Author Topic: [IC] Iskar - 65% Keyboard from Bitmap Studio (Read 55064 times)

Bitmxp · « **on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 20:57:02 »

Iskar

"Never let a human do a machine's job"

Watch the Trailer Here!

For Updates:
Discord (Fastest Updates): https://discord.gg/2w5ukHV
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitmap.studio/

Features

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Bold

Iskar features a one-of-a-kind bold, mirror-polished rim. The modular nature of the rim allows for easy matching with keysets.

Customizable

Multiple weight, rim, weight and sound dampening options allow for hundreds of possible combinations.

Accessible

NOTE: This render shows south facing switches. The real board will feature north facing switches for compatibility. The Iskar will feature a multi-layout hotswap PCB for easy installation and even more options. Further, Iskar is able to be programmable via (pun intended) the VIA software.

Comfortable

A gasket mount design allows for increased bounciness and also helps to create a more poppy sound. Flex cuts on the PCB and a neutral 7 degree typing angle allows for a bouncy and comfortable typing experience. Multiple plate options ensure a comfortable configuration to each user's preferences.

Interest Form: https://forms.gle/MNNp6Tei659DMoXn6

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Additional Renders

More

https://imgur.com/gallery/gujCITc

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Iskar Specs:
Case Material: Aluminum
Plate Material: PC, Aluminum, +TBD
Typing Angle: 7 Degrees
PCB: QMK Compatible, Per-Switch RGB, Hotswap. Designed by DrewKeys
Colors: TBD
Price: TBD, around $500
Dampening: Foam Between PCB and Plate, Case Foam.
GB Cap: TBD
Timeline: R1 Prototype Finished. R2 in progress.
GB Location: Bitmap Studio storefront (bitmapstudio.xyz).
Details missing (internal renders, PCB photos)? This is likely because more prototyping is needed to come to a final conclusion and so I can release official renders. Questions? Join our Discord Server

I would like to extend a special thanks to Randyland members for providing countless amounts of help and ideas. Renders by the talented @Ramnairvisuals and trailer by the people over at 23rdC

Bitmxp · « **Reply #1 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:00:57 »

Prototype #1 Photos

https://imgur.com/a/zNbQSIo

iinko_mk · « **Reply #2 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:01:02 »

pretty cool

Ihso · « **Reply #3 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:01:25 »

lets gooo

Olaugh · « **Reply #4 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:03:36 »

Lets ****ing go!!!!!

Riizmaa · « **Reply #5 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:04:13 »

sheeesh can i get one

Techdude594 · « **Reply #6 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:04:37 »

Finally! This looks amazing POG

IMZO · « **Reply #7 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:05:39 »

that video ad is next level... looking good!

Zyros · « **Reply #8 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:07:51 »

It's about time, the board looks stunning!

Xanira · « **Reply #9 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:08:21 »

Looks nice, good variety in colors as well

asciisii · « **Reply #10 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:08:59 »

The side curve looks really nice. GLWIC

Hellenic94 · « **Reply #11 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:09:39 »

Love this! Cop cop cop!

Chippy · « **Reply #12 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:12:03 »

Maybe I am missing it, but what is the mounting on this, gasket strips?

Bitmxp · « **Reply #13 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:13:58 »

Quote from: Chippy on Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:12:03

Maybe I am missing it, but what is the mounting on this, gasket strips?

More details will be released as I finalize the design internally with prototypes.

sup3r170va · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:27:59 »

Hi. What’s the front height?

eibbun · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:29:14 »

oh im in! hoping for some new case colors since i already have 2 alpines

ligongduck · « **Reply #16 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 22:05:41 »

Very simple yet elegant

Shoobs · « **Reply #17 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 22:09:44 »

yessir

UswordM · « **Reply #18 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 22:25:50 »

The design of the keeb is great! Definitely on board for this

MIGHTY CHICKEN · « **Reply #19 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 22:47:15 »

Def a segsy one

PhantomLeadr · « **Reply #20 on:** Thu, 03 June 2021, 23:27:07 »

Sheeeeeeeeeeesh

Got an alpine. Absolutely going in for the sequel. Bitmap 4 ever

Ranger_Trivette · « **Reply #21 on:** Fri, 04 June 2021, 03:12:04 »

the modular frame is soooo goodloking

VXQN · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 04 June 2021, 03:45:14 »

Not my preferred style of keyboard (I tend to like simpler designs) but this looks extremely good and I want one.

milka158 · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 04 June 2021, 04:27:32 »

Great work! Looking forward to this!

RoyalOak88 · « **Reply #24 on:** Fri, 04 June 2021, 04:29:47 »

Not a big fan of 65% without cluster separation, but I must admit that this is a sexy keeb!
The fact that is so customizable and has ISO hotswap might push me in

r00dy · « **Reply #25 on:** Fri, 04 June 2021, 11:05:35 »

Love the weight design and interchangeable rims, looks stunning!

shendoo · « **Reply #26 on:** Fri, 04 June 2021, 13:16:41 »

Looks really great !! Def picking one up!

SolidCactus · « **Reply #27 on:** Fri, 04 June 2021, 15:28:18 »

Great looking board! I’m in

Iksion · « **Reply #28 on:** Fri, 04 June 2021, 16:08:35 »

Very nice

Intersted.

ai06L · « **Reply #29 on:** Fri, 04 June 2021, 22:15:05 »

nice board！ is it a top mount board tho?

kriscard · « **Reply #30 on:** Fri, 04 June 2021, 23:21:32 »

Really nice!

hayasaka · « **Reply #31 on:** Sat, 05 June 2021, 06:08:03 »

nice.

aleeex · « **Reply #32 on:** Sat, 05 June 2021, 06:19:21 »

Wow I can’t wait to see the [REDACTED] with [REDACTED] that goes into the [REDACTED]

aleeex · « **Reply #33 on:** Sat, 05 June 2021, 06:22:23 »

Also that IC form got me dead

Poesjuh · « **Reply #34 on:** Sat, 05 June 2021, 06:23:22 »

North facing switches? $500 keyboard but can’t put my gmk sets on it? That would be a shame.

Bitmxp · « **Reply #35 on:** Sat, 05 June 2021, 10:41:53 »

Quote from: Poesjuh on Sat, 05 June 2021, 06:23:22

North facing switches? $500 keyboard but can’t put my gmk sets on it? That would be a shame.

This render is inaccurate. Switches are south facing.

Bitmxp · « **Reply #36 on:** Sat, 05 June 2021, 10:42:35 »

Quote from: ai06L on Fri, 04 June 2021, 22:15:05

nice board！ is it a top mount board tho?

Gasket Mount.

blacksimon · « **Reply #37 on:** Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:37:29 »

I have questions:

Can we see the PCB with flex cuts?
Can we see the mounting for more than 0.125 seconds on the video, perhaps in a picture?

Ella · « **Reply #38 on:** Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:38:13 »

Quote from: blacksimon on Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:37:29

I have questions:

Can we see the PCB with flex cuts?
Can we see the mounting for more than 0.125 seconds on the video, perhaps in a picture?
How does this have internal dampening when you do not even have a prototype to determine the sound of the keyboard?

deez nuts?

Blitzschnitzel · « **Reply #39 on:** Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:38:52 »

Quote from: Poesjuh on Sat, 05 June 2021, 06:23:22

North facing switches? $500 keyboard but can’t put my gmk sets on it? That would be a shame.

Doesn't that just mean the LEDs are at the top? Why would that make it incompatible with your keycaps?

Ella · « **Reply #40 on:** Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:41:44 »

Quote from: Blitzschnitzel on Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:38:52

Quote from: Poesjuh on Sat, 05 June 2021, 06:23:22
North facing switches? $500 keyboard but can’t put my gmk sets on it? That would be a shame.
Doesn't that just mean the LEDs are at the top? Why would that make it incompatible with your keycaps?

Because the top housings will collide with cherry profile keycaps

Visionaire · « **Reply #41 on:** Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:49:35 »

Quote from: xeon3175x on Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:41:44

Quote from: Blitzschnitzel on Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:38:52
Quote from: Poesjuh on Sat, 05 June 2021, 06:23:22
North facing switches? $500 keyboard but can’t put my gmk sets on it? That would be a shame.
Doesn't that just mean the LEDs are at the top? Why would that make it incompatible with your keycaps?

Because the top housings will collide with cherry profile keycaps

1. Most people don't use LEDs in their custom builds these days...
2. If you choose to use them, if you use the correct LEDs they can work just fine.

Here you can see my COD67 with north facing LEDs and very shiny GMK caps (ignore the dust pls).

Works just find as you can see here:

AKiwi92 · « **Reply #42 on:** Sun, 06 June 2021, 12:23:38 »

Really love the clean lines on this, look forward to seeing the GB!

Bitmxp · « **Reply #43 on:** Sun, 06 June 2021, 13:00:42 »

Quote from: blacksimon on Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:37:29

I have questions:

Can we see the PCB with flex cuts?
Can we see the mounting for more than 0.125 seconds on the video, perhaps in a picture?

1 - Yes - I have waited to post an image of the PCB with flex cuts until after I get a prototype in order to minimize confusions if any changes need to be made.

2 - As for mounting, the same idea. I will be updating the IC with full exploded view renders as well as pictures of each individual part after the second prototype to make sure that the design that is posted is finalized. The purpose of the IC at this point in time is to check the general interest for the external appearance and proposed features of the board.

Bitmxp · « **Reply #44 on:** Sun, 06 June 2021, 13:01:28 »

Quote from: Visionaire on Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:49:35

Quote from: xeon3175x on Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:41:44
Quote from: Blitzschnitzel on Sun, 06 June 2021, 10:38:52
Quote from: Poesjuh on Sat, 05 June 2021, 06:23:22
North facing switches? $500 keyboard but can’t put my gmk sets on it? That would be a shame.
Doesn't that just mean the LEDs are at the top? Why would that make it incompatible with your keycaps?

Because the top housings will collide with cherry profile keycaps

Thank you for your input! I really appreciate it.

1. Most people don't use LEDs in their custom builds these days...
2. If you choose to use them, if you use the correct LEDs they can work just fine.

Here you can see my COD67 with north facing LEDs and very shiny GMK caps (ignore the dust pls).

Show Image

Works just find as you can see here:

Shirogane · « **Reply #45 on:** Mon, 07 June 2021, 00:56:49 »

Excited for this board!! Alpine is the best board i have right now and would expect nothing less for the next Bitmap Studios Board!!! Sending love <3

Ustinj · « **Reply #46 on:** Mon, 07 June 2021, 01:06:41 »

For what it's worth, I also ran into issues on R2 Cherry keycaps (QWERTYUIOP) hitting the switch housing on downstroke when using north-facing LED switches. It would hit the switch causing an unpleasantly thin clack, even without LEDs installed.

here's a reproduction of what it is like - the cap hits the switch before the stem bottoms out:

https://imgur.com/a/k9xu8Me (turn sound on)

edit: i now see that the render was just incorrect, but still worth noting that north facing switches did cause some issues with my GMK sets (namely R2)

Bitmxp · « **Reply #47 on:** Mon, 07 June 2021, 13:39:07 »

Quote from: Ustinj on Mon, 07 June 2021, 01:06:41

For what it's worth, I also ran into issues on R2 Cherry keycaps (QWERTYUIOP) hitting the switch housing on downstroke when using north-facing LED switches. It would hit the switch causing an unpleasantly thin clack, even without LEDs installed.

here's a reproduction of what it is like - the cap hits the switch before the stem bottoms out:

https://imgur.com/a/k9xu8Me (turn sound on)

edit: i now see that the render was just incorrect, but still worth noting that north facing switches did cause some issues with my GMK sets (namely R2)

]

Thank you for your input regardless!

JasonL84 · « **Reply #48 on:** Wed, 09 June 2021, 17:24:07 »

Definitely keeping an eye on this one.

Bitmxp · « **Reply #49 on:** Sat, 12 June 2021, 11:47:53 »

PCB Rough Renders

Bitmxp · « **Reply #50 on:** Mon, 14 June 2021, 20:33:07 »

Quote from: Chippy on Thu, 03 June 2021, 21:12:03

Maybe I am missing it, but what is the mounting on this, gasket strips?

Will be gasket mounted.

NightRye_ · « **Reply #51 on:** Mon, 14 June 2021, 23:30:08 »

so Frusta Fundamental with brass weight?

Sent from my SM-M115F using Tapatalk

Bitmxp · « **Reply #52 on:** Tue, 15 June 2021, 01:08:56 »

Quote from: NightRye_ on Mon, 14 June 2021, 23:30:08

so Frusta Fundamental with brass weight?

Sent from my SM-M115F using Tapatalk

During the design phase, I became aware of the Frusta Fundemental and knew that this question would come up. Iskar and Frusta Fundamental are not associated in any way and development on Iskar had already begun before the Frusta was announced (August 2020). I was simply waiting for a suitable time to post an IC.

sup3r170va · « **Reply #53 on:** Tue, 15 June 2021, 01:52:06 »

Quote from: Bitmxp on Tue, 15 June 2021, 01:08:56

Quote from: NightRye_ on Mon, 14 June 2021, 23:30:08
so Frusta Fundamental with brass weight?

Sent from my SM-M115F using Tapatalk

During the design phase, I became aware of the Frusta Fundemental and knew that this question would come up. Iskar and Frusta Fundamental are not associated in any way and development on Iskar had already begun before the Frusta was announced (August 2020). I was simply waiting for a suitable time to post an IC.

what's the front height of the keyboard?
One concern I have with Frusta Fundamental is that the front height of 22mm is too high to type with comfort.

Bitmxp · « **Reply #54 on:** Tue, 15 June 2021, 11:24:50 »

Quote from: sup3r170va on Tue, 15 June 2021, 01:52:06

Quote from: Bitmxp on Tue, 15 June 2021, 01:08:56
Quote from: NightRye_ on Mon, 14 June 2021, 23:30:08
so Frusta Fundamental with brass weight?

Sent from my SM-M115F using Tapatalk

During the design phase, I became aware of the Frusta Fundemental and knew that this question would come up. Iskar and Frusta Fundamental are not associated in any way and development on Iskar had already begun before the Frusta was announced (August 2020). I was simply waiting for a suitable time to post an IC.

what's the front height of the keyboard?
One concern I have with Frusta Fundamental is that the front height of 22mm is too high to type with comfort.

The front height of Iskar is 20mm (subject to change), but around 20mm +- 3mm is pretty standard for keyboards in general.

sup3r170va · « **Reply #55 on:** Tue, 15 June 2021, 11:58:05 »

Quote from: Bitmxp on Tue, 15 June 2021, 11:24:50

Quote from: sup3r170va on Tue, 15 June 2021, 01:52:06
Quote from: Bitmxp on Tue, 15 June 2021, 01:08:56
Quote from: NightRye_ on Mon, 14 June 2021, 23:30:08
so Frusta Fundamental with brass weight?

Sent from my SM-M115F using Tapatalk

During the design phase, I became aware of the Frusta Fundemental and knew that this question would come up. Iskar and Frusta Fundamental are not associated in any way and development on Iskar had already begun before the Frusta was announced (August 2020). I was simply waiting for a suitable time to post an IC.

what's the front height of the keyboard?
One concern I have with Frusta Fundamental is that the front height of 22mm is too high to type with comfort.

The front height of Iskar is 20mm (subject to change), but around 20mm +- 3mm is pretty standard for keyboards in general.

usually 20mm or lower. other than a keychron, all my proper boards are 20mm or lower.

Neely_12 · « **Reply #56 on:** Tue, 15 June 2021, 12:23:28 »

Cool idea with the rims. I would love to have a blue case with white rim

anpoint · « **Reply #57 on:** Tue, 15 June 2021, 12:24:28 »

yup, sign me up for one!

NightRye_ · « **Reply #58 on:** Wed, 16 June 2021, 00:24:00 »

Quote from: Bitmxp on Tue, 15 June 2021, 01:08:56

During the design phase, I became aware of the Frusta Fundemental and knew that this question would come up. Iskar and Frusta Fundamental are not associated in any way and development on Iskar had already begun before the Frusta was announced (August 2020). I was simply waiting for a suitable time to post an IC.

I was just joking, there is always going to be similar boards that come up, glwic anyway.

Bitmxp · « **Reply #59 on:** Wed, 16 June 2021, 00:43:59 »

Quote from: NightRye_ on Wed, 16 June 2021, 00:24:00

Quote from: Bitmxp on Tue, 15 June 2021, 01:08:56
During the design phase, I became aware of the Frusta Fundemental and knew that this question would come up. Iskar and Frusta Fundamental are not associated in any way and development on Iskar had already begun before the Frusta was announced (August 2020). I was simply waiting for a suitable time to post an IC.

I was just joking, there is always going to be similar boards that come up, glwic anyway.

No worries! Thanks for giving me an opportunity to answer that question.

Bitmxp · « **Reply #60 on:** Wed, 16 June 2021, 00:44:16 »

Quote from: Neely_12 on Tue, 15 June 2021, 12:23:28

Cool idea with the rims. I would love to have a blue case with white rim

Navy/Silver

Bitmxp · « **Reply #61 on:** Sat, 19 June 2021, 22:00:08 »

Major things of note:

- Gasket Mount design is confirmed. Plate design is not.

- Iskar's switches are oriented to not interfere with any keycaps (GMK Included). The orientation may affect RGB lighting.

Thank you for your interest!

DogSpark · « **Reply #62 on:** Wed, 23 June 2021, 20:41:13 »

Quote from: Bitmxp on Sat, 19 June 2021, 22:00:08

Major things of note:

- Iskar features North Facing switches, not south facing.

Why make this decision to go back to North facing as showed in the renders, which you corrected it would not be? I'm hoping you made a typo here.

DogSpark · « **Reply #63 on:** Wed, 23 June 2021, 20:58:58 »

Quote from: Bitmxp on Sat, 19 June 2021, 22:00:08

Major things of note:

- Iskar's switches are oriented to not interfere with any keycaps (GMK Included). The orientation may affect RGB lighting.

phew...

ThomasLT · « **Reply #64 on:** Thu, 24 June 2021, 03:04:00 »

wow I want one

Bitmxp · « **Reply #65 on:** Wed, 30 June 2021, 16:41:54 »

Quote from: DogSpark on Wed, 23 June 2021, 20:41:13

Quote from: Bitmxp on Sat, 19 June 2021, 22:00:08
Major things of note:

- Iskar features North Facing switches, not south facing.

Why make this decision to go back to North facing as showed in the renders, which you corrected it would not be? I'm hoping you made a typo here.

No typo, thanks for your patience

steamb0x · « **Reply #66 on:** Thu, 01 July 2021, 22:10:50 »

I think I'm in love

FluffyWaffle · « **Reply #67 on:** Fri, 02 July 2021, 04:15:16 »

I'm picking this one up, whatever the price

Scriba · « **Reply #68 on:** Mon, 12 July 2021, 13:50:55 »

interesting

Sölstic3 · « **Reply #69 on:** Sat, 24 July 2021, 23:54:32 »

Beautiful board any updates? And can we also get a render with the rose weight.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

Bitmxp · « **Reply #70 on:** Tue, 27 July 2021, 17:44:27 »

Quote from: Sölstic3 on Sat, 24 July 2021, 23:54:32

Beautiful board any updates? And can we also get a render with the rose weight.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

Protos are almost done! new PCB and board design.

Xherion · « **Reply #71 on:** Fri, 30 July 2021, 02:41:47 »

Can't wait to check out the protos, will there be a sound test too?

JavelinJyc · « **Reply #72 on:** Wed, 25 August 2021, 23:26:34 »

is the iskar make in china?

Bitmxp · « **Reply #73 on:** Wed, 01 September 2021, 13:37:37 »

Quote from: JavelinJyc on Wed, 25 August 2021, 23:26:34

is the iskar make in china?

yes

Bitmxp · « **Reply #74 on:** Wed, 01 September 2021, 13:38:00 »

Quote from: Xherion on Fri, 30 July 2021, 02:41:47

Can't wait to check out the protos, will there be a sound test too?

Yep! Soon.

SovereignFate · « **Reply #75 on:** Tue, 07 September 2021, 04:33:18 »

Quote from: Bitmxp on Wed, 01 September 2021, 13:38:00

Quote from: Xherion on Fri, 30 July 2021, 02:41:47
Can't wait to check out the protos, will there be a sound test too?

Yep! Soon.

Will it be with linear and tactile aswell?

Bitmxp · « **Reply #76 on:** Sat, 09 October 2021, 18:29:04 »

Quote from: SovereignFate on Tue, 07 September 2021, 04:33:18

Quote from: Bitmxp on Wed, 01 September 2021, 13:38:00
Quote from: Xherion on Fri, 30 July 2021, 02:41:47
Can't wait to check out the protos, will there be a sound test too?

Yep! Soon.

Will it be with linear and tactile aswell?

It will not come with switches.

_rubik · « **Reply #77 on:** Sun, 10 October 2021, 14:04:20 »

Quote from: Bitmxp on Sat, 09 October 2021, 18:29:04

Quote from: SovereignFate on Tue, 07 September 2021, 04:33:18
Quote from: Bitmxp on Wed, 01 September 2021, 13:38:00
Quote from: Xherion on Fri, 30 July 2021, 02:41:47
Can't wait to check out the protos, will there be a sound test too?

Yep! Soon.

Will it be with linear and tactile aswell?

It will not come with switches.

I think they meant "will the sound test be performed with both linears and tactiles"

Bitmxp · « **Reply #78 on:** Sun, 10 October 2021, 15:57:47 »

Quote from: _rubik on Sun, 10 October 2021, 14:04:20

Quote from: Bitmxp on Sat, 09 October 2021, 18:29:04
Quote from: SovereignFate on Tue, 07 September 2021, 04:33:18
Quote from: Bitmxp on Wed, 01 September 2021, 13:38:00
Quote from: Xherion on Fri, 30 July 2021, 02:41:47
Can't wait to check out the protos, will there be a sound test too?

Yep! Soon.

Will it be with linear and tactile aswell?

It will not come with switches.

I think they meant "will the sound test be performed with both linears and tactiles"

Oh! I will be sending prototypes to different streamers so you’ll get sound tests with a variety of switches.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bitmxp · « **Reply #79 on:** Thu, 16 December 2021, 23:28:14 »

Bumping as this project is about to resume and final protos about to come in.

8um8lebee · « **Reply #80 on:** Sun, 26 December 2021, 20:48:39 »

I'll be honest I'm not the biggest fan of the "curved" edge of the bottom mirror finish bottom piece. Reminds me of the Viktus Sinne. Looks kinda like an Asian kid schoolbag...I just can't unsee it

Wish that bottom edge is either just completely flat (ala 7V) or a more aggressive inverted triangle of some sort.

News:

Author Topic: [IC] Iskar - 65% Keyboard from Bitmap Studio (Read 55064 times)