6/20/2020 UpdateTaeKeyboard’s Review
Nathan’s Stream
First of all, we want to thank Nathan and Andrew for building and reviewing the prototypes for us. Due to shipping delays caused by the pandemic, the units that we shipped to them were round one prototypes. We have already completed another two rounds of prototyping and we have confirmed all the issues are fixed. We want to address some of the concerns that were brought up in the videos.
Q1: Why was the plate wobbling in Nathan’s stream?
A1: The prototype we shipped to Nathan was our round 1 prototype, which was not a complete sandwich mount and has the slots for gaskets. We have since changed the design of the plate and there will no longer be slots for gaskets like the ones on Nathan’s. The plate will be fully secure between the top and bottom cases.
Q2: Will QMK be supported?
A2: Yes, both QMK and VIA will be supported on SQUARE.X’s PCB designed by Astro. We haven’t uploaded the files yet because they are not finalized, but they will be before the GB ships.
Q3: Will you be changing the design of the USB port cut out?
A3: Unfortunately, we have already finalized the design and we won’t be making more design changes at this point.
Q4: Does the kit come with rubber feet?
A4: Yes, I will make sure to include them in the package. (I have no idea how I forgot to include those for them…)
Finally, we want to thank you all for waiting this long for the GB. It took so long because we want to make sure everything is as perfect as possible so you won’t be disappointed when you receive the keyboard. You can expect to see the GB opens up in a few days.
5/2/2020 UpdateHey everyone, how’s it going? Has been roughly 2 months since the last update, I hope you are all staying safe and still excited for this keyboard. Today I am going to share some photos of the prototypes and give an update on our current progress.
TLDR:
- Added photos of the prototypes
- Changed from gasket mount to sandwich mount
- Added hot-swap PCB option
- Reviews and Typing Tests coming soon!
The first reason that took us so long to give you an update is due to a delay of the prototypes caused by the pandemic. But the good news is that we finally got them and the quality of the machining and anodization are very satisfactory. Before getting the prototypes, I was worry about whether you would like SQUARE.X’s design, particularly on the uniqueness of the plate and the display of it around the keyboard. However, my worries all went away once I got the prototypes. This design is what defined the SQUARE.X. I am confident that you will be just as satisfied once you receive this keyboard.
Another reason that took us so long for an update is due to a structure change of the keyboard. Unfortunately, after various testing with the prototypes, the gaskets did not bring the anticipated feel to the keyboard and we have decided to change the mounting method to sandwich mount. We believe this change brings the best typing experience for this particular keyboard.
Due to overwhelming demand for hot-swap, we have added the option for hot-swap PCB.
Hot-swap PCB layout:
That’s it on the updates for now. Please enjoy the photos of the prototypes below. More to come on the next update along with GB info.
Oh, one last thing! It’s our honor to have Nathan (Taeha Types) and Andrew (TaeKeyboards) to do a review/steam of this keyboard. We are currently preparing the shipment to them, stay tuned for more details!
Photos of the SQAURE.X Prototypes:
Polished Chamfer:
More photos:
Original PostInstagram：iNETT Studio [ Follow me to see the latest designs ]Hello GeekHackers, this is Simen from iNETT STUDIO. Before introducing the new keyboard, I want to apologize to the buyers who joined the SQUARE 80 GB for not delivering the product on time. As a token of apology, people who joined the SQUARE 80 GB will receive a small gift when you join this group buy of SQUARE.X 60.
Introduction：This time we will be bringing you the "X" in the SQUARE series by iNETT STUDIO. The SQUARE series share some very defining characteristics. We spent a lot of time to refine the design of SQUARE.X 60 so that it stands out as a unique product, yet similar enough to be recognized as one of the SQUAREs. We started designing this keyboard since October 2019. After countless modifications and revisions, we came up with three versions of the keyboard before finally deciding on the current design which we are very satisfied with. To achieve a more unique appearance, we will be adjusting some details such as implementing thinner side cutouts, narrower side bezels, and a slightly taller forehead.
We are very glad to see that users are paying more attention to the typing feel rather than focusing solely on the appearance of the keyboard. The 4mm thick plate that was used in other SQUARE series will be reduced to 1.5mm, with half plate as an option. SQUARE.X 60 will also be the first in the series to adopt the gasket-mount system. The left and right side of the plate are held in place by the upper and lower cases, whereas the top and bottom of the plate are suspended and supported by rubber strip gaskets that can reduce vibration. Thanks to Luis from iLumkb, we gained valuable insights on utilizing gaskets. We will be testing gaskets of different harnesses for the perfect typing feel once the prototype is made.
If you are interested with SQUARE.X , please take 1 minute to fill IC FormFeatures：- Mounting Method: Gasket (Hardness to be determined)
- Layout: WKL, WK, HHKB
- Type Angle: 7 Degree
- PCB: Type-C, QMK Programmable, Per Key RGB, Underglow (designed and supported by astro)
Case color: - Anodized color：black, blue, red, dark green
- E-color：white
Plate color: - Anodized color：black, red, dark green, blue
- E-color：white、yellow
Layout: 
Top View: 
Side view： 
Structure and Details： (LEDs for underglow will come pre-installed, but they are not shown in these images. Underglow will only show with PC bottom）
With 1.5mm full plate
With 1.5mm half plate
PCB: 
Color Options: 
PC Version: 
Polished Chamfer Renders：The last unique feature of the SQUARE.X 60 is the option to add Polished Chamfer to bring more elegance to the keyboard. Personally, I think this is the highlight of the keyboard which requires delicate manufacturing. This kind of chamfer is not very common in realm of keyboards, and we will show case this more once the prototype is made. I am sure you would love this feature as much as I do!
So much for the rendering, stay tuned for photos of the prototype!Q&A：- Q1: Hot-swap PCB?
A1: Still under consideration, but unlikely. Due multiple layouts, it’s hard to accommodate everyone with hot-swap. The thinner 1.5mm plate may also influence the typing feel when used with hot-swap.
- Q2: Lead time?
A2: Maybe 3-5 months after the GB has ended. Due to coronavirus and the complex design of this keyboard, we don’t have an exact answer at this time.
- Q3: When can we see a prototype? And the price?
A3: The prototype is being manufactured and we are expecting it by the end of the month, possibly sooner. The price is $350 before PayPal fees and shipping.
- Q4: Limited group buy?
A4: Limited by time but not limited by quantity. All available options will be shared before the GB.
- Q5: Brass plate and weight?
A5: There will be a survey question for this. Let us know if you want this as an option and we will consider adding them if there is enough interest.
Closing：iNETT STUDIO has been around for more than a year now, thank you for all your support over the past year! We will continue to improve and refine our workmanship to make better keyboards, and we will gladly hear your comments and suggestions. Feel free to comment below or contact us at inett.studio@gmail.com.
Last but not least, may all of you have a good health during this coronavirus pandemic and good luck in the year of rat!
Peace & Love,
Simen
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Stay tuned for the figure image and the sound test.
