[IC] 45-ATS Keyboard - Shipping

[omgkittiesyay]

Ortho option is a great idea

[Korseir]

Ortho option looks hella good and makes quite a lot of sense

Edit: the LEDs above the arrow cluster looks super nice too

[Zytyx]

Loving the design! I'd prefer no hotswap as it tends to have a few compromises, like north facing switches and the PCB needing some support to work with top mount. +1 on the Ortho and indicator lights. Overall very excited to see where this goes!

[hahihuhei]

I would love to see the chin of TMO50

[resonantarchitect]

This could very easily be the board to fully get me into 40's/50's. I thought 60% was a stretch for me, but this board looks great!

[p00]

In for the ortho option, to complete the collection 

[.Udon]

Hotswap?

[d.caminero]

Colour me interested in this!
Love the layout, status LED's would be cool, but I don't mind if they are not present.
Is there any chance that you add ALPS support?

[Zacharius]

take my money

[Abec13]

Colour me interested in this!
Love the layout, status LED's would be cool, but I don't mind if they are not present.
Is there any chance that you add ALPS support?

Hotswap?

Show Image

Colour me interested in this!
Love the layout, status LED's would be cool, but I don't mind if they are not present.
Is there any chance that you add ALPS support?

Led indicators will be happening.

In order of priority of features: Ortho > Hotswap > Alps.

For Ortho, it might be possible to fit both stagger and Ortho on to the same PCB though I feel using hybrid footprints on the PCB would result in overlapping footprints making it not possible and would also mean no hotswap.

Splitting the PCBs would mean I could do hotswap for both configurations.

Splitting the PCBs and having Alps support means no hotswap and now we have 2 PCBs and 3 plates.

Theoretically I could make a THIRD PCB that is MX and Alps and a FOURTH PCB for Alps ortho..? Along with a third plate.

I'm not so sure I'm ready for that as my first GB and I also haven't tested for demand of it. You are the first to mention. So likely, no Alps.

[nasp]

For the Ortho, I'm ok with no Alps and no hotswap, but that may be a minority opinion. Perhaps a poll is needed?

[Zacharius]

I’m a staggered heathen who loves to solder. Also couldn’t care less about alps and hotswap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ephemeral]

I’m a staggered heathen who loves to solder. Also couldn’t care less about alps and hotswap.

Same

[d.caminero]

Colour me interested in this!
Love the layout, status LED's would be cool, but I don't mind if they are not present.
Is there any chance that you add ALPS support?

Hotswap?

Show Image

Colour me interested in this!
Love the layout, status LED's would be cool, but I don't mind if they are not present.
Is there any chance that you add ALPS support?

Led indicators will be happening.

In order of priority of features: Ortho > Hotswap > Alps.

For Ortho, it might be possible to fit both stagger and Ortho on to the same PCB though I feel using hybrid footprints on the PCB would result in overlapping footprints making it not possible and would also mean no hotswap.

Splitting the PCBs would mean I could do hotswap for both configurations.

Splitting the PCBs and having Alps support means no hotswap and now we have 2 PCBs and 3 plates.

Theoretically I could make a THIRD PCB that is MX and Alps and a FOURTH PCB for Alps ortho..? Along with a third plate.

I'm not so sure I'm ready for that as my first GB and I also haven't tested for demand of it. You are the first to mention. So likely, no Alps.

Thanks for your answer :)

You don't need to make a special plate for ALPS, there's a hole that fit MX and ALPS as seen in the Pearl keyboard, but I understand your concerns.
I do like ortho as well, but for this layout I'd rather get staggered. What I don't like is hotswap, like some more in the thread, but yes it is understandable and polarising.
Maybe you could run a poll?

[mrfe333]

Interested!

[Gbanek]

I could easily see this being my first foray into sub 60% kbs. This is a really cool idea and I love the layout!

[nguyenhimself]

Honestly there's a lot to love here:

- 3 modifiers on the left → Mac users will be thankful for this.
- There's room for the Quote sign. Hiding such a frequently-used key (for English at least) under a layer never makes sense to me.
- I can see people mapping the "$185 Artisan" key to Forward Slash + Question Mark. Still close enough to the Shift key.
- Split spacebars yes! All smol keyboards need them.

Practical AND aesthetic? Count me in.

[jariss]

Been looking for a compact travel board similar to the tmo50. Really interested in this.

[Visionaire]

nice

[heskew]

This is looking like the first sub 60% I might actually be able to use for my daily board. Definitely interested in seeing this develop and getting one in hand.

[stillzman]

I'm in for 1, 2 if poly happens!

[dingusxmcgee]

What is this, the year of the must have 40s? This is awesome, can't wait to see this realized.

[Asbrodeus]

I'm just randomly buying so many 40s this year you 40% guys got me.

[Sintpinty]

Don't you love 40-50% boards? There's something about them. They can be practical but I don't need that justification behind everything I buy. I like them because they're small--cute. They feel nice in the handle too, when you're shuffinling your tiny board around all the newfound deskroom from downsizing.

They make good shelf object too. Got a small shelf? Man, are these things perfect for it when they're not in use and still enough room for that 7th Pop! figure.

Here, today, I am interest checking for one of those. It goes by the name of 45-ATS.
Let's get into that name.

Currently, I run a JD45. It's nice. Really nice:

Clacky ✓
Smol ✓
Shiny ✓
Cute ✓
Compatible with most 40s kits ✓
Has the one key between L and Enter to put quotes on ✓
question mark is in the right spot (put it on tap for right shift)✓

On the other hand here's what's missing:

Arrow keys ×
Dynamic style×
Top Mount ×

The minivan is one of the few keyboards that went as far as to fit arrow keys onto such a small layout but at a cost. With the arrow key layout the question mark must be moved over or to another layout. This makes it hard to transfer that muscle memory over to something like a work keyboard, or a laptop keyboard. The nice thing about 45s is that most all punctuation can be on the top layer.

As for "dynamic style," think HHKB, think Compact 1800. Technically, the full 60% board and 96key style boards, respectively, are more practical than their counterpart. The full 60 fills in space with more keys, and the 96 key does the same thing while occupying less space. So then why resort to the alternatives? Plain and simple: they look better. The silhouette of a HHKB and 1800 layout are very attractive (to me) as opposed to the alternative. Like the layout or not, the HHKB is very attractive so the reason for adding the arrows and "macro keys" to this board is not only for the sake of functionality. It's also in the name of fashion.

And lastly, of course, we all love top mount. I feel I don't really need to explain that point.

So wrapping together some of my favorite features of my boards, I bring you the 45-"And Then Some"

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Currently Supported Layouts:

(Attachment Link)

Where it's at in the design process?
As of 4/25 I am done with the semester and will have more time to work on this. I have started the PCB design which, once completed, will finalize the case design.

What's been decided?

• There will likely be no full brass/poly version of this board unless it somehow becomes super popular.
  
  
• There will be no RGB on this board. We're keeping it clean.
  
  
• I know I want a brass plate option, multiple finishes.
  
  
• 6 Degree typing angle.
  
  
• Top Mount, 3-piece.
  
  
• QMK-- I can't imagine making a keyboard for this hobby and in this size that isn't QMK. Don't worry friends.

What's under consideration still?

• Split space sizing options--thinking something closer to the minivan.
  The proportions of the 225-275 layout can be a little unsightly and smaller space bars will be nicer for some that like to run no stabilizers.
  
  
• Brass weight--but I would prefer for this to be something that is more affordable.
  
  
• Matching 4x4 macropad to buy when this drops or save it for later. It will be called the ATSM. I will let you guess what that means.
  
  
• Hotswap PCB: with nothing but a few bottom row layout options this is under consideration for offering a hotswap PCB option.
  
  
• Additional plate material options.
  
  
• Jazzing up the bottom case a little more.
  
  
• Ortho PCB and Plate option: I was recently approached with the idea of offering an ortho option for the board as it would occupy the same footprint.
  This would involve offering a whole other PCB or meshing it similarly to how the mechmini did as well as offering an additional plate.
  (Attachment Link)
  (Attachment Link)
  
  
• LED indicator holes between the alphas and the 3-button cluster or just keeping it clean.
  
  (Attachment Link)
  Just an idea I mocked up quickly to show the concept
  

What colors did you have in mind?

The classic Silver-Black-Grey to keep it simple for anyone looking for neutral colors.
In addition to that I want at least one less common color (namely navy blue, but other options will be on vote).
Now this doesn't mean it will be limited to one extra color; being new to group buys I'm not sure of the ups and downs that come from requesting so many colors for a buy of such small quantity. I will do my best!

Google Form IC:
https://forms.gle/xnLMZ8Kjmp8M46Mz7


Thanks for reading this far. Huge thanks to The Lazy Designers, Funderburker, Oldcat, and Holtenc for guiding me and answering my pestering questions!

Also shout out to nat for letting me bother her with design options this whole time.

Smol keyboard uWu

[TotesMaGoates715]

Hotswap, full grid ortho plzzz

[TuCZnak]

Led indicators will be happening.

In order of priority of features: Ortho > Hotswap > Alps.

For Ortho, it might be possible to fit both stagger and Ortho on to the same PCB though I feel using hybrid footprints on the PCB would result in overlapping footprints making it not possible and would also mean no hotswap.

Splitting the PCBs would mean I could do hotswap for both configurations.

Splitting the PCBs and having Alps support means no hotswap and now we have 2 PCBs and 3 plates.

Theoretically I could make a THIRD PCB that is MX and Alps and a FOURTH PCB for Alps ortho..? Along with a third plate.

I'm not so sure I'm ready for that as my first GB and I also haven't tested for demand of it. You are the first to mention. So likely, no Alps.

Chiming in, if you're gonna offer a separate plate for ortho, might as well have it with separate PCB. It'll result in less "swiss cheese" and a cleaner build.

I'm most likely in for a staggered board, whether solder or hotswap, though hotswap split space would be nice

[Xerpocalypse]

Absolutely love the design of this board.

As far as colors it would be neat to see e-white or something similar but even without that I'm absolutely in on this board.

Also please no hotswap. If it has to be an option, please offer a normal soldered PCB as well.

[FSund]

I'm here for the ortho option 

[goldensun21]

Extremely into this. I loved TMO50 but love having arrow keys even more so this is making me top notch happy.

[InvidiousIgnoramus]

Well, that ortho layout is almost exactly like a few i've been toying around with.  In for ortho for sure

[Bhk1004]

Really like... i am in... would like to see white or some funky colors. PC and such would be cool as well.

[Visionaire]

ne update avail?

[Abec13]

ne update avail?

Sorry for the silence. Come summer break from university, I thought I would have more time though I've found a lot of things to do (outside) this summer and have been neglecting this project a bit especially after picking up the rendering gig I have for the keycaps people of this community. To be honest I've just been stuck on the PCB and need to reach out to some other people about putting this together. I'll admit, this isn't a fast IC, I'm not like some people of this community that can proposed and wiz to GB in 2 months.. whattya gonna do? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯



Here are a few things I've decided:

There will be indicator LED's which will be 3mm soldered-in diodes. There will be holes, I don't care much for the microdot aesthetic.
I am looking to add a rotary encoder knob to the upper right of the board (top of the 3-stack of keys)
I am pretty much set on this being a solder-board. Elitism aside, I just prefer it.
REALISTICALLY, this is going to have to be a limited buy (thinking 50) though I'm considering offloading the QC to a vendor to increase the number.
Knocking off some mounting points and might round up the corners by a few more millimeters.

Sorry I'm so slow everyone  appreciate all of the interest. I'll deliver. Just.. not right now.

[Visionaire]

Thanks for the update!

Only opinion I'll share here is... pass on the rotary knob. Please.

[Korseir]

Pass on the rotary knob. In for the Ortho.

[FSund]

A rotary knob sounds great. I think you can combine the footprint for a rotary knob with a regular switch, so you can choose if you want the knob or not.

[dingusxmcgee]

A rotary knob sounds great. I think you can combine the footprint for a rotary knob with a regular switch, so you can choose if you want the knob or not.

Agree. If we have the choice I think that’s preferable. I would prefer without but would be neat to have the option.

[Abec13]

A rotary knob sounds great. I think you can combine the footprint for a rotary knob with a regular switch, so you can choose if you want the knob or not.

A rotary knob sounds great. I think you can combine the footprint for a rotary knob with a regular switch, so you can choose if you want the knob or not.

Agree. If we have the choice I think that’s preferable. I would prefer without but would be neat to have the option.

Thanks for the update!

Only opinion I'll share here is... pass on the rotary knob. Please.

Similarly to a planck, the footprints are able to overlap, making it optional.

[dingusxmcgee]

A rotary knob sounds great. I think you can combine the footprint for a rotary knob with a regular switch, so you can choose if you want the knob or not.

A rotary knob sounds great. I think you can combine the footprint for a rotary knob with a regular switch, so you can choose if you want the knob or not.

Agree. If we have the choice I think that’s preferable. I would prefer without but would be neat to have the option.

Thanks for the update!

Only opinion I'll share here is... pass on the rotary knob. Please.

Similarly to a planck, the footprints are able to overlap, making it optional.

Awesome!

[peterrattew]

+1 please

[Xynerorias]

ne update avail?

Sorry for the silence. Come summer break from university, I thought I would have more time though I've found a lot of things to do (outside) this summer and have been neglecting this project a bit especially after picking up the rendering gig I have for the keycaps people of this community. To be honest I've just been stuck on the PCB and need to reach out to some other people about putting this together. I'll admit, this isn't a fast IC, I'm not like some people of this community that can proposed and wiz to GB in 2 months.. whattya gonna do? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯



Here are a few things I've decided:

There will be indicator LED's which will be 3mm soldered-in diodes. There will be holes, I don't care much for the microdot aesthetic.
I am looking to add a rotary encoder knob to the upper right of the board (top of the 3-stack of keys)
I am pretty much set on this being a solder-board. Elitism aside, I just prefer it.
REALISTICALLY, this is going to have to be a limited buy (thinking 50) though I'm considering offloading the QC to a vendor to increase the number.
Knocking off some mounting points and might round up the corners by a few more millimeters.

Sorry I'm so slow everyone  appreciate all of the interest. I'll deliver. Just.. not right now.

Hey just take your time don't worry. It'll be good for everybody's wallet, you're not on the clock. As long as you're not completely giving up on the project it's fine.
And you know the saying, "A delayed GB will eventually be good but a rushed GB will always be bad".

But those are good news though

Sent from my ONE A2001 using Tapatalk

[voxkey]

No need to rush. Better to get it right where you want it and then release. I'm in whenever you release it. Great job. 

[heskew]

I really like where you’re going with this. Happy to give any feedback when asked but I really hope you do make this your board without any compromise for others’ “needs”. Whenever you’re ready to produce some boards I’ll be ready.

[Bhk1004]

No need to rush. Better to get it right where you want it and then release. I'm in whenever you release it. Great job. 

We have gone over this. Ur hand no fit.

[fractl]

As someone who isn't comfortable with ortho, I find this to be one of the very few staggered boards smaller than 60% that I'd actually be comfortable using.  Personally, I like hotswap, but I also like the split spacebar option, and I don't know if that would be offered on the hotswap PCB.  (I know lots of people here like to solder, but with so many switches available these days, I really love being able to change switches as often as I want).

[voxkey]

No need to rush. Better to get it right where you want it and then release. I'm in whenever you release it. Great job. 

We have gone over this. Ur hand no fit.

 

[valkyr1e]

+1 for me, please!

[dededecline]

Ortho option is a great idea

[pheonix991]

Can we see a rose gold case? Please?

[lamenthe]

Love having arrow keys on a 40-45% keyboard. Hope this makes GB.