[IC] Eon WKL Wedge 60%

[Que7797]

Group-Buy Page: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=121523.0.


***

Intro

More

Hi Geekhack, im Que.

(or Que7797 on Discord)

I've been fortunate enough to have owned keyboards from many designers over the years. This has led me to develop very selective personal preferences. No one was offering the specific combination of features that I wanted, so I decided to make my own.

Now I'd like to share a project that is finally nearing completion.

Eon is a WKL Wedge 60%



All pictures in this post contain the 'Q4 2021' prototype.




Main features include:

Top-Mount or O-Ring Mount
6063 Alu Case
Brass Weight
HHKB Side & Front Bevels + Pwner Lip
6-Degree Typing Angle
Hiney H60 pcb + USB-C UDB
Low USB-C port horizontal to desk (Works w/ Lindy)
Very low ~16.5mm-17.5mm Front Height (~21.695mm EKH) feat. Noxary Ledge + Officially Licensed Baion Wave™ /s (with permission from Baion himself!)
M2 Screws for Case, Plate, Weight, and UDB. One driver required to assemble the entire board.

More

Overview

Eon borrows design ques from many other boards, going all the way back to the 356mini.
 
The main focus with this design was experimentation with internal tolerances, mounting types, as well as the lowest possible typing height.

Exterior aesthetics exhibit classic lines that stay true to the idea of a 'wedge with thin bezels' and include slimming side and front bevels that form its angular silhouette.

















Testing

More

Fit testing after qc went great, likely a result of previous prototyping that already went into this design. There are definitely some minor changes required before moving into production, but I was expecting more to have gone wrong. After all, its 'Hope for the best, prepare for the worst' or something like that, isn't it?

So far, so good!

Build #1: PC Plate, Inks w 205g0, Cherry Clip-ins w BDZ, GMK 9009

Test a) O-Ring Mount

Test b) Top Mount

Please note: Typing tests are not an accurate representation of what a keyboard will sound like on your desk.

Apologies for audio only. I don't have adequate video recording equipment yet.
Perhaps ill have to arrange for a proto to be built by someone on stream at some point?

Also, a new revision has been completed based on initial testing and feedback.
Multiple builds are planned for alternate (backwards compatible) plate types, materials, and switches.

Stay tuned!

Project Roadmap

Finalize Prototype Design
RFQ and Order Q4 2021 Proto
Receive and QC the Q4 2021 Proto
Test Q4 2021 Proto and Revise Design
Finalize and RFQ Revised MMXXII Design
Small Discord-Only GB (to gear up for a larger public GH run)
Gather Additional Feedback
Final Revision
Public GB


~~~


For updates on all of my projects join yet another:
-> Discord Server <-

[Que7797]

Update Log

More

2022.03.04 Update

A small discord-only Group Buy for a new revision of this board, in order to gear up for a larger public GH run, is happening now!

As an incentive to join sometimes designers offer a 'special edition' color that will never run again, or maybe even a weight made out of a different material. For this round I am offering something along those lines, but a little more unique.

Join my Discord Server for more details.

~~~


2022.03.30

After a brief manu delay due to Covid, the Discord-only GB has resumed, and the entry window is winding down into the final few days!

More info available on Discord.

Thank you for your consideration!


~~~


2022.04.04

Discord GB entry window closed.

Cheers!


~~~


2023.05.11

A lot has happened since the last update:

- A Discord GB for the Aeon variant of this design has been completed!

- A small plate GB providing compatibility for Aeon between different versions of the hiney h60 pcb is nearing completion.

- I fell in love with making keycaps!

All the experience and feedback ive gained since completing the Aeon GB has gone into the final revision and I can't wait to bring Eon to you guys in 2023!


~~~


2023.09.01

Hello again all, its finally time!

The public Eon group-buy will take place in early October, with the entry window open from the 1st to 15th of October 2023!

Do you remember when group-buys had pricing tiers based on moq?

Still working with manufacturers and parts vendors to get pricing as low as possible, but expect an Eon GB spot to start at $499 and possibly go as low as $350 with enough interest.


~~~


2023.09.21

Good news everyone,

By working with my manu and suppliers to adjust the pricing structure for order quantities, you can now expect Eon to be significantly cheaper!

The pricing structure starts with a minimum order quantity of 25 units at $399. The more people join, the cheaper the board becomes!

25-49 units = $399

50-99 units = $369

100-199 units = $349

200 units = $299

The GB will be FCFS format with a hard cap of 200 boards, as this is the physical limit of both my ability and studio space at this time.


~~~

2023.09.30

Eon Group-Buy Entry Window: 1st-15th of October, 2023

Confirmed Case Colors: Silver, Red, Black

Confirmed Plate Types: Alu, PC, CF

Do you remember when group-buys had pricing tiers based on moq?

The pricing structure starts at $399 with a minimum order quantity of 25 units, and the more people join, the cheaper the board becomes!

25-49 units = $399

50-99 units = $369

100-199 units = $349

200 units = $299

The GB will be FCFS format with a hard cap of 200 boards, as this is the physical limit of both my ability and studio space at this time.
Estimated GB fulfillment depends on quantity and is projected to take 4 months for 25 boards, and up to 10 months if we do all 200 units.
GB participants can also expect bi-weekly updates to be provided both here on Geekhack, and on Discord.

Thanks for your interest! See you in 10 days! Please let me know if you have any questions in the meantime!

Cheers!

[mmayhem17]

Q?

[dgneo]

Just beautiful Que

[Belled]

It’s so good, not too flashy, just the right amount of minimalism

[Rafa_n]

Yes, gib pls. Eu proxy would be nice.

[chat and team]

Nice

[WhatsForLunch]

Simple, elegant... I need it!

Also EU vendor plz thanks

[Sandy]

I know it's minimal but it feels a bit too minimal to me. But that might be preference. I like simple and refined but it feels a bit lackluster. I know you said you were focussing on mounting and exploring that though. I hope your group buy goes well! I'm not sure how big you're thinking of going for this project

Please also share some shots of the different mounting styles if you don't mind. Even if they are just section analyses

[packman86]

Very clean and contemporary design!

Fun to see this in public finally 

[Ensaum]

I'm in. My vote is for O-Ring mount if it matters.

[Ensaum]

I know it's minimal but it feels a bit too minimal to me. But that might be preference. I like simple and refined but it feels a bit lackluster. I know you said you were focussing on mounting and exploring that though. I hope your group buy goes well! I'm not sure how big you're thinking of going for this project

Please also share some shots of the different mounting styles if you don't mind. Even if they are just section analyses

One thing I can think of to add some flair is a little No. 2 style fillet on the underside of the board. Kinda like this.

[C0M9L3X]

This reminds me of Bias for the bottom case cutouts

[linell]

ty for cat
love the hhkb sides

[Que7797]

Q?

Yes, that's how my username is pronounced, if that's what you're asking haha

Just beautiful Que

Appreciate you, my friend!

It’s so good, not too flashy, just the right amount of minimalism

Im glad you're enjoying it, more to come in the near future.

Yes, gib pls. Eu proxy would be nice.

Noted, ill try my best to make it happen.

Nice

Nice

Simple, elegant... I need it!

Also EU vendor plz thanks

Working on it!

Ill also keep that in mind.

I know it's minimal but it feels a bit too minimal to me. But that might be preference. I like simple and refined but it feels a bit lackluster. I know you said you were focussing on mounting and exploring that though. I hope your group buy goes well! I'm not sure how big you're thinking of going for this project

Please also share some shots of the different mounting styles if you don't mind. Even if they are just section analyses

Aesthetic changes are indeed on the way. Although at this point I believe the silhouette will stay the same. Time will tell.

More info will be released as things are finalized. Thanks for your feedback and interest.

Very clean and contemporary design!

Fun to see this in public finally 

Much appreciated, homie! Thank you so much for your support. It means a lot.

I'm in. My vote is for O-Ring mount if it matters.

It matters. How much it matters I am not quite sure.

This reminds me of Bias for the bottom case cutouts

That's right, they are based heavily on the Bias for this prototype!

Just to be clear, Baionlenja (the creator of the Bias keyboard) has already seen this board, and has given me his blessing to use the design.

That being said, the case bottom has already received a re-working since this prototype was created, and will likely be altered again before production.

Ill be sure to keep you all updated as things progress.

Thanks for your kind comments everyone!

[stidal]

very interested if price is good :prayge:

[denibhoxha]

Damn that looks really clean, my only gripe with it is how rounded the fillets on the top are and the backside having just that ! on top of the usb cutout makes it look really empty back there. Maybe a logo or smth on the bottom left/right would make it look less empty. Looking forward to seeing the new iterations on the design and mounting.

[whirlwind]

Looks lovely 

[unusuaL_]

cherry lip 

[Coby]

 hell yeah this is heat, I'm in! 

[nqbshas]

Aesthetically very nice and clean. Hopefully it will come out with a good price.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

[treeleaf64]

What advantage does this baion wave provide/

[AstralYT]

Consider WK.

I'll vote for O-Ring.

I hope this won't be super exclusive board.

[Que7797]

What advantage does this baion wave provide/

Hey treeleaf, im glad you asked. Please see my long answer in the hidden section below.

More

I think of it kind of like a Noxary Ledge for every row instead of just the bottom one, but it's a little different because while the Noxary Ledge allows for a lower front case height, the Baion Wave (depending on how its implemented) also allows for more plate travel before bottom out. I would have to check before giving you exact numbers but iirc it doubled the amount of possible plate flex in this case.

It's likely the sound of the board is also affected in raising the areas of the case floor that don't reduce plate flex, and there must be some acoustic benefits effects of having a baffled case bottom, but im certainly no expert there and I couldnt tell you what they are exactly. I guess the idea is to put more keyboard inside the keyboard, instead of something like foam. The trick is to find a nice balance that deepens (?) the sound signature and helps mute any potential for pinging but still lets the board breathe enough to not kill off its unique acoustic properties. Obviously these are aspects that are all heavily defined by personal preference, so unfortunately there will be no pleasing everyone, but I'll do my best.

I guess im also just a big nerd for 'intricate-looking-but-actually-so-simple-why-didnt-I-think-of-that' design concepts that go into making the boards we all love so good. I could honestly talk for hours about this stuff, but I should probably get back to work. Thanks again for asking!

And thanks again for your comments and support everyone!

Just a heads up, I am working on getting pricing and availability for you in the near future, but it will be for the new revision that is also well on its way.

Please understand that it is difficult to project costs for a design that has not yet been finalized. Keep in mind, im also just now making the transition from enthusiast (probably much like yourself) to designer, and potentially vendor of some kind, and that is not a process I take lightly. I have a lot of work ahead of me, and I will not run anything until I am 100% confident in my ability to bring the project to completion. At this point, im honestly still just trying to make the best keyboard possible, and pricing has gone largely unconsidered until this stage in the process. Your patience as I get established is greatly appreciated!

edit: for grammar and clarification, especially on treeleaf's question.

[caap]

looks great! happy to see where this ends up 

[rpiguy9907]

Yes I will buy this. Take my money.

[gloomycloud]

I'm really interested in the baion wave in this board, will you provide a half-plate option?

[rokon07]

Great design lad; GLWIC

[zyyg]

Will Eon support iso

[moyu.studio]

Nice!!

[Que7797]

I'm really interested in the baion wave in this board, will you provide a half-plate option?

Check discord in about an hour. 

Will Eon support iso

Probably not this round, but I will provide files for a universal plate that includes ISO before fulfillment.

[Nonnegaard]

hottest keeb since cw

[Nonnegaard]

and i can actually get it xd

[Que7797]

A small discord-only Group Buy for a new revision of this board, in order to gear up for a larger public GH run, is happening now!

As an incentive to join sometimes designers offer a 'special edition' color that will never run again, or maybe even a weight made out of a different material. For this round I am offering something along those lines, but far more unique.

Join my Discord Server for more details.

[Que7797]

After a brief manu delay due to Covid, the Discord-only GB has resumed, and the entry window is winding down into the final few days!

More info available on Discord.

Thank you for your consideration!

[Que7797]

Discord GB entry window closed.

Cheers!

[HoffmanMyster]

IC thread is re-approved after links to GB sale have been removed by OP. Some related discussion remains in the comments, but is okay as it's over now. Please resume your usual IC activities here.

[totalemon]

a really elegant design, def another win for 60% users. I really appreciate the nods to the kei, even if the layout isn't for me

[Que7797]

Much appreciated, HoffmanMyster.

[neoknob]

Heavy duty keyboard!

[Nonnegaard]

Joining the Discord group buy changed my life, it truly did. I now have another keyboard... in a couple of months. Remarkable.

[Que7797]

a really elegant design, def another win for 60% users. I really appreciate the nods to the kei, even if the layout isn't for me

Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate it!

Heavy duty keyboard!

Joining the Discord group buy changed my life, it truly did. I now have another keyboard... in a couple of months. Remarkable.

lmaooo

[littletokyokeebs]

Classic design, GLWGB 

[faulknernolan]

I care about it. But if the price is good, nothing better

[conternecticus]

When will the public GB happen?

[LegendsWorks]

Good

[Que7797]

Classic design, GLWGB 

tyty

I care about it. But if the price is good, nothing better

Ill do my best.

When will the public GB happen?

Sometime after discord gb finishes.

Good

Thanks

[_PixelNinja]

Please consider HHKB and WK layouts for the public GB.

[granola bar enthusiast]

angled WK blocker looks really nice! gl with the project

[conternecticus]

How much did the board cost during the Discord groupbuy?

[granola bar enthusiast]

while talking to my friend who had this as his pfp he pointed out the similarities

[Seunghyun Lee]

How much did the board cost during the Discord groupbuy?

$505 base
$65 extra red half alu plate
$55 extra h60 and jst cable

[Que7797]

How much did the board cost during the Discord groupbuy?

$505 base
$65 extra red half alu plate
$55 extra h60 and jst cable

Yes, and keep in mind that the discord gb is for a different design (with less than 50 units) as you can see here:

[_PixelNinja]

I think I know the answer to the question but what made you change the design for this IC? In my honest opinion Discord version is more unique.

[Que7797]

what made you change the design for this IC?

If I understand your question correctly: The design hasn't changed for this IC. The IC for Eon came first. The design was changed for the Discord GB that came afterward, to differentiate them.

Eon = Public GB on Geekhack

Aeon = Discord GB

In my honest opinion Discord version is more unique.

Good to hear! That was largely the plan:

A small discord-only Group Buy for a new revision of this board, in order to gear up for a larger public GH run, is happening now!

As an incentive to join sometimes designers offer a 'special edition' color that will never run again, or maybe even a weight made out of a different material. For this round I am offering something along those lines, but far more unique.

Join my Discord Server for more details.

Thanks for asking!

[conternecticus]

The Aeon looks nice indeed.
So Eon is postponed until Aeon is fulfilled?

[icey_keebss]

looks very clean, i like it

GLWIC!

[Que7797]

The Aeon looks nice indeed.
So Eon is postponed until Aeon is fulfilled?

Thank you for saying so, and for asking your question.

No postponements, we are proceeding according to the schedule outlined in the OP:

Project Roadmap

Finalize Prototype Design
RFQ and Order Q4 2021 Proto
Receive and QC the Q4 2021 Proto
Test Q4 2021 Proto and Revise Design
Finalize and RFQ Revised MMXXII Design
Small Discord-Only GB (to gear up for a larger public GH run)
Gather Additional Feedback
Final Revision
Public GB

looks very clean, i like it

GLWIC!

Thanks for commenting, I appreciate it!

[Que7797]

Well hello there, Geekhack!

It feels like forever, but quite a lot has happened since my last update:

1. A Discord GB for the Aeon variant of this design has been completed!
2. A small plate GB providing compatibility for Aeon between different versions of the hiney h60 pcb is nearing completion.
3. I fell in love with making keycaps!

All the experience and feedback ive gained since completing the Aeon GB has gone into the final revision and I can't wait to bring Eon to you guys in 2023!

More details including GB date to come.

Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or feedback in the meantime!

[Que7797]

Hello again all, its finally time!

The public Eon group-buy will take place in early October, with the entry window open from the 1st to 15th of October 2023!



Do you remember when group-buys had pricing tiers based on moq?

Still working with manufacturers and parts vendors to get pricing as low as possible, but expect an Eon GB spot to start at $499 and possibly go as low as $350 with enough interest.

Cheers!

[Mcnos]

I like it, I would buy but in another similar buy. Please keep up making the low profile wedges.

[InspektorCalzone]

Nice board, love the design!
What colours will be available in the GB?

[HolySwitch]

Cat photo is great

[Que7797]

I like it, I would buy but in another similar buy. Please keep up making the low profile wedges.

Appreciate the feedback Mcnos, and totally understand. I do enjoy a nice low profile wedge. Here's a cutaway that shows some of the details involved in getting it to sit as low possible:



For more insight into the entire design process, check out the #Design-Quest section of the Discord.

Nice board, love the design!
What colours will be available in the GB?

Confirmed Case Colors: Silver, Red, Black.

Confirmed Plate Types: Alu, PC ...and possibly Carbon Fiber, pending an incoming rfq from the manu.

GB participants can also expect bi-weekly updates to be provided both here on Geekhack, and on Discord.

Thank you for the support, and the question!

[Que7797]

Cat photo is great

<3

[moh18one]

Really dig the design. However, can we expect  a TKL or something with a F-row in the future?

[Que7797]

Really dig the design. However, can we expect  a TKL or something with a F-row in the future?

At this point im putting all my focus into making this current project as good as it can be, as im a firm believer in completing one thing at a time to the best of my ability - but who knows what the future may bring!

I do have a few potential future projects previewed in discord fwiw. Always appreciate feedback!

[Que7797]

Carbon Fiber plates confirmed. 

[involuntarysoul]

for $500 i would expect full brass bottom tbh

[caap]

looking good! in for 1 red

big congrats on the first run of the board!

[Que7797]

for $500 i would expect full brass bottom tbh

I would love to offer an option like that, but do you think its possible that adding extra weight to a wedge-design could work against itself, as it doesn't have any handles to take advantage of when picking up the board off the desk?

Fwiw, I have quoted a full brass bottom for a similar project and that is about what it would cost to manufacture a brass bottom alone for this design in small quantities. I would definitely be willing to make it happen, but we would need another 49-100+ people interested in buying one to make it possible to produce an entire board at that price point with the manufacturers I am working with.

In any case, we are pretty far along in the IC process for this board at this point, but I will take your input into consideration for future projects!

looking good! in for 1 red

big congrats on the first run of the board!

Ayy, much appreciated!

Not long now. Really enjoying top-mount with such a low front-height

[Que7797]

Good news everyone,

By working with my manu and suppliers to adjust the pricing structure for order quantities, you can now expect Eon to be significantly cheaper!

The pricing structure starts with a minimum order quantity of 25 units at $399. The more people join, the cheaper the board becomes!

25-49 units = $399

50-99 units = $369

100-199 units = $349

200 units = $299

The GB will be FCFS format with a hard cap of 200 boards, as this is about the physical limit of both my ability and studio space at this time.

Thanks for your interest! See you in 10 days!

[Que7797]

Engraving finalized!

[DJSwayde]

Looks really good, would be interested in a future round with 1.5u corner blockers (MX HHKB) and a split backspace option for the plate.

[Que7797]

Looks really good, would be interested in a future round with 1.5u corner blockers (MX HHKB) and a split backspace option for the plate.

Split Backspace will be included in the GB version!

Now that you mention it, here are all the available plate layout options:



Got a few other designs lined up after this, but ill keep the mx hhkb idea in mind for the future. Appreciate the input, DJSwayde!

[Que7797]

GB thread just awaiting mod approval.

[Que7797]

GB is LIVE!

Order Form: https://forms.gle/DZ6WrYD497rx2Fwz8

Will leave this thread open until GB thread receives moderator approval.

[Que7797]

GB Thread Approved: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=121523.0

Thanks all!