This looks really great. I love the minimalist design, and the layout is perfect. Pending my personal finances and the cost of this board, I would definitely get one!
Can someone tell me more about the differences between a tray mount and an isolation mount? I understand the mechanics of the mounting itself, I'm more interested in what it feels like to actually type on.
I've read a little bit about gasket mounted boards, but I don't know what to expect in terms of the feel of the board other than a generally "softer" feel compared to the "hard points" of a tray mount. I'd likely be using tactile switches (Zealios/Zilents), if that makes a difference. Thanks!
You mentioned that you already understand the mechanics, but I will go ahead and explain to the best of my ability for those who may not be familiar:
The tray mount is characterized by stiffness, especially at the mounting points. Because the plate is directly attached at the posts on the tray mount, there is essentially no flex at that point, and bottoming out the switch near those areas can be a little harsh.
Top mount takes those mounting points out from under the plate and moves them to the edges of the plate, which removes the incredibly stiff spots from the typing area. Most of the time the mounting points for top mount are only at the front or back edges of the plate, so those edges have a little less flex than the middle of the plate.
Isolation mount (or gasket mount), as far as what is being used in this board, is similar to top mount, but instead of maybe four to five screw mounting points at the front or back edge of the plate, there are three tabs that are only in contact with PORON vibration damping pads. Similar to top mount, this mounting system will have a little less flex at the front and back edge of the plate, with slightly more flex in the middle. But since the plate is not in direct contact with the case, vibration will be transmitted differently. When you bottom out the switch, the PORON will damp some of the vibrations, and the bottom out will feel slightly 'cushioned' for lack of a better word, and the sound will be slightly muted. I recommend watching a review/comparison video of the Keycult No 1/65, as I have used the same isolation material as that board, courtesy of Keycult.
Now in regard to tactile switches, the general consensus is that slightly softer plates/mounting is more comfortable to type on for long periods of time, although there is always individual preference so someone can correct me if I'm wrong. With tactile switches as you press past the bump, it can be uncomfortable to accelerate down as the resistance force decreases and bottom out into a tray mount post with zero flex. The isolation mount should give the best performance for this as the mounting is at the edges of the plate, and the PORON provides some compression and flex.
Looking good, i'd get one with an ISO plate.
This is the nicest looking in the recent string of 75% IC's, definitely interested. Hope you manage to keep the price down in the lower end of the range.
ISO plates are unlikely; however, this will also depend on the vendor and MOQs. Regardless, once the group buy is complete, the plates will be open sourced and an ISO plate file can be provided.
Does this mean the PCB will definitely support ISO layout, but I might need to get a custom plate cut to build an ISO board?
I will check with the person designing the PCB before confirming, but the goal would be to have the PCB support ISO layouts as long as it doesn't compromise the other layouts. If there's enough interest in ISO, it's possible an ISO plate could be offered in only the most popular material (so we don't have too low of quantities). This is speculation at this point, however, and I will try to keep you guys updated as things go forward.
Looking great! Can't wait to see more!
Thanks Robotical, that means a lot! I hope everything with the Knight75 turns out well!
this looks great and I am crossing my fingers hard I get my hands on this. GL!
Thanks for the support! My goal would be to run the GB with no quantity limit, but it's too early to tell how much interest there would be, as well as what restrictions on quantity a vendor would be comfortable with.
Very clean! Interested for sure.
For reference, what sized space bar are you rendering with?
The WKL layout has a 7u spacebar.
The win key blockers are not symmetrical. Nice try though.
They're as symmetrical as can be with a 75% layout, but you're technically right haha