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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: Pitta on Mon, 15 June 2020, 19:06:30

Title: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: Pitta on Mon, 15 June 2020, 19:06:30
(https://i.imgur.com/oy15dKI.jpg)

This is an interest check for a brand new low profile MX mount mechanical keyboard switch and a 60% layout custom keyboard kit that supports the new switches.

(https://i.imgur.com/EjL95JG.jpg)

Why:

1. I enjoy the feel and sound of my mechanical keyboards. However, most mechanical keyboards are NOT comfortable to type on without a wrist rest due to how high the they are.
Using a wrist rest will make the typing experience much better but it will sacrifice the precious desktop space. 

(https://i.imgur.com/8gFpGx9.jpg)

2. There are some existing mechanical keyboards with low profile switches on the market.
I've tested many of them but I've never found one that the feel and sound are comparable to regular MX switch keyboards.

(https://i.imgur.com/nmJz0pw.png)

My 2 cents about some existing options:

What:

1. TTC low profile switches. This is a brand new low profile switch manufactured by TTC. I've been assisted TTC for refining this switch for almost 1 year. It was tailored to my taste but I belive you will love it as well.
Features: low profile, MX stem, smooth, 3.5mm travel

(https://i.imgur.com/90w9P4Y.jpg)


2. 60% TTC low profile switch PCB. I have designed the first PCB for these TTC switches.
Features: QMK/VIA, Costar stab support, USB-C, regular GH60 case support, RGB backlight

(https://i.imgur.com/FXGmkXa.jpg)

3. Pitta 60 keyboard case. I have designed the lowest possible aluminum case for the PCB.   
Features: E-coating/anodizing aluminum, PCB tray mount

(https://i.imgur.com/ZdGG78p.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BRQ3aj2.png)

The goal

1. I want to make the new TTC low profile switches available to the community at affordable price.
2. The Pitta 60 kit includes everything you need to build your first low profile custom mech. It's probably the best premium low profile switch keyboard to date.



Keycap compatibility:

Fully compatible:

Not compatible:

Partially compatible:

I've test most of the keycap profiles on the market. Please let me know what else you want me to test.
The most promising keycap profiles are DCS, DSA, XDA, and Cubic. They are readily available and comfortable to type on.
It doesn't make sense to use high profile keycaps but I've also tested some of them.
Unfortunately, Cherry profile is not compatible whatsoever.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Abec13 on Mon, 15 June 2020, 19:13:29
If the yellow is available, I'm in.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Rejeckted on Mon, 15 June 2020, 19:22:33
I like, I like.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: tetrasky on Mon, 15 June 2020, 19:36:05
Yeah, I like it as well. I will get one if it becomes available in a group buy.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: ycanales on Mon, 15 June 2020, 19:43:26
Looks great!
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: logo4poop on Mon, 15 June 2020, 20:13:49
Effort in an IC? Is this a dream? GLWIC
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: vosechu on Mon, 15 June 2020, 20:20:40
Where do I sign up? Looks magnificent!
Title: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: psxndc on Mon, 15 June 2020, 20:22:29
The switches have an MX compatible stem, but do their pins fit MX boards? It looks like it, but want to be sure. I love all the work you put in, but I'd personally only be interested in the switches, and obviously those only if they can be used elsewhere.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Pitta on Mon, 15 June 2020, 20:31:28
Where do I sign up? Looks magnificent!

The switches will be available if some vendors want to stock them in the future.
We'll have a GB for the kit. The GB will be long enough that you will see it. We will also order extras if we get enough funds.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Pitta on Mon, 15 June 2020, 20:32:22
The switches have an MX compatible stem, but do their pins fit MX boards? It looks like it, but want to be sure. I love all the work you put in, but I'd personally only be interested in the switches, and obviously those only if they can be used elsewhere.

No but I will provide the footprints.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Zambumon on Mon, 15 June 2020, 21:14:47
(https://media1.tenor.com/images/073f767239c1dd7d30d297114d07ee92/tenor.gif?itemid=4957668)
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: thethomaszhou on Mon, 15 June 2020, 21:48:17
Damn, this is really pretty.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: logo4poop on Mon, 15 June 2020, 22:53:11
The switches have an MX compatible stem, but do their pins fit MX boards? It looks like it, but want to be sure. I love all the work you put in, but I'd personally only be interested in the switches, and obviously those only if they can be used elsewhere.

No but I will provide the footprints.
When will you release those? If possible can I request some from you so I can do an ergo or something with them?
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Pyk_ on Mon, 15 June 2020, 23:27:34
Really nice. Would love to see an ergo or ortho. Too bad the switches can’t fit other boards or I would put a boardwalk PCB in that case.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: piit79 on Tue, 16 June 2020, 01:48:59
This looked so promising until I saw that layout with 2u left shift and arrow keys... Will other layouts be available? I'd much prefer a standard 60% layout (with split right shift).

That said I'd absolutely love an ortho version, ideally 5x12 like the Preonic (I know, unlikely) or a 5x15 one (that would fit into the same case).
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 16 June 2020, 02:28:21
1. TTC low profile switches. This is a brand new low profile switch manufactured by TTC. I've been assisted TTC for refining this switch for almost 1 year. It was tailored to my taste but I belive you will love it as well.
Features: low profile, MX stem, smooth, 3.5mm travel
TTC's data sheet (http://www.ttc9.com/portal.php?mod=view&aid=549) says that the key travel is only 3.2 mm.
Is your orange switch a special variant with more key travel?

The switches have an MX compatible stem, but do their pins fit MX boards?
They will not fit PCBs for Cherry MX, ... but they are very likely to fit PCBs for Cherry MX Low Profile!

I compared the published footprints for both switches, and they are only within fractions of millimetres to one-another. Some PCBs might be tight though.
As Cherry's footprints have been not been publicly published (until someone re-published an emailed file recently), I suspect that TTC would have measured a real Cherry MX Low Profile switch when designing theirs.

Edit: Keycap compatibility could be a little bit worse than Cherry MX Low Profile and Kailh Choc V2, if the schema and renders are to be believed. The top housing is a little bit higher than on Cherry MXLP,  which means that the skirts on the keycaps are more likely to strike the top edges of the housing when you bottom out. On Cherry MXLP, you'd already need keycaps made especially for it or keycaps with thin skirts on a keyboard without a plate. (Kailh Choc V2's housing is just as high as TTC's but the edges are more chamfered to compensate)

You can see this in the switch comparison schema above if you zoom in:
Edit 2: I have overlaid TTC's on top of Cherry's so you can see this more clearly:
[attach=1]
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: bobdenard on Tue, 16 June 2020, 02:54:45
Interesting! You obviously put in a lot of work into this, I’m in.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Shiro on Tue, 16 June 2020, 03:38:58
I love everything about this. Really looking forward to see where this goes.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: konstantin on Tue, 16 June 2020, 05:24:03
Please add split backspace support. I'm not terribly familiar with Costar stabs as I only have one OEM board that uses them, but hopefully this shouldn't pose a problem for split backspace?

2u right Shift support would be nice to see as well (this layout (http://keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/7e3c23bb069844b43eec595d0f53c751)), but I understand if that's too obscure to be included.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: dibkib on Tue, 16 June 2020, 08:24:27
Definitely going to follow this more closely
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: TurboGrinder on Tue, 16 June 2020, 11:01:40
Low profile MX compatible switches are kind of in a weird spot. They're trying to be low profile, while the caps themselves don't really allow that to a great extent. I have a Choc Corne that sits at only 15mm high. That's why I prefer Choc switches, even though there's not a lot of options for Choc caps at the moment. This will change very soon with MBK preparing to ship, TEA coming out hopefully within the next few months, and KBD-mini hopefully coming out sometime this year. The plus side to using low pro MX is that people can already use their existing caps. Let's be realistic though - SA caps on a low pro MX switch would still be ridiculously high. Speaking of sculpted caps, your board is using flat profile caps (SA r3?) while the comparison board is using sculpted caps (OEM?), so it's not quite a fair height comparison. To go even a little further your case is flat and the other board's case is angled (granted, most 60+ board cases are angled..), where you could have included the foot on your board. It would have been nice to see an apples to apples comparison instead of an apples to watermelon comparison. A Preonic (https://massdrop-s3.imgix.net/product-images/preonic-mechanical-keyboard/FP/3LxKPeGS8iPyWF3YqWGu_PttpAsdQQRaThtHVlb6G_AI7B9781%20copy%20(1).jpg?auto=format&fm=jpg&fit=crop&w=1080&bg=f0f0f0&dpr=1), or something similar, with the same caps would have been a better comparison.

I'll be waiting for reviews of the TTC low pro MX switches before I blindly try them out though. I have some TTC Gold V2 Browns that are by far the worst switches that I've ever tried due to the crazy spring ping and the sheer amount of scratchiness. That being said I like the concept, and I'm glad that the community and manus are trying new things. I'd like to see how the low pro MX style switches are sometime, but I'll probably be trying the ones that Kailh is coming out with sometime this year first. More out of curiosity than anything else.

Quote
It's probably the best premium low profile switch keyboard to date.
Corne LP (https://boardsource.xyz/store/5ed20d68ce813008d8373916), IMK Corne (https://keyhive.xyz/shop/aluminum-corne-helidox-case), and Bamboo (https://thekey.company/products/bamboo-kit) would like a word.. But I'm biased towards smaller split ergo/ortho boards because that's all I use nowadays. ;)
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Pitta on Tue, 16 June 2020, 13:48:09
The switches have an MX compatible stem, but do their pins fit MX boards? It looks like it, but want to be sure. I love all the work you put in, but I'd personally only be interested in the switches, and obviously those only if they can be used elsewhere.

No but I will provide the footprints.
When will you release those? If possible can I request some from you so I can do an ergo or something with them?

I can post the files here within this week.
It's actually the same with Cherry Low profile switches except that a plastic mounting pin has been added. I suggested TTC to add the mounting pin to make it more stable without using a mounting plate.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Pitta on Tue, 16 June 2020, 14:01:30
This looked so promising until I saw that layout with 2u left shift and arrow keys... Will other layouts be available? I'd much prefer a standard 60% layout (with split right shift).

That said I'd absolutely love an ortho version, ideally 5x12 like the Preonic (I know, unlikely) or a 5x15 one (that would fit into the same case).

standard ANSI 60% is also what I've considered. I'll wait and see what other people see in the IC period.
Pitta 60 is just the first project that makes the switches available to public. You'll be surprised how good they feel and sound.
Once the quality of the switches is wildly accepted by numerous people in the community, more developers will design various layouts of the PCBs.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Pitta on Tue, 16 June 2020, 14:10:12
1. TTC low profile switches. This is a brand new low profile switch manufactured by TTC. I've been assisted TTC for refining this switch for almost 1 year. It was tailored to my taste but I belive you will love it as well.
Features: low profile, MX stem, smooth, 3.5mm travel
TTC's data sheet (http://www.ttc9.com/portal.php?mod=view&aid=549) says that the key travel is only 3.2 mm.
Is your orange switch a special variant with more key travel?

The switches have an MX compatible stem, but do their pins fit MX boards?
They will not fit PCBs for Cherry MX, ... but they are very likely to fit PCBs for Cherry MX Low Profile!

I compared the published footprints for both switches, and they are only within fractions of millimetres to one-another. Some PCBs might be tight though.
As Cherry's footprints have been not been publicly published (until someone re-published an emailed file recently), I suspect that TTC would have measured a real Cherry MX Low Profile switch when designing theirs.

Edit: Keycap compatibility could be a little bit worse than Cherry MX Low Profile and Kailh Choc V2, if the schema and renders are to be believed. The top housing is a little bit higher than on Cherry MXLP,  which means that the skirts on the keycaps are more likely to strike the top edges of the housing when you bottom out. On Cherry MXLP, you'd already need keycaps made especially for it or keycaps with thin skirts on a keyboard without a plate. (Kailh Choc V2's housing is just as high as TTC's but the edges are more chamfered to compensate)

You can see this in the switch comparison schema above if you zoom in:
Edit 2: I have overlaid TTC's on top of Cherry's so you can see this more clearly:
[attach=1]

(https://i.imgur.com/hvy7hH5.jpg)

Their document says 3.2+- 0.25. According my my measurement of the prototype linear switches, it's closer to 3.5

The footprints are basically Cherry low profile standard except that an additional mounting pin has been added. The low profile switches can support regular MX caps only without a mounting plate.

I've tested many keycap profiles with both Cherry low profile and TTC low profile switches.  TTC low profiles switches have definitely better keycap compatibility.

(https://i.imgur.com/olGIlWl.jpg)

I'll post more information later.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Pitta on Tue, 16 June 2020, 14:36:36
Low profile MX compatible switches are kind of in a weird spot. They're trying to be low profile, while the caps themselves don't really allow that to a great extent. I have a Choc Corne that sits at only 15mm high. That's why I prefer Choc switches, even though there's not a lot of options for Choc caps at the moment. This will change very soon with MBK preparing to ship, TEA coming out hopefully within the next few months, and KBD-mini hopefully coming out sometime this year. The plus side to using low pro MX is that people can already use their existing caps. Let's be realistic though - SA caps on a low pro MX switch would still be ridiculously high. Speaking of sculpted caps, your board is using flat profile caps (SA r3?) while the comparison board is using sculpted caps (OEM?), so it's not quite a fair height comparison. To go even a little further your case is flat and the other board's case is angled (granted, most 60+ board cases are angled..), where you could have included the foot on your board. It would have been nice to see an apples to apples comparison instead of an apples to watermelon comparison. A Preonic (https://massdrop-s3.imgix.net/product-images/preonic-mechanical-keyboard/FP/3LxKPeGS8iPyWF3YqWGu_PttpAsdQQRaThtHVlb6G_AI7B9781%20copy%20(1).jpg?auto=format&fm=jpg&fit=crop&w=1080&bg=f0f0f0&dpr=1), or something similar, with the same caps would have been a better comparison.

I'll be waiting for reviews of the TTC low pro MX switches before I blindly try them out though. I have some TTC Gold V2 Browns that are by far the worst switches that I've ever tried due to the crazy spring ping and the sheer amount of scratchiness. That being said I like the concept, and I'm glad that the community and manus are trying new things. I'd like to see how the low pro MX style switches are sometime, but I'll probably be trying the ones that Kailh is coming out with sometime this year first. More out of curiosity than anything else.

Quote
It's probably the best premium low profile switch keyboard to date.
Corne LP (https://boardsource.xyz/store/5ed20d68ce813008d8373916), IMK Corne (https://keyhive.xyz/shop/aluminum-corne-helidox-case), and Bamboo (https://thekey.company/products/bamboo-kit) would like a word.. But I'm biased towards smaller split ergo/ortho boards because that's all I use nowadays. ;)

If I understand correctly, your point is 1) low profile switch keyboards are not that low compared to regular MX switches 2) it's not as low as choc switches and 3) you're concerned about the quality of the switches

For 1 and 2, it's exactly what I want, something between regular MX and Choc.
I've seen many custom keyboard designers that try to push the limit of the height of keyboards with regular MX switches. It's really difficult when the front of the case is lower than 19mm. And when the keyboard is as low as that, every millimeter counts. Unarguably, the TTC low profile switches can make the keyboard even lower based on that.
I also own several keyboards with Choc switches. It's subjective but I don't like how they feel. I'm happy to see if more spherical or cylindrical Cho keycaps become available in the future. It's always good to have more options. I've put a lot of effort on providing an option that I like.

For 3, I've tested the switches in person and I was blown away on how good they are. Again, it's subjective. I will post a typing test later when I'm available. I can also ask TTC to send switches to some reputable reviewers if needed.


Edit:

A fair height comparison between regular MX and TTC low profile

(https://i.imgur.com/brd2QQU.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: konstantin on Tue, 16 June 2020, 15:23:37
I can also ask TTC to send switches to some reputable reviewers if needed.

This would be great.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Slavfot on Wed, 17 June 2020, 08:19:25
I would love to buy these switches and design my own keyboard for them!
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: grundlemere on Wed, 17 June 2020, 08:22:56
Cool travel board! Very interested to try the switches.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Findecanor on Wed, 17 June 2020, 08:48:25
Their document says 3.2+- 0.25. According my my measurement of the prototype linear switches, it's closer to 3.5

The footprints are basically Cherry low profile standard except that an additional mounting pin has been added. The low profile switches can support regular MX caps only without a mounting plate.

I've tested many keycap profiles with both Cherry low profile and TTC low profile switches.  TTC low profiles switches have definitely better keycap compatibility.
That's interesting. I don't see the additional pin in your renders. Please do publish the updated footprint if you decide to sell them separately.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Harke on Wed, 17 June 2020, 10:05:56
What's going to be the availability of these switches and stabilisers after the GB? I definitely want to use some of these in personal projects.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: myyrddraal on Wed, 17 June 2020, 12:28:02
Low profile MX compatible switches are kind of in a weird spot. They're trying to be low profile, while the caps themselves don't really allow that to a great extent. I have a Choc Corne that sits at only 15mm high. That's why I prefer Choc switches, even though there's not a lot of options for Choc caps at the moment. This will change very soon with MBK preparing to ship, TEA coming out hopefully within the next few months, and KBD-mini hopefully coming out sometime this year. The plus side to using low pro MX is that people can already use their existing caps. Let's be realistic though - SA caps on a low pro MX switch would still be ridiculously high. Speaking of sculpted caps, your board is using flat profile caps (SA r3?) while the comparison board is using sculpted caps (OEM?), so it's not quite a fair height comparison. To go even a little further your case is flat and the other board's case is angled (granted, most 60+ board cases are angled..), where you could have included the foot on your board. It would have been nice to see an apples to apples comparison instead of an apples to watermelon comparison. A Preonic (https://massdrop-s3.imgix.net/product-images/preonic-mechanical-keyboard/FP/3LxKPeGS8iPyWF3YqWGu_PttpAsdQQRaThtHVlb6G_AI7B9781%20copy%20(1).jpg?auto=format&fm=jpg&fit=crop&w=1080&bg=f0f0f0&dpr=1), or something similar, with the same caps would have been a better comparison.

I'll be waiting for reviews of the TTC low pro MX switches before I blindly try them out though. I have some TTC Gold V2 Browns that are by far the worst switches that I've ever tried due to the crazy spring ping and the sheer amount of scratchiness. That being said I like the concept, and I'm glad that the community and manus are trying new things. I'd like to see how the low pro MX style switches are sometime, but I'll probably be trying the ones that Kailh is coming out with sometime this year first. More out of curiosity than anything else.

Quote
It's probably the best premium low profile switch keyboard to date.
Corne LP (https://boardsource.xyz/store/5ed20d68ce813008d8373916), IMK Corne (https://keyhive.xyz/shop/aluminum-corne-helidox-case), and Bamboo (https://thekey.company/products/bamboo-kit) would like a word.. But I'm biased towards smaller split ergo/ortho boards because that's all I use nowadays. ;)
You pretty much summed up my objections to the switch and board concept. The mx cross compatibility is a pseudo-argument. You either have standard keycaps compatibility or low profile, both together won't fly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Pitta on Sun, 21 June 2020, 09:36:12
The mx cross compatibility is a pseudo-argument. You either have standard keycaps compatibility or low profile, both together won't fly.


Your opinion doesn't make any sense to me.
Standard keycap compatibility and lower than regular MX profile is what I wanted.
Choc keycaps no matter how good they will be, they are different from the keycaps I like. Not to mention that with regular keycap compatibility I can use the keycaps that I already own.
By using the TTC low profile switches, the keyboard can be around 6mm lower than regular keyboards with all the other specs remain the same. 6mm lower is a lot.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: myyrddraal on Sun, 21 June 2020, 15:40:20
The mx cross compatibility is a pseudo-argument. You either have standard keycaps compatibility or low profile, both together won't fly.


Your opinion doesn't make any sense to me.
Standard keycap compatibility and lower than regular MX profile is what I wanted.
Choc keycaps no matter how good they will be, they are different from the keycaps I like. Not to mention that with regular keycap compatibility I can use the keycaps that I already own.
By using the TTC low profile switches, the keyboard can be around 6mm lower than regular keyboards with all the other specs remain the same. 6mm lower is a lot.
6mm maybe a lot to some. For me it's either comfort and aesthetics of standard height keycaps or minimalism of chocs. Sacrificing plate and free choice of caps for 6mm does mot make sense to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Pitta on Sun, 21 June 2020, 22:07:25
6mm maybe a lot to some.

Isn't this the purpose of the IC? How makes it a pseudo-argument?

Sacrificing plate and free choice of caps for 6mm does mot make sense to me.

PCB mounting is not inferior to plate mount in my opinion. It makes perfect sense to me to apply PCB mounting for lower the case even just a bit.
Isn't free choice of caps a benefit of using the TTC low profile switches rather than choc?
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: myyrddraal on Mon, 22 June 2020, 00:50:36
6mm maybe a lot to some.

Isn't this the purpose of the IC? How makes it a pseudo-argument?

Sacrificing plate and free choice of caps for 6mm does mot make sense to me.

PCB mounting is not inferior to plate mount in my opinion. It makes perfect sense to me to apply PCB mounting for lower the case even just a bit.
Isn't free choice of caps a benefit of using the TTC low profile switches rather than choc?
Still i cannot see how are you going to accommodate standard height keycaps on a switch with basically the same height as choc. My tests excluded all but Cherry R2 profiles, when I played around with the idea of mx cross caps on low profile 1-2 years ago. And difference was not only 0.6mm.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Pyk_ on Mon, 22 June 2020, 03:55:32
6mm maybe a lot to some.

Isn't this the purpose of the IC? How makes it a pseudo-argument?

Sacrificing plate and free choice of caps for 6mm does mot make sense to me.

PCB mounting is not inferior to plate mount in my opinion. It makes perfect sense to me to apply PCB mounting for lower the case even just a bit.
Isn't free choice of caps a benefit of using the TTC low profile switches rather than choc?
Still i cannot see how are you going to accommodate standard height keycaps on a switch with basically the same height as choc. My tests excluded all but Cherry R2 profiles, when I played around with the idea of mx cross caps on low profile 1-2 years ago. And difference was not only 0.6mm.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You both seem to mainly be arguing opinion. There are people interested in these, myself included, and I think that’s all that really matters for the interest check.

That is, assuming they work as advertised. I assume you (Pitta) have already confirmed that common key profiles will work?
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: myyrddraal on Mon, 22 June 2020, 05:22:36
6mm maybe a lot to some.

Isn't this the purpose of the IC? How makes it a pseudo-argument?

Sacrificing plate and free choice of caps for 6mm does mot make sense to me.

PCB mounting is not inferior to plate mount in my opinion. It makes perfect sense to me to apply PCB mounting for lower the case even just a bit.
Isn't free choice of caps a benefit of using the TTC low profile switches rather than choc?
Still i cannot see how are you going to accommodate standard height keycaps on a switch with basically the same height as choc. My tests excluded all but Cherry R2 profiles, when I played around with the idea of mx cross caps on low profile 1-2 years ago. And difference was not only 0.6mm.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You both seem to mainly be arguing opinion. There are people interested in these, myself included, and I think that’s all that really matters for the interest check.

That is, assuming they work as advertised. I assume you (Pitta) have already confirmed that common key profiles will work?
The thing is I am very interested in a solution where low profile would work with normal caps. But I somehow don't see the case here. I saw the renders with xda and mda, but still cannot wrap my head around it. Admittedly i didn't formulate my sentences very constructively (maybe also a bit lack on the side of my command of English). But still, I am interested in this a lot.


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Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Findecanor on Mon, 22 June 2020, 05:49:41
Still i cannot see how are you going to accommodate standard height keycaps on a switch with basically the same height as choc. My tests excluded all but Cherry R2 profiles, when I played around with the idea of mx cross caps on low profile 1-2 years ago. And difference was not only 0.6mm.
The issue is not with the switch's height but with the wall-thickness of the keycaps' skirts and the width of the switch's top housing. These new switches are wider at the top than Cherry MX (which are narrower nearer the top).

If the skirt is is thick, such as on thick-walled Cherry-profile from Cherry (vintage, ABS), GMK and ePBT, then the keycaps will hit the edges of the top housing before bottoming out.

Signature Plastics' SDA profile and Cherry's contemporary thin-walled lasered PBT work on Cherry MX Low Profile because those have thin skirts that clear the housing.
I haven't tested DCS' home row, but I think it should work if Cherry's thin-walled keycaps do.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: jonowarren94 on Mon, 22 June 2020, 07:12:34
Looks really interesting. Just to throw (another) spanner into the works, is there any chance this will support ISO layouts?
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: myyrddraal on Mon, 22 June 2020, 08:20:29
Still i cannot see how are you going to accommodate standard height keycaps on a switch with basically the same height as choc. My tests excluded all but Cherry R2 profiles, when I played around with the idea of mx cross caps on low profile 1-2 years ago. And difference was not only 0.6mm.
The issue is not with the switch's height but with the wall-thickness of the keycaps' skirts and the width of the switch's top housing. These new switches are wider at the top than Cherry MX (which are narrower nearer the top).

If the skirt is is thick, such as on thick-walled Cherry-profile from Cherry (vintage, ABS), GMK and ePBT, then the keycaps will hit the edges of the top housing before bottoming out.

Signature Plastics' SDA profile and Cherry's contemporary thin-walled lasered PBT work on Cherry MX Low Profile because those have thin skirts that clear the housing.
I haven't tested DCS' home row, but I think it should work if Cherry's thin-walled keycaps do.
Well, my tests showed caps were hitting pcb because the walls were higher than the total travel.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: art3mis on Wed, 24 June 2020, 13:21:45
Looks really interesting. Just to throw (another) spanner into the works, is there any chance this will support ISO layouts?
Second that question  :D
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: switchnollie on Wed, 24 June 2020, 13:33:52
Awesome board, the only other lo-pro board I know of is like the dilly but that isn't very useful for me with that layout.

Didn't know there were MX compatible switches like these :cool:
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: envyy24 on Thu, 25 June 2020, 03:47:23
Maybe it is just me but this layout is most annoying to me. Is it possible to just have a regular 60% layout or merge the shift and ? together (and use qmk to make tap = ? and hold = shift). Because the equal staggered zxcv row is so hard to adjust into especially you still have other board that is normally staggered.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Findecanor on Thu, 25 June 2020, 08:30:13
Looks really interesting. Just to throw (another) spanner into the works, is there any chance this will support ISO layouts?
It is difficult to make a keyboard for these switches support multiple layouts on the same PCB. Their holes are much bigger than for full-size Cherry MX.
In some combos switches would need to be rotated, and then you would lose alignment for backlighting.

Is it possible to just have a regular 60% layout [...]
There is the Vortex Pok3r V2 if you'd want that layout and linear (Cherry MX Low Profile), but, yeah, only linear.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: rpiguy9907 on Thu, 25 June 2020, 09:46:48
Please provide an option for a regular right shift.

1u Right shift is the worst!
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Pitta on Tue, 07 July 2020, 15:21:33
Please provide an option for a regular right shift.

1u Right shift is the worst!

I'm working on an ANSI version PCB with split right Shift.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: Pitta on Tue, 07 July 2020, 15:31:07
Update on keycap compatibility:

Fully compatible:

Not compatible:

Partially compatible:

I've test most of the keycap profiles on the market. Please let me know what else you want me to test.
The most promising keycap profiles are DCS, DSA, XDA, and Cubic. They are readily available and comfortable to type on.
It doesn't make sense to use high profile keycaps but I've also tested some of them.
Unfortunately, Cherry profile is not compatible whatsoever.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: leavenember on Wed, 08 July 2020, 01:35:11
The two main problems with chocs right now are lack of availability for caps and stabilizers. By making the stems MX compatible you have partially solved the keycap problem but will you have vendors also sell the stabilizers?

Also, would it be possible to sell a kit with just pcb+stabs+switches? And would these switches be compatible with pre-existing 14x14mm plates or do they have a different plate cutout?
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60: the first low profile switch custom keyboard that feels great
Post by: bananasplit_00 on Wed, 08 July 2020, 02:11:43
Update on keycap compatibility:

Fully compatible:
  • DSA
  • XDA
  • DCS
  • MDA
  • Taihao Cublic
  • SA (333333)
  • SA (223333)
  • KAM
  • MT3
  • MG (MelGeek)
  • DSS
  • VSA (Vortexgear)
  • HAS

Not compatible:
  • Cherry
  • SA (112343)
  • OEM

Partially compatible:
  • G20: there are at least two molds of the G20 profile caps. One mold is fully compatible. The another one is not.

I've test most of the keycap profiles on the market. Please let me know what else you want me to test.
The most promising keycap profiles are DCS, DSA, XDA, and Cubic. They are readily available and comfortable to type on.
It doesn't make sense to use high profile keycaps but I've also tested some of them.
Unfortunately, Cherry profile is not compatible whatsoever.

This is nice to see, thank you! Any chance you could test KAT?  :)
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: TameFlame on Sat, 11 July 2020, 18:12:19
Been looking at this for a few weeks, trying to figure out what stands out to me as interesting.
- It's obviously admirable that you're experimenting on a larger scale than most projects, and I commend you for that. The board in conjunction with the reinvented switches seem to me, like an organism cooperating for a shared goal. The designs correlate well, and express the same general aesthetic. While I'm not particularly fond of the choice of keycaps you've used for your renders, I'm very interested in the actual board's looks.
- I believe the design expresses a very clean nature, which sits well with me. I'm interested in the concept of these new switches, and would love it if you would tie in some more words on the typing experience? Perhaps general keystroke feel and sound?
- I would definitely enjoy getting my hands on one of these, although I must regretfully admit, that I likely won't be participating in a groupbuy for this, any time soon.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: brnkmnn on Thu, 20 August 2020, 04:58:24
I love the idea, I love the design and I also really like that you included arrow keys which are the one thing holding me back going to 60%. Looking forward to a group buy.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: Nerdbot5000 on Thu, 20 August 2020, 13:13:14
Really interested in this. Been waiting for a custom low profile 60% for awhile now.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: BillieHawk on Wed, 11 November 2020, 16:41:52
Are the G20 keycaps sourced from different time periods? Or is SP selling both molds currently?
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: nick779 on Tue, 08 December 2020, 09:09:25
I'll second testing KAT.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: mangos on Wed, 16 December 2020, 16:41:23
I'm using the TCC low profile switches on the sk622 and I like them! would be interested in a set for a build so will be following
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: akyp11 on Thu, 04 March 2021, 00:35:24
Watching Minterly building one as we speak. Definitely interested if Tsangan is an option.  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: pixelpusher on Fri, 05 March 2021, 17:19:13
Yes the build on Minterly's Twitch sounded really nice.   :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: omegathai on Tue, 09 March 2021, 08:37:01
I'm interested
What day do you open GB?
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: emsonftw on Tue, 09 March 2021, 12:20:26
I'm interested
What day do you open GB?

Looks like this keyboard is available on taobao https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=632503216847
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: SykeJr on Thu, 22 April 2021, 08:08:25
I am 100% interested. I would prefer a 75% or TKL version, but anything that gets choc v2 switches more widespread is something I will buy.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: LASERman Projects on Sun, 27 June 2021, 02:28:25
Watching Minterly building one as we speak. Definitely interested if Tsangan is an option.  :thumb:
I second Tsangan layout option!  :cool:
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: vienarr on Mon, 05 July 2021, 03:21:15
is KAT profile compatible too ?
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: Nhils on Tue, 27 July 2021, 07:52:31
Gonna be following this closely!
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: Nerdbot5000 on Wed, 28 July 2021, 14:30:58
Watching Minterly building one as we speak. Definitely interested if Tsangan is an option.  :thumb:
I second Tsangan layout option!  :cool:

Third vote for Tsangan (and/or hhkb). Maybe offer a hotswap pcb in the current layout and a solder pcb with more layout options?
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: FishyKeebs on Thu, 05 August 2021, 01:01:29
I hope this is still happening though doubtful, I could really use this as a travel board
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: hulster on Wed, 23 February 2022, 03:56:58
I hope this is still happening though doubtful, I could really use this as a travel board

Would be my thought as well.but seems to be stucking somewhere. no news for a while
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: JackPikatea on Wed, 30 March 2022, 08:32:24
I've never tried a low profile board, but I think this is the one I'd try! great stuff!
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: LASERman Projects on Mon, 11 April 2022, 08:49:24
With no update for 1.5yr it doesn't seem to be coming to fruition anytime soon.
In the meantime NuPhy (http://nuphy.refr.cc/emilfurmaniak) and others made keyboards with pretty same form factor switch (Gateron Low-Profile).
Therefore I see no shame sharing above referral link for anyone interested.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: granola bar enthusiast on Mon, 11 April 2022, 09:33:46
its nice to see more types of switches on the market and not oooh i have a switch thats the exact same as yours but more thocky with a higher price point oooooh but the costar stabs are sad
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: LASERman Projects on Wed, 13 April 2022, 02:13:06
... oooh i have a switch thats the exact same as yours but more thocky with a higher price point oooooh ...
We way beyond that - now it's: I have switch that's exact same like yours but it's matching keycaps colours so... it goes to display keeb I'll neve use so it doesn't matter how it preforms ;-)
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: Serica on Thu, 15 June 2023, 01:27:54
I register this account just for this keyboard!! Please make it happen! I'm in 100%!
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: LASERman Projects on Thu, 15 June 2023, 06:46:44
I register this account just for this keyboard!! Please make it happen! I'm in 100%!
This IC is dormant for nearly 3 years now and those days there are very similar keyboards ready to buy with more functionality and arguably better looking i.e. NuPhy Air60 (https://nuphy.com/products/air60) with various switches (https://nuphy.com/collections/switches) to get for it (you can use my referral link (http://nuphy.refr.cc/laserman71) to get discount).
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: Groom on Fri, 16 June 2023, 15:39:58
wow,first time see so thin customkeyboard.
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: sketch3v on Fri, 16 June 2023, 19:28:47
great presentation  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Pitta60 (updated compatibility test)
Post by: Dmitri on Fri, 30 June 2023, 14:40:08
I am interested in a Kailh KH switch compatible keyboard but never seen a project.