Author Topic: [IC] PAL by Banana Stand Works (Read 55429 times)

dimsum · « **on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 08:41:57 »

Hi yall!
This is an update to an IC that is over 2 years old.
I’ll try to keep it brief here; saving the older IC contents for posterity - you can check them out in the first reply below.
K, here we go:

PAL
Your friendly neighborhood 60%
ft. an exploded arrow key cluster

PAL is a layout I have been personally using for over 3 years now - It suits my needs perfectly and I am pretty much contented with daily driving it for the rest of my life.
It may have taken a while, but I'm very excited to finally be able to make available to anyone else who might be interested.
Not going to make a pretense of presenting something groundbreaking here - PAL is a very simple keyboard; hardly competitive against a lot of the stuff you can buy for less money nowadays - but it is still my favorite one nonetheless.
I just hope some of you will like it, too.

Render Gallery

NTSC Artisan

An R4 1.25U artisan will come included with every PAL kit and is going to be color-matched to the keyboard case.

Product Information

Specs:
6063 alu top & bottom
Tadpole mount
6° typing angle
17.5mm front height, 21.50mm adjusted:

Options
Colors: Grey, Green, Lilac
Plates: FR4, PC, Alu
Solderable & hotswap PCBs by Yiancar:

GB Info:
Price: starting at US$230 for a kit
GB dates: Jul 23 - ~~Aug 16~~Aug 23 of the current year of our lord ~~2022~~ ~~2023~~ 2024 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Vendors:
Protozoa Studio (worldwide)
zFrontier (CN & worldwide)

Prototype Photo Gallery

Misc

Timothy (Akuko Labs) built a PAL proto and took some cool shots of it a while back;
you can check them out at his IG:

And last but not least:
Alexotos build stream (VOD)

Cheers everyone,
Dimsum

Discord Links

Signature code in case you would like to support the project:

Code: [Select]

[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=116569.0][img]https://i.imgur.com/TQNNgvz.jpeg[/img][/url]

dimsum · « **Reply #1 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 08:42:52 »

Misc Fluff
Saving for posterity, please ignore.

Conceptualization (2021)

More

I first started playing with this layout in early 2021, making a really crappy 3d-printed handwire to test out my exploded arrow cluster idea:

I ended up loving it so much that I committed to making a "proper" version of the board. Updated version was much simpler and cleaner, featuring tadpole mount; printed in SLA and built with a prototype PCB.

Original IC & 1st Prototype(March-May 2022)

More

This is PAL from the original IC. It was simpler and cruder than the current design, but nonetheless pretty fun to type on.

A Singaporean builder fatboychard did a build stream of it, sound test clip here

2nd&3rd Prototype (Aug 2022)

More

The second prototype was made at a different factory and featured an updated design that is 99% similar to the current PAL.

Ultimately, It had a lot of imperfections on the interior finishing, so we ended up re-ordering it again and getting those addressed. Nothing to look at here because #3 looked pretty much identical to #2 from the outside.

What happened since?

More

Oof that's a tough one.

The design of the board has been pretty much completed since mid-late 2022 but then life got kind of crazy for everyone involved in the project.
I changed countries, states, jobs and overall went through a lot of stuff in 2022-2023. Then it got crazy for the guys at Protozoa, too - and PAL has been placed on a back burner for much too long.

We (Protozoa & I) originally hoped to make it an in-stock product, but it eventually became apparent that Protozoa won't be able to swing such a deal. Meanwhile we changed factories 2 more times (4 manufacturers total - and probably around 7-8 total prototypes, I'm not even sure on the final number) trying to find the best price-to-quality ratio we could.
We slowly finalized things like PCB design and packaging and got a really good deal on the artisans (they were originally planned as an add-on but now we can essentially include them in the kit for free which we are all very excited about).

So It's not like nothing at all has been done since 2022, but the progress has definitely been much slower than desired or anticipated. We fully understand that a lot of momentum got lost through the waiting game and It is going to be harder reaching the MOQ now than it would have been 1 or 2 years ago - but we are have a good amount of faith in PAL and are really determined to make it happen.

Cheers,
Dimsum.

Biscuit · « **Reply #2 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 08:58:51 »

GLWIC. There were quite a bit of people who are interested in seeing exploded arrows on a 60, but didn't agree with removing the right shift.
So this is a great option for those people.

unwashed_heathen · « **Reply #3 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 09:26:48 »

In love with this layout. 60% boards have never been for me, but PAL has me sold. Will be keeping an eye on this for sure! Although I would like to see some more interesting color options.

With this board coming from the Banana Stand I'm going to need to see a banana colored PAL

.

stotle.caps · « **Reply #4 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 09:40:23 »

GLWIC, pretty interesting layout, rlly like the simple design and the price i rlly like it

noctoornal · « **Reply #5 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 09:45:38 »

really loving the layout, so unique and having an exploded arrow keys on a 60% is a definitely buy for me

linell · « **Reply #6 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 09:53:14 »

I hate 64 key but this is cool

Zyrophr · « **Reply #7 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 10:09:58 »

Really like the design, looks nice to me. Too bad I'm a right-shift user.

m1gs · « **Reply #8 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 11:09:48 »

count me in!

Croktopus · « **Reply #9 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 11:45:17 »

Hey this layout is actually nice

SxM Designs · « **Reply #10 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 12:24:35 »

Great job. I really like this layout more than the recently IC'd ones. This has really grabbed my attention.

kbye · « **Reply #11 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 14:22:32 »

I like this
led indicator and the raised booty are a nice touch

paperassgasket · « **Reply #12 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 14:24:31 »

I love those chamfers.
Overall design is really nice. Typing angle is very preferable. I'm not a fan of exposed screw holes, but I'm not offended here. Would prefer not to see them but it's not a dealbreaker.
I actually kinda like that seam too.

Only issue I could see is the plate potentially smacking the underside of the arrows since it's tadpole mount.

Full disclosure: I abhor having the shift all the way out past arrows, and I also hate arrows, prefer split shift or at least 7u and I'm STILL interested in this if that tells you anything about how aesthetically pleasing it is.

That indicator is kyoot af.

Ustinj · « **Reply #13 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 15:28:27 »

I like the beveled front face of the top case, GLWIC

chris_ · « **Reply #14 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 15:32:24 »

this looks really clean, nice work!

JJ48_24 · « **Reply #15 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 15:43:43 »

Damn renders look great and the design is super clean. Definitely a board I will be following. GLWIC!

Takkun · « **Reply #16 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 16:51:46 »

Wow this is a really interesting concept! I love how the arrow keys are weaved in there in the most unintrusive way. This might actually be the first 60% that I can actually see myself using.

JQ27 · « **Reply #17 on:** Tue, 15 March 2022, 17:10:51 »

I like it. As an ISO user I'd need to find two 1.25u shifts, but on the flipside I never use right shift, so I guess it's a bonus Ctrl or the FN key for me.

potato_panda- · « **Reply #18 on:** Wed, 16 March 2022, 00:24:56 »

GLWIC. Looks very interesting, would you consider adding split spacebar support?

Treasure · « **Reply #19 on:** Wed, 16 March 2022, 10:36:33 »

Love the layout

djmantis · « **Reply #20 on:** Wed, 16 March 2022, 12:48:56 »

This looks great! Can you provide the actual height of the front? You stated it is low, but I would like to know that actual measurement. Thank you!

conternecticus · « **Reply #21 on:** Wed, 16 March 2022, 13:10:25 »

This layout looks great! Would love to see more one more color option (maybe purple/lilac would be cool).
Can't wait for the sound test of this board. GLWIC!

dimsum · « **Reply #22 on:** Wed, 16 March 2022, 13:57:23 »

Quote from: djmantis on Wed, 16 March 2022, 12:48:56

This looks great! Can you provide the actual height of the front? You stated it is low, but I would like to know that actual measurement. Thank you!

Thanks!
edit: adding the measurements into the spec list

djmantis · « **Reply #23 on:** Wed, 16 March 2022, 15:02:01 »

Beautiful! Thank you!

Ghostinn · « **Reply #24 on:** Wed, 16 March 2022, 19:28:21 »

I am not a fan of 60s, but I would absolutely consider buying this beauty. Great job on this!

TranquilMarmot · « **Reply #25 on:** Thu, 17 March 2022, 01:29:06 »

Love it. Tiny lil right shift and the light are awesome. The green looks really nice!

QWER|key · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 17 March 2022, 03:30:13 »

I really love this design but that lack of right shift will kill me.

Good look with the IC

Malvix Studio · « **Reply #27 on:** Thu, 17 March 2022, 03:55:36 »

Layout is definitely unconventional, but cool nonetheless! Sometimes I feel like I'm one of the few who actively swaps between left and right shift, haha. Bezel proportions look spot on though, great job!

Getsome!!! · « **Reply #28 on:** Thu, 17 March 2022, 05:47:55 »

Dope layout! I would of coarse replace that useless R-shift with a FN key or something if i were doing a build on it, but dope none the less. I have to pass becasue the bezels are way too small for me though. I'm sure the more dainty folks will love it though.

m1gs · « **Reply #29 on:** Fri, 18 March 2022, 05:46:46 »

What is the led on the lower right for? Is that a capslock indicator?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

dimsum · « **Reply #30 on:** Fri, 18 March 2022, 10:54:36 »

Quote from: m1gs on Fri, 18 March 2022, 05:46:46

What is the led on the lower right for? Is that a capslock indicator?

just an ambient RGB bar, not indicating anything in particular; think of it as a badge.

conternecticus · « **Reply #31 on:** Fri, 18 March 2022, 21:18:10 »

Would half plate work on this board?

Vibex · « **Reply #32 on:** Sat, 19 March 2022, 06:30:12 »

Any chance of getting some split spacebar support? Would be an instant buy for me if it did

dimsum · « **Reply #33 on:** Sun, 20 March 2022, 04:30:58 »

Quote from: conternecticus on Fri, 18 March 2022, 21:18:10

Would half plate work on this board?

I dont see why not.
I have no plans of making one, but I will release the plate files in case anyone wants to make/run their own.

Quote from: Vibex on Sat, 19 March 2022, 06:30:12

Any chance of getting some split spacebar support? Would be an instant buy for me if it did

A few people asked for this feature, I will think about it.
Even if the final pcb had the support for it - im against making the default universal plate look like a cheese grater. Might also look into options of open sourcing the pcb files for people who want to add their own split-sb support or more obscure layouts (minila/jis, 6u, 7u, knobs etc etc).
Again, if there is enough people that really want it - perhaps it can be run as a separate small gb.

Keeblet_257 · « **Reply #34 on:** Sun, 20 March 2022, 04:47:58 »

the leds in the bottom right corner adds aomething to it I like it personally

HappyB0T · « **Reply #35 on:** Sun, 20 March 2022, 06:01:30 »

I like the disco light.

SafeAtShore · « **Reply #36 on:** Sun, 20 March 2022, 15:41:17 »

Agreed with others that this just looks aesthetically pleasing. Nice.

Also want to point out that folks can just use mod tap in QMK (assuming this PCB supports it) to combine forward slash/question mark with R Shift. IMO, it's comfy and works--and that far right key can be used as Fn like on a typical HHKB layout.

VaporKeebs · « **Reply #37 on:** Sun, 20 March 2022, 18:43:49 »

I will be getting this no matter what. Oh my god.

I will likely get a hotswap version but honestly I want to at some point get a solder mk and ship it out to taeha just so I can have a taeha build. But told myself it would have to be a soldered mk so maybe itll be this.

rndr · « **Reply #38 on:** Mon, 21 March 2022, 05:43:04 »

Right shift is a must for me. Passing this one!

Lincolnworks · « **Reply #39 on:** Mon, 21 March 2022, 07:09:02 »

The layout seems cool and unique, but honestly not for me. I'd prefer a 65% much more.

ReverbSlush · « **Reply #40 on:** Mon, 21 March 2022, 11:06:13 »

I hope hotswap layout is split backspace (or has both compatible). Beautiful looking board!

JackPikatea · « **Reply #41 on:** Mon, 21 March 2022, 15:40:30 »

It's always a blast to see new layout. As a 60% fan, I can definitely see myself liking the layout. I typically use this layout except it's with layers and and a function key. I think a lot of others do too.

Nice work!

spedywin · « **Reply #42 on:** Mon, 21 March 2022, 22:45:31 »

interesting, glwic

nqbshas · « **Reply #43 on:** Tue, 22 March 2022, 02:51:24 »

Fresh and clean design. Good luck!

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

m1gs · « **Reply #44 on:** Wed, 23 March 2022, 19:53:07 »

Quote from: dimsum on Fri, 18 March 2022, 10:54:36

Quote from: m1gs on Fri, 18 March 2022, 05:46:46
What is the led on the lower right for? Is that a capslock indicator?

just an ambient RGB bar, not indicating anything in particular; think of it as a badge.

Oh okay. Bummer. I really love keyboard size like this one, but I kept wishing a capslock indicator would be a feature cause it's a struggle for me.

Thockologist · « **Reply #45 on:** Thu, 24 March 2022, 09:34:25 »

This has to be my new favorite compact layout, I'm really, really excited for this. It looks great and still has the beloved arrow keys at 60% size.

conternecticus · « **Reply #46 on:** Fri, 25 March 2022, 11:35:24 »

Would be cool if the LED bar can be programmed to show current layer, or caps lock is on or off.

ylothar · « **Reply #47 on:** Fri, 25 March 2022, 15:48:35 »

Quote from: conternecticus on Fri, 25 March 2022, 11:35:24

Would be cool if the LED bar can be programmed to show current layer, or caps lock is on or off.

+1

ShuggaShane · « **Reply #48 on:** Fri, 25 March 2022, 16:57:32 »

Take my money now please and thank you

TQuest · « **Reply #49 on:** Sat, 26 March 2022, 17:11:16 »

Filled out the IC Form. GLWIC

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Author Topic: [IC] PAL by Banana Stand Works (Read 55429 times)