Author Topic: Post Your Infinity Keyboard (Read 24777 times)

mashby · « **on:** Mon, 16 February 2015, 12:56:19 »

Massdrop released their Infinity Keyboard Kit in October 2014. The keyboard was designed by Haataa and uses the MC HCK micro controller, which is fully programmable. The built-in layout is similar to the to the Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB), but retains all the standard modifiers.

There were two layouts offered, Standard with a 6.25x spacebar and Hacker with a 6x spacebar, each with a custom plate/case for that layout. Later in the group buy, there was a plate only option so that you could use a standard Poker style case.

Since this is a new keyboard and I didn't see a picture thread for it yet, I figured I'd go ahead and start one.

mashby · « **Reply #1 on:** Mon, 16 February 2015, 12:56:29 »

I haven't been able to do much in the way of building, or working on keyboards recently due to work, but when my Infinity arrived last week, I couldn't wait to dig into it. It was a very straightforward build and couldn't have been easier. I think this is great keyboard for someone building up their first board. Assembly instructions show you just how fast and easy it is.

I opted for stock Cherry MX-Clear switches and then used CTRL ALT's Nostalgia GH60 key cap set since I knew it had all the keys and profiles that I needed. I went with the Standard design and the HHKB layout feels exactly like you'd expect -- the only difference is that there are 3 extra keys, which works for me.

Today is my first day driving the board, but I like it a lot thus far. It's a very solid feel, which is surprising, but there's a lot of differences from my daily driver (Poker X, MX-Black, SA Caps), so I'll need more time to get truly comfortable.

I've posted a full gallery of photos on Flickr, but below are a couple of shots.

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #2 on:** Mon, 16 February 2015, 12:58:31 »

So I see you're still on the "mashby buys every 60% board" plan mashby

). Looking forward to your build buddy

.

PunksDead · « **Reply #3 on:** Mon, 16 February 2015, 13:01:07 »

mashby · « **Reply #4 on:** Mon, 16 February 2015, 13:09:33 »

@PunksDead -- Are those MX-Whites, or MX-Clears? Also, what made you choose to go with an MX-Blue for the "fn" key? And is that another blue on the spacebar, or MX-Black?

@CPTBadAss -- Yes, my addiction apparently has no limits when it comes to 60% -- at least not yet.

Sygaldry · « **Reply #5 on:** Mon, 16 February 2015, 13:24:32 »

Quote from: mashby on Mon, 16 February 2015, 13:09:33

@PunksDead -- Are those MX-Whites, or MX-Clears? Also, what made you choose to go with an MX-Blue for the "fn" key? And is that another blue on the spacebar, or MX-Black?

@CPTBadAss -- Yes, my addiction apparently has no limits when it comes to 60% -- at least not yet.

Looks like Gateron Blue to me? and Gateron Black spacebar?

HoffmanMyster · « **Reply #6 on:** Mon, 16 February 2015, 13:26:29 »

Quote from: mashby on Mon, 16 February 2015, 13:09:33

@CPTBadAss -- Yes, my addiction apparently has no limits when it comes to 60% -- at least not yet.

I expect nothing less from a man who gave a 45 minute presentation outlining his love for 60% boards.

)

Oh and on-topic, nice pics mashby and Punks! Sort of regretting letting this board pass by. Looks like a fun little kit.

PunksDead · « **Reply #7 on:** Mon, 16 February 2015, 13:37:36 »

Quote from: mashby on Mon, 16 February 2015, 13:09:33

@PunksDead -- Are those MX-Whites, or MX-Clears? Also, what made you choose to go with an MX-Blue for the "fn" key? And is that another blue on the spacebar, or MX-Black?

@CPTBadAss -- Yes, my addiction apparently has no limits when it comes to 60% -- at least not yet.

Went with mx clears, a gateron blue on the Fn "for a fun click" and a gateron black on the spacebar for a linear feel. Really enjoying this board so far, its was my first "build" so i tried to have some fun mixing switches

daerid · « **Reply #8 on:** Mon, 16 February 2015, 15:29:04 »

I hate you guys. Mine was supposed to be delivered tomorrow, but UPS is ****ing out due to a little snow

ideus · « **Reply #9 on:** Mon, 16 February 2015, 15:34:38 »

I really like this, and I hope to join it soon, well, as soon as I get my kit.

JackMills · « **Reply #10 on:** Mon, 16 February 2015, 15:45:06 »

I even haven't got any shipping confirmation.
They look great, did you guys try to remap the layout? If so how did that work out?

hwood34 · « **Reply #11 on:** Mon, 16 February 2015, 16:55:19 »

Quote from: PunksDead on Mon, 16 February 2015, 13:37:36

Quote from: mashby on Mon, 16 February 2015, 13:09:33
@PunksDead -- Are those MX-Whites, or MX-Clears? Also, what made you choose to go with an MX-Blue for the "fn" key? And is that another blue on the spacebar, or MX-Black?

@CPTBadAss -- Yes, my addiction apparently has no limits when it comes to 60% -- at least not yet.

Went with mx clears, a gateron blue on the Fn "for a fun click" and a gateron black on the spacebar for a linear feel. Really enjoying this board so far, its was my first "build" so i tried to have some fun mixing switches

got dat gateron sweg

Badwrench · « **Reply #12 on:** Tue, 24 February 2015, 20:27:43 »

I will get a better pic when my batteries are charged (potato for now). Went with the Matias quiet clicks since I like a challenge.

JackMills · « **Reply #13 on:** Thu, 26 February 2015, 09:23:29 »

Question: is this the correct way to mount the Matias switch?

Asking because it seems to 'stick out' more than a Cherry switch, which definitely can be so as I have nil experience with ALPS or the likes.

ideus · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 26 February 2015, 09:33:31 »

The kit was delivered, but it shall wait for the Gaterons to arrive.

hwood34 · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu, 26 February 2015, 09:38:46 »

Quote from: ideus on Thu, 26 February 2015, 09:33:31

The kit was delivered, but it shall wait for the Gaterons to arrive.

ideus · « **Reply #16 on:** Thu, 26 February 2015, 10:07:38 »

Quote from: hwood34 on Thu, 26 February 2015, 09:38:46

Quote from: ideus on Thu, 26 February 2015, 09:33:31
The kit was delivered, but it shall wait for the Gaterons to arrive.
Show Image

She loves boards...

daerid · « **Reply #17 on:** Thu, 26 February 2015, 17:54:14 »

Nothing too fancy

Badwrench · « **Reply #18 on:** Thu, 26 February 2015, 22:07:43 »

Quote from: JackMills on Thu, 26 February 2015, 09:23:29

Question: is this the correct way to mount the Matias switch?
(Attachment Link)

Asking because it seems to 'stick out' more than a Cherry switch, which definitely can be so as I have nil experience with ALPS or the likes.

Yup, that's it.

JackMills · « **Reply #19 on:** Fri, 27 February 2015, 01:49:29 »

Quote from: Badwrench on Thu, 26 February 2015, 22:07:43

Quote from: JackMills on Thu, 26 February 2015, 09:23:29
Question: is this the correct way to mount the Matias switch?
(Attachment Link)

Asking because it seems to 'stick out' more than a Cherry switch, which definitely can be so as I have nil experience with ALPS or the likes.

Yup, that's it.

Ok now I know. Next step is of to be powder coated...I would like to have it in green

Smasher816 · « **Reply #20 on:** Fri, 27 February 2015, 02:50:47 »

HHKB Brothers

It's been cool beta testing this thing before it went public. It has blues but I would consider switching to some clicky alps if I can find some good caps as I love the switch.

ideus · « **Reply #21 on:** Fri, 27 February 2015, 05:40:49 »

Quote from: Smasher816 on Fri, 27 February 2015, 02:50:47

HHKB Brothers
Show Image

It's been cool beta testing this thing before it went public. It has blues but I would consider switching to some clicky alps if I can find some good caps as I love the switch.

Why it does not have the Granite space bar?

Smasher816 · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 27 February 2015, 22:40:53 »

It's the hacker layout, so 6u spacebar (not 6.25 or 7.0). The only 6u option in the granite buy was a abs one, so i decided to throw on a pbt one.

ideus · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 27 February 2015, 23:33:18 »

Quote from: Smasher816 on Fri, 27 February 2015, 22:40:53

It's the hacker layout, so 6u spacebar (not 6.25 or 7.0). The only 6u option in the granite buy was a abs one, so i decided to throw on a pbt one.

Right. Another reason to get the standard layout.

Sed8op8 · « **Reply #24 on:** Sat, 28 February 2015, 05:19:05 »

Hey guys quick question. I am a moderately tech savy girl that loves to do thing herself. I built my own computer and sleeved pcie cables for my graphics card. I soldered in high school and beyond. So my question is how hard are these DIY kits to assemble. I have really been wanting to build a board and this piqued my interest.
Thanks all
Sed8(Ashley)

jacobolus · « **Reply #25 on:** Sat, 28 February 2015, 05:39:25 »

Quote from: Sed8op8 on Sat, 28 February 2015, 05:19:05

I soldered in high school and beyond. So my question is how hard are these DIY kits to assemble.

If you’ve soldered before, and you have reasonable soldering gear available to use, you’ll be fine.

JackMills · « **Reply #26 on:** Sat, 28 February 2015, 05:43:55 »

Quote from: Sed8op8 on Sat, 28 February 2015, 05:19:05

Hey guys quick question. I am a moderately tech savy girl that loves to do thing herself. I built my own computer and sleeved pcie cables for my graphics card. I soldered in high school and beyond. So my question is how hard are these DIY kits to assemble. I have really been wanting to build a board and this piqued my interest.
Thanks all
Sed8(Ashley)

This board is not that hard to assemble, you only need to solder the switches. So if you can solder this could be a good board to begin with. I cannot solder and I got this board, but I am confident that I can this done (will be practising on some old pcbs first).

wlhlm · « **Reply #27 on:** Sat, 28 February 2015, 06:57:30 »

Quote from: JackMills on Sat, 28 February 2015, 05:43:55

Quote from: Sed8op8 on Sat, 28 February 2015, 05:19:05
Hey guys quick question. I am a moderately tech savy girl that loves to do thing herself. I built my own computer and sleeved pcie cables for my graphics card. I soldered in high school and beyond. So my question is how hard are these DIY kits to assemble. I have really been wanting to build a board and this piqued my interest.
Thanks all
Sed8(Ashley)
This board is not that hard to assemble, you only need to solder the switches. So if you can solder this could be a good board to begin with. I cannot solder and I got this board, but I am confident that I can this done (will be practising on some old pcbs first).

Should totally be doable! The switch contacts are fairly big and you don't have to worry about overheating any components too much.

ishpeck · « **Reply #28 on:** Sat, 28 February 2015, 07:07:42 »

Just used whatever random caps I had laying around. I need to get a real cap set.

This was my first soldering project worth mentioning. It was really easy.

Sed8op8 · « **Reply #29 on:** Sat, 28 February 2015, 07:31:38 »

Quote from: ishpeck on Sat, 28 February 2015, 07:07:42

Show Image

Just used whatever random caps I had laying around. I need to get a real cap set.

still looks good :thumb:

ishpeck · « **Reply #30 on:** Sun, 01 March 2015, 15:58:16 »

Quote from: Sed8op8 on Sat, 28 February 2015, 07:31:38

still looks good

The right shift key cap is the wrong profile. It's going to bug me.

dustinhxc · « **Reply #31 on:** Tue, 03 March 2015, 05:00:35 »

Quote from: Badwrench on Tue, 24 February 2015, 20:27:43

Show Image

I will get a better pic when my batteries are charged (potato for now). Went with the Matias quiet clicks since I like a challenge.

This is soooo sick! I want a 60% Alps so bad!

ctm · « **Reply #32 on:** Sat, 07 March 2015, 16:03:05 »

Quote from: Badwrench on Tue, 24 February 2015, 20:27:43

Show Image

I will get a better pic when my batteries are charged (potato for now). Went with the Matias quiet clicks since I like a challenge.

Wow! Where did you get these keycaps? They look so nice!

Badwrench · « **Reply #33 on:** Sat, 07 March 2015, 23:48:27 »

Quote from: dustinhxc on Tue, 03 March 2015, 05:00:35

Quote from: Badwrench on Tue, 24 February 2015, 20:27:43
Show Image

I will get a better pic when my batteries are charged (potato for now). Went with the Matias quiet clicks since I like a challenge.

This is soooo sick! I want a 60% Alps so bad!

Thanks

As promised:

Quote from: ctm on Sat, 07 March 2015, 16:03:05

Quote from: Badwrench on Tue, 24 February 2015, 20:27:43
Show Image

I will get a better pic when my batteries are charged (potato for now). Went with the Matias quiet clicks since I like a challenge.
Wow! Where did you get these keycaps? They look so nice!

Stock caps from a Chicony 5161. They needed a retrobright, but overall they were in like new condition - no shine at all.

ideus · « **Reply #34 on:** Sun, 08 March 2015, 00:46:34 »

Does someone has reprogrammed the board using the configurator? It would be great to know your experience.

daerid · « **Reply #35 on:** Sun, 08 March 2015, 13:29:17 »

I scrapped the configurator once I realized that as soon as you put the ESC key on it you can no longer download a functioning *.bin file.

I set up an Ubuntu Minimal VM and just compile it myself. I put together some instructions for doing this, if you're interested: http://rossipedia.com/blog/2015/02/programming-the-infinity-keyboard/

ideus · « **Reply #36 on:** Sun, 08 March 2015, 14:33:56 »

Quote from: daerid on Sun, 08 March 2015, 13:29:17

I scrapped the configurator once I realized that as soon as you put the ESC key on it you can no longer download a functioning *.bin file.

I set up an Ubuntu Minimal VM and just compile it myself. I put together some instructions for doing this, if you're interested: http://rossipedia.com/blog/2015/02/programming-the-infinity-keyboard/

Then avoiding the esc key could allow a working BIN to be produced? And thank you for the link, I will give it a try soon. Meanwhile I got second thoughts on getting a second kit, it has been a little bit frustrating to deal with a layout I cannot use and that I am stuck at.

Smasher816 · « **Reply #37 on:** Sun, 08 March 2015, 15:56:53 »

Quote from: Badwrench on Sat, 07 March 2015, 23:48:27

Quote from: dustinhxc on Tue, 03 March 2015, 05:00:35
Quote from: Badwrench on Tue, 24 February 2015, 20:27:43
Show Image

I will get a better pic when my batteries are charged (potato for now). Went with the Matias quiet clicks since I like a challenge.

This is soooo sick! I want a 60% Alps so bad!

Thanks

As promised:
(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

60% (Matias) Linear Alps anyone? Photo from yesterdays monthly bay area meetup.

nathanrosspowell · « **Reply #38 on:** Sat, 14 March 2015, 23:07:53 »

Quote from: daerid on Sun, 08 March 2015, 13:29:17

I scrapped the configurator once I realized that as soon as you put the ESC key on it you can no longer download a functioning *.bin file.

I set up an Ubuntu Minimal VM and just compile it myself. I put together some instructions for doing this, if you're interested: http://rossipedia.com/blog/2015/02/programming-the-infinity-keyboard/

Excellent. Their configurator is a really nice idea but it just doesn't seem to be 'production ready' right now.

I got one in the latest drop and I plan to use your instructions, so I'll let you know how it does

Nai_Calus · « **Reply #39 on:** Thu, 26 March 2015, 03:54:19 »

I promise you I have the ugliest Infinity that will ever be posted in this thread:

Gateron Clears, assembled and soldered at the Bay Area meetup at the end of January. The \ key doesn't work and I don't have a soldering iron at home to try to fix it with. XD

ishpeck · « **Reply #40 on:** Wed, 01 April 2015, 21:26:55 »

Quote from: Nai_Calus on Thu, 26 March 2015, 03:54:19

I promise you I have the ugliest Infinity that will ever be posted in this thread:

Show Image

After the amount of fussing I had to do to get the stabilizers to seat right, I think your space bar may just be better than mine.

njbair · « **Reply #41 on:** Wed, 01 April 2015, 21:59:09 »

Is everyone here aware of the Infinity Alps modifier IC going on right now? I see a few Alps boards here already so I thought I would mention it. Let's help make Alps GBs work!

hoz · « **Reply #42 on:** Tue, 02 June 2015, 16:53:29 »

first build up with matias quiet clicks:

didnt take much time until i realized i made a huge mistake and started to replace the worthless matias switches with gateron blues and this is what the board looks like currently, just gonna do some touch up painting and find a nice way to cover the cutouts for the switches im not using, then ill call it finished

Infinity pcb, "hacker" layout plate spray painted white, Gateron blue switches, blank white pbt caps and a pexon/vortex cast alu case also spray painted white.

njbair · « **Reply #43 on:** Tue, 02 June 2015, 19:39:33 »

Quote from: hoz on Tue, 02 June 2015, 16:53:29

first build up with matias quiet clicks:
Show Image

didnt take much time until i realized i made a huge mistake and started to replace the worthless matias switches with gateron blues and this is what the board looks like currently, just gonna do some touch up painting and find a nice way to cover the cutouts for the switches im not using, then ill call it finished :)

Show Image

Show Image

Infinity pcb, "hacker" layout plate spray painted white, Gateron blue switches, blank white pbt caps and a pexon/vortex cast alu case also spray painted white.

If they are worthless to you, would you be willing to send a handful my way? I'm assembling my Infinity right now and I've had a few casualties.

Edit: wait sweden nevermind...

hoz · « **Reply #44 on:** Wed, 03 June 2015, 08:07:36 »

Quote from: njbair on Tue, 02 June 2015, 19:39:33

Quote from: hoz on Tue, 02 June 2015, 16:53:29
first build up with matias quiet clicks:
Show Image

didnt take much time until i realized i made a huge mistake and started to replace the worthless matias switches with gateron blues and this is what the board looks like currently, just gonna do some touch up painting and find a nice way to cover the cutouts for the switches im not using, then ill call it finished :)

Show Image

Show Image

Infinity pcb, "hacker" layout plate spray painted white, Gateron blue switches, blank white pbt caps and a pexon/vortex cast alu case also spray painted white.

If they are worthless to you, would you be willing to send a handful my way? I'm assembling my Infinity right now and I've had a few casualties.

Edit: wait sweden nevermind...

let me guess, you've either pulled legs or pulled them open and lost internals while trying to change/release keycaps? :P

njbair · « **Reply #45 on:** Thu, 04 June 2015, 20:52:53 »

Quote from: hoz on Wed, 03 June 2015, 08:07:36

Quote from: njbair on Tue, 02 June 2015, 19:39:33
Quote from: hoz on Tue, 02 June 2015, 16:53:29
first build up with matias quiet clicks:
Show Image

didnt take much time until i realized i made a huge mistake and started to replace the worthless matias switches with gateron blues and this is what the board looks like currently, just gonna do some touch up painting and find a nice way to cover the cutouts for the switches im not using, then ill call it finished :)

Show Image

Show Image

Infinity pcb, "hacker" layout plate spray painted white, Gateron blue switches, blank white pbt caps and a pexon/vortex cast alu case also spray painted white.

If they are worthless to you, would you be willing to send a handful my way? I'm assembling my Infinity right now and I've had a few casualties.

Edit: wait sweden nevermind...

let me guess, you've either pulled legs or pulled them open and lost internals while trying to change/release keycaps? :P

Exactly this. Apparently the plate is a tad bit too thick for Alps switches to properly clip in place. Combine that with the fact that the SP caps are extremely tight-fitting, and it's a recipe for broken switches.

I'll continue looking to get some replacement switches, but for now I've soldered in some orange Alps I had sitting around. It's ESC and TAB so not super common keys anyway.

Booper · « **Reply #46 on:** Sun, 07 June 2015, 21:15:26 »

I don't have keycaps yet, but I got my Infinity and put it together on Friday! It was suuuuuper simple to do and I like the look of the board. The blue PCB with the stainless steel plate and clear/grey switches came together really nice IMO. Also, I'm really diggin the Alps keyswitches so far! I got it with the Matias Quiet pro.

I will post more when I get some caps and take better photos!

exitfire401 · « **Reply #47 on:** Sun, 07 June 2015, 21:20:40 »

Quote from: Booper on Sun, 07 June 2015, 21:15:26

I don't have keycaps yet, but I got my Infinity and put it together on Friday! It was suuuuuper simple to do and I like the look of the board. The blue PCB with the stainless steel plate and clear/grey switches came together really nice IMO. Also, I'm really diggin the Alps keyswitches so far! I got it with the Matias Quiet pro.

I will post more when I get some caps and take better photos!

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Quiet pro are my favorite from matias (still not sure why, but I don't like the feeling of their clicky ones.) Which case did you go with?

Booper · « **Reply #48 on:** Sun, 07 June 2015, 21:23:31 »

Quote from: exitfire401 on Sun, 07 June 2015, 21:20:40

Quote from: Booper on Sun, 07 June 2015, 21:15:26
I don't have keycaps yet, but I got my Infinity and put it together on Friday! It was suuuuuper simple to do and I like the look of the board. The blue PCB with the stainless steel plate and clear/grey switches came together really nice IMO. Also, I'm really diggin the Alps keyswitches so far! I got it with the Matias Quiet pro.

I will post more when I get some caps and take better photos!

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Quiet pro are my favorite from matias (still not sure why, but I don't like the feeling of their clicky ones.) Which case did you go with?

I stuck it in a black poker 2 case for now until I figure out what I really want to get for it

exitfire401 · « **Reply #49 on:** Sun, 07 June 2015, 21:26:42 »

Quote from: Booper on Sun, 07 June 2015, 21:23:31

Quote from: exitfire401 on Sun, 07 June 2015, 21:20:40
Quote from: Booper on Sun, 07 June 2015, 21:15:26
I don't have keycaps yet, but I got my Infinity and put it together on Friday! It was suuuuuper simple to do and I like the look of the board. The blue PCB with the stainless steel plate and clear/grey switches came together really nice IMO. Also, I'm really diggin the Alps keyswitches so far! I got it with the Matias Quiet pro.

I will post more when I get some caps and take better photos!

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Quiet pro are my favorite from matias (still not sure why, but I don't like the feeling of their clicky ones.) Which case did you go with?
I stuck it in a black poker 2 case for now until I figure out what I really want to get for it

Gotcha. Couldn't tell if it was a stock case or one of the cast ones from Pexon.

News:

Author Topic: Post Your Infinity Keyboard (Read 24777 times)