:MoreShow Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/GasketMount/BottomChassis.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/GasketMount/BottomChassisZoom.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/GasketMount/BottomChassisWithPlate.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/GasketMount/TopChassis.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/GasketMount/TopChassisZoom.png)I am absolutely all for this design and hope it will at one time graze my desk. The only thing I would like altered a bit is the lip that covers the fins. When I use the board I would love to see the fins, is there a possiblity of the fins pertrueding somehow?
Keep it up!
Perhaps the polycarbonate options will do the trick for you? I added renders of them in the "Other Colors" section of the original post.
I was thinking more along the lines of having a black/white keyboard with frosted PC weight with underglow shining our from that and having the fins show a little bit. Thought that would look cool.
Never have the reverse a thought, but looks cool also!
Dang! I'm really digging all the wild stuff appearing on GH these days! Good work man! This will probably end up being too rich for my blood, especially in a pure 60% though. Also, have you thought about pushing the bar right to the back edge (past the stepped portion) so that it could be used as a rest for a phone / tablet?
Here's a small update.
I've mostly been working on the PCB, and have been making some good progress there.
In other news, I have played around with some ideas on how the daughterboard/USB cutout will work - here's some details. Previously I said I was planning on using a flag-style USB-C port, which would have been with the daughterboard aligned parallel to the case bottom. I have since changed this idea. Now, the USB-C port will be a straight USB-C receptacle, with the board parallel to the rear wall of the bottom case:
Like this part:Show Image(https://www.ept.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/01/16MAD248_IA1.jpg)
The reason for this change of thought was that I realized this will allow much more protrusion of the USB port from the board, and will make the USB-C cutaway much less recessed.
It will be mounted with two screws into the rear wall of the bottom chassis.
Here are some pictures to illustrate (PCB parts are placeholder blocks). I'm still currently working on this part of the design, so expect some changes later.Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/Daughterboard.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/DaughterboardZoom.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/InternalTop.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/External.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/ExternalNoTop.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/ExternalWeight.png)
Here's a small update.Will this screw with the current aftermarket cables? Especially those with coils?
I've mostly been working on the PCB, and have been making some good progress there.
In other news, I have played around with some ideas on how the daughterboard/USB cutout will work - here's some details. Previously I said I was planning on using a flag-style USB-C port, which would have been with the daughterboard aligned parallel to the case bottom. I have since changed this idea. Now, the USB-C port will be a straight USB-C receptacle, with the board parallel to the rear wall of the bottom case:
Like this part:Show Image(https://www.ept.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/01/16MAD248_IA1.jpg)
The reason for this change of thought was that I realized this will allow much more protrusion of the USB port from the board, and will make the USB-C cutaway much less recessed.
It will be mounted with two screws into the rear wall of the bottom chassis.
Here are some pictures to illustrate (PCB parts are placeholder blocks). I'm still currently working on this part of the design, so expect some changes later.Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/Daughterboard.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/DaughterboardZoom.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/InternalTop.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/External.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/ExternalNoTop.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/ExternalWeight.png)
Here's a small update.Will this screw with the current aftermarket cables? Especially those with coils?
I've mostly been working on the PCB, and have been making some good progress there.
In other news, I have played around with some ideas on how the daughterboard/USB cutout will work - here's some details. Previously I said I was planning on using a flag-style USB-C port, which would have been with the daughterboard aligned parallel to the case bottom. I have since changed this idea. Now, the USB-C port will be a straight USB-C receptacle, with the board parallel to the rear wall of the bottom case:
Like this part:Show Image(https://www.ept.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/01/16MAD248_IA1.jpg)
The reason for this change of thought was that I realized this will allow much more protrusion of the USB port from the board, and will make the USB-C cutaway much less recessed.
It will be mounted with two screws into the rear wall of the bottom chassis.
Here are some pictures to illustrate (PCB parts are placeholder blocks). I'm still currently working on this part of the design, so expect some changes later.Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/Daughterboard.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/DaughterboardZoom.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/InternalTop.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/External.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/ExternalNoTop.png)Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/060/USB-Cutout/ExternalWeight.png)
I dig the changes, should make it easier to retrofit it with custom cables.
I know the layouts are still under considerations, but how do you see the chances of having HHKB for a final buy?
That would really be the cherry on top for me personally.
Prototype is going to be crucial for this design, fingers crossed it turns out great
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
You wouldn't happen to have a signature we can use to promote this board?
You wouldn't happen to have a signature we can use to promote this board?
Ah right, I forgot! Thanks for reminding me. I don't have one at the moment, but I'll work on one to share soon. :thumb:
You wouldn't happen to have a signature we can use to promote this board?
Ah right, I forgot! Thanks for reminding me. I don't have one at the moment, but I'll work on one to share soon. :thumb:
Perfect! ;)
When do you have an etimated price? I think thats a big thing for people to know.
Where is the usb port? I dont see the hole in renders.
Do you know how many units there's gonna be?
:thumb: Yes please :) ISO and split space and i'm 100% in
:thumb: Yes please :) ISO and split space and i'm 100% in
Full disclosure: the prototype I've ordered has ISO support, but no split space atm :(
The supported alternative layouts my prototype I has is:
Standard ANSI layout
ISO Enter
Split Left Shift (ISO)
Split Right Shift
Split Backspace
Tsangan bottom row
I've ordered 3 prototypes with different colorways and top pieces (for STD, WKL, and HHKB). I'll be doing different layouts on each build to show these differences.
Please keep following the progress on this board though! I'm definitely considering looking into split space.
So this is doable with 2U backspace on top right?MoreShow Image(https://i.imgur.com/Wu53zLp.jpg)
Looking promising! Plate is in backwards... silly manu. :p
Still wish the top bezel was 1mm taller. Not a fan of seeing the switches peaking out from the bottom of the keycaps
OMG yes... This is soo good looking. I coulnd't help but feel a bit proud of you, considering this is your first board! Can't wait for it to be finished!
Is this the only place I can follow updates? The Polycarbonate one is sooo beautiful!
It's stunning. why go all the way to have a gasket mount and not do a leaf spring mount? just asking and planning to buy without it as well ;)
Is this the only place I can follow updates? The Polycarbonate one is sooo beautiful!
At the moment. Updates are a bit slow atm, as I'm patiently waiting for some manufacturing stuff. I might make a Discord to follow along when there will be more updates.
Liking the flatbar for finger boarding :cool:
Read your long story. Yes the whole of it :) Makes lot of sense.
So, my understanding is you have 2 options
1. have separate manufacturing process. You don't want to have this as this may spoil the symmetry of the process and cause more headache down the line.
2. Adjust the tolerances and compromise the fitting for anodised finishes.
Can't we live with the current version if the adjustment of polycarbonate ones is working. I hope you will have better answer once you have the prototypes in hand. Also, who knows, Increasing the tolerances might not be visible. I will let you be the better judge of it.
Disclaimer: I'm planning to buy the Aluminium ones.
Super excited about this - hoping the polycarbonate options happen - but your black/rose render looks great!
"A 3-way split spacebar bottom row - 2.75u+1u+2.25u (reference) - should be pretty easy to find keys that will fit this arrangement, and it adds a lot of functionality"
I would think this is the ideal approach
when gb start?
any chance for diff plate materials or halfplates?
Will we get renders with the new revision? :)
Wait my bad it already comes with HHKB layout. Any chance it'll come iwith half plate and/or PC plate options?
This keyboard looks amazing!! how can I sign up for a spot in the group buy?
Glad to see this project is coming along, I've been supporting it since the start! Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing its culmination and hopefully purchasing one for myself!
Partnering with Keebwerk!
First off, I'm partnering up with keebwerk. (https://www.keebwerk.com/) for this project. They'll be handling manufacturing, quality control, and vending. Of course this means that instead of going with either of the manufacturers I've previously tested during prototyping, I'll be going with keebwerk's manufacturer. This is the same manu which makes keebwerk's nano (https://www.keebwerk.com/nano-slider/), and is working on their mega65 (https://www.keebwerk.com/mega-extended2048/).
Until then, please track the status of the project through this thread. The main post has just been (and will be in the future) updated to detail the latest important changes.
That's a shame. My experience with purchasing both the Nano slider and Tacit switches from them was pretty dismal. That was at the start of COVID first hitting Europe though. It doesn't explain all the problems but still a factor so hopefully they can handle this a lot better.I appreciate you sharing your honest opinion and experiences. I'm imagining this board will probably be a smaller-scale sale, so I'd expect the logistics to be more managable.
Other than for that, great news and exciting to hear this is still going ahead.
i.e. easy to follow updates without wading through yet-another-Discord-server, also great news :D :DI can definitely get behind the sentiment of having too many Discord servers to follow. I wouldn't worry about following the Discord closely - I'll definitely post the important stuff here.
Super clean aesthetics
I dont really use 60% but this really changed my mind!
Would you consider a iridescent coloured bar?
Got an update from the manufacturer - machining on the prototype is done, but surface finishing still isn't. Here's some pictures from the factory:
...
Also, since the internal's have been changed since the last time I've posted renders of them, I made some new renders to show what they look like:
...
what keycap set is that on the first picture? is that brass? what's the name of the keycap
Is the HHKB still going to be part of the GB?
Prototypes from the manufacturer are now done and on the way to Keebwerk, and they might have them in hand as soon as next week!
Prototypes from the manufacturer are now done and on the way to Keebwerk, and they might have them in hand as soon as next week!
Wait I’m confused, prototypes are headed to a vendor? Why? Any ETA for the in-stock?
Prototypes from the manufacturer are now done and on the way to Keebwerk, and they might have them in hand as soon as next week!
Wait I’m confused, prototypes are headed to a vendor? Why? Any ETA for the in-stock?
Sorry, I wasn't very clear on that - this is more because keebwerk is the primary point of contact and arranger with the manufacturer, rather than them as a vendor. They'll receive the unassembled prototype first to look it over, assemble it, and if any changes need to be made, they'll know exactly what needs to be done. After they review it, they'll forward the prototype to me and I'll also take a pass looking over everything, and if all looks good on both ends then we're good to go. I like this, because it's simply more eyes to catch any problems, and ultimately keebwerk will be the final QC anyway for the production run.
ETA for in-stock is looking like early Q1 2021 - but I'd like to wait until we know the prototypes are all good before finalizing this time frame.
Prototypes from the manufacturer are now done and on the way to Keebwerk, and they might have them in hand as soon as next week!
Wait I’m confused, prototypes are headed to a vendor? Why? Any ETA for the in-stock?
Sorry, I wasn't very clear on that - this is more because keebwerk is the primary point of contact and arranger with the manufacturer, rather than them as a vendor. They'll receive the unassembled prototype first to look it over, assemble it, and if any changes need to be made, they'll know exactly what needs to be done. After they review it, they'll forward the prototype to me and I'll also take a pass looking over everything, and if all looks good on both ends then we're good to go. I like this, because it's simply more eyes to catch any problems, and ultimately keebwerk will be the final QC anyway for the production run.
ETA for in-stock is looking like early Q1 2021 - but I'd like to wait until we know the prototypes are all good before finalizing this time frame.
Do you think we could maybe get an estimate for the GB date? (please say after febuary.... There are just too many other things come out in the next month or so.. 2-3 key sets, and 2-3 keebs..
That are great news, I hope I can get one. This is probably the best looking board I am waiting for.
Good to hear that the finishes are great, does that mean the coating problems the other prototypes had are completely gone?
(Except for the fitting issue of course).
Any updates on the GB date?According to the discord, they are awaiting final(?) prototypes, and finishing up the PCB design. I don't know what that means for a GB date exactly, but it is getting closer.
Any updates on the GB?
Any updates on the GB?
Oh wow! Very excited to hear it's coming very soon now! :thumb:
EDIT:
Are any new color options making the cut? Is space grey a possibility, by chance?
(https://i.imgur.com/fA3hOpi.png) | (https://i.imgur.com/8yvf9Sf.png) | (https://i.imgur.com/lqyV0MB.png) |
- All other options will remain as they were.
Can you please add split Backspace support for the Hotswap PCB for us HHKB lovers? :D
Alternatively, do you know if Synth Labs 060 will support other "generic" PCBs like any of the WT60's, Instant60, HS60, etc?
The H60 hotswap from Hiney supports both split and 2u backspace. I own 2 of them 😜
Currently out of stock but he restocks occasionally.
Also, the Cascade60 offers the same options. That one is in stock. Just make sure you choose “no USB” for the JST cable version. I own 2 of those as well. Nice PCBs.
The H60 hotswap from Hiney supports both split and 2u backspace. I own 2 of them 😜
Currently out of stock but he restocks occasionally.
Also, the Cascade60 offers the same options. That one is in stock. Just make sure you choose “no USB” for the JST cable version. I own 2 of those as well. Nice PCBs.
Yes, but do they support stab on the 2u BS? I don't know if they do, but that's what Nostril said was preventing it on their PCB.
In other news, we have finalized pricing for the GB:
- €429 in the EU
- €399 outside of the EU
In other news, we have finalized pricing for the GB:
- €429 in the EU
- €399 outside of the EU
I'm so excited I've been refreshing the keebwerk page all day :-D
Do you mean "the European Union" or geographical Europe? For example (but not limited to) what about Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Britain?