[IC] Axis Extended Number Pad

[KLÜTZ]

Hello Geekhack,

This is one of my first designs for the community. I present the Axis. This was born from the idea of a supplement for your 60% that can be positioned in a more convenient place on your desk. Personally, I would be using this for CAD and drafting work, as I would enjoy those keys be accessible while keeping my right hand on my mouse, something that is not exactly comfortable with a full size mechanical keyboard. This is VERY preliminary, as I have not had a PCB created yet, and still need to seek out a machinist that can meet my criteria for this. Below I will list my desired specifications.

Specs (Outdated, will be updated when changes are made):
- 6061 Alu Top Housing (Ideally Cerakote)
- 6061 Alu Bottom Housing (Ideally Cerakote)
- 6061 Alu (sandblasted), Brass (sandblasted), or Delrin Plate
- 11 Degree Typing angle
- USB Type C Interface via a Daughterboard

When I seek out a PCB designer, I would like to have this be VIA compatible, as I think that would ease the remapping and accessibility of such a product. I have already begun to submit quotes to some factories, and will happily report back should interest justify me looking further. Thanks for reading!

UPDATE: (Date October 22, 2019)- Thanks to everyone for the form replies! In the following link, I have responded to the feedback you have given me, and will begin working on said changes. Thanks again everyone! https://imgur.com/a/76yaMyD

UPDATE: (Date October 23, 2019)- Again, thank you to everyone who has been supportive and the feedback has been incredible. Unfortunately, due to life, I need a break for a few days. Im very sorry. In a week or so, I'll report back with my progress.

[depletedvespene]

Interesting. VERY interesting.

May we assume the 2U keys will be able to be replaced by pairs of 1U keys?

Is the column amount (two and four) final? 'cause I think three columns on the left side would make this quite more versatile.

[KLÜTZ]

Interesting. VERY interesting.

May we assume the 2U keys will be able to be replaced by pairs of 1U keys?

Is the column amount (two and four) final? 'cause I think three columns on the left side would make this quite more versatile.

As for the first question, The plus and zero can both be split, but I am leaving the enter un-split, as I think it would look pretty strange as a grid, and few keysets support row-compatible caps for that area. As for the second question, I mostly just wanted this to be two columns. That being said, if more and more people agree with the three column idea, I would be happy to redesign this to support that.

[SuddenlyDonkey]

I think it looks amazing the way it is and would definitely be interested in picking one or two up if you move forward.

[KLÜTZ]

I think it looks amazing the way it is and would definitely be interested in picking one or two up if you move forward.

Thank you for the kind words! This is one of those projects I mainly designed for my own use, but figured others would make a lot of use out of it as well!

[depletedvespene]

Interesting. VERY interesting.

May we assume the 2U keys will be able to be replaced by pairs of 1U keys?

Is the column amount (two and four) final? 'cause I think three columns on the left side would make this quite more versatile.

As for the first question, The plus and zero can both be split, but I am leaving the enter un-split, as I think it would look pretty strange as a grid, and few keysets support row-compatible caps for that area.

Nothing that can't be solved by artisan lettering (blanks and a Sharpie).

Jokes aside, I think keeping the option for splitting the Enter key as well would allow for maximum flexibility for those so inclined. This of course, will be your call to make.

As for the second question, I mostly just wanted this to be two columns. That being said, if more and more people agree with the three column idea, I would be happy to redesign this to support that.

Poll time! 


Anyhoo, I'm already cooking up ideas for the things I would be able to do with a "supernumpad" like this (especially with three columns on the left side). I'll be following this IC closely.

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

3 on the left would be my vote.

I have a prime...uh, pad? sorta like this. I like this better though.
(EDIT-I have a prime M. Can put nav cluster on the left, numpad w 1u 0 key on the right)

(11 degrees? Whew. )

[amuri99]

It's a really great project. I sincerely hope that this project will proceed as a groupbuy. 

[KLÜTZ]

It's a really great project. I sincerely hope that this project will proceed as a groupbuy. 

If I can find a vendor who would be willing to carry this through group buy, I would love that!

[ullr]

Interesting. If the timing and price is right, I would love to get one in red to replace my kbdfans keypad.

[KLÜTZ]

Interesting. If the timing and price is right, I would love to get one in red to replace my kbdfans keypad.

Considering I am just using aluminum, and laser cutting is fairly cheap, this shouldnt be horribly expensive. I dont want to give a number immediately, but I am *expecting* (don't quote me on this) to be around 150-180 USD sans shipping.

[cyyz]

I've been wanting something like this for a long time. I'll buy a couple. Great Design!

[eskimojo]

This is hot, hope it goes somewhere 

edit: three columns on the left (mentioned earlier in the thread) would allow people to create a full nav cluster if they wanted.

[ErgoMacros]

Like the concept, nicely done.
I've been looking at making an "extended numpad too. Something like this:
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The Num Lock key acts like a Fn (or layer) key.
Just another use-case for a similar layout.

[Rayndalf]

Neato, would go great paired with any of the boards that have run in the past six months except for some restocked TKC1800s(?) and the Austin.

It reminds me a bit of this chonker I picked up to use with a 60% (integrated arrows are fine for typing, but for numpad data entry, some physical arrows might be preferable, but your design with macro/f-keys is a better match for all the 65% or 75% boards that already have arrows).

[MadsMe]

I really like this project, and would love to get one for my self also! I like the two column layout that you've originally proposed.

[hottrout]

Love this project.  It fixes the issue with 60% not having enough keys even though it is the best size.  Personally I prefer the arrow kays on the main board but the idea of functions and numpad on one board is great.

[Rob27shred]

I'd be down for one of these, it would solve all my problems I've had finding a numpad I actually like!

[kaisn]

Looks awesome count me in

[directheatedtriode]

I'm interested as well, just speaking for my use here I use the numpad more than the function keys, so I would prefer the numpad on the left, function keys on the right. Unless these F keys are used more often by the OP and others?

[depletedvespene]

I'm interested as well, just speaking for my use here I use the numpad more than the function keys, so I would prefer the numpad on the left, function keys on the right. Unless these F keys are used more often by the OP and others?

This is one of the reasons three columns left-side would be more versatile. Do remember that on a keypad like this, you should be able to program each and every key to your liking, so the layout(*) in the initial post should be seen only as a reference.


(*) The logical layout, meaning the assignment of F1 to the top left key, Enter to the bottom right one, etc.

[Datastream]

Very interesting though I'm not a fan of 11 degrees but it looks really nice 

[KLÜTZ]

Thank you everyone for the kind words! I will be crossposting this to Reddit and Keebtalk later today to gather more input. I have submitted quotes to three factories, along with sample requests, so I can evaluate cost:quality. I am also going to look at surface coating options, and optimal cerakote combinations.

[joshipoo23]

love this, very interested

[SlurmsMacKenzie]

An interesting idea, but agree with previous comment about the 11 degree angle being too steep.  Especially since you will be pairing this with another keyboard which are usually 5-7 degrees so this numpad will likely not match your main keyboard.  The fact that the angle won't match your kbd67 or iron165 may be a turnoff to many potential buyers.  Just my opinion though, I could very well be wrong.

[HouseOfKeebs]

Very interested! I'm leaning in the favor of others who have posted asking for a potential 3rd column and maybe an angle closer to 4-6°. Keep us updated please, this looks great!

[jstein91]

Very interested

[dyrdevil]

love this. is the design of the USB area finalized?  I do wonder if it might be difficult to plug cables in through that hole.

[Abec13]

This is going to be something wonderful with the use of DSA Keys. Just the thing I was looking for to be my one numberpad. I like the idea of having interchangeable boards but sometimes you just need to do some data entry.

[ossetepo]

I like this a lot, I would be in for one.

[KLÜTZ]

Thank you everyone for the kind words. I would like to get some market research before I get too far into another design, but I am open to doing another model of this with the three column arrow/ nav cluster. I really appreciate the support and feedback. Tonight I will try to make a comprehensive google form in order to gauge what everyone thinks, make changes, and repeat until I get a solid product.

[LoneRegiment]

This looks like the ultimate 60% companion, I am very interested!

I really think you should split the enter too however.

The plus and zero can both be split, but I am leaving the enter un-split, as I think it would look pretty strange as a grid, and few keysets support row-compatible caps for that area.

1: leaving only the enter un-split seems like an incomplete/inconsistent design choice
2: if you dont like how grid looks, the dont use the grid layout, simple.
3: most sets nowadays have ortho kits, which have r4 1u enters; paired with a 1u shift or ctrl or the likes would appropriately fill split enter. Not that improper legends would stop anyone who wants to use grid anyways.

[KLÜTZ]

Quick Update:

I have put together a feedback and interest check form! If anyone who sees this wouldn't mind quickly filling this out with your thoughts, I would greatly appreciate that. This will help me a lot in addressing the changes that need to be made.

https://forms.gle/tbZZQGePMEK6pdgt8

[Tranq]

This looks really good, hoping that the angle might change, different color options, and maybe hotswap. Looks great so far though.

[long_qt_pie]

I like it, especially the 11 degrees, would get a lot of use out of it

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

Filled out. Curious to see how this one plays out.

[Jaystice]

Oh this is fabulous. I love my 65% but at work I REALLY need the F keys and numpad so this is perfect.

[//gainsborough]

this is so neat!!

[slopeiz]

As for the second question, I mostly just wanted this to be two columns. That being said, if more and more people agree with the three column idea, I would be happy to redesign this to support that.

for me if the pcb is programmable it would be nice to also have a fn key by the enter key. so that i could have like "dedicated" arrowkeys on that pad instead. 
but also then i might just reprogram the frows to be arrow key and such. og well, anyway i want this lmao

[KLÜTZ]

Thank you everyone for the amazing advice and support! I have attached an update to the main post, including my response to the feedback form I delivered yesterday. I will begin making those changes tonight, and will do a big update again once those changes are made. Ill attach another quick render of a color combo we thought up last night.

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

Looks like a good survey!

Long QT Pie, I'll send you the bumpons I never use to help you get this to the obnoxious angle you like.

[SlurmsMacKenzie]

Your proposed changes look great, definitely keeping this project on the radar.  Rotary encoder option looks pretty awesome, even though I'm not sure what I would do with it exactly, lol.

[KLÜTZ]

Looks like a good survey!

Long QT Pie, I'll send you the bumpons I never use to help you get this to the obnoxious angle you like.

I am definitely reducing the angle to somewhere around 6.5 degrees, which I think will be more agreeable with most peoples' wrists.

Your proposed changes look great, definitely keeping this project on the radar.  Rotary encoder option looks pretty awesome, even though I'm not sure what I would do with it exactly, lol.

Thank you very much! Personally, I am going to be using it for either media control, or something like hue for color correction.

[romevi]

That looks awesome.

[KLÜTZ]

That looks awesome.

Thank you for your kind words!   

[wd9001]

Would be nice to see a dedicated alps pcb as an option, not sure why it has such low votes

[KLÜTZ]

Would be nice to see a dedicated alps pcb as an option, not sure why it has such low votes

I think the lack of popularity is due to the lack of reliable sources for Alps switches. I am considering having the alps PCB made, though, as I too think it would be a nice addition.

[TheAutoManCan]

I will certainly be following this project. Looking good so far! I didn't even think about a rotary encoder when filling out the form but that would certainly be a great option to have for the final version.

[VelourFog]

I’d consider buying 2.

[brianisafk]

If you do the encoder, I hope you consider using a bigger one, like the one the renders of KAT Eternal, looks nicer then the 1u encoders, and less out of place.

[nathanchere]

This is a group buy I could happily get behind

[KLÜTZ]

Hey everyone.

Thank you so much for the support and feedback. It means the world to me.

Unfortunately, life got in my way for a bit. My dog of 11 years passed away this morning. I will continue to work on the Axis, and make all of the changes needed, but I am going to be taking a hiatus from the public to regain some composure and focus on my mental health.

Again, thank you all for the support. Love ya guys. Ill be back in a week or so, and report back with my progress.

-Klutz

[depletedvespene]

Unfortunately, life got in my way for a bit. My dog of 11 years passed away this morning.

  My condolences.

[long_qt_pie]

Hey everyone.

Thank you so much for the support and feedback. It means the world to me.

Unfortunately, life got in my way for a bit. My dog of 11 years passed away this morning. I will continue to work on the Axis, and make all of the changes needed, but I am going to be taking a hiatus from the public to regain some composure and focus on my mental health.

Again, thank you all for the support. Love ya guys. Ill be back in a week or so, and report back with my progress.

-Klutz

So sorry to hear that, thats incredibly difficult and I wish you strength during this hard time

[eskimojo]

Hey everyone.

Thank you so much for the support and feedback. It means the world to me.

Unfortunately, life got in my way for a bit. My dog of 11 years passed away this morning. I will continue to work on the Axis, and make all of the changes needed, but I am going to be taking a hiatus from the public to regain some composure and focus on my mental health.

Again, thank you all for the support. Love ya guys. Ill be back in a week or so, and report back with my progress.

-Klutz

Sorry for your loss. Take however much time you need.

[dyrdevil]

Hey everyone.

Thank you so much for the support and feedback. It means the world to me.

Unfortunately, life got in my way for a bit. My dog of 11 years passed away this morning. I will continue to work on the Axis, and make all of the changes needed, but I am going to be taking a hiatus from the public to regain some composure and focus on my mental health.

Again, thank you all for the support. Love ya guys. Ill be back in a week or so, and report back with my progress.

-Klutz

Condolences, that must be very upsetting.
Thanks for everything so far; we'll be here when you get back.

[octix]

 

[lush_bunny]

I feel your pain OP... Take all the time you need. Our condolences.

[rrsurmeier]

Very interested in this!

[kaisn]

I need this in my life. the sooner the better!
so much love

[mode]

I'd be interested in this with an ALPS pcb.

[Aznakh]

I'm very interested in buying this. Sorry to hear about your dog, hope you're OK!