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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: toets on Sun, 31 December 2017, 08:01:03

Title: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: toets on Sun, 31 December 2017, 08:01:03
Coming 2018

(https://i.imgur.com/IYPD8SS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/htizFan.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DwLw1j2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/eLfs1pF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1RSzsKF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QGuHECS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KaDbQKE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QKrr7Ce.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HggwsDj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2iZBXen.jpg)

Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6 Key Pad
Post by: Madēo on Sun, 31 December 2017, 10:50:49
Yes yes 100% yes !
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 31 December 2017, 11:18:24
it's cool

how much
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: Starston3 on Sun, 31 December 2017, 15:26:14
This would be very interesting.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: orcanilink on Sun, 31 December 2017, 18:01:08
Love it, just make it more affordable than the rama.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: Madēo on Sun, 31 December 2017, 18:47:13
Love it, just make it more affordable than the rama.

That's the plan exactly! Pricing is still unconfirmed and highly dependant on MoQ, but we're aiming at a 70-100$ range.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: FoC_Tow on Sun, 31 December 2017, 18:58:55
Beautiful design, the whiteout version looks awesome.

Would prefer a 60 over a 6 tho <3
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: Hamel on Mon, 01 January 2018, 04:02:45
Interested.

나의 SM-G950N 의 Tapatalk에서 보냄

Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: HongguChaego on Mon, 01 January 2018, 07:14:10
 interested!!
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: Lemmy on Mon, 01 January 2018, 08:57:26
I'm down, how much?
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: tjweir on Mon, 01 January 2018, 14:40:57
So cute!
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: Vulcan on Mon, 01 January 2018, 17:40:30
AUTO BUYYYYYY

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: quaddepos on Tue, 02 January 2018, 07:58:56
Count me in!
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: toets on Wed, 03 January 2018, 10:24:57
Glad to see some interest  :thumb:

Right now we're working on the PCB V.2, we've added USB-C Connectivity and all-intergrated components.
We will have a working prototype by the end of January.

The entire build process will be posted on this thread as we progress, so stay tuned on that !

---------

Concerning the case, we are still discussing colour options and materials:

Many of you have asked for alternate colours—which we certainly plan on offering in the future— But to reduce production cost, we plan on sticking with a single two-tone colour combo (currently red-orange/black) for our first product launch, which will be a limited run: 'Edition One'  ;)

And regarding materials, we are still hesitating between full aluminium powder coated or doing only the shell in aluminium and having the top/bottom parts in ABS to get a more accurate, vivid colour reproduction.

Once we are set on these decisions, we will be able to provide a more accurate price point.

Thanks again for all your support.
Keep the feedback coming, we love hearing your suggestions!






Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: toets on Thu, 04 January 2018, 10:09:03
Updates!

Type-C PCB

We've just recieved the development board for a USB type-C version, we're just waiting on SMD components to arrive (hopefully by mid January) before we start testing.

Assuming all goes to plan we'll show off a working prototype and then move on to nailing down the production side of things, once again a huge thanks for the interest so far!

Prototypes

As you may or may not know we are making the switch from a pro micro based board to a fully integrated Atmega32u4 design. This is to save time and hassle for you guys and also helps QC.

We thought we'd take a chance in this update post to show off some of the work we've done on the internals up to this point and we'll show you more of the case as that progresses.

---------

Meet the products so far!

'First Love'
(Left)

This was the first Pro Micro based version of the ZesK, we were rather too optimistic with the width of the Pro Micro so it had the holes for Alps just not the space.

This did allow us to test the reset switch and gave us a point of reference when designing the case.

'Refined Tastes' Rev 1.1
(Center)

The central board is our most up to date Pro Micro board, you'll notice we had to drop Alps support to enable the placement of the Pro Micro.

This ended up being one of a few reasons we decided to push on and make an intergrated device, also why not?

'The Hulk' Rev 1.2
(Right)

And the ugly duckling on the end is our type-C development board, she's greener and meaner than anything that came before.

This was to enable hand soldering for the prototype, assuming she works to the high standard we expect we will miniaturize the design into the same foot print as the Rev 1.1.

As you can see Alps support is back and will be included in the final revision, who can resist gorgeous modernist design and Orange Alps?



(https://i.imgur.com/Ej34OKih.jpg)   (https://imgur.com/vbunIDb.jpg)   (https://imgur.com/1YKuWwY.jpg)   (https://i.imgur.com/8xvYHXih.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: hhkbp2 on Sun, 07 January 2018, 01:40:22
Nice little kit. The white color is adorable.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: InvidiousIgnoramus on Mon, 08 January 2018, 17:34:30
I have absolutely no need for a 6 key macro pad, and thus I must buy one.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: shamowfski on Mon, 08 January 2018, 17:40:19
Sign me up!
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: duxbridge on Tue, 09 January 2018, 03:32:34
I was on the fence about this one until you posted some pictures of orange alps and AEK keycaps!

Looks great and looking forward to the finished product
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: grandtheftspaceman on Tue, 09 January 2018, 04:22:08
+1

Mostly depends on price for me, but I'm def interested  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: tragedyfoundus on Tue, 09 January 2018, 04:44:11
Looks great! I would definitely get one or 5 haha. cx
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: drakeonyou on Tue, 09 January 2018, 12:47:58
Interesting.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: toets on Thu, 11 January 2018, 17:30:32
Updates!

Case Specs

After getting initial quotes from CNC manufacturers, it seems impossible to keep the price under 100$ for a 3piece set.
That being said, we can cut the price by almost a third if we go from three pieces to two pieces.

Thus, our proposition is to merge the top and shell part together, forming a single aluminium piece.
Only issue is, we then lose the color contrast between shell and orange colored top.

BUT we can achieve a stealthier look, going with Space-grey anodised aluminium (similar to apple products) and an orange-anodised aluminium bottom.
That's right: All aluminium, all anodised.

(https://i.imgur.com/vaS1gh8.jpg)


How does everyone feel about this change? Yay or Nay?
Let us know!

We'll have a prototype ready very soon  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: Crushader on Thu, 11 January 2018, 17:41:07
Still a big YAY!
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: InvidiousIgnoramus on Fri, 12 January 2018, 03:16:18
I'll reserve my stance for the prototype, but the render still looks super slick, maybe even a little better. I'm also curious as to how it would look with the colors swapped, so it's still primarily orange.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: FailureToLoad on Fri, 12 January 2018, 06:52:22
I honestly prefer the new style, looking great!
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad
Post by: toets on Fri, 12 January 2018, 08:02:21
I honestly prefer the new style, looking great!

That's great to hear!
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 12/01 - V2)
Post by: breusch91 on Fri, 12 January 2018, 09:33:42
This looks really cool, and im still on the fence about joining since I ordered the Rama m-6.  Im currently interested from the cool design and carbon colors (orange and grey).

The new design looks cool, but my fear is that while that picture makes it look great, how much of that contrast will you even be seeing now that its been slimmed down and is only viewable from the side? From a top down view or a front facing view its very much just going to feel like a solid color macro pad, which isnt terrible or anything, im  just stating that you are going to be losing that cool contrast look.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 12/01 - V2)
Post by: dysphorical on Fri, 12 January 2018, 10:06:13
If this is under $100, count me in! Even over $100 I will definitely be interested!
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 12/01 - V2)
Post by: WHeisenberg on Fri, 12 January 2018, 11:14:52
A definite Yay from me!
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 12/01 - V2)
Post by: Brammm87 on Fri, 12 January 2018, 17:28:04
I liked the three part design a little more, but I would never spend more than 100$ on a macropad so I understand you have to cut corners somewhere.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 12/01 - V2)
Post by: MegaLinx on Mon, 15 January 2018, 00:09:00
I like the second model a lot better! I also like the white prototype. When are you planning to do the group buy?
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 12/01 - V2)
Post by: toets on Mon, 15 January 2018, 12:34:46
I like the second model a lot better! I also like the white prototype. When are you planning to do the group buy?

We're awaiting quotes from manufacturer and still exploring different materials, colour variations.
We are currently working on the fully functional prototype, which should be ready by the end of the month/early feb. 

The plan is to run the group-buy end of feb/early march.  :thumb:

Thank you for your interest!

Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 12/01 - V2)
Post by: Quantastrophus on Mon, 15 January 2018, 13:52:23
I really like the 2 piece design especially if there are more color options available. Really sleek. Looking forward to this.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 12/01 - V2)
Post by: toets on Thu, 22 February 2018, 11:03:36
Here she is!

(https://i.imgur.com/VDo3fAh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sK9DwiJ.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: InvidiousIgnoramus on Thu, 22 February 2018, 11:38:28
Here she is!

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/VDo3fAh.jpg)

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/sK9DwiJ.jpg)

Wow, she's looking great!
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: toets on Thu, 22 February 2018, 12:17:15
Here she is!

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/VDo3fAh.jpg)

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/sK9DwiJ.jpg)

Wow, she's looking great!

Thank you!

We're going with full aluminium: space grey anodised top, and the bottom part has a very nice soft rubber paint which makes it non-slip  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: InvidiousIgnoramus on Thu, 22 February 2018, 12:25:31
Hopefully I'll have the funds for it at the time.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: FailureToLoad on Thu, 22 February 2018, 13:04:45
Man, that render was spot on! Looks quite good, I'm in for sure.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: DukeMugen on Thu, 22 February 2018, 22:59:47
would be awesome to have a bluetooth version of this  ;D
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: eyedrop on Fri, 23 February 2018, 00:51:24
I agreed.  ^
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: Taylorisg on Tue, 27 February 2018, 09:45:15
I want a poster of the promotional materials almost as much as the pad itself.
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: toets on Tue, 27 February 2018, 09:46:25
I want a poster of the promotional materials almost as much as the pad itself.

Haha that can be arranged  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: Draic on Tue, 27 February 2018, 10:17:28
USB-C to C or only C to A?
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: dysphorical on Tue, 27 February 2018, 10:24:40
Will this still be going to GB early March?
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Tue, 27 February 2018, 11:50:32
USB-C to C or only C to A?

(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/705386396983259136/NFZUnheb.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: smithyithy on Tue, 27 February 2018, 11:51:31
Suuuuper cool!
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: InvidiousIgnoramus on Tue, 27 February 2018, 14:53:25
USB-C to C or only C to A?
Uh, whichever you want? 🤦
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: Draic on Tue, 27 February 2018, 16:01:02
USB-C to C or only C to A?
Uh, whichever you want? 🤦

As there are quite some keyboards with USB-C ports out there, that can only work with USB-C to A cables, I disagree that I can just assume it was properly made to work with USB-C to C. Does not hurt to ask for confirmation
Title: Re: [IC] Zesk by Toets - 6Key MacroPad - (UPDATED 22/02 - Prototype! )
Post by: Starston3 on Sat, 07 April 2018, 15:57:22
Any updates?