(http://i.imgur.com/KtQ7RVe.jpg)
40% boards are nice, but there aren't enough keys for me personally. I don't like having to shift layers to hit a question mark or a bracket. 45% boards are a little better, but there are barely any out there. The JD45 and Minivan come to mind, but they aren't really that cheap or easy to get your hands on, and it's hard to find keycaps with good compatibility.
I felt like a new compact layout was needed, so I put together my dream compact layout in KLE. It's one row wider than the JD45, which is why I gave it the 50% size. Keycap compatibility works very well with this layout, and every single key (except for the red 1.25u key) can easily be found in an EnjoyPBT set in the right size AND profile.
The bottom row also has lots of compatibility, with options for 7u, 6.25u, and 6u spacebars, each with options for split space, still compatible with standard keycap sets. The right shift also allows for either full 2.25u, split arrow keys, or split HHKB.
Because of the way the layout is made, there will be little 0.25u blocked corners, giving it a sort of miniature HHKB-esque look.
As for design, I'm planning on two options, sandwiched acrylic and milled aluminum, and there will be a custom PCB included. There is no word on price yet, but if this gains enough interest, I will work on getting an estimate.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Supported Layouts:
More
(http://i.imgur.com/wogW5ZH.png)
Super Rough Model:
More
(http://i.imgur.com/SA8ClhA.png)
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Updates:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
#5 - 8/28/17
Prototype case is printed, assembled, and in functioning use.
Extras were for sale on Reddit, 3 PCBs/kits were available, all pending.
I originally thought of this miniature project as completed, but I have gotten many messages on Reddit asking about the availability of this board which changed my mind. Therefore, I have been talking to someone about the idea for r2 with updated layouts, RGB underglow, and a hi-pro CNC aluminum case. More details about r2 will come in a separate IC, expect to see it sometime in the future.
#4 - 6/14/17
PCBs are done being designed, and prototypes have been ordered!
PCB Renders: More
(http://i.imgur.com/Y3zobGI.png?2)
- Alps and MX Support
- Per Key LED Backlight
- Fully Pre-Soldered SMD Components
- Centered Mini USB
- QMK Firmware
- 8 PCB Mount Holes
- All Original Layouts Supported
I will work on the case design once the PCBs come in, so I can be sure that I get all the measurements correct on the first try. More updates to come once the PCBs arrive in ~30 days from China!
#3 - 6/7/17
Decided to fall through with the GMK modifiers. They're too expensive, and the MOQ will never be reached. It would also be an added stress for me shipping out an additional ~150 packages.
Recently got a 3d printer and was able to print out the left half of the (curved) split version. I'm still working on getting the quality up, but the print worked out, and it gives a pretty good idea of what the full board will be like. I was originally concerned with the blockers, but they turned out to actually look quite nice in real life.
Pics of the 3d print: http://imgur.com/a/Gtm6c (http://imgur.com/a/Gtm6c)
I'm still waiting on the PCB design to be finished up, I'm sorry it's taking a [/url]while.
Bad news about the case manufacturer: All but one company that I emailed failed to respond to my quote inquiry. The one company that did respond said that they were unable to quote my request :(
Good news about the case manufacturer: I did find a very local company willing to make the case. Once the PCB design is finished, I will finish up the case design to fit around the PCB dimensions, and then I'll submit the case for a quote.
Renders of the split curved case: https://imgur.com/a/kuqKC#tWZRewb (https://imgur.com/a/kuqKC#tWZRewb)
KLE layout: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@=Tab&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&_x:2%3B&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&=%7C%0A%5C%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Caps%20Lock&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&_x:2%3B&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A'&_w:1.75%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Shift&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&_x:2%3B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&=%E2%86%91&_w:1.25%3B&=Shift%3B&@_x:0.25%3B&=Ctrl&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:2.75%3B&=Alt&_x:2%3B&=Win&_w:2.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92 (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@=Tab&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&_x:2%3B&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&=%7C%0A%5C%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Caps%20Lock&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&_x:2%3B&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A'&_w:1.75%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Shift&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&_x:2%3B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&=%E2%86%91&_w:1.25%3B&=Shift%3B&@_x:0.25%3B&=Ctrl&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:2.75%3B&=Alt&_x:2%3B&=Win&_w:2.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92)
Open source models: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yvrj5l8axs63t5z/AAC6vQeVSaIWHs_AWyq3ydP2a?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yvrj5l8axs63t5z/AAC6vQeVSaIWHs_AWyq3ydP2a?dl=0)
#2 - 5/22/17
Just got a quote back from GMK. Sadly, I made a few changes to the set and they gave a quote for the wrong revision, but it should still give a good idea of the price.
GMK gave the set a cost of $36 before shipping and fees for a MOQ of 150. The set would cost $32 before shipping and fees for a MOQ of 250.
This estimate doesn't include arrow keys, but it does include the price of three spacebars. Not including the spacebars would likely bring the price down, though I'm not sure by how much. Full compatibility with the JD45 could be added in place of the full size spacebars.
The PCB guy is working on the design as we speak. As soon as he's done, I'll go ahead and order ~10 prototypes and solder them up.
The company I reached out to still hasn't answered my email regarding a quote, so I'll either give them a call or work on finding another company to use instead.
#1 - 5/13/17
Couple quick updates today:
1. I found a PCB designer since I can't do the designing myself. Once the keyboard layouts are finalized, he will get started on the prototype boards, which will be made soon after. I will keep be keeping one prototype PCB and be selling the rest to make back lost expenses.
2. I found a local company willing to cut the plates and acrylic cases. Their facility is only 15 minutes away, and some family members have done business with them before. There is a powder coating facility in the same building if there would be any interest of having that as a unique case finish. They might do the CNC aluminum cases too, but I'll have to ask.
3. I contacted GMK for a quote for the compatible modifier keys. Decided on N9 and CP (Dolch mod colors) since they match almost everything except WoB. Not sure if all of these key legends/profiles are possible, but I'll find out soon enough.
Keys I want to include in the mod set: More
(https://i.imgur.com/250cfo8.png)
Layout example with the mods (with leftovers): More
(https://i.imgur.com/izU5qXs.png)
I have been thinking on this and if you run a mini buy for the non standard keys, in classic colors like beige and black, this may get more demand.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/o5Hb5MS.png)
Personally, I might give this layout a try:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Sc0fWzo.png)
The second image seems to be broken over on my end... What was that supposed to be?
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
I have been thinking on this and if you run a mini buy for the non standard keys, in classic colors like beige and black, this may get more demand.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/YcZiOcC.png)
Personally, I might give this layout a try:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/Sc0fWzo.png)
That's not a bad idea, I'll have to think about it as a possibility. Were you thinking GMK?
The only reason I'm kinda iffy about this is because this would only fix the issue for people who are using beige GMK/ePBT caps. That's one of the most popular colorway though, so it would help a decent amount, but not completely fix the issue.
Would a full set of mods be better? It would include all the mods with correct legends for each of the supported layouts. Obviously, it would be more expensive, but it would match other sets besides just beige GMK/ePBT.
Couple quick updates:
1. Found a PCB designer since I can't do it myself.
2. Found a local company willing to cut the plates and acrylic cases. They might do the CNC aluminum cases too, but I'll have to ask.
3. Contacted GMK for a quote for the modifier keys. Decided on N9 and CP (Dolch mod colors) since they match almost everything except WoB. Not sure if all of these keys are possible, but I'll find out soon enough.
Keys I want to include in the mod set: More
(https://i.imgur.com/250cfo8.png)
Layout example with the mods (with leftovers): More
(https://i.imgur.com/izU5qXs.png)
Cool thanks! Love this keyboard btw.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
Thanks for all the support <3
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/1OXv2Nz.gif)
I will use it with my Dolch then (Secondary legends just for reference, ignore them). I just hope the mod set reach MoQ. Would leaving the standard space bars out get its pricing into very attractive pricing bracket? After all. most people already have some space bars matching their alphas and keeping the split sizes only would cover the special layouts.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/sCmU8E0.png)
Good point. I'll see how much cheaper it is without the spacebars once I get the quote with the spacebars.
MoQ might be a problem. If enough people want the kit bad enough but there aren't enough orders, there are a few things I could do.
1. Pay out of pocket for the remainder of the kits (not ideal as I'd be out a ton of money)
2. Pay out of pocket and raise the price of the mods in the final buy to make back lost expenses (not ideal as that's not really fair to you guys)
3. Get a set for the whole board made by SP in DCS/DSA because of their nonexistent MoQ (not ideal as the profile isn't cherry, caps are thin, and compatibility with other sets is low)
Plan B: The minimalist 50% GMK Compatibility Kit:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ulJEX50.png)
No compromise and cheap enough for everyone interested in giving the 50% layout a try.
My problem with that is even though it'll help a few people, it'll make the board look off balance with the different colors in weird spots. Personally, wrong colored caps would bug me a lot more than mismatched legends/profiles.
BTW: Have you noticed that the upcoming Nautilus Set has the keys in the minimalist set that I propose you, that fit your design:
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/OAWa2jK.png)
Of course, it is not an option to buy an expensive set just for those keys, though.
Huh, that's pretty interesting. I haven't really been paying attention to that set since I'm not a huge fan of the colorway, but that compatibility is pretty interesting. I'll think over the compatibility tonight, and figure out if there's something I can do to make the symmetry better.
The Nautilus Set is intended to be compatible with the JD45, that shares mods sizes with the 50%'s, that means that the mod set could be attract users that wants to populate their JD45s, besides those of us that want to try the 50%.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/uYbGSiO.jpg)
Never realized that the sizes for the mods were badically the same as the JD45 and JD40. I feel like the full mod set might actually be possible since it fits three boards instead of just one. If it fit the Minivan too, it would help even more, but the key sizes for that are all weird :(