[IC] Evolv | A four year journey complete

[pixls]

The redesign looks great, I know it brings a whole mess of issues, but hotswap seems like a must for me for a "premium" board. I don't have a bajillion keebs and I don't want to, so I can't speak to the negatives as far as typing experience, but I like the idea of being able to change things up as I go or as new things come out.

Another thought is that this layout with the joystick encoder is exactly what I, and many others, want, if you could offer the same layout but in a less premium package (simpler machined or injection molded base) after this first one is done. Have your halo tier typing experience focused model, and a more accessible hobbyist model. Though I understand if that takes away from your whole concept here.

[NathanAlphaMan]

You may feel that hotswap is low quality. I do not. I consider hotswap a feature, not a detriment, and the lack of it is a negative strike on any proposed board in my opinion.

On a layout not, 3 1u keys right of the space (ALT, FN, CTRL) are more practical than 2 1.5u keys, as this provides an excellent spot to put FN.

I mean normally hotswap is low quality because it limits the possible layouts on a pcb. Might not be the case here, but that's why. It's def not a negative strike for any board that wants to offer multiple layouts.

On the money here, now that Evolv offers multiple layouts, hotswap will not be an option unless there is huge support for a fixed ANSI version of the PCB with hotswap

[NathanAlphaMan]

Also, sorry for the double post, but I made some changes to the FAQ based on the redesign.

TL;DR if you don't want to read through it:

Because of the clear edition, I will be adding RGB underglow to the PCB, possibly top LEDs but that's TBD.

Hotswap: Due to the PCB supporting multiple layouts, this is unfortunately not possible, again, maybe if I get a large amount of support for a fixed ANSI version of the PCB, but likely not.

Generative Plate write-up: Removed references to the integrated plate from v1

[KingsofLeon]

I would support a hotswap fixed ANSI, may even buy a spare. But support not great enough its ok.

[NathanAlphaMan]

Another thought is that this layout with the joystick encoder is exactly what I, and many others, want, if you could offer the same layout but in a less premium package (simpler machined or injection molded base) after this first one is done. Have your halo tier typing experience focused model, and a more accessible hobbyist model. Though I understand if that takes away from your whole concept here.

I have plans for exactly this, but it won't be until after the Evolv GB completes

[HighOnBuffs]

Love it would also strongly support hotswap!
Its kind of a must for me.

[bakuretsu]

Fixed ANSI hotswap PCB option, please!

[Inquisitive]

This board just screams perfection to me and I love the redesign. Unfortunately, at this level of premium, I would only be genuinely interested if an ANSI hotswap PCB was an option.

[AppleLe4f]

Love the design, pretty interested in that :DD

[hottrout]

Well this just got very interesting indeed.  I prefer your new renders and I appreciate the ISO option.

[sendpie]

loving the redesign ! 

[holer]

I was following this thread because I though it was an interesting concept. And now you go and tell me it will be available in ISO -- well it just go a whole lot more exciting 

[eniigma]

This is insane and I can’t wait to see where it goes. The amount of effort you put into this is evident, I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on this one!

[luxus]

its getting better and better. the redesign is awesome

[walie]

No hotswap please, it brings more trouble than its worth. Don't let the crying newbs force you to compromise.

[bakuretsu]

No hotswap please, it brings more trouble than its worth. Don't let the crying newbs force you to compromise.

Seems to me you're the one crying about something that won't even affect you. Just buy the regular PCB and let people who want a hotswap PCB get one if it ends up being available.

[w3djyt]

This makes me want to buy an soldering iron >_> I'm so interested!

[drevan]

I think the hardest part for me is deciding if I'm gonna try for the clear edition or not... Generally, I would favor hotswap just for convenience, but not including it wouldn't stop me from getting this keyboard.

[pixls]

Another thought is that this layout with the joystick encoder is exactly what I, and many others, want, if you could offer the same layout but in a less premium package (simpler machined or injection molded base) after this first one is done. Have your halo tier typing experience focused model, and a more accessible hobbyist model. Though I understand if that takes away from your whole concept here.

I have plans for exactly this, but it won't be until after the Evolv GB completes

sick! I look forward to it! but still glad to see you pushing on with the high concept here.

[jooobe]

mmmm i'm gonna put ursa on this bad boy

[NathanAlphaMan]

mmmm i'm gonna put ursa on this bad boy

It's a good thing Ursa looks fantastic on an E-White Evolv!

[dom]

 

[L8T]

Well shiiii... now i have to choose between iron180 and evolv. These renders making me lean more towards evolv! I hope e-white with raw casted base is a color option cuz that looks fantastic! Now that its bottom is casted, im praying the price drops too

[Motte]

Since ISO is now an option, I'm very interested!

[NathanAlphaMan]

Since ISO is now an option, I'm very interested!

I can't believe I was ready to release a board that I couldn't put the Ursa Paddington novelty on lol. Def glad to be able to include ISO users in the redesign.

[Vadurr]

Hot damn. This board isn't particularly my cup of tea, but after reading thru how much work OP has done, its definitely peaked my interests!

[NathanAlphaMan]

Hot damn. This board isn't particularly my cup of tea, but after reading thru how much work OP has done, its definitely peaked my interests!

<3

[abrokencondom]

Another thought is that this layout with the joystick encoder is exactly what I, and many others, want, if you could offer the same layout but in a less premium package (simpler machined or injection molded base) after this first one is done. Have your halo tier typing experience focused model, and a more accessible hobbyist model. Though I understand if that takes away from your whole concept here.

I have plans for exactly this, but it won't be until after the Evolv GB completes

Ah I really appreciate this approach to also eventually have a more financially accessible model one day down the line.
As someone who hasn't yet completely discerned their switch preferences (and still experimenting), ansi hotswap is my current preference, although I understand the limitations that it comes with.
As someone with an eye on the 7v, and Satisfaction75 as well, my wallet is going to hurt from my quest of 75% endgame...

[chicagopianotuner]

Another thought is that this layout with the joystick encoder is exactly what I, and many others, want, if you could offer the same layout but in a less premium package (simpler machined or injection molded base) after this first one is done. Have your halo tier typing experience focused model, and a more accessible hobbyist model. Though I understand if that takes away from your whole concept here.

I have plans for exactly this, but it won't be until after the Evolv GB completes

Also chiming in to say - I think the current production model is a bit too pricey for my wallet, but a scaled back version with a simpler base is hugely appealing to me (hotswap or no). I'll be the first on the list for that

[FireLock]

I must say, as some have stated in this thread. The amount of work that is being put here is very respectable. Aa a fellow engineer I really appreciate that some simulations have been conducted to evaluate the concept. Since the ISO layout will be considered I am totally interested and see this as a good contender to satisfaction 75 (for my wallet) although this design is far nicer imo

Skickat frĺn min SM-G960F via Tapatalk

[Wamuu]

I know this concern has already been mentioned but I must say it again. Please do your very best to get creative and reincorporate some more organic design into the board. I left my ideas to contribute in the IC form I filled out. Good luck, I hope you can get that back because otherwise I just don't see myself going for this board.

[NathanAlphaMan]

I've heard all of you loud and clear! You liked the more organic bottom of the first iteration compared to the bottom of this one, so I've spent some time reworking the base to try and return to the original aesthetic. Please do let me know what you guys think!

[doooostin]

I've heard all of you loud and clear! You liked the more organic bottom of the first iteration compared to the bottom of this one, so I've spent some time reworking the base to try and return to the original aesthetic. Please do let me know what you guys think!

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To iterate the thought about making it more organic looking, I think that looks great as a base and structurally sound, but I was hoping for more randomness? Maybe it's possible to add a few random strands just for aesthetics? That's just my uneducated idea (pretty sure that would bump machining costs). Hyped for this board.

*Edit something I thought of, most of those strands are going in one directional axis, maybe some horizontal ones would help make it look more organic

[Wamuu]

I've heard all of you loud and clear! You liked the more organic bottom of the first iteration compared to the bottom of this one, so I've spent some time reworking the base to try and return to the original aesthetic. Please do let me know what you guys think!

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To iterate the thought about making it more organic looking, I think that looks great as a base and structurally sound, but I was hoping for more randomness? Maybe it's possible to add a few random strands just for aesthetics? That's just my uneducated idea (pretty sure that would bump machining costs). Hyped for this board.

*Edit something I thought of, most of those strands are going in one directional axis, maybe some horizontal ones would help make it look more organic

AGREED with what this user has said! The update you made is a big improvement but I completely agree we want MORE randomness and uneven spacing or numbers or directions of the tendrils. I looked more closely and see you did add some uneven randomness to the pillars. Perhaps having pillars with different branching directions and patterns would be the next step.
I really like what you've done with this update so far but I think you can lean in a lot more with this aesthetic. Don't hold back here, you really got something potentially special with the design of this board. I really want you to try and push this design further.

[NathanAlphaMan]

I've heard all of you loud and clear! You liked the more organic bottom of the first iteration compared to the bottom of this one, so I've spent some time reworking the base to try and return to the original aesthetic. Please do let me know what you guys think!

Show Image

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To iterate the thought about making it more organic looking, I think that looks great as a base and structurally sound, but I was hoping for more randomness? Maybe it's possible to add a few random strands just for aesthetics? That's just my uneducated idea (pretty sure that would bump machining costs). Hyped for this board.

*Edit something I thought of, most of those strands are going in one directional axis, maybe some horizontal ones would help make it look more organic

So the bottom is generated algorithmically, I don't model it by hand. While I do have some control over how it looks, I do need to work within the constraints of both the algorithm and the manufacturing process.

[mta]

I think it looks great as-is -- I feel like adding more would over-clutter the design.

[Wamuu]

I've heard all of you loud and clear! You liked the more organic bottom of the first iteration compared to the bottom of this one, so I've spent some time reworking the base to try and return to the original aesthetic. Please do let me know what you guys think!

Show Image

Show Image

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Show Image

To iterate the thought about making it more organic looking, I think that looks great as a base and structurally sound, but I was hoping for more randomness? Maybe it's possible to add a few random strands just for aesthetics? That's just my uneducated idea (pretty sure that would bump machining costs). Hyped for this board.

*Edit something I thought of, most of those strands are going in one directional axis, maybe some horizontal ones would help make it look more organic

So the bottom is generated algorithmically, I don't model it by hand. While I do have some control over how it looks, I do need to work within the constraints of both the algorithm and the manufacturing process.

Aah I see. Well if there is any way to push the algorithm to its limits while remaining withing the manufacturing constraints I'd HAVE to see that. I totally disagree that that if there were more tendrils or the branch patterns were more complex it would be too much or make it look too cluttered. Especially considering this is on the BOTTOM of the board. If you would be so kind to share what that would look like I think it would be greatly appreciated by all of us interested. It might actually turn out to be the best version!

[steezkeez]

itt: hotswap fanboys

hotswap =/= premium

learn to solder

[FoxFire007]

I've heard all of you loud and clear! You liked the more organic bottom of the first iteration compared to the bottom of this one, so I've spent some time reworking the base to try and return to the original aesthetic. Please do let me know what you guys think!

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Dude this board is the reason I only brought one 7v and not two. Please, please let this GB start soon so you can take my money. I LOVE the design. I would even get into a FE edition if there's one.

Have you confirmed the addition of a white + gold? Also could there be an option to purchase and extra bottom?

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[NathanAlphaMan]

Hey everyone, I just added the old version 1 renders back to the OP for ease of comparison.

[Wamuu]

After looking back and fourth at V1 and the updated V2, I'm still all in on the adding more tendrils or more branching team. Lets see you push that algorithm to the limit and see what we can push to make.

[Kirihuna]

Would love a hot swap possibility, even if it's a premium add on or a separate purchase.

I still haven't decide on what kind of switch I like to use and sometimes I just feel like changing it up, having to desolder and resolder adds wear and tear apparently, not something I want to risk.

[L8T]

Would love a hot swap possibility, even if it's a premium add on or a separate purchase.

I still haven't decide on what kind of switch I like to use and sometimes I just feel like changing it up, having to desolder and resolder adds wear and tear apparently, not something I want to risk.

Just use millmax then, will be cheaper for you and easier for the designer.

[NathanAlphaMan]

A good thing to remember about hotswap on the Evolv, or any board with a knob for that matter, is that you will still need to solder in the knob as there are no hotswap sockets for knobs.

[Wamuu]

A good thing to remember about hotswap on the Evolv, or any board with a knob for that matter, is that you will still need to solder in the knob as there are no hotswap sockets for knobs.

Would love a hot swap possibility, even if it's a premium add on or a separate purchase.

I still haven't decide on what kind of switch I like to use and sometimes I just feel like changing it up, having to desolder and resolder adds wear and tear apparently, not something I want to risk.

Just use millmax then, will be cheaper for you and easier for the designer.

What's millmax?
 
Also, even though the rotary knob would need to be soldered even if there was a hotswap PCB I would still be fine with that. The knob isn't something that I'd ever have reason to what to change barring it breaks or something. So even though hotswap would still require soldering for the knob I'd still prefer it.

[zaneexpert]

Hotswap plz for fixed ansi

[alper_maestro]

Fixed ANSI hotswap PCB option would keep me interested.

[kenneth00_22]

Fixed ANSI hotswap PCB option please.

[Cobalt]

Hotswap PCB option please. Would pay extra for that. I would also buy a separate version if it would be available. The price would increase by ~100$ for me either way if I wanted to make it hotswappable with millmax sockets. How will you determine if there are enough people willing to buy a hotswap version?

[ppnp253]

Millmax sockets cost maybe $15-30 depending on what model you get. It adds maybe 15 more min to the soldering process. I much prefer having stepped caps and all the other layout options all on 1 pcb rather than driving up the price and QC time to buy separate fixed hotswap pcbs. I understand the convenience of hotswap and it has it's benefits, but soldering is not hard guys. Get millmax sockets if you want hotswap.