[IC] Minimi40 - Lidded 40% Wireless Keyboard (NEW Color Samples!)

[keebibi]

Minimi40
A lidded, wireless, injection molded 40% keyboard.

The Minimi40 is a portable keyboard with a lid that doubles as a wristrest.

Overhauled IC with major updates!

Old IC Contents:

More

Minimi40
A lidded polycarbonate 40% keyboard

IC FORM

Discord Server

The Minimi40 is inspired by bento boxes, and is designed to be light and portable.

The lid doubles as a wrist rest.

Specs

Supports wired & Bluetooth modes

Top mount with POM, PC, FR4, and alu plates

Two layouts: staggered and ortholinear

Hotswap and soldered PCB options

0 degree typing angle

Injection moulded

ABS/Polycarbonate blend material

QMK/VIA support

Colors

Black

White

Jade Green

Cobalt Blue

Lavender

Pale Pink

PCB

Staggered

Ortholinear

1.6mm thick PCBs with hotswap and solder options.

All will be compatible with the bluetooth module.

Bluetooth module

Developed by Wolf, the bluetooth module will be pre-certified and available for everyone to use.
It will enable QMK/VIA compatibility while in Bluetooth mode. Currently under development.

KeyBee Collab Edition

The exclusive KeyBee Collab edition features a brass top and polycarbonate lid and bottom.

Vendors

USA: KeyBee
Canada: Ashkeebs
South Korea: GEONWORKS
China: zFrontier
Southeast Asia: PantheonKeys
Oceania: ALL CAPS
Europe: KEYGEM
UK: proto[Typist]

Pricing & GB Info

Pricing TBA, aiming for under $149

GB Date TBA

Pricing goal includes:*
Keyboard (including lid)
One PCB
One plate
Optional foam kit
Screws
Cable
Travel pouch
Strap to secure the lid
Feet
Battery
Bluetooth module

*subject to minor changes

Prototypes

Currently finished multiple rounds of prototyping with 3D printed models.

Typing test available on my discord.

Injection molded prototypes will be made & sent out to creators before GB sale.

Renders by Zetina and Beesley

IC FORM

Discord Server

So, what changed?

TLDR; a lot.

Main vendor: KeyBee/Otakeebs → Cannonkeys Mounting style: Top mount → Leaf-spring/tray/gasket hybrid Case material: Polycarbonate → ABS Design: Previous design → More rounded edges & bottom logo Colors: Black, white, pale pink, jade, lavender, cobalt → Black, white, pink, sage, lavender (cobalt has been dropped) Collab Edition: Canceled. Layout: Layout changes for staggered ver. Firmware: QMK → ZMK for wireless PCBs PCB Options: Depending on vendor/region, PCBs will be available with built-in wireless functions or a plug-and-play module. Sales Method: Pre-order then in-stock for Cannonkeys (still being confirmed with other vendors) Pricing: Aiming for under $100! Keycaps: Keycap bundles will be available as add-ons. They will be available in PBS profile.

Current Progress

When I first posted this IC over two years ago, the hobby was in a very different place. A lot of ideas I had for this board weren’t feasible until very recently. Progress was also slow as I struggled with health issues and other life circumstances. Now, I’m finally able to say we’re nearing a point where the board can be sold fairly soon. A lot of changes have also happened, but the spirit of the board remains the same. I wanted to sincerely thank anyone who has waited for this board, and to those who are seeing it for the first time, welcome!

Here’s the current progress:

• The mold has been tooled for the keyboard, and preliminary samples have been made. • The manufacturer is working on the surface flaws. • Color samples have been confirmed! • Color samples for most of the add-on PBS keycaps have been confirmed. Kitting is still underway. • Non-modular ZMK PCBs have been prototyped and are working. Same for wired QMK PCBs. • The module versions are underway. • Manufacturer prototypes of miscellaneous parts will soon be underway (plate, feet, etc) • Renders of the final design will be uploaded soon. • Pictures of prototypes and confirmed photo samples will also be uploaded soon. • Electrocapacitive PCBs are being designed.

Case Renders:

Coming soon!

Planned Kit Contents:

Case Choice of PCB Plate (pre-orders will be able to choose, in-stock will come with a PC plate by default) Silicon feet for lid Bump-ons Carbon fiber leaf spring Adhesive gaskets Carrying pouch Elastic strap Mini coiled cable Screws/stand-offs (add-on) Keycap set (add-on) Foam kit

Subject to change.

New PCB Specs

Staggered Layout (default keymap)

Ortholinear Layout (default keymap)

Each layout will be available in FOUR configurations:

ZMK, wireless, hotswap, non-modular version, 1.6mm ZMK, wireless, hotswap, module version, 1.6mm QMK, wired, solder, non-modular version 1.6mm QMK, electrocapacitive, wired PCBs by Cipulot

QMK PCBs will be VIA compatible, and ZMK PCBs will be compatible with ZMK Studio. EC PCBs will use QMK.

Newest Prototype Pictures:

Photos are from the manufacturer.

Older Prototype Pictures:

These were temporary colors. The transparent neon green case is injection molded and the opaque light green is 3D printed ABS.

The injection molded version photos are from the manufacturer. The 3D printed version photos are by Haldus.

Older Prototype Typing Test:

Courtesy of Haldus. Using HMX Hyacinth V2 and KAM Li’l Dragon.

Discord Server

Please join to get the latest updates!

Thank you to: Upas, Keyreative Zhao, Keyreative Ice, Geon, NARZ, Ebastler, Zetina, Haldus, Cipulot, and many more!

[keebibi]

Prototype Pictures

Please note that this prototype design has been revised; the prototype is 3D-printed ABS and not injected moulded polycarbonate. An updated prototype is on the way.

[plag]

This is adorable. I bet it sounds lovely as well. Glwic 

[Homiezoned]

oooo it's cute

[caroeggu]

this looks really cute!! GLWIC.

[jackrabbit]

How does the lid secure to the bottom case? Is it the elastic band mentioned in the parts list? Love the design btw, GLWIC

[keebibi]

How does the lid secure to the bottom case? Is it the elastic band mentioned in the parts list? Love the design btw, GLWIC

Yep! The elastic band will secure it on. Thanks!

[keebibi]

This is adorable. I bet it sounds lovely as well. Glwic 

Thank youu!

[keebibi]

this looks really cute!! GLWIC.

Thank uu!!

oooo it's cute

Thankss!!

[shamb]

dibs

[clickyblob]

Any idea what keycaps are on the jade green render? The colours are beautiful.

[keebibi]

Any what keycaps are on the jade green render? The colours are beautiful.

The keycaps are ones I'm planning on designing!

[codecoffeecode]

Hey, I saw this at the meetup in Seattle the other day! Looks like a neat little board. Any chance the board could support split space or more minivan-like bottom row layouts?

[keebibi]

Hey, I saw this at the meetup in Seattle the other day! Looks like a neat little board. Any chance the board could support split space or more minivan-like bottom row layouts?

Yep, we've gotten a lot of feedback about that and are working on it!

[keebibi]

Edited post to make note that we're working on another PCB!

[keebibi]

Edit: vendors announced!

[nasp]

Make this compatible with the Neuron and there would be lots of options for folks that want a different PCB: Brick, Cervello, Cerebral, Crest40 and so forth.

Thanks for considering

[keebibi]

UPDATE (8/1/2022) - KeyBee collab renders added, Minimi40 renders added, solderable layout added.

[cryoverkiltmilk]

I adore this case design, but I'm still inclined to stick with ortho only, or at least a PCB layout with all keys 1.75u or lower. I have a deep and unabiding enmity for stabs.

[croatoanlp]

I would also like to see an ortho PCB

[keybo_hobo]

Yeah lidded wireless ortho sounds lika a dream board=)

[haplopoda]

Seconding (fourthing?) ortho as well!

Sent from my GM1900 using Tapatalk

[deaad_pixel_design]

Super interested

[NamesReed]

Super neat concept, definitely interested.

[keebibi]

Update: Added renders

[delacruxkeys]

SUPER interested! will definitely be getting one. maybe for R2 consider an ortho layout? 

[nickthaskater]

Any ETA on the GB/delivery?

[Nevrest]

Love this board, looks amazing.

[mul7i]

looks like something i would actually bring out and use 

[keebnewb]

Love this idea as a travel board! It's probably too early but I was just curious if for the elastic closure and the pouch that comes with it, will the colors match the case colors?

[Happylomo]

Love this! watching the thread

[fauxLeather]

I like this, brings some great portability to 40%. I had a cheap lidded 60% case that I liked, but always wanted a more premium option. Very clean.

[eigenstasis]

keeping an eye on this one agree with others about adding an ortho option, whether that be the brick pcb or something else. glwic

[crookey]

I want to eat dosirak.

[keebibi]

NEW UPDATES:
Added vendor list (including Ashkeebs as Canadian vendor)
Updated renders
Updated specs and info
Etc, etc

[mr_foggy]

any news about this?

[CONIN]

any news about this?

About to ask the same.

[Mecxs]

Keebibi has been streaming updates on twitch, but not recording VODs, so ...

The discord is somewhat active. They have been polling layout choices last month. Seems they are still intending to run the project.

[keebibi]

Revamped the IC + major updates!

[Zahul]

Glad to see that the project is still alive! Any chance on european vendors?

[keebibi]

Glad to see that the project is still alive! Any chance on european vendors?

There will be an EU vendor and UK vendor!

[Zahul]

Glad to see that the project is still alive! Any chance on european vendors?

There will be an EU vendor and UK vendor!

Very exciting will be picking one up, sad to see the blue color got axed though

[mul7i]

MINIMI IS REAL

[CONIN]

Revamped the IC + major updates!

Nice to see this is still alive, looking forward to it!

[kbd0]

Big fan of the lid and love that it doesn't look or make it awkward. GLWIC

[@bare]

Looking forward to this one.

[marto]

I also look forward to this one - just to confirm, we would be able to order a full kit ortholinear one, correct? I didn't understand whether you fully changed the layout, or are now offering 2 layouts.

In any case this portable keyboard should be great for travelling!

[Minisofu]

This looks so cute, very interested. Im considering it HARD. Good luck with the IC !

[keebibi]

I also look forward to this one - just to confirm, we would be able to order a full kit ortholinear one, correct? I didn't understand whether you fully changed the layout, or are now offering 2 layouts.

In any case this portable keyboard should be great for travelling!

Both layouts will be available!

[keebibi]

Update!



Cipulot is making elecrocapacitive (EC) PCBs for the Minimi40. These will use QMK/VIA and will be available for both staggered and ortholinear layouts. Cipulot's server can be found here.

In other news, I'm waiting for the latest injection molded samples to arrive. The mold is undergoing some minor changes to ensure the best quality possible.

[CONIN]

Cipulot is making elecrocapacitive (EC) PCBs for the Minimi40. These will use QMK/VIA and will be available for both staggered and ortholinear layouts. Cipulot's server can be found here.
In other news, I'm waiting for the latest injection molded samples to arrive. The mold is undergoing some minor changes to ensure the best quality possible.

Wonderful, nice to hear!

[keebibi]

UPDATE: Color samples for white, sage, pink, and lavender have arrived!

Comparison photo



Sage, pink, and lavender will be added as individual images below, which more accurately reflect the IRL color.


Sage:



The second sage color is the confirmed color.


Pink:




Lavender:




These were taken on my windowsill, and it’s overcast but natural lighting.

I edited the pictures to more accurately reflect what I see IRL, but aren’t perfect representations.


The color sample for black is the latest prototype. Pictures/sound tests of the injection moulded prototype are coming soon!

[DeMechanica]

Wow this is an awesome project, so excited about all of the changes, the mounting, ortho, and the EC PCB too. So excited!

[CONIN]

Lavender:

Lavender is my favourite colour so far.

[Rassles]

really love this 40 layout, maybe i gotta try it!