Hi there,
[updates 01.16.2021]
A sound test with Holy Panda is here.
The keyboard is fitted with a prototype version of Module Type-07 ARRAY, with not finishes.
[updates 01.14.2021]
Huge thanks to migorengs. We worked together to create a visual simulator to demo all color combinations for grid 650.
Please check here.
https://www.mechs.io/simulator/configure/4345/Mechs.io is his website.
You can also find him on Instagram.
[updates 01.11.2021]
We have a new sound test video with Ink Black V2 switches and MOD4 FLASH.
The setup uses a thin lithium battery instead of a 18650 battery.
In the past 2 weeks, we have optimized many things.
- Optimizing the power consumption for FLASH and ARRARY
- Finalizing the design of the leaf spring for FLASH
- Bettery light effects for FLASH
- Packaging design finished
- Lots of parts are being made right now, we expect an early delivery
Thanks for your feedback and support.
[updates 12.23.2020]
We did some sound tests with lubed Tealio V2. There is a comparison between plateless mount / 4mm ANSI plate / 1.5mm universal plate.
Thanks for your support.
[updates 12.06.2020]
Before GB happens, we need to appreciate az5's brilliant idea to extend the groove for Module 9 STAND. Now the improved version will work with a phone with a maximum length of 185mm or 7.28inch. Technically it can fit a iPad Pro 11inch in vertical.
We love to hear from you
It should look like this.
[updates 12.03.2020]
We have new updates! It is about price, GB info, plate options, and colorway.
The price of grid 650 starts at $365 for a wired plateless version with Module 01 CLASSIC, and it goes up to $490 with its gasket mount variant plus Module 07 ARRAY.
Groupbuy will launch at 9 AM PST December 10th till January 17th, 2021, on zFrontier. Module 10 CIRCLE will not be available at this GB because of some tolerance issues.
We will shot a build video and sound tests in mid-December.
Shipping will start in April 2020.
There are four different PCBs:
- Wired hotswap
- Wired solderable
- BLE hotswap
- BLE solderable
All the boards run on QMK, and the wired variants are VIA-compatible.
For the BLE version, it is challenging due to the limits of ROM size. We are still working on that. Nevertheless, you will not be able to modify any BLE related keycodes unless VIA starts to support it. Still, it is possible to use the wired version firmware with the BLE board.
There are two different plate options:
- 4mm stiff plate designed for hotswap boards
- 1.5mm universal plate designed for solderable boards
The plates are indeed expensive as they are milled out of aluminum blocks like the chassis. The plate option also includes two sets of silicone gaskets, hard and soft, and other accessories.
Here is what a set would look like, modules are for reference:
grid 650 with hotswap PCB and 4mm plate.
grid 650 WKL with solderable PCB and 1.5mm plate.
grid 650 WKL with solderable PCB.
More updates on the plates and colors are
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=109386.msg2986682#msg2986682.
Many thanks!
[updates 11.14.2020]
We have some major updates. Mostly about modules. Check
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=109386.msg2979576#msg2979576Many thanks
Hi there,
grid is back, and we've prepared something new.
grid 650 is a 65% custom mechanical keyboard. It represents what we imagine when retro and timeless styles meet excellent functionalities.
Spec-wise:
Chassis:
- Newly designed, unibody chassis embraces a hybrid mount design supporting both (or) plate-less mount and gasket mount.
- Module options similar to grid 600
- Sound-absorb felt similar to grid 600
- Front LED indicator
Hub:
- Type-C interface supports C to C cable.
- Reversible USB 2.0 Type-A hub port
- Full battery protection circuit with bypass option for DIY users
- Included 18650 battery case
PCB:
- 65% layout, QMK BLE, with optional non BLE version
- Solderable version supports both ANSI, ISO, and multiple layouts
- Hot-swap version available for faster setup
- About one month of battery life when used with a 3000mAh 18650 lithium battery (not included)
- BLE power display in OS.
- Build-in spring structure
Updates on Modules:
- Newly designed Module 4 FLASH with smoother color transition. (Notice that even we put voltage step-up chips in Module 4, due to space limitations, DIY and a thin profile phone battery is required to use with the FLASH module)
- Module 5 PRESS is now wired directly to the main PCB.
- New Module 6 WAVE
- More info on the modules will be released in about one week.
- All new modules will be available for grid600 as well.
Some further explanation:
This image indicates the plate-less mounting option. The PCB is attached to the chassis through 10 evenly distributed screw holes. The build-in leaf spring structure further enhances the flex of the PCB.
This image indicates the Gasket Mount option. Firstly, the plate is positioned by four specially designed O-ring structure. These O-rings provide constant pressure on the plate. Then, the plate is supported by six individual silicon bushings.
We will include two sets of bushings with different resistance.
You can easily swap the silicon bushings.
The layouts.
The PCB is powered by QMK BLE. Module 5 PRESS is now connected to the mainboard directly. For people want to use VIA. The non-BLE version will be available as well.
The hub of grid 650 is another challenge for us. We put a reversible female USB 2.0 Type-A port because it is at the back. Also, we paid some efforts to make all three elements, the switch, USB-C, and USB-A, center-aligned.
We choose Texas Instrument's chip for battery management and voltage step-down. We recommend a 18650 battery when you are not using Module 4 FLASH, as it is the most accessible battery. So, no worries about the future.
Front LED indicator.
The front LED indicator has four colors and five modes.
- Blicking blue is for paring.
- Breathing white indicates powered by a battery.
- Blinking red reminds you to charge your grid650.
- Constant orange signifies your device is charging.
- Constant white means the battery is fully charged.
Yes, the indicator works in a retro and utilitarian fashion.
We will be providing more information and module updates in about one week. Stay tuned and maybe check our Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/gridishere/.
Best,
grid
