[GB] BIOI G60BLE 60% PCB

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Hello community!

Introduce you another bluetooth 60% custom PCB by Scott Wei.
BIOI G60BLE PCB was originated from Scott's G60 keyboard kit. The bluetooth PCB was combined with a mother board and a daughter. After some modifications, it become a bluetooth PCB with general specifications suitable for stock 60% keyboard parts.

Full Album: https://imgur.com/a/KnU0SdR

Content:

• PCB
• Two SH to PH adapter cables with inverted sequences
• SMD LED for a charging indicator position

Features:

• QMK firmware
• USB C connector
• BT4.0, available on most devices and systems like Win10, iPad and iPhone. Super power saving.
• 1.0mm SH connector for battery socket
• VIA Configurator supported (Thanks for help from Wilba and Olivia)

BIOI G60BLE PCB will come with two PCB versions in this groupbuy. A default one which you have to solder switches, and a hotswap one for easier installation.
Default (55USD):

• South facing LED position
• Multi layout support
  

Hotswap (60USD):

• North facing LED position
• Kailh hotswap sockets
• 7u Spacebar layout only
  

GB link: https://play-keyboard.store/products/copy-of-play-keyboard60-pcb
GB Period: 2019.6.24 ~ 2019.7.10
Scott Wei's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scott_wei

PS.

• If you have joined G60 custom keyboard kit groupbuy and you want to purchase this item, please contact scot.wei@gmail.com directly.
• If you need assembly service for getting a full built board with this PCB, please contact our customer service.

Please feel free to leave comments if you have any question to this product.
Thanks!

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Reserved.

[Signature]

Approved, best of luck with the GB!

[nguyenhimself]

My kingdom for Alps support.
That:d be my endgame.
Just... think about it.

[KingOfMemes]

What batteries do I need to use with this

[TuCZnak]

Your hotswap layout picture is wrong...

[pan]

Yeees, I've been wishing I had ordered an extra PCB with the G60 GB, and now I can

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[dhb82]

Maybe im an idiot who can't find this information, but does the hotswap version also support ISO ?

[8six753o9]

I think the Bluetooth layout is supposed to be this:

[Lyle88]

I am also confused about what the hotswap version supports.

Will I be able to use it with HHKB G60?

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[Hotsauce]

Also curious what kind of battery this will support and if you have tested it in any cases.

[scottwei]

What batteries do I need to use with this

3.7v Li-Po Battery with PH plug

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Your hotswap layout picture is wrong...

Maybe im an idiot who can't find this information, but does the hotswap version also support ISO ?

Also curious what kind of battery this will support and if you have tested it in any cases.

Edited. Sorry.
One layout only for HS version.

[joe405]

Any particular reason why 2u backspace for the hotswap layout? Hhkb/wkl is usually split backspace.

[spyruf]

I wonder if this will work with the grid 600.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

I wonder if this will work with the grid 600.

Yes it does as grid600 supports most 60% customs PCBs.
Only be careful to the plate you are going to use. You might want to choose an acrylic one or carbon fiber one to avoid signal blocking.

[IvarLJ]

Just to clarify - and apologies if I am the only one confused by this:

[-] Does the hot swap version have or doesn't it have winkeys?

The description clearly says WKL, but then the layout diagram for the hot swap version shows the winkeys as available.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Just to clarify - and apologies if I am the only one confused by this:

[-] Does the hot swap version have or doesn't it have winkeys?

The description clearly says WKL, but then the layout diagram for the hot swap version shows the winkeys as available.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I've changed the name. Sorry for misunderstanding.

Any particular reason why 2u backspace for the hotswap layout? Hhkb/wkl is usually split backspace.

Might be because 2u backspace is more general. Scot didn't really focus on split it to two keys.

[Lyle88]

Just to clarify - and apologies if I am the only one confused by this:

[-] Does the hot swap version have or doesn't it have winkeys?

The description clearly says WKL, but then the layout diagram for the hot swap version shows the winkeys as available.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I am of the understanding that it supports layouts with bottom row 1.5, 1, 1.5, 7, 1.5, 1, 1,5 (WKL), but as long as your layout uses those key sizes it should be fine.
For example Scott has told me that it will be fine with my hhkb g60

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[oldcat]

very nice!

[lac29]

More Bluetooth customs please! I hope this is successful so that a 65% and other layouts with Bluetooth can be developed.

I'll say it as many times as possible. I think anything under 60% (and possibly including 60%) should be wireless.

[Vadurr]

Would be interested in this if the hotswap pcb had split backspace!

[Lyle88]

Would be interested in this if the hotswap pcb had split backspace!

If you are comfortable removing and re-attaching the backspace HS socket the holes for split BS are there I believe - you would need an extra HS socket though

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[KingOfMemes]

What batteries do I need to use with this

3.7v Li-Po Battery with PH plug

Is this something that is easily fit into a typical 60% case (especially other customs)? I've never worked with something like this before, and I guess I'm not fully grasping my options. Would I be able to charge it via the PCB being plugged in?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Would be interested in this if the hotswap pcb had split backspace!

If you are comfortable removing and re-attaching the backspace HS socket the holes for split BS are there I believe - you would need an extra HS socket though

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

No it's not workable. There is only one layout for HS version, which means only one position for backspace.

What batteries do I need to use with this

3.7v Li-Po Battery with PH plug

Is this something that is easily fit into a typical 60% case (especially other customs)? I've never worked with something like this before, and I guess I'm not fully grasping my options. Would I be able to charge it via the PCB being plugged in?

You will need to measure the space you have in your case.
I suggest you get a battery with a thickness lower than 5mm.

[lightingghost]

Which BT chip/solution are you using? How long it will last? Does it support device switching like filco TKL ?

[_BlueNote_]

Anyone have a link to the battery for this?

[bball2]

Group buy over? Says sold out on the site

[lac29]

Damnit I didn't notice this was active. GB seems like it's over.

[rooski15]

Any chance at extras on this one? Im sorry to have missed it.

[Justin_aka_OsP_SSJ4]

I am also confused about what the hotswap version supports.

Will I be able to use it with HHKB G60?

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Images show a split BS hotswap PCB also...

https://play-keyboard.store/products/copy-of-play-keyboard60-pcb?variant=29155775545462

[Lyle88]

I am also confused about what the hotswap version supports.

Will I be able to use it with HHKB G60?

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Images show a split BS hotswap PCB also...

https://play-keyboard.store/products/copy-of-play-keyboard60-pcb?variant=29155775545462

This is totally unconfirmed, but I get the feeling that for the HS version in this GB it is fixed layout to keep things simple but if you have joined the G60 GB and added this on via email you can select the layout (provided it fits within 7u bottom row layout)
Edit: spelling

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[slxdegrees]

Hey, are there any updates for the pcb, @PlayKeyboardTW? Or should we be expecting delays? Thank you!

Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Hi guys, production is done.
Now Scott is flashing firmware to each PCB, then we will be ready to pack them and send them to our place.

[Little4Real]

Will there be any extra PCBs, would like to get one or two.

[lac29]

I would possibly pick up an extra as well if they become available.

[slxdegrees]

How do I flash using QMK Toolbox? There are some features (e.g. LCtrl_T(Caps_Lock)) that are not present in VIA yet.

[Lyle88]

Can someone tell me what case is shown in the OP picture?

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[caonv]

it seems that the GB is over now 
I'm looking for a wireless 40 or 60% keyboard kit with HHKB layout. 
Unfortunately, such a keyboard does not exist, then I'm considering a separated bluetooth PCB and an universal 60/40 with a battery slot. 
I found this GB, but it's over.
Is there any chance this GB will be opened again in the future?
One more question, is this PCB compatible with popular 60 case such as XD60, DZ60 or GH60?
Could you guys give some recommendations for my above interests? Thank you!     

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Took a couple more days in custom clearance than we expected, but they are finally here.
We will start to test them before shipping them out. Thanks for all the patience.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

it seems that the GB is over now 
I'm looking for a wireless 40 or 60% keyboard kit with HHKB layout. 
Unfortunately, such a keyboard does not exist, then I'm considering a separated bluetooth PCB and an universal 60/40 with a battery slot. 
I found this GB, but it's over.
Is there any chance this GB will be opened again in the future?
One more question, is this PCB compatible with popular 60 case such as XD60, DZ60 or GH60?
Could you guys give some recommendations for my above interests? Thank you! 

It's compatible with 60% cases with battery slots.
We will have some extra in stock after GB orders are sent.
Please follow our Instagram for latest updates.

[caonv]

it seems that the GB is over now 
I'm looking for a wireless 40 or 60% keyboard kit with HHKB layout. 
Unfortunately, such a keyboard does not exist, then I'm considering a separated bluetooth PCB and an universal 60/40 with a battery slot. 
I found this GB, but it's over.
Is there any chance this GB will be opened again in the future?
One more question, is this PCB compatible with popular 60 case such as XD60, DZ60 or GH60?
Could you guys give some recommendations for my above interests? Thank you! 

It's compatible with 60% cases with battery slots.
We will have some extra in stock after GB orders are sent.
Please follow our Instagram for latest updates.

Great,
Looking for your update 
Hope the PCB works perfectly 

[caonv]

Which BT chip/solution are you using? How long it will last? Does it support device switching like filco TKL ?

I have same question as the above guy 

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Which BT chip/solution are you using? How long it will last? Does it support device switching like filco TKL ?

I have same question as the above guy 

We'll come back to answer above questions when shipping is all done.

[menuhin]

Does the hotswap actually feature a split backspace - a full Tsangan layout?

[ABrotherThatIsUndercover]

Excited to receive this, will finally be able to finish the build that its been waiting for.

[ogroves]

I missed out on the GB but I'm really interested in one of these, if there are any extras available please let me know.

[KevlarBear]

Just got mine delivered today and was wondering if there is any instructions or documentation available? Specifically, how to make it enter bluetooth pairing mode and re-pairing for another system. Also, which version of VIA Configurator will this be supported on? The latest version available (0.3.6) does not recognize this.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Hi. A quick update here.

We are glad to see most of you guys got PCBs.
Since this is a new product, the maker, Scott, is now trying to make an instruction for everyone to have an idea about how to play with this board.

BIOI G60BLE PCB is now only able to be editing on VIA Configurator: https://github.com/olivia/via-config/releases
And for pairing, all you need to do is turn on the switch besides spacebar key. Search the board on your device, then pair them.

We were about to put some extra PCBs for stock selling, but found that there are just a few of them.
So we are now discussing with Scott to hold another pre-sale of this product.

If there's any update, we will post it in here, reddit, and our Instagram.
Thanks everyone.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Show Image

Does the hotswap actually feature a split backspace - a full Tsangan layout?

Normal backspace, but there are split backspace positions reserved.

I missed out on the GB but I'm really interested in one of these, if there are any extras available please let me know.

Please keep an eye on our Instagram for any update. ;)

Just got mine delivered today and was wondering if there is any instructions or documentation available? Specifically, how to make it enter bluetooth pairing mode and re-pairing for another system. Also, which version of VIA Configurator will this be supported on? The latest version available (0.3.6) does not recognize this.

Answered in last reply. :)

[briemens]

Is there an option or a plan to configure the BIOI G60BLE 60% PCB via https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware ?

I have a lot of QMK keymaps for differrent PCB's and would like to have a keymap as a text file for this PCB as well.

[RominRonin]

I FINALLY got a battery for my one, I'm happy that I could connect and use the board.

There is a lock mode, according to the guide: "this mode is very useful when you’re difficult to access the power switch and you want to put the board into your backpack"

I wish there was another way to turn the board on or off, right now it seems like it's always on and attempting to pair when it is switched on.

Do I have to drill a hole in the bottom of my case to access the on/off switch?

[bball2]

Hey is there an estimate of when these are shipping if I ordered around Sep 2019?

[Lyle88]

Hey is there an estimate of when these are shipping if I ordered around Sep 2019?

Did you add the PCB order to an order for the G60 group buy or just the PCB by itself?

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

[Quakemz]

Can anyone recommend me some good battery options for this PCB? It's about time I buy one. I'm in the US.

[RominRonin]

Hi. A quick update here.

We are glad to see most of you guys got PCBs.
Since this is a new product, the maker, Scott, is now trying to make an instruction for everyone to have an idea about how to play with this board.

BIOI G60BLE PCB is now only able to be editing on VIA Configurator: https://github.com/olivia/via-config/releases
And for pairing, all you need to do is turn on the switch besides spacebar key. Search the board on your device, then pair them.

We were about to put some extra PCBs for stock selling, but found that there are just a few of them.
So we are now discussing with Scott to hold another pre-sale of this product.

If there's any update, we will post it in here, reddit, and our Instagram.
Thanks everyone.

I have a problem with mine. If I turn the switch on, pairing works fine. I use mine with my iPad, and when I leave them both over night, the connection appears to remain, but typing results in no key presses. I basically have to switch it off and on again to re-pair it.

Has anyone else had luck with keeping the keyboard paired (and working) with a device for more than a day without the connection failing?

Standard 60% cases have a reset button hole on the bottom of the case. The on/off button should be relocated to this location in future revisions of the PCB.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rooski15]

Hey is there an estimate of when these are shipping if I ordered around Sep 2019?

Did you add the PCB order to an order for the G60 group buy or just the PCB by itself?

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

I ordered just the PCB, if you can answer the question at all. Much appreciated.

[Lyle88]

Hey is there an estimate of when these are shipping if I ordered around Sep 2019?

Did you add the PCB order to an order for the G60 group buy or just the PCB by itself?

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

I ordered just the PCB, if you can answer the question at all. Much appreciated.

I added a PCB order to my G60 GB order and have not received either. I thought that people who just ordered the PCB received theirs a while ago..?

Actually now that I think about it, if you ordered the second round in sept then they probably haven't shipped. The first round GB ended in July then shipped around Sept. So 3-4 months lead time. I would expect them that ship soon, but it has been  CNY and with Wuhan pneumonia, there might be delays.

[MajorKoos]

They'll be shipped after CNY.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7IDN_AHQQI/

[rooski15]

They'll be shipped after CNY.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7IDN_AHQQI/

Awesome - thanks!

[CDKing]

I'm having an issue with mine. The board pairs just fine and shows up as connected, but I get no input when trying to use it. It seemed to be working very briefly, but then nothing. I've tried turning it on and off, unplugging the battery, removing it from my list of Bluetooth devices, flashing it, and trying it with my laptop. Exact same thing. Pairs, connects, and no input.

Anybody have any suggestions? There somewhere I can get help with this? Was really looking forward to using this thing wirelessly.

[Lyle88]

I'm having an issue with mine. The board pairs just fine and shows up as connected, but I get no input when trying to use it. It seemed to be working very briefly, but then nothing. I've tried turning it on and off, unplugging the battery, removing it from my list of Bluetooth devices, flashing it, and trying it with my laptop. Exact same thing. Pairs, connects, and no input.

Anybody have any suggestions? There somewhere I can get help with this? Was really looking forward to using this thing wirelessly.

Have you flashed a layout?

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

[CDKing]

Just the default bioi 60ble hex from the github page. Everything seems to work normally over usb and I can still change my layout with the VIA configurator.

[Lyle88]

Just the default bioi 60ble hex from the github page. Everything seems to work normally over usb and I can still change my layout with the VIA configurator.

Hmm, I can't help unfortunately because I'm waiting for mine to ship with my G60 purchase

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

[RominRonin]

I'm having an issue with mine. The board pairs just fine and shows up as connected, but I get no input when trying to use it. It seemed to be working very briefly, but then nothing. I've tried turning it on and off, unplugging the battery, removing it from my list of Bluetooth devices, flashing it, and trying it with my laptop. Exact same thing. Pairs, connects, and no input.

Anybody have any suggestions? There somewhere I can get help with this? Was really looking forward to using this thing wirelessly.

I have the same issue. Turning it and on and trying to repair multiple times is the only thing that seems to work, but it’s very inconsistent - sometimes it works straight away, sometimes it takes multiple attempts.

I was also looking forward to using this wirelessly, but these inconsistencies mean that it’s gathering dust.

I hope we can get some support or improvement on this.

[CDKing]

Just the default bioi 60ble hex from the github page. Everything seems to work normally over usb and I can still change my layout with the VIA configurator.

Hmm, I can't help unfortunately because I'm waiting for mine to ship with my G60 purchase

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

Yeah, no problem. Now instead of showing as G60BLE in the list of bluetooth devices it shows up as Adafruit Bluefruit LE... under "Other Devices".
Really hope we can get some kind of support for this. Was looking forward to a wireless endgame.

[MajorKoos]

Just the default bioi 60ble hex from the github page. Everything seems to work normally over usb and I can still change my layout with the VIA configurator.

Hmm, I can't help unfortunately because I'm waiting for mine to ship with my G60 purchase

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

Yeah, no problem. Now instead of showing as G60BLE in the list of bluetooth devices it shows up as Adafruit Bluefruit LE... under "Other Devices".
Really hope we can get some kind of support for this. Was looking forward to a wireless endgame.

What are you testing the bluetooth with?  A PC, a MAC or an IPAD?

[CDKing]

Just the default bioi 60ble hex from the github page. Everything seems to work normally over usb and I can still change my layout with the VIA configurator.

Hmm, I can't help unfortunately because I'm waiting for mine to ship with my G60 purchase

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

Yeah, no problem. Now instead of showing as G60BLE in the list of bluetooth devices it shows up as Adafruit Bluefruit LE... under "Other Devices".
Really hope we can get some kind of support for this. Was looking forward to a wireless endgame.

What are you testing the bluetooth with?  A PC, a MAC or an IPAD?

Been testing it on a couple of PCs, one desktop and one laptop, both Windows 10. Also tried it on an android phone.
Doesn't even appear to be showing up as a keyboard anymore, just appears under Other Devices. Still works over usb normally.

Not sure if this has to do with anything, but when I go into Device Manager and check under Events for both the G60BLE and another bluetooth keyboard, the other keeb shows:
Device install requested
Device not migrated
Device configured (bth.inf)
Device started
Device installed (bth.inf_aand64_da25af566201ac2c)

While the G60BLE never shows the Device install requested or the Device installed events. Don't really know if that's relevant though. Think they're both different versions of bluetooth.

[MajorKoos]

Have you tried reinstalling the bluetooth drivers for your motherboard/laptop?
And also confirmed that it supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher?

[CDKing]

Have you tried reinstalling the bluetooth drivers for your motherboard/laptop?
And also confirmed that it supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher?

Already tried. Don't know about the laptop but I know for sure my desktop does. Now it's showing up as a keyboard again but it's flip-flopping from Paired to Connected. This thing is going nuts.


And now it's not working at all. Fantastic.

[RominRonin]

I have a similar experience. My iPad Pro 10.5 has BT 4.2, that’s the main device I want to use this with.

I can pair without issue, but once paired there is no guarantee that it will work.

I tried turning it off and on again, I tried charging it over night (in case a low battery was causing this). Sometimes it connects and works, sometimes it doesn’t.

I’ve stopped trying, since it is too inconsistent for me to carry around and try eg. in a coffee shop (it’s one thing being the nerd that carries a mechanical keyboard with, it’s another when you take it out, try to connect, fail and put it away again!).

I’m hoping for a fix or improved instructions.

[RominRonin]

OK, so I tried again last night to pair and simply couldn’t see the device, no matter how often I turned it off and on again. I left the board charging overnight and tried again this morning and it worked first time.

This could all just be battery related.

I read in the instructions somewhere that the keyboard attempts to pair the moment the battery is plugged in, unless the cable is attached to a PC, does that mean that it is constantly discharging?

There is the shortcut to lock the keys (left shift + right shift + L), it would be great to have a shortcut to enable/disable the pairing mode.

One thing I should add, is that I haven’t soldered the LEDs yet, so I think having some visual feedback for the various modes might help relieve some of my own frustration!

[ninjinphu]

Can anyone recommend me some good battery options for this PCB? It's about time I buy one. I'm in the US.

Ordered one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J2QET64/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 will let you know how it goes / if it'll fit in a polaris. should be here saturday

[demonahz]

Is there any manual or something? I'm trying to find more information on how to pair with different computers and so on.

Also, it feels like the caps-lock holes are misplaced and make it impossible to fully insert the switch (hotswap version). It works, but it is loose.

I can provide photos or videos if required. I ask for the manual because I want to make sure I'm not doing anything wrong

Thanks

[ninjinphu]

Is there any manual or something? I'm trying to find more information on how to pair with different computers and so on.

Also, it feels like the caps-lock holes are misplaced and make it impossible to fully insert the switch (hotswap version). It works, but it is loose.

I can provide photos or videos if required. I ask for the manual because I want to make sure I'm not doing anything wrong

Thanks

Did you solder the hotswap socket tabs?

[godofdeath]

Any pcbs left? I would like one to test out something for some of my builds.

Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk

[RominRonin]

I might sell mine. Are you in the eu?

[rooski15]

Any pcbs left? I would like one to test out something for some of my builds.

Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk

Or I, in the US.

[godofdeath]

I'm in the US

Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk

[rooski15]

I didn't see this link here anywhere, but I found it helpful for evaluating all of the components on the board, etc. Seems like there is a pair of aux switch pads you could use to put an external power switch in. Should be able to locate this on the bottom of the board or anywhere, really, if you just run a couple wires and attach it somehow. either way, helpful information.

https://scottywei.github.io/bioi-g60ble/

[rooski15]

Anyone have battery friendly case recommendations?

[Lyle88]

Anyone have battery friendly case recommendations?

Acrylic tofu

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

[lac29]

Anyone have battery friendly case recommendations?

Jupiter75

[rooski15]

Anyone have battery friendly case recommendations?

Jupiter75

Should have specified 60%...

[RominRonin]

kbdfans 5 degree case, both the wooden and metal versions.

[rooski15]

Finally got it mounted - thought I might use the reset hole for adding an auxiliary power switch. Nope! Suboptimal processor placement.

[RominRonin]

Yeah, I found that odd too!

[Slyceth]

Is this one still available? Otherwise could you recommend me a different 65% hotswappable PCB with no rgb/bluetooth?