[IC] Orbit 65% - Curved,Silicon Top Mount,17mm Front Height. GB OPEN NOW

[Ra66it_AU]

Orbit
Designed by Machina
UPDATE 31-05-23

GB OPEN NOW
Vendor:
AU: www.najakeys.com
South Korea: Geonworks https://geon.works/
Rest of the world: www.machina.mx













Hello there, I am Ra66it from Australia. Introducing my first keyboard project Orbit by Machina, a 65% silicon pin mounting style keyboard.

I have been wanting a 65% keyboard ever since I tried the tadpole mounting on Frog TKL. Started last year as a personal project, I received my first prototype this October.

The main idea of the design is to keep the keyboard as slim as possible. Internally, trying to make a clean-sounding keyboard with the least amount of foam.

The external curves and internal weight pattern give me an astronomy vibe, I hope this keyboard is also in your orbit
The look of this keyboard is influenced by the HHKB series (HG variant and Pro2).


IC FORM: https://forms.gle/pCphkNEkyidLt7gPA

DISCORD LINK: https://discord.gg/KZ7axT7zKg

INSTAGRAM LINK: https://www.instagram.com/machina.syd/




0. CONTENTS

1.DETAILS
2.VENDOR
3.PRICE & SALES DETAILS
4MEDIA
5.COLOR RENDER
6.LAYOUT
7.PHOTO
8.DESIGN CHANGELOG
9.PROJECT STATUS
10.TYPING TEST




1.DETAILS

- Typing angle 7.0°
- Front height: 17mm
- Mounting style: Silicon pin/ Tadpole ( 3 hardness options)
- Screwless exterior design (detachable silicon feet hiding all the screws at the bottom)
- PCB: Inhouse design with USB-C daughterboard - configurable with QMK/VIA, hotswap, and solder option available.
- Will come with a matching carrying case
- Weight:  1.5kg/3.3 lbs built for Aluminium Version
               2.5kg/5.5 lbs built for Brass/Copper Version
- Materials:
     - Aluminium Top Case
     - Two bottom case designs:
     - Full PVD Aluminium Bottom Case with 4 internal brass weights
     - Full Brass Bottom Case with clear coat finish
     - Anodized/ E-coated Aluminium Bottom Case (NEW ADDED as IC form suggests)
     - Color Renders: https://imgur.com/a/FFaE7GB
   



2.VENDOR

AU: www.najakeys.com
South Korea: Geonworks https://geon.works/
Rest of the world: www.machina.mx




3.PRICE & SALES DETAILS

Sale Format: GB (28th May 2023)
Color Renders: https://imgur.com/a/FFaE7GB
Price

• Anodized Top Case + Anodized Bottom Case                                $349
• Anodized Top Case + Aluminium PVD Bottom Case                       $389
• Anodized Top Case + Full Brass Bottom Case (clear E-coated)       $399
• Anodized Top Case + Full Copper Bottom Case (clear E-coated)     $439
• All Raw Aluminium Top & Bottom Cases (clear E-coated)               $369
• Hotswap                                                                                   +$10
• E-coat                                                                                      +$20

* Prices in USD
** By default, comes with full aluminium plate, 70A hardness silicon pins, 1.6mm PCB, and no flex cut on either PCB or plate.

IC form here: https://forms.gle/pCphkNEkyidLt7gPA
Added options for raw finish and copper in IC form




4.MEDIA
Lightning Keyboards Build VOD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbM91RubDVk
Alexotos:https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1837661817
DBOKEY:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ1_dsck4Xk&ab_channel=%EB%93%9C%EB%B3%B4%ED%82%A4DBOKEY
Avi
Keybored: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSQ0jrB9S7M&ab_channel=Keybored
NearLucid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4epwWdvk2I&t=226s&ab_channel=nearLucid
Geon
Makerchun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqXRDzC2bp4&ab_channel=markerchun
* will update here once videoes are available




5.COLOR RENDER
More Color Renders: https://imgur.com/a/FFaE7GB






6.LAYOUT





7.PHOTO
V1 Prototype photos











V2 PHOTO
UPDATE 06-02-23
V2 Prototype photos











8.DESIGN CHANGELOG
V1 Prototype
- 1.2mm PCB with flex cut
- 4 screws between the top and bottom case
- 4 separate rubber feet

V2 Prototype
- 1.6mm PCB with no flex cut
- 8 screws between the top and bottom case
- Changed to 2 long rubber feet instead of 4
- Testing Brass Patina
- Quality of life changes to the PCB
- Silicon pin positions redesigned

V2.5 Prototype
- Can confirm 1.6mm PCB without flex cut is better.
- Keeping 8 screws between the top and bottom case.
- Keeping the bezels as slim as V1.
- Redo long rubber feet molding. (failed last time)
- Testing Brass Patina (ongoing process)
- Quality of life changes to the PCB (ongoing process)

V2 Prototype Exploded View




9.PROJECT STATUS [GOING INTO GB SOON]


V1 Log

More

After typing with V1 proto for a month, overall I am happy with the look and typing feel, the typing experience is firm but not stiff, and the 50A silicon pins allow some bounciness in the board. Personally, I always build my keyboards with plate foam, it reduces those tiny noises and still keeps the characteristics of the board. The sound is quite clean without case foam, more on the clacky side. I bearly noticed any hollowness, but it is a bit loud for my liking.

For the V2 proto, the goal is to keep the sound profile more isolated. I added more screws between the two cases and lengthen the rubber feet, hopefully, it can reduce resonance between the metal pieces, and the thickness of the top case has been increased by 1mm to make the sound more isolated.

Red arrows indicate the newly added screw holes, the placement won't affect how the space bar sound.

One thing I am currently testing is the patina on the brass bottom, I have included the photo in the IC form, please feel free to check it out and leave some feedback. If you are a patina artist who enjoys my design, please please reach out to me.

V2 Log

More

V2! Lots of good news, all the changes made seem promising.
In this round, all materials have raw finishes and I really enjoy the colours, considering adding that as a GB option.
You may notice that the V2 bezels are slightly thicker than V1, but I prefer V1 bezels more after putting them side by side, will change that back next round.
see the comparison here:


Overall the design is final now, the next round (Proto V2.5) will be the final round, mainly for review units.
I will lock in all the case colours, materials, and finishes after the next round. Please fill in the IC form if you want to share your opinion.

 

V2.5 Log

UPDATE 30-04-23
After hearing some feedback, I have changed the placement of the logo at the bottom.


Currently all the review units have been sent out, and more content will be released next month, meanwhile, collecting community feedback before we go GB in May. 






10.TYPING TEST

ProtoV1 Plate foam only

I overlubed my left shift lol

ProtoV2 Sound Test [NO FOAM]

Lightning Keyboards Build VOD:

Thank you all for reading till the end!



Vincent - Special thanks for the amazing photos!
https://www.youtube.com/@vincentchen1985
ANZKEEB - Shoutout to my keeb mates, I won't be able to make this without your guys！


[/list]

[Ra66it_AU]

More

[Flybeck]

Sound test of v1?

[Ra66it_AU]

I have recorded it, having an issue with uploading atm, will post it here soon!

[LMarci]

Filled the IC form, looks promising so far. Please consider a non-flex cut alu plate and no foam in the kit.

[Ra66it_AU]

That's exactly my personal preference/ultimate goal for this board haha! Definitely something to consider.

[KeyBros_]

I love the desing, but I want it 60%

[irithyll]

This looks amazing. Most definitely going to get this if it's priced nicely.
Great job on the design and protos, and I hope to see progress soon!
GLWIC

[AnonyMoose_]

dang that side profile is so nice. glwic

[PlayBox]

finally a tadpole 65% im not gonna expect it anywhere close to 200$ though. glwic

[The0rigina1]

Hmm, an interesting choice for a heavily kei-inspired bottom. It is known in the community that kei as a keyboard doesn't sound the best.
A full brass bottom would probably induce unwanted pinging. GLWIC

[Zurg Eon]

Engraving gives me Vertex Angle vibes. Proof:



The board looks well executed. GLWIC!

[TjarleN]

I love how it looks, personally not looking for any 65% otherwise this one would be on the top of my list.
Side profile is very hot, I am a sucker for hhkbs.

[VXQN]

Board looks great! Would be interested to know what your thoughts about additional colours are.

Is there a reason for splitting the brass weight into four pieces? Does it make a difference?

[Akele]

Looks great. I'll be keeping an eye on this one. GLWIC.

[aicyborg]

I like a lot about this. The curve's really appealing.

Will you be offering hotswap ISO as an option? I am definitely in if so.

Regarding foam, if it doesn't raise the cost by much please consider including it - I know "foam-filled" is becoming something of a negative thing in the eyes of the community but for those of us that like it (hello) just not including it kinda blows actually.

[Ra66it_AU]

This looks amazing. Most definitely going to get this if it's priced nicely.
Great job on the design and protos, and I hope to see progress soon!
GLWIC

dang that side profile is so nice. glwic

finally a tadpole 65% im not gonna expect it anywhere close to 200$ though. glwic

Thanks for the kind words!

[Ra66it_AU]

Looks great. I'll be keeping an eye on this one. GLWIC.

I love how it looks, personally not looking for any 65% otherwise this one would be on the top of my list.
Side profile is very hot, I am a sucker for hhkbs.

Glad you guys like it, appreciated! I am a huge hhkb fan as well.

[Ra66it_AU]

I like a lot about this. The curve's really appealing.

Will you be offering hotswap ISO as an option? I am definitely in if so.

Regarding foam, if it doesn't raise the cost by much please consider including it - I know "foam-filled" is becoming something of a negative thing in the eyes of the community but for those of us that like it (hello) just not including it kinda blows actually.

At this stage, I am sure the ISO is an option for solder pcb. I am totally down for ISO hotswap but not quite sure how to execute it, do you know if any board has done this before? can be a good learning opportunity for me.

From what I saw on the IC foam rn, half of the people are into no foam, which is quite interesting. I am thinking separate the foam from the kit and making it an add-on option. In that way, 'no foam' people don't have to pay for the cost of foam, and foam lovers still have the option.

[Ra66it_AU]

Board looks great! Would be interested to know what your thoughts about additional colours are.

Is there a reason for splitting the brass weight into four pieces? Does it make a difference?

Thanks for your interest! The weight splitting is more of an aesthetic design choice. Acusticlluy I don't think it will make a huge difference compared to a whole piece.

[Ra66it_AU]

Hmm, an interesting choice for a heavily kei-inspired bottom. It is known in the community that kei as a keyboard doesn't sound the best.
A full brass bottom would probably induce unwanted pinging. GLWIC

Thanks for your input!
I had the same doubt when I designed this. After testing I don't think brass bottom is the main reason for pinging noise. From my experience, the pinging noise is mainly from uneven fitting between metal cases, I tried this mod from 3ildcat's video for my Kei and most of the pinging disappeared.
Link: https://youtube.com/shorts/VSMdbEgdvQ4?feature=share

[aicyborg]

I am totally down for ISO hotswap but not quite sure how to execute it, do you know if any board has done this before? can be a good learning opportunity for me.

Zoom65 and Ikki68 Aurora are the best examples I can think of, they managed to squeeze both ANSI and ISO on the same PCB. Getting the enter region right is a bit tricky (because there's another key added under the ISO enter) but the left shift is straightforward. If you can do it, it'd be really appreciated.

[kolxy]

An orbit logo design on the back would probably look better than simply a word. Other than that, I really like the keyboard

[Plurrkeebs]

That internal design on the bottom brass weight goes hella hard. 

[Ra66it_AU]

I am totally down for ISO hotswap but not quite sure how to execute it, do you know if any board has done this before? can be a good learning opportunity for me.

Zoom65 and Ikki68 Aurora are the best examples I can think of, they managed to squeeze both ANSI and ISO on the same PCB. Getting the enter region right is a bit tricky (because there's another key added under the ISO enter) but the left shift is straightforward. If you can do it, it'd be really appreciated.

Thanks! I will look into it.

[superjackie]

wkl plz

[ExpensiveShinyRectangle]

Wow, this is such an interesting curved design and i really like the seamless sides! glwic!

[Ra66it_AU]

An orbit logo design on the back would probably look better than simply a word. Other than that, I really like the keyboard

Thanks for your support! 

[Mike2046]

Looks promising. Who's the PCB designer, and which MCU does the PCB have? Atmega or ARM?

[Ra66it_AU]

Looks promising. Who's the PCB designer, and which MCU does the PCB have? Atmega or ARM?

The PCB is an in-house design with 32u4 chip

[origintypes]

I like how the keyboard looks, but unfortunately not a fan of tadpole mounting. GLWIC

[goju2506]

I've never been this excited for a 65%. Hoping it will be sub 400, also shallow engraving of the circular pattern on the back of the weight instead of inside would be noice (brass weight)

[swva]

This project is looking really good!  Of all the new keyboards I've seen lately this is the one I'm most looking forward to.

[saab]

I really dig the curved HG side. GLWIC <3

[Ra66it_AU]

I just refreshed the Discord link again, come chat

https://discord.gg/KZ7axT7zKg

[Ra66it_AU]

Just curious if anyone keen for a copper bottom design?

[Akele]

Just curious if anyone keen for a copper bottom design?

Absolutely. Given the choice I'd go for copper over brass.

[vonk]

Just curious if anyone keen for a copper bottom design?

$$$$$$$$$$$$

[DaaDaa]

a burgundy top would be nice

[Ra66it_AU]

To anyone who is reading this, Marry Christmas!

[Slimey]

Wondering if you would consider the wave pattern to be on the bottom so its visible instead?

[Ra66it_AU]

I will keep it inside for a minimalistic look.

[Ra66it_AU]

An interesting find from the IC result, three plates are equally popular according to the votes lol.

[colinlin]

beautiful keyboard, hope to get it

[Ra66it_AU]

beautiful keyboard, hope to get it

Thank you! Proto v2 has been shipping out to me, will update here soon!

[OhNyne]

I like a lot about this. The curve's really appealing.

Will you be offering hotswap ISO as an option? I am definitely in if so.

Regarding foam, if it doesn't raise the cost by much please consider including it - I know "foam-filled" is becoming something of a negative thing in the eyes of the community but for those of us that like it (hello) just not including it kinda blows actually.

Iso hotswap is pretty difficult to execute, but if it is done correctly i think it would pay off, not many boards have iso hotswap so it would make the board even more unique, You might want to try around with some pcb designers who have done iso hotswap before
At this stage, I am sure the ISO is an option for solder pcb. I am totally down for ISO hotswap but not quite sure how to execute it, do you know if any board has done this before? can be a good learning opportunity for me.

From what I saw on the IC foam rn, half of the people are into no foam, which is quite interesting. I am thinking separate the foam from the kit and making it an add-on option. In that way, 'no foam' people don't have to pay for the cost of foam, and foam lovers still have the option.

[OhNyne]

An interesting find from the IC result, three plates are equally popular according to the votes lol.

Show Image

Aluminum would be a great idea, so would fr4 and pc, i feel pom is too close to pc to pom for it to be worth it but its just me

[Ra66it_AU]

V2 has arrived!! Let me know if you like this all-raw finish too!
Will provide more pics and typing tests soon.

[daviddgm]

Nice project.

Let me ask... About rubber feet, did you design and Will make them or Will you get from another maker like Geonworks?

[Ra66it_AU]

I designed and made them. I don't think Geon produces rubber feet for 65%.