Author Topic: [IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) (Read 218078 times)

pfrederi · « **Reply #250 on:** Thu, 11 December 2014, 02:32:51 »

Would it be possible to do a group buy without Massdrop?

Battou62 · « **Reply #251 on:** Thu, 11 December 2014, 08:05:27 »

I hope this project becomes available in a TKL form factor one day.

Sygaldry · « **Reply #252 on:** Thu, 11 December 2014, 15:03:37 »

Quote from: pfrederi on Thu, 11 December 2014, 02:32:51

Would it be possible to do a group buy without Massdrop?

Yes. Definitely possible.

But whoever ends up running the GB will have to comb through the countless electronics factories in China to find one that can produce the board for a price low enough that enough people will join to meet MOQ.

MD is our best bet at this point

pfrederi · « **Reply #253 on:** Thu, 11 December 2014, 20:36:36 »

Quote from: Sygaldry on Thu, 11 December 2014, 15:03:37

Yes. Definitely possible.

But whoever ends up running the GB will have to comb through the countless electronics factories in China to find one that can produce the board for a price low enough that enough people will join to meet MOQ.

MD is our best bet at this point

We just need to group buy a Chinese factory... Hmmmmm

Massdrop is busy trying to push their Infinity keyboard which may qualify as being one of the ugliest keyboards I've ever seen.

Bummer

nandop · « **Reply #254 on:** Fri, 12 December 2014, 09:57:51 »

Quote from: pfrederi on Thu, 11 December 2014, 20:36:36

Quote from: Sygaldry on Thu, 11 December 2014, 15:03:37
Yes. Definitely possible.

But whoever ends up running the GB will have to comb through the countless electronics factories in China to find one that can produce the board for a price low enough that enough people will join to meet MOQ.

MD is our best bet at this point

We just need to group buy a Chinese factory... Hmmmmm

Massdrop is busy trying to push their Infinity keyboard which may qualify as being one of the ugliest keyboards I've ever seen.

Bummer

In terms of aesthetics, I absolutely agree with you. Through a business perspective, that metal plate that serves as the feet (in some layouts) is really genius for saving money and resources. But still, I didn't buy it and most likely won't unless its PCB only.

Sygaldry · « **Reply #255 on:** Fri, 12 December 2014, 18:36:58 »

Quote from: nandop on Fri, 12 December 2014, 09:57:51

Quote from: pfrederi on Thu, 11 December 2014, 20:36:36
Quote from: Sygaldry on Thu, 11 December 2014, 15:03:37
Yes. Definitely possible.

But whoever ends up running the GB will have to comb through the countless electronics factories in China to find one that can produce the board for a price low enough that enough people will join to meet MOQ.

MD is our best bet at this point

We just need to group buy a Chinese factory... Hmmmmm

Massdrop is busy trying to push their Infinity keyboard which may qualify as being one of the ugliest keyboards I've ever seen.

Bummer

In terms of aesthetics, I absolutely agree with you. Through a business perspective, that metal plate that serves as the feet (in some layouts) is really genius for saving money and resources. But still, I didn't buy it and most likely won't unless its PCB only.

They offered just the PCB and normal plate to use with other cases in the initial group buy.

There was no need to buy the bent frame/case.

Matt3o · « **Reply #256 on:** Sun, 14 December 2014, 02:20:16 »

I need one!

Digitize · « **Reply #257 on:** Tue, 16 December 2014, 22:06:16 »

this keyboard is starting to grow on me. Just the idea of being able to swap switches or led in and out without soldering is really cool.

PocoLoco · « **Reply #258 on:** Fri, 26 December 2014, 18:31:26 »

OMFG my dreams have come true tell me when i can buy this

Joebroniee · « **Reply #259 on:** Sat, 27 December 2014, 03:12:25 »

Quote from: PocoLoco on Fri, 26 December 2014, 18:31:26

OMFG my dreams have come true tell me when i can buy this

it'll be a while my friend. just keep on praying

PocoLoco · « **Reply #260 on:** Sat, 27 December 2014, 10:28:18 »

I know that it will be a while till we are able to get hold of this but maybe we will be lucky some day soon. I will be waiting for more news.

taylordcraig · « **Reply #261 on:** Wed, 07 January 2015, 22:31:50 »

is this till going to happen?
I'm holding my breath and might pass out soon.

SacKRoll · « **Reply #262 on:** Sat, 10 January 2015, 22:07:09 »

Quote from: taylordcraig on Wed, 07 January 2015, 22:31:50

is this till going to happen?
I'm holding my breath and might pass out soon.

I think it isn't, but I hope be wrong about it.

GL1TCH3D · « **Reply #263 on:** Mon, 26 January 2015, 16:55:46 »

I'm working with a manufacturer about a TKL.

They already produce keyboards so it would be more a modification off a current model. They're supposed to be testing the hotswapping right now.

Joey Quinn · « **Reply #264 on:** Mon, 26 January 2015, 17:08:29 »

Quote from: GL1TCH3D on Mon, 26 January 2015, 16:55:46

I'm working with a manufacturer about a TKL.

They already produce keyboards so it would be more a modification off a current model. They're supposed to be testing the hotswapping right now.

I'll help test!

GL1TCH3D · « **Reply #265 on:** Mon, 26 January 2015, 17:13:29 »

Quote from: Joey Quinn on Mon, 26 January 2015, 17:08:29

Quote from: GL1TCH3D on Mon, 26 January 2015, 16:55:46
I'm working with a manufacturer about a TKL.

They already produce keyboards so it would be more a modification off a current model. They're supposed to be testing the hotswapping right now.

I'll help test!

Pretty sure the plane ticket to China wouldn't be worthwhile xD

I'll make sure to get one here myself if it works for testing.

Joebroniee · « **Reply #266 on:** Tue, 27 January 2015, 10:59:18 »

finally a little light of hope =D

STARLORDCOFFEE · « **Reply #267 on:** Wed, 28 January 2015, 14:20:18 »

I need this In my life more then I need oxygen...don't you dare try to persuade me otherwise!!

tuantruong · « **Reply #268 on:** Wed, 28 January 2015, 14:47:54 »

Quote from: GL1TCH3D on Mon, 26 January 2015, 16:55:46

I'm working with a manufacturer about a TKL.

They already produce keyboards so it would be more a modification off a current model. They're supposed to be testing the hotswapping right now.

is the TKL version going to be a low-profile keyboard? I'm not a fan of low-profile cases, but really interested in hot swap PCB idea.

LechnerDE · « **Reply #269 on:** Thu, 29 January 2015, 05:26:04 »

Quote from: GL1TCH3D on Mon, 26 January 2015, 16:55:46

I'm working with a manufacturer about a TKL.

They already produce keyboards so it would be more a modification off a current model. They're supposed to be testing the hotswapping right now.

I am even more interested in a TKL version of this.

Please keep us updated!!

GL1TCH3D · « **Reply #270 on:** Thu, 29 January 2015, 06:00:00 »

Quote from: tuantruong on Wed, 28 January 2015, 14:47:54

Quote from: GL1TCH3D on Mon, 26 January 2015, 16:55:46
I'm working with a manufacturer about a TKL.

They already produce keyboards so it would be more a modification off a current model. They're supposed to be testing the hotswapping right now.
is the TKL version going to be a low-profile keyboard? I'm not a fan of low-profile cases, but really interested in hot swap PCB idea.

No =[

I mean anything is possible with enough money I have to consider what will be the most popular without creating a whole new product (since that would require a new set of tools and such)

pasph · « **Reply #271 on:** Thu, 29 January 2015, 07:31:53 »

It will also have the FN key on the front side?

GL1TCH3D · « **Reply #272 on:** Thu, 29 January 2015, 08:14:47 »

Quote from: pasph on Thu, 29 January 2015, 07:31:53

It will also have the FN key on the front side?

the one that I'm pursuing does not have a front side FN key. It's standard TKL with the main difference being the hot swapping switches

pasph · « **Reply #273 on:** Thu, 29 January 2015, 13:27:55 »

Also hot swapping leds?

ImBZppl · « **Reply #274 on:** Fri, 30 January 2015, 20:38:31 »

A TKL would certainly be interesting but what about the cost? I would expect it to go up as well.

ccc24 · « **Reply #275 on:** Fri, 30 January 2015, 22:00:51 »

Quote from: ImBZppl on Fri, 30 January 2015, 20:38:31

A TKL would certainly be interesting but what about the cost? I would expect it to go up as well.

From what I read so far, the manufacturer is testing hot swapping on one of their current models. So hopefully if they can streamline the entire group buy or w.e we could get the price down.

ImBZppl · « **Reply #276 on:** Sat, 31 January 2015, 14:24:52 »

Will there be a cnc aluminum case on the tkl?

GL1TCH3D · « **Reply #277 on:** Sun, 01 February 2015, 01:32:14 »

Quote from: ImBZppl on Sat, 31 January 2015, 14:24:52

Will there be a cnc aluminum case on the tkl?

Unlikely.

As I mentioned before it's based off a current product that they manufacture.

Though the PCB should be standard TKL if you really want to transplant the PCB and such to an Alu case if you really wanted

justify · « **Reply #278 on:** Sat, 07 February 2015, 07:44:43 »

is this still happening?

daerid · « **Reply #279 on:** Mon, 09 February 2015, 11:55:13 »

The 68% is really the first compact idea that I've seen that I feel would be really usable for me (the 660 form factor is close, but just not quite there). As long as the controller on this is programmable (and hot swap switches/leds? WHAAAAAT?), I would buy this in a heartbeat.

Blungo · « **Reply #280 on:** Wed, 18 February 2015, 07:06:16 »

Where do I buy this?

Moralless · « **Reply #281 on:** Wed, 18 February 2015, 07:42:03 »

Quote from: Blungo on Wed, 18 February 2015, 07:06:16

Where do I buy this?

A GB for this keyboard never made it to GH (sadly

)

Although they did have a very limited run on some asian forum (I can't recall the name sorry). You're only chance to ever get this would probably if someone who was in the limited run GB decided to sell theirs, but that is very unlikely.

Rotaku · « **Reply #282 on:** Thu, 19 February 2015, 08:03:21 »

Wait, what is exactly happening here that is stopping the group buy from happening?

Ripudio · « **Reply #283 on:** Thu, 19 February 2015, 14:51:58 »

I believe the manufacturer went out of business

Sygaldry · « **Reply #284 on:** Thu, 19 February 2015, 15:21:29 »

https://www.massdrop.com/vote/compact-60-ish-sized-with-discreet-arrow-keys
Massdrop apparently is in the process of finding a new manufacturer and bringing this KB back to life. I don't think they've made any progress let alone put forth a significant amount of effort to do so though.

Asininity · « **Reply #285 on:** Sat, 21 February 2015, 02:12:01 »

This is such a cool idea in my mind that I really do hope they find a way to bring it back. I don't have the spare cash to afford it now but soon.

sethk_ · « **Reply #286 on:** Sat, 21 February 2015, 02:13:43 »

Quote from: Asininity on Sat, 21 February 2015, 02:12:01

This is such a cool idea in my mind that I really do hope they find a way to bring it back. I don't have the spare cash to afford it now but soon.

Well, I think they did this just by using SIP sockets.

xtazy222 · « **Reply #287 on:** Sat, 21 February 2015, 03:40:47 »

So is it dead for the TKL version?

GL1TCH3D · « **Reply #288 on:** Sun, 22 February 2015, 12:27:53 »

Haven't heard anything since it supposedly went to prototyping.

They didn't charge me anything but just never got back to me. I'll see if I can get in touch with them at some point

taylordcraig · « **Reply #289 on:** Wed, 04 March 2015, 12:59:26 »

Really sad, couldn't care less for a tkl really. The smart68 was something new and innovative.
Also, hot swap LEDs can be accomplished with SIP sockets, the switches use a special contact in the pcb that they can clip in to.

GL1TCH3D · « **Reply #290 on:** Wed, 04 March 2015, 16:14:47 »

Quote from: taylordcraig on Wed, 04 March 2015, 12:59:26

Really sad, couldn't care less for a tkl really. The smart68 was something new and innovative.
Also, hot swap LEDs can be accomplished with SIP sockets, the switches use a special contact in the pcb that they can clip in to.

I agree the smart68 was something else. Still any keyboard with hotswappable switches is interesting to me.

feng · « **Reply #291 on:** Tue, 10 March 2015, 20:31:20 »

I might have to do this along with DeeLong. Massdrop says they don't have the confidence to do the group buy yet since it's a new product. They might consider in the future if a GB on GH goes well.

bahamot · « **Reply #292 on:** Tue, 10 March 2015, 21:23:06 »

The keycap is the only thing that concern me.
How hard it's to get he keycaps set that fits this keyboard?

derezzed · « **Reply #293 on:** Tue, 10 March 2015, 21:41:23 »

This is one of the most beautiful boards I've seen. If I had the money, I'd be all over this when it becomes available. But I do have reservations about the function bar. I have large hands and I find it a bit awkward to put my thumbs on the side of my keyboard case and reach my fingers beyond the home row. Still, it's a really nice board.

Joey Quinn · « **Reply #294 on:** Tue, 10 March 2015, 21:43:52 »

Quote from: bahamot on Tue, 10 March 2015, 21:23:06

The keycap is the only thing that concern me.
How hard it's to get he keycaps set that fits this keyboard?

Very easy, most new keysets have a short shift.

taylordcraig · « **Reply #295 on:** Thu, 12 March 2015, 00:19:42 »

Quote from: feng on Tue, 10 March 2015, 20:31:20

I might have to do this along with DeeLong. Massdrop says they don't have the confidence to do the group buy yet since it's a new product. They might consider in the future if a GB on GH goes well.

Please make the Smart68 happen Feng. I have full faith in you!

Quote from: derezzed on Tue, 10 March 2015, 21:41:23

This is one of the most beautiful boards I've seen. If I had the money, I'd be all over this when it becomes available. But I do have reservations about the function bar. I have large hands and I find it a bit awkward to put my thumbs on the side of my keyboard case and reach my fingers beyond the home row. Still, it's a really nice board.

You can also put a FN key on a regular switch.

bahamot · « **Reply #296 on:** Thu, 12 March 2015, 01:44:55 »

Quote from: taylordcraig on Thu, 12 March 2015, 00:19:42

Quote from: feng on Tue, 10 March 2015, 20:31:20
I might have to do this along with DeeLong. Massdrop says they don't have the confidence to do the group buy yet since it's a new product. They might consider in the future if a GB on GH goes well.

Please make the Smart68 happen Feng. I have full faith in you!

+1 that!

bahamot · « **Reply #297 on:** Mon, 16 March 2015, 04:16:48 »

@feng, do we need to solder for the fn button at the side keyboard case?

Sygaldry · « **Reply #298 on:** Mon, 16 March 2015, 04:41:06 »

This needs to happen!

KnivesM · « **Reply #299 on:** Mon, 16 March 2015, 13:55:46 »

Hopefully this ends up happening, such a cool concept.

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Author Topic: [IC] Smart 68 Keyboard Set (GB is live) (Read 218078 times)