Author Topic: [IC] Plexus75 60% PCB with ortho layout - In stock NOW! (Read 13123 times)

nasp · « **on:** Thu, 20 August 2020, 23:00:53 »

TLDR:

60% PCB for tray mount cases and some custom 60% boards (JST connector)
two long flex cuts
ortho layout with three bottom row options
compatible with HHKB or WKL boards

Please fill out THIS FORM so I can order the most preferred plate option

Early on into the hobby I developed an affinity for the ortho layout. Unfortunately there were not many options outside split ortho boards. For non-split boards it was primarily down to the OLKB Planck and Preonic. Then the Boardwalk PCB came along and suddenly there was some flexibility with larger boards in an ortho layout but keyset compatibility was largely an issue. Especially with GMK, Ergo kits were quite rare. This is my attempt to alleviate that problem with a 60% ortho PCB that has wide keyset compatibility. After all, 1u mod keys are much easier to come across than 1.5u ones. Yes, the XD75 exists, but it is full grid. Sure you can add spacebars larger than 1u to it, but without stab support you have to rely on very limited profiles and colors. The Plexus75 PCB includes 3 bottom row options: 2x2u, 2x3u, and 7u (layout pic below).

Design (design credit to Dasherby)

Layout

PCB Specs:

QMK Compatible
ESD protection
JST connector for compatibility with ai03 universal daughterboard
two large horizontal flex cutouts
connections for adding LED strips
Alps compatibility if using an Alps plate
mounting points for 60% tray mount boards

Glamour Shots:

Plates

Please fill out THIS FORM so I can know which plates to order. This will most likely be an in-stock GB that will come with your choice of a hard or soft material plate. For example, you may be able to choose from either a Nylon or an Aluminum plate. My decision will be based off the most popular picks.

Small Hack

Please be advised that if you use a 60% tray case with the Plexus75 that you will have to Dremel out 3 of the mounting points. It'll take only 5 minutes and is rather painless. It also allows for a better typing experience since the middle of the board is free to flex.

The ones that need to be removed are circled in red:

Happy Hacking!

Zeelobby · « **Reply #1 on:** Thu, 20 August 2020, 23:10:16 »

This is pretty awesome. I'd love if it came with o-ring cutouts similar to Hiney's h60 (if it'd even be possible). Dropping an Ortho 75 plate and pcb in isla60, kei, ogre would be pretty cool.

nasp · « **Reply #2 on:** Thu, 20 August 2020, 23:22:19 »

Quote from: Zeelobby on Thu, 20 August 2020, 23:10:16

This is pretty awesome. I'd love if it came with o-ring cutouts similar to Hiney's h60 (if it'd even be possible). Dropping an Ortho 75 plate and pcb in isla60, kei, ogre would be pretty cool.

My only worry is some of the bottom stabs may interfere, but I think it should be doable.

If it wasn't clear enough, this PCB will work with any 60% case that supports a standard GH60 PCB. You'd just need to make a new plate for that board, which I'm glad to help with. It will also work with 60% boards that use ai03's daughterboard - assuming the cable is long enough. For instance, it should be able to work with the RAMA x Wilba Thermal.

parablol · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 21 August 2020, 01:25:03 »

I can see myself using this. Def interested.

sartori24 · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 21 August 2020, 03:15:26 »

I like it! GLWIC

Pyk_ · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 21 August 2020, 07:10:34 »

Cool, There aren’t enough ortho boards with non-ortho mods, imo. I love the 2x3u spacebars too. Unfortunately I’m all in on 40% so this isn’t for me, though it has me interested in a layout like this with the top row removed. Good luck, though!

nasp · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 21 August 2020, 07:40:01 »

Quote from: Pyk_ on Fri, 21 August 2020, 07:10:34

Cool, There aren’t enough ortho boards with non-ortho mods, imo. I love the 2x3u spacebars too. Unfortunately I’m all in on 40% so this isn’t for me, though it has me interested in a layout like this with the top row removed. Good luck, though!

Stay tuned

jimboytacos · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 21 August 2020, 18:45:03 »

This is pretty incredible. You took a 60% board and turned it into a functional 75%.

Awesome work nasp!

rowie · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 21 August 2020, 19:21:45 »

Love the yellow one. Any chance that one will be part of it, and also the boardwalk type pcb?

nasp · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 21 August 2020, 20:15:58 »

Quote from: rowie on Fri, 21 August 2020, 19:21:45

Love the yellow one. Any chance that one will be part of it, and also the boardwalk type pcb?

All three pictures indicate the kind of layout you can do with this PCB. The PCB should fit in most 60% boards with the correct plate.

Zephyraeon · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 21 August 2020, 20:47:05 »

Any estimates on PCB price? Will everything be shipped from the US or are regional proxies possible given enough interest?

I'm considering picking up 1 or 2 depending on total cost, but wouldn't be interested in any of the bundled plates personally. Looks like a really cool concept though, I'm excited.

nasp · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 21 August 2020, 21:31:47 »

PCB alone will be between $40-55. No proxies at this time but if there is enough interest I'd be happy to contact one. Items, as of right now will be shipped from the USA.

nasp · « **Reply #12 on:** Tue, 25 August 2020, 12:16:30 »

First update:

I've made the first plate purchase and tomorrow I'll make the other. For this run I'm going with Carbon Fiber for the "hard" material and Polycarbonate for the "soft". These two were the leading materials in the form.

The PCB will be a bit late to order because I want to make another quick proto run. /

Cheers!

nasp · « **Reply #13 on:** Wed, 02 September 2020, 05:16:48 »

Second Update:

Both PC and Carbon Fiber plates have been ordered and I just submitted payment for the PCBs. The PCBs will likely arrive first and after that the plates. I expect to start selling in about 1.5 months if everything goes well.

I'll send out an email to everyone that filled out a form once everything has shipped.

nasp · « **Reply #14 on:** Tue, 08 September 2020, 10:38:20 »

Plates came in! Now we wait for the PCBs. Will be about a month give or take a few weeks

x86ect · « **Reply #15 on:** Tue, 08 September 2020, 10:55:30 »

Rilow · « **Reply #16 on:** Tue, 22 September 2020, 02:10:35 »

Eagerly awaiting this

nasp · « **Reply #17 on:** Tue, 22 September 2020, 07:46:43 »

Quote from: Rilow on Tue, 22 September 2020, 02:10:35

Eagerly awaiting this

Me too.

Asked the PCB Fab for an update since the first proto PCB was supposed to have been sent out Friday. Will update here whenever I hear back from them.

nasp · « **Reply #18 on:** Fri, 25 September 2020, 08:54:16 »

Update 3

Heard back from the fab. The first PCB is done and it will be sent to me for an inspection. Once I'm able to ok it for production, expect about a month until the rest of the PCBs are in my hands. I'm thinking these will go on sale during the last couple weeks of October.

nasp · « **Reply #19 on:** Thu, 01 October 2020, 05:17:49 »

I have received the proto PCB and have approved it for production. I expect it to take them between 2-4 weeks to finish the production.

Now we wait

parablol · « **Reply #20 on:** Thu, 01 October 2020, 08:16:21 »

PCB looks beautiful

nasp · « **Reply #21 on:** Sat, 10 October 2020, 10:29:45 »

This should be happening very soon! PCBs should arrive middle of next week as well as shipping supplies. I'll send out an email when everything is ready so please fill out the form in the OP so you can be notified.

nasp · « **Reply #22 on:** Wed, 14 October 2020, 08:52:12 »

Everything has now arrived!

Please fill out THIS FORM if you'd like to purchase a plate and PCB.

Here are prices:

PCB - $45 each
Carbon Fiber Plate - $20 each
Polycarbonate Plate - $15 each

I'll close this thread as soon as the GB thread is approved.

harlekein · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 16 October 2020, 09:10:04 »

I'm only seeing this now from the reddit post, but I love this!

nasp · « **Reply #24 on:** Fri, 16 October 2020, 09:22:16 »

Quote from: harlekein on Fri, 16 October 2020, 09:10:04

I'm only seeing this now from the reddit post, but I love this!

Thank you! Still waiting on GB thread approval, but regardless pcbs and plates are in stock, and I sent out the first batch of orders yesterday.

nasp · « **Reply #25 on:** Mon, 19 October 2020, 17:01:25 »

Since GB thread is now up, please continue discussion HERE

News:

Author Topic: [IC] Plexus75 60% PCB with ortho layout - In stock NOW! (Read 13123 times)