This is mainly going to be a copy-pasta of the Reddit IC for those that have seen it, but I was persuaded to post here as well.'Gemini' a TKL with two personalities
I'm going to start off with the goods before I bore you with a wall of text. I'm pretty terrible at renders, so here's an album of prototype shots instead:
Prototype AlbumInterest Check Google FormCheck out our InstagramJoin Night Owl Keyboards DiscordThe Novatouch TKL was my gateway board into this hobby some years ago and I've always wanted a custom case to accompany it. There were a few key features that I wanted to tackle in my design:
- Inclined Typing Angle
- Isolation Mount (aka Gasket)
- USB-C
Along the way I thought, why not make it compatible with a custom plate and PCB for MX switch compatibility for the people who either don't have a Novatouch laying around or don't want to try hunting one down?
Gemini accomplishes this compatibility by offering two different top options based on your needs. (The Novatouch has a non-standard spacing between the F-Row and Alphas.) The bottom is universal and will work with either top you choose.
As you can see, the design has been prototyped, built, and tested. Minor revisions will be made to tweak tolerances here and there but I have found no major issues or design flaws. This interest check will serve to collect information on the preferred layouts, colors, materials, and weight design (I couldn't decide which one I liked better, so I made both).
Initial feedback from the first round of replies has been overwhelmingly in favor of the Logo only Bottom, so that is the one I will be pricing. Both prototype colors came out a bit darker than I was expecting (dark gray aluminum and smoked polycarbonate), but I still really like them. I may request that they be lightened a bit depending on feedback.
I also had some forged carbon fiber plates made up for fun. These aren't as pretty to machine as the standard twill due to the fibers running all different directions, but I could be convinced to offer this as an option.
As this is my first foray, I will keep the numbers low and manageable, likely fewer than 50 units. The Group Buy will likely also be North America only due to the current state of affairs. If you have a U.S.-based proxy or want to find one, that is fine with me.
As for the MX PCB, it should be compatible with Hiney's new H87 and H88. I'm working out the details with him at this time.
Alps compatibility? - I have no plans to offer an Alps plate, however, if Hiney's new PCB's are the ones used for this GB, they are Alps compatible and I can release plate files for anyone that would like to have their own manufactured.
Additional Info:- Case Materials Offered: Aluminum/Polycarbonate
- Weight Material: Polished Stainless Steel
- Color Choices: E-White Alu, Dark Gray Alu, Smoked Poly, Frosted Clear Poly
- Plate Material Choices: Alu, Brass, FR4, Carbon Fiber
- Typing Angle: 7.77°
- Front Height: Approx 21mm
- Center Mount USB-C
- Sleeved/Seamless Design
Kit Contents:| MX Version | | Novatouch Version |
| MX Compatible Top | | Novatouch Compatible Top |
| Universal Bottom | | Universal Bottom |
| Polished Stainless Steel Weight | | Polished Stainless Steel Weight |
| MX Compatible Plate (aluminum) | | USB-C Daughterboard (NTA v1.0) |
| Custom Molded U-Gaskets for Plate | | Custom Die-Cut Gaskets |
| Custom Molded Feet | | Custom Molded Feet |
Estimated Pricing:- MX Version: $555
- Novatouch Version: $525
There will be options for upgrades/add-ons such as additional tops, plates in other materials, PCBs, daughter boards, etc.
Since this is the first post about this project here on GH, I am going to leave the form open a bit longer to collect more responses from users that might not have seen this project yet. Hopefully I'll have another update for you all by the end of next week containing the information and planned date for the Group Buy.
I hope you guys are as excited about this project as I am. Gemini is the first design from Night Owl Keyboards. Check out our
Instagram or join our
Discord for updates on this and future projects.
Thanks for taking the time to check out my IC. Feel free to leave comments, questions, criticism.
