Author Topic: [IC] Think6.5 v2 - Gasket 65% Keyboard // GB July 19 | Live stream | giveaway  (Read 367798 times)

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Offline oldcat

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For July GrayStudio giveaway, we will try to do something out of the ordinary!

@alexotos will be live stream building think6.5v2 prototypes, the first stream will be this Sunday 1PM ET at https://m.twitch.tv/alexotos/, tune into his stream channel! So far it is confirmed that Apairy will be receiving a prototype to build as well.

I will discuss details with Alex on how to join the giveaway!! Thanks Alex!

Follow oldcat87 and alexotos for more details soon!


Alex's build stream of the PC version: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/684464581
Apiary and Alex will be both building an aluminum version next week. I will also send my own prototype to Tiny and Taeha next week. Their schedules may not work out for the GB, but at least you will enjoy the build streams some time!


--------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello keeb friends,

It's been a while since the Think6.5 GB! Hope you are doing well and staying healthy.

I have started this design last year but was not able to start an IC due to personal reasons. Now things are much better, I now decide to start an interest check for a gasket-mount, half-seamless Think6.5 V2. For those of you who are curious about how the R1 design looks like, here is the original IC: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=99634 and a more user-friend and detailed collated information page: https://keyboard.guide/board/think6.5/

2U Version

1U Version




Here are some features of the V2 version that are different from V1 Think.

1. Mounting: Gasket-mount. Double sided, specially made gaskets.
2. Badge position: Both 2U (OG) and 1U badge positions will be offered.
3. Badge designs: Lightbulb-Gear badge will be the default badge. Optional badge: 1U (Anchor), 2U (Compass)
4. Case material: Aluminum, and frosted polycarbonate (PC).
5. Plate material: Dual-color FR-4 plates.
6. PCB: Works with both QMK and VIA out of the box; RGB LEDs diffused under: Badge (1U and 2U), light strip (2U), and underglow (under PCB). ESD protection.
7. Colors: Single tone: e-white, black, PC; dual-tone: white-black, white-pink, gray-black, purple-black, pink-black, blue-black.
8. Price: Anodized Aluminum $349; e-white/e-white dual-tones: $369; PC: $379 (with fees covered, shipping is not covered).
9. GB Format: AirPotter from Gray Studio will be the vendor and manufacturer. GB will be hosted on Graystudio.club for a limited time.
10. Timeframe: GB currently projected in the week of July 20, 2020.



Geekhack IC Feedback Items to Incorporate (all incorporated and case 3D modeling design finalized):

1. Remove '2020' from the 2U Badge: done
2. Remove '2020' engraving from the bottom: done
3. Rename the sequel to "Think6.5 v2.0": done
4. Bring back the lightbulb to the badge design: done
5. Reduce the size of the 2U badge: done
6. Polycarbonate option: done (yes)
7. Make an anchor badge: done
8. Start a poll about various choices and options: done
9. A brass/aluminum Think artisan keycap to go with the GB: done
10. Reduce the size of the 1U badge: done
11. Engrave "THiNK" on the bottom: done
12. Tweak "THiNK" engraving location: done
13. Rubber feet do not cover screw holes.: done
14. A tweak to the rear end to enable PC production: done
15. CatThink artisan: done
16: Thonk artisan: done
17: Compatibility layout options: done (everything will be provided except split space)
18: USB outlet design: done (gear-outlet)
19: Decide which badge design(s) to pick: done (pretty much)
20: Adding chamfers to 1U badges: done

Follow daily updates on Instagram
Discuss in Discord: https://discord.com/invite/n3rtEpY
Support your boye OldCat and this project by using this signature to share Think6.5 v2.0 to the community!
Code: [Select]
[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=105950.0][img width=312 height=60]https://i.imgur.com/keZqB1N.png[/img][/url]













































And cast your vote in the new poll for the design/layout options





The story behind the design choices: Why do I choose anchor, sailboat, and compass to replace the gear and lightbulb?

More
There is always some sort of story behind a purposeful design, I like reading those stories with I join a Group Buy, but this time I was a bit hesitant in sharing the story as it can sound a bit corny. Now I feel it is important that I share why I made the choices, given the divergent opinions on the 'drastically different looking board' here being discussed. I do believe everyone has provided a lot of value in their feedback, and I am sure some will be taken into account as I keep finetuning things. Some of the comments are confirming my prior beliefs about some additional changes. As I am not in a hurry to run a Group Buy given CyberVoyager production is in progress,  more feedback sparks more thinking, and is always beneficial to the board design as well as future owners of the board.

With the preamble out of the way, here are mainly two rationales behind this design choice.

First, I have no intention of replicating Think6.5 R1 because it is not fun and not challenging as an enthusiast. Further, I do not participate in the group buy profit sharing and replication of Think6.5 R1 will not make sense for me. Therefore, the question is, do I change the design elements for R2, or keep the design elements and just modify the structure (to gasket)? I opt for a refreshing design that has the potential to be aesthetically more pleasing than the R1 design.

Second, back to the meaning of the design. It was not meant to be a "nautical" theme. In a literal sense, it is nautical; yet at a higher level, the thinking process has little to do with nautical. To start off, I already had a replicated design last year for R2 based on the R1 design with a new gasket structure added. But as I pick up the project now, I want to divert from the original design to add elements that are more meaningful for 2020. The anchor came from my wife's idea of "refuse to sink," as the world is sinking to some extent; and then the sailboat and compass are lucky icons in many cultures that symbolize peace and success in life, be it the status quo or your new adventures. And the symbolic value is that I hope everyone's life will anchor in a safe haven. In terms of the design, the anchor is made to shape like a "T" in Think, and I have designed other original Think elements (e.g., lightbulb badge) that are not yet shown here. To be honest, I feel 2020 is a special year and it may never get old. But I do consider removing 2020 from the 2U badge. With all the above said, the overall design flavor is actually very close to Think6.5 (same angle, similar chamfers, and trying to be a good looking minimalist design).

In anyway, this design story is not intended to change your opinion of the design. Aesthetics can be a tricky thing, particularly design elements that pop out visually. So apparently this sequel to Think6.5 will not be in everyone's taste. But with me sharing the context and design thinking process, at least you are aware that these are not random elements placed together. And as more badges are released and some are perhaps modified, I hope they will at least salvage some friends' love for the original Think6.5.

Lastly, quite a few people DM'd to ask me about whether I have any plan to do a replication of Think6.5 R1 version as a group buy. Regretfully, I will not. As I mentioned above, I am not interested in running the same GB twice, particularly as I am not participating on the financial side (e.g., profit-sharing) of the Group Buys. I am happy enough and grateful that AirPotter and Gray Studio help me materialize my design visions into actual products. I have released all my parts of the copyright of the original Think6.5 to AirPotter so it is up to him if he chooses to run in the future.
« Last Edit: Sun, 19 July 2020, 16:08:27 by oldcat »

Offline oldcat

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:20:01 »
5/20/2020: Some parts (top pieces) of the prototypes are partly done.





5/27/2020: Deskmats are being prototyped. Aluminum Case CNC is done and waiting for surface treatment. PC version started to prototype.


By xingchen_fan, this will likely be included in the GB


One more colorway by xingchen_fan, this will likely be included in the GB - will likely pick one background color later.


By 66Fannie99, this will be included in the GB.

Lastly, a fun one for you guys as you wait for the Think6.5V2! Yes, it is coming :)




Here are the 1U PCBs, 2U will be separate and coming soon:

Red is just for prototyping, Final color is pending - suggestions welcome





Also the cat logo will be replaced by the one below:



FR-4 Plate Prototype received:



2020/6/9

Tested anodizing a 1U prototype today!

Forgive the low-quality phone picture, and it appears Potter is too excited to get it done and did not notice that the 1U badge chamfer has not been added yet (it will be).

And prototypes for the 2U in other colors, and the polycarbonate version are forthcoming in the next few days.



6/13/2020:

Good news, the prototypes are confirmed to work perfectly by Potter. All-POM holy pandas were used in testing and the typing feel is sublime.

Next, I have asked Potter (requested by some discord members and friends here) to make gaskets of varying softness and different materials, so I can test them and see if I can find the optimal softness and material. The prototypes should be sent to me soon once the new gaskets are made (a week or so). In the meantime, Potter said he will take some pictures of the Think6.5v2 prototypes and the Space65 ano samples. PC prototypes are also done, pictures forthcoming.

Here is a purple anodization prototype (EVA purple):



6/15/2020:

PC prototypes (2U):





6/17/2020:

Details of the injection-molded prototype gasket with the release cuts - more pictures of various hardness/material coming soon:



Details of the gaskets:

















White-pink prototype:


« Last Edit: Fri, 03 July 2020, 11:58:39 by oldcat »

Offline eniigma

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #2 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:21:07 »
I like the top right placement better

Offline nicx

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:23:12 »
Been waiting for this. That new badge placement looks gorgeous.

I think you should get crazy and do a beige version..
« Last Edit: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:25:10 by nicx »

Offline Sleep0ke

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #4 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:24:07 »
agreed...top right placement  :thumb:

Offline gnhuy91

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:25:16 »
top right this time!

Offline cijanzen

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:25:23 »
Interesting update! I think the top-right placement makes more sense functionally and aesthetically. Enough changes here to certainly warrant a R2 evolution.

Nice stuff

Offline Zylkan

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:25:51 »
Any possibility for no badge at all ? Love the board design but I like to have that right column in full

Offline SolidCactus

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:26:25 »
Top right please!

Offline NOLA

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:26:35 »
Top right gets my vote. Hot.

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Offline Visionaire

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:26:59 »
I'm gonna be in the minority here. I like the side placement better.

1. The side introduces the additional fillet that makes the side profile a bit more interesting
2. The top is a little too rounded and chonky imo


Additionally, I'm way more in love with the style on the bottom weight than the top badge options at the moment.

Offline IMZO

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #11 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:27:16 »
Top right please!
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Offline CrazyAssMonkey

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #12 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:27:49 »
Seriously? Why are there so many nice boards on IC right now lol. You guys are incredible. I love the design for the weight, and i coincide with the others, top right would be so good.

Offline Mc Eggroll

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #13 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:27:59 »
I still like the original placement better. The top one looks okay though.

Offline Clueless

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #14 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:29:58 »
I like the original bagde placement

Offline Zeelobby

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #15 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:30:05 »
Def looks decent. Dunno about all boating, lol. Thought the OG lightbulb and "think" made more sense.

Offline stopitsme

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #16 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:30:28 »
好看

Offline Scottw

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #17 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:30:54 »
I would rather no badge. :)

But if I have to choose, I like the lower badge. I generally prefer space around my arrows.

Offline thecyangiant

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #18 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:31:13 »
Ohh my, I love it! Anchors away matey, can't wait.
Prefer the 2u lower badge assuming split backspace! (And please consider split space!)
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Offline lucka33

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #19 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:31:51 »
I love the original badge design and placement. You should make the original badge for sure, and definitely make a Polycarb 6.5!

Offline Abec13

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #20 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:33:24 »
Curious to see color offerings for this one.
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Offline oldcat

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #21 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:33:50 »
Def looks decent. Dunno about all boating, lol. Thought the OG lightbulb and "think" made more sense.

Thanks for the feedback. There are some stories behind the design, but I will leave that out but just focus on aesthetics now.

Short story is that the design inspiration is definitely related to how this 2020 went down. There are also like 4 other badge designs I will share later, some will relate to "Think"

Offline Eisberg09

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #22 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:34:25 »
New badge position is definitely better! Will there be a gasket mount option?

Offline crispgm

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #23 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:35:05 »
I prefer top right badge for functionaly but the origin place looks better on the pics. Maybe I should wait for later updates.

And one more question is why the new design of the back side so complicated comparing to R1. I like the simple style.

Offline aggressively_misled

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #24 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:36:15 »
Looks really nice! Top right!

Offline logo4poop

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #25 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:36:39 »
hype!
LCK75 so lit

Offline bsanto

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #26 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:37:05 »
OG badge placement is better aesthetically. It gives an even vibe. Would be great if there's a PC version. Black PC preferably.

Offline Dopamine

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #27 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:38:08 »
I personally like the corner placement more but I can also see the appeal in the old placement.

Offline f1

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #28 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:39:23 »
^ What he said

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Offline nettoxx7

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #29 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:39:42 »
Definitely prefer the top right badge placement, but why an anchor logo?

Will definitely join !

Offline byoliven

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #30 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:40:07 »
The OG badge position is the uniqueness of THINK6.5. I prefer keeping it.


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Offline Gnives

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #31 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:40:18 »
Locked.

Top right placement is preference.

Offline sirbestia

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #32 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:42:25 »
Here are my thoughts:

1. Original placement (new placement looks good but too many keebs with this placement)
2. I also agree that the Anchor doesn't match the THINK theme, could have been a completely different board if you're using this design, though I do like it
3. PC, please!! A lot of people agreed with me in the discord channel that the reason they want this second version since they missed out on buying the original PC at regular price

No matter what tho, I think this will do really good!

Thank you

Offline Pach

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #33 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:42:57 »
IMO I don't like the "2020" text. The board should keep a timeless look.

Offline MrFixIT12

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #34 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:43:41 »
Top right looks good, but I prefer the original badge placement.
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Offline JakeyPancakey

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #35 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:44:28 »
Definitely go with the badge in the top right corner! Looks very simple and elegant  :thumb:

Offline woyaodapian

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #36 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:47:55 »
some thoughts.

Preferred the original design with some new elements.
Seems like there is an emphasis on "2020"
Cant't wait for the story behind the anchor and how it would relate to "think".
PC would be great.

Looking forward to more updates!


Offline Fannie_w

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #37 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:53:51 »
I like the both.But I think the top right is more unique.

Offline yicaoyimu

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #38 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:54:21 »
The original badge placement is a big part of what makes Think65 unique from say Kyuu and 910 and Fox 65. Personally I think you should stick with the original placement.

The new bottom and the lines in the front is a bit too much for me.
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Offline konstantin

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #39 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:55:39 »
This:
Interesting update! I think the top-right placement makes more sense functionally and aesthetically. Enough changes here to certainly warrant a R2 evolution.

Nice stuff

I also sort of agree with this:
IMO I don't like the "2020" text. The board should keep a timeless look.

Finally, have you considered a more rounded bottom case profile?

Offline oldcat

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #40 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:56:54 »
And this will not be integrated plate anymore.

Offline Phemia

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #41 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:58:51 »
I prefer original placement. It makes it unique from all the other boards out there and I like that separation from the arrow key cluster.

I don't really care if it's themed around anchors, I just don't like the inclusion of '2020'

Would love a PC version for sure.

Offline Rozalin81

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #42 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 11:59:25 »
HYPE! I'm in. I missed out on the first run, but I won't be missing out on this one. I prefer the look of the badge being on the side instead of on the top right. Are colors going to be the same as R1 or are there new colors planned?
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Offline NEZ

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #43 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 12:01:21 »
So sexy

Offline jhuang

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #44 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 12:03:58 »
I prefer the original placement but that might be due to the fact that I missed R1  :p

Offline ivu

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #45 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 12:04:08 »
The original position is kind of a special for Think.
Quite a few other boards with top right badge. You should keep the small details which make the board different.

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Offline or0616

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #46 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 12:04:58 »
integrated plate?

Offline Create_alt_delete

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #47 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 12:06:18 »
I prefer old badge location. Every other board out there is doing top-right. Old location was a great way to stand out from the crowd.

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Offline Jaltr

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #48 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 12:08:30 »
+1 on top right position

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Offline NOLA

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Re: [IC] Think6.5 R2: '2020'
« Reply #49 on: Fri, 24 April 2020, 12:14:49 »
The original position is kind of a special for Think.
Quite a few other boards with top right badge. You should keep the small details which make the board different.

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Now that this is being brought up, I agree. It's probably what makes the board so desired. Its original aesthetic. Don't sway too much away from it. Just subtle refinements mostly performance based would be great and prompt me to join.

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