[IC] Model OLED | GB Starts on 2024.1.12

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Hi guys. We've been dedicated on our next keyboard for the whole year. Finally we can bring up some good news.
The great IBM Model M has been the keyboard that we wanted to remake the most, and now we make it. Here we present to you the "Model OLED".

Model OLED shares the same ergonomic curve design that brings you a wonderful typing experience, even without a wrist rest. There's also a retro OLED pushbutton as a F13 key on top right corner.
Want a more retro vibe? Please turn on the solenoid that hides in the case to decorate your typing.

Model OLED top case comes with two colors: Industrial Grey and Vintage Beige. Both of them combined with a chromium plated bottom case. Every keyboard will be put into a carrying case and be delievered safetly to you.


Typing Test:

Photos:

2024.1.8 Final Version



2023.12.07 New Bottom Case Engraving


2023.11.29 Internal Structure & Fully Built Photos










Full Album


Specification(2023.12.4 update, bottom case logo changed):


PCB Features(2023.11.30 updates):




．Designed by ekow@KeeBoyzLAB
．1.2mm thickness
．USB C interface
．Hotswappable
．QMK firmware, VIA supported
．TKL/WKL layout supported
．F13 OLED pushbottm. Programmable. Image(jpg, png, gif...) switching supported.
．Solenoid

Case Features:

．6061 aluminum case
．High quality industrial coating
．Chromium plated bottom case
．Curved anodized silver aluminum switch plate
．Ergonomic curve design as IBM Model M

Case Colors:

．Industrial grey
．Vintage beige
．Chromium plated bottom case - additional


Timeline:

Groupbuy Time - 2024.01.12 to 2024.02.11
Estimated Shipping Time - 3 to 4 months after 2024.02.15

Options & Price:

．TKL & WKL versions
．Coated top case + coated bottom case - 450 USD
．Coated top case + chromium plated bottom case - 470 USD

Contents:

．Top case
．Middle curved frame
．Bottom case
．Curved switch plate
．PCB (OLED pushbutton pre-installed)
．Solenoid & solenoid stand
．Poron dampener
．Rubber feet
．OLED screen protector
．Carrying case

Vendors:

Global - Play Keyboard
USA - NovelKeys_
Canada - ashkeebs
South Korea - Swagkeys
Europe - Candykeys
Oceania - Daily Clack
Vietnam - The Keebs Store
South East Asia - qwertyqop


Please follow our social medias for updates:

Discord Channel
Instagram

[masje]

Very nice. Rush Rush.
Is the PCB curved as well?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Very nice. Rush Rush.
Is the PCB curved as well?

No. We made it able to combine with the curve.
More photos will be updated for detailed reference gradually.

[Tippo]

The polished weight looks great. Is it stainless steel or PVD?
GLWIC

[LightningXI]

Interested in seeing how this sounds/builds altogether. Will keep an eye on the IC

Will there be options for a different bottom plate?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

The polished weight looks great. Is it stainless steel or PVD?
GLWIC

Polished aluminum with Chomium plated treatment. Just like PVD.

Interested in seeing how this sounds/builds altogether. Will keep an eye on the IC

Will there be options for a different bottom plate?

No plans for different bottom plate now. We'll stick a protector to prevent scratching for packaing.

Update:

We'll consider about making bottom cases with same color as top cases.

[Myan]

 Awww, looks great!:thumb:

[Havercy1959]

The design is so strange, it looks very unique and creates emphasis on the buttons.

[Rhienfo]

This is very interesting and cool looking. GLWIC

[digital_aaron]

Very nice. Rush Rush.
Is the PCB curved as well?

No. We made it able to combine with the curve.
More photos will be updated for detailed reference gradually.

Curved case and curved plate is super cool, but I definitely need to see the pcb solution that makes it all work. FR4 is not known for its flexibility. Is this going to have a separate pcb "slice" for each row?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

This is very interesting and cool looking. GLWIC

Cheers!

Very nice. Rush Rush.
Is the PCB curved as well?

No. We made it able to combine with the curve.
More photos will be updated for detailed reference gradually.

Curved case and curved plate is super cool, but I definitely need to see the pcb solution that makes it all work. FR4 is not known for its flexibility. Is this going to have a separate pcb "slice" for each row?

It's a whole piece of PCB. There's a bit change of the last version and we are currently waiting for our final prototype arrive.
We'll update the photos when it come.

[FitLabb]

Very interesting design, especially with the combo of the retro vibe, curved pcb design, and button with built in screen. I値l be watching this one to see what you do with it, pricing, and more, and wish you lots of luck with this project!

[shansoft]

Is this a collaboration project with Vortex SSK? It looks almost identical.

[Rhienfo]

Is this a collaboration project with Vortex SSK? It looks almost identical.

The design of both boards are based on the IBM Space Saving Keyboard or SSK, it doesn't say anything about a collab so probably isn't one.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Very interesting design, especially with the combo of the retro vibe, curved pcb design, and button with built in screen. I値l be watching this one to see what you do with it, pricing, and more, and wish you lots of luck with this project!

Cheers

Is this a collaboration project with Vortex SSK? It looks almost identical.

Is this a collaboration project with Vortex SSK? It looks almost identical.

The design of both boards are based on the IBM Space Saving Keyboard or SSK, it doesn't say anything about a collab so probably isn't one.

No it's not. There are many details that we care about, which you can't find in the one Vortex made. We spend time to make the curve design into reality, not just a modeling.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Hi guys. Same colorway bottom case with top case photos were uploaded in the main post.

[shansoft]

Very interesting design, especially with the combo of the retro vibe, curved pcb design, and button with built in screen. I値l be watching this one to see what you do with it, pricing, and more, and wish you lots of luck with this project!

Cheers

Is this a collaboration project with Vortex SSK? It looks almost identical.

Is this a collaboration project with Vortex SSK? It looks almost identical.

The design of both boards are based on the IBM Space Saving Keyboard or SSK, it doesn't say anything about a collab so probably isn't one.

No it's not. There are many details that we care about, which you can't find in the one Vortex made. We spend time to make the curve design into reality, not just a modeling.

I see... thx for the info! This board would be a blast if you can support vintage switches like Alps as well 

Would definitely get at least one or two...

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Guys. Internal structure & fully built photos were updated.

[Brawlbeard]

Any plans for different material bottom cases or plates, like Copper or Stainless Steel?

ISO Support?

[HugoChowsky]

Based on the new colour-matched bottom case photos, does it mean that you値l offer a non-chromium plated bottom too? I would much prefer non-chromium plated bottom so that the middle text is not so obvious

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Any plans for different material bottom cases or plates, like Copper or Stainless Steel?

ISO Support?

Different materials for bottom case might can be options in the future.
Sadly ISO support is not supported in this design. We'll update the PCB details later.

Based on the new colour-matched bottom case photos, does it mean that you値l offer a non-chromium plated bottom too? I would much prefer non-chromium plated bottom so that the middle text is not so obvious

Yes the default option will be coated aluminum bottom case shares the same color of the top case.

[lecorsair]

Is the OLED button designed complete at this point? Any chance to have it sit lower - or for those that do not need the OLED is there an option for a badge like your previous models?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Is the OLED button designed complete at this point? Any chance to have it sit lower - or for those that do not need the OLED is there an option for a badge like your previous models?

The OLED was set at this height that was because as a button, you'll need a room for pushing. When it's pushed down to the end, the top surface of it and case surface will be parallel.
It won't be bulky when you see it in person.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

After receiving the feedback from community, we decide to change the engraving of bottom case to the logo specially designed for Model OLED. Below images are renders for everyone to have an idea.
There are also a couple of parts that we'll modify for better typing feel and building experience. We'll upload renders gradually for you to check.

Vendors were also updated.

[mini_ninja_64]

After receiving the feedback from community, we decide to change the engraving of bottom case to the logo specially designed for Model OLED. Below images are renders for everyone to have an idea.
There are also a couple of parts that we'll modify for better typing feel and building experience. We'll upload renders gradually for you to check.

Vendors were also updated.

The new engraving is so much nicer :3

[evidentLEE]

Definitely joining the GB!

[PlayKeyboardTW]

After receiving the feedback from community, we decide to change the engraving of bottom case to the logo specially designed for Model OLED. Below images are renders for everyone to have an idea.
There are also a couple of parts that we'll modify for better typing feel and building experience. We'll upload renders gradually for you to check.

Vendors were also updated.

The new engraving is so much nicer :3

Thanks! Hope everyone can get the meaning of it.

Definitely joining the GB!