(http://i.imgur.com/4vevuWK.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ZDxb3BJ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/KbZ9B7S.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/mYo6MZy.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/BVRCIQg.jpg)
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Latest update post: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88719.msg2477138#msg2477138 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88719.msg2477138#msg2477138)
Introduction
Katana60 is a symmetrical row staggered PCB that is compatible with standard 60% keyboards and standard keysets. You can use Matias/ALPS switches in any of the compatible layouts, and there is a layout which is compatible with an AEKii keycap set. The idea of the compatibility layouts is to reduce costs when it comes to hunting down keys for your new board.
Compatibility
This image illustrates the multiple bottom compatibility options available on the PCB. The MX and AEKii labels are a guide - you can use whichever layout you want with any switch type, though in order to use the AEKii compatible stabilisers, you will need to get your own plate cut.
KLE compatibility:
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/2c5fbe25d69beb177f9701989bd6f36c
Or image:
More
(http://i.imgur.com/PoR0KAy.png)
Great for touch typing
The board is symmetrical row staggered, which is great if you're a touch typer and/or you use Dvorak/Colemak layouts, or any other layouts optimised for maximum home-row time. The idea here is that you rarely need to move your hands from the home row, making it more efficient and ergonomical.
Many ergonomic keyboards on the market tend to be expensive, require completely custom keycaps sets (adding to the cost) and have an odd shaped case. Trying one without being sure if you'll like it requires a leap of financial faith. The Katana60 will be cheaper to try, and you can choose one of many 60% cases, giving you a lot of customisation choice.
Plate PCB and Pricing
There will be a universal plate available at the same time as the PCB. The PCB supports PCB mounted Cherry stabilisers, though you can make your own plate with plate mounted cut-outs if you wish. Though the original intention was to launch a group buy, but the Katana60 will instead be made available at candykeys.com (http://candykeys.com)
The PCB and universal is currently being quote up and prices will be revealed soon. I welcome all of your feedback, please leave your comments below.
Original post:
More
Interested users:
Yes
Robotical
Trente
jebbra
rrrsss
runswithflowers
Maybe
Puddsy
ErgoMacros
Vigrith
(http://i.imgur.com/IiRijpF.png)
I'm gauging interest in a PCB for a 60% board with a symmetrical row stagger (a more natural slant for the left hand). The PCB will fit right into 60% cases, and will come pre-soldered with microcontroller (atmega32u4) and diodes - all you need to do is add switches. Above is an example layout that I'm using in a hand-wired prototype board right now.
The current PCB prototype supports both MX and ALPs switches; I’d like to run a concurrent switch plate group buy enabling each of the PCB’s supported layouts:
(http://i.imgur.com/gLhhcxW.png)
Features
* Symmetrical layout, for a more natural (ergonomic) key arrangement than legacy layouts.
* Support for standard ANSI keycap sets - you don’t need any special keycaps.
* Support for qmk or tmk, with an atmega32u4 microcontroller (found on teensy 2.0 and pro micro).
* Support for poker style 60% cases.
* Support for Cherry MX AND Matias/ALPs style switches.
* All components will be presoldered - just add switches and caps.
Further refinements
* Switch plate style (which layout, universal switch cutouts?).
* debugging the PCB.
The Layout
The layout features symmetrical staggered rows, like the utron (http://www.personal-media.co.jp/retail/utronkb/info.html), suka's hypermicro (https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/my-diy-keyboard-collection-or-how-i-became-a-kb-geek-t2534-60.html#p98734) or a number of bpiphany’s boards. Unlike these boards, a standard ANSI keyset is all you need to cover this layout. This is by design, as it allows you to cheaply buy in to any attractive keyset group buy.
The PCB
I’m currently debugging the first PCB prototype. The PCB supports ALPs and Cherry MX switches, with the following supported layouts:
(http://i.imgur.com/gLhhcxW.png)
Bonus!: Link to KLE (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/2c5fbe25d69beb177f9701989bd6f36c)
The two alternative bottom rows arose from my desire to support the (limited) Matias keycaps that are available - here is a hand-wired Katana60, with MQCs and aekii caps, that I’m currently using day-to-day at the office:
(http://i.imgur.com/VlHwfJA.jpg)
Fully programmable
The PCB will include an atmega32u4 - the same microcontroller found in the popular Teensy and Pro Micro boards, so its compatible with TMK and QMK firmware.
If you’re interested in either 1. the PCB, 2. the switch plate or 3. both, please reply, saying which. I'll add the names to a list (and may or may not create a form for you to fill in).
Also, please state if you'd be interested in the plate if it supports universal holes (so the same plate can support both MX and ALPs style switches.)
Thanks!
Finally, an update. Sit tight, it's a big one...
Compatibility
The last prototype came in and I think the board is ready. I spotted some overlaps which lead to some changes to the compatibility. The board will now support standard MX keysets primarily, and there is an AEKii keyset compatible layout also built in to the board. I have dropped the Matias keyset compatibility. Check it out the final compatibility on KLE:
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/2c5fbe25d69beb177f9701989bd6f36c
Or Here:
More
(http://i.imgur.com/PoR0KAy.png)
Some filing is necessary...
To be fully compatible with a standard 60% case. Take a look at this image, where I overlayed the Katana60 layout with the standard PCB mount holes (suggested by the online plate-builder tool):
(http://i.imgur.com/j9jBsxW.jpg)
Hole number 3 in the middle is exactly under a switch. The problem is solved, with no issue, by filing the switch down a little:
http://imgur.com/a/FCNFF
Group buy announcement: There will be no group buy, but...
...instead, the PCB and plate will be available to buy from CandyKeys.com. I met David from CandyKeys at a meetup in Vienna and we discussed the project. He is as enthusiastic about the Katana60 project as I am, so I'm proud announce that we will be working together to bring the Katana60 to the community.
The Switch Plate
This is what it will look like. It will support all the layouts in the compatibility section above. It will be 1.5mm, and I believe it will be brushed steel (David, can you please confirm that).
(http://i.imgur.com/uTX97xk.png)
Finally, Prices
We are awaiting final quotes from various places, but early indications point to favourable prices relative to existing 60% PCBs. This is where it helps to have CandyKeys on board, since they can afford to stock a larger quantity than we could expect to get in a GB, which heps us all!
More to follow in the comming days...
As the Katana60 nears launch, I've been working on an improved default layout, although I'm a Colemak user, the default layout will be QWERTY for all the unconverted masses ;)
Default layer -
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/1lH0n7i.png)
... ...
Please let me know your thoughts on the above, I'd love to hear your feedback.
I am really excited about the Katana60, I think this is one of the adventures towards ergo-friendly boards in the correct direction, but I am having a mixed feeling: None of my keycap sets can fit:
1. Row 3 (counting down from the number row) has these 1.25u caps - do these R3 1.25u caps exist - with the correct profile? And where can I get them?
And there is no way to get them correctly sublim-dyed or double-shot, I believe, not at the moment.
2. For those (like me) who are also seeking caps with correct legends, will there be some hope for us? e.g. the 1u shift caps, and the 1.25u caps on Row 3 (such as, Tab, Delete, and Enter, and I will forget about the 1.25u Page up for the time being).
Please don't get me wrong.
I like and and I am even considering to get one, but please, please let us have the possibility to obtain "correct" key caps, at least correct at the profile level, e.g. Cherry / Gateron profile.
P.s. If you change the R3 "Delete" and R3 "PgUp" to be 1u keys (or allow such a 1u-key setting in the middle), there will be a 0.5u space in the middle, enough for a Trackpoint to be installed.