geekhack

geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: RivieraS on Tue, 09 March 2021, 12:27:40

Title: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: RivieraS on Tue, 09 March 2021, 12:27:40
(https://i.imgur.com/JpWTTbR.jpg)

Hello everyone, My friend Sirius, the author of Unigo66 and Uni660, bring us a new design.

MeowTool X1 is different from him previous design style, it is a moderate-looking keyboard.



Design inspiration:

This time we challenge the design of the big keyboard, the full-size keyboard was my initial design direction.
I wasn't willing to do the traditional 104, so I changed the layouts slightly,
and also added a small OLED screen in the upper right corner as an additional design point. ——Sirius

(https://i.imgur.com/Rxg34pS.jpg)   (https://i.imgur.com/LGAeZtL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TO6Ojd4.jpg)   (https://i.imgur.com/eGAq3LJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tqiBnxs.jpg)



Specs:

1.Style
The front of the MeowTool X1 is designed with a large forehead and wide bezel, the style is overall on the retro side.

2.Curve
The lines on the sides of the keyboard use a curved transition to erase the sense of boundaries and give the MeowTool X1 a more affable feeling.

3.OLED Screen
The OLED screen can be used with the software to present small animated gifs, time, and hardware information, etc.

4.Material
The material is aluminum alloy, with a large size mirror stainless steel base plate.

5.Structure
The material of plate is FR4, it has good flexibility. To make the force of plate more even when typing, I have modified the traditional TOP structure by using two auxiliary metal strips for fixing. The overall structure of the keyboard will be similar to a combination of TOP and SANDWICH. And I tried to do as much as possible to hide the screw for sentire appearance of the MeowTool X1.

6.Back of the Keyboard with Ambient Light
To facilitate the production and assembly of the keyboard, the tail part of the MeowTool X1 was made into a separate sub-part, and inserted even light strip between it and the shell. Through the 30 RGB lights on the PCB, and the chamfered refraction inside the shell, a silky smooth and even RGB flowing ambient light is made. And it is barely visible on the front, which maximizes the retention of the keyboard's vintage feel. I also made use of the remaining RGB lights, leaving a glowing kitty below the spacebar. The only problem that may arise is that there are too many lights, and if the keyboard uses the hub may encounter the problem of insufficient power supply, we recommend that you use it directly connected to the computer or a hub with power.

7.Data transfer
Due to the large size of the keyboard, I judged that Bluetooth wireless is not needed, so I cut out the wireless function that was standard in my previous works, which I deeply regret.

8.Software support
For the convenience of customers, this kit uses LNE Lab's PCB and supporting software for editing and management. The software covers functions such as online brush upgrade, and visual RGB light effect editing.






More photos:

(https://i.imgur.com/Rxg34pS.jpg)   (https://i.imgur.com/LGAeZtL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TO6Ojd4.jpg)   (https://i.imgur.com/eGAq3LJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tqiBnxs.jpg)



TBC








Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: Nvr_Smile on Tue, 09 March 2021, 12:37:30
So is this an IC or just a post to show off your board? You add no additional information on this board, will this be going into GB, and if so at what price point, what material selection, vendors, quantity? It is a cool looking board, but you should add more info in the post than just some pictures.
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: stoffelduss on Tue, 09 March 2021, 12:56:57
don't like the bezels personally. looks too large overall
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: Woovie on Tue, 09 March 2021, 14:19:50
I like the aesthetics, but I'd like the bar at the top to do something more than exist for a tiny OLED on the far right.
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: nu_types on Tue, 09 March 2021, 14:32:33
To clarify this board already ran in China.

RivieraS, could you add more info on color options, estimated pricing, etc?
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: Bachoo on Tue, 09 March 2021, 14:57:54
NE material, colors, typing angle, height (front & back), weight, mounting style, units avail, pricing estimation? 
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: Chippy on Tue, 09 March 2021, 22:18:09
I would love some more information...not really a fan of that top bezel but overall this is a fun board.
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: RivieraS on Thu, 25 March 2021, 13:22:32
Updated.
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: eibbun on Thu, 25 March 2021, 13:37:19
ooh this looks interesting
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: hillmu on Thu, 25 March 2021, 21:07:05
play with prototype long time, nice feeling(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210326/1992fb9d6b7307103176587e11ad0415.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210326/f33c5cb66beee9070cec856372ea6a9c.jpg)

通过我的 KB2000 上的 Tapatalk发言

Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: cabeggar on Fri, 26 March 2021, 17:44:53
Updated.

Thanks for the detailed updated! Maybe include an exploded view would explain the top + sandwich mount better?
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: Nonnegaard on Sat, 27 March 2021, 13:54:04
This is downright gorgeous.
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: Nonnegaard on Sat, 27 March 2021, 13:55:57
Any idea of when this will run?
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: PuddingPug on Sat, 27 March 2021, 14:26:37
I wished there was something more on the top panel but the board still looks good  :D
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: eibbun on Thu, 20 May 2021, 21:35:22
i keep coming back to this thread to see if it's still happening 👀
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: azzipa on Thu, 20 May 2021, 21:47:16
i don't even know wtf this is or why it's in my watchlist. may involve one beer too many bc i don't remember ever seeing this post before. clicked on it just now ready to "unwatch" and decided i actually am interested.  :thumb:

based on this image it looks like the top panel is just for looks and there's only a small oled screen that's actually functional. too bad, but not a deal-killer. could i program the weather to show up? how about the price of dogecoin? maybe last auction price for my ferrari? inquiring minds would like to know  ;D

(https://i.imgur.com/eGAq3LJ.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: brodiegrizz on Thu, 20 May 2021, 23:06:47
That side view is gorgeous

But some more information would be nice. Things like typing angle, front height, etc. Glwic
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: rokon07 on Fri, 21 May 2021, 00:15:21
The design overall looks nice and unique. But I think if you remove the inner bevel edge for each section and make the side edges smaller it would look better. I really like the rbg led being diffused from the top. Glwic
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: JohnYYZ on Fri, 21 May 2021, 00:30:14
Nice thick board, I like it. glwic
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: HungHingDaiLo on Fri, 21 May 2021, 06:01:37
Interested.
What color options will there be?
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: UGunaLOSE on Fri, 21 May 2021, 06:25:22
OH this is interesting GLWIC!
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: hottrout on Sat, 22 May 2021, 04:27:17
I like how this looks and it feels like a throwback to boards of the 80's.  Very interested and watching closely.
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: RoyalOak88 on Thu, 15 July 2021, 04:59:31
Any news on this?
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: thadcombs on Wed, 12 January 2022, 21:56:00
This dead?
Title: Re: [IC] MeowTool X1 Keyboard
Post by: keebsalad on Thu, 20 January 2022, 05:43:50
great lookin keeb, love the design!