geekhack

geekhack Marketplace => Group Buys and Preorders => Topic started by: Pwner on Sat, 14 August 2021, 16:08:08

Title: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | In Production
Post by: Pwner on Sat, 14 August 2021, 16:08:08
(https://i.imgur.com/F23iIJ2.jpg)
Equinox XL
Equinox is back - The compact size and PCB-mount structure remain, but this time with more keys and a screwless exterior.

To stay up-to-date, it is highly recommended to join either ai03's (https://discord.gg/qA5JD9y) or ION Keyboard's (https://discord.gg/jyFVCaA) Discord server.


(https://i.imgur.com/UqlDeB1.png)
Visible Evolution
The proven tabbed-gasket PCB mount structure from the original Equinox remains, offering an unusual yet comfortable typing feel designed primarily for plateless use.
Equinox XL has been updated from the original with a seamless design and internal screws, making the exterior clean and sleek from any angle.


(https://i.imgur.com/FiKJi0N.jpg)
From the Desk to the World
The compact yet functional 50% key layout of the Equinox XL allows for easy migration from larger layouts while also ensuring compatibility with many keysets.
An internal brass weight balances the board’s mass - just light enough for portability, and just heavy enough for stability during use.


(https://i.imgur.com/FquPdjj.jpg)
Tailored to the Occasion
Choose between winkey and winkeyless variants to choose between maximum functionality and a classic aesthetic.
The PCB allows for 3U-1U-3U split spacebar to extend productivity further without sacrificing the symmetrical aesthetic.


(https://imgur.com/rSHFadm)
Specifications
- Aluminum case, internal clear cerakote brass weight, manufactured by Salvun CNC
- Weight: ~670g for the case incl. internal weight
- PCB: Soldered (Non-hotswap), QMK/VIA
- Case colors: Black, Blue, Grey (https://i.imgur.com/36fqd2o.jpg), Purple (https://i.imgur.com/36fqd2o.jpg), Red
- Case variants: Winkey or Winkeyless
- Cost: $320USD
- GB Date: August 15th - August 29th, 2021
- Shipping: Q4 2022
- Vendors: Cannonkeys (https://cannonkeys.com/collections/newest-products/products/gb-ion-x-ai03-equinox-xl), Salvun (https://salvun.com/collections/featured/products/equinox-xl), Daily Clack (https://dailyclack.com/collections/keyboards/products/ion-x-ai03-equinox-xl-keyboard-kit), Typeplus (https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a312a.7700824.w4004-23239350573.12.ce2c5c9eMEuIlV&id=653062313805), Yusha Kobo (https://shop.yushakobo.jp/products/gb-ion-x-ai03-equinox-xl)

- Media coverage/streamer review: Lightning Keyboards Build Stream (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OPbFYMSwqE), Alexotos Build Stream (https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1107281487), Apiary Keyboards Build Stream (https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1122401838)
- Note: PCB-mounted structure. It is recommended to use PCB-mount switches without a plate.
If absolutely necessary, please use the bundled FR-4 plate, or cut a plate based on the provided plate files.


Layouts
(https://i.imgur.com/j2sxOGy.png)


Images
(https://i.imgur.com/hyD76TY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vFyGVyh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aDU6xgS.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ksPbLBd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bSgU5Sd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2SV6T5O.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZmHTcon.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yF9Rvce.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Q53xhc9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8ifCCEB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iqswwS1.jpg)


Typing Tests
ai03 x Ion Equinox XL Prototype with lubed MX Blacks Typing Sounds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIcYlCxU5eg)
ai03 x Ion Equinox XL Prototype with lubed Snag Linears Typing Sounds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTXQld4ZpHQ)

Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: Pwner on Sat, 14 August 2021, 16:08:22
Sep. 2021 - Case materials order placed
Nov. 2021 - All standard tops and half of the WKL tops have been machined.
Dec. 2021 - Machining well underway (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=114196.msg3098177#msg3098177)
Jan. 2022 - Machining nearly finished
Feb. 2022 - Machining finished
Mar. 2022 - In ano queue
Apr. 2022 - In ano queue
May 2022 - Anodizing stage has begun (Mid May)
Jun. 2022 - Anodizing continues
Jul. 2022 - Anodizing continues
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: NoteMakoti on Sat, 14 August 2021, 19:46:54
Quote
- Shipping: Q4 2022

gee willikers...
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: ESJvR on Sun, 15 August 2021, 08:08:15
Reserved
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: BouncyChillups on Sun, 15 August 2021, 13:50:24
This is literally the only sub 60 board I ever considered. Great job, looks great
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: directheatedtriode on Sun, 15 August 2021, 18:19:21
Too smol for me but definitely appreciated that this will be pretty easy to buy. Hope you guys all the best with this one.
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: YXXX on Sun, 15 August 2021, 22:26:08
jeez sound test
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: Jo_hannes on Mon, 16 August 2021, 05:05:15
Daily Clack mentions a hard carrying case being included when ordering Equinox, but I cannot find that info on Salvun's page. Is the case only included for DC customers in that case? Also, CK has anodizing samples up for purple and grey - might be good to add these to the other vendors' sites as well. :)

Best,
Johannes
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: Chingu on Tue, 17 August 2021, 14:29:28
Sorry if I missed it, bit does the PCB support QMK and VIA?
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: LightningXI on Tue, 17 August 2021, 16:00:48
Quote from: Chingu on Tue, 17 August 2021, 14:29:28
Sorry if I missed it, bit does the PCB support QMK and VIA?
Yes
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: honoka on Thu, 19 August 2021, 01:30:43
Also interested to know if there is a carry case included with the board
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: honoka on Wed, 25 August 2021, 07:30:02
Any chance OP can jump in and answer some questions in the thread?
@Pwner
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: Jo_hannes on Mon, 30 August 2021, 05:15:39
Quote from: honoka on Wed, 25 August 2021, 07:30:02
Any chance OP can jump in and answer some questions in the thread?
@Pwner

Answer appears to be no, sadly.

Well, in the end, the 3-1-3 spacebar was was deterred me as a right thumb spacer. Too bad, otherwise this really would have been a nice travel board. /Johannes
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | Live: 8/15-8/29
Post by: Pwner on Mon, 30 August 2021, 14:34:01
Quote from: honoka on Thu, 19 August 2021, 01:30:43
Also interested to know if there is a carry case included with the board

Apologize for the delay, but yes they all have a carry case.
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | In Production
Post by: Pwner on Sat, 04 December 2021, 16:07:17
Pictures courtesy of Salvun, production going great!

(https://i.imgur.com/LzrWa7R.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gfcRf4n.jpg)
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | In Production
Post by: honoka on Fri, 02 September 2022, 04:12:09
Hi, all good?
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | In Production
Post by: Kokaloo on Fri, 18 November 2022, 14:11:49
is anodizing still continuing
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | In Production
Post by: Kokaloo on Thu, 25 May 2023, 13:38:18
Is anodizing still continuing
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | In Production
Post by: ggggggg on Thu, 25 May 2023, 13:50:17
I remember turning this down in favour of Oceanographer, partly because of the projected fulfilment date.
I wonder which, if any, will come first. Either way, joke's on me.
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | In Production
Post by: ESJvR on Fri, 26 May 2023, 02:25:56
Same for me turned this down for FK45 at the time, which I received a year later. Really wondering how long it takes until fulfilment and extras drop
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | In Production
Post by: iamtragic on Fri, 26 May 2023, 06:49:32
[attachimg=1]

Latest update from ai03's discord.
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | In Production
Post by: honoka on Thu, 14 September 2023, 06:21:14
Two years have passed. Cheers everyone!
#neverforget
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | In Production
Post by: Mecxs on Thu, 14 September 2023, 14:54:27
Latest update was half the boards are done, haha.

Cya in 2025.
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | In Production
Post by: honoka on Wed, 17 January 2024, 18:22:09
Remember when we scoffed at the 2022 Q4 ETA?Holy smokes. Zero accountability. Zero updates here. Zero ****s.
You folks killed the gb-model with this one.
Title: Re: [GB] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard | In Production
Post by: Kokaloo on Thu, 18 January 2024, 10:57:31
Is anodizing still continuing