Introducing Ζήνων (Zeno)
Named as such after the greek philosopher. He has an interesting paradox, go check it out.
Or Baulice, since you all wont stop calling it that.
Having used ergos as my daily driver for a while, I wanted to give a go at my own implementation, with some different takes on mounting and a flatter tilt in the alphas.
The idea behind this was to get a significantly softer typing feel that I have yet to feel in ergos that are not using half plates. Maybe I have missed out on them :(
This is
a concept / very early proto. Given the feedback received at the recent Dubai meetup, I thought why not share it now.
(https://imgur.com/BFxaHm1.png)
Before filling out the form, please note, the layout of the board has been altered from the above image. See below for more
IC FORM (https://forms.gle/FXLQLt4KBUPCHcE98)
Specs- 8 degree board with 7 degree tilt on alphas
- Adjusted front height of 18.746 mm (see below, measured from the control key area, not spacebars as that would be a useless measurement)
- 7.8mm plate to top case clearance
- MX only compat for now - working on alps plates
- Alu 5052 or black Pom plates
- Brass Inside! Internal brass sheets under the alphas. I don't want this to be a heavy board
- Burger mounted with TX tape, or isolated gummy strips. Gummy mounting typically being found on boards such as the unikorn are in development on the 2nd prototype
- 1365g with current build (POM plate)
LayoutI initially made this with winkey on the left only, as this is the ideal layout for my use case.
Since then, I have changed the bottom row to mirror the left hand on the right side of the split.
(https://imgur.com/dKmsnlo.png)
A quick look at mounting. The options are either burger mounting, or
HOTDOG MOUNT (using silicon orings under each of the tab areas under the plate) - akin to the F1. In this case, the plate is fully isolated.
(https://imgur.com/oUaW7jN.png)
And the internal weight structure, positioned below the alphas as much as possible.
(https://imgur.com/KrNKJ4N.png)
Adjusted front height. Add 0.75 to include bumpons.
(https://imgur.com/T55o3uL.png)
Proto v1Let me be clear - I am not happy with the anodizing; the color shift under lighting is too much for me, and whilst this is VERY smooth (180 grit), it's too reflective.
This is just an initial prototype, and I expect a few more to come down the line.
Seams are exaggerated here because I did the force break mod with something a little too thick, all a part of testing :D
Potato pics. I forgot how to use a camera :(
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Pictured with GMK Burgundy. v1 had the giant right blocker, so consider that changed by the time the new version is here.
(https://imgur.com/voZ22Bp.png)
Its a light board. I consider portability an important factor.
(https://imgur.com/nSrwdOF.png)
Side profile. Considering a few changes here, but I'm happy with how it turned out.
(https://imgur.com/TF8RRIx.png)
You know me, and discreet engravings :)
(https://imgur.com/BvkpPUO.png)
Showcasing the alternative mounting, isolating the plate with gummy strips. The silicon tape on top prevents any lateral plate movement once assembled
(https://imgur.com/Dhg6HHX.png)
Proto v2Order placed.Current Updates-
USB moved to alpha-central alignment (previously board central)-
Added 1u r-win key to the right side-
Increased stab clearance on the spacebars due to low front height causing conflicts-
Updated PCB files with new layout-
Moved JST to improve ease of building-
Alignment pillars updated-
Plate modifications (for alu plates only)- X-ring testing as an alternative
- New PCB firmware push to QMK (+ via and vial)
- New anodizer testing
- New special coating being tested (an alternative finishing option I may consider for this)
Soundtests Take soundtests with a grain of salt. Recorded with an Oktava MK0-12 + HC capsule, placed at head height.- Gateron CJs, lubed with 3204 and using tx55m springs
- Pom Plate, in burger mount
- Sussy c3 stabs - but they work
- GMK Yuru
Another soundtest with an alu plate will come when I have rebuilt that assembly ;)
Pricing / Vendors / Unit allocationI'm changing factories - again. I will keep working until I am satisfied with the product and so I can't give a price just yet.
Credits Maelk and Cipulot - guiding me through pcb work. Yes, I made the pcb on twitch, and these two were a godsend!
The MENA community - you all tried this at the meetup, and I appreciate the valuable feedback. You have been heard!
Boat enjoyers (smh my head) - you know who you are, thank you for the constant encouragement <3
Alessio - for the hotdogs
Discord (https://discord.com/invite/v2sWm88)
Support this project by adding this to your signature <3
[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=117695.0][img width=210 height=120]https://imgur.com/Ikog95k.png[/img][/url](https://imgur.com/Ikog95k.png)