TheVan Keyboards Halloween Sale BananaSplit R2,Retro60,8Bit,White Powder Minivan

[Arhipio]

Round 2 of the BananaSplit is here!

Program your BananaSplit here: qmk.thevankeyboards.com

The BananaSplit is a passion project that uses the 60% form factor that we know and love. Sporting split-spacebars and dedicated arrow keys all in a compact board.



Our fully programmable 60% circuit board features support for QMK and TMK using our very own configurator. The PCB also supports in switch LEDs and fits in standard 60% cases.

What's offered in the kit?

6.25u Kit Includes:

BananaSplit60 PCB with universal 6.25u Plate: $85






7.00u Kit Includes:

BananaSplit60 PCB with universal 7u Plate: $85






What's new?

On top of the existing layouts, we now feature support for 7u spacebars. This opens up support for Winkeyless, HHKB, and our new 7u split spacebar layouts.
We have upgraded the configurator to offer a more user friendly experience. We have switched from TMK to QMK, offering better support for macros and other features.
This round we have redone the plates and we are offering two plate options in 1.5mm Stainless Steel T304. The PCB has also been updated to support USB Type C in both A to C and C to C configurations.

 
Note: This is a pre-order. Orders will be taken for 30 calendar days and close on November 30 2017. Upon orders closing, a manufacturing order will be placed. The estimated manufacturing time is 45 days.


The Retro60 is a 60% keyboard case modeled after the classic look of the Apple m0110 keyboard. Machined out of either a solid piece of aluminum or hard wood, these cases are about as high end as you can get! Included in each order is:







-Case
-Screws
-Risers

The case mounts are recessed quite deeply to accentuate SA keycaps. Risers are included to support other key profiles such as cherry, oem, DSA, XDA and more.

Note: This is a pre-order. Orders will be taken for 30 calendar days and close on November 30 2017. Upon orders closing, a manufacturing order will be placed. The estimated manufacturing time is 45 days.


Sometimes to Go Forward, We Must First Go Back

To design 8Bit we took a look at some of the most nostalgic memories of our youth and applied them to a keyset. Swords and shields, blocky fonts, two-tone gray and red. We wanted to capture that feeling of blowing on a cartridge, slapping it into a console and hitting power. No responsibility, just one goal, save the day.

Emphasis MiniVan

As the creator of the MiniVan we have chosen to make our kits with the MiniVan at the forefront. Many other sizes are supported, but by basing the base kit off of the MiniVan we are able to offer a much lower price to cover the MiniVan.

Dye Sublimated PBT in XDA Profile

This keycap set will be produced in the uniform profile, XDA, which is similar to DSA. PBT plastic will be used and the legends will be applied via dye sublimation. Below is an early sublimation sample from the XDA team. The sample also shows the plastic colors selected for the keycaps.

World 1-1 (Base) Kit



The World 1-1 kit is the beginning. It covers a MiniVan and Roadkit keyboards. It is also the core of the remaining kits and when combined offers support for many more layouts.

100% Completion (104) Kit



100% completion is all about covering a fullsize layout and many of the inbetween layouts. When paired with World 1-1, Fullsize (104), TKL (80%), and 60% are all covered. If you like to find all the secrets and collect all the achievements hidden within a game, then this is the kit for you.

Inventory Upgrade (Compatibility) Kit



Who doesn't like an upgrade? With this kit you get support for Win Keyless (WKL), BananaSplit and Planck. Don't be over encumbered by your non-standard layout, buy the inventory upgrade today!

Equipment Pack (Novelties) Kit



It's dangerous to go alone! Here, take my sword and shield. The equipment pack adds a fresh set of novelties to the mix. Alternate bottom row mods sporting a shield, sword and bow. Replacement split spacebars to power on and reset your adventures. Alternate enter and backspace keys for your standard layouts.

Sprite Pack (Icons) Kit



What would the classics be without a few sprites? In computer graphics, a sprite is a two-dimensional bitmap that is integrated into a larger scene. The Sprite pack gives you some neat alternatives for you modifiers giving a truly retro look.

 
Note: This is a pre-order. Orders will be taken for 30 calendar days and close on November 30 2017. Upon orders closing, a manufacturing order will be placed. The estimated manufacturing time is 90 days.


The MiniVan and Roadkit are back and they are better than ever! Both PCBs have been updated to support USB Type C in both A to C and C to C configurations. For the first time ever we will be offering a powder coated white finish.



There are three options available.

1. MiniVan Keyboard kit containing the following.

-CNC Aluminum Powder Coated White Case
-USB Type C MiniVan PCB
-Screws, bumpons, and wrench
-Genuine Cherry PCB mount stabilizers

2. Roadkit Macropad kit containing the following.

-CNC Aluminum Powder Coated White Case
-USB Type C Roadkit PCB
-Screws, bumpons, and wrench

3. Assembled MiniVan and Roadkit with XDA 8Bit Keycaps

-MiniVan assembled (standard layout) with Cherry Blue switches
-Roadkit assembled (macropad layout) with Cherry Blue switches
-XDA 8Bit Base Kit

[Arhipio]

Bumping thread 

[airs]

Are there any prototype pictures of the aluminum Retro 60? Sample of the space gray color?

[Arhipio]

Are there any prototype pictures of the aluminum Retro 60? Sample of the space gray color?

Evan should be getting those tonight, I'll update the thread once we get those 

[ChitownM2]

Is there a list of cases for Banana Split R2 that are known to work with USB type C?

I'd like to pick up another one, but I've read elsewhere that most of the available 60% cases out there for purchase do not have an opening large enough/positioned correctly to support a Type C connection.

[Arhipio]

We have some prototypes so we'll do some testing with a wider range of cases, but from the cases we've used it doesn't seem like an issue

We'll work on compiling a list.

[Ramiel]

Can't wait to for joining the 8bit GB! The ETA is not short though.

[ojrask]

Will R1 QMK layouts work with R2 PCBs?

[Arhipio]

Will R1 QMK layouts work with R2 PCBs?

I'll have to ask evan, I believe not since we added more layout options on the bottom row. We have a new configurator that support QMK now, so having to rework the QMK wheel just to get it to work on your BananaSplit is not an issue anymore.

The new configurator will support R1 BananaSplit's as well.

[evangs]

Will R1 QMK layouts work with R2 PCBs?

Yes they should work just fine

[ojrask]

Will R1 QMK layouts work with R2 PCBs?

Yes they should work just fine

Okay, good to hear.

[DrWorm]

I was curious so I did some pixel counting, it looks like the 6.25 splits are: 2.75, 1.25, 2.25; 2.25, 1.25, 2.75; and 2.25, 1.75, 2.25. The 7.0 split is 2.75, 1.5, 2.75. I hope that ends up being correct, and useful for someone other than me.

[evangs]

I was curious so I did some pixel counting, it looks like the 6.25 splits are: 2.75, 1.25, 2.25; 2.25, 1.25, 2.75; and 2.25, 1.75, 2.25. The 7.0 split is 2.75, 1.5, 2.75. I hope that ends up being correct, and useful for someone other than me.

That is correct

[timerickson]

My dreams of having both a split spacebar and a 2u left shift… will have to wait for another day 😞

[dodgeyhack]

Very exciting =) Was considering getting a wood case custom made for my next split so this is perfect!

Edit: It would be great to see some side profile shots of the case.

[sevenseacat]

Welp, time to get my feet dirty and build my first keyboard. The Banana Split is my preferred size of board and supports the kind of layout I want!

Now to research everything else I need to know...

[DreLLin]

Would love to see the inside of the Retro60 case and also a typing test video with the wood case.

[Sputnik]

Absolutely in for a banana split 6.25 kit!!!
Just one question: why don't you put in stabs as for round 1? If so, I'll go with Cherry stabs, are the ones with plastic clips OK or I need screw in ones?
Thanks in advance

[evangs]

Would love to see the inside of the Retro60 case and also a typing test video with the wood case.

Should be some photos on the site now if the inside. I’ll put together a typing test video of the wood case

[evangs]

Absolutely in for a banana split 6.25 kit!!!
Just one question: why don't you put in stabs as for round 1? If so, I'll go with Cherry stabs, are the ones with plastic clips OK or I need screw in ones?
Thanks in advance

Pcb mount cherry stabs are what you want. Clip in work fine. We didn’t include stabs this time as many complained about the price and wanted to source themselves.

[Sputnik]

Absolutely in for a banana split 6.25 kit!!!
Just one question: why don't you put in stabs as for round 1? If so, I'll go with Cherry stabs, are the ones with plastic clips OK or I need screw in ones?
Thanks in advance

Pcb mount cherry stabs are what you want. Clip in work fine. We didn’t include stabs this time as many complained about the price and wanted to source themselves.

Thanks Evangs, I understand...
So I'll go with Cherry clip in.
This will be my first build project so let's keep finger crossed. I'll cover you and the guys here with questions, mainly about config....So be comprehensive...

[DarKou]

Hello,

Any chance to have better shipping fees to France?

Regards

[evangs]

Hello,

Any chance to have better shipping fees to France?

Regards

What’s the rate you are getting?

[mike-y]

Are you going to have more colors available for the MiniVan, other than white?

[evangs]

Are you going to have more colors available for the MiniVan, other than white?

Not for the preorder. Our standard colors are black silver and gold and those will be available again in the near future.

[DarKou]

Hello,

Any chance to have better shipping fees to France?

Regards

What’s the rate you are getting?

The shipping fees is $20 for one minivan (~20% of the total amount  )

[Corvec]

Regarding the 8Bit keycap set - are there actually two of each 1.25u sword/shield/bow keycap in each color scheme, or is there one 1.25u keycap and another 1.5u keycap for each icon/color scheme?

[evangs]

2 - 1.25

[WhiteRice]

Banana split looks great! Can’t wait!

[Arhipio]

Banana split looks great! Can’t wait!

[Arhipio]

Sales are going strong for all four items. Here are some actual photos of the Aluminum Retro60

[Arhipio]

BananaSplit sizing chart for anyone interested

[pixelpusher]

BananaSplit sizing chart for anyone interested

Show Image

+100 points for helpfulness

[Arhipio]

BananaSplit sizing chart for anyone interested

Show Image

+100 points for helpfulness

 ;)

[Corvec]

2 - 1.25

Good to know. Why, though? I'm assuming it's so that more non-MiniVan keyboards can make use of them, but it seems weird to leave the MiniVan without the ability to fully replace the bottom row mod keys, given the intentional emphasis on the MiniVan and all.

[pixelpusher]

2 - 1.25

Good to know. Why, though? I'm assuming it's so that more non-MiniVan keyboards can make use of them, but it seems weird to leave the MiniVan without the ability to fully replace the bottom row mod keys, given the intentional emphasis on the MiniVan and all.

Can't you do that with the keys in the sprite pack?

[Corvec]

fully replace the bottom row mod keys, given the intentional emphasis on the MiniVan and all.

Can't you do that with the keys in the sprite pack?

Sure, and since I want the A and B buttons I need to get the sprite pack anyway. But I can't get the sword, shield, and bow all on the same side - or even next to one another.

For example, in this mock-up, I'd like to swap the position of the B button and the shield.

[pixelpusher]

I see what you're saying.  Unfortunately you can't get it just the way you want it, but I think you can just look at it differently.  With your mockup, think of the left side as attack (bow and sword) and right side as defense (shield and lock)   

Also, A is attack so put it on the left with the sword and bow 

Seriously though, I think the mockup looks awesome.

[braidn]

Absolutely loving the Retro60. Do you have any numbers on the actual weight of the aluminum version? Highly likely I pick it up for a retro linear green alps build that's been begging for a good case for years.

[Arhipio]

Absolutely loving the Retro60. Do you have any numbers on the actual weight of the aluminum version? Highly likely I pick it up for a retro linear green alps build that's been begging for a good case for years.

We can get you an exact weight later tonight but it's around 2 pounds.

[Corvec]

Also, A is attack so put it on the left with the sword and bow 

A is attack, but on a traditional NES controller, B is on the left... :-/

Seriously though, I think the mockup looks awesome.

Thanks!

[tristinDLC]

Any chance of an Alps version at some point? I havent even built my R1 and looks like I have to buy an R2 AND 8Bit. You guys are killing me.

[evangs]

Any chance of an Alps version at some point? I havent even built my R1 and looks like I have to buy an R2 AND 8Bit. You guys are killing me.

I’d say highly unlikely that we will add Alps support

[evangs]

Absolutely loving the Retro60. Do you have any numbers on the actual weight of the aluminum version? Highly likely I pick it up for a retro linear green alps build that's been begging for a good case for years.

[tristinDLC]

I’d say highly unlikely that we will add Alps support

Was worth a shot to ask... it's literally the only thing missing for me to be 100% in love with it. I have R1 and will be getting R2 either way, but Alps support would be the icing for me.

[tristinDLC]

Welp just traded away R1 of the BS. I'm sad I wasn't able to get it up and running sooner, but now it gives me the incentive to pick up R2. Is there a production limit or anything?

[Arhipio]

Welp just traded away R1 of the BS. I'm sad I wasn't able to get it up and running sooner, but now it gives me the incentive to pick up R2. Is there a production limit or anything?

No production limit, we will produce as many orders as we get and then some. 

[tristinDLC]

Perfect! Looks like you'll be taking all my play money for awhile with R2 and 8Bit. Can't wait!

[Arhipio]

Perfect! Looks like you'll be taking all my play money for awhile with R2 and 8Bit. Can't wait!

[tristinDLC]

Perfect! Looks like you'll be taking all my play money for awhile with R2 and 8Bit. Can't wait!

Now you just better watch yourself when you come into the SMK Slack...

[Arhipio]

Reading your posts at a coffee shop right now, typing away on my BananaSplit 

[sevenseacat]

Holy cow, a kilogram of pure metal case. That's amazing.

[sevenseacat]

Also holy cow - $22 to ship the Banana Split to Australia :/

I'm not sure I can justify $140 AUD for just a PCB and plate...

[dodgeyhack]

Also holy cow - $22 to ship the Banana Split to Australia :/

I'm not sure I can justify $140 AUD for just a PCB and plate...

$40 once you add a case hehe. I've already placed my order but if you're in Sydney we could perhaps combine? PM me if you're interested.

[sevenseacat]

$40 once you add a case hehe. I've already placed my order but if you're in Sydney we could perhaps combine? PM me if you're interested.

Perth here, so it probably wouldn't help, lol. Thanks for the offer though.

[child]

What is the weight of blood wood retro60? I'm really interested aesthetic-wise, but I'm afraid it could move on my desk, which I would hate.

[evangs]

What is the weight of blood wood retro60? I'm really interested aesthetic-wise, but I'm afraid it could move on my desk, which I would hate.

I haven’t had any issues with it moving on my desk. It’s going to be at NorCal meetup today.

[Arhipio]

I started looking through some case compatibility in regards to the BananaSplit USB C. Looks like your standard low profile gh60 cases work, hammer clone cases work, and the standard plastic cases work as well. All of these you can find on aliexpress. Playing around with more custom cases the Tina hole cutout was a little small. A little filing opened it up and now it works with R2 revision pcb.

[Arhipio]

If anyone wants to play around with the configurator here is the link: qmk.thevankeyboards.com

[Denisgsv]

will it have the pok3r layout ? i have a few of those cases laying around

[Arhipio]

will it have the pok3r layout ? i have a few of those cases laying around

Is it any different from standard 60 hole mounting? Post pics if you have any and I can confirm fitment

[dodgeyhack]

will it have the pok3r layout ? i have a few of those cases laying around

Is it any different from standard 60 hole mounting? Post pics if you have any and I can confirm fitment

No, it's the same. I've had a pok3r board and banana split board in the same case - though I've never actually put anything else into the pok3r case. The good news is the pok3r plate is wider than the banana split plate by 1-2mm so there'll be plenty of room.

[Sputnik]

I started looking through some case compatibility in regards to the BananaSplit USB C. Looks like your standard low profile gh60 cases work, hammer clone cases work, and the standard plastic cases work as well. All of these you can find on aliexpress. Playing around with more custom cases the Tina hole cutout was a little small. A little filing opened it up and now it works with R2 revision pcb.

Am I wrong or you bought the KBDfans 5 deg. case? Did you get it? What about compatibility with BS R2? I red there are no issues with R1 PCBs apart a little misallignament with the side mounting points, but I'm waiting for a R2 one, so...
Thanks in advance man (and sorry for my bad english...)

[Arhipio]

I started looking through some case compatibility in regards to the BananaSplit USB C. Looks like your standard low profile gh60 cases work, hammer clone cases work, and the standard plastic cases work as well. All of these you can find on aliexpress. Playing around with more custom cases the Tina hole cutout was a little small. A little filing opened it up and now it works with R2 revision pcb.

Am I wrong or you bought the KBDfans 5 deg. case? Did you get it? What about compatibility with BS R2? I red there are no issues with R1 PCBs apart a little misallignament with the side mounting points, but I'm waiting for a R2 one, so...
Thanks in advance man (and sorry for my bad english...)

Its on the way supposedly someone already put a round one in that case and it seems to fit.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[Arhipio]

I started looking through some case compatibility in regards to the BananaSplit USB C. Looks like your standard low profile gh60 cases work, hammer clone cases work, and the standard plastic cases work as well. All of these you can find on aliexpress. Playing around with more custom cases the Tina hole cutout was a little small. A little filing opened it up and now it works with R2 revision pcb.

Am I wrong or you bought the KBDfans 5 deg. case? Did you get it? What about compatibility with BS R2? I red there are no issues with R1 PCBs apart a little misallignament with the side mounting points, but I'm waiting for a R2 one, so...
Thanks in advance man (and sorry for my bad english...)

Its on the way supposedly someone already put a round one in that case and it seems to fit.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

To add on round 2 side holes have been fixed . There shouldn't be any alignment issues.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[Sputnik]

I started looking through some case compatibility in regards to the BananaSplit USB C. Looks like your standard low profile gh60 cases work, hammer clone cases work, and the standard plastic cases work as well. All of these you can find on aliexpress. Playing around with more custom cases the Tina hole cutout was a little small. A little filing opened it up and now it works with R2 revision pcb.

Am I wrong or you bought the KBDfans 5 deg. case? Did you get it? What about compatibility with BS R2? I red there are no issues with R1 PCBs apart a little misallignament with the side mounting points, but I'm waiting for a R2 one, so...
Thanks in advance man (and sorry for my bad english...)

Its on the way supposedly someone already put a round one in that case and it seems to fit.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

To add on round 2 side holes have been fixed . There shouldn't be any alignment issues.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Thanks

[PRkeys]

Ordered my BananaSplit v2. Will be my first MK build so I can't wait. First post here too after being a long time lurker

[Sputnik]

I started looking through some case compatibility in regards to the BananaSplit USB C. Looks like your standard low profile gh60 cases work, hammer clone cases work, and the standard plastic cases work as well. All of these you can find on aliexpress. Playing around with more custom cases the Tina hole cutout was a little small. A little filing opened it up and now it works with R2 revision pcb.

Am I wrong or you bought the KBDfans 5 deg. case? Did you get it? What about compatibility with BS R2? I red there are no issues with R1 PCBs apart a little misallignament with the side mounting points, but I'm waiting for a R2 one, so...
Thanks in advance man (and sorry for my bad english...)

Its on the way supposedly someone already put a round one in that case and it seems to fit.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

To add on round 2 side holes have been fixed . There shouldn't be any alignment issues.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I'm a little boring, I know..... Did you receive your case? (Nice, isn't it?) Any issues with usb C connector? There's some debate on this in KBDfans case GB thread.
Thanks in advance

[Arhipio]

I started looking through some case compatibility in regards to the BananaSplit USB C. Looks like your standard low profile gh60 cases work, hammer clone cases work, and the standard plastic cases work as well. All of these you can find on aliexpress. Playing around with more custom cases the Tina hole cutout was a little small. A little filing opened it up and now it works with R2 revision pcb.

Am I wrong or you bought the KBDfans 5 deg. case? Did you get it? What about compatibility with BS R2? I red there are no issues with R1 PCBs apart a little misallignament with the side mounting points, but I'm waiting for a R2 one, so...
Thanks in advance man (and sorry for my bad english...)

Its on the way supposedly someone already put a round one in that case and it seems to fit.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

To add on round 2 side holes have been fixed . There shouldn't be any alignment issues.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I'm a little boring, I know..... Did you receive your case? (Nice, isn't it?) Any issues with usb C connector? There's some debate on this in KBDfans case GB thread.
Thanks in advance

I still have not recieved it it's in Compton and I live in SD, with the current fires looks like it'll probably take a little longer. I can see it in not being fully compatible with the R1 revision but it should be fully compatible with r2.

[Sputnik]

I started looking through some case compatibility in regards to the BananaSplit USB C. Looks like your standard low profile gh60 cases work, hammer clone cases work, and the standard plastic cases work as well. All of these you can find on aliexpress. Playing around with more custom cases the Tina hole cutout was a little small. A little filing opened it up and now it works with R2 revision pcb.

Am I wrong or you bought the KBDfans 5 deg. case? Did you get it? What about compatibility with BS R2? I red there are no issues with R1 PCBs apart a little misallignament with the side mounting points, but I'm waiting for a R2 one, so...
Thanks in advance man (and sorry for my bad english...)

Its on the way supposedly someone already put a round one in that case and it seems to fit.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

To add on round 2 side holes have been fixed . There shouldn't be any alignment issues.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I'm a little boring, I know..... Did you receive your case? (Nice, isn't it?) Any issues with usb C connector? There's some debate on this in KBDfans case GB thread.
Thanks in advance

I still have not recieved it it's in Compton and I live in SD, with the current fires looks like it'll probably take a little longer. I can see it in not being fully compatible with the R1 revision but it should be fully compatible with r2.

C'mon, it's only about 2 hours by car...... I saw some satellite pics of that fire: it's really scaring anyway.....speaking about usb C connector, I measured the hole in the case and it's 12 mm. large, so, if the hole is properly aligned, there should be no problems (if I'm not wrong the C type connector is 8.5 mm.....)
Waiting for your updates 

[Arhipio]

I started looking through some case compatibility in regards to the BananaSplit USB C. Looks like your standard low profile gh60 cases work, hammer clone cases work, and the standard plastic cases work as well. All of these you can find on aliexpress. Playing around with more custom cases the Tina hole cutout was a little small. A little filing opened it up and now it works with R2 revision pcb.

Am I wrong or you bought the KBDfans 5 deg. case? Did you get it? What about compatibility with BS R2? I red there are no issues with R1 PCBs apart a little misallignament with the side mounting points, but I'm waiting for a R2 one, so...
Thanks in advance man (and sorry for my bad english...)

Its on the way supposedly someone already put a round one in that case and it seems to fit.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

To add on round 2 side holes have been fixed . There shouldn't be any alignment issues.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I'm a little boring, I know..... Did you receive your case? (Nice, isn't it?) Any issues with usb C connector? There's some debate on this in KBDfans case GB thread.
Thanks in advance

I still have not recieved it it's in Compton and I live in SD, with the current fires looks like it'll probably take a little longer. I can see it in not being fully compatible with the R1 revision but it should be fully compatible with r2.

C'mon, it's only about 2 hours by car...... I saw some satellite pics of that fire: it's really scaring anyway.....speaking about usb C connector, I measured the hole in the case and it's 12 mm. large, so, if the hole is properly aligned, there should be no problems (if I'm not wrong the C type connector is 8.5 mm.....)
Waiting for your updates 

It fits I'll post some pics when i get back home. But i currently have a bananasplit sitting in it

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[Arhipio]

BananaSplit60 R2, Split 7u in a KBDFans 5 degree case.

Sporting JTK Purple on White R2

Enjoy!

[Sputnik]

BananaSplit60 R2, Split 7u in a KBDFans 5 degree case.

Sporting JTK Purple on White R2

Enjoy!

  You're my hero! Now I need that BS R2 as soon as possible, is it in production yet?
(Purple power over there in SOCAL....)

[Arhipio]

We're starting to place orders with our manufacturers

[chuckdee]

I started looking through some case compatibility in regards to the BananaSplit USB C. Looks like your standard low profile gh60 cases work, hammer clone cases work, and the standard plastic cases work as well. All of these you can find on aliexpress. Playing around with more custom cases the Tina hole cutout was a little small. A little filing opened it up and now it works with R2 revision pcb.

Am I wrong or you bought the KBDfans 5 deg. case? Did you get it? What about compatibility with BS R2? I red there are no issues with R1 PCBs apart a little misallignament with the side mounting points, but I'm waiting for a R2 one, so...
Thanks in advance man (and sorry for my bad english...)

Its on the way supposedly someone already put a round one in that case and it seems to fit.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

To add on round 2 side holes have been fixed . There shouldn't be any alignment issues.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I'm a little boring, I know..... Did you receive your case? (Nice, isn't it?) Any issues with usb C connector? There's some debate on this in KBDfans case GB thread.
Thanks in advance

I still have not recieved it it's in Compton and I live in SD, with the current fires looks like it'll probably take a little longer. I can see it in not being fully compatible with the R1 revision but it should be fully compatible with r2.

It's compatible enough.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=91584.msg2527315#msg2527315

[Arhipio]

If anyone is wondering gmk screw in stabilizers work with R1 and R2 bananasplit pcb's . I highly recommend them

[chuckdee]

Are you anticipating any extras?  I just put together my R1, and definitely want an R2.

[Arhipio]

Are you anticipating any extras?  I just put together my R1, and definitely want an R2.

We are buying a lot of extra pcbs

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[Glod]

How's things going?

[Arhipio]

How's things going?

Everything is still on track. Orders have been placed. 

[mdaly001]

Are you anticipating any extras?  I just put together my R1, and definitely want an R2.

We are buying a lot of extra pcbs

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I am so sad I missed this buy... Are y'all planning on listing the extra pcbs somewhere for sale?

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

[Arhipio]

Are you anticipating any extras?  I just put together my R1, and definitely want an R2.

We are buying a lot of extra pcbs

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I am so sad I missed this buy... Are y'all planning on listing the extra pcbs somewhere for sale?

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

Yes sir we'll have extras up for sale on our site, after we ship out the original gb orders.

[mdaly001]

Are you anticipating any extras?  I just put together my R1, and definitely want an R2.

We are buying a lot of extra pcbs

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I am so sad I missed this buy... Are y'all planning on listing the extra pcbs somewhere for sale?

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

Yes sir we'll have extras up for sale on our site, after we ship out the original gb orders.

Sawweeeet. Thanks!

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

[bitzie]

If anyone wants to play around with the configurator here is the link: qmk.thevankeyboards.com

This almost makes the waiting worse!

Although since I have everything else ready and waiting I should probably figure out how to setup the firmware for it once it gets here. This will be my first actual build. Very excited!

[Zobeid Zuma]

Is there any ETA yet?

I was just looking at QMK layouts for the Banana Split.  I figured I'd take the default layout and start modifying it to my liking.  I didn't get past the top row.  I want to use the split backspace, so my top row has 15 keys, but the default layout only has 14 codes there!  Then I go back to config.h and see that it defines a 14×5 matrix.  So how does the split backspace key even work?

But wait, it gets better!  I went to look at the "hhkbanana" layout, and it actually lists 15 codes on the top row.  And yet, I don't see where it redefines the size of the array anywhere.  How does that work?

[azulyf]

Any update with 8bit XDA set?

[Arhipio]

BananaSplits should be going out in a week, 8Bit will be ready in about a month. 

[sleepybrett]

timeframe on the retro0s?

[bitzie]

BananaSplits should be going out in a week, 8Bit will be ready in about a month. 

Woohoo! So excited for my BananaSplit build! 

[ChicagoTed]

timeframe on the retro0s?

Mine was delivered yesterday

[MikeTheTiger]

Any idea when extras will be available for the BananaSplit R2?

[dodgeyhack]

Got my Zebra Retro 60 today. It's not awful, but I'm disappointed to be honest. It was billed as being 'about as high end as you can get' after all.
It's a bit wobbly - the whole case seems twisted which looks a bit odd as the gaps between key and case are uneven, and the backspace rubs the case. It's also a bit rough around the edges. I might try giving it a sand and a stain. I'm reminded that I do like typing in a wood case though - I also have a kbdfans one from a while back that is also wobbly, but it's better finished and cost a hell of a lot less.

[pixelpusher]

Got my Zebra Retro 60 today. It's not awful, but I'm disappointed to be honest. It was billed as being 'about as high end as you can get' after all.
It's a bit wobbly - the whole case seems twisted which looks a bit odd as the gaps between key and case are uneven, and the backspace rubs the case. It's also a bit rough around the edges. I might try giving it a sand and a stain. I'm reminded that I do like typing in a wood case though - I also have a kbdfans one from a while back that is also wobbly, but it's better finished and cost a hell of a lot less.

Well that is unfortunate sounding.  Can you post some photos?  I love my KBDfans wooden case.  I had to put a piece of foam under one corner to keep it from wobbling, but I never felt like the whole case was warped.  I also have a case from royal glam that I despise.  Bad fit and bad finish.  I would have thought the retro60 would have been pretty awesome for the price it was listed, especially the finish.

[Zobeid Zuma]

My Banana Split 60 kits arrived in the mail this morning.  Woohoo!  My first impression upon examining them is good, very good, with one little nitpick.  The steel mounting plate shows no evidence of any polishing or deburring; it's rough as a cob.  The plates from Round 1 were like that, and when I mentioned it I was informed that the Round 2 plates would be "much improved".  Well, it looks like the same part to me.  I'm sure it'll work Just Fine, but the steel plate I got from KBDfans for my DZ60 wasn't rough like this.

As luck would happen, I also got my version 2 of the DZ60 with the USB Type C option and a brass mounting plate just last week.  Anybody want a side-by-side comparison review?  It looks like I have a lot of building to do now!

[jmdaly]

As luck would happen, I also got my version 2 of the DZ60 with the USB Type C option and a brass mounting plate just last week.  Anybody want a side-by-side comparison review?  It looks like I have a lot of building to do now!

I'd love to hear your comparison and impressions! I'm typing this on a Rev 2 DZ60, and am waiting for the arrival of my rev. 2 BananaSplits. If you have the means and the inclination, I'd be interested to know if your Rev. 2 DZ60 works in a USB-C to USB-C configuration (e.g. plugged directly into a host with USB-C). I haven't been able to get mine to work in that configuration, although KBDFans assured me that it would. It sounds like the BananaSplits will definitely work in that configuration.

[Arhipio]

As luck would happen, I also got my version 2 of the DZ60 with the USB Type C option and a brass mounting plate just last week.  Anybody want a side-by-side comparison review?  It looks like I have a lot of building to do now!

I'd love to hear your comparison and impressions! I'm typing this on a Rev 2 DZ60, and am waiting for the arrival of my rev. 2 BananaSplits. If you have the means and the inclination, I'd be interested to know if your Rev. 2 DZ60 works in a USB-C to USB-C configuration (e.g. plugged directly into a host with USB-C). I haven't been able to get mine to work in that configuration, although KBDFans assured me that it would. It sounds like the BananaSplits will definitely work in that configuration.

C to C will work

[Arhipio]

My Banana Split 60 kits arrived in the mail this morning.  Woohoo!  My first impression upon examining them is good, very good, with one little nitpick.  The steel mounting plate shows no evidence of any polishing or deburring; it's rough as a cob.  The plates from Round 1 were like that, and when I mentioned it I was informed that the Round 2 plates would be "much improved".  Well, it looks like the same part to me.  I'm sure it'll work Just Fine, but the steel plate I got from KBDfans for my DZ60 wasn't rough like this.

As luck would happen, I also got my version 2 of the DZ60 with the USB Type C option and a brass mounting plate just last week.  Anybody want a side-by-side comparison review?  It looks like I have a lot of building to do now!

As for the improvements we were targeting the actual design of the plate, making it more rigid and have less flex. We were quite happy with the original material.

[Arhipio]

Got my Zebra Retro 60 today. It's not awful, but I'm disappointed to be honest. It was billed as being 'about as high end as you can get' after all.
It's a bit wobbly - the whole case seems twisted which looks a bit odd as the gaps between key and case are uneven, and the backspace rubs the case. It's also a bit rough around the edges. I might try giving it a sand and a stain. I'm reminded that I do like typing in a wood case though - I also have a kbdfans one from a while back that is also wobbly, but it's better finished and cost a hell of a lot less.

That's just the nature of wood, also seeing that you're from Australia I'm not surprised the wood may have warped because of the humidity. Feel free to contact evan for a replacement, although if you already tampered with it not much can be done.

[Arhipio]

Hey everyone just wanted to make an update. This is actually pretty bittersweet for me. This is the final round of the BananaSplit. Me and Evan decided we can’t compete with other clones without making sacrifices to our quality. We believed that our product went beyond the features and qualities in the service we provided to our customers. I can’t thank my supporters enough you’ve truly made the BananaSplit an amazing experience for me. To most of you it’s a simple 60 percent with some nice tweaks. To me it holds way more value. It’s been an amazing learning experience for me with Evan taking me under his wing. I can’t thank him enough to just trust a random 18 year old he met at a meetup with a vision. He’s a life long friend and that’s something I’ll cherish and always takeaway from this endeavor. I’m sorry the past couples months I haven’t been as involved as I would have liked to. To put it simply. I got burnt out, and life decided to get in my way. This isn’t the end of me, I have more projects planned. If anyone has any questions or just wants to shoot the **** with me about anything feel free to PM me on reddit. Thank you to everyone at TheVan Keyboards and a big thanks to all my supporters. It’s been fun.

[Zobeid Zuma]

To most of you it’s a simple 60 percent with some nice tweaks.

To me it's "endgame" material, and it's disappointing to hear this news before I've even had a chance to build one.

[chuckdee]

To most of you it’s a simple 60 percent with some nice tweaks.

To me it's "endgame" material, and it's disappointing to hear this news before I've even had a chance to build one.

They said that they will have extras after shipping R2.  You might want to be on the lookout for that... I know I am.

[FailureToLoad]

Hey everyone just wanted to make an update. This is actually pretty bittersweet for me. This is the final round of the BananaSplit. Me and Evan decided we can’t compete with other clones without making sacrifices to our quality. We believed that our product went beyond the features and qualities in the service we provided to our customers. I can’t thank my supporters enough you’ve truly made the BananaSplit an amazing experience for me. To most of you it’s a simple 60 percent with some nice tweaks. To me it holds way more value. It’s been an amazing learning experience for me with Evan taking me under his wing. I can’t thank him enough to just trust a random 18 year old he met at a meetup with a vision. He’s a life long friend and that’s something I’ll cherish and always takeaway from this endeavor. I’m sorry the past couples months I haven’t been as involved as I would have liked to. To put it simply. I got burnt out, and life decided to get in my way. This isn’t the end of me, I have more projects planned. If anyone has any questions or just wants to shoot the **** with me about anything feel free to PM me on reddit. Thank you to everyone at TheVan Keyboards and a big thanks to all my supporters. It’s been fun.

If it makes any difference, the feel of this board vs my dz60 is really apparent. I got my R2 BananaSplit in the mail yesterday. Both the plate and board are top notch, to the point that I'm eagerly awaiting left over stock to snag another. Thank you for your effort.

[jmdaly]

If it makes any difference, the feel of this board vs my dz60 is really apparent. I got my R2 BananaSplit in the mail yesterday. Both the plate and board are top notch, to the point that I'm eagerly awaiting left over stock to snag another. Thank you for your effort.

Adding to this, while I can certainly imagine it's frustrating to see your idea reproduced and then getting undercut, I think there could still be a place in this market for the more premium 60% PCBs. There's no question that the BananaSplit style layout has become incredibly popular, and I'm sure there are quite a number of people who would continue to pay for the quality product you guys (TheVan Keyboards) are producing.

[Zobeid Zuma]

Built!


http://zobeid.zapto.org/image/keeb/Zo65-01.jpg

Kailh BOX Pale Blue switches.
KBDfans 5° case.
Signature Plastics G20 profile dye-sub PBT keycaps.

The only snag I ran into was the Caps Lock indicator LED.  Because there isn't one.  Or there kind of can be, but…  All the switch LEDs are on the same circuit, powered by the same pin from the controller, for use as backlighting.  The one on the Caps Lock switch is just the same, and it can't be toggled separately.  To get a Caps Lock LED, I had to only install that one LED and leave all the others out, so I've got no backlighting.  That's OK to me, since I didn't give a flip about backlighting, but unfortunately the firmware also has no concept of a Caps Lock indicator, so it doesn't function as one.  There's no option in the online configurator for that.  So effectively I'll have to go into QMK here on my own computer and hack that function into it and compile it myself.  I'm sure I can figure that out, given time, but it's kind of a nuisance as I had been expecting to rely on the oh-so-convenient web-based thing.

Some of you will notice this layout is a minor refinement of the Zo64 that was my first build.  I just added one key and dubbed it the Zo65.  That new lime-green key is my dedicated Compose key, so I can type all kinds of funky characters (…©™ñ»⅞) with ease.  (It actually sends a Scroll Lock signal to my computer, but I configured Ubuntu to read Scroll Lock as Compose.)

I know G20 is low in popularity (to say the least), but I gave it a spin because the split spacebar wouldn't be an issue with it, and I've found I actually like this profile very much.  I like having homing bumps on F and J (which DSA and SA can't seem to manage), and the broad key tops and smooth edges are comfortable to me when typing fast.

On the subject of DZ60 versus Banana Split 60…  I don't think it's quite accurate to call the DZ60 a “clone” board.  The idea is similar, but the execution is very different.  So here are some notable differences:

DZ60 has RGB underglow; Banana Split does not.

DZ60 has an individually addressable Caps Lock LED, Banana Split does not.

DZ60 orients the switches with LEDs on the front of every switch, which is the reverse from most boards.  As a result, most keycap sets with translucent legends don't work well with it.  Banana Split has its backlight LEDs on the backs of the switches, which is more normal.

Each board supports some layouts that the other does not.  Banana Split Round 2 has more bottom-row options, while DZ60 allows the funky fourth-row offset.

Banana Split 60 has a physical reset button to use when flashing the controller.  DZ60 Round 2 with the USB-C option does not, relying instead on some awkward and easily-forgotten combination of keys held down when powering it up.

Oddly, Banana Split uses smaller SMT components, including an Atmel MEGA32U4-MU versus the DZ60's MEGA32U4-AU.  They're the same chip, only in a different package.

[Arhipio]

Thank you everyone for the kind words. We are pretty adamant about our decision to end the BananaSplit. If we would release a new version we would change a lot. Including making our own mounting points for a custom 60 case (since we hate how the standard mounting points make the pcb flex). As for extras it looks we don't have many. We expected a larger order volume we couldn't order as many extras as we would have liked.

[Arhipio]

Built!

Show Image

http://zobeid.zapto.org/image/keeb/Zo65-01.jpg

Kailh BOX Pale Blue switches.
KBDfans 5° case.
Signature Plastics G20 profile dye-sub PBT keycaps.

The only snag I ran into was the Caps Lock indicator LED.  Because there isn't one.  Or there kind of can be, but…  All the switch LEDs are on the same circuit, powered by the same pin from the controller, for use as backlighting.  The one on the Caps Lock switch is just the same, and it can't be toggled separately.  To get a Caps Lock LED, I had to only install that one LED and leave all the others out, so I've got no backlighting.  That's OK to me, since I didn't give a flip about backlighting, but unfortunately the firmware also has no concept of a Caps Lock indicator, so it doesn't function as one.  There's no option in the online configurator for that.  So effectively I'll have to go into QMK here on my own computer and hack that function into it and compile it myself.  I'm sure I can figure that out, given time, but it's kind of a nuisance as I had been expecting to rely on the oh-so-convenient web-based thing.

Some of you will notice this layout is a minor refinement of the Zo64 that was my first build.  I just added one key and dubbed it the Zo65.  That new lime-green key is my dedicated Compose key, so I can type all kinds of funky characters (…©™ñ»⅞) with ease.  (It actually sends a Scroll Lock signal to my computer, but I configured Ubuntu to read Scroll Lock as Compose.)

I know G20 is low in popularity (to say the least), but I gave it a spin because the split spacebar wouldn't be an issue with it, and I've found I actually like this profile very much.  I like having homing bumps on F and J (which DSA and SA can't seem to manage), and the broad key tops and smooth edges are comfortable to me when typing fast.

On the subject of DZ60 versus Banana Split 60…  I don't think it's quite accurate to call the DZ60 a “clone” board.  The idea is similar, but the execution is very different.  So here are some notable differences:

DZ60 has RGB underglow; Banana Split does not.

DZ60 has an individually addressable Caps Lock LED, Banana Split does not.

DZ60 orients the switches with LEDs on the front of every switch, which is the reverse from most boards.  As a result, most keycap sets with translucent legends don't work well with it.  Banana Split has its backlight LEDs on the backs of the switches, which is more normal.

Each board supports some layouts that the other does not.  Banana Split Round 2 has more bottom-row options, while DZ60 allows the funky fourth-row offset.

Banana Split 60 has a physical reset button to use when flashing the controller.  DZ60 Round 2 with the USB-C option does not, relying instead on some awkward and easily-forgotten combination of keys held down when powering it up.

Oddly, Banana Split uses smaller SMT components, including an Atmel MEGA32U4-MU versus the DZ60's MEGA32U4-AU.  They're the same chip, only in a different package.

Haha we overlooked the caps lock key because none of us use it. I think we both use caps lock as an fn key and didn't think twice about that. Our goal was to make programming your board as easy as possible with 0 fuss. As for rgb underglow we just think of it as a gimmick. Thanks for the detailed comparison :D

Edit: While I agree with you the round 2 boards have different layout options. The round 1 options are almost identical. Not to mention they decided to release their USB C pcb about a month or so later after our announcement. Just food for thought. We also support c to c which from what I've heard the DZ60 claimed to do it but has not.

[Zobeid Zuma]

Thank you everyone for the kind words. We are pretty adamant about our decision to end the BananaSplit. If we would release a new version we would change a lot. Including making our own mounting points for a custom 60 case (since we hate how the standard mounting points make the pcb flex). As for extras it looks we don't have many. We expected a larger order volume we couldn't order as many extras as we would have liked.

About those mounting points…  I have a ⅛" sheet of Sorbothane® (40 duro, very soft) under the PCB in this board.  It feels solid as an anvil.  Curiously, the DZ60 PCB has nine mounting points with screws, and my first 5° case that I pre-ordered has supports with screws for each of those locations.  However, the later 5° case that I got about a week ago only has the standard six screws, but instead it has added three new "ledge" type supports around the edges of the case.

[chuckdee]

So R2 has started to ship... any idea when the extras will be on sale?

[FailureToLoad]

About those mounting points…  I have a ⅛" sheet of Sorbothane® (40 duro, very soft) under the PCB in this board.  It feels solid as an anvil.  Curiously, the DZ60 PCB has nine mounting points with screws, and my first 5° case that I pre-ordered has supports with screws for each of those locations.  However, the later 5° case that I got about a week ago only has the standard six screws, but instead it has added three new "ledge" type supports around the edges of the case.

Oh man, MVP right here. I'd been wondering about a good material to use for this exact purpose and wasn't well versed on what would be safe vs what would cause issues. Gonna order up a sheet right god damned now.

[FailureToLoad]

Thank you everyone for the kind words. We are pretty adamant about our decision to end the BananaSplit. If we would release a new version we would change a lot. Including making our own mounting points for a custom 60 case (since we hate how the standard mounting points make the pcb flex). As for extras it looks we don't have many. We expected a larger order volume we couldn't order as many extras as we would have liked.

Totally understandable. I'm really glad I was able to secure one and it'll be a valued part of my collection.

[jmdaly]

Built!

Show Image

http://zobeid.zapto.org/image/keeb/Zo65-01.jpg

Really nice board, and great review, thanks for sharing!

DZ60 orients the switches with LEDs on the front of every switch, which is the reverse from most boards.  As a result, most keycap sets with translucent legends don't work well with it.  Banana Split has its backlight LEDs on the backs of the switches, which is more normal.

This is actually my one gripe with the BananaSplit. Boards with switches oriented such that the LEDs would be north-facing don't play well with Cherry profile caps. In particular, even without LEDs installed, Cherry profile R3 caps contact the switch housing before bottoming out when the LEDs are north facing, affecting both sound and feel. Many (though not all) PCBs that I can think of orient switches so that the LEDs would be south-facing, which work better with both Cherry caps and silencing clips: the original GH60, Nerd60, b.face, FaceW, DZ60, DO60, to name a few.

[sleepybrett]

Just built my BS in a retro60, unfortunately the clearance on the usb port is not enough to accommodate any of the usb-c cords I have, and probably none on the market. You'll have to strip down the plastic shield or get the hole in the back widened. Kinda dissapointed.

However it looks pretty nice all the same.

[bitzie]

Got my BananaSplit V2 on Friday and spent the night doing my first build: https://imgur.com/a/eMBLi Loving this board so far! Definitely worth the wait.

[Zobeid Zuma]

Just a follow-up to my problem with the caps lock.  I finally did figure out how to enable the Caps Lock indicator LED.  I just put this code into my layout, into the config.c file…

Code: [Select]

void led_set_user(uint8_t usb_led) {
    if (usb_led & (1 << USB_LED_CAPS_LOCK)) {
        DDRB |= (1 << 7); PORTB &= ~(1 << 7);
    } else {
        DDRB &= ~(1 << 7); PORTB &= ~(1 << 7);
    }
}

Please note that this only toggles the LED on and off, but does not change its intensity.  If you already had the backlight turned off, this will never turn it on!  So, you need to use BL_TOGG and BL_STEP to get the backlight on first.  Once that's done, you should be able to delete those codes from your keymap; you won't need them again.  (Somehow the status of LED intensity even survives flashing new firmware to the controller!)

EDIT:  I don't see any Banana Split available on the storefront?  Were extra PCB kits ever posted, or are they all gone already?

[chuckdee]

^ Haven't been posted yet to my knowledge.  I'm waiting too...

[beekey]

This is very sad news about not continuing the BananaSplit. I have both R1 and R2 and I really like the changes you make to the R2, especially to the plate.
The DZ60 is also fine, but having both of them, I would definitely buy a BananaSplit (R2 or R3) again. I don't care about most of the extra features of the DZ60 like underglow, etc.
Paying a bit more for higher quality if fine for me. I hope you will do a R3, because I like your work a lot. Made me love 60% keyboards.

#BananaSplitR3 ;-)

[Zobeid Zuma]

Paying a bit more for higher quality if fine for me.

I think what really made it hard for the Banana Split 60 to "compete" against the DZ60 was not so much the price as it was the group buy model.  I came into this just in time to miss round one, then I had to wait months for round two, then more months for it to be delivered.  Over on r/mk there were guys asking about my keyboard, or asking about a PCB for their first 60% build, things like that…  I pointed them toward the DZ60.  Sometimes I mentioned the Banana Split 60 as well, but it seemed kind of futile.  There was no website where they could go and buy one, at any price.

I've been thinking for a while now that as this hobby continues to grow, there's going to have to be some movement away from the whole group buy and pre-order business model.  It served well to get things off the ground, but it's starting to become an impediment.

[mdaly001]

So I noticed on van site something bout the hub countdown. Does anyone know what it is?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[chuckdee]

I think what really made it hard for the Banana Split 60 to "compete" against the DZ60 was not so much the price as it was the group buy model.  I came into this just in time to miss round one, then I had to wait months for round two, then more months for it to be delivered.  Over on r/mk there were guys asking about my keyboard, or asking about a PCB for their first 60% build, things like that…  I pointed them toward the DZ60.  Sometimes I mentioned the Banana Split 60 as well, but it seemed kind of futile.  There was no website where they could go and buy one, at any price.

I've been thinking for a while now that as this hobby continues to grow, there's going to have to be some movement away from the whole group buy and pre-order business model.  It served well to get things off the ground, but it's starting to become an impediment.

Without the group buy model, many things wouldn't get made.  The costs for production are staggering- I know because I looked into doing it the way that Originative/Sherry is doing it now, i.e. ordering with your own money instead of having a GB.  Keeping inventory in stock also involves a certain amount of risk and has tax implications.  I don't think group buys are ever going away, though there may be a few players that actually keep stock, which is what Originative/Sherry seems to be moving towards.

[chuckdee]

So I noticed on van site something bout the hub countdown. Does anyone know what it is?

I think that's his new keycap profile.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/7vonon/news_hub_a_keycap_profile_coming_soon/

[mdaly001]

So I noticed on van site something bout the hub countdown. Does anyone know what it is?

I think that's his new keycap profile.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/7vonon/news_hub_a_keycap_profile_coming_soon/

Thx!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[MikeTheTiger]

Anybody running their BanaSplit with the plate? Just wondering what your impressions are, as I haven't built my R2 yet. I'm about to move my Zeal60 out of my 5 degree case and sell it, so the Banana can have a new home.

[beekey]

  Sometimes I mentioned the Banana Split 60 as well, but it seemed kind of futile.  There was no website where they could go and buy one, at any price.

That is a very valid point. Try to get some information about the PCD, like programming it, possible layouts etc. Hard to find the name on the page at all. The FAQ is the only hint at the programming and the existing PCBs.

I like it a lot, but a bit of marketing could not harm. Keeping a static page about it would not harm.

[chuckdee]

Anybody running their BanaSplit with the plate? Just wondering what your impressions are, as I haven't built my R2 yet. I'm about to move my Zeal60 out of my 5 degree case and sell it, so the Banana can have a new home.

I'm running it with the plate in a 5 degree case.  It feels fine, though it does move around a bit as the screws aren't all in the right place, and I'm not going to do anything to change that until I make the changes in my key arrangement of the space bar (got it bollixed up somehow- the split spacebar from nautilus doesn't fit exactly right)

Anything else you want to know?

[pixelpusher]

Any update on 8bit keycaps?  The website says:

"UPDATE - We expect shipment to arrive in the upcoming few weeks. Processing and shipment out will be immediately after."  With no date.

That statement is rather meaningless without a date

[MikeTheTiger]

Anybody running their BanaSplit with the plate? Just wondering what your impressions are, as I haven't built my R2 yet. I'm about to move my Zeal60 out of my 5 degree case and sell it, so the Banana can have a new home.

I'm running it with the plate in a 5 degree case.  It feels fine, though it does move around a bit as the screws aren't all in the right place, and I'm not going to do anything to change that until I make the changes in my key arrangement of the space bar (got it bollixed up somehow- the split spacebar from nautilus doesn't fit exactly right)

Anything else you want to know?

Oops, I meant without the plate. My V1 is built with the plate.

[Arhipio]

  Sometimes I mentioned the Banana Split 60 as well, but it seemed kind of futile.  There was no website where they could go and buy one, at any price.

That is a very valid point. Try to get some information about the PCD, like programming it, possible layouts etc. Hard to find the name on the page at all. The FAQ is the only hint at the programming and the existing PCBs.

I like it a lot, but a bit of marketing could not harm. Keeping a static page about it would not harm.

The layouts are all there on the product page and artwork. I updated a link upfront to our configurator to program the board. Sorry about not making that clear.

[evangs]

Any update on 8bit keycaps?  The website says:

"UPDATE - We expect shipment to arrive in the upcoming few weeks. Processing and shipment out will be immediately after."  With no date.

That statement is rather meaningless without a date

I just talked to XDA guys a couple days ago. The caps didn't get produced before CNY but should be in production now. Once the blanks are done it will be about 7-10 days for the dyesub and then they will ship to me. When I have more info on when the blanks will be finished I'll update the site.

[MikeTheTiger]

I went plateless with my v2. I love this pcb. This is my favorite board right now.

[pixelpusher]

Any update on 8bit keycaps?  The website says:

"UPDATE - We expect shipment to arrive in the upcoming few weeks. Processing and shipment out will be immediately after."  With no date.

That statement is rather meaningless without a date

I just talked to XDA guys a couple days ago. The caps didn't get produced before CNY but should be in production now. Once the blanks are done it will be about 7-10 days for the dyesub and then they will ship to me. When I have more info on when the blanks will be finished I'll update the site.

Did you get any shipping notice or photos yet?

[pixelpusher]

I went plateless with my v2. I love this pcb. This is my favorite board right now.

Show Image

damn, that looks great.  Looks like a render

[MikeTheTiger]

I went plateless with my v2. I love this pcb. This is my favorite board right now.

Show Image

damn, that looks great.  Looks like a render

Naw...just a crap pic from my phone.  :p

[azulyf]

Any update on 8bit keycaps?  The website says:

"UPDATE - We expect shipment to arrive in the upcoming few weeks. Processing and shipment out will be immediately after."  With no date.

That statement is rather meaningless without a date

I just talked to XDA guys a couple days ago. The caps didn't get produced before CNY but should be in production now. Once the blanks are done it will be about 7-10 days for the dyesub and then they will ship to me. When I have more info on when the blanks will be finished I'll update the site.

Did you get any shipping notice or photos yet?

Just saw a pic of the set on their insta story. Maybe good news is on the way.

[MikeTheTiger]

Any update on 8bit keycaps?  The website says:

"UPDATE - We expect shipment to arrive in the upcoming few weeks. Processing and shipment out will be immediately after."  With no date.

That statement is rather meaningless without a date

I just talked to XDA guys a couple days ago. The caps didn't get produced before CNY but should be in production now. Once the blanks are done it will be about 7-10 days for the dyesub and then they will ship to me. When I have more info on when the blanks will be finished I'll update the site.

Did you get any shipping notice or photos yet?

Just saw a pic of the set on their insta story. Maybe good news is on the way.

I saw that too.

[pixelpusher]

This:

[evangs]

They are hoping to ship end of month

[azulyf]

Are we still on track of shipping this week?

[evangs]

Are we still on track of shipping this week?

Keycaps were just finished and now dyesubbing is happening they should ship to me April 15, not sure how long they will take to get to me. I’m anticipating I will begin shipping orders end of April

[chuckdee]

While you're here... any word on when we might expect those extras of BSr2?  Just trying to plan monetarily...

[evangs]

While you're here... any word on when we might expect those extras of BSr2?  Just trying to plan monetarily...

Should be really soon, just waiting for a count of what’s left

[Sputnik]

I've just finished my first build with a BSr2 PCB, in 2 words: great stuff!!!
@evangs: so now I need a second PCB for my next project, modern M0110 when the GB will run... (I'll keep my eyes opened waiting for the left over ones...)
Just a noob question: do you think BSr2 will fit? If yes, what about the left and right ctrl? Is it ok if I don't solder the two switches and program the PCB with "no action" with qmk online configurator?
Thanks in advance

[evangs]

I've just finished my first build with a BSr2 PCB, in 2 words: great stuff!!!
@evangs: so now I need a second PCB for my next project, modern M0110 when the GB will run... (I'll keep my eyes opened waiting for the left over ones...)
Just a noob question: do you think BSr2 will fit? If yes, what about the left and right ctrl? Is it ok if I don't solder the two switches and program the PCB with "no action" with qmk online configurator?
Thanks in advance

If that case fits standard 60% then you should be fine. Yes just leave those positions empty and set them to no action

[Sputnik]

I've just finished my first build with a BSr2 PCB, in 2 words: great stuff!!!
@evangs: so now I need a second PCB for my next project, modern M0110 when the GB will run... (I'll keep my eyes opened waiting for the left over ones...)
Just a noob question: do you think BSr2 will fit? If yes, what about the left and right ctrl? Is it ok if I don't solder the two switches and program the PCB with "no action" with qmk online configurator?
Thanks in advance

If that case fits standard 60% then you should be fine. Yes just leave those positions empty and set them to no action

  I'll try to grab a second BSr2....

[Arhipio]

Hey everyone we launched our new profile called HuB inspired by cherry and spherical keycaps. Go check out our GB and Kickstarter threads if you are interested in this project.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thevankeyboards/hub-mechanical-keyboard-key-caps?ref=3nyt34

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=94974.0

[chuckdee]

The R2 board is up on the site.  $100 for plate and pcb.

[Arhipio]

The R2 board is up on the site.  $100 for plate and pcb.

[neorobo]

Just trying to set up my banana split now...i've soldered a few of my switches and all those keys are registering, except for the left space key (I have a 225 125 275 setup).

Is this normal behavior? I would like to know before I continue soldering the rest of the board.

I figured that perhaps the board needs to be flashed for the left space key to be functional. I don't have experience with QMK and I was wondering if there is any step by step guide that if I follow, on Windows only, I can flash a .hex file generated from the website. So far I've tried QMK toolbox but get the following error when flashing after connecting the board, holding the reset button, and pressing flash.

*** DFU device connected: ATm32U4DFU -- 03EB:2FF4:1
*** DFU device disconnected: ATm32U4DFU -- 03EB:2FF4:1
*** DFU device connected: ATm32U4DFU -- 03EB:2FF4:1
*** Attempting to flash, please don't remove device
>>> dfu-programmer.exe atmega32u4 erase --force
    dfu-programmer: no device present.
>>> dfu-programmer.exe atmega32u4 flash "C:\Users\robth\Downloads\BananaSplit6020180415040055_defaultRHBS60.hex"
    dfu-programmer: no device present.
>>> dfu-programmer.exe atmega32u4 reset
    dfu-programmer: no device present.

[evangs]

Just trying to set up my banana split now...i've soldered a few of my switches and all those keys are registering, except for the left space key (I have a 225 125 275 setup).

Is this normal behavior? I would like to know before I continue soldering the rest of the board.

I figured that perhaps the board needs to be flashed for the left space key to be functional. I don't have experience with QMK and I was wondering if there is any step by step guide that if I follow, on Windows only, I can flash a .hex file generated from the website. So far I've tried QMK toolbox but get the following error when flashing after connecting the board, holding the reset button, and pressing flash.

*** DFU device connected: ATm32U4DFU -- 03EB:2FF4:1
*** DFU device disconnected: ATm32U4DFU -- 03EB:2FF4:1
*** DFU device connected: ATm32U4DFU -- 03EB:2FF4:1
*** Attempting to flash, please don't remove device
>>> dfu-programmer.exe atmega32u4 erase --force
    dfu-programmer: no device present.
>>> dfu-programmer.exe atmega32u4 flash "C:\Users\robth\Downloads\BananaSplit6020180415040055_defaultRHBS60.hex"
    dfu-programmer: no device present.
>>> dfu-programmer.exe atmega32u4 reset
    dfu-programmer: no device present.

Did you press the reset button on the pcb? Do you have the atmega32u4 driver installed?

[neorobo]

I did press the reset button on the pcb, but I haven't installed any drivers on my PC. Can you point me to where I can download the atmega32u4 driver?

[evangs]

I did press the reset button on the pcb, but I haven't installed any drivers on my PC. Can you point me to where I can download the atmega32u4 driver?

I believe it’s included with qmk toolbox and just needs to be installed. If you go to device manager, hit reset on the pcb, then right click on the atmega32u4 device and then click update driver. Navigate to the driver folder and select it. Once that is installed you should be able to flash

[Talljoe]

Hey everyone just wanted to make an update. This is actually pretty bittersweet for me. This is the final round of the BananaSplit. Me and Evan decided we can’t compete with other clones without making sacrifices to our quality. We believed that our product went beyond the features and qualities in the service we provided to our customers. I can’t thank my supporters enough you’ve truly made the BananaSplit an amazing experience for me. To most of you it’s a simple 60 percent with some nice tweaks. To me it holds way more value. It’s been an amazing learning experience for me with Evan taking me under his wing. I can’t thank him enough to just trust a random 18 year old he met at a meetup with a vision. He’s a life long friend and that’s something I’ll cherish and always takeaway from this endeavor. I’m sorry the past couples months I haven’t been as involved as I would have liked to. To put it simply. I got burnt out, and life decided to get in my way. This isn’t the end of me, I have more projects planned. If anyone has any questions or just wants to shoot the **** with me about anything feel free to PM me on reddit. Thank you to everyone at TheVan Keyboards and a big thanks to all my supporters. It’s been fun.

So sad to hear you're not continuing. My BananaSplit in a Retro60 case with SA 1965 is my favorite at the moment.

 

I also just found out I missed the R2 extras sale!

Anyway, thanks for such an awesome board and I'll keep an eye out for whatever is next.

[evangs]

Hey everyone just wanted to make an update. This is actually pretty bittersweet for me. This is the final round of the BananaSplit. Me and Evan decided we can’t compete with other clones without making sacrifices to our quality. We believed that our product went beyond the features and qualities in the service we provided to our customers. I can’t thank my supporters enough you’ve truly made the BananaSplit an amazing experience for me. To most of you it’s a simple 60 percent with some nice tweaks. To me it holds way more value. It’s been an amazing learning experience for me with Evan taking me under his wing. I can’t thank him enough to just trust a random 18 year old he met at a meetup with a vision. He’s a life long friend and that’s something I’ll cherish and always takeaway from this endeavor. I’m sorry the past couples months I haven’t been as involved as I would have liked to. To put it simply. I got burnt out, and life decided to get in my way. This isn’t the end of me, I have more projects planned. If anyone has any questions or just wants to shoot the **** with me about anything feel free to PM me on reddit. Thank you to everyone at TheVan Keyboards and a big thanks to all my supporters. It’s been fun.

wow that build sure is a looker. we are so happy that you are enjoying the board. We are talking about an encore round for the BananaSplit but we also have another 60% in the works
So sad to hear you're not continuing. My BananaSplit in a Retro60 case with SA 1965 is my favorite at the moment.

 

Show Image

I also just found out I missed the R2 extras sale! :(

Anyway, thanks for such an awesome board and I'll keep an eye out for whatever is next.

[Arhipio]

Hey everyone just wanted to make an update. This is actually pretty bittersweet for me. This is the final round of the BananaSplit. Me and Evan decided we can’t compete with other clones without making sacrifices to our quality. We believed that our product went beyond the features and qualities in the service we provided to our customers. I can’t thank my supporters enough you’ve truly made the BananaSplit an amazing experience for me. To most of you it’s a simple 60 percent with some nice tweaks. To me it holds way more value. It’s been an amazing learning experience for me with Evan taking me under his wing. I can’t thank him enough to just trust a random 18 year old he met at a meetup with a vision. He’s a life long friend and that’s something I’ll cherish and always takeaway from this endeavor. I’m sorry the past couples months I haven’t been as involved as I would have liked to. To put it simply. I got burnt out, and life decided to get in my way. This isn’t the end of me, I have more projects planned. If anyone has any questions or just wants to shoot the **** with me about anything feel free to PM me on reddit. Thank you to everyone at TheVan Keyboards and a big thanks to all my supporters. It’s been fun.

So sad to hear you're not continuing. My BananaSplit in a Retro60 case with SA 1965 is my favorite at the moment.

 

Show Image

I also just found out I missed the R2 extras sale! :(

Anyway, thanks for such an awesome board and I'll keep an eye out for whatever is next.

That is a sweet build, I think you'll be excited with our future products we have planned. :D

[azulyf]

Are we still on track of shipping 8bit set this month?

[Arhipio]

Are we still on track of shipping 8bit set this month?

We should be getting them within the next week. Once we get them we will start shipping them out

[tex_live_utility]

Shame you won't be making this again. The bottom row had some good layout options that you can't find anywhere else.

[pixelpusher]

Are we still on track of shipping this week?

Keycaps were just finished and now dyesubbing is happening they should ship to me April 15, not sure how long they will take to get to me. I’m anticipating I will begin shipping orders end of April

Updates?

[evangs]

Are we still on track of shipping this week?

Keycaps were just finished and now dyesubbing is happening they should ship to me April 15, not sure how long they will take to get to me. I’m anticipating I will begin shipping orders end of April

Updates?

last week I was told that dyesub was 95% complete, haven't heard anything since and haven't received tracking info yet. Shouldn't be much longer.

[Arhipio]

Are we still on track of shipping this week?

Keycaps were just finished and now dyesubbing is happening they should ship to me April 15, not sure how long they will take to get to me. I’m anticipating I will begin shipping orders end of April

Updates?

They're still working on production. Last we heard they are 95% done with the dyesubbing process.

[evangs]

8Bit is shipping and I should have tracking in the next day or so! I know the wait has been a bit longer than expected, but we are almost there!

[pixelpusher]

Thanks for the update

[evangs]

8Bit is supposed to land on my doorstep on the 17th. we just about there

[evangs]

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi0ehmtHtsa/?taken-by=evangs_thevan

I received the base kits today and the rest of the kits are scheduled to arrive on the 17th. I have all orders for only base kit going out tomorrow. we are finally coming up on the close of this thing!

[evangs]

https://instagram.com/p/Bi7v0cwDzNu/

All kits are in hand. I’m going to try to have all of them in the mail tomorrow

[pixelpusher]

https://instagram.com/p/Bi7v0cwDzNu/

All kits are in hand. I’m going to try to have all of them in the mail tomorrow

Thanks for the updoot. Looking forward to putting these on a board.

[evangs]

All orders have been packed and will be dropped off tomorrow. Any leftovers will be available in about 4 weeks

[MikeTheTiger]

All orders have been packed and will be dropped off tomorrow. Any leftovers will be available in about 4 weeks

Can’t wait to slap them on my Minivan and Roadkit!

[ch4rd]

Awww Yiss.

Can't wait to get these!

[Glod]

You know,

I dont come of here much,

but i forgot to share that i built this with Hako Trues and the TechKeys aluminum case, flat. i built it the week in came in the mail.

I kind of forgot I had it, i was meaning to take the caps on my DZ and put them on it but instead put granite. i actually think it looks really clean though the way it is.

Banana Split 2 by almightyglod, on Flickr

banana split v2 by almightyglod, on Flickr


edit

ahh that is better, maybe someone has some suggestion on pink or purple leds that shine bright on these

2018-07-02_02-44-58 by almightyglod, on Flickr

[Glod]

Thanks for R2 TheVan, I love this keyboard.

[Arhipio]

Show Image

Thanks for R2 TheVan, I love this keyboard.

Very clean build :D

[dodgeyhack]

Anyone had issues with the usb c port? First time I plugged mine in the two connections closest to the edge of the board popped out. I assume these just need to be soldered back?

[beekey]

Anyone had issues with the usb c port? First time I plugged mine in the two connections closest to the edge of the board popped out. I assume these just need to be soldered back?

Yes, me too. Soldert them back in. Had too much force from the cable on the connector. Was scared my favorit PCB had died. Added some plastic between case and connector to stabelize it. Works fine again.