Post by: MxBlue on Fri, 22 December 2017, 02:30:43
Proper final IC most probably, super quick I promise: https://goo.gl/forms/kZRTDfAE6vMNBiwy2
Hello boys and girls,
So my mate SolidSnake and I have been designing a keyboard for a while now, opinions sourced mainly from the Australian Mech Keys Discord, so it's about time to start getting some broader community ideas and opinions.
Some older renders by TC: http://instagram.com/tre.vc/ (http://instagram.com/tre.vc/):
(https://i.imgur.com/XmrvAbL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FtzthoL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GhncBLq.jpg)
What we're looking currently:
Case: Frosted Polycarbonate, CNC milled
Plate: Brass, mirror-finished and electroplated
Weight: Same as plate
PCB: Custom designed for the MxSS by kawasaki161, White solder mask
Details:
- 2.9 degrees angle on the case
- Top mount plate
- Center USB, Type-B Mini
- MX and SMK switch support
- Holtite support
- No in-switch LEDs, yes to RGB underglow
- Weight of 550g on just the case, about 1.8kg with the plate and weight (subject to change)
Layout support:
(http://i.imgur.com/egLkQZa.jpg)
Photos of the first prototype, first shown at Syd Meetup:
More
(https://i.imgur.com/lbk8dLt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Jkvbevt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aVCQ6vU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mMgcbcx.jpg)
This is a poor camera job of how the RGB looks like: https://streamable.com/dpam9 (https://streamable.com/dpam9)
(https://i.imgur.com/Jkvbevt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aVCQ6vU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mMgcbcx.jpg)
This is a poor camera job of how the RGB looks like: https://streamable.com/dpam9 (https://streamable.com/dpam9)
Photos of the second prototype:
(https://i.imgur.com/CYVtrRl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pzqSae8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qAc1RXo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jaPxRLD.jpg)
More
(https://i.imgur.com/o1rx0YA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DImDQY5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RIAJKPf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jgblmIF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R9kOwTM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iBBMv37.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yq4qXDj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1YC1bgA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/No6rdiQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JxTmmz9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tlWW00H.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DImDQY5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RIAJKPf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jgblmIF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R9kOwTM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iBBMv37.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yq4qXDj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1YC1bgA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/No6rdiQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JxTmmz9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tlWW00H.jpg)
My attempt at trying to show off RGB: https://streamable.com/keyp2
The fingerprints and marks on the brass are unfortunately a mistake by the factory for the prototypes, I've given them a list of all issues to resolve and will ensure they are done so. Brass parts in the production run will be more resistant to fingerprints. Inconsistency between the top and bottom of the case in colour is due to a mistake by us, causing the top to be redone as a different batch. Production sets will be the same shade. Also, forgive the PCB, I had to demonstrate RGB somehow without a proper PCB :))
Things to change from here:
- USB port will get some adjustments, and the PCB will extend out into the port and the port will extend to the bottom edge of the top.
- Barbs that help connect the top and bottom will be modified so they are only used for alignment rather than connection, they worked too well and were hard to remove
- The screws on the middle of the left and right side of the plate will be removed to improve aesthetics, plate remains rigid without them.
- The screw that was located in the same place as the USB port will be offset to the side so they plate can be removed without desoldering.
- We weren't too happy with the screws we have on hand, so we'll be replacing those.
Black nickel-plated steel plate/weights will be lasercut from Stainless Steel grade 304, with an appearance similar to this: https://imgur.com/a/xdfXh
The reflectiveness will be better than the images shown (factory pics are never great lol). It is important to note that these will not be prototyped, but we will work with the factory to ensure they are functional. I can not guarantee the appearance.
Polycarb plate will be CNC'd and sandblasted, and again, will not be prototyped. I have tested with an acrylic plate in its place, and it has a fairly significant amount of flex in some areas. I can not guarantee the appearance or performance of this plate. Here's a pic of the acrylic plate without the protective film removed, and why I'm adding this option despite what I said:
(https://i.imgur.com/alZzyvK.jpg)
It is quite pretty.
Pricing estimates:
- Kit - $350USD
- Extra Plate - $60USD
- Extra PCB - $50USD
- Black Nickel-plated Steel Plate/Weight (Extra) - $130USD
- Polycarb Plate (Extra) - $60USD
Both the Black Nickel Plate/Weight and the Polycarb Plate have a MOQ of 5.
Why so expensive? Polycarbonate is expensive, and we only plan on doing a run of 25 so ensure everything turns out right.
Issues to be resolved:
- We might want a different graphic on the blocker LED, feel free to suggest.
Now that that's all said, pls tell me what you think :)
https://goo.gl/forms/kZRTDfAE6vMNBiwy2
New blocker design!
(https://i.imgur.com/RGPP5WZ.png)
Angle changed to 2.9 degrees.
Polycarb plate option added!
Post by: _haru on Fri, 22 December 2017, 07:35:46
Post by: zekkin on Fri, 22 December 2017, 08:05:52
Post by: Petch on Fri, 22 December 2017, 08:19:21
Understandable if you want to keep it a low profile though
Post by: kawasaki161 on Fri, 22 December 2017, 08:25:33
- MX and SMK switch support (SMK support only for ANSI enter)
The PCB will also support SMK on ISO enter :thumb:
(https://puu.sh/yLNRF/0b376d415f.png)
Post by: MxBlue on Fri, 22 December 2017, 09:05:08
- MX and SMK switch support (SMK support only for ANSI enter)
The PCB will also support SMK on ISO enter :thumb:
Ayyy, nice work ;)
Post by: Kafka on Fri, 22 December 2017, 09:08:52
Angle is a bit low but case is dope. Loving the polycarb stuff recently.
Post by: bluesclera on Fri, 22 December 2017, 09:58:34
Post by: Rogerwyf on Fri, 22 December 2017, 09:59:17
Post by: blacksimon on Sat, 23 December 2017, 23:33:27
Post by: _rubik on Sat, 23 December 2017, 23:41:00
Post by: Trente on Sun, 24 December 2017, 01:00:17
Post by: MxBlue on Sun, 24 December 2017, 02:16:14
In for the SMK support, something additional I would like to see might some galaxy purple transparent color lol, and PCB with hot swappable support (maybe just a larger hole for hotiles)
Hotswap is possible, I'll add it to the OP.
As for purple, I might be able to source it, but it's a matter of not enough demand. I'd have to run a MoQ for any particular different material I ask of them.
I'll ask regardless, see where things go.
Post by: amnesia0287 on Mon, 25 December 2017, 15:32:17
In for the SMK support, something additional I would like to see might some galaxy purple transparent color lol, and PCB with hot swappable support (maybe just a larger hole for hotiles)
Hotswap is possible, I'll add it to the OP.
As for purple, I might be able to source it, but it's a matter of not enough demand. I'd have to run a MoQ for any particular different material I ask of them.
I'll ask regardless, see where things go.
If it was purple, I would have no choice but to buy it.
Post by: kawasaki161 on Mon, 25 December 2017, 16:00:39
In for the SMK support, something additional I would like to see might some galaxy purple transparent color lol, and PCB with hot swappable support (maybe just a larger hole for hotiles)
If SMK legs are the same size as cherry legs you could totally use holtites and make it hotswappable.
If they are not, I'm not going to add that feature because I have no experience with SMK switches, making them hotswappable and picking the correct hole size and socket for everything to fit correctly. The current holes just happened to fit holtites by pure coincidence.
Post by: MxBlue on Mon, 25 December 2017, 23:13:26
In for the SMK support, something additional I would like to see might some galaxy purple transparent color lol, and PCB with hot swappable support (maybe just a larger hole for hotiles)
Hotswap is possible, I'll add it to the OP.
As for purple, I might be able to source it, but it's a matter of not enough demand. I'd have to run a MoQ for any particular different material I ask of them.
I'll ask regardless, see where things go.
If it was purple, I would have no choice but to buy it.
We thought it over and we're unfortunately out of money to do more prototypes, no luck this time around.
Post by: Peiweisgreat on Mon, 01 January 2018, 02:20:26
In for the SMK support, something additional I would like to see might some galaxy purple transparent color lol, and PCB with hot swappable support (maybe just a larger hole for hotiles)
Hotswap is possible, I'll add it to the OP.
As for purple, I might be able to source it, but it's a matter of not enough demand. I'd have to run a MoQ for any particular different material I ask of them.
I'll ask regardless, see where things go.
If it was purple, I would have no choice but to buy it.
We thought it over and we're unfortunately out of money to do more prototypes, no luck this time around.
Honestly I think the clear polycarb is the cleanest looking. Color sounds nice, but not really needed. What will the case look like fully built from the side? I don't believe there is a picture for that.
Post by: MxBlue on Mon, 01 January 2018, 02:27:09
Honestly I think the clear polycarb is the cleanest looking. Color sounds nice, but not really needed. What will the case look like fully built from the side? I don't believe there is a picture for that.
There is a render, but I guess that's not perfectly side on. I'll get a photo taken and post it on the thread. Do note that we are changing the side profile a bit, mostly to bring down the height of the case.
Post by: atomicus on Mon, 01 January 2018, 06:43:38
I've not used a polycarb case before. Does it typically mean less 'reverb'?
Post by: MxBlue on Mon, 01 January 2018, 06:50:05
Is there a reason for no in-switch LEDs?
I've not used a polycarb case before. Does it typically mean less 'reverb'?
I'll paste in a reply I gave to a reddit user:
Quote
Can't comment on that personally as I left for vacation before the board was fully assembled as in the photos, left it to SolidSnake to play with.
He doesn't have a reddit acc, so I'll just proxy for him:
As of now, I've tested using the prototype with Kailh pro purples and R8 67g Zealios on it. When I type with the pro purples, the switches produce a very satisfying, low pitched 'thuck' sound on bottom out. When typing with the Zealios, I would best describe the experience as 'well-oiled' or 'crisp'. The feeling of the tactile bump contrasts with very rigid and solid bottoming out against the brass plate, if that makes sense. I would attribute this to stiffness of the plate making sure there is absolutely zero flex or bending on down strokes, and the polycarbonate material eating any reverb or noise from the springs. Please don't let the material choice deter you - the polycarbonate is about 20mm thick at thickest point, and the whole board feels more heavy and substantial than a few of the other metal keyboards that I own. The polycarbonate enclosure feels a lot more reassuring in contrast to acrylic or abs moulded plastic cases.
Also do keep in mind that the plate is mounted with double-sided tape for the time being as well, so things may change a bit when its screwed in.
As for inswitch LEDs, we piggy backed off an existing PCB that was designed for the TGR 910, but requested enough modifications that it became our own. Adding inswitch LEDs is a very time consuming matter in terms of PCB design, so we made a simpler request to have compatibility for SMK instead.
It's just a tradeoff we made.
Post by: futurecrime on Mon, 01 January 2018, 07:07:00
Post by: MxBlue on Mon, 01 January 2018, 07:12:19
This is dope. Do you have a rough GB date in mind?
I'd like to say late Jan/early Feb, but I might need more time to piece things together. I want the whole GB to be over soon after we launch it, so making sure things are ready well in advance.
Post by: foxlive on Mon, 01 January 2018, 07:44:51
Post by: futurecrime on Mon, 01 January 2018, 08:18:33
This is dope. Do you have a rough GB date in mind?
I'd like to say late Jan/early Feb, but I might need more time to piece things together. I want the whole GB to be over soon after we launch it, so making sure things are ready well in advance.
Cool. Not sure if I'll be able to afford it, but I definitely want it.
Post by: reccatyo on Wed, 03 January 2018, 22:16:36
Want it, but i don't know if i can afford it. :'(
Post by: FrankPrime on Sat, 03 March 2018, 17:49:36
Post by: dead_pixel_design on Sat, 03 March 2018, 18:07:00
Post by: regionfree on Sat, 03 March 2018, 19:00:31
Post by: MxBlue on Sun, 04 March 2018, 16:59:37
I apologise for the lack of updates, didn't want to bump the thread before I had something more concrete to say but since it's already happened, might as well go ahead.
We weren't too happy about the consistency of the factory that we got the first prototype from, not to mention they had some issues with doing brass inserts whereas everywhere else said it was fine sooo... new factory now. We're currently awaiting a prototype from them, and if this works out, we can move on to actually doing a group buy stage.
I'll chuck some more info up on the OP.
Post by: dead_pixel_design on Sun, 04 March 2018, 17:01:41
Post by: pr0ximity on Sun, 04 March 2018, 17:46:05
Post by: vewy_nice on Mon, 05 March 2018, 08:50:26
TAKE MY MONEY.
I got one of the KBDfans acryllic 5* cases, and I was pretty underwhelmed.
This looks spectacular!
Post by: bluesclera on Mon, 05 March 2018, 08:53:41
Post by: Kevadu on Mon, 05 March 2018, 12:49:53
The top right blocker is the only thing keeping me from buying this board.
I kind of agree. If anything I would rather have more space around the arrows.
That said I'm very interested in anything that's got SMK support.
Post by: dead_pixel_design on Mon, 05 March 2018, 13:13:13
Post by: airyloft on Mon, 05 March 2018, 13:18:02
Post by: MxBlue on Mon, 05 March 2018, 14:00:03
My vote is for NO top right blocker....but i guess that's at moot point at this stage.
Hehe you guessed right. I can see why, but for Solid and I, there's an unshakeable aesthetic in it. Please do suggest designs for it in any note, we do want to make it look good.
Post by: vewy_nice on Mon, 05 March 2018, 14:27:26
Are there any different finish options that might be popular for the plate?
It wouldn't work on brass, but blue PVD would be sooooooooo amaziong :o
Is there an estimated price range for this?
Post by: MxBlue on Mon, 05 March 2018, 14:40:20
It has a sort of "transparent gameboy" vibe to it, really.
Are there any different finish options that might be popular for the plate?
It wouldn't work on brass, but blue PVD would be sooooooooo amaziong :o
Is there an estimated price range for this?
We would have liked to offer another finish, thinking something like black chrome, but budget doesn't permit prototyping anymore.
As for price, we're aiming for 350USD, we'll finalise pricing as we move into the GB stage.
Post by: MxBlue on Mon, 05 March 2018, 23:51:48
https://goo.gl/forms/QGoM3yl582vL19ye2
Post by: MxBlue on Tue, 06 March 2018, 04:56:42
Post by: vewy_nice on Tue, 06 March 2018, 06:20:41
Would it be $130 on top of the case price, with no included brass parts, or is that an add-on?
Post by: MxBlue on Tue, 06 March 2018, 06:23:54
That nickel plated finish is awesome, too! I'd definitely go for that!
Would it be $130 on top of the case price, with no included brass parts, or is that an add-on?
$130 on top of the base kit, yes, but it will include the brass parts as well.
An unfortunate compromise I had to make to preserve the current price for the brass parts.
Post by: vewy_nice on Tue, 06 March 2018, 06:29:51
I've already got 3 $400+ keyboards on order, what's another one?
Post by: koduh on Tue, 06 March 2018, 08:58:38
Post by: zekkin on Tue, 06 March 2018, 10:12:15
Keep the top right blocker.
Post by: koduh on Tue, 06 March 2018, 11:47:07
Hot take: removing the top right blocker makes this board just another 65% and renders this buy almost pointless. The top right blocker is an homage to a board that's not easily acquired (TGR 910) as well as provides an opportunity to have a keyboard made out of a not-so-common material.
Keep the top right blocker.
I said an option without, not remove it from everyone.
I'd like a "normal" 65% board made of out a not-so-common material as well. When, as of right now, the two 65%s made out of Polycarbonate are this layout with a top right corner blocker.
Post by: Rafa_n on Tue, 06 March 2018, 12:02:03
removing the top right blocker makes this board just another 65% and renders this buy almost pointless.
ummmm what. So what you're saying is that the only original thing about the board is that top right blocker? lol
Post by: zekkin on Tue, 06 March 2018, 13:34:08
removing the top right blocker makes this board just another 65% and renders this buy almost pointless.
ummmm what. So what you're saying is that the only original thing about the board is that top right blocker? lol
No, what I'm saying is that the top right blocker is just one of the unique parts of the board and to take it away would, in my opinion, diminish the overall novelty/value of the board itself.
Hot take, like I said.
Post by: MxBlue on Tue, 06 March 2018, 13:49:25
I'm keeping this buy as simple as possible so it won't take too long and has minimum reason to go wrong.
I'm sorry for all the people this excludes, but that's how it is.
Post by: amnesia0287 on Tue, 06 March 2018, 18:15:49
There are plenty of options for 65% without blockers tho. No reason to just do more of the same.
Post by: MxBlue on Tue, 06 March 2018, 21:22:22
(https://i.imgur.com/Ueo1gaa.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/dY0VPjl.png)
Reflectiveness is more prominent than the pictures show.
Post by: MxBlue on Thu, 08 March 2018, 06:18:30
Post by: amnesia0287 on Thu, 08 March 2018, 06:53:50
Added photos of the new prototype, I'll put up some nicer ones later. :thumb:
Looks good.
I am curious tho, was it ever considered to remove the middle screw on the left/right side? Or is that out of concern for too much stress on threads?
Post by: lac29 on Thu, 08 March 2018, 13:49:38
Post by: zekkin on Thu, 08 March 2018, 15:07:45
QMK support?
The PCB is QMK.
Post by: MxBlue on Thu, 08 March 2018, 16:01:13
Looks good.
I am curious tho, was it ever considered to remove the middle screw on the left/right side? Or is that out of concern for too much stress on threads?
At first, we did consider them too much stress on the threads yes, but that was considering that the threading would be in the polycarb, not brass inserts. Now they're there because we didn't particularly rethink screw placement after we swapped over to inserts, I'll do some testing and see where we go with it.
Post by: Liam on Fri, 09 March 2018, 13:09:09
1. It discolors over time (turns yellow over time). Acrylic stays clear.
2. Likely to get more scratches than acrylic and scratches can't be sanded out.
Post by: pr0ximity on Fri, 09 March 2018, 17:36:08
My concerns for Polycarbonate after watching some youtube videos:
1. It discolors over time (turns yellow over time). Acrylic stays clear.
2. Likely to get more scratches than acrylic and scratches can't be sanded out.
Does all polycarbonate yellow? I know older plastics' flame retardant used to cause yellowing but it isn't present anymore, and some cursory Googling suggests that some polycarbonate is UV protected.
Post by: MxBlue on Fri, 09 March 2018, 19:30:22
My concerns for Polycarbonate after watching some youtube videos:
1. It discolors over time (turns yellow over time). Acrylic stays clear.
2. Likely to get more scratches than acrylic and scratches can't be sanded out.
Talked with the factory, yellowing shouldn't happen any time soon the UV coating on it will protect it. As for scratches, yes, it will scratch easier, but the UV paint coating does a really good job of hiding fine scratches. I can't compare it to a good anodising job since my Canoe is unsurprisingly late, but I wouldn't say its that far off.
Post by: Liam on Fri, 09 March 2018, 20:49:19
Post by: MxBlue on Sat, 10 March 2018, 01:02:17
I like the idea of trying out new materials, but Acrylic seems to be the best if you want trans or semi-transparent case. That's not considering it costs 3 times as much as a acrylic case.
As far as price is concerned, you're right. On the topic of suitability, we concluded that polycarbonate wins by only due to its improved impact resistance. While it does scratch easier, there is a coating on top of the polycarbonate to create the texture and appearance, which would be equally difficult to scratch if it were on acrylic. If we ended up going with a abrasive-blasted finish, acrylic might have been better, subject to whether the risk of cracking was small enough, but the finish ended up leaving small particles inside the polycarb with the variety of materials the factory tried, and i suspect it would do similar in acrylic.
So yep, it's a toss up, and our original aim was to see how nice polycarb would be as a case material, and we can say that we're fairly pleased.
Post by: MxBlue on Mon, 12 March 2018, 03:37:52
Post by: dead_pixel_design on Mon, 12 March 2018, 14:17:19
Post by: MxBlue on Mon, 12 March 2018, 15:10:01
I am really underwhelmed by the prototypes, I think the poly is too clear, you see too much of the plate and it doesn't look nearly as milky/frosted as it does in the renders. Are you guys planning on getting the poly finished to be more opaque? Not completely opaque, but enough so that the brass inside is more... vague, and so that LED light from inside will diffuse more thoroughly through the poly..?
I'm sorry you feel that way, but that was something an unfortunate circumstance that the renders were too transparent, enough that the light from the underglow would not really diffuse much. It is actually quite opaque as it is, and the backlighting diffuses very well as you can see in the video linked in the OP.
As for the way the plate shows through, it is completely preference, not much we are planning to do other than play with dimensions a touch. I'm quite curious about how the black nickel will look in it, but unfortunately, our man with the setup to so photorealistic renders is swamped with work now so this'll be the best I can do for now.
Post by: dead_pixel_design on Mon, 12 March 2018, 16:25:56
I'm sorry you feel that way, but that was something an unfortunate circumstance that the renders were too transparent, enough that the light from the underglow would not really diffuse much. It is actually quite opaque as it is, and the backlighting diffuses very well as you can see in the video linked in the OP.
As for the way the plate shows through, it is completely preference, not much we are planning to do other than play with dimensions a touch. I'm quite curious about how the black nickel will look in it, but unfortunately, our man with the setup to so photorealistic renders is swamped with work now so this'll be the best I can do for now.
Thank you for the response and context
Post by: amnesia0287 on Mon, 12 March 2018, 16:37:34
Post by: superdoedoe on Tue, 13 March 2018, 02:06:13
Post by: MxBlue on Tue, 13 March 2018, 02:11:20
Do you have any GMK sets you could take pictures with? SA is teh sux.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/jKIYtjM.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/tlWW00H.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/CYVtrRl.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/pzqSae8.jpg)
Bloody leak it before I get home lmao. But yea, there you have it.
EDIT: sneaky boi editted so here it is:
(https://i.imgur.com/jKIYtjM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tlWW00H.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CYVtrRl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pzqSae8.jpg)
Post by: superdoedoe on Tue, 13 March 2018, 02:19:10
Post by: pr0ximity on Tue, 13 March 2018, 06:24:33
Post by: dubious on Tue, 13 March 2018, 13:09:26
I'm not really into the round corners with a chamfered edge, but that's just IHMO. Also, I think the top right space would look cool with a cutout logo in the plate. Keep up the good work though, and I'll def be keeping an eye on this
Post by: bthezebra on Tue, 13 March 2018, 13:34:11
Post by: Kafka on Tue, 13 March 2018, 15:47:30
I think the top right space would look cool with a cutout logo in the plate. Keep up the good work though, and I'll def be keeping an eye on this
That sounds dope
Post by: MxBlue on Tue, 13 March 2018, 17:44:49
Looking awesome!! What kind of feet are you planning, or have you said already? I guess clear bunpons would look good and be inexpensive?
We're going for clear rectangular feet.
(https://i.imgur.com/lkmuNcB.jpg)
Also, new IC up, please go will it out everyone! I promise this is probably the last :')
Post by: vewy_nice on Tue, 13 March 2018, 18:16:14
Adding my support for this as well.I think the top right space would look cool with a cutout logo in the plate. Keep up the good work though, and I'll def be keeping an eye on this
That sounds dope
Post by: MxBlue on Tue, 13 March 2018, 18:17:48
Post by: tireddoctor on Tue, 13 March 2018, 19:01:01
Post by: MxBlue on Mon, 19 March 2018, 05:50:00
(https://i.imgur.com/RGPP5WZ.png)
Post by: vewy_nice on Mon, 19 March 2018, 07:20:28
Looks awesome :o
I'm wondering if a piece of opaque white film or something underneath would help it diffuse nice and evenly through all 3 slots?
Post by: MxBlue on Mon, 19 March 2018, 07:23:56
There's an LED behind that, right?
Looks awesome :o
I'm wondering if a piece of opaque white film or something underneath would help it diffuse nice and evenly through all 3 slots?
2 LEDs, I doubt much can help it diffuse any better than it does other than changing the design and shifting LEDs.
Post by: bthezebra on Mon, 19 March 2018, 21:22:49
Post by: blacksimon on Wed, 21 March 2018, 06:08:18
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 21 March 2018, 17:48:03
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 21 March 2018, 17:51:12
Post by: MxBlue on Wed, 21 March 2018, 17:54:15
I like the idea of it. Filling up that void with a design. Looks great. But, it doesn't make sense. We're all used to 3 indicator lights on or keyboards. So it looks like that's what it's for. But it's just for looks, and it has 2 LEDs behind 3 slits. I don't know, man. I'm thinking there could be a better solution.
Of course I wanted to shove in 3 LEDs into the slit to make them seem more practical, but alas, the dimensions don't allow it. I feel that it will still aesthetically look pleasing, but I completely understand where you are coming from.
This is way out there, but could you do a cut that says MxSS on it instead of the slits and backlight that?
That is possible, but we felt it would simply look too tacky and take away from the more minimalist look we are aiming for.
Don't come to conclusions yet though, I am ordering a plate with the cutout to test how it would look, keep an eye out for an update in the thread once I have in about a week.
Post by: HardcoreDesk on Thu, 22 March 2018, 00:33:07
Post by: MxBlue on Thu, 22 March 2018, 00:37:05
when.
No promises, but I'm guessing 1-2wks, I'm on the home stretch.
Post by: MxBlue on Tue, 27 March 2018, 18:10:40
OP updated to match.
PCB is neaaarly finalised, we will be ordering prototypes today!
Post by: lac29 on Tue, 27 March 2018, 20:19:43
Post by: MxBlue on Tue, 27 March 2018, 20:47:50
Is the MxSS "logo" on the weight going to look like the photos in the first post? It feels just a bit plain ... font-wise, etc. I don't know if you have thought of a more developed/designed logo but I'd like to put out a few ideas if you're open to it.
Sorry you feel that way, we're unfortunately not changing the design unless there is a defect we identify now. Stylistically, it is finalised, putting aside possibly the blocker cutout once we get our prototype PCBs.
Post by: MxBlue on Fri, 30 March 2018, 00:03:57
From my test of using acrylic plate, it does have some areas with pretty significant bending, but still usable if you're not heavy handed. More importantly, it looks quite pretty, so I want to give it a try.
Some pics of an acrylic plate with the protective film on:
(https://i.imgur.com/alZzyvK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QFKj0uV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qMnAQSu.jpg)
It costs me what it costs you, $60USD.
Post by: pixelpusher on Fri, 30 March 2018, 00:11:13
Post by: bthezebra on Fri, 30 March 2018, 00:17:16
Post by: MxBlue on Fri, 30 March 2018, 00:18:10
That's pretty intriguing. I would think the PCB would cut out most of the flex of the polycarbonate. I'd sure like to try one out.
I haven't tried with a PCB :-[ SOON! I'm impatiently waiting for my parts as well haha.
Post by: Shados on Fri, 30 March 2018, 00:53:31
Post by: hervuli on Sun, 01 April 2018, 05:26:39
Really tempted to try one of each of the plate options haha
Post by: MxBlue on Sun, 01 April 2018, 05:29:46
How thick would the polycarb plate be?
Really tempted to try one of each of the plate options haha
1.5mm, I'll have the GB in a day or so :thumb:
Post by: kconfire on Sun, 01 April 2018, 10:57:07
Does this support an universal PCB?
Thank you! :)
Post by: Kafka on Sun, 01 April 2018, 11:42:56
This is pretty cool- however what is the PCB in use?
Does this support an universal PCB?
Thank you!
iirc its similar to the qmk replacement pcb for the TGR 910, also not universal ala the 65% layout.
Post by: MxBlue on Sun, 01 April 2018, 15:26:04
This is pretty cool- however what is the PCB in use?
Does this support an universal PCB?
Thank you! :)
What Kafka said is correct, it uses a PCB that is very similar to the TGR 910 (and actually does support the 910 with a modification) but it's not universal, no.
Post by: MxBlue on Mon, 02 April 2018, 18:02:34
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=94986.0
Post by: Peripheral Prophet on Mon, 04 February 2019, 11:09:08
We're still waiting for the PCBs to arrive, but for the time being, the GB thread is live! Please check it out and hopefully join ;)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=94986.0
**pinches self**
Is this still active, like, as in I can still get in on this??
Post by: taropaste on Mon, 04 February 2019, 13:51:00
We're still waiting for the PCBs to arrive, but for the time being, the GB thread is live! Please check it out and hopefully join ;)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=94986.0
**pinches self**
Is this still active, like, as in I can still get in on this??
Um, read the GB thread. It's literally in the post you quoted lol.
*Spoiler alert - you probably don't want in
Post by: MxBlue on Tue, 05 February 2019, 00:13:06
**pinches self**
Is this still active, like, as in I can still get in on this??
GB has been closed for a while, there is an open slot but I'm not comfortable selling it while I still have yet to finalise other orders.
Post by: Egobean on Sun, 16 June 2019, 19:38:00
Post by: EMC Labs on Sun, 16 June 2019, 20:45:53
Post by: Kokaloo on Sun, 16 June 2019, 20:55:06
Looks great but not for me.Well that works out great!
Post by: MxBlue on Sun, 16 June 2019, 20:56:08
