[IC] Lynx L50 - a premium 50% keyboard

[wixxzblu]

Hello fellow clackers!

- I've had this idea for an improved 40% layout in my head since December of last year, and ive finally enmassed the experience needed to create my own case for such a layout.

- I present to you the Lynx L50, a 45% keyboard with all the must have alphas, no compromises made to make the layout smaller in any way.
The case is inspired by the iKBC MF87 in many ways, but i increased the size of the top piece and increased the angle to a comfortable 7 degree.
The name comes from the beautiful lynx cat that roams the woods of Sweden, specifically the woods around where i live.

- The layout supports both 7u and 2.25 + 2.75 split spacebar since i have tried to keep the plate from becoming a mess.
There is also the option for an HHKB and normal top.
I increased the profile to 7.5mm to make sure they cover the keycaps but still make space for the full travel of a flipped spacebar.
I know this is important for many of you.

- The keycaps needed for this layout/case are 40% keys found in the base kits of laser and red samurai, and of course in the usual 40% keycap kits(specifically, R2 ESC, R2 backspace, R3 1.25 Tab, R3 1.75 Enter).

- The PCB will support both MX and SMK switches, and thus no in switch LED. The SMK 2nd gen MX white clicky is an excellent switch that ive recently fallen in love with.
The PCB will hopefully be made by a known pcb maker in the community, but its still TBA. The case is designed with a centered USB type-C for now.


- So what do i plan in the future for this case when it comes to the GB? I've been thinking of incorporating pcb mount cutouts in the top of the case to give the option for you to create a top mounted pcb only build (for those of you who like the feel of a plateless build).
This will of course require more work to the case for me and the pcb maker, but im sure its possible, and would be a first in the mk community.
For the bottom piece, i would love to give the option for both full brass or Polycarbonate as depicted in the renders.
Im working on a 3d printed prototype, since i dont want to commit fully to a cnc prototype if the reception was cold. I will update the IC whenever the first prototype is done!

- I will try to reach out to EVE or ALF to have them make this case, so its made by someone reputable in the community.


PRICE: TBA

FEATURES:
- 7.5mm profile
- 7 degree angle
- 18mm front height
- 7.5mm uniform top bezel
- MX & SMK switch compatability
- QMK
- aluminium, brass and polycarbonate plate & bottom material

Lastly, here are all the renders:

More

[wixxzblu]

Reserved

Update 2018-09-09 Added strawpoll for Logo typeface!

http://www.strawpoll.me/16427658



UPDATE 2018-9-12: As the poll shows, we will drop the need for any kind of logo, we'll just keep the case as clean as possible.

UPDATE 2018-9-13: Added 2.25 + 2.75 split spacebar and 2.25 R-shift compatability

[dimo]

rip tmo50

[donut_sauce]

I really like this! Big fan of the layout, as a Pearl owner I sometimes miss some of those keys that this layout adds back in . If this comes with a QMK PCB I'm definitely in.
Not a huge fan of the type treatment for the "lynx L50" though. I'd love to see some other options.

[Dead Encryption]

Great looking board!!!! Finally a layout I think I can master at that smaller percentage!

[russthebus27]

Very interested.  Split space always peaks my interest.  Excited for developments

[wixxzblu]

I really like this! Big fan of the layout, as a Pearl owner I sometimes miss some of those keys that this layout adds back in . If this comes with a QMK PCB I'm definitely in.
Not a huge fan of the type treatment for the "lynx L50" though. I'd love to see some other options.

PCB will definitely have QMK and underglow suppport.

Added strawpoll for logo typeface in the reserved/IC post.

[donut_sauce]

PCB will definitely have QMK and underglow suppport.

[RSC]

Absolutely stunning, mate! Just don't go with one of the "handwriting" typefaces. You should go with Russo or Poiret.

[fcoury]

This is a very smart and outstanding design. Hopefully it gets to GB soon, so I can get off these anxiety pills!

[pixelpusher]

flipped space bars are for monsters who rest their palms on the desk and wish to get rsi as quckly as possible.   

But, I really like the concept and design.  I voted Russo one in the straw poll.

I would prefer something around 5 of 6 degrees incline, but your specific number of 7.3 leads me to believe that is an important feature to you personally. 

[wixxzblu]

flipped space bars are for monsters who rest their palms on the desk and wish to get rsi as quckly as possible.   

But, I really like the concept and design.  I voted Russo one in the straw poll.

I would prefer something around 5 of 6 degrees incline, but your specific number of 7.3 leads me to believe that is an important feature to you personally.

I think 5 degree is not enough and 8 degree is too much for some, so i decided on 7.3 as a middle ground.

[Hokabuki]

This board has me very interested. The layout sacrifices almost nothing. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this.

[Lisinge]

Big fan of the design. Would def get if i Could use <60%

[mrkantz]

Definitely in for this

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[SomePunkassKid]

I'm very interested in this. Although, I do have concerns over the 3u split spacebar usage.

I've heard that there are more sets coming out that have 3u, but aside from super specific minila/SA sets I don't see them often.
Personally would feel more comfortable with a 2.75, 1.25, 2.25 but I understand the limitations without making the pcb/plate a mess.

I have a similar set up 45% that I love so i'd def be in for sure.



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[axcoping@gmail.com]

this looks great.  hopefully the simplified pcb and limited layout options means it can be priced a little more accessibly.
I'd also seriously consider dropping the additional weight altogether.  a good set of feet can make the board stable without the need for it.  besides- that would fit your lynx concept better- a small keyboard that is light, portable, and stable-footed.

[azulyf]

I'm very interested in this. Although, I do have concerns over the 3u split spacebar usage.

I've heard that there are more sets coming out that have 3u, but aside from super specific minila/SA sets I don't see them often.
Personally would feel more comfortable with a 2.75, 1.25, 2.25 but I understand the limitations without making the pcb/plate a mess.

I have a similar set up 45% that I love so i'd def be in for sure.

Sent from my Potato using Tapatalk

On same boat. I came out with this layout similar to OP's one.

https://imgur.com/pGvg3st

[young_won]

i'm interested in

[young_won]

I'm very interested in this. Although, I do have concerns over the 3u split spacebar usage.

I've heard that there are more sets coming out that have 3u, but aside from super specific minila/SA sets I don't see them often.
Personally would feel more comfortable with a 2.75, 1.25, 2.25 but I understand the limitations without making the pcb/plate a mess.

I have a similar set up 45% that I love so i'd def be in for sure.

Sent from my Potato using Tapatalk

On same boat. I came out with this layout similar to OP's one.

https://imgur.com/pGvg3st

i agree with you

[THRILLHOIAF]

would be sweet if the weight had like a lynx head outline and a stylized number 50 inside of it

[glubazoid]

This looks cool, interested in this

[gilmoregrills]

rip tmo50

 

in the absence of that GB for the time being, I'm defs interested in this!

[mushubanane]

Very interested. Coming from a planck, this would suit my learned layer automatisms perfectly.

[PaultheSloth]

Interested, 

[Aerizu]

Definitely interested, but is the layout support final? Those bottom rows are rather odd for a near 40% board, specially the split-spacebar bottom row.

Maybe something like this? [1.5u - 1u - 1.5u - 2.25u - 2.75u - 1.5u - 1u - 1u -1.5u]


And with 1.5u corner blockers [1u - 1.5u - 2.25u - 2.75u - 1.5u - 1u - 1u]


 

[Hokabuki]

Definitely interested, but is the layout support final? Those bottom rows are rather odd for a near 40% board, specially the split-spacebar bottom row.

Maybe something like this?
(Attachment Link)

And with 1.5u corner blockers
(Attachment Link)

 

The split space with 3u is a little progressive. considering there aren’t many sets that support it yet. I really like the WKL bottom row though. As long as your proposed layouts don’t interfere with that I’m good.

[wixxzblu]

Definitely interested, but is the layout support final? Those bottom rows are rather odd for a near 40% board, specially the split-spacebar bottom row.

Maybe something like this? [1.5u - 1u - 1.5u - 2.25u - 2.75u - 1.5u - 1u - 1u -1.5u]
(Attachment Link)

And with 1.5u corner blockers [1u - 1.5u - 2.25u - 2.75u - 1.5u - 1u - 1u]
(Attachment Link)

 

I have thought about those layout options as well, but they really add to a swiss chease plate as well not being symetric. 2.25 + 2.75 is pretty **** imo, because your litteraly using blank shift caps which is not convex

I'm very interested in this. Although, I do have concerns over the 3u split spacebar usage.

I've heard that there are more sets coming out that have 3u, but aside from super specific minila/SA sets I don't see them often.
Personally would feel more comfortable with a 2.75, 1.25, 2.25 but I understand the limitations without making the pcb/plate a mess.

I have a similar set up 45% that I love so i'd def be in for sure.



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3u spacebars have some very nice advantages over the 2.25 + 2.75 combo. First off, they're convex , they also fit better centered inside a 7u space span.
You can find 3u spacebars in all the newer epbt sets like, 9009 and BoW, there are also 3u spacebars in some XDA sets.

this looks great.  hopefully the simplified pcb and limited layout options means it can be priced a little more accessibly.
I'd also seriously consider dropping the additional weight altogether.  a good set of feet can make the board stable without the need for it.  besides- that would fit your lynx concept better- a small keyboard that is light, portable, and stable-footed.

I hear you! I will try to make this as cheap as possible considering its a very small keyboard. A weight would add to the cost, as well as engravings so those ideas are still up in the air.

would be sweet if the weight had like a lynx head outline and a stylized number 50 inside of it

Show Image

I will definitely take this into consideration if i design a weight.

[gilmoregrills]

I hear you! I will try to make this as cheap as possible considering its a very small keyboard. A weight would add to the cost, as well as engravings so those ideas are still up in the air.

The weight could be an optional feature for those that want it? Even with nice feet, I still like my boards to be nice and heavy

[Visionaire]

Very interested.

[wixxzblu]

UPDATE 2018-9-10

Been working on the logo and typeface today, is this something you would like or should we just keep it clean and save on cost? Lodjur is the swedish name for lynx and it can be changed at any time.



Added strawpoll.

https://www.strawpoll.me/16433918

[dimo]

Any price estimate?


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[wixxzblu]

Any price estimate?


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No price estimate just now, because it uses a custom pcb, i have get quote on that as well.

[SteffeMK]

Any price estimate?


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No price estimate just now, because it uses a custom pcb, i have get quote on that as well.

Where is the case being manufactured?

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[beekey]

Definitely interested, but is the layout support final? Those bottom rows are rather odd for a near 40% board, specially the split-spacebar bottom row.

Maybe something like this? [1.5u - 1u - 1.5u - 2.25u - 2.75u - 1.5u - 1u - 1u -1.5u]
(Attachment Link)

And with 1.5u corner blockers [1u - 1.5u - 2.25u - 2.75u - 1.5u - 1u - 1u]
(Attachment Link)

 

I was about to suggest the same. Finding two 3u spacekeys is hard for many sets. The 2.25 and 2.75 can be found more often, or can be reused shift keys. Would help with putting nice keysets on it. Would love to see the first variant supported.

[wixxzblu]

Any price estimate?


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No price estimate just now, because it uses a custom pcb, i have get quote on that as well.

Where is the case being manufactured?

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The factory has not been decided yet but i have a few in mind.

Definitely interested, but is the layout support final? Those bottom rows are rather odd for a near 40% board, specially the split-spacebar bottom row.

Maybe something like this? [1.5u - 1u - 1.5u - 2.25u - 2.75u - 1.5u - 1u - 1u -1.5u]
(Attachment Link)

And with 1.5u corner blockers [1u - 1.5u - 2.25u - 2.75u - 1.5u - 1u - 1u]
(Attachment Link)

 

I was about to suggest the same. Finding two 3u spacekeys is hard for many sets. The 2.25 and 2.75 can be found more often, or can be reused shift keys. Would help with putting nice keysets on it. Would love to see the first variant supported.

as you wrote, 1 - 1.5 - 2.25 - 2.75 - 1.5 - 1 -1 is hard to fit inside a 7u spacebar bottom row without making the plate & pcb into a swiss cheese. it also ruin the symetric look im going for. 3u will be more and more accessible.



UPDATE 2018-9-12: As the poll shows, we will drop the need for any kind of logo, we'll just keep the case as clean as possible.

[wixxzblu]

Ive been modifying the layout based on feedback. I feel we could drop the 3u split spacebar support in favor of 2.25 + 2.75 combo. I came up with what i think, still keeps the nice symmetry of the bottom row, but still add the functionality of split spacebar. Thumb position has also been considered for this new layout.

I also added support for 2.25 R-shift, please tell me what you think!

[SteffeMK]

Ive been modifying the layout based on feedback. I feel we could drop the 3u split spacebar support in favor of 2.25 + 2.75 combo. I came up with what i think, still keeps the nice symmetry of the bottom row, but still add the functionality of split spacebar. Thumb position has also been considered for this new layout.

I also added support for 2.25 R-shift, please tell me what you think!

What I like about this is that there is a possibility for åäö, unlike other 40% boards.

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[SomePunkassKid]

Ive been modifying the layout based on feedback. I feel we could drop the 3u split spacebar support in favor of 2.25 + 2.75 combo. I came up with what i think, still keeps the nice symmetry of the bottom row, but still add the functionality of split spacebar. Thumb position has also been considered for this new layout.

I also added support for 2.25 R-shift, please tell me what you think!

I really like the solution you came up with for the space bars. The end product looks kickass!

[Hokabuki]

Not a huge fan of the new split space layout. Guess I’ll be building the standard WKL version!

[beekey]

Ive been modifying the layout based on feedback. I feel we could drop the 3u split spacebar support in favor of 2.25 + 2.75 combo. I came up with what i think, still keeps the nice symmetry of the bottom row, but still add the functionality of split spacebar. Thumb position has also been considered for this new layout.

I also added support for 2.25 R-shift, please tell me what you think!

Very nice! Looking forward to the GB.

[gilmoregrills]

Love the new split space layout! Much as I'd like for 3u spacebars to work be more common and work with it, it's cool to get more base kit compatibility 

[lasernasaur]

Definitely interested in this!

[RehnMan]

This is very similar to a concept I dreamed up a while back. Basically the exact same except a different bottom row. I loved this concept but could not find anything that was capable of it and I was not prepare to undertake making one or starting a group buy.

Very nice work! I am going to keep an eye on this as it might finally be the answer to my desires!

Take a look, what do you think?

[wixxzblu]

This is very similar to a concept I dreamed up a while back. Basically the exact same except a different bottom row. I loved this concept but could not find anything that was capable of it and I was not prepare to undertake making one or starting a group buy.

Very nice work! I am going to keep an eye on this as it might finally be the answer to my desires!

Take a look, what do you think?

(Attachment Link)

ive seen this layout been thrown around. It has better keycap compatability, but its wider and looks a bit off with those large keys for a 40%.

[RehnMan]

Yea, I was only trying to figure out a layout that I liked, not design a full board. I think I just used a Pok3r configuration and removed the top row. So it is just a standard sized layout. You are right that it looks oversized and trimming down is most aesthetically pleasing.

[odd]

I'm so down for this.

[OkKarma]

EU proxy and I will throw the money at this.

[wixxzblu]

This board has me very interested. The layout sacrifices almost nothing. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this.

This is a very smart and outstanding design. Hopefully it gets to GB soon, so I can get off these anxiety pills!

I really like the solution you came up with for the space bars. The end product looks kickass!

Very interested. Coming from a planck, this would suit my learned layer automatisms perfectly.

What I like about this is that there is a possibility for åäö, unlike other 40% boards.

Love the new split space layout! Much as I'd like for 3u spacebars to work be more common and work with it, it's cool to get more base kit compatibility 

EU proxy and I will throw the money at this.

Thanks for all the great support guys, EU proxy is already fixed since i live in Sweden, I need to fix US proxy unless the chinese factory can QC and send out directly from them, like ALF factory does it.

Still waiting on PCB guy to get a window for my PCB.

Estimated weight for all brass options is 1.8Kg, all aluminum is 740g and all polycarbonate option is 450g.

[SteffeMK]

Depending what the prices are for alu and poly I will most likely get 1 of them. Plus shipping will be fast to me as I also live in Sweden

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