[IC] CompactTKL -- Custom 80% keyboard kit

[metalliqaz]

As requested, here is the official Interest Check for a limited run of my new personal project, which I call CompactTKL.  (More info here)

So what is it?  It's a layout the squishes a full TKL layout into a smaller footprint.  A bit like an extended 75%.



It's fairly unique, and perhaps not a good fit for lovers of micro keyboards, but I like it...

• ... because the layout is a good key-and-a-half narrower than a TKL, so the mouse can be very close
• ... because the F row is offset from the number row, which gives a more pleasing appearance than 75%
• ... because the various keys are where they are supposed to be, with only Home/End migrating to a G80-5000 configuration
• ... because it takes a standard ANSI keyset, except for the one extra 1x next to the arrows and the incorrect profile of Home/End (solvable with numpad keys if desired)

It uses Cherry switches and Costar stabilizers, and comes with fully programmable firmware and interactive keymapper.

Here's some shots:



It features full backlighting and eight indicator LEDS.



Each colored area is a backlighting zone, and the white keys are programmable indicators (Caps lock, Fn lock, etc) that can be configured to be part of the green backlight zone.



See it in action:
https://youtu.be/3aZxwJmFIJg

This IC is initially going to be offering a case that is similar to mine, but without the build-in wrist rest, which I honestly would not recommend.



If the IC is successful and the community would prefer, we can develop a new case.  I'm all ears for suggestions.

Price is not yet certain.  I will start calculating a more accurate number, but assume it would be north of $200.

Fill the form

[Dee1]

I've filled out the form. I've been waiting for this, so I was super excited to see this thread. 

[jonathanyu]

interesting layout, reminds me the mx5000.  I like the gif btw 

[tjweir]

Looks awesome!  I'd be in had your Zeta build not inspired me to build my own custom board.

Good luck!

[cwils0n]

This is the sort of layout I've been looking for.  Great work!

[metalliqaz]

Looks awesome!  I'd be in had your Zeta build not inspired me to build my own custom board.

Good luck!

Go for it! Make something unique and show it off. 

[CPTBadAss]

That gif and video is mesmerizing.

[filphil]

This is awesome.  I'm interested but am really wishing for an option to have aluminum casing.

[tjweir]

Looks awesome!  I'd be in had your Zeta build not inspired me to build my own custom board.

Good luck!

Go for it! Make something unique and show it off. 

The test plate has been ordered, the switches and the teensy are waiting.

[GL1TCH3D]

Not sure I want to fill the form but it's very interesting to me!

[VinnyCordeiro]

The form factor is amazing. To be perfect it only needs to support ISO layout and a split right shift (1x1 - 1x1.75; not the HHKB 1x1.75 - 1x1 configuration).

[metalliqaz]

The form factor is amazing. To be perfect it only needs to support ISO layout and a split right shift (1x1 - 1x1.75; not the HHKB 1x1.75 - 1x1 configuration).

Perfect for who?

[VinnyCordeiro]

The form factor is amazing. To be perfect it only needs to support ISO layout and a split right shift (1x1 - 1x1.75; not the HHKB 1x1.75 - 1x1 configuration).

Perfect for who?

Me, of course. 

[cmadrid]

I love the layout, but I don't love costar stabilizers..

[Data]

Interested, but not thrilled about the acrylic. The layout is pretty clever.

[condoriano]

this seems pretty cool, close to what im ideally aiming for; if the space bar was a little bit smaller like 4x1 japanese style  for adding an extra mod key on the bottom left right under the C key it would be ideal.

May i ask what, if the circuit layout would be the exact same thing as in your other post, project zeta. Also if this is built around the atmega32u4 it means you can implement a hardware 2.0 USB interface with this board, and not stuck with some crap like VUSB right?

Anyways, i might be interested for a group buy

[beltet]

Nice board. This is the only TKL that took my interest.
But one remark. Wouldn't it be more estesthic to have a 1.5x RCTRL? Just to fill the little gap? I know it becomes a little harder to get a keycaps kit for it. But what the heck! It's estethics!

[metalliqaz]

Nice board. This is the only TKL that took my interest.
But one remark. Wouldn't it be more estesthic to have a 1.5x RCTRL? Just to fill the little gap? I know it becomes a little harder to get a keycaps kit for it. But what the heck! It's estethics!

I like the space there because it makes it easier to reach and find the arrow keys without looking.

I'm channeling the G80-5000 here.

[diqkiq]

How's the interest so far? I really want to see this happen.

[cmadrid]

Can't get excited for costar

[zhihuichan]

f row is offset from the nun row in 75% size! That's fantastic! It's much better than duck octagon!

[romevi]

Ugh. Another Metalliqaz I'm gaga over. Will have to fill out the form!

Update: And filled!

[quake4mhg]

Could we have the exact dimension width & depth?
Is there a option to have all white color LED?
Is there a option for a normal case without the wrist rest? I love the compact size with function keys to carry it for work on location, like I'm with my Race1.
Thanks. How could I missed this post 

[limitz]

I like the different layout. Reminds me of a bastard child between a KMAC mini and a TKL.

If the case is well machined, I'm definitely in.

[DukeMugen]

what happened to this? 

[Elrick]

Interested, but not thrilled about the acrylic. The layout is pretty clever.

Has to be done in Aluminum, enough said.

[whentheclouds]

Interested, but not thrilled about the acrylic. The layout is pretty clever.

Has to be done in Aluminum, enough said.

agreed

metalliqaz, what do you think of leslieann's layout?

[metalliqaz]

Interested, but not thrilled about the acrylic. The layout is pretty clever.

Has to be done in Aluminum, enough said.

agreed

metalliqaz, what do you think of leslieann's layout?

Show Image

I like mine better.

[E3E]

So kind of like a 75%, but with an extra column and a totally standard layout? I can get behind this. The 65%, 75%, and 80% layouts are so similar to each other while all having their own ups and downs. It's intriguing to see the little bits of fine tuning for each layout.

[whentheclouds]

I like mine better.

i can see why. but leslie's layout is better in at least one aspect: finding fitting keycaps for the nav cluster

[FLFisherman]

I like this layout. It's not your typical 75% and has the little gaps between the functions keys, which I like for some reason.

[Elrick]

Interested, but not thrilled about the acrylic. The layout is pretty clever.

Has to be done in Aluminum, enough said.

agreed

metalliqaz, what do you think of leslieann's layout?

Show Image

I like mine better.

Sorry sunshine, I'm actually getting a hard-on for Leslieann's layout.

Simple but basic, what all keyboard zealot's appreciate these days.........

[metalliqaz]

It's bigger but has fewer keys.

[darkclone24]

It's bigger but has fewer keys.

It's got so much white space as well. Your layout is definitely better in my eyes.

Only thing I will throw my vote in for is lining up the F keys with the number row properly!

[E3E]

It's bigger but has fewer keys.

Definitely in favor of your layout. While I like the look of the FC660 (which is what Leslie's is very reminiscent of), I find any open space in between the keys to be rather wasteful. Yours is very efficient and functional! This is the same reason 75% is my overall favorite layout.

It's true that finding caps for the additional columns is a PITA unless you've got a good supply of blanks or something, but overall, I dig this layout a lot.

[metalliqaz]

Numpad keys fit in there nicely.

[E3E]

Numpad keys fit in there nicely.

True that; that's what I'm using for the odd R3 key that's absent on my Octagon.

[FLFisherman]

what happened to this? 

I second this. Is there enough interest, metalliqaz?

[skuko]

i'd love to have this board, but i cannot assemble it. i have the following questions:

-would you offer assembly service too?
-would it be possible to ship it to EU? i would not have a problem with a price up to 400-500 euro.

[Rodgaroon]

Not my cup of tea, best of luck!

[metalliqaz]

Sorry guys, this is an old thread. This isn't going to happen. I'm too far out of the game now

[FLFisherman]

Sorry guys, this is an old thread. This isn't going to happen. I'm too far out of the game now

Oh no, sorry to hear that. Would you give people permission to use this layout though? I really like the way it's set up.

[metalliqaz]

Sorry guys, this is an old thread. This isn't going to happen. I'm too far out of the game now

Oh no, sorry to hear that. Would you give people permission to use this layout though? I really like the way it's set up.

Nobody ever needs permission to use this or any other layout.  Freedom, baby.  Let it ring.  Permission culture makes me sick.

[FLFisherman]

Sorry guys, this is an old thread. This isn't going to happen. I'm too far out of the game now

Oh no, sorry to hear that. Would you give people permission to use this layout though? I really like the way it's set up.

Nobody ever needs permission to use this or any other layout.  Freedom, baby.  Let it ring.  Permission culture makes me sick.

Haha, appreciate it! If I ever figure out how to build a keyboard from scratch I'll definitely be using this layout. Most likely won't be able to, but just in case. XD

[metalliqaz]

I can run the boards if someone else wanted to build them. All it takes is a click of the reorder button

[FLFisherman]

I can run the boards if someone else wanted to build them. All it takes is a click of the reorder button

I've never built a thing like this in my life, but hypothetically speaking, what else would be needed?

The PCB (board?) you can order more of. What about the case? That seems to be unique to this board.

Switches, keycaps, diodes, and other miscellaneous electronic components are probably not unique to this design, right?

[VinnyCordeiro]

I can run the boards if someone else wanted to build them. All it takes is a click of the reorder button

I've never built a thing like this in my life, but hypothetically speaking, what else would be needed?

The PCB (board?) you can order more of. What about the case? That seems to be unique to this board.

The case is always the major concern on custom keyboards, unless you are making a 60% using a PCB that has slots compatible with Poker cases.

Switches, keycaps, diodes, and other miscellaneous electronic components are probably not unique to this design, right?

You can buy all components at sites like Newark, Mouser or Digikey. There are others, but these 3 are the most famous. Keycaps you can find at eBay, WASD, Pimp My Keyboard and many other sites.

[Rinsaku]

Saw the video a few weeks ago and was wondering where i could get this, man this is a slick looking board!

[diqkiq]

Im in for a pcb and plate

[FLFisherman]

Saw the video a few weeks ago and was wondering where i could get this, man this is a slick looking board!

Unfortunately it's not going to be produced. I'll let you know if I ever find a similar layout though.