[IC] JMargo-70 - [CTRL]ALT & GON

[margo baggins]

Hello Geekhack,

I had this idea when I saw a board of GON's - and with his permission I have stolen his picture to give you an idea (thanks GON ):



(This image is for reference - I don't think that exact layout will be available on the final product - final product will have standard winkey and winkeyless bottom row)

My original idea was to build a board that I could put my skidata caps on and use at work (I need ISO at work, and F row) so I bugged JD and got him to draw up some plans for a case, like the JD40 case, that would facilitate this layout, and we (mainly him, me just throwing design requirements at him) came up with this design:



I planned on getting some of these cases cut locally in steel and hand wiring the boards with teensy's.

Fast forward a few weeks and I was having a chat with GON, and he is willing to design for me the pcb and a case that would have way more features than my original board would.

Things you can expect from this board are all the usual custom board things, programmable, NKRO, etc. plus they will be bluetooth ready pcb's so you could make your board bluetooth (bluetooth will only work with the NS Crystal cases) . The pcb I imagine will be white. The GON will also support all the layouts, so can be ISO or ANSI etc. (my original supported only the ISO winkeyless layout)

There will be 2 housings available, the NS Crystal and the traditional NS AL cases.

All I need is 40 people interested in buying a pcb, and it would be great if some people wanted housings as well.

a couple of prices which are not definite but are a good reflection of what the prices will end up like,

PCB - $57
NS AL housing - $196

Those are just rough estimates, will be finalised if this gets to GB. I will also do a build service for these boards with the GB and I will do it at reduced cost as I really want this project to get off the ground.

If you want to get involved and make changes to the design speak out and we will see if we can incorporate them into the design.

Hopefully we can get this to 40 and make a new keyboard!

If this gets to GB will run it through all the normal [CTRL]ALT channels and www.GONsKeyboardworks.com

Please let me know if you are interested and I will get you added to the list.

[margo baggins]

Interest:

33/40 PCB

Margo 4x PCB
BunnyLake & [CTRL]ALT 10x PCB
Jinq-sea
bueller 3x PCB
tanghus 3x PCB
Doobalicious
Dee1
Rioc
DzyDzyDino
madhias
peachesenregalia
Jason_IRL
Jrwestcoast
nikron
Sygaldry
evolveS
azhdar

Hopefully:

Sent
azhdar

[BunnyLake]

in

bravo

[Flyersfan1]

This is so cool Margo!

[margo baggins]

This is so cool Margo!

Thanks bro 

[bueller]

I will buy 3 PCB's if they support a standard bottom row, I was going to add a function row to a Nerd60 with Enablers but this is way easier. KUDOS!

[margo baggins]

I will buy 3 PCB's if they support a standard bottom row, I was going to add a function row to a Nerd60 with Enablers but this is way easier. KUDOS!

bottom row will support winkey or winkeyless standard layouts

Thanks bro 

[tanghus]

I would definitely be interested in this! (Winkeyless PCB)   
 EDIT: Case too.

[Doobalicious]

In for standard bottom row 

[rioc]

this would be perfect... ISO ftw!!! also dedicated arrows and Fs... nothing more wanted

[margo baggins]

this would be perfect... ISO ftw!!! also dedicated arrows and Fs... nothing more wanted

there probably won't be dedicated arrows they will be on a fn layer - the bottom row will be standard winkey or winkeyless which means there will be no dedicated arrows.

[Dee1]

I'd be interested in this PCB.

[margo baggins]

this would be perfect... ISO ftw!!! also dedicated arrows and Fs... nothing more wanted

I would definitely be interested in this! (Winkeyless PCB)   
 EDIT: Case too.

I'd be interested in this PCB.

Thanks guys

Tanghus - only keeping count of PCB's at the moment, as hopefully some people will want cases too, but we'll work at getting to 40 pcb's first then if people want cases they can get them But thanks for your support bro! 

that's 10 pcb's so we're 1/4 of the way there Rioc let me know if you want to go on the list

[esoomenona]

.

[rioc]

I'd be interested in this PCB.

good enough... is the pcb programmable? so the arrow keys could be set as standard?

[bueller]

This is an interesting PCB design, and one I think definitely needs to be built as it has a place in our world. I've seen people desire this exact layout. Even though I won't be purchasing it, I do hope that it makes it off the ground.

Also, as far as dedicated arrows, if you built a winkeyless keyboard, and used a short right shift, you could use that area for dedicated arrows. It's pretty close to a nice inverted T.

That's why I've got three Pure layout boards now, those keys are always unused anyway and you get used to using them as nav keys real quick.

[margo baggins]

I'd be interested in this PCB.

good enough... is the pcb programmable? so the arrow keys could be set as standard?

PCB will be programmable As Moose says if you use 1.5 - 1 - 1.5 and a short right shift, you could use those 4 keys in the bottom right as your inverted T. But you can program the pcb however you want

I think I am the only person on earth who uses the right shift as a shift. All of my right shifts practically have a hole worn through them and the left is pristine. I need to change that behavior.

Massive thanks to BunnyLake for his contribution. I am very fortunate to have him as a friend and to get to work with him @ [CTRL]ALT.

[DzyDzyDino]

Yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes.
Any chance in a notched plate?
But count me in for a PCB.

[margo baggins]

Yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes.
Any chance in a notched plate?
But count me in for a PCB.

GON doesn't do notched. Once the PCB's exist - if a CNC guru wants to design some plates I'll happily run a GB for them, but it won't be until after this is done and dusted.

Thanks for your support though

[madhias]

Interesting, i really like the layout. Also have a SkiData set which waits for its time, and would love a 60% with F-Row (which i really need for several applications). I'm interested in a PCB!

[Sent]

Bunny was right.  Layout is kind of funky but I'm kind of into it.  Thank God you can do winkeyless.  I'm broke as **** right now but if my situation improves, I'd be interested in the whole shebang, probably.

[CommonCurt]

This looks pretty cool.

So will the "crystal" housing be the acrylic case like in the sample photo?

[byker]

This is really cool, however I am sticking to topre at the moment. Good job Margo, I hope to see the gb be successful!

[margo baggins]

This looks pretty cool.

So will the "crystal" housing be the acrylic case like in the sample photo?

Similar, but not the same material - the crystal case is made of polycarb, I can't find a picture at the moment but when I do I will stick one up. It's like, cloudy, looks great with LED.

Interesting, i really like the layout. Also have a SkiData set which waits for its time, and would love a 60% with F-Row (which i really need for several applications). I'm interested in a PCB!

Thanks buddy I'll put you on the list!

Bunny was right.  Layout is kind of funky but I'm kind of into it.  Thank God you can do winkeyless.  I'm broke as **** right now but if my situation improves, I'd be interested in the whole shebang, probably.

No worries bro - It will be a while anyway I'll put you down as a hopeful

This is really cool, however I am sticking to topre at the moment. Good job Margo, I hope to see the gb be successful!

Got to love a bit of Topre!

[madhias]

Bluetooth would be a very nice to have. What's the difference between the NS Crystal cases and the NS AL cases? One is acrylic and the other one is aluminum? How much would the Bluetooth compatible case cost? 

[margo baggins]

Bluetooth would be a very nice to have. What's the difference between the NS Crystal cases and the NS AL cases? One is acrylic and the other one is aluminum? How much would the Bluetooth compatible case cost?

The bluetooth functionality is only possible using the NS Crystal enclosure - this is because it has the space for the battery which the NS AL case doesn't.

The NS AL case has a polycarb middle section, whereas the NS Crystal case is all polycarb. So slightly different to acrylic.

[Elocutive]

Would buy if it is a high profile and doesn't have the floating keys design like most of GONs other board. Really like this idea!

[peachesenregalia]

I'm in for a PCB. Case is a maybe.

[margo baggins]

Would buy if it is a high profile and doesn't have the floating keys design like most of GONs other board. Really like this idea!

will be floating! Like all GONs.

I'm in for a PCB. Case is a maybe.

Thanks bro 

[kitsun8]

When do you think this will be running? I'm low on funds at the moment and will be for a while since I have to study for finals 

[margo baggins]

When do you think this will be running? I'm low on funds at the moment and will be for a while since I have to study for finals 

as soon as I have enough interest to get 40 pcb's paid for If you want in I can probably shout you a pcb until you have funds - would rather get this going and be a bit short than have it fail!

[Jason_IRL]

I see a rough estimate on price for the PCB, and the Aluminum case. What about for the Crystal case?
Also, I assume this supports LEDs similar to a GON board? (Or is that a bad assumption?)

Looks fun.

[margo baggins]

I see a rough estimate on price for the PCB, and the Aluminum case. What about for the Crystal case?
Also, I assume this supports LEDs similar to a GON board? (Or is that a bad assumption?)

Looks fun.

All assumptions correct! The Crystal case, I think normally works out a few bucks cheaper than the AL but there isn't much in it - it's CNC manufactured just like the AL is.

[Jason_IRL]

I think if I buy another keyboard before I buy a ring... My girlfriend my leave me. 

I am interested..  at least for a PCB.

Will the drawings for the case/plate be availble? I have access to a CNC, so I may be able to cut the parts myself, at a later date.

[digi]

Heya Margo, is the NS crystal case the pink case shown in the original pic? I see the price on the aluminum case, is there a price on the NS crystal case yet? thanks

[margo baggins]

I think if I buy another keyboard before I buy a ring... My girlfriend my leave me. 

I am interested..  at least for a PCB.

Will the drawings for the case/plate be availble? I have access to a CNC, so I may be able to cut the parts myself, at a later date.

Thanks man

Yeah for sure, when it's GB stage should hopefully have pics etc.

Heya Margo, is the NS crystal case the pink case shown in the original pic? I see the price on the aluminum case, is there a price on the NS crystal case yet? thanks

No that's an acrylic case - the Crystal case is made of polycarb. The Crystal case I think comes in a little bit cheaper than the alu case but not by much, like just a few bucks. For example - the NERD TKL alu case is $201, the NERD Crystal TKL is $190

My understanding of the Crystal case is it's like the alu case, except its all polycarb - looks like this (pic from GON's website - thanks GON)



I think it's polycarb top and bottom - I will ask GON next time I speak to him to confirm. 

[Jrwestcoast]

I'm interested in PCB and maybe case.

[CommonCurt]

I think if I buy another keyboard before I buy a ring... My girlfriend my leave me. 

I am interested..  at least for a PCB.

Will the drawings for the case/plate be availble? I have access to a CNC, so I may be able to cut the parts myself, at a later date.

Thanks man

Yeah for sure, when it's GB stage should hopefully have pics etc.

Heya Margo, is the NS crystal case the pink case shown in the original pic? I see the price on the aluminum case, is there a price on the NS crystal case yet? thanks

No that's an acrylic case - the Crystal case is made of polycarb. The Crystal case I think comes in a little bit cheaper than the alu case but not by much, like just a few bucks. For example - the NERD TKL alu case is $201, the NERD Crystal TKL is $190

My understanding of the Crystal case is it's like the alu case, except its all polycarb - looks like this (pic from GON's website - thanks GON)

Show Image

I think it's polycarb top and bottom - I will ask GON next time I speak to him to confirm.

You think there's any way he can offer a polycab case without the visible bolts on the top, or does the case have to be designed that way?

[margo baggins]

I'm interested in PCB and maybe case.

thanks bro 

I think if I buy another keyboard before I buy a ring... My girlfriend my leave me. 

I am interested..  at least for a PCB.

Will the drawings for the case/plate be availble? I have access to a CNC, so I may be able to cut the parts myself, at a later date.

Thanks man

Yeah for sure, when it's GB stage should hopefully have pics etc.

Heya Margo, is the NS crystal case the pink case shown in the original pic? I see the price on the aluminum case, is there a price on the NS crystal case yet? thanks

No that's an acrylic case - the Crystal case is made of polycarb. The Crystal case I think comes in a little bit cheaper than the alu case but not by much, like just a few bucks. For example - the NERD TKL alu case is $201, the NERD Crystal TKL is $190

My understanding of the Crystal case is it's like the alu case, except its all polycarb - looks like this (pic from GON's website - thanks GON)

Show Image

I think it's polycarb top and bottom - I will ask GON next time I speak to him to confirm.

You think there's any way he can offer a polycab case without the visible bolts on the top, or does the case have to be designed that way?

Pretty much has to be designed that way

[bueller]

Bump. Come on people!

[azhdar]

interested , price will probably be too much for me though

[nikron]

I'm interested, especially at a discounted assembly.

[CommonCurt]

I'm interested in PCB and maybe case.

thanks bro 

I think if I buy another keyboard before I buy a ring... My girlfriend my leave me. 

I am interested..  at least for a PCB.

Will the drawings for the case/plate be availble? I have access to a CNC, so I may be able to cut the parts myself, at a later date.

Thanks man

Yeah for sure, when it's GB stage should hopefully have pics etc.

Heya Margo, is the NS crystal case the pink case shown in the original pic? I see the price on the aluminum case, is there a price on the NS crystal case yet? thanks

No that's an acrylic case - the Crystal case is made of polycarb. The Crystal case I think comes in a little bit cheaper than the alu case but not by much, like just a few bucks. For example - the NERD TKL alu case is $201, the NERD Crystal TKL is $190

My understanding of the Crystal case is it's like the alu case, except its all polycarb - looks like this (pic from GON's website - thanks GON)

Show Image

I think it's polycarb top and bottom - I will ask GON next time I speak to him to confirm.

You think there's any way he can offer a polycab case without the visible bolts on the top, or does the case have to be designed that way?

Pretty much has to be designed that way

Okay.  Just one more question.

Is the "crystal" housing low-profile also, and if so will there be any case options that are not low-profile?

[bueller]

I'm interested in PCB and maybe case.

thanks bro 

I think if I buy another keyboard before I buy a ring... My girlfriend my leave me. 

I am interested..  at least for a PCB.

Will the drawings for the case/plate be availble? I have access to a CNC, so I may be able to cut the parts myself, at a later date.

Thanks man

Yeah for sure, when it's GB stage should hopefully have pics etc.

Heya Margo, is the NS crystal case the pink case shown in the original pic? I see the price on the aluminum case, is there a price on the NS crystal case yet? thanks

No that's an acrylic case - the Crystal case is made of polycarb. The Crystal case I think comes in a little bit cheaper than the alu case but not by much, like just a few bucks. For example - the NERD TKL alu case is $201, the NERD Crystal TKL is $190

My understanding of the Crystal case is it's like the alu case, except its all polycarb - looks like this (pic from GON's website - thanks GON)

Show Image

I think it's polycarb top and bottom - I will ask GON next time I speak to him to confirm.

You think there's any way he can offer a polycab case without the visible bolts on the top, or does the case have to be designed that way?

Pretty much has to be designed that way

Okay.  Just one more question.

Is the "crystal" housing low-profile also, and if so will there be any case options that are not low-profile?

I'm don't believe so but don't let that deter you, I'm going to pull my litster case apart and have some similar ones made to accommodate this. Never been a fan of exposed plates.

[margo baggins]

I'm interested in PCB and maybe case.

thanks bro 

I think if I buy another keyboard before I buy a ring... My girlfriend my leave me. 

I am interested..  at least for a PCB.

Will the drawings for the case/plate be availble? I have access to a CNC, so I may be able to cut the parts myself, at a later date.

Thanks man

Yeah for sure, when it's GB stage should hopefully have pics etc.

Heya Margo, is the NS crystal case the pink case shown in the original pic? I see the price on the aluminum case, is there a price on the NS crystal case yet? thanks

No that's an acrylic case - the Crystal case is made of polycarb. The Crystal case I think comes in a little bit cheaper than the alu case but not by much, like just a few bucks. For example - the NERD TKL alu case is $201, the NERD Crystal TKL is $190

My understanding of the Crystal case is it's like the alu case, except its all polycarb - looks like this (pic from GON's website - thanks GON)

Show Image

I think it's polycarb top and bottom - I will ask GON next time I speak to him to confirm.

You think there's any way he can offer a polycab case without the visible bolts on the top, or does the case have to be designed that way?

Pretty much has to be designed that way

Okay.  Just one more question.

Is the "crystal" housing low-profile also, and if so will there be any case options that are not low-profile?

I'm don't believe so but don't let that deter you, I'm going to pull my litster case apart and have some similar ones made to accommodate this. Never been a fan of exposed plates.

See this man knows what's what :D

[CPTBadAss]

I don't have the budget for this board right now but I just wanted to say it's great seeing new layouts in customs. I'm looking forward to seeing completed boards margo .

[margo baggins]

I don't have the budget for this board right now but I just wanted to say it's great seeing new layouts in customs. I'm looking forward to seeing completed boards margo .

Thanks CPTBro

[Sygaldry]

Interested in the PCB!

[margo baggins]

Interested in the PCB!

thanks

[jinq-sea]

I had totally forgotten about this! Since we spoke about it, it's gathered quite a bit of interest. Fingers crossed we hit the magic number... Cheers Margo!