Author Topic: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40% (GB details posted)  (Read 31016 times)

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Offline Pwner

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[IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40% (GB details posted)
« on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 03:37:05 »
Introducing the Equinox, a custom keyboard designed for premium aesthetics and typing feel in a compact package.







Beyond the Typical
Equinox skips the plate to offer maximum flex.  The PCB is secured by its tabs from below by rubber gaskets directly to the case, earning the name of tabbed "gasket" PCB mount.


Compact and Classy
The winkeyless blockers have been implemented for a classic aesthetic, regardless of the board’s small footprint. An internal weight adds sufficient mass for use at a desk, while the all-aluminum exterior provides durability on the go.


Specs & Features:
- 6° typing angle
- Case material TBD
- 17.25mm front height
- QMK PCB designed by ai03 with VIA support
- Backlight & Underglow LED support
- Optional CF plate will be available during GB, we will also open source the plate file should you want a different material.
- Brass internal "weight" (Sandblasted & Coated)
- Weight: 740g fully assembled
- Case colors: TBD
- Cost: TBD
- GB Date: TBD
- Vendor: Cannonkeys


Supported Layouts:



A Long History:
12/17/2017 - Begin project
02/16/2018 - Prototype PCB batch 1 arrives
07/01/2018 - Forgot about the existence of the project by this time
01/30/2019 - Remember about the existence of the project; begin case/PCB redesign
02/03/2019 - Finish PCB and case redesign
03/16/2019 - First batch production begins
06/15/2019 - First batch shipped to testers
06/19/2019 - Units receive favorable feedback from testers; GB preparation begins


FAQ:
"WHY?" - Because.
"ne ____ avail?" -  :-X
"Unlimited GB?" - No, sorry.  Exact number will be decided with Upas of Cannonkeys.


Renders:









Prototypes:











Special thanks:
ai03 - For being a bad influence and encouraging my bad ideas
Wilba & Olivia - For the VIA support! <2
Upas - For offering to help run a GB
The prototype supporters who helped support bad ideas
« Last Edit: Sun, 15 September 2019, 07:19:07 by Pwner »
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Offline Pwner

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #1 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 03:37:20 »



And now for the GB details:

Launching September 28th, 2019 via

Cannonkeys - $270 + shipping (100 units)
Mykeyboard - TBA (30 units)
Yushakobo - 29500jpy incl ship, excl tax of 10% (unlimited)

Layouts:
Top with either wkl blockers or without

Colors:
Black
Blue Grey - 8181c
Rose Gold - 7520c
Dark Grey - RAL 7016
Japan Blue - 7700c (Japan Exclusive)
« Last Edit: Sun, 15 September 2019, 07:20:06 by Pwner »
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Offline kawasaki161

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 03:40:28 »
Finally a nice case for the Contra :thumb:

Still think TMO50 is better tho.

Offline piit79

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #3 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 03:42:41 »
Looks nice. WKL not for me tho. I prefer function over form ;)

Offline Jae-3soteric

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #4 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 03:44:02 »
So in for this. It looks great!!

Offline japanesehorrorwriter

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #5 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 03:47:30 »
Wow. Yes. So good.

Offline OracleKev

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #6 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 03:50:01 »
Really like the layout

Offline Macmutant

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #7 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 03:53:10 »
I like it. Color me interested.

Offline Wilba

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #8 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 04:13:58 »
If this had a brass plate and was compact 1800 southpaw layout with at least two knobs and a vertical 2U inserted in somewhere, I would totally buy this.

Offline kawaiicheung

  • Posts: 37
Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #9 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 04:29:32 »
Quite a nice design! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

But as a 40% keyboard user, I really hope a regular top case like Polaris then I would absolutely in.

Offline EMC Labs

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #10 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 04:42:20 »
Hmm, okay.

Offline RETURNISO

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #11 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 04:57:25 »
In  :cool:

Offline victorpre

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #12 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 06:47:40 »
Noice :D

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« Last Edit: Sat, 22 June 2019, 06:49:32 by victorpre »

Offline tex_live_utility

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #13 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 07:36:31 »
Yes yes yes yes. Never been so "in" anything in my life.
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Offline audiosl4ve

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #14 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 07:47:10 »
Looking awesome!  :thumb: :eek:

Offline rope

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #15 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 08:01:47 »
so cute, yes please

Offline duckboi

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #16 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 08:19:09 »
What does the bottom look like? always curious to see how the bottoms of boards are executed
The m0ar empty you feel,  the m0ar space for Keycaps..

Offline Pwner

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #17 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 08:30:03 »
What does the bottom look like? always curious to see how the bottoms of boards are executed

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Offline nasp

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #18 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 08:43:01 »
If price is low, this might be my first 40!


Offline TuCZnak

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #19 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 08:53:42 »
Looks cool, winkey variant would help for folks that prefer function over blocker aesthetics. It's hard to afford dropping 2 keys on a 40%...

Offline homerowco

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #20 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 08:58:27 »
wouldn’t you need to open up the usb-c port cutout to give space when it moves up/down/angle?

Offline cijanzen

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #21 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 09:02:37 »
This is a terrible, horrible, no good idea. I hope to see it succeed!

Offline ideus

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #22 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 09:18:55 »
Is this a first for ISO enter on a 40 layout? That is a great idea. I am not sure if a 40 can be my daily driver; but this is attractive enough to be under consideration.

Offline TheMnBN

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #23 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 09:27:25 »
This is the first time I'm excited for a 40%  :thumb:

Offline Zambumon

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #24 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 09:30:35 »
wouldn’t you need to open up the usb-c port cutout to give space when it moves up/down/angle?

It doesn't move THAT much to need a huge USB-C hole

Offline InvidiousIgnoramus

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #25 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 09:46:11 »
I hear you guys like impractical layouts. https://imgur.com/a/xt5ifEi
I long for the day when I find a beamspring. (At a not insane price)

Offline Pwner

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #26 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 09:59:05 »
Looks cool, winkey variant would help for folks that prefer function over blocker aesthetics. It's hard to afford dropping 2 keys on a 40%...

That's not entirely out of consideration, we wanted to see what kind of interest there is before adding other options.
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Offline quatho_

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #27 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 10:01:45 »
I'm drooling allover this today. Super excited to see a 40% done this way! Nice stuff.

Offline equalunique

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #28 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 10:07:55 »
Usually I see staggered 40% boards and think to myself: "lol why would any sane person want to use this over a planck"

This board however has really got my interest. The layout in the renders basically has my favorite kind of spacebar (almost same as 2.25u+1.25u+2.75u), ISO enter, and symmetric mods on the left and right (ppl who don't use right mods scare me). A lot of design choices that I like. Def willing to give it a go!

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
« Last Edit: Sat, 22 June 2019, 15:52:36 by equalunique »

Offline Wilba

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #29 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 10:13:44 »
Looks cool, winkey variant would help for folks that prefer function over blocker aesthetics. It's hard to afford dropping 2 keys on a 40%...

That's not entirely out of consideration, we wanted to see what kind of interest there is before adding other options.

DIPLOMACY 100

Offline xondat

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #30 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 10:18:49 »
Thank you Pwner, very cool!

Offline vosechu

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #31 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 10:26:43 »
Very cool. I’m an ortho user and even I want one of these!

Offline eastern_thug

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #32 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 13:22:37 »
Keeping an eye on this one. Liking the internal weight and layout. Excited to see color options.

Offline Acereconkeys

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #33 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 14:13:37 »
I absolutely love the "top surrounds bottom" design on small boards like a 40%. It just fits so nicely since the small height means the top doesn't stick out awkwardly.

I agree with other commentors, the only problem I have with this board is the bottom row. Regardless of WKL, for me personally, that position for the spacebar makes this not comfortable to use.

Here's my suggestion:



The benefits of making the board WKL 1.5 instead of the 1.25 and removing the 1u is that it puts the split space keys in positions where your thumbs rest when sitting on the home row making using the keyboard with split space much more comfortable. Of course this has the big drawback of removing the option for using full size spacebar. That's unfortunate for some but for me it's necessary.
TMO50 | Jane V2 CE Incoming | Realforce 87u 55g | Aergo

Aergo design and build log: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103681.msg2840918#msg2840918

Offline tex_live_utility

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #34 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 14:28:51 »
I absolutely love the "top surrounds bottom" design on small boards like a 40%. It just fits so nicely since the small height means the top doesn't stick out awkwardly.

I agree with other commentors, the only problem I have with this board is the bottom row. Regardless of WKL, for me personally, that position for the spacebar makes this not comfortable to use.

Here's my suggestion:

Show Image


The benefits of making the board WKL 1.5 instead of the 1.25 and removing the 1u is that it puts the split space keys in positions where your thumbs rest when sitting on the home row making using the keyboard with split space much more comfortable. Of course this has the big drawback of removing the option for using full size spacebar. That's unfortunate for some but for me it's necessary.

+1 for the 2.75/2.25 design. It puts the split right under the B key (equally-spaced between F and J), which I think keeps the split "out of the way" for most users.

I know this board started life as a joke, but since everything else on it is actually good, you might as well make the spacebar split good as well.
Discord: salt rock lamp#0679 | Reddit: /u/nerdponx | Deskthority: autoload -Uz | Keebtalk: salt_rock_lamp
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Offline upas

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #35 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 21:07:08 »
I absolutely love the "top surrounds bottom" design on small boards like a 40%. It just fits so nicely since the small height means the top doesn't stick out awkwardly.

I agree with other commentors, the only problem I have with this board is the bottom row. Regardless of WKL, for me personally, that position for the spacebar makes this not comfortable to use.

Here's my suggestion:

Show Image


The benefits of making the board WKL 1.5 instead of the 1.25 and removing the 1u is that it puts the split space keys in positions where your thumbs rest when sitting on the home row making using the keyboard with split space much more comfortable. Of course this has the big drawback of removing the option for using full size spacebar. That's unfortunate for some but for me it's necessary.

+1 for the 2.75/2.25 design. It puts the split right under the B key (equally-spaced between F and J), which I think keeps the split "out of the way" for most users.

I know this board started life as a joke, but since everything else on it is actually good, you might as well make the spacebar split good as well.

Personally, as someone who hasn't used a ton of 40% boards, but uses 60% with split spacebar, I would prefer if the layout stayed the same as shown.

I had the pleasure of receiving one of the prototypes, and honestly, it's the only 40% I've gotten comfortable typing on (though I do still make mistakes), despite having tried other 40%s in the past.
I think a lot of the reason for this is the familiarity coming from the 60% splits.

It's kind of unfair to say "since everything else on it is actually good, you might as well make the spacebar split good as well", because that implies the current spacebar split isn't good. Maybe it's not optimal for you, but that doesn't make it bad.
I think this 2.25/1/2.75 split space is better. And furthermore, I think the blockers with 1.25U mods look way better as well.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to preference. I'm happy to see this split on a 40%, and I really hope pwner and ai03 leave it the same.
« Last Edit: Sat, 22 June 2019, 21:09:08 by upas »

Offline Acereconkeys

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #36 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 22:24:25 »
I absolutely love the "top surrounds bottom" design on small boards like a 40%. It just fits so nicely since the small height means the top doesn't stick out awkwardly.

I agree with other commentors, the only problem I have with this board is the bottom row. Regardless of WKL, for me personally, that position for the spacebar makes this not comfortable to use.

Here's my suggestion:

Show Image


The benefits of making the board WKL 1.5 instead of the 1.25 and removing the 1u is that it puts the split space keys in positions where your thumbs rest when sitting on the home row making using the keyboard with split space much more comfortable. Of course this has the big drawback of removing the option for using full size spacebar. That's unfortunate for some but for me it's necessary.

+1 for the 2.75/2.25 design. It puts the split right under the B key (equally-spaced between F and J), which I think keeps the split "out of the way" for most users.

I know this board started life as a joke, but since everything else on it is actually good, you might as well make the spacebar split good as well.

Personally, as someone who hasn't used a ton of 40% boards, but uses 60% with split spacebar, I would prefer if the layout stayed the same as shown.

I had the pleasure of receiving one of the prototypes, and honestly, it's the only 40% I've gotten comfortable typing on (though I do still make mistakes), despite having tried other 40%s in the past.
I think a lot of the reason for this is the familiarity coming from the 60% splits.

It's kind of unfair to say "since everything else on it is actually good, you might as well make the spacebar split good as well", because that implies the current spacebar split isn't good. Maybe it's not optimal for you, but that doesn't make it bad.
I think this 2.25/1/2.75 split space is better. And furthermore, I think the blockers with 1.25U mods look way better as well.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to preference. I'm happy to see this split on a 40%, and I really hope pwner and ai03 leave it the same.

I mean no offense to the designers of the board but the current split split space isn't good in my opinion. You're absolutely right I think it's good/bad based on what's optimal for me but this is an interest check designed to gather feedback no?

About the aesthetics of 1.5 vs 1.25u mods that's an interesting one I think it may be easier to compare options if a full/proper render was done with 1.5u mods but my gut says it'd look better than the current option. Again, just my opinion of course. It'd be a call back to the "real" WKL of 1.5u mods. Another thing that removing the 1.25u in the middle does it that it puts the split between spacebars riiiight down the center which is Noice aesthetically i think.
TMO50 | Jane V2 CE Incoming | Realforce 87u 55g | Aergo

Aergo design and build log: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103681.msg2840918#msg2840918

Offline equalunique

  • Posts: 539
Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #37 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 22:39:45 »
Is there another board out there that supports this type of bottom row?

1.25u+1u+1.25u+2.25u+1u+2.75u+1.25u+1u+1.25u

If not, then why not let this board be the first?

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk


Offline InvidiousIgnoramus

  • Posts: 388
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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #38 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 22:52:24 »
I absolutely love the "top surrounds bottom" design on small boards like a 40%. It just fits so nicely since the small height means the top doesn't stick out awkwardly.

I agree with other commentors, the only problem I have with this board is the bottom row. Regardless of WKL, for me personally, that position for the spacebar makes this not comfortable to use.

Here's my suggestion:

Show Image


The benefits of making the board WKL 1.5 instead of the 1.25 and removing the 1u is that it puts the split space keys in positions where your thumbs rest when sitting on the home row making using the keyboard with split space much more comfortable. Of course this has the big drawback of removing the option for using full size spacebar. That's unfortunate for some but for me it's necessary.

+1 for the 2.75/2.25 design. It puts the split right under the B key (equally-spaced between F and J), which I think keeps the split "out of the way" for most users.

I know this board started life as a joke, but since everything else on it is actually good, you might as well make the spacebar split good as well.

Personally, as someone who hasn't used a ton of 40% boards, but uses 60% with split spacebar, I would prefer if the layout stayed the same as shown.

I had the pleasure of receiving one of the prototypes, and honestly, it's the only 40% I've gotten comfortable typing on (though I do still make mistakes), despite having tried other 40%s in the past.
I think a lot of the reason for this is the familiarity coming from the 60% splits.

It's kind of unfair to say "since everything else on it is actually good, you might as well make the spacebar split good as well", because that implies the current spacebar split isn't good. Maybe it's not optimal for you, but that doesn't make it bad.
I think this 2.25/1/2.75 split space is better. And furthermore, I think the blockers with 1.25U mods look way better as well.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to preference. I'm happy to see this split on a 40%, and I really hope pwner and ai03 leave it the same.

I mean no offense to the designers of the board but the current split split space isn't good in my opinion. You're absolutely right I think it's good/bad based on what's optimal for me but this is an interest check designed to gather feedback no?

About the aesthetics of 1.5 vs 1.25u mods that's an interesting one I think it may be easier to compare options if a full/proper render was done with 1.5u mods but my gut says it'd look better than the current option. Again, just my opinion of course. It'd be a call back to the "real" WKL of 1.5u mods. Another thing that removing the 1.25u in the middle does it that it puts the split between spacebars riiiight down the center which is Noice aesthetically i think.
So you essentially want to force split space because you don't like having a 1u in the middle?
I long for the day when I find a beamspring. (At a not insane price)

Offline cepate11

  • Posts: 15
Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #39 on: Sat, 22 June 2019, 23:17:43 »
In like Flynt!

Offline Acereconkeys

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #40 on: Sun, 23 June 2019, 00:15:11 »

+1 for the 2.75/2.25 design. It puts the split right under the B key (equally-spaced between F and J), which I think keeps the split "out of the way" for most users.

I know this board started life as a joke, but since everything else on it is actually good, you might as well make the spacebar split good as well.

Personally, as someone who hasn't used a ton of 40% boards, but uses 60% with split spacebar, I would prefer if the layout stayed the same as shown.

I had the pleasure of receiving one of the prototypes, and honestly, it's the only 40% I've gotten comfortable typing on (though I do still make mistakes), despite having tried other 40%s in the past.
I think a lot of the reason for this is the familiarity coming from the 60% splits.

It's kind of unfair to say "since everything else on it is actually good, you might as well make the spacebar split good as well", because that implies the current spacebar split isn't good. Maybe it's not optimal for you, but that doesn't make it bad.
I think this 2.25/1/2.75 split space is better. And furthermore, I think the blockers with 1.25U mods look way better as well.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to preference. I'm happy to see this split on a 40%, and I really hope pwner and ai03 leave it the same.

I mean no offense to the designers of the board but the current split split space isn't good in my opinion. You're absolutely right I think it's good/bad based on what's optimal for me but this is an interest check designed to gather feedback no?

About the aesthetics of 1.5 vs 1.25u mods that's an interesting one I think it may be easier to compare options if a full/proper render was done with 1.5u mods but my gut says it'd look better than the current option. Again, just my opinion of course. It'd be a call back to the "real" WKL of 1.5u mods. Another thing that removing the 1.25u in the middle does it that it puts the split between spacebars riiiight down the center which is Noice aesthetically i think.
So you essentially want to force split space because you don't like having a 1u in the middle?

Yup. Just my personal suggestion of course, it's absolutely up to the designers to do what they want I'm not demanding they do that.

I've been informed through the discord I can edit the pcb to fit the layout I'm looking for which means that I am 100% in!
« Last Edit: Sun, 23 June 2019, 00:42:06 by Acereconkeys »
TMO50 | Jane V2 CE Incoming | Realforce 87u 55g | Aergo

Aergo design and build log: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103681.msg2840918#msg2840918

Offline crd

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #41 on: Sun, 23 June 2019, 01:14:43 »
This looks super close to a 40% I could actually use. I’ll probably still jump on in the current iteration but corner blockers are my personal preference over WKL. This has a lot of potential. I’m glad to see it getting enough interest to run. Best of luck.

Offline nasp

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #42 on: Sun, 23 June 2019, 01:15:48 »
@acereconkeys Is it just a one off PCB then? Won't assembly be expensive or are you planning on cooking it up yourself?


Offline Jkshowman

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #43 on: Sun, 23 June 2019, 02:47:45 »
sign me up omg, going to skip on polaris for this LOL

Offline Nigolski

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #44 on: Sun, 23 June 2019, 04:21:31 »
woah

Offline vicissitude

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #45 on: Sun, 23 June 2019, 04:24:21 »
Wooooow.
This is so cool.
Love this design.  :thumb: :thumb:

Offline blakstealth

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #46 on: Sun, 23 June 2019, 09:22:37 »
This is a cute keyboard. I want one!

Offline equalunique

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #47 on: Sun, 23 June 2019, 10:43:57 »
Hoping the blue annodization shown on the blue case is gonna happen. Would be ok with a darker blue too.

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Offline tex_live_utility

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #48 on: Sun, 23 June 2019, 15:08:01 »
I absolutely love the "top surrounds bottom" design on small boards like a 40%. It just fits so nicely since the small height means the top doesn't stick out awkwardly.

I agree with other commentors, the only problem I have with this board is the bottom row. Regardless of WKL, for me personally, that position for the spacebar makes this not comfortable to use.

Here's my suggestion:

Show Image


The benefits of making the board WKL 1.5 instead of the 1.25 and removing the 1u is that it puts the split space keys in positions where your thumbs rest when sitting on the home row making using the keyboard with split space much more comfortable. Of course this has the big drawback of removing the option for using full size spacebar. That's unfortunate for some but for me it's necessary.

+1 for the 2.75/2.25 design. It puts the split right under the B key (equally-spaced between F and J), which I think keeps the split "out of the way" for most users.

I know this board started life as a joke, but since everything else on it is actually good, you might as well make the spacebar split good as well.

Personally, as someone who hasn't used a ton of 40% boards, but uses 60% with split spacebar, I would prefer if the layout stayed the same as shown.

I had the pleasure of receiving one of the prototypes, and honestly, it's the only 40% I've gotten comfortable typing on (though I do still make mistakes), despite having tried other 40%s in the past.
I think a lot of the reason for this is the familiarity coming from the 60% splits.

It's kind of unfair to say "since everything else on it is actually good, you might as well make the spacebar split good as well", because that implies the current spacebar split isn't good. Maybe it's not optimal for you, but that doesn't make it bad.
I think this 2.25/1/2.75 split space is better. And furthermore, I think the blockers with 1.25U mods look way better as well.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to preference. I'm happy to see this split on a 40%, and I really hope pwner and ai03 leave it the same.

I mean no offense to the designers of the board but the current split split space isn't good in my opinion. You're absolutely right I think it's good/bad based on what's optimal for me but this is an interest check designed to gather feedback no?

About the aesthetics of 1.5 vs 1.25u mods that's an interesting one I think it may be easier to compare options if a full/proper render was done with 1.5u mods but my gut says it'd look better than the current option. Again, just my opinion of course. It'd be a call back to the "real" WKL of 1.5u mods. Another thing that removing the 1.25u in the middle does it that it puts the split between spacebars riiiight down the center which is Noice aesthetically i think.
So you essentially want to force split space because you don't like having a 1u in the middle?
No? I'd like to have the split options + 6u.

If that's not possible due to PCB design constraints, that's another story.

Edit: I realize that my comment came across as "the current split layout is bad". That's not what I meant, but I see why it looks that way. I was trying to head off the "it's a meme anyway who cares?" response. I personally don't like it, and I know a few other people don't either. So I wanted to make that known.
« Last Edit: Sun, 23 June 2019, 15:55:08 by tex_live_utility »
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Offline MMKB

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Re: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox | WKL 40%
« Reply #49 on: Sun, 23 June 2019, 15:52:50 »
Crazy but I like how proper it looks. Going to join the GB no matter what.  :thumb: