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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: Zeeejay on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:45:44

Title: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: Zeeejay on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:45:44
Modulus

Hi everyone. I started designing this keyboard over a year ago to achieve a specific side profile I wanted. I’m a big fan of the basic wedge design in keyboards but I also wanted just a bit of added flair to still keep my design unique. After a lot of testing and redesigning I’m happy enough with the second prototype to revive this IC.

Form:https://forms.gle/LCLxwDDpfosoev1e6 (https://forms.gle/LCLxwDDpfosoev1e6)


Details

- Top Mount Aluminum Case
- 6 Degree Typing Angle
- ≈17.8mm front height
- Brass weight

The board was designed to use PCBs with ports centered between the “esc” and “1” keys such as the ANC-60 and WT60.

(https://imgur.com/l1fni6o.png)

(https://imgur.com/uYUYFD8.png)


Renders

(https://imgur.com/ONTlfOS.jpg)

(https://imgur.com/iasYs3t.jpg)

(https://imgur.com/en5hswP.jpg)

(https://imgur.com/67KvuNA.jpg)

The plate is top-mounted with 4 mounting points. The cutout around the spacebar is inspired by Windeh's Omega 60 and has been further stylized to look like a linked list.

(https://imgur.com/NTlK3lE.png)


Prototype Photos

The second prototype features revisions to the port and seam to better achieve the aesthetic I was aiming for. The underside has also been changed to an engraving (infilled) paired with a through weight which depicts a binary search tree where the root node is accented by the brass. The final board design currently differs slightly from this proto by featuring 4 case screws and the redesigned plate shown in the renders. The PCB in the build is an ANC-60 from Cannonkeys.

(https://imgur.com/4eyJdpq.jpg)

(https://imgur.com/rzcmo1y.jpg)

(https://imgur.com/EUAaBhN.jpg)

(https://imgur.com/QH6e4d2.jpg)


Group Buy Plans

- Price is TBD but my target is ≈350 USD at a decently sized MOQ (≈80 units) with vendor involvement
- I'm leaning towards offering WK and WKL layout options based on current IC feedback
- I'm quite happy with the gray and red anodization on my prototypes so they will likely be the options for the group buy. Feel free to suggest colors on the form since I may change my mind or find it feasible to add more color options. Pictures of the gray ano on prototype 1: https://imgur.com/a/FcqEoeV (https://imgur.com/a/FcqEoeV)
- I plan on including a PCB in the kit

Extra Info

More

Inspiration

The Modulus is a programming-themed keyboard. The binary search tree and linked list are both common data structures and the name of the board is a reference to modulo operations.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linked_list (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linked_list)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_search_tree (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_search_tree)


Fitment and Design

The board is designed with a tiny bit of extra tolerance in the two rear corners of the board between the top and bottom halves of the case. This is to ensure that there is only one plane of contact between the halves when they are fitted together. Besides the complexity of the seam, the design of this board follows a simple top-mounted wedge.

(https://imgur.com/zY83ANA.png)
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: OtherAndrew on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:46:47
sick
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Kokaloo on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:51:26
yep
what PCB did you end up using for the proto?
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: jooobe on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:51:46
Nice

Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: undecidedshark on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:53:05
noice!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Fredington on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:53:13
HHKB please
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: kyuut on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:53:55
interesting
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Boy_314 on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:57:23
very cool seam design
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Zeeejay on Wed, 16 September 2020, 15:09:29
Quote from: Kokaloo on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:51:26
yep
what PCB did you end up using for the proto?
The 1st proto was built with a DZ60 because I initially designed the port to be compatible with all standard 60% type C pcbs (if you zoom in on the second picture you can tell there is significant additional clearance). I decided to tighten the port for aesthetic reasons so the DZ60 should no longer be compatible with the revised design.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Bl4ck on Wed, 16 September 2020, 15:18:11
Quote from: Zeeejay on Wed, 16 September 2020, 15:09:29
Quote from: Kokaloo on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:51:26
yep
what PCB did you end up using for the proto?
The 1st proto was built with a DZ60 because I initially designed the port to be compatible with all standard 60% type C pcbs (if you zoom in on the second picture you can tell there is significant additional clearance). I decided to tighten the port for aesthetic reasons so the DZ60 should no longer be compatible with the revised design.

If your goal is to support most 60% pcbs, you should probably keep it as the proto, its actually pretty tight for a universal board already
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: KingOfMemes on Wed, 16 September 2020, 15:38:24
Quote from: Fredington on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:53:13
HHKB please
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Zeeejay on Wed, 16 September 2020, 15:41:32
Quote from: Fredington on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:53:13
HHKB please

Quote from: KingOfMemes on Wed, 16 September 2020, 15:38:24
Quote from: Fredington on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:53:13
HHKB please
Form Updated
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: paperassgasket on Wed, 16 September 2020, 16:02:58
I actually really like that side seam  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: yui_ on Wed, 16 September 2020, 16:04:19
i love seamed designs like this. ne 6.25 avail (or at least open-sourced plate files after gb, as this would allow for iso plates to be made too).
glwic!!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: dingusxmcgee on Wed, 16 September 2020, 17:01:59
Happy to see this awesome seam work come to GB! Good luck! :)
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: alspdx on Wed, 16 September 2020, 19:02:41
Looks great, also interested in HHKB!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: n.rdy on Wed, 16 September 2020, 19:03:40
Yo this is super cool!!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Janoma on Wed, 16 September 2020, 19:26:32
that WEIGHT *chef's kiss*
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: ItszBrian on Wed, 16 September 2020, 19:33:43
The design isn’t over the top but the seams give a nice edge to it. If I may suggest, anodized purple would look awesome.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: heyimpanda on Wed, 16 September 2020, 20:07:06
yes bb
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Rozalin81 on Wed, 16 September 2020, 20:14:36
Very clean! I like that side seam a lot!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Mcnos on Wed, 16 September 2020, 20:42:20
That's pretty cool
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Avocadough on Wed, 16 September 2020, 22:58:28
this is so so so nice
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: nasp on Thu, 17 September 2020, 06:35:47
Quote from: Bl4ck on Wed, 16 September 2020, 15:18:11
Quote from: Zeeejay on Wed, 16 September 2020, 15:09:29
Quote from: Kokaloo on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:51:26
yep
what PCB did you end up using for the proto?
The 1st proto was built with a DZ60 because I initially designed the port to be compatible with all standard 60% type C pcbs (if you zoom in on the second picture you can tell there is significant additional clearance). I decided to tighten the port for aesthetic reasons so the DZ60 should no longer be compatible with the revised design.

If your goal is to support most 60% pcbs, you should probably keep it as the proto, its actually pretty tight for a universal board already

So is the DZ60 PCB's USB not in the same location as the ANC-60 or WT60 USB?
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Paputcher on Thu, 17 September 2020, 08:06:36
looks really good
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: The.Ryan.Gamer on Thu, 17 September 2020, 10:11:00
IC Filled.
Interested to get the WKL version. Man, this looks clean.  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Zeeejay on Thu, 17 September 2020, 10:12:56
Quote from: jorj_mk on Wed, 16 September 2020, 16:04:19
i love seamed designs like this. ne 6.25 avail (or at least open-sourced plate files after gb, as this would allow for iso plates to be made too).
glwic!!
I do plan on releasing plate files after the group buy.

Quote from: nasp on Thu, 17 September 2020, 06:35:47
Quote from: Bl4ck on Wed, 16 September 2020, 15:18:11
Quote from: Zeeejay on Wed, 16 September 2020, 15:09:29
Quote from: Kokaloo on Wed, 16 September 2020, 14:51:26
yep
what PCB did you end up using for the proto?
The 1st proto was built with a DZ60 because I initially designed the port to be compatible with all standard 60% type C pcbs (if you zoom in on the second picture you can tell there is significant additional clearance). I decided to tighten the port for aesthetic reasons so the DZ60 should no longer be compatible with the revised design.

If your goal is to support most 60% pcbs, you should probably keep it as the proto, its actually pretty tight for a universal board already

So is the DZ60 PCB's USB not in the same location as the ANC-60 or WT60 USB?
The DZ60's port sits slightly closer to the "esc" key. The variation in port location is quite small but after receiving the prototype I think the extra space bothers me just enough that I would prefer tightening the port; hence the design change.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: kw88 on Thu, 17 September 2020, 12:01:35
at first I was excited about this, but then I read dz60 is not supported, and now I am sad :(
nonetheless, very good keyboard, plain and simple
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: CustomerSupport on Thu, 17 September 2020, 13:50:11
Quote from: kw88 on Thu, 17 September 2020, 12:01:35
at first I was excited about this, but then I read dz60 is not supported, and now I am sad :(
nonetheless, very good keyboard, plain and simple

Yeah it isn't necessarily up to preference either; if a PCB has issues or a critical mistake is made down the line, this beautiful case is rendered obsolete. Supporting DZ60, GH60, and other similar PCBs allows for easy replacement in the unfortunate (and hopefully unlikely) instance that the proprietary PCB becomes unusable. Also, it may be cheaper to use an existing PCB than design a proprietary one.

Anyways, also interested in this board and love the design. WinKey and HHKB layouts pique my interest.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: kwerty on Fri, 18 September 2020, 00:53:48
I like this a lot
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Pizza_on_Pineapple on Fri, 18 September 2020, 01:12:56
I'm interested! Looks great
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Shutter_Shock on Sat, 19 September 2020, 01:04:44
I’m interested. ANSI support would be a good option to allow compatibility with hotswap ANSI PCBs like the Instant60. Also good for people like me that prefer ANSI for 60% because it adds a key to the bottom row. A plate that allows for an ANSI bottom row and still a split right shift would be ideal IMO.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Cloods on Sat, 19 September 2020, 02:36:21
Could see people painting the line with some enamel paint or something to make it really pop. Cool board
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sun, 20 September 2020, 12:01:59
Love the seam on this, looking forward to seeing it happen.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Shutter_Shock on Sun, 20 September 2020, 12:07:18
Quote from: Cloods on Sat, 19 September 2020, 02:36:21
Could see people painting the line with some enamel paint or something to make it really pop. Cool board

I was thinking the exact same thing. If I can get one, I’ll probably cerakote it black with hot pink in the seam and on the weight.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: fritte on Sun, 20 September 2020, 19:34:06
As others have mentioned it would look even sicker if you had color options for the line/seam. Regardless, nice case. Any idea when you may get a price estimate?
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Zeeejay on Tue, 06 October 2020, 21:28:24
Quote from: fritte on Sun, 20 September 2020, 19:34:06
As others have mentioned it would look even sicker if you had color options for the line/seam. Regardless, nice case. Any idea when you may get a price estimate?
It would be after I recieve and evaluate the 2nd prototype.

Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: SenseiJia on Tue, 06 October 2020, 22:40:49
Looks interesting! gj
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: lush_bunny on Tue, 06 October 2020, 22:44:45
ngl those seams as SICK
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Benedikt on Wed, 31 March 2021, 10:01:48
Is this project still alive? I love that seam.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Skeil on Sat, 10 April 2021, 08:50:06
I love the seams and the brass weight, glwic!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: NovaRMK on Sat, 10 April 2021, 12:41:30
Please
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: AstralYT on Mon, 12 April 2021, 01:16:52
Please

Sent from my Redmi Note 7 Pro using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: AstralYT on Sat, 17 April 2021, 17:43:17
OP come on, come back and start the GB fast.

Sent from my Redmi Note 7 Pro using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: Zeeejay on Sat, 24 April 2021, 00:22:19
Thanks for all the support so far, the redesign is currently still being tweaked. I would love to run a group buy but since this is my first board it is very important that I take my time to ensure that I am happy with everything before I can give it further consideration. I'm quite excited about the changes so far and I hope I'll be able to post more substantial updates soon!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: AstralYT on Mon, 26 April 2021, 10:27:56
Quote from: Zeeejay on Sat, 24 April 2021, 00:22:19
Thanks for all the support so far, the redesign is currently still being tweaked. I would love to run a group buy but since this is my first board it is very important that I take my time to ensure that I am happy with everything before I can give it further consideration. I'm quite excited about the changes so far and I hope I'll be able to post more substantial updates soon!
Will be keeping an eye out for all the updates. Take your time, make a great keeb.

Sent from my Redmi Note 7 Pro using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: UswordM on Sat, 08 May 2021, 01:49:15
I really like the design of this board. So noicee
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: switchnollie on Sat, 08 May 2021, 02:24:05
Nice to see that is has USB-C :cool:
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: handmademedal on Sat, 08 May 2021, 09:44:43
WKL would be noice
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus
Post by: AstralYT on Sat, 08 May 2021, 09:48:00
Consider adding flex cuts to the plate, leaf-spring mount will be interesting.

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Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: Zeeejay on Mon, 16 August 2021, 19:21:45
IC Updated. It's been a hectic year, I'm pretty excited to finally post some progress!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: _rubik on Mon, 16 August 2021, 19:27:50
Looking great. Do you plan to offer any plate materials other than alu?
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: Zeeejay on Mon, 16 August 2021, 19:33:13
Quote from: _rubik on Mon, 16 August 2021, 19:27:50
Looking great. Do you plan to offer any plate materials other than alu?
Yes, I have a poll on it in the form. Keep in mind that I won't be able to keep the flex cuts in the picture for softer materials.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: bukowski on Tue, 17 August 2021, 03:29:58
Wow, this looks amazing!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: AstralYT on Tue, 17 August 2021, 04:33:29
Newer weight and engravings do look nice, but I must say I do prefer the older Triangle through-hole weight design. Really liking the look of the Gray WKL. 4-point leaf-spring Alu plate is a cherry on top, along with the proposed standard POM plate. As for the third colour, Silver would be nice classy addition.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: zekth on Tue, 17 August 2021, 09:29:20
I'm in!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: _PixelNinja on Tue, 17 August 2021, 09:33:14
Nice update! I'll admit to preferring the old weight too as the design reflects your seam design. A bit sad to see HHKB layout go but if it did not get enough votes that's just how things are.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: dallman5 on Tue, 17 August 2021, 09:35:12
Been following your project for a bit and excited to see that its still in the works! I'll chime in and say that I'm also partial to the old weight design.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: Zeeejay on Tue, 17 August 2021, 13:14:56
Quote from: AstralYT on Tue, 17 August 2021, 04:33:29
Newer weight and engravings do look nice, but I must say I do prefer the older Triangle through-hole weight design. Really liking the look of the Gray WKL. 4-point leaf-spring Alu plate is a cherry on top, along with the proposed standard POM plate. As for the third colour, Silver would be nice classy addition.

Quote from: _PixelNinja on Tue, 17 August 2021, 09:33:14
Nice update! I'll admit to preferring the old weight too as the design reflects your seam design. A bit sad to see HHKB layout go but if it did not get enough votes that's just how things are.

Quote from: dallman5 on Tue, 17 August 2021, 09:35:12
Been following your project for a bit and excited to see that its still in the works! I'll chime in and say that I'm also partial to the old weight design.

Thanks for the feedback; I'm actually pretty surprised at all the support for the old weight design so far. I should probably explicitly mention that the new weight design depicts a binary search tree (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_search_tree) where the root node is accented by the brass. This board is meant to have an overall theme related to programming hence the linked list on the plate. I've added this bit to the IC.

(https://imgur.com/c5V2Oyz.jpg)

While I thought the old triangular weight did look nice, I couldn't say that I was completely happy with it because at the end of the day it was a nonsensical design meant only to look "cool". Once I received the board I also thought that the design looked a bit underwhelming in person compared to the renders. In addition, triangular logos are used so often I couldn't help but feel that my old design was a tad generic. In fact, right after I posted my initial IC I was contacted by Justin who had coincidentally come up with a similar design for his logo at the time. He was super nice and just wanted to make sure I was aware and comfortable with the similarities, but it still showed how adding a "cool-looking triangle" probably isn't the best choice in terms of creativity.

(https://imgur.com/80V5mzl.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/LiUTHLi.png)

I just wanted to offer some insight into why I made the change, and for what it's worth, after receiving both prototypes in person I am very happy about the change I made.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: _rubik on Tue, 17 August 2021, 16:54:46
FWIW I'm a super fan of the new binary tree weight. It's such a subtle flex to say "my keyboard plate has a linked list on it", too.

That said, not everyone here is a software eng / has a degree in CS, so maybe it'll go over some heads.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: heyimpanda on Tue, 17 August 2021, 23:17:31
yeah but can you invert that binary tree on a whiteboard???

jokes aside, glad that this project is still alive. as a professional googler the new weight speaks to me more.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: HappyB0T on Wed, 18 August 2021, 00:16:14
I really appreciate you sharing your design decision on the weight. I liked the new design before I knew what it was and do prefer it.
The other design shiny objects on this keyboard are minimal and yet fun and refreshing. IC filled.
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: Senpai_deezy on Wed, 18 August 2021, 13:13:19
looks great, really like the side profile
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: denibhoxha on Tue, 24 August 2021, 11:19:20
looks baller
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: catamscott on Thu, 26 August 2021, 19:11:40
don't know how this slipped under my radar, but this looks really really nice. mounting looks good (love seeing the omega60 spacebar cut) the exaggerated seam saves it from looking like yet another boring, wedge shaped keyboard, and the binary tree design on the bottom with the slight brass accent looks super slick and i much prefer it to the original bottom. think this would look stellar in silver or blue gray  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: Ustinj on Thu, 26 August 2021, 19:18:24
Looks very nice!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: DJ Clicks on Thu, 06 October 2022, 05:36:43
Any progress on this? Or has it unfortunately died?
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: lewisflude on Thu, 06 October 2022, 14:35:20
Genuinely like what you've done with the plate here!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: Flybeck on Fri, 07 October 2022, 10:52:37
This will be a nice typing experience. Love the side profile too! Gl!
Title: Re: [IC] Modulus (Updated)
Post by: mjkedacat on Sun, 12 February 2023, 22:08:42
Is this project still alive? If yes, is there a discord for it?