[IC] Evil 80-Odyssey

[zl_ramiel]

I'm glad to introduce my team and our custom keyboard kit Evil 80-Odyssey.

Odyssey is a 80% custom keyboard we designed from 2016. It's featured with the fancy aviation connector/cable and the powerful programmable PCB. The cases are manufactured by my friend EVE, the manufacturer of Moon and Mira SE. We've already successfully fulfilled our R1 GB in China earlier this year. Now we want to check the potential interests here for a R2 GB.

Specs

• Material: 6063 aluminum for the case and plate. brass for the weight and nameplate
• Possible colors: Black, Grey, Silver, Red, Pink. Or more
• What will be included: top case, bottom case, plate, weight, nameplate, PCB, aviation connectors

Photos from R1 GB











Please find the full album here.

PCB

The PCB is fully programmable by our driver software EQ&EV (only Windows OS is supported currently).
There're 11 LED modes in totally supported by our firmware. We're upload a video to show them later.
In the first row (the ESC row), we specially added additional pads for LEDs. The additional LEDs can increase the brightness and allow you to better show off your artisans.





ISO layout is not supported right now. It can be added if there're enough interests.

Aviation Connector














Please make sure to fill in the IC form if you're interested

[nickysan92]

Looks cool, definitely interested.

[kawasaki161]

Can confirm that it is a very nice board. Really a lot better than I expected it to be (I got one from the first GB).

[gnmar2723]

Looks pretty neat! What's the price like?

[doom2]

Looks pretty neat! What's the price like?

The Chinese GB price was about 2480 CNY (currently $376).

[Vigrith]

Been interested in this since R1 so it's a yes from me. No possibility of WKL blockers, though? That'd make it much more appealing, imo.

Edit: Oh my bad, blockers are already available. Fantastic!

[vinzlr]

Super interested in this!

[theillumedpanda]

While the board itself looks very appealing, Windows only is a no-no for me.

Is there a particular reason why you created your own firmware, instead of using a widely-recognised firmware such as QMK or BootmapperClient? That is also something I‘d think about at least twice before joining a potential GB.

[regionfree]

very interested in this!

[merlin64]

I've always wanted a keyboard with a connector like that!!

Looks really nice and EVE is a great manufacturer.

I was curious if its QMK compatible at all?

[poolside]

I stumbled upon this while browsing pics on the zFrontier website yesterday. Nice USB connector 

Will a complete cable be provided or only the connector so we can (make our own or) have someone else make it?
No brass or stainless steel plates? Mira and Moon GBs offered them.

[odd]

Looks cool, definitely interested.

Ditto

[doom2]

I've always wanted a keyboard with a connector like that!!

Looks really nice and EVE is a great manufacturer.

I was curious if its QMK compatible at all?

Like the previous Evil 90 board, it's a Windows-only firmware. Afaik not QMK compat unless you want to write it yourself.

[doom2]

I stumbled upon this while browsing pics on the zFrontier website yesterday. Nice USB connector 

Will a complete cable be provided or only the connector so we can (make our own or) have someone else make it?
No brass or stainless steel plates? Mira and Moon GBs offered them.

I proxied one of these boards for someone and it only came with the connector that had to be assembled, but maybe they'll offer a pre-made cable.

[DALExSNAIL]

Dope, Liking the connector. Should be down, depending on the price.

[zl_ramiel]

We used two stm32 chips as controllers on this PCB, so QMK is not supported, unless someone want to write codes to port it to QMK.

We developed our own firmware such that we can add features freely. The led modes in the current version of firmware are not supported by either QMK or bootmapper client.

[merlin64]

I've always wanted a keyboard with a connector like that!!

Looks really nice and EVE is a great manufacturer.

I was curious if its QMK compatible at all?

Like the previous Evil 90 board, it's a Windows-only firmware. Afaik not QMK compat unless you want to write it yourself.

I was asking for QMK compat not if there was QMK firmware lol. Looks like he answered my question and from a quick google search it seems that it's doable using ChibiOS/QMK.

[zl_ramiel]

I stumbled upon this while browsing pics on the zFrontier website yesterday. Nice USB connector 

Will a complete cable be provided or only the connector so we can (make our own or) have someone else make it?
No brass or stainless steel plates? Mira and Moon GBs offered them.

The current plan is the same with our previous GB, which means you'll need to make the cable using the connectors by yourself. It's not that difficult imo.
We can also provide pre-made cable, with extra charge of course.

Brass plates might be possible if there're enough interests. We can't do it for just one or two.

[zl_ramiel]

I've always wanted a keyboard with a connector like that!!

Looks really nice and EVE is a great manufacturer.

I was curious if its QMK compatible at all?

Like the previous Evil 90 board, it's a Windows-only firmware. Afaik not QMK compat unless you want to write it yourself.

I was asking for QMK compat not if there was QMK firmware lol. Looks like he answered my question and from a quick google search it seems that it's doable using ChibiOS/QMK.

QMK is an open sourced framework. That means you can modify it to support any boards as long as you invest your time on it.

I understand that many people are familiar with QMK and bootmapper and are lazy to learn new softwares, but our software is very easy to use and support almost every function you wish on it.

[Techno Trousers]

Looks nice!

Is the firmware open source?

[merlin64]

I've always wanted a keyboard with a connector like that!!

Looks really nice and EVE is a great manufacturer.

I was curious if its QMK compatible at all?

Like the previous Evil 90 board, it's a Windows-only firmware. Afaik not QMK compat unless you want to write it yourself.

I was asking for QMK compat not if there was QMK firmware lol. Looks like he answered my question and from a quick google search it seems that it's doable using ChibiOS/QMK.

QMK is an open sourced framework. That means you can modify it to support any boards as long as you invest your time on it.

I understand that many people are familiar with QMK and bootmapper and are lazy to learn new softwares, but our software is very easy to use and support almost every function you wish on it.

That's true, you can make QMK support anything because it's open sourced. However, there is currently built in support for some ARM chips by leveraging chibiOS. Both require work but if the chips are supported, then there is less work.

[zl_ramiel]

Looks nice!

Is the firmware open source?

We haven't thought about it tbh. The codes are useless if they're not well documented. And they're not now.

If someone are interested in the firmware/software, and want to use it on your boards, please send me a private message. We can discuss about it.

[theillumedpanda]

We developed our own firmware such that we can add features freely. The led modes in the current version of firmware are not supported by either QMK or bootmapper client.

Don‘t get me wrong, but you could easily add new features with QMK. QMK doesn‘t prevent you from adding new features, in fact you‘d not only be the only one working on it, but also have other people on board.

I've always wanted a keyboard with a connector like that!!

Looks really nice and EVE is a great manufacturer.

I was curious if its QMK compatible at all?

Like the previous Evil 90 board, it's a Windows-only firmware. Afaik not QMK compat unless you want to write it yourself.

I was asking for QMK compat not if there was QMK firmware lol. Looks like he answered my question and from a quick google search it seems that it's doable using ChibiOS/QMK.

I understand that many people are familiar with QMK and bootmapper and are lazy to learn new softwares, but our software is very easy to use and support almost every function you wish on it.

The point I want to make is the following. Say, I‘m interested in Arch Linux and there‘s a new Arch-based OS coming up and promises to be the next big thing. Cool new features, but closed source and no documentation. It might look super cool, but to be frank, I‘d have no clue what the system actually does. I‘d not only have to acquire new knowledge, but also rely on the developers not being shady. On top of that, instead of using the superb Arch Wiki and the community guides, I‘d have to look everything up.

In the end it‘s your decision what you want to do. Closed source firmware with Windows only turns me off.

[zl_ramiel]

That's true, you can make QMK support anything because it's open sourced. However, there is currently built in support for some ARM chips by leveraging chibiOS. Both require work but if the chips are supported, then there is less work.

Yes, I've looked at that part of codes last year in the TMK project but have never used it. Actually there're two smt32 chips on our PCB, one scans the matrix, another one controls the LEDs. I think it might be not too difficult to just run QMK on this PCB, but it will take a lot of efforts on enabling the LED modes we implemented in our firmware.

We can share the schematic diagram if anyone really want to port QMK.

[afrokobe]

Im down for this and for the brass plate.  could care less about qmk, prefer it not to be qmk as I am dumb and can't program.

[Waateva]

yee

[mike52787]

this is beautiful, count me in

[bluesclera]

I like it, wish there were more TKL customs.

[DALExSNAIL]

I like it, wish there were more TKL customs.

Too bad it isn't a year or two ago then.

[dblack]

Very clean design, glad this is being brought to GH.

[Peiweisgreat]

Yassssss! Finally a MX TKL that I can throw some money at! I'd be really happy to see if a dark purple/violet color could be added to the options, but I know its hard to add random colors to GBs. A dark green would probably look amazing too, but I'm sure w/e colors are provided will make a great looking keeb.

[wholypantalones]

Kinda reminds me of a realforce and I definitely kinda maybe want one.

[pixelpusher]

is the nameplate customizable?  not keeen on the design of that aspect, but the rest looks very nice.

[zl_ramiel]

is the nameplate customizable?  not keeen on the design of that aspect, but the rest looks very nice.

We provided customizable nameplate, which made us exhausted. We may still provide it, for a price.

[zl_ramiel]

Please make sure to fill in the IC form if you're interested

[_rubik]

I was very interested at first, and then realized that it was only a) your own brew of driver software and b) only windows compatible driver software.

That being said, the aviator style plug is a very cool twist from the wall of other TKL boards on the market. Originally, I wasn't sure about it, but I think it makes the board quite unique. 

[bluesclera]

CUSTOM NAME PLATE??? OH **** I'M IN.

[zl_ramiel]

1. We don't have strong intention to keep the software close-sourced. It's just we don't have time to document it and maintain an open-sourced project. What's why I said "We haven't thought about it ", not "No we won't".

2. The software will only be used for re-programming the board. You can use the board on every OS without the software.

3. We ‘reinvent the wheel’ not for saving money or avoiding troubles. I can design a QMK PCB within one hour. We chose to make hard efforts for providing something that can't be provided by QMK. We value our efforts.

4. This is a TKL board. The firmware is not that important imo.

I understand someone have concerns. Then I'm sorry to say this board is not for you. If you have different opinions, I suggest you to PM me for a good discussion. Thank you.

[_rubik]

2. The software will only be used for re-programming the board. You can use the board on every OS without the software.

3. We ‘reinvent the wheel’ not for saving money or avoiding troubles. I can design a QMK PCB within one hour. We chose to make hard efforts for providing something that can't be provided by QMK. We value our efforts.

4. This is a TKL board. The firmware is not that important imo.

2. Well I sure hope it works on other operating systems...

2+3. By reinventing the wheel, you've made using your product more inconvenient for a large population of the forum.

4. Annnnnndddd that reflects the quality of your firmware.

Board is cool as all hell, I just feel like these concerns should be respectfully raised. That being said, I totally understand the desire to make something entirely your own. It's worlds better than something I could come up with.

[Minha]

IN for pink

[senter]

Looking good

[cdn-mini]

You got to do an ISO layout.

[Unforgivable]

Dark purple and Blue-Grey would be nice colors to add! If those colors don’t make it I may go with Red, but Dark Purple and Blue-Grey are colors I would like to see added as well.

I agree with the others though.

I don’t really like downloading random software..so Bootmapper + QMK combo would be something everyone would be okay with I’d think. If you can make the PCB with those, it would be greatly appreciated!

Overall, the board looks beautiful. If people can customize the logo, I’m sure they’d be happy!

[cdn-mini]

How about NO name plate? is that an option?

[crtexcnndrm99]

Make TKL great again.

In, maybe, depending on how the funds are looking when this runs


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[zl_ramiel]

2. Well I sure hope it works on other operating systems...

2+3. By reinventing the wheel, you've made using your product more inconvenient for a large population of the forum.

4. Annnnnndddd that reflects the quality of your firmware.

Board is cool as all hell, I just feel like these concerns should be respectfully raised. That being said, I totally understand the desire to make something entirely your own. It's worlds better than something I could come up with.

Thank you for the input and comments. I didn't expect our PCB annoys so many people. We had a successful R1 GB and no one complained about the PCB or the firmware. You reminded me to clarify something people may be not clear with.

The PCB works on everything operating system because it works under USB HID protocol. The firmware only works for translating the keystrokes to keycodes. And the key codes are all the same for any operating systems. It has nothing to do with the firmware. Hope it makes sense to you.

[zl_ramiel]

How about NO name plate? is that an option?

Sorry mate, that's not an option.

[Sneaky Potato]

I’m in, but only if there is nameplate customization. I wouldn’t join if you couldn’t change the nameplate.

[afrokobe]

Microsoft Windows needs to come in here and teach some of these non-windows users some sense. 

[nickysan92]

On the topic of the nameplate, while I do think it looks ok with the rest of the design in that it's not too "in your face", can we customize the engravings on it?

Edit*: nvm, I need to learn to read and scroll up.

[merlin64]

That's true, you can make QMK support anything because it's open sourced. However, there is currently built in support for some ARM chips by leveraging chibiOS. Both require work but if the chips are supported, then there is less work.

Yes, I've looked at that part of codes last year in the TMK project but have never used it. Actually there're two smt32 chips on our PCB, one scans the matrix, another one controls the LEDs. I think it might be not too difficult to just run QMK on this PCB, but it will take a lot of efforts on enabling the LED modes we implemented in our firmware.

We can share the schematic diagram if anyone really want to port QMK.

I'd be interested to give it a shot! I think it's cool that you've made your own firmware, please don't view my comments as a "WHY YOU NO MAKE QMK KEYBOARD? YOU SUCKK!!!!". lol. As long as you offer full programmability with a UI that offers a good user experience and doesn't make me feel the need to come back here and ask a million questions, I'm fine with it. I'm mostly interested in the QMK support just because I enjoy programming for it. =)

[merlin64]

3. I can design a QMK PCB within one hour.

Wow!!!!!! I may have to reach out to you for PCB design in the future =).

[zl_ramiel]

So far we have 48 responses in the IC form.

The most requested colors are white and blue.

Some other suggestions proposed by more than 2 people include 1) nameplate 2) brass plate 3) QMK or bootmapper 4) ISO layout

1) The factory has confirmed they can make customized nameplates. I haven't got the quote tho.
2) Brass plate will be an option with a MOQ.
3) I don't agree with you but I'll try to port QMK. I haven't tried this before so it's not guaranteed to success. Bootmapper won't be possible.
4) TBD

If you're interested in this board and haven't filled int the form, please do fill in the form and tell us what's your suggestions.

This is our project but the board will be yours. We won't make everyone satisfied but we're try to do our best.

[bluesclera]

So far we have 48 responses in the IC form.

The most requested colors are white and blue.

Some other suggestions proposed by more than 2 people include 1) nameplate 2) brass plate 3) QMK or bootmapper 4) ISO layout

1) The factory has confirmed they can make customized nameplates. I haven't got the quote tho.
2) Brass plate will be an option with a MOQ.
3) I don't agree with you but I'll try to port QMK. I haven't tried this before so it's not guaranteed to success. Bootmapper won't be possible.
4) TBD

If you're interested in this board and haven't filled int the form, please do fill in the form and tell us what's your suggestions.

This is our project but the board will be yours. We won't make everyone satisfied but we're try to do our best.

What website was the 1st group buy conducted from? I like to be early for your next project.

[afrokobe]

So far we have 48 responses in the IC form.

The most requested colors are white and blue.

Some other suggestions proposed by more than 2 people include 1) nameplate 2) brass plate 3) QMK or bootmapper 4) ISO layout

1) The factory has confirmed they can make customized nameplates. I haven't got the quote tho.
2) Brass plate will be an option with a MOQ.
3) I don't agree with you but I'll try to port QMK. I haven't tried this before so it's not guaranteed to success. Bootmapper won't be possible.
4) TBD

If you're interested in this board and haven't filled int the form, please do fill in the form and tell us what's your suggestions.

This is our project but the board will be yours. We won't make everyone satisfied but we're try to do our best.

What website was the 1st group buy conducted from? I like to be early for your next project.

taobao

[Puddsy]

QMK is the preferred firmware of the west, but I know a lot of boards in China use non-programmable PCBs. QMK shouldn't be too hard to do if you're using a 32u4.

[kawasaki161]

QMK is the preferred firmware of the west, but I know a lot of boards in China use non-programmable PCBs. QMK shouldn't be too hard to do if you're using a 32u4.

They are using a STM32F103RCT6 and a STMF103C8T6



I used the board for a while and I found a few things that have to be improved upon with the Firmware and the GUI. I don't have all the time right now but here are a few points;
-The software needs a cluster of all Keys you can rebind the Keys to. Right now you only have a numpad, but if you want to shuffe around stuff for hardware Dvorak for example you need a second keyboard to press the key.
-The software needs to show which key a key was bound to, not just show the standard binding in a different color
-The software needs some English documentation
-The software needs to crash less
-The firmware gets buggy when used with a program that supports HID Lighting commands.
-I have no ****ing idea how layers work (see the documentation bit)
-The PCB in it's current state is way too sensitive. When I checked if it worked it put out different rows of keys depending on what I used to bridge the pads and if I had my feet on the ground or not.

[zl_ramiel]

QMK is the preferred firmware of the west, but I know a lot of boards in China use non-programmable PCBs. QMK shouldn't be too hard to do if you're using a 32u4.

They are using a STM32F103RCT6 and a STMF103C8T6



I used the board for a while and I found a few things that have to be improved upon with the Firmware and the GUI. I don't have all the time right now but here are a few points;
-The software needs a cluster of all Keys you can rebind the Keys to. Right now you only have a numpad, but if you want to shuffe around stuff for hardware Dvorak for example you need a second keyboard to press the key.
-The software needs to show which key a key was bound to, not just show the standard binding in a different color
-The software needs some English documentation
-The software needs to crash less
-The firmware gets buggy when used with a program that supports HID Lighting commands.
-I have no ****ing idea how layers work (see the documentation bit)
-The PCB in it's current state is way too sensitive. When I checked if it worked it put out different rows of keys depending on what I used to bridge the pads and if I had my feet on the ground or not.

Thanks for your feedback. That's really helpful for improving the PCB and software. I hope you had shared your experiences earlier. Chinese customers in our R1 GB were not good at finding/reporting these problems.

- Problem 1 and 2 are related to ease of use. We'll take these as suggestions and improve the software in the next version
- Problem 3 and 6 are related to the English documentation. Since the R1 GB was only opened for the Chinese community, I'm sorry to here you had so many troubles.
- Problem 4: I'm surprised to hear the software crashs because I've been using it for 1 year without crash. What version are you using? The current version is 1.0.4
- Problem 5: Can you elaborate?
- Problem 7: The PCB is designed for using, not for testing with tweezers. Do you have problems with normal usage?

I've contacted you on discord. Hope we can solve all the problems you had.

[_rubik]

QMK is the preferred firmware of the west, but I know a lot of boards in China use non-programmable PCBs. QMK shouldn't be too hard to do if you're using a 32u4.

-The software needs a cluster of all Keys you can rebind the Keys to. Right now you only have a numpad, but if you want to shuffe around stuff for hardware Dvorak for example you need a second keyboard to press the key.
-The software needs to show which key a key was bound to, not just show the standard binding in a different color
-The software needs some English documentation
-The software needs to crash less
-The firmware gets buggy when used with a program that supports HID Lighting commands.
-I have no ****ing idea how layers work (see the documentation bit)

zl_ramiel, this is what I was attempting to reference earlier. Albeit, I was a little rude in my forward comments. I truly admire the attempt to write your own firmware from scratch; it's certainly an impressive project. But various other open source firmwares are tested and proven.

As a personal project, I love it. As a commercial (rather enthusiast) offering, you're limiting your market. At this point, you don't have to sell us on the board itself, you have to sell us on the firmware. If that makes sense?

[Puddsy]

QMK is the preferred firmware of the west, but I know a lot of boards in China use non-programmable PCBs. QMK shouldn't be too hard to do if you're using a 32u4.

-The software needs a cluster of all Keys you can rebind the Keys to. Right now you only have a numpad, but if you want to shuffe around stuff for hardware Dvorak for example you need a second keyboard to press the key.
-The software needs to show which key a key was bound to, not just show the standard binding in a different color
-The software needs some English documentation
-The software needs to crash less
-The firmware gets buggy when used with a program that supports HID Lighting commands.
-I have no ****ing idea how layers work (see the documentation bit)

zl_ramiel, this is what I was attempting to reference earlier. Albeit, I was a little rude in my forward comments. I truly admire the attempt to write your own firmware from scratch; it's certainly an impressive project. But various other open source firmwares are tested and proven.

As a personal project, I love it. As a commercial (rather enthusiast) offering, you're limiting your market. At this point, you don't have to sell us on the board itself, you have to sell us on the firmware. If that makes sense?

people will buy a board if it's good, regardless of firmware

have you ever tried to program an OTD?

don't get so caught up in what firmware the board is using, i'm sure it's usable enough as it is

if it's too much work to convert to QMK, it might not be worth it at all

[_rubik]

QMK is the preferred firmware of the west, but I know a lot of boards in China use non-programmable PCBs. QMK shouldn't be too hard to do if you're using a 32u4.

-The software needs a cluster of all Keys you can rebind the Keys to. Right now you only have a numpad, but if you want to shuffe around stuff for hardware Dvorak for example you need a second keyboard to press the key.
-The software needs to show which key a key was bound to, not just show the standard binding in a different color
-The software needs some English documentation
-The software needs to crash less
-The firmware gets buggy when used with a program that supports HID Lighting commands.
-I have no ****ing idea how layers work (see the documentation bit)

zl_ramiel, this is what I was attempting to reference earlier. Albeit, I was a little rude in my forward comments. I truly admire the attempt to write your own firmware from scratch; it's certainly an impressive project. But various other open source firmwares are tested and proven.

As a personal project, I love it. As a commercial (rather enthusiast) offering, you're limiting your market. At this point, you don't have to sell us on the board itself, you have to sell us on the firmware. If that makes sense?

people will buy a board if it's good, regardless of firmware

have you ever tried to program an OTD?

don't get so caught up in what firmware the board is using, i'm sure it's usable enough as it is

if it's too much work to convert to QMK, it might not be worth it at all

I'm not saying to convert to QMK. All the work has been done to this point, why not see it through? But hearing stuff like... 'the software needs to crash less', is never a good sign.

[Puddsy]

QMK is the preferred firmware of the west, but I know a lot of boards in China use non-programmable PCBs. QMK shouldn't be too hard to do if you're using a 32u4.

-The software needs a cluster of all Keys you can rebind the Keys to. Right now you only have a numpad, but if you want to shuffe around stuff for hardware Dvorak for example you need a second keyboard to press the key.
-The software needs to show which key a key was bound to, not just show the standard binding in a different color
-The software needs some English documentation
-The software needs to crash less
-The firmware gets buggy when used with a program that supports HID Lighting commands.
-I have no ****ing idea how layers work (see the documentation bit)

zl_ramiel, this is what I was attempting to reference earlier. Albeit, I was a little rude in my forward comments. I truly admire the attempt to write your own firmware from scratch; it's certainly an impressive project. But various other open source firmwares are tested and proven.

As a personal project, I love it. As a commercial (rather enthusiast) offering, you're limiting your market. At this point, you don't have to sell us on the board itself, you have to sell us on the firmware. If that makes sense?

people will buy a board if it's good, regardless of firmware

have you ever tried to program an OTD?

don't get so caught up in what firmware the board is using, i'm sure it's usable enough as it is

if it's too much work to convert to QMK, it might not be worth it at all

I'm not saying to convert to QMK. All the work has been done to this point, why not see it through? But hearing stuff like... 'the software needs to crash less', is never a good sign.

i've had a lot of problems with QMK, but i concede it's the least awful offering

having used most available options, here is my personal ranking: QMK > Bootmapper Client > PS2AVR and its variants > JigOn > O2D (duck boards) >>> Aikon (OTDs)

QMK isn't particularly intuitive if you, like me, are not a computer person

BMC has the opposite issue, where it's very easy to use, but is geared a bit more towards the entry level user, and so the features aren't quite as useful

PS2AVR has both problems, but is the most stable option i've used

JigOn is very full featured, but it has a lot of weird unexplainable bugs

O2D is usable once you've had it explained to you, but it definitely takes a lot of work to get right

Aikon user experience has been compared to prison before

[zl_ramiel]

zl_ramiel, this is what I was attempting to reference earlier. Albeit, I was a little rude in my forward comments. I truly admire the attempt to write your own firmware from scratch; it's certainly an impressive project. But various other open source firmwares are tested and proven.

As a personal project, I love it. As a commercial (rather enthusiast) offering, you're limiting your market. At this point, you don't have to sell us on the board itself, you have to sell us on the firmware. If that makes sense?

Conclusion first, I'll provide 32u4 PCBs which can be programmed by QMK. The following are some of my thoughts regarding to the firmware. You can read if you're interested.

• The reason we developed this software is we want to provide a PCB with various LED modes which can't be provided by QMK and bootmapper. On the other hand, we hope this software has a proper GUI like bootmapper client, so that users don't need to download QMK codes and related dependencies and compile the firmware.
• I mentioned that I'll upload a video to show off what this PCB can do. Some people don't even care what we did on the firmware and just refuse to accept this firmware. That's not fair.
• kawasaki161 do have pointed out some problems. But read these problems and my response carefully. These are all important and need to be improved, but none of them are related to the normal usage of the firmware. Some are related to the ease of use. Even bootmapper are not perfect on that ease of use imo. Some are related to the lack of documentation in English, for a previous Chinese GB? About the crash issue, I found it happens on Windows 8.1 which is an OS we're not fully tested. We had it fully tested on Windows 7 and 10. About the sensitivity issue, that happens on extreme cases. I'm not saying these problems are not important. They're important and we'll solve them. That doesn't mean this project is failed already.
• At this stage, with these strong opposition from you, we won't provide our own firmware/PCBs anymore. This project will come back again in the future with impressive new features, or, will never come back again.
• Yes, QMK is our current plan. To those can't program or compile QMK, don't worry, we'll provide solutions.

TLDR: Our software is not that bad (sorry I'm stubborn). QMK is the new plan.

I appreciate all your suggestions. Rude or not, you love this board and want it to be better.

[Puddsy]

figured it was LED modes

i love LED modes, it was the only good thing about aikon

[wholypantalones]

Not everyone wants to use qmk. All of my boards are Leeku pcbs that are programmable though jiGon which is windows only. These things are not deal breakers.

[Puddsy]

Not everyone wants to use qmk. All of my boards are Leeku pcbs that are programmable though jiGon which is windows only. These things are not deal breakers.

some people are picky

i personally don't give a ****, i'll use anything as long as it's not aikon

[afrokobe]

don't let everyone bully you into making it QMK half of these people that say "I would buy if QMK" won't buy.  Im perfectly fine with the board as is, its a tkl how much do you really need to program...

[nickysan92]

I agree: I'm fine with the firmware as is and don't really care for QMK.

I'd be more than happy to join this group buy without QMK support.

[_rubik]

Let the record stand, I'm not trying to push anyone towards or away from QMK. I just want it recognized that writing your own firmware, let alone using QMK alternatives, is risky. If all the kinks are ironed out, it's as good as gold by my books.

Edit: I feel like this was blown WAY out of proportion. It's a super clean board with a well designed pcb and a creator who cares enough to write his own damn firmware. If that isn't dedication I don't know what is.

[poolside]

What are these specific LED modes and what was preventing them from being implemented with QMK? Just curious here, I don't know anything about PCBs or firmware development. I don't mind a (not too) technical explanation though.

What are the benefits of using a separate chip to drive the LEDs?

[merlin64]

zl_ramiel, if possible, I'd prefer you offer both PCBs similar to how the M645-A from Jchan and Rama had the bootmapper client(I think it was BMC) and a QMK JC65 PCB. That way it would satisfy both crowds. However my opinion would be to figure out how to use the same board that supports both QMK and your firmware which would result in only having to manufacture 1 PCB!

[cdn-mini]

Let the record stand, I'm not trying to push anyone towards or away from QMK. I just want it recognized that writing your own firmware, let alone using QMK alternatives, is risky. If all the kinks are ironed out, it's as good as gold by my books.

Edit: I feel like this was blown WAY out of proportion. It's a super clean board with a well designed pcb and a creator who cares enough to write his own damn firmware. If that isn't dedication I don't know what is.

Let it be known for now and for all time that _rubik  is an American butth0!e. Thanks for ****ing it up for the rest of us, it's not like there are many TKL options you twat!

[wholypantalones]

Not everyone wants to use qmk. All of my boards are Leeku pcbs that are programmable though jiGon which is windows only. These things are not deal breakers.

some people are picky

i personally don't give a ****, i'll use anything as long as it's not aikon

Same, this is a nice tkl and I'll probably join regardless of software or firmware or whatever.

[zl_ramiel]

Hi guys. Thanks for all your words and support.

I'm not mad on most of you who asked for QMK. The only thing made me sad was someone said he doesn’t trust my software because I might be shady. That's really ridiculous to me. I don't even want to comment on this. Let's just ignore it.

I changed the plan to 32u4 PCB mainly because I want to stop the meaningless (imo) discussion for the firmware. I mean, this is a nice board, an 80% board. But now this thread is full of discussions about the firmware. This is stupid.

Now the decision is made, and won't be changed again. I figured it out QMK is not the good to everyone but should be acceptable for most of you. I know some of you don’t have programming background and can’t handle QMK. We’ll provide solutions later and help you with that.

[Puddsy]

Hi guys. Thanks for all your words and support.

I'm not mad on most of you who asked for QMK. The only thing made me sad was someone said he doesn’t trust my software because I might be shady. That's really ridiculous to me. I don't even want to comment on this. Let's just ignore it.

I changed the plan to 32u4 PCB mainly because I want to stop the meaningless (imo) discussion for the firmware. I mean, this is a nice board, an 80% board. But now this thread is full of discussions about the firmware. This is stupid.

Now the decision is made, and won't be changed again. I figured it out QMK is not the good to everyone but should be acceptable for most of you. I know some of you don’t have programming background and can’t handle QMK. We’ll provide solutions later and help you with that.

thanks for the update

[zl_ramiel]

current color voting (67 participants):

• blue, cyan, turquoise, dark blue, navy: 18
• white, mao: 9
• purple, dark purple: 6
• gold, rose gold: 3
• green, dark green, lime green: 3
• orange: 3
• brass, copper: 2

[wholypantalones]

I'm not a topre fan, but I've always wanted an 86u.

I think this with some dark gray or beige caps would be be pretty damn close in terms of looks.

[Sneaky Potato]

I'm not a topre fan, but I've always wanted an 86u.

I think this with some dark gray or beige caps would be be pretty damn close in terms of looks.

Show Image

I’ll be going for a black case, black plate, winkey blockers, and custom name tag. I’d love it to look similar to an 86u, just metal and nicer. I have a black Viper that it would pair nicely with.

[Eric404atx]

Black with brass accents plz 

[odd]

2. Well I sure hope it works on other operating systems...

2+3. By reinventing the wheel, you've made using your product more inconvenient for a large population of the forum.

4. Annnnnndddd that reflects the quality of your firmware.

Board is cool as all hell, I just feel like these concerns should be respectfully raised. That being said, I totally understand the desire to make something entirely your own. It's worlds better than something I could come up with.

Thank you for the input and comments. I didn't expect our PCB annoys so many people. We had a successful R1 GB and no one complained about the PCB or the firmware. You reminded me to clarify something people may be not clear with.

The PCB works on everything operating system because it works under USB HID protocol. The firmware only works for translating the keystrokes to keycodes. And the key codes are all the same for any operating systems. It has nothing to do with the firmware. Hope it makes sense to you.

I personally prefer a custom PCB with a custom keyboard to me that makes it custom vs a generic A87 or GH60 clone QMK/TMK/PSAVR PCB in a custom case. Don't get me wrong I still love my customs that use well known PCB's and having the option for easy replacements is always nice. However like i said though I look for buys that use a custom PCB so count me in on this for sure.

[BlackInk]

I really like the design of the usb port. Black is always the best choice

[Peiweisgreat]

Doesn't look too good for my purple vote, might have to go with the classics. Regardlesss of Color though, this is going to look really good.

[jackedhardwarejunkie]

Doesn't look too good for my purple vote, might have to go with the classics. Regardlesss of Color though, this is going to look really good.

I want a purple one too... worst case gotta roll with grey/silver lul

[lyk503]

This looks amazing! I'm hoping that you will still allow custom name plates. Will there be a limit on production?

[alisonica]

In for the pink and white Winkeyless one.
I'm gonna use the Varmilo Sakura TKL set on it.
with a pink HolyOpps aluminum cat as Escape.
Is it possible to make the brass weight pink too?

[zl_ramiel]

Is it possible to make the brass weight pink too?

Brass weight cant be pink but the bottom part can be anodized aluminum.

[foxlive]

Wow wow!! This look amzimg by my design standards !! I definitely want one! I will be one of the first to join in ! 

[zl_ramiel]

It's been a while since the last time I updated some information. Now we have 85 responses in the IC form. Thank you for your suggestions.



I just updated the plug connector on the case a little bit, mainly for aesthetic. The board is not Evil 80 but the connector design will be the one on your board if you join.

[utgnadnart]

Remind me when this GB happen and I will instant buy it 

[Peiweisgreat]

Any chance you are allowing different colored top and bottom pieces of the case when the GB happens?

[zl_ramiel]

Any chance you are allowing different colored top and bottom pieces of the case when the GB happens?

Sorry man, the top and bottom housings must be in the same color.

[zl_ramiel]

I can't decide which blue to provide but I got an unique one to show you.





This color looks like grey in the dim light but turns to blue in bright light.

[bluesclera]

I can't decide which blue to provide but I got an unique one to show you.

Show Image

Show Image

This color looks like grey in the dim light but turns to blue in bright light.

hmm nice, which keyboard is this?

[crtexcnndrm99]

I can't decide which blue to provide but I got an unique one to show you.

Show Image

Show Image

This color looks like grey in the dim light but turns to blue in bright light.

I like it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[zl_ramiel]

hmm nice, which keyboard is this?

That's another keyboard called Evil90.

[bluesclera]

hmm nice, which keyboard is this?

That's another keyboard called Evil90.

Is Evil90 coming up next? or has it already run?

[crtexcnndrm99]

hmm nice, which keyboard is this?

That's another keyboard called Evil90.

Is Evil90 coming up next? or has it already run?

+1

This evil90 looks like a sweet layout


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Peiweisgreat]

I can't decide which blue to provide but I got an unique one to show you.

Show Image

Show Image

This color looks like grey in the dim light but turns to blue in bright light.

Wow I think it looks pretty cool. Not sure if I would get that color, but it looks nice.

[wixxzblu]

oh god i love the cat blue! 

[foxlive]

This second gray/blue is amazing! Love it

[mkarlsson]

Will ISO be supported in the end?


Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk

[wholypantalones]

Love the second blue gray.

[bminhz]

I can't decide which blue to provide but I got an unique one to show you.

Show Image

Show Image

This color looks like grey in the dim light but turns to blue in bright light.

I would love this blue more if it gets a bit darker, like Navy Blue 

[zl_ramiel]

Will ISO be supported in the end?


Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk

Yes

[cdn-mini]

hmm nice, which keyboard is this?

That's another keyboard called Evil90.

i want Evil90! give me Evil90! Evil90! Evil90!

[tommyonsn]

amazing! I love it!!!!

[Ball-o-tron]

Will it be possible to customize the nameplate with designs like that heartbeat wave as shown in the pictures?

Mod Edit: GB thread is open here; locking this thread