GH60 Keyboard Project

[alaricljs]

But if you are designing a case, you design it with an integrated plate.

[mkawa]

wfd, can you please start getting shipping logistics ready so we can get these prototypes on the grill quickly?

[fl0w3n]

wfd, can you please start getting shipping logistics ready so we can get these prototypes on the grill quickly?

Are you referring to his Phantom Plate GB?

[WhiteFireDragon]

That gives the approximate dimensions of the plate, not accounting for shinanigans along the edges or the amount of clearance there will be around the edges.

The switch distances between each other are conserved no matter what form factor the keyboard is. Even rubber domes use this standard spacing. As for the outer edges of the plate, the left and right side should be the calculated standard 0.375" from switch center to edge, and the top/bottom edge is 0.350" from switch center to edge. If the GH60 PCB turns out to be any different than this, then it will not be a perfect fit in the stock poker case. Likewise, if the plate edges are any larger than what I mentioned, it won't fit with current poker cases.

But if you are designing a case, you design it with an integrated plate.

Well I see 2 options to design the plates. One option is to make it like Beast's current poker plate, in which case the PCB does all the support from the standoffs at the bottom, which the plate only prevents flexing (and makes it feel more solid). A plate like this allows you to use stock poker/pure plastic cases, oneproduct's, imsto's, and trebs' existing cases. The 2nd option is to design the plate similar to KMAC, where there are tabs on the plate that does all the support in holding up the plate and PCB. If you make a plate like this, then everyone will be forced to also get a custom case to go along with it because it won't be compatible with stock and current aluminum cases.

wfd, can you please start getting shipping logistics ready so we can get these prototypes on the grill quickly?

What do you want me to really do? komar hasn't even gotten all the parts yet to ship all prototype stuff to me. I guess I can start looking at shipping supplies, but hard to estimate and ask for shipping money until I get the stuff.

[The_Beast]

But if you are designing a case, you design it with an integrated plate.

Well I see 2 options to design the plates. One option is to make it like Beast's current poker plate, in which case the PCB does all the support from the standoffs at the bottom, which the plate only prevents flexing (and makes it feel more solid). A plate like this allows you to use stock poker/pure plastic cases, oneproduct's, imsto's, and trebs' existing cases. The 2nd option is to design the plate similar to KMAC, where there are tabs on the plate that does all the support in holding up the plate and PCB. If you make a plate like this, then everyone will be forced to also get a custom case to go along with it because it won't be compatible with stock and current aluminum cases.

Do both

[dirge]

Can someone help me with a plate design? I haven't got the hang of the software yet and was going to layer acrylic as litster does with the ergodox

[mkawa]

What do you want me to really do? komar hasn't even gotten all the parts yet to ship all prototype stuff to me. I guess I can start looking at shipping supplies, but hard to estimate and ask for shipping money until I get the stuff.

overestimate. you know the approximate dimensions so 1.5x and go. it's cool if our reshipping costs are a little suboptimal. THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL IS IN YOUR HANDS WFD

[alaricljs]

But if you are designing a case, you design it with an integrated plate.

Well I see 2 options to design the plates. One option is to make it like Beast's current poker plate, in which case the PCB does all the support from the standoffs at the bottom, which the plate only prevents flexing (and makes it feel more solid). A plate like this allows you to use stock poker/pure plastic cases, oneproduct's, imsto's, and trebs' existing cases. The 2nd option is to design the plate similar to KMAC, where there are tabs on the plate that does all the support in holding up the plate and PCB. If you make a plate like this, then everyone will be forced to also get a custom case to go along with it because it won't be compatible with stock and current aluminum cases.

Do both

This.  We've got plates cheap enough that worrying about quantity limits is a little silly.  There are going to be enough people that want either (or even both).  There is no point in compromising case design.

[jdcarpe]

WFD, You should be able to fit everything in a medium flat rate box. Simply add a small handling and materials fee, and ask everyone to send payment for shipping. Should make for a quick turnaround on your part.

[WhiteFireDragon]

This is a list of everyone getting a prototype board. Did I miss anyone?

• komar007
• jdcarpe
• kmiller8
• TheProfosist
• WhiteFireDragon
• lysol
• __red__
• dirge
• Index
• hasu
• kravlin
• engicoder
• modulor
• tipo33
• TheQsanity
• mkawa_

[Glissant]

In before someone says "Me" for jokes.

[SmallFry]

Me!

[komar007]

This is a list of everyone getting a prototype board. Did I miss anyone?

• komar007
• jdcarpe
• kmiller8
• TheProfosist
• WhiteFireDragon
• lysol
• __red__
• dirge
• Index
• hasu
• kravlin
• engicoder
• modulor
• tipo33
• TheQsanity
• mkawa_

There's also nebo.
Remove me, you won't ship to me:D
And you can also remove hasu and dirge, I'll ship to them directly.

[alaricljs]

I'd like to get a hint as to how many people are interested in Cherry stabilizers for this (or other) project.

[TheQsanity]

Since my Poker is "co-star" I wouldn't mind a cherry but it really is kind of the same to me

[jdcarpe]

Well, I definitely need some more. Esp 7x bent wires.

[samwisekoi]

I'd like to get a hint as to how many people are interested in Cherry stabilizers for this (or other) project.

I am!  I am!

 - Ron | samwisekoi

p.s.  But not, repeat not in 1 11/16" spacing like the dang Leopold!

[mm87]

I'd like to get a hint as to how many people are interested in Cherry stabilizers for this (or other) project.

Definitely interested in few sets of stabs + spacebar wires.

[esoomenona]

Well, I definitely need some more. Esp 7x bent wires.

^ plus others here.

[dirge]

Well, I definitely need some more. Esp 7x bent wires.

I would do it, but I can't get litsters wire bender in the UK.  Happy to pass the money on if someone can get the goods for me.

Du-Bro E/Z Bender (0-90 degrees and Z bend)

[vorn]

I need to get EVERYTHING still. Stabilizers, PCB mount switches, plate, caps...

I refresh this thread as well as the GB every day

[KennyR]

I need to get EVERYTHING still. Stabilizers, PCB mount switches, plate, caps...

I refresh this thread as well as the GB every day

Are you me? 

[Glissant]

Say what? The group buy is up already? Where?

[TheProfosist]

Say what? The group buy is up already? Where?

No were are talking about the proto boards you still need everything for them as you would a full board.

[Glissant]

I refresh this thread as well as the GB every day

Is what I was refering to .

[TheProfosist]

I refresh this thread as well as the GB every day

Is what I was refering to .

there shouldnt be a GB thread yet... and a quick search in the GB section revealed nothing...

[samwisekoi]

I'll take on an Acrylic case design and prototype fab.

I'll use the drawings unless anyone wants to pass a spot on the prototype list...

If so, please let me know!

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[jdcarpe]

Thanks, sam! You could also use dimensions from the Poker PCB and case, since compatibility with that is a design goal.

[fl0w3n]

So just to recap;

Komar is printing PCBs
Beast is making plates
alaricljs is making stabilizers
Sam is making acrylic cases, and other cases already exist (where to find?)

All that's left is switches and keys, right?

[dirge]

I'll be doing a proto acrylic case if I can get some confirmation on whether the phantom switch spacing is correct on this project.  I "think" it is, just need to know for sure before I get anything made.

[jdcarpe]

GH60 custom (DIY) keyboard recap:

1. Komar007 designed the PCB and is having them printed. He has had a prototype run done, which is being distributed for testing. Once that is tested, and the final revisions made, the GB will proceed.
2. The_Beast will be having [some number of] plate designs made. Probably about 8 designs, to include ANSI winkey, ANSI winkeyless, ISO winkey, and ISO winkeyless. If we have case-integrated designs and stand-alone designs for those, that makes 8 plate designs for a base run. And I'm sure he will take requests for custom plates, such as lysol's bottom row.
3. alaricljs is *maybe* doing another stabilizer buy. He is gauging interest. On a related note, if you choose a winkey layout, and use plate mounted Costar stabilizers, you can get those from WASDkeybaords.com all day.
4. samwisekoi has offered to help with designing an acrylic case. WhiteFireDragon, The_Beast, damorgue and dirge are also working on case designs. As are others. If you want to use an existing case, our goal is that this PCB will fit in any current Poker/Pure case. Including the aluminum ones made by imsto, treble318, oneproduct, and Duck.

You must install your own switches and keycaps.

I'll add this info to the OP.

[The_Beast]

Y I NO ON #4?

[dirge]

Y I NO ON #4?

Least you're not totally invisible

[jdcarpe]

Y I NO ON #4?

Sorry, my memory fails sometimes. I'll edit.

Edit: But I did say, "As are others," to cover my bases there.

[samwisekoi]

I'll be doing a proto acrylic case if I can get some confirmation on whether the phantom switch spacing is correct on this project.  I "think" it is, just need to know for sure before I get anything made.

Let's coordinate so we don't run over each other's everyone else's work.  Are you thinking flashy, industrial, minimalist, or some other adjective I haven't thought about?

(Perhaps we should Skype or something.)

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[The_Beast]

Y I NO ON #4?

Sorry, my memory fails sometimes. I'll edit.

Edit: But I did say, "As are others," to cover my bases there.

you're a poop face


take that -_-

[SmallFry]

So just to recap;

Komar is printing PCBs
Beast is making plates
Alajarcls is making stabilizers
Sam is making acrylic cases, and other cases already exist (where to find?)

All that's left is switches and keys, right?

That's cool, switches and keycaps are abundant.

[TheQsanity]

Mybe add iysols design in op?

[TheProfosist]

I want stainless Steel Case!!!

[jdcarpe]

Mybe add iysols design in op?

Blue outlines in third image (komar's).

[SmallFry]

We should make a wiki page for the group buy. I can make that, or Ron can make a wiki account for you JDCarpe. Either way, my wiki skills are as below in my signature... Some of it is Moose's, but I can do all of what he has done to make a nice GB page.

[jdcarpe]

We should make a wiki page for the group buy. I can make that, or Ron can make a wiki account for you JDCarpe. Either way, my wiki skills are as below in my signature... Some of it is Moose's, but I can do all of what he has done to make a nice GB page.

That would be great if you can make one, SmallFry. Thanks!

[SmallFry]

Yeah, I'll get on that!

[samwisekoi]

Wiki account created for user "Jdcarpe".

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[komar007]

BTW, for those of you who are not familiar with soldering I will provide a switch soldering service.
I'll also order the switches, so you can have a working keyboard (as in 'with switches') shipped if you want.

[fl0w3n]

Thank you for the detailed recap.

So for cases, as of right now if we want any of the existing cases, our only chance is finding it used, correct?

As for Sams question on style of case, I personally am a minimalist.
I really like the red in this case, courtesy of DanGWang


Although I'm not a fan of the glossy top, but maybe make three seperate pieces, so we can mix and match the center sandwich with the outer "breads"

[dirge]

fl0w3n it's a litster layered acrylic case made for the phantom.

[fl0w3n]

Yes I was suggesting a style for the to-be-made gh60 acrylic cases.

[jdcarpe]

Preliminary wiki page is up, based on the Phantom wiki at Deskthority. Please feel free to take over from here, SmallFry.

[The_Beast]

I want stainless Steel Case!!!

It would weight more than an SSK but I don't know of any places to have it milled. If I could, I would, but I can't so I shan't


But I'll still look into it if I haz the time