[IC] BIOI G60BLE PCB Rev2 + Cora 60% Case (GB Live Now)

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Hi guys. Play Keyboard here. I hope all of you are well and healthy.

We haven't came up with products last year because of COVID-19, and other reasons stalked us as well. So we used this period to search for resources, factories to make our future products. Now we are ready to present a bluetooth PCB and a case to the community.

There were two rounds of BIOI G60BLE PCB groupbuys we've held. We received lots of inquires for purchasing after the last one.

This time we did some modifications and notes:

• Move BT switch to right side of capslock, which is also the position where many bootloader switch locate.
• Battery module and installing position for Nokia BL-5J & BL-5C batteries.
• Change hotswap version switch orientation to south facing.
• Album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/149475414@N03/albums/72157718157891667
• Surface of PCB sample shown in above album was done wrongly by factory. It should be matte black as our previous GBs.

PCB specs:

• QMK firmware, VIA compatible
• USB C connector
• BT4.0, available on most devices and systems like Win10, iPad and iPhone. Super power saving.
• Supports USB/BT devices switching.
• Battery module position
• 1.0mm SH connector for battery socket
• Full guide by Scott Wei: https://scottywei.github.io/bioi-g60ble/
• Layouts for both versions will be shown in GB thread.

(2021.2.10 edited) PCB upgradations comparing to previous versions:

• Add ESD ic to protect PCB from electrostatic disturbance.
• Add anti-insert protection for battery. You don't burn your PCB if you plug in wrong this time.
• Add 2u L-shift layout for default version, which is so called 64 arrow keys layout.
• Add connector for battery module which is compatible with Nokia BL-5J or BL-5c batteries.

Some of you might have bought FR4 plates from us. FR4 plates will be an option in GB this time.

More importantly, we made a case for this BT PCB - Cora

• Aluminum, coated coloring
• Standard GH60 screw positions (middle one is removed for flexibility)
• Colors: banana, light sand, concrete and turquoise
• Front PVC name plates in beige and black colors. Both will be provided. Inspired from C64 keyboard
• Back PVC name plate
• BT signal opening & BT switch openning
• Standard case to fit battery module
• Album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/149475414@N03/albums/72157718152879466

FR4 plates are only available when you get at least one piece of BIOI G60BLE PCB or a Cora case. Both of them will be in discount prices. After GB period they will be back to normal price.

(2021.2.18 edited) GB period: 2021.2.22 ~ 2021.3.24 CST

Prices:

• Default version PCB: 55USD
• Hotswap version PCB: 60USD
• Battery module: 8USD
• FR4 plate: 20USD → 18USD
• Cora 60% case: 90USD → 85USD

GB is going to be held in our new site. There are couple of things still waiting to be built. We'll update the link once it's done.
For now, please follow our Instagram for any update: https://www.instagram.com/play_keyboard/

Feel free to ask us anything as usual. Cheers!
Buy Link: https://www.play-keyboard.store/collections/bioi-g60ble-rev2-pcb-cora-60-case-groupbuy

GB post: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=111337.0

[joshuarubin]

Will you be releasing all the source code this time?

[soloplayer]

i'm waiting for ca66 r3 with usb-c. pretty please

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Will you be releasing all the source code this time?

It's been merged in to QMK for a while : https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/bioi/g60

[piit79]

I'm impressed! Very nice and polished, both the PCB and the case. I like the colours you've chosen. Good price too!

Will you have an EU proxy? I'm a long time ortho user, but I'd probably get one just because it's BT and affordable

[PlayKeyboardTW]

I'm impressed! Very nice and polished, both the PCB and the case. I like the colours you've chosen. Good price too!

Will you have an EU proxy? I'm a long time ortho user, but I'd probably get one just because it's BT and affordable

No but we ship internationally. So don't worry.

i'm waiting for ca66 r3 with usb-c. pretty please

We'll try.

[piit79]

Will you have an EU proxy?

No but we ship internationally. So don't worry.

Where will you ship from? I do worry, because overseas shipping, taxes and fees will turn this from a very attractive affordable board into one that's not worth it. The shipping prices these days are crazy.

Why no EU proxy though? There are so many good options now...

[Cubic // esc lab]

I can't be the only one that originally read this as BIG GOBBLE

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Will you have an EU proxy?

No but we ship internationally. So don't worry.

Where will you ship from? I do worry, because overseas shipping, taxes and fees will turn this from a very attractive affordable board into one that's not worth it. The shipping prices these days are crazy.

Why no EU proxy though? There are so many good options now...

Bad to hear that. We will try to find some shops to cooperate with in the future.

I can't be the only one that originally read this as BIG GOBBLE

No you are not.

[Alejo1707]

Love the idea! But I need my split space

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

[darthcapn]

Super interested!!

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[neon_tom]

Nice. +1 on the battery module. I’ll likely go in on a case and a couple PCBs.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Super interested!!

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Cheers!

Love the idea! But I need my split space

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

It's pity that there's no room for setting up split spacebars. We might do an interest check in the future to see how many people need them.

Nice. +1 on the battery module. I’ll likely go in on a case and a couple PCBs.

Awesome!

[lush_bunny]

I like this. Can we buy the batteries from you as well?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

I like this. Can we buy the batteries from you as well?

We'll try. But the battery will only allowed to be shipped via DHL Express.

[darthcapn]

What is the expected turnaround time for this from order to shipping?

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[lush_bunny]

I like this. Can we buy the batteries from you as well?

We'll try. But the battery will only allowed to be shipped via DHL Express.

Wait nvm. Nokia BL-5J & BL-5C batteries are available in my local stores.
I've got a few more questions though:

• How is the BT? I heard aluminum cases interfere with it.
• How's the typing test? Interested in how the presence of a battery affects it.
• If the GB is really going to run for a month, you'll be my hero. Buying on March will be preferable to me
• Is this is an unlimited run? How many months till the keyboard ships to us?

thank you! looking forward to this.

[Reebes]

I really like this idea!

Lush bunny has good questions though, esp. re: aluminum case interference.

[nick779]

This is awesome looking, I wish all PCBs were this well thought out.

What is the typing angle with the Cora case?

[joshuarubin]

I, and one other person I know, had issues with the soldering of the bt module on the current boardl. My bt module had cold and broken solder joints and did not work reliably. I was able to successfully reflow the solder and fix mine, but my friend wasn't so lucky. What are you planning on doing to improve this issue?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

I like this. Can we buy the batteries from you as well?

We'll try. But the battery will only allowed to be shipped via DHL Express.

Wait nvm. Nokia BL-5J & BL-5C batteries are available in my local stores.
I've got a few more questions though:

• How is the BT? I heard aluminum cases interfere with it.
• How's the typing test? Interested in how the presence of a battery affects it.
• If the GB is really going to run for a month, you'll be my hero. Buying on March will be preferable to me
• Is this is an unlimited run? How many months till the keyboard ships to us?

thank you! looking forward to this.

1. The BT using experience is pretty satisfied according to our customers' feedbacks.
2. We probably won't do a typing test video, but I myself have not faced any problem using it till now. We will make a dampener for Cora to improve both typing and sound. It will be a standard part coming with every Cora.
3. Yes it's going to be a month.
4. Unlimited. We'll say 2-3 month for production. If the quantity is beyond our expectation, we'll need longer time.

Thanks for asking.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

I really like this idea!

Lush bunny has good questions though, esp. re: aluminum case interference.

We have a opening for BT module in bottom of case for BT signal to get through.
And it's also recommended to use a FR4 plate or a non-metal material plate for better connection with your device.

This is awesome looking, I wish all PCBs were this well thought out.

What is the typing angle with the Cora case?

It's 6 degree.

I, and one other person I know, had issues with the soldering of the bt module on the current board. My bt module had cold and broken solder joints and did not work reliably. I was able to successfully reflow the solder and fix mine, but my friend wasn't so lucky. What are you planning on doing to improve this issue?

Sorry to hear that happen to both of your PCBs.

We've changed to a factory with better SMT machine. And there are silk-screen lines for module to let machine have better positioning this time.
Hope this will solve the problem you mentioned.

[sootlamb]

Looks great! Excited to buy a case! Do yall happen to know the pantone colors? Specifically for the mint/turquoise one? Thank yall!

[LONGZILLA]

How thick is the BT-module + battery?  I would be interested in re-using an existing case, but would like to ensure there's enough clearance.

[treeleaf64]

cheap and good I like
 it

[thicthock]

That price point makes it super interesting

[Domantas]

Will hotswap be default tsangan?

UPDATE:
WOW IT IS INDEED, YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME. Men will this be fourth pcb for my switch couture ?.. or for another board. If only your offered case would be top mount. Does someone know on going top mount/gasket mount 60% boards that is compatible with this? As much as this is nice bundle I would be lying if I say I like tray mounts very much

[DrGravy3]

I'm trying to access the website and it wont let me, says cconnection isn't private. not sure if this is your side or mine thats wrong, but id like to get this and can't seem to access the website.

[nasp]

Any chance the mounting points could be removable. If not, I'll be cutting mine off with a rotary tool

[Domantas]

Guys I get an error when I try to buy anything on your site "Sorry, out of zone.". I am from EU, Lithuania. Please fix this, because this is annoying. Can add Poland but not Lithuania when its a few km from each other, come on. Not gonna lie this is second time with vendors based in Asia :/ That is why I also suggest proxy next time, so you wouldn't need to deal with all that

[lz2019]

is the sale of pcb and case already started? I don't see the pcb on the website yet, as of today.

[Shmeagle]

Loving the colors of these cases, and the price? Insta buy

a few questions though

1) What if don't want to use BT at all, do we have to build with the battery?
2) Will there be a build guide in the future?
3) WKL?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Looks great! Excited to buy a case! Do yall happen to know the pantone colors? Specifically for the mint/turquoise one? Thank yall!

No but we were pretty much following the color of Tealios.

cheap and good I like
 it

Cheers!

How thick is the BT-module + battery?  I would be interested in re-using an existing case, but would like to ensure there's enough clearance.

I'll combine studs of module for you as well. They are approximately 8.75mm in total.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

That price point makes it super interesting

We hope most people are able to get a set.

Will hotswap be default tsangan?

UPDATE:
WOW IT IS INDEED, YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME. Men will this be fourth pcb for my switch couture ?.. or for another board. If only your offered case would be top mount. Does someone know on going top mount/gasket mount 60% boards that is compatible with this? As much as this is nice bundle I would be lying if I say I like tray mounts very much

Since we want Cora to be our standard GH60 case as well, it will need to be a universal tray-mount case. We'll make a dampener to improve the typing experience.

I'm trying to access the website and it wont let me, says cconnection isn't private. not sure if this is your side or mine thats wrong, but id like to get this and can't seem to access the website.

We've moved to a new platform and it's still under construction. After SSL activation is passed you'll be entering without worry.
The site will be prepared before GH starts.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Loving the colors of these cases, and the price? Insta buy

a few questions though

1) What if don't want to use BT at all, do we have to build with the battery?
2) Will there be a build guide in the future?
3) WKL?

1. No you don't. You can use it via USB connection without a battery.
2. Actually we already made one. We'll post it in GB thread.
3. Hotswap version will be in tsangan layout.

Guys I get an error when I try to buy anything on your site "Sorry, out of zone.". I am from EU, Lithuania. Please fix this, because this is annoying. Can add Poland but not Lithuania when its a few km from each other, come on. Not gonna lie this is second time with vendors based in Asia :/ That is why I also suggest proxy next time, so you wouldn't need to deal with all that

Like I mentioned in previous reply. Our new site is still under construction.
We'll add countries that are not in our shipping list if there's any inquire. This thing will need to be built up slowly since there are too many countries in this world.

The site will be ready before GB starts. No worries.

Any chance the mounting points could be removable. If not, I'll be cutting mine off with a rotary tool

No sorry.

is the sale of pcb and case already started? I don't see the pcb on the website yet, as of today.

No they are not. We'll update the date here and in our Instagram when the site is ready.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Guys, here are some photos of turquoise Cora, which one of our friends shoot for us.
They were posted in ZFrontier: https://www.zfrontier.com/app/flow/45aE1K8POzM1

Please come and check'em.

[lz2019]

is the pcb compatible with other standard 60% case ?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

is the pcb compatible with other standard 60% case ?

Yes but only compatible with cases with battery slots. It has GH60 screw position openings.

[yui]

if i'd wish to use an other kind of battery would there be enough space? i have some larger flat LiPo batteries that i planed to use in a wireless keyboard, and this could be perfect project for one or 2 of them, having a keyboard that has 10 years of battery life
(dimensions from the top of my head are 6*150*120 mm per battery, 13Wh)
and i know i am a bit late for this one, but would you consider supporting ISO in the future? if so i would be in for an other few

[lz2019]

is the pcb compatible with other standard 60% case ?

Yes but only compatible with cases with battery slots. It has GH60 screw position openings.

thanks     then I need to grab one more pbc to pair with my spare case.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

if i'd wish to use an other kind of battery would there be enough space? i have some larger flat LiPo batteries that i planed to use in a wireless keyboard, and this could be perfect project for one or 2 of them, having a keyboard that has 10 years of battery life
(dimensions from the top of my head are 6*150*120 mm per battery, 13Wh)
and i know i am a bit late for this one, but would you consider supporting ISO in the future? if so i would be in for an other few

The battery size of yours is too large for Cora, but it's still available for other cases which have enough room for it.

Iso layout is already supported in soldering version.

is the pcb compatible with other standard 60% case ?

Yes but only compatible with cases with battery slots. It has GH60 screw position openings.

thanks     then I need to grab one more pbc to pair with my spare case.

 

[yui]

if i'd wish to use an other kind of battery would there be enough space? i have some larger flat LiPo batteries that i planed to use in a wireless keyboard, and this could be perfect project for one or 2 of them, having a keyboard that has 10 years of battery life
(dimensions from the top of my head are 6*150*120 mm per battery, 13Wh)
and i know i am a bit late for this one, but would you consider supporting ISO in the future? if so i would be in for an other few

The battery size of yours is too large for Cora, but it's still available for other cases which have enough room for it.

Iso layout is already supported in soldering version.

i did not see the iso support so i thought it would not have it, and i was hopping there would be a bit of space between the pcb and case. oh well, not that Nokia BL batteries are cheap

[yui]

and you know that your site has a bad certificate? it's only valid for easy.co... it would be on a random site i would not be bothered but there you sell stuff, kinda worrying to send 100+ euro/usd on an unsecured site, hope you can fix that before GB (get error SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN on Firefox)

[PlayKeyboardTW]

and you know that your site has a bad certificate? it's only valid for easy.co... it would be on a random site i would not be bothered but there you sell stuff, kinda worrying to send 100+ euro/usd on an unsecured site, hope you can fix that before GB (get error SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN on Firefox)

Yes we are aware of that. Just edited this situation to the main thread.

[Domantas]

Guys I get an error when I try to buy anything on your site "Sorry, out of zone.". I am from EU, Lithuania. Please fix this, because this is annoying. Can add Poland but not Lithuania when its a few km from each other, come on. Not gonna lie this is second time with vendors based in Asia :/ That is why I also suggest proxy next time, so you wouldn't need to deal with all that

Like I mentioned in previous reply. Our new site is still under construction.
We'll add countries that are not in our shipping list if there's any inquire. This thing will need to be built up slowly since there are too many countries in this world.

The site will be ready before GB starts. No worries.

Alright, thanks

[MIGHTY CHICKEN]

Me see BT, me likey

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Me see BT, me likey

 

Guys I get an error when I try to buy anything on your site "Sorry, out of zone.". I am from EU, Lithuania. Please fix this, because this is annoying. Can add Poland but not Lithuania when its a few km from each other, come on. Not gonna lie this is second time with vendors based in Asia :/ That is why I also suggest proxy next time, so you wouldn't need to deal with all that

Like I mentioned in previous reply. Our new site is still under construction.
We'll add countries that are not in our shipping list if there's any inquire. This thing will need to be built up slowly since there are too many countries in this world.

The site will be ready before GB starts. No worries.

Alright, thanks

 

[Rayndalf]

Looks like a really nice board, but I'm still waiting for my G60 for 2+ years. Is this case also being manufactured by Alf?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Looks like a really nice board, but I'm still waiting for my G60 for 2+ years. Is this case also being manufactured by Alf?

No, Cora is from a different factory.

我從使用 Tapatalk 的 Pixel 4 發送

[lush_bunny]

my main source of keeb news is geekhack, so I hope to be updated once the GB starts. I'm gunning for that turquoise.