Author Topic: [IC] Key 65  (Read 106021 times)

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Offline senter

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[IC] Key 65
« on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 09:51:46 »




In the past three months, we put in a lot of efforts to investigate new materials,
finishes, structures, and to improve the quality of the keyboard cases.
Now we present the Key board, namely Key 65 to you.
Key 65 is the first 65% custom keyboard kit designed by Fox Lab.


What’s new?

  • Three-layers structure (see details below)
  • Gasket mount plate + gasket between mid and bottom chassis (see details below)
  • G10 case option * (TBD)
  • POM case option ** (TBD)
  • Pattern welded steel weight *** (TBD)
  • New electrophoresis colors: E-yellow and more
  • Titanium plate: the memory metal with incredible yield strength and elastic limit
  • Foam board between the plate and the PCB

* G10 is a composite material. It's commonly used for high-end knife handles and pipes.
** Acetal, the material used for switch stems.
*** The modern Damascus steel



Improvements

  • E-coating: In the previous GBs, people were annoyed by the E-coating residues around the screw holes. We noticed the problem and found a way to solve it. In the following new designs, we will add additional holes inside the case especially for the anodizing holders. All the screw holes won’t be used as the hook points anymore. They will be blocked by rubber sticks during the anodizing/E-coating.
  • Brass parts: PVD brass was a long term headache for us. After the Leaf 60 GB, we sold around 80 lbs of scrapped brass parts to the recycle center. The quality of PVD was very difficult to control. We cannot solve it, so we found an alternative solution. E-coating brass parts will be available. It's not a perfect solution because you won't get the shiny finish like with PVD. It's a practical solution though because the quality will be consistent.



Top right logo version



Top right blank version


old renders:
More






The structure

We knew the seamless design is popular recently but we decided to do the opposite. We adopt the three-layer case with the gasket mount plate. The three-layer structure is similar to E6-V2 but with improvements. The seamless design is clean, elegant, but a little dull. By contrast, the three-layer design enables more possibilities on the colors, materials, and the combinations of them (e.g. three layers of aluminum, three layers of PC, mid alu, mid PC).



The gasket mount solution has been refined. The long strips of gaskets on Leaf60 has been changed to smaller pieces. We also lengthen the tabs on the plate. All the changes make the plate more flexible and the sound more delightful. The soft plates can accentuate the small bump on weak tactile switches such as white omron B3g-S. Additionally, we added gaskets between the middle case and the bottom chassis in order to reduce the potential resonance. Last but not least, there will be optional foam plates between the PCB and the plate to reduce the ping.



Plate Layouts



7u spacebar version plate. The Win key and top right key are optional depending on the top case layout.



6.25u spacebar + split spacebar version plate. The top right key is optional depending on the top case layout.

I'm still working on the ALPS plate layout. 



Estimated price for the basic kit (all alu/PC): $295


What do you think about the new features and the improvements?
What other features and improvements you wish to see?
Please let me know because that's very important to us.




Change log:

Jul 30:
  • The logo on the top right corner is removed. New renders will be updated soon.
  • WKL left blocker top case option is added.

Aug 17:

1. New logo



I came up with the idea when I was working on the Fox Lab rebranding.
You might have noticed the new Fox Lab logo on my avatar. It can be read as Fox or f(x).
Similarly, the new logo showing above can be read as Fox while the shape of it is a key.
There's an F above, an O below, and an X inside the O.

A separate version without the top left logo will also be provided. A key will replace the Key.

2. The name of this kit is changed to Key 65. Now it's a Key board :)

3. The weight will also use the new Key logo.

There's also an alternative option. It's an engraved Chinese/Kanji character 键/鍵 which means Key in English.



Which one is better?



Prototyping has been finished.







GB will start on 25th this month and last 2 weeks.
« Last Edit: Wed, 25 September 2019, 09:57:19 by senter »

Offline Abdallah9

  • Posts: 6
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #1 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 09:54:39 »
Totally in for this

Offline Abec13

  • Posts: 369
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 09:55:24 »
 I sense corner blockers becoming a trend now.
45-ATS | Adelie | Gentoo | Volcano 660 | Think 6.5 v2 | SKOG | 7V | Hello M0110
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Offline gnhuy91

  • Posts: 130
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #3 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 09:56:41 »
WKL blocker on the left would be fantastic

Offline cijanzen

  • Posts: 604
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #4 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 09:56:50 »
Well it’s not a Numpad but it sure does look nice!

Offline TheMnBN

  • Posts: 53
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #5 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 09:57:02 »
65%, top right blocker, gasket mount. Very 2019 board  ;)

Offline SolidCactus

  • Posts: 274
  • Location: UK
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #6 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:03:14 »
I would be in for this!

Offline ubmit

  • Posts: 67
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #7 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:06:56 »
GB WHEN
Lyn Whale | KFE CE | Frog | Singa | Dolice | Haus | Kei | Polaris | Prophet | Bongoneko

Offline zekth

  • Posts: 449
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Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #8 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:12:34 »
In!

Possibility of split spacebar/backspace support?

Offline Sissy

  • Posts: 494
  • Location: Australia
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #9 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:15:55 »
So many options. Very interested, seems to take all the current 65% and custom keyboard trends and putting them together.
would like to see a green/purple
« Last Edit: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:22:58 by Sissy »

Offline FluffyWasTaken

  • Posts: 1
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #10 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:16:45 »
I'd love to see a white and purple color option

Offline _ODIN_

  • Posts: 629
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #11 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:16:45 »
Would love to see a blocker-less top.

Either way I am really interested.

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Offline appaboy

  • Posts: 197
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #12 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:20:42 »
Good price
PC Singa, MIR80, TX84se, g80-3314, g80-0427, g80-5000 + 5700, G80-3700, g81-3000 HBU (og wob)

HASRO keycaps
OG POM keycaps
SAI OG Italian dyesubs
Scarface Fn blank

Offline moonux

  • Posts: 30
  • Location: Chicago, IL
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #13 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:21:07 »
This great, I'm in for one. Also would be interested in purple if available.

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Offline o3okevin

  • Posts: 364
  • Location: Canada
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #14 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:25:40 »
Wooooo looking cool!

Offline Depresso-the-clown

  • Posts: 11
  • Location: TEXAS
  • yee haw
    • lmao it's literally just an instagram page
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #15 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:29:37 »
Love the gaskets! Would like to see split bs option as well
:thumb:

Offline Zilleon

  • Posts: 82
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #16 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:30:47 »
Overall looks pretty cool!

I love the blue color and the mounting system looks pretty cool.

The logo is kinda killing it for me though, not sure why, maybe the font?

Would love to see split spacebar too :)

Offline pixelpusher

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Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #17 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:33:55 »
New materials and finishes are very nice.  The price is nice, too.  I personally don’t like the NR logo.  The serif font looks generic and out of place on a modern keyboard. 

Offline Pennywise359

  • Posts: 53
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #18 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:34:38 »
I really dig the overall design, but that logo in a corner throws me off the text is too plain and not aesthetically pleasing, it looks really good on the weight but I do not think it is the best option for top right corner. Overall this project looks very exciting, I am very interested in G10 and PC.

EDIT: It would be nice to have RGB pcb with underglow since there is going to be PC version.
« Last Edit: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:43:59 by Pennywise359 »

Offline chriszhu

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Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #19 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:36:42 »
Looks nice!

Offline Jinnnxxu

  • Posts: 78
  • U only live once
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #20 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:45:16 »
Need this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ****!
Ins: Jinnnxxu     Discord:Jinnnxxu#9644    
Exclusive: E8V1 | E7V1 x14 | E7-VX | E6V2 x1 | E6V2 PE x7 | E6.5 x9 | E7SE x3 | E8.5 x5
Matrix: 1.0RE | 1.2RE | Abel | Abel+ | Cain | 2.0 x8 | 2.2 x8 | Abel-x x4 | M6 x2 | 1.2OG x15 | Project F x2 | 2.0AD x15 | Noah x3 | Mr. Hat x3 | 2.0VK x1
Rama: M60-A x4 | M65-A x2 | M6-A 88edition | M6-B | KOYU x3 | M60-A SEQ2 X4 | M6-C x2 | U80 x5 | M10-C | M6-C | M60 LNY x2 | M60 Olivia x2 | M65-B x5
FOX: Leaf 80 x4 | Leaf 60 x4 | Key65 x5      TGR:Jane V2 | 910RE | Jane V2 CE x2     Percent: Canoe x3 | Maze x2 | Skog lite | Canoe FE x2
Others: Mira SE x2 | Jermini | C225 x2 | INETT Cross x2 | Kira 80 | Kira 60 | Zephyr 65 R2 | Space 65 x2 | Volcano 660 x3 | INETT Square80 x4 | INETT Square68 x6 | FMJ 80 x2 | Keycult No.2 x1 | Thermal x2

Offline datfroyodoe

  • Posts: 58
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #21 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:47:49 »
New materials and finishes are very nice.  The price is nice, too.  I personally don’t like the NR logo.  The serif font looks generic and out of place on a modern keyboard.
Yea the NR logo feels like an odd choice. Maybe it might help if we knew what it stood for

Offline Visionaire

  • Posts: 613
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #22 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:49:37 »
I really dig the overall design, but that logo in a corner throws me off the text is too plain and not aesthetically pleasing, it looks really good on the weight but I do not think it is the best option for top right corner. Overall this project looks very exciting, I am very interested in G10 and PC.

EDIT: It would be nice to have RGB pcb with underglow since there is going to be PC version.

Agree, the branding is unattractive imo

Choose another theme / item to attach (like the Leaf) to the branding / badge. Something simple and clean.
« Last Edit: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:54:59 by Visionaire »

Offline lolafineday

  • Posts: 314
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #23 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:50:25 »
YOOOO this is sick, but the logo is not

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« Last Edit: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:54:38 by lolafineday »

Offline AlbinoJellyfish

  • Posts: 10
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #24 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 10:59:11 »
Interested 10000%


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Offline Visionaire

  • Posts: 613
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #25 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 11:00:48 »
Need this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ****!

Given your signature, I see you throw the word 'need' around pretty carelessly. ;)

Offline Riskymilk

  • Posts: 36
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #26 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 11:03:21 »
Logo reminds of designer brands like Michael Kors or Chanel. Could be the new trend. Besides the logo this is  :thumb: :thumb:

Offline DAzz

  • Posts: 5
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #27 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 11:10:55 »
Coooooooool!!!!! I will definitely buy it!!!

Offline ramblinrose

  • Posts: 99
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #28 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 11:13:52 »
I like the overall design of the board.. the potential for matching tops and bottoms etc is nice. I do have to agree that the logo doesn’t work for me, I think a symbol would be less offensive - leaf, fox head etc

Offline victorpre

  • Posts: 124
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #29 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 11:14:34 »
I liked the board, different material options and design.

Not a big fan of the NR logo's font,

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Offline Vireca

  • Posts: 177
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #30 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 11:17:26 »
The NR name have any meaning?

Offline Vigrith

  • Posts: 1843
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #31 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 11:19:38 »
1. Left side WKL blocker please.
2. Colours? I really wanna know what e-coating can do.
3. Love it. Great job on the price as always.

Given your signature, I see you throw the word 'need' around pretty carelessly. ;)

Seems expected from someone who feels the need to mention x28 next to a given board.

Offline Mcnos

  • Posts: 1279
    • GMK Fuyu
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #32 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 11:50:14 »
I like it,

Just not digging that NR Logo much
« Last Edit: Sat, 27 July 2019, 11:52:25 by Mcnos »

Offline sever

  • Posts: 8
  • Location: US-CA
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #33 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 12:16:13 »
Looks great! I'm interested.

Offline Flubby

  • Posts: 1
  • Location: Tx
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #34 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 12:19:11 »
Any support for split spacebar or backspace?
Either way, I'm in

Offline orim23

  • Posts: 99
  • Location: CH
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #35 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 12:42:16 »
looks great, just not that logo. why not use some fox?

Offline im_hide

  • Posts: 38
  • Location: St Louis, MO
  • dont think
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #36 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 12:57:33 »
I'm also not a huge fan of the logo. Just looks a little much.

edit: Not saying it's a deal-breaker for me, just that it feels a bit out of place to me.

Offline rowie

  • Posts: 146
  • Location: USA
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #37 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 13:20:38 »
I agree with a lot of people about changing the logo into something symbolic like a leaf or something. I also would like to see WKL Blockers on the left side, split backspace and stepped capslock key please!

Offline bobdenard

  • Posts: 167
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #38 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 14:07:14 »
I’ll join the choir: cool board but change the logo (or remove it)

Offline Starston3

  • Posts: 276
  • Location: Bay Area
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #39 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 14:11:49 »
Interested to learn more about G10 and this welded metal composite “Damascus”

Offline PotatoTM

  • Posts: 329
  • Location: ON, Canada
  • ...
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #40 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 14:14:04 »
Why the name/logo NR? Interesting stuff, looking forward to see how it turns out.
.

Offline Obe

  • Posts: 18
  • Location: CA
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #41 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 14:14:38 »
Nice board, in if the logo changes.

Offline Valian

  • Posts: 7
  • Clicky Neophyte
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #42 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 14:26:19 »
Heavily onboard for this!

Offline Faust_

  • Posts: 22
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #43 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 14:34:08 »
Hoping for a WKL blocker as well. The logo looks a bit dated though and kinda spoils the overall aesthetic.

Otherwise looks super awesome!

Offline pixelpusher

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  • Location: Tennessee - USA
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #44 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 14:41:58 »
I've always wanted to get a Fox Lab board, and 65% is my favorite form factor.  But I really don't like the logo.  I hope you reconsider it.  I agree that a more simple symbol would be nice.  Maybe if you have to go with "NR" you could use braille :)

NR in braille:
⠝⠗


Offline 8six753o9

  • Posts: 162
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #45 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 14:50:59 »
I’m surprised this won’t be called the Leaf65. Then you can just put a leaf logo at the top corner. ...  ooooh imagine Leaf logo with LED.

Offline AcidBrain

  • Posts: 10
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #46 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 15:00:36 »
Would like to see a render of a polycarb version!

Offline dannyny

  • Posts: 44
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #47 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 16:55:30 »
Nice price. Would buy as is but please change logo.

Offline killuchen

  • Posts: 44
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #48 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 16:57:30 »
I'm in for a white! But change the logo plz <3 can I haz a Leaf?

Offline loviniltra

  • Posts: 5
  • Location: ID
Re: [IC] NR65 - the first 65% by Fox Lab
« Reply #49 on: Sat, 27 July 2019, 17:04:30 »
Count me in please! but before that maybe is there another alternative for the logo?