Hey guys, Jake from P3D and Gondo here!
It has been around a month since we first posted the first IC for the Southpaw split (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103637.0) here.
You may know Jake from his 3D printed cases he's been selling though his new website, or from before as /u/skyybaby. We are excited to announce the 2nd Interest Check for the Southpaw Split PCB and Case that will be coming!
The Southpaw Split PCB
For those of you that don't know me I'm Gondolindrim, a brazilian PCB designer best known for the Acheron Project, which encompasses the SharkPCB, Doddle60, ElongatePCB and the AustinPCB.
Our idea for the PCB is a southpaw split keyboard featuring a number pad on attached on the left side, and a typical 65% right side. We are still in the early stages of the project, and I’d love to gather some interest and feedback to help influence how things will proceed.
Please submit your feedback on the google form, it is much appreciated. Here is the proposed layout of the PCB:
(https://i.imgur.com/rD9fzKp.png)
PCB Features (so far) determined from IC #1:
- Hotswap
- RGB Underglow
- USB-C main connection and for the split connections
- Encoder support, placement still not determined though.
- F-row and Number pad areas will be detachable to allow for PCB flexibility.
- F-Row and Number pad will have un-soldered hotswap sockets to save cost if the customer plans to toss this section anyway. However, the hotswap sockets are easy to solder, and I will be offering soldering services for a very reasonable fee for people that don’t care to solder those sockets on.
- If we can’t quite make the layout options shown above work with the hot swap, they will also not be soldered from the factory, and allows for more customization. Again, I will be offering soldering services for those that don’t care to solder the sockets on.
What we can’t change about the PCB is mainly the microprocessor. As of today QMK does not support split layouts on the newer ARM MCUs so we are stuck with Atmega for this. This is not a downside per se, just clearing up the design choice. Also USBC is almost a requirement for PCBs these days, so we want to stick with that. Unfortunately, ISO support will also not be available as we didn't have much ISO voters on the first IC.
I will load the PCB with my latest features from Acheron, such as:
- Overcurrent and overvoltage protections;
- ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection on data lines;
- TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) on the bus voltage power feed;
- Isolation from MCU and bus power rails by means of a pi-filter;
- PCB will be open-sourced and released under the Acheron Project.
- The Southpaw Split Case
Jake's idea is to make a PCB to sell alongside a 3D printed case. The goal is to offer an “end game” and a unique layout without the high price tag a full aluminum case would run. Case Features (so far) determined from IC #1:
- Plate will be FR4 material
- High Profile case option
- Low Profile case option
- Number pad section will have a small (0.25-0.5u spacing) bezel separating it from the main left half keys.
- 0.5u Blocker option to the left of the arrow cluster.
- Translucent clear plastic section to show off underglow optional
- 5 degree incline option
- 5 degree decline option
- Flat bottom option
- Tenting option will be tested, but due to the size of the board, it might not be beneficial.
Aside from the case options, we also want to offer a “sandwich-mount” option, made of PCB, switch and base plates made of FR4. This way we can offer an affordable option for those that want to test the layout and, if you feel inclined, you can buy the case and simply drop the PCB and switch plates into the case!
The GB
Depending on feedback I may run the PCB and Case GB style. If I get enough interest, I will most likely just stock this in my store to be made available right away.
Please fill out the Google Form (https://forms.gle/jaYKUoYJnRXPTFh96) to help us out. In the form you have the option of giving feedback and suggestions. We are thrilled to hear what you guys have to say!
Thanks!
-Jake, P3D LLC and Gondo