[IC] 60% Bluetooth PCB and 60% alu case (updated on April 9)

[ptiede]

I imagine someone asked already, but will the bluetooth be able to work with an alu case?

I know some people have issues with their anne pros that they put in alu cases

I imagine that any full metal case will act like a Faraday cage (since metals are very good conductors) and prevent any bluetooth signal from getting into the receiver.

EDIT: fixed some terrible typos

[TriangleLab]

I imagine someone asked already, but will the bluetooth be able to work with an alu case?

I know some people have issues with their anne pros that they put in alu cases

I imagine that any full metal case will like a farday cage (since metals are very good conductors) and prevent any bluetooth signal from getting into the receiver.

Exactly, Faraday cage.

You can also imagine the antenna as a light bulb in the case. Metal and carbon fiber will prevent the "light" coming out but acrylic/plastic won't.

[Trente]

I think the entire concept is fascinating, and the render of the case looks good, just wondering what could be the possible layout, or maybe if there would be 65% board or even 75% in future.

[TriangleLab]

I think the entire concept is fascinating, and the render of the case looks good, just wondering what could be the possible layout, or maybe if there would be 65% board or even 75% in future.

Those are not renders actually. Those are photos of our first prototype.

Several of us are big fans of wireless keyboards but I don't see a lot of interests here so far. This PCB was designed for ourselves at first. It's 60% because we were lazy to design a case for it. We still did though. Other layouts or even a controller (like teensy) are possible, but not in the near future.

[shadowrealmwarez]

I really like the idea of a wireless 60%, but just a newby question on my part if the controller doesn't support bluetooth + wired connection would it be possible to add a toggle switch to the bluetooth? To toggle on and off and allow for wired connections?

[senter]

I really like the idea of a wireless 60%, but just a newby question on my part if the controller doesn't support bluetooth + wired connection would it be possible to add a toggle switch to the bluetooth? To toggle on and off and allow for wired connections?

It's a good question actually.

The short answer is yes it's possible, but the battery life will be much shorter. This is not 100% percent accurate but you can simply think it in this way considering the currently available BLE on the market. It can be changed if the formal version of nrf52840 becomes available. I know many developers are waiting for nrf52840.

In my own opinion, it's not necessary to support wired connection if the Bluetooth is stable and has a long enough battery life. If the keyboard works well without cables, why would you need a wired connection? The only reason I can think of is you need to use your keyboard to edit BIOS very frequently, and bluetooth keyboards are not supported in BIOS.

[Trente]

I think the entire concept is fascinating, and the render of the case looks good, just wondering what could be the possible layout, or maybe if there would be 65% board or even 75% in future.

Those are not renders actually. Those are photos of our first prototype.

Several of us are big fans of wireless keyboards but I don't see a lot of interests here so far. This PCB was designed for ourselves at first. It's 60% because we were lazy to design a case for it. We still did though. Other layouts or even a controller (like teensy) are possible, but not in the near future.

In this case it sound more promising! I think I am not that oppose to the 60% design, just gettting used to 66% or TKL these day, but the current PCB design seems to already covers most of the popular possible layout and I think this is great. One thing I would hope for is not only support for mx switch but maybe also matias/alps as I love how the matias click and quiet click feels, and maybe kalih low profile to make a very slim profile, everyday carry board ?

[TriangleLab]

I think the entire concept is fascinating, and the render of the case looks good, just wondering what could be the possible layout, or maybe if there would be 65% board or even 75% in future.

Those are not renders actually. Those are photos of our first prototype.

Several of us are big fans of wireless keyboards but I don't see a lot of interests here so far. This PCB was designed for ourselves at first. It's 60% because we were lazy to design a case for it. We still did though. Other layouts or even a controller (like teensy) are possible, but not in the near future.

In this case it sound more promising! I think I am not that oppose to the 60% design, just gettting used to 66% or TKL these day, but the current PCB design seems to already covers most of the popular possible layout and I think this is great. One thing I would hope for is not only support for mx switch but maybe also matias/alps as I love how the matias click and quiet click feels, and maybe kalih low profile to make a very slim profile, everyday carry board ?

Everyday carry board is one of the projects what we're working on.

[Katsumi]

Really liking the change to layouts so far. SplitBackSpace and SplitRightShift are such a welcome change.

Really, really interested now. I had a good experience with my Anne Pro but loved HHKB Layout. If this can do both AND fit in a case that has blockers this will be an instant buy for me.

I'd love to see it in a Tina-C but I think the acrylic diffuser will get in the way.

Maybe focus on Standard 60% for R1 to get it out there since you already have a good design.

R2 HHKB Blockers <3?

[TriangleLab]

Really liking the change to layouts so far. SplitBackSpace and SplitRightShift are such a welcome change.

Really, really interested now. I had a good experience with my Anne Pro but loved HHKB Layout. If this can do both AND fit in a case that has blockers this will be an instant buy for me.

I'd love to see it in a Tina-C but I think the acrylic diffuser will get in the way.

Maybe focus on Standard 60% for R1 to get it out there since you already have a good design.

R2 HHKB Blockers <3?

Thanks for the suggestions!

This project is mainly around the Bluetooth PCB. We're targeting the people who love wireless keyboards. Developing a good Bluetooth PCB is much more difficult than developing a ps2avr or TMK/QMK PCB. It's also much more difficult than re-designing the case.

The current case was designed for a low price ($90 or so) such that you can have a decent aluminum case for the Bluetooth PCB instead of a cheap plastic case. HHKB style is fancy but will cost more. R2 HHKB Blockers sounds a good plan, if there're enough interests of course.

[Katsumi]

Really liking the change to layouts so far. SplitBackSpace and SplitRightShift are such a welcome change.

Really, really interested now. I had a good experience with my Anne Pro but loved HHKB Layout. If this can do both AND fit in a case that has blockers this will be an instant buy for me.

I'd love to see it in a Tina-C but I think the acrylic diffuser will get in the way.

Maybe focus on Standard 60% for R1 to get it out there since you already have a good design.

R2 HHKB Blockers <3?

Thanks for the suggestions!

This project is mainly around the Bluetooth PCB. We're targeting the people who love wireless keyboards. Developing a good Bluetooth PCB is much more difficult than developing a ps2avr or TMK/QMK PCB. It's also much more difficult than re-designing the case.

The current case was designed for a low price ($90 or so) such that you can have a decent aluminum case for the Bluetooth PCB instead of a cheap plastic case. HHKB style is fancy but will cost more. R2 HHKB Blockers sounds a good plan, if there're enough interests of course.

Totally cool with that, love the low price for the current case design. Really hope to see a fast turn around for R2, I think it will easily hit MOQ with how much everyone likes HHKB. For now, having SplitBack and SplitRight is totally good enough for me to pick one up!

[MajorKoos]

Hmmm?
http://kbdlab.co.kr/index.php?document_srl=4893672&mid=board_Lsno50

[senter]

Hmmm?
http://kbdlab.co.kr/index.php?document_srl=4893672&mid=board_Lsno50

Yes, we've sent a prototype PCB to him as he asked.

[MajorKoos]

Hmmm?
http://kbdlab.co.kr/index.php?document_srl=4893672&mid=board_Lsno50

Yes, we've sent a prototype PCB to him as he asked.

Epic

[TriangleLab]

Some drafts of new designs

[LifeZ]

Hmmm?
http://kbdlab.co.kr/index.php?document_srl=4893672&mid=board_Lsno50

Yes, we've sent a prototype PCB to him as he asked.

Epic

Yes. I build n test 60% bt pcb. And fixed my cls s case.

[regionfree]

that two-tone design is really nice!

[reijikyosuke]

Oh man, a Filco Minila Air layout with programmable keys are perfect!

interested because I did have filco minila but I can't find any best wireless keyboard to replace it.

edit :
IMO pcb needs some on/off function, just like minila (slider) or some sort of extreme hibernation.
And yes, need 1 (a single) LED backlit on 1 switch (e.g. : on esc key) to tell that this pcb/keeb is searching its old pair / new pair.

[nguyenhimself]

You know, I haven't been that jazzed about this IC due to the (IMO) boring case design, but if you can get this two-tone design in combos like, say, black + red or black + cyan, it would be REALLY neat.

[Trente]

Vote for the two tone!

[redbanshee]

if you can get this two-tone design with combos like, say, black + red or black + cyan, it would be REALLY neat.

this

[sairex]

I am interested in the bt pcb!

[DALExSNAIL]

Two tone case is dope, wtb that whole section in brass.

[arninja21]

I'd like to see an HHKB layout case for this pcb.

[andersbaero]

 I prefer to start a small and quick GB first in December.

Any updates on this?

[reijikyosuke]

 I prefer to start a small and quick GB first in December.

Any updates on this?

bumping, still waiting for updates

[TriangleLab]

 I prefer to start a small and quick GB first in December.

Any updates on this?

bumping, still waiting for updates

There's a delay on this project since I was running another group buy for my friend. There are actually several other projects we're working on, including one 40% low profile switches keyboard with trackpoint. one CNC aluminum SSK case, one split wireless keyboard, and others.

The 60% bluetooth keyboard has been changed a lot recently. I'll release more information later this month.

[DALExSNAIL]

one CNC aluminum SSK case

[Dllmcaps]

What would the latency be like?

[online]

Any news on the case?

I love to have one.

[Xantus]

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Some drafts of new designs

the case is sick! how much will you charge with a brass weight?

[TriangleLab]

New case design:























Features:

• HHKB layout top case (7u spacebar)
• integrated plate
• Acrylic back plate for bluetooth PCB or aluminum back plate for normal USB PCB

[kiwi99]

New case design:

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Features:

• HHKB layout top case (7u spacebar)
• integrated plate
• Acrylic back plate for bluetooth PCB or aluminum back plate for normal USB PCB

Design looks interesting HHKB blockers always have my interest. Is it possible you do a sound typing test? It would be nice to see how the integrated plate sounds.

[online]

New case design:

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Features:

• HHKB layout top case (7u spacebar)
• integrated plate
• Acrylic back plate for bluetooth PCB or aluminum back plate for normal USB PCB

Love the new design!
Is there a minila version?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gghi]

That is nice, definite in!!!
Any timelines?

[ppp]

Would be totally in. Great price, great looks. I've wanted a bluetooth hhkb! ;^)

[lac29]

Cool project. I'm in for a 60% with split backspace!

[Starston3]

this look great and all but hhkb is not for me. is there going to be another case design? If no, I'll still be down for getting only the PCB.

[Blaise170]

Have to say the same, not a fan of HHKB layout. Will there be any others to choose from?

[schmoktopus]

Rounded edges on cases are kinda ugly in my opinion, but this case is definitely outstanding. Minimalistic, but sturdy looking. It seems like the pricing information from the original post was removed, let's just hope it isn't getting too expensive.

[BerserkZz]

I really miss that asymmetrical tow tone case design, but seems like that's not gonna happen.

[ppp]

I really miss that asymmetrical tow tone case design, but seems like that's not gonna happen.

just buy 2 cases. gotem.

[BerserkZz]

I really miss that asymmetrical tow tone case design, but seems like that's not gonna happen.

just buy 2 cases. gotem.

Well, the main reason is its asymmetrical design.

[sleepybrett]

Ugh hhkb blockers and no split spacebar. hard.pass.

[TriangleLab]

This project was delayed a lot because I was running another GB for my friend Alsoran. Now it will be back on track since AL1 GB will be all fulfilled soon.

To answer some question:

• Layouts: 7u HHKB top case and GH60 top case
• GB when: May 1st

[LynnDeisky]

I'm totally in.
I can't wait for the attending this GB

when begins?

I feel exited.

[LynnDeisky]

and what price do you expect on new design?

[online]

This project was delayed a lot because I was running another GB for my friend Alsoran. Now it will be back on track since AL1 GB will be all fulfilled soon.

To answer some question:

• Layouts: 7u HHKB top case and GH60 top case
• GB when: May 1st

Is the case supports Mickeyboard Minila layout?

[Mangaboy5398]

This looks like the perfect work keyboard! I hope the case can support the normal 60% layout too and stuff

[TriangleLab]

and what price do you expect on new design?

should be lower than Tokyo60