Hi Geekhack members
This is Kelvin from SKYLOONG. I'm so excited to share our first IC thread over Geekhack.
Regarding the first IC thread, I'm going to share our upgraded GK61, that is GK61 Pro with you.
Please help us to complete the IC form:
https://forms.gle/pk5RzRXEuAwDPcPM8
A 61-key keyboard with a knob in the middle of the spacebar.
You may strange "It's just a common keyboard with a split spacebar and knob, how dare you call it 'PRO'?"
You might be right.
It's just a traditional keyboard layout added with a knob on a split spacebar. This keyboard has neither the special structure of an ergonomic keyboard nor the gorgeous design of most GBs.
How dare we?
We're at sea regarding this attempt at style and functionality improvement.
However, the reformation of products and the progress of functions require people to attempt and innovate constantly.
SKYLOONG is just the most ordinary one in the keyboard field, and SKYLOONG will also implement the core concept of "Tech & Fun" to provide more interesting technologies in the keyboard field.
GK61 Pro is SKYLOONG's latest attempted result, with three versions available.
Specifications：Layout: 60%, ANSI
Structure: O-Ring Gasket Mount
Connection: Wired (QMK/VIA Fully Support) & Wireless（Bluetooth/2.4G）
Battery: 4000mAh
Backlight: 16.8 million Customized RGB
Case & Plate:
Silver Anodizing Aluminum Case with FR4 Plate
Black ABS Case with White Steel Plate
White ABS Case with White Steel Plate
Switch: Support 3/5 pin hot-swap switch
Knob: programmable and hot-swappable
On the basis of GK61, not only the appearance has been changed, but also the hardware and firmware ware have been upgraded.
Why would we make such change?GH60 led the concept of 60% keyboard 10 years ago.
Various 60% layout keyboards such as GK61, SK61, RK61, and Wooting 61 etc. have been released in the past decade.
The overall functions and layout have remained consistent without any significant modifications.
On the other hand.
Skyloong has always adhered to the principles of Tech & Fun and committed to making interesting technology.
In the few years after the launch of GK61, SKYLOONG tried changes such as an o-ring gasket, split space, and hot-swappable knobs on the keyboard.
GK61 Pro is the product of the combination of split spaces and hot-swappable knobs.
This is another new attempt by skyloong, and no one knows what kind of result this new attempt will eventually lead to.
The original intention of split spacebar is to allocate the usage area of the single long spacebar as reasonably as possible on small layout keyboards such as 60% keyboard, as the spacebar takes up the most space on the keyboard but only has one function.
Until now, splitting spaces no longer meets our needs.
Plus, as knobs become increasingly important today, 60% of series still do not have knob functions due to limited layout restrictions.
Meanwhile, SKYLOONG’s hot-swappable knob has been available with the GK75 for a while.
In the end, we decided to combine the split space with our new hot-swappable knobs to make a 60% keyboard with knobs - GK61 Pro.
Of course, if users are not comfortable with such improvements, they can replace the split spacebar with the classic long spacebar according to their own preferences.
As our knobs are also hot-swappable after all!
From the classic long spacebar with one function to the split space with three functions, and now the split spacebar with five functions + hot-swappable knob.
Your thumbs are getting busy now.Ok, now that the split space has evolved to have five functions,
how can we use them?When the concept of split space + knob was proposed, an idea popped up in my brain immediately.
Why not try to configure the rotation function of the knob as the left and right arrow keys?Just like the red button in ThinkPad.
I'm a 60% layout enthusiast.
The minimalist shape of the 60% series saves a lot of space and allows me to wield the mouse better, and it can make my desktop look clean and orderly.
But what annoys me is that every time I type a wrong word, I have to raise my hand and use the FN combination keys with arrow keys to move the cursor to the wrong word, (of course, it is also possible to use the mouse for moving the cursor, but I have to be careful to prevent choosing the wrong position in the narrow space.) then readjust my fingers on the keyboard.
This has seriously affected my typing fluency and sense of rhythm, and even my work efficiency.
What If I configure my desired function on the split spacebar & knob through VIA/software, such as the left, right arrow keys for knob, and set the right space as backspace.
As shown in the video:
As you can see in the video, I can complete the steps to correct my mistakes without raising my hand and without re-adjusting my fingers on the keyboard.
Because my hands never moved!Even so, we face a huge challenge.
That is to challenge the human muscle memory.In order to be proficient in the new typing method of split space + knob, it took me about a week to adapt and practice.
Of course, this requires a certain time cost.
However, after I fully adapted to this typing method and gained improved typing efficiency and flexible functionality, I realized that the time cost was worth it.
Don't forget that the function of the knob is customizable.(of course, all keys are customizable, except FN)
You can
freely configure functions according to your work scene and life.
For example:
Photoshop image zoom in and zoom out
Timeline Controls for Premiere Pro
Create and switch between new desktops
Control music/video player, pause/play, forward/rewind
Etc.Rather than just "keyboards"
We hope to create a great productivity tool that can improve your work efficiency.
So if this board on your hand, How can you customize the keyboard functions to suit your career?In the end.
Skyloong's success story commenced with the launch of the GK61, which was inspired by GH60. This product introduction resulted in a period of prosperity for the company.
Since then, skyloong has been dedicated to the principle of "From the community, For the community". Provide high-quality and personalized products and services for keyboard enthusiasts.
In addition to GK61,
skyloong will open source the design files of hot-swappable knobs in Git Hub.
Hope to inspire creativity and design inspiration for other keyboard lovers in the community.
Skyloong always believes that only by making progress together with the community and working together with keyboard enthusiasts, can we jointly promote the continuous development of the keyboard industry and bring vitality and prosperity.
https://github.com/JZ-Skyloong/Skyloong_ComponentsIn the future, what innovations will skyloong contribute?
Let's stay tuned.
In the end*2
I love you guys
