Author Topic: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60  (Read 20996 times)

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Offline worldspawn

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I really love the design of the Katana60, but find myself typically using smaller boards most of the time, so I figured I'd explore the style in some smaller form-factors.

First up, the Kodachi50 a 50% board with 2 layout options, uses standard layout key sizes for the most part (layout 1 will work with most base sets using the shift keys for the split space, option 2 may require a 40/50s set for full coverage)


Next, a smaller board in the 40% style, the Tanto40, nearly standard key coverage, will definitely need a 40% kit for a couple keys if you want matching legends, but can probably get away with just a base if you don't mind a couple mods legends being off


Finally, the smallest board, a 30%, the Kaiken30, a minimal board with a decent set of mods, very compact, a great travel option that's a bit more ergonomic than your average 30%


All 3 boards are going to be QMK compatible, using a Pro Micro controller and have an option for RGB backlighting.  Case options will be either a simple 2 layer case similar to this:

image courtesy of  /u/Polyzhu

Or a full acrylic layer case similar to this:

image courtesy of  /u/Hedgey

PCBs will be sold as well as kits

kits are all-inclusive (electronics, stabs, hardware), just add switches and caps for a complete board.

Pricing likely to be:

Kodachi50
PCB-$20
kit with basic case-$49
kit with full case-$69

Tanto40
PCB-$15
kit with basic case-$42
kit with full case-$62

Kaiken30
PCB-$10
kit with basic case-$35
kit with full case-$55

A set of 3 (one of each)
set of PCBs-$40
set of kits with basic cases-$110
set of kits with full cases-$155
« Last Edit: Sun, 05 May 2019, 09:04:35 by worldspawn »
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline sithlord

  • Posts: 48
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #1 on: Sun, 05 May 2019, 01:34:03 »
Tanto and Kaiken look nice...another layout to try out  :thumb:

Offline Kasterborous

  • Posts: 151
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    • HEX Keyboards
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #2 on: Sun, 05 May 2019, 01:59:40 »
Me like Tanto Me buy Tanto

Offline trabbit

  • Posts: 165
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #3 on: Sun, 05 May 2019, 02:07:48 »
Very interesting layout, good luck with GB man!

Offline PyroL

  • Posts: 17
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #4 on: Sun, 05 May 2019, 02:39:53 »
Worldspawn is a great guy with great PCBs! Loving the theme of this one, count me in for a Kaiken I guess! Plz credit /u/Polyzhu for the Alpha pic ;)

Offline kmfmppl

  • Posts: 49
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #5 on: Sun, 05 May 2019, 03:38:16 »
This is great, especially intrigued by the 50% :)

Offline Parowozik

  • Posts: 2
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #6 on: Sun, 05 May 2019, 09:09:46 »
I'm in love with kaiken and tanto  ;D

Offline resonantarchitect

  • Posts: 18
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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #7 on: Sun, 05 May 2019, 09:30:17 »
I'd definitely be in for a Kaiken or a Tonto, maybe even both! Hope this comes to fruition.

Offline vicissitude

  • Posts: 519
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #8 on: Sun, 05 May 2019, 10:08:11 »
lovely size.
nice design.  :thumb:

Offline voight-kampff

  • Posts: 184
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #9 on: Sun, 05 May 2019, 11:45:13 »
really cool

Offline tex_live_utility

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #10 on: Sun, 05 May 2019, 19:22:51 »
I would be in for the Tanto40  :thumb:
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Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #11 on: Tue, 07 May 2019, 23:38:42 »
Thanks for the interest so far, everyone  :D

I'm moving right along on the design, the Kodachi50 PCB design is complete


I'm exploring silkscreen art options, I was thinking of pulling some of the old Japanese wood-block print art, also open to suggestions if anyone has any neat ideas (nothing with copyright, please)
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline funderburker

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #12 on: Wed, 08 May 2019, 03:33:28 »
I had made some KLE with similar 40%/50% layouts inspired by Katana60. :))

When you mention that you love the design of a Katana60 you mean that you're a daily user of the board or just you like the idea and visual aspect of it? Personally I'm on the fence about an ergo board without angled alphas such as Katana60 or your suggested layouts still as a lot of people are saying that something like an Alice or Prime-E (just examples, don't have any of them) is really comfortable due to the angled alphas. But I still want to try one or two of these, more specifically Kodachi and Tanto would be great.

Maybe you can add some stand off holes in the PCBs? It would allow for people to design one-part 3D tray mount high-profile cases for these layouts, without a need to do sandwich cases  or two part cases.
Keyboard design by Skepur

My boards: TMO50 FE:06 | LAGOM Groda-T | TMOv2 R1 prototype | Onyx FRL TKL prototype | Stege TKL prototype | Ellipse prototype | Cyberstar

Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #13 on: Wed, 08 May 2019, 16:47:18 »
My hands naturally fall at an angle across a staggered board, it's a comfortable angle for me, I have an Atreus and don't really care for the angled ortho columns, and prefer the angled stagger.

Adding some holes for tray mount is a good idea, I'll throw some in.
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline Hungry_thom

  • Posts: 2
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #14 on: Thu, 16 May 2019, 09:26:18 »
Yes, these look awesome! I am definitely down for a Tanto and Kaiken with basic case. I assume these will be compatible with QMK?

Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #15 on: Thu, 16 May 2019, 09:32:13 »
Yep, all my designs are QMK compatible.  Design work is continuing alongside my other projects.
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline megaforce

  • Posts: 1087
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #16 on: Thu, 16 May 2019, 11:16:39 »
i dont like small boards but this is adorable

my little keyboard can't be this cute
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Offline 24k_Tinman

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #17 on: Sat, 18 May 2019, 11:31:41 »
Very interested in the whole set of these.  Do you have an estimation on when a GB may be up for this?

Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #18 on: Sat, 18 May 2019, 13:19:51 »
I'd estimate mid July for the open, I usually do pretty quick turnaround on my group buys so expect it to ship about 2 months after close.
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline lolo

  • Posts: 1
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #19 on: Sat, 18 May 2019, 15:01:14 »
Look at my horse keyboard, my horse keyboard is amazing...

Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #20 on: Tue, 28 May 2019, 00:01:40 »
Quick update on the Kodachi design, PCB is done for now, prototypes are being ordered. I've added holes for tray-mount options, and finalized the art.


I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline foolcatdaboy

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #21 on: Tue, 28 May 2019, 05:59:03 »
Kodachi looks very interesting to me

Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #22 on: Thu, 01 August 2019, 00:22:29 »
Quick update, Kodachi prototype is assembled!



« Last Edit: Thu, 01 August 2019, 00:24:32 by worldspawn »
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline Hungry_thom

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #23 on: Thu, 01 August 2019, 11:35:10 »
Awesome! Looks great. Can't wait

Offline sinnyc

  • Posts: 29
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #24 on: Thu, 01 August 2019, 23:14:57 »
Never thought I'd be interested in a 40 until I saw the Tanto.  Very cool.

Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #25 on: Thu, 01 August 2019, 23:28:46 »
Tanto40 PCB design is done and prototypes have been ordered!
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline nasp

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #26 on: Fri, 02 August 2019, 00:10:03 »
Kodachi is looking great  :thumb:

Quick question. How tall is the front of the case? It's probably just the angle of the photo, but it looks a little tall. Thanks


Offline digid3ar

  • Posts: 101
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #27 on: Fri, 02 August 2019, 00:19:54 »
damn those pcb look so pretty, i would buy a crystal desk to lay on the floor and admire that beauty :eek:

Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #28 on: Fri, 02 August 2019, 00:38:00 »
Kodachi is looking great  :thumb:

Quick question. How tall is the front of the case? It's probably just the angle of the photo, but it looks a little tall. Thanks

It's about 24mm from desk to top of bezel, 15mm from desk to top of plate.

here's the front edge beside my THE50
« Last Edit: Fri, 02 August 2019, 00:40:22 by worldspawn »
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #29 on: Fri, 02 August 2019, 17:30:13 »
Tanto PCB


And Render of the back side art


Original Art

Andō Hiroshige, “Kanbara,” ca. 1833-1834
« Last Edit: Fri, 02 August 2019, 17:31:58 by worldspawn »
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline nuclear_wizard

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #30 on: Mon, 05 August 2019, 18:51:09 »
Love this! Definitely in for a Kodachi and a Tanto!

Offline dr_unconscionable

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #31 on: Mon, 05 August 2019, 19:38:37 »
Love all of these! Definitely in for at least a Kaiken.... and maybe the other two also!

Offline jrs

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #32 on: Thu, 08 August 2019, 11:00:59 »
Will you offer frosted acrylic for the cases?

Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #33 on: Thu, 08 August 2019, 11:37:01 »
Yeah, will probably offer at least a frosted clear and frosted black option.
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline SingSong

  • Posts: 32
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #34 on: Tue, 13 August 2019, 01:21:09 »
I don't need any more TortureMe Keyboards(TM) but that Kaiken...goodness, never thought I'd want a 30% this badly. I LOVE that it's more in that staggered angle like the original Katana, I don't think I've seen many 30% keyboards play with layout beyond ortho/standard.

Offline JuiceTin255

  • Posts: 9
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #35 on: Fri, 16 August 2019, 13:46:54 »
If these prices remain close to the estimate then I'll be buying all three... These are all amazing and I really appreciate you creating them for us!

Offline equalunique

  • Posts: 539
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #36 on: Mon, 02 September 2019, 07:12:08 »
Are you guys aware that TEX makes keyboards named "Kodachi" and "Shinobi"?

Kodachi https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=4260

Shinobi https://www.keebtalk.com/t/tex-shinobi-7-row-mechanical-keyboard-with-trackpoint-pre-order/6479

Sent from my Ono-Sendai Cyberspace 7 using Tapatalk


Offline SingSong

  • Posts: 32
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #37 on: Wed, 04 September 2019, 18:49:49 »
I mean, OP hasn't updated in ages (Which makes me sad). But he's calling these the Shinobi Tools collection, which I think is different enough from the Shinobi keyboard to be left alone.

The Kodachi might need a name change or tweak, though.

Offline digid3ar

  • Posts: 101
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #38 on: Wed, 04 September 2019, 20:02:25 »
its kodachi 50  not  kodachi, one is a pcb the other is a full keyboard, i dont see a problem there

Offline Dissitesuxba11s

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #39 on: Fri, 22 November 2019, 14:01:34 »
Are you still looking to make these kits? If you are, I'm definitely interested in the Tanto40.

Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #40 on: Fri, 22 November 2019, 14:06:53 »
Are you still looking to make these kits? If you are, I'm definitely interested in the Tanto40.

Yes, I'm just going to stock them in my etsy shop, I've got an initial run of 25 PCBs for the Kodachi and Tanto boards I'll put up in the shop soon.

I've got the circuit design done for the kaiken, but not the art yet, so that one is still a bit off.
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline Dissitesuxba11s

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #41 on: Fri, 22 November 2019, 14:12:45 »
Yes, I'm just going to stock them in my etsy shop, I've got an initial run of 25 PCBs for the Kodachi and Tanto boards I'll put up in the shop soon.

I've got the circuit design done for the kaiken, but not the art yet, so that one is still a bit off.

Sweet! I'm looking forward to picking one up. It's such an interesting layout.

Offline Fabi

  • Posts: 36
Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #42 on: Fri, 22 November 2019, 14:14:28 »


Sweet! I'm looking forward to picking one up. It's such an interesting layout.

Dito :)
« Last Edit: Fri, 22 November 2019, 14:17:16 by Fabi »

Offline RominRonin

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #43 on: Sat, 23 November 2019, 09:49:43 »
So what's the latest on these? I was considering making my own small format version of the Katana60, but it might not be necessary if I can pick one of these up ;)


Offline x86ect

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #44 on: Tue, 26 November 2019, 15:22:19 »
So what's the latest on these? I was considering making my own small format version of the Katana60, but it might not be necessary if I can pick one of these up ;)

There's something quietly satisfying in seeing an original designer appreciate another member's offshoot of their own project.
Such a great community.

Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #45 on: Tue, 26 November 2019, 15:29:38 »
So what's the latest on these? I was considering making my own small format version of the Katana60, but it might not be necessary if I can pick one of these up ;)

Ive got the 50 and 40 production PCBs on hand and ready to go, should have some time over the long weekend to get them up on my etsy shop :D
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline RominRonin

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #46 on: Sat, 30 November 2019, 16:01:22 »
Cool, I'd like a link when you've updated it please :)

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Offline Dissitesuxba11s

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #47 on: Wed, 19 February 2020, 11:30:03 »
Not sure if I missed it but was this ever offered on your Etsy shop?

Offline worldspawn

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #48 on: Wed, 19 February 2020, 11:34:58 »
Not sure if I missed it but was this ever offered on your Etsy shop?

not yet, still working on it along with a few other projects.  If you want updates, I usually post in my discord https://discord.gg/WBpkM8P
I can make acrylic laser cut cases/plates PM for info

Offline Dissitesuxba11s

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Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
« Reply #49 on: Wed, 19 February 2020, 12:28:17 »
not yet, still working on it along with a few other projects.  If you want updates, I usually post in my discord https://discord.gg/WBpkM8P

Oh dope! Didn't know you had a Discord. Definitely joining your server. Thanks  ;D