[IC] Returned Wing - 75% Keyboard [06/22/2020 Update on Renders]

[BaltO]

Love 75% layouts, but the uneven spacing all over the board really throws it off for me. (btwn Esc and F1, F4 and F5, Control and Super, and Control and Left Arrow, and then that tiny sliver between right shift and up arrow).

[drfranco]

Definitely interested. Is the software open source or have broader application to other keyboards? A little hesitant if this is for a very limited number of boards and possibly become orphan-ware.

[jiggyboybrian]

Is the date for the groupbuy most likely going to stay mid June? I really hope it does. Also when do you think is the expected time it would take to produce and ship?

[walie]

Love the design! Will this support QMK and VIA?

it's private firmware, none of them above. easier to use I think

I dunno, I had an Anne Pro, the software was pretty bad, not intuitive and had multiple spelling mistakes

[Doip]

is there an updated discord link? current one seems to be broken

[Mellperbia]

Oh my that Noel rendering makes me want this board even more

Thx, there will be one

[Mellperbia]

Definitely interested. Is the software open source or have broader application to other keyboards? A little hesitant if this is for a very limited number of boards and possibly become orphan-ware.

It’ not open source, but it’s powerful. Returned Wing is the berry first time they try their products on customized keyboards. Don’t worry, it’s extremely easy to use!

[Mellperbia]

Is the date for the groupbuy most likely going to stay mid June? I really hope it does. Also when do you think is the expected time it would take to produce and ship?

I really don’t know, I hope the perfect prototype can be done by mid June, then GB start. Shipping and produce won’t be too long but shipping fee is quite expensive. I will try to make it cheaper.

[thornkin]

Proprietary firmware? I am sure it is nice but I have been burned too many times. Will probably pass because of that. Great looking board though. I hope the GB goes really well.

[karlb]

Looking really nice, good luck!

[Mellperbia]

is there an updated discord link? current one seems to be broken

Updated, https://discord.gg/8qR84Zz . Thanks for reminding

[Mellperbia]

Proprietary firmware? I am sure it is nice but I have been burned too many times. Will probably pass because of that. Great looking board though. I hope the GB goes really well.

I have not seen any problems of this firmware so far, but I do respect your concern. Thanks anyway.

[Mellperbia]

Definitely interested. Is the software open source or have broader application to other keyboards? A little hesitant if this is for a very limited number of boards and possibly become orphan-ware.

It has broader application to other keyboards. But it is the first time on customized keyboards. You can search "Anne Pro" on ytb, our PCB are provided by them

[hottrout]

This reminds me of my Varmilo VA69M which I have to say I tend to use quite a lot at home due to its weight and solid build.  I like this the more I read.  I think the logo on the front right of the case looks well but I don't think it looks right on the back of the case.  I love the option for stainless with the bar and weight.  If ISO is an option which I think it is I might go in on this.

[Mellperbia]

This reminds me of my Varmilo VA69M which I have to say I tend to use quite a lot at home due to its weight and solid build.  I like this the more I read.  I think the logo on the front right of the case looks well but I don't think it looks right on the back of the case.  I love the option for stainless with the bar and weight.  If ISO is an option which I think it is I might go in on this.

Wow, thanks for your feedback. ISO option might be added but don’t put too much hope on it. The MOQ is a huge problem since PCB need to redesign as now the PCB support both hot swap and weld. If ISO enter is added, there is gonna be a second PCB which costs huge amount of money. So if many people want it, I will definitely add it to option. I did asked for Chinese keyboard enthusiasts opinion, only 2.7% of them requires ISO enter so I didn’t make it eventually. But I will reconsider it.

[hottrout]

This reminds me of my Varmilo VA69M which I have to say I tend to use quite a lot at home due to its weight and solid build.  I like this the more I read.  I think the logo on the front right of the case looks well but I don't think it looks right on the back of the case.  I love the option for stainless with the bar and weight.  If ISO is an option which I think it is I might go in on this.

Wow, thanks for your feedback. ISO option might be added but don’t put too much hope on it. The MOQ is a huge problem since PCB need to redesign as now the PCB support both hot swap and weld. If ISO enter is added, there is gonna be a second PCB which costs huge amount of money. So if many people want it, I will definitely add it to option. I did asked for Chinese keyboard enthusiasts opinion, only 2.7% of them requires ISO enter so I didn’t make it eventually. But I will reconsider it.

OK well I am watching with interest.

[Syrah94]

Love the layout bruh. Reminds me of good ol' time with my Varmillo

[SL1ST]

I dig the front logo (who wouldn't dig ancient chinese glyphs?)

Back one looks like a tramp stamp.

Agreed, hope that's revisited in the interest of a better looking product. The software does look good though, props for that.

[Piwi]

I dig the front logo (who wouldn't dig ancient chinese glyphs?)

Back one looks like a tramp stamp.

Agreed, hope that's revisited in the interest of a better looking product. The software does look good though, props for that.

The more I look at it the more I kind of agree.

[gideonwoo]

I kind of wish it would be more compact with just 1 column of special keys instead of the 2x2 since it's a 75% board.

[IBMweMissU]

The PCB is BT5? Are all features (like CapsLock LED, Tap layer, Magic etc.) similar to AP2?
Where will the GB run? If BT, I'm soooo in.

[Mellperbia]

The PCB is BT5? Are all features (like CapsLock LED, Tap layer, Magic etc.) similar to AP2?
Where will the GB run? If BT, I'm soooo in.

It’s exactly same as AP2 except BT. Returned wing does not support BT. GB will be run by several vendors in each region but I am not sure who are they, I need some time to communicate with them. Please join our discord group and I will keep you updated.

[IBMweMissU]

Sorry, no BT is a deal breaker for me.
Bummer. I was so excited by this. 

[syke]

In for the updates

[mvkoto]

Sorry, no BT is a deal breaker for me.
Bummer. I was so excited by this. 

I'm pretty sure the majority of keebs here don't have bt.

[lz2019]

I love this layout, simple, beautiful and very effective!

[IBMweMissU]

Sorry, no BT is a deal breaker for me.
Bummer. I was so excited by this. 

I'm pretty sure the majority of keebs here don't have bt.

Yes, I'm aware that "wireless" is a dirty word in custom keyboard land (not sure if I understand or agree - if
you don't like it, don't use it). If designing from scratch, I can understand, kind of, that you don't want to waste resources.
But since this board and software are being made by Obins, (you can see "Buetooth" in the software picture here too)
I'm quite sure they have to "delete" bluetooth, which I think is just silly, and a huge lost opportunity.

[shodid]

This interests me, but the top and bottom row spacing needs fixing.

[neutralstate]

m总牛逼，仔细看了一波既然确定是两颗门牙，好像也没有其他兼容的配列，为什么不把这两个门牙弄成长度一致的，现在这样一大一小感觉不是特别好看

Show Image

就有一说一吧....为了全1.25u也是妥协了很多，但没有门牙又显得呆板，，而且保留原配列是秘书的意思，我们也都比较满意。再说吧，这才刚定稿，还有很多变数，说不定就改了呢？（并不

will have to agree with stickerliu here, gotta say that the bottom blockers should at least be the same size if possible. sticking to a 1.25U bottom row is an admirable design goal to maintain keycap compatability, i think its possible to keep that while still have evenly sized bottom blockers.

the top gaps between function keys could also be spaced evenly , i think that would look better as well.

thanks for considering!

[lz2019]

m总牛逼，仔细看了一波既然确定是两颗门牙，好像也没有其他兼容的配列，为什么不把这两个门牙弄成长度一致的，现在这样一大一小感觉不是特别好看

Show Image

就有一说一吧....为了全1.25u也是妥协了很多，但没有门牙又显得呆板，，而且保留原配列是秘书的意思，我们也都比较满意。再说吧，这才刚定稿，还有很多变数，说不定就改了呢？（并不

will have to agree with stickerliu here, gotta say that the bottom blockers should at least be the same size if possible. sticking to a 1.25U bottom row is an admirable design goal to maintain keycap compatability, i think its possible to keep that while still have evenly sized bottom blockers.

the top gaps between function keys could also be spaced evenly , i think that would look better as well.

thanks for considering!

Probably not everyone but I like the current design of top gaps, especially the 1u space between Esc and F1. And, it looks comfortable Esc, F1-F4 and F9-F12 all being orthogonal.

[YoRHannya]

Definitely interested after seeing that Light Blue render with Noel. I definitely want one for my set.
It has some interesting spacing but I like the overall design.

[baammm]

I definitely like this keyboard but I wish the PCB supported QMK

[Mellperbia]

I definitely like this keyboard but I wish the PCB supported QMK

i hate QMK lol, it always frustrates me.

[neutralstate]

wow is this the dust blue...

[Mellperbia]

wow is this the dust blue...

Show Image

yes, Pantone 646C

[neutralstate]

wow is this the dust blue...

Show Image

yes, Pantone 646C

nice, do you have real life samples of this and possibly some of the other colors?

[Mellperbia]

wow is this the dust blue...

Show Image

yes, Pantone 646C

nice, do you have real life samples of this and possibly some of the other colors?

JTK/KAT Arctic

[BaltO]

is the OP gonna respond to any of the questions about spacing or nah?

[Mellperbia]

is the OP gonna respond to any of the questions about spacing or nah?

not gonna change anyway

[hottrout]

So is there any possibility of ISO?  It will be a real shame if not.

[Surefoot]

ISO plate file (.dxf) would be enough, but PCB must support it. I would be interested if it does.

[Mellperbia]

So is there any possibility of ISO?  It will be a real shame if not.

sorry but no iso...i did several experiments, they all turns out that iso plate is extremely unfriendly with hot swap PCB...and i have MOQ so double solutions seems not affordable, soooo damn expensive

[paulgali]

Very nice. I love the color options. Surely though 6063 would be better for these colors rather than 6061?

[resonantarchitect]

Definitely setting aside some money to participate in the GB! Just gonna have to figure out which color to get between Midnight Blue, Lilac, Dust Blue, and Black.

Looking forward!

[rewke]

Really happy that hotswap is an option.

[dahlialux]

such an awesome board!!! just filled out the interest check, i love all the planned colors!!! i cant wait!

[Drudoo]

Definitely interested. Is the software open source or have broader application to other keyboards? A little hesitant if this is for a very limited number of boards and possibly become orphan-ware.

Love the design! Will this support QMK and VIA?

it's private firmware, none of them above. easier to use I think

I dunno, I had an Anne Pro, the software was pretty bad, not intuitive and had multiple spelling mistakes

I definitely like this keyboard but I wish the PCB supported QMK

Can only agree with others. The proprietary software aspect is awful. Obins on anne pro is so bad and i avoid it at any cost. Rarely use my anne pro because of the software.
Want international characters? Too bad (I need Scandinavian characters on a layer and that's impossible). Want advanced macros? Cant be done (you can record keystrokes but that's hardly advanced). Different LED profiles per layer? Nope stick with the default.

Want chinese software that only works half the time? Come right along. Check /r/annepro for firmware update issues.

I am so fed up with Obins that i don't know why anyone would want a premium keyboard that uses the software.

[IBMweMissU]

And you don't even have the Bluetooth of the AP2 !

[ecbob]

What are the updated pantone and hex colors for the lilac purple? The #5a3183 doesn't seem like the lilac purple in the new renders.

[Mellperbia]

**Preview: (https://imgur.com/a/qGJBxla) **

TL, DR:
Returned Wing 75%
Pricing: From $360
Case: Full Aluminum with CNC polishing.
Color(anodized):Light Blue, Pink, Dark Green, Midnight Blue, Red, Lilac Purple, Black, Silver, Dust Blue and Space Grey
Color of accessories: anodized colors+brass(gold), Copper(rose gold) and silver(stainless steel)

5 Pins switch supported
PCB mounted RGB
Hotswap version available
GB Date: start somewhen between June to mid-July

IC form: (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIEpE2kM0ggnup5pb92AzeaEJVN5AtZZmK9t14YpVrxzQizg/viewform)
GH: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=106227.0
Discord: https://discord.gg/8qR84Zz

Vendors:
China mainland GB: CMM.Studio
China mainland stock: Keycaps library(键帽馆)
North America: Desk Hero
Asia except China mainland: TBD
Australia: TBD


**Intro: **
Returning Birds

Returning birds glide in the sky;
At dawn they leave the woods close-by.
Sometimes they fly far far away;
Sometimes on hazy peaks they stay.
In flights against the spring-time breeze,
They turn around to seek the perching trees.
They echo each other in songs
Amid the shadowy trees in throngs.

By ancient Chinese poet, Yuanmin Tao

**About: **
Hello everyone, I hope all of you are doing well during this unstable time. My name is Mellperbia.
Today I am brining you the latest products by CMM.Studio (藏猫猫, Hide and Seek).
Here it is, a reborn 75% kit ---- Returned Wing

If you are familiar with the design, you might see some shadows from Yellow Chicken’s half-feather design a while ago (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=101196.0). Sadly, half-feather did not come to reality. Fortunately, we were able to pick it up from where it was left off and giving the half-feather a new life. The brand-new half-feather is named as **“Returned Wing” **. The first concept is a design for Yellow Chicken himself to hit his endgame and enjoy his life. Secondly, it also means the reborn of half-feather project. We polished and perfected the half-feather and we are very proud to bring this wing to you. Let the wing guide you the path and fly among the sky!

While keeping all the original half-feather layout, front face logo weight, in order to improve the touch and feel, we almost redone the structure and make it more precise, more logical. At the same time, we also did some changes to the appearance. We bestow the wing clearer lines with back side plate.

Of course, with the new look of Returned Wing, we believe as a keyboard, it must perfect its basic task, typing. We are tremendously proud to announce our PCB partnership with Obins.lab, which designed the visual interface for Anne Pro 2. Our firmware will be supported by Obins.lab and we are thrilled to say perhaps this will be one of the most advance and mature PCB. We customized special driver, optimized features and visual interface. Undoubtedly, this PCB will meet all your expectation for a DIY mech keyboard.

**May the returned wing become a spark to your life journey, Amen**


**Design Detail: **
Renders of all case colors:
https://imgur.com/a/7SbNofp
For detailed explanation, please check the link here:
https://imgur.com/a/wiAWI9N
**Details and Pricing: **
- Price: From $360 USD (Full aluminum)
- Case color: Light Blue, Pink, Dark Green, Midnight Blue, Red, Lilac Purple, Black, Silver, Dust Blue and Space Grey

Show Image

- Housing material: 6061 anodized aluminum, 180 mesh emery
- Color of switch plate: For aluminum plates, the same as the case. Optional, PVD/sandblasting brass/copper
- Weight material: standard aluminum, same as case. Optional CNC polished stainless steel and CNC polished brass
- Material of inscription bar: Standard aluminum, same shell, optional: same as weight
- Nameplate Material: Standard double nameplate with logo and no logo; polycarbonate primary color and optional aluminum color same as the case+Copper/brass primary color(rose gold or gold)
- Structure: Top mount, there are rubber o rings at both sides of the switch plate to absorb shock.
- Layout: non-classic 75% with all 1.25u bottom line
-Slope: 7.5 degrees
The GB will start around June to mid-July (until the prototypes are satisfied)

**PCB**
Please Check PCB description on the link:
https://imgur.com/a/wymMAwt
**Compatibility: **
 -5 pins PCB mount: Gateron standard (compatible with all switches)
 - Soldering / hot swapping optional
 - Type C interfacing
 - Full key customization
 - All keys has no conflict when pressing them together
 - 2mm thickness
 - Cross Platforms Support (macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux)
 - Online firmware update
 - Multi-languages support


**RGB lighting: **

 - Full-key RGB, closed by default
 - Shortcut keys control and driver control. Multi presets can be chosen.
 - Independent nameplate lighting module can be linked with keys RGB lighting, switched on by default and support two lighting effects: breathing and constant light

**Appearance: **

 - White
 - gold plated sockets

**Feel free to comment with what you think. Thank you for reading this post**