Author Topic: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount  (Read 47846 times)

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Offline kbye

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 59
[IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 14:35:44 »

252002-1


NUE - 60% PCB Gasket Mount


Thanks for the interest! Nue will be going into group buy soon so I'll be locking this thread and creating a new one in Group Buys.


IC FORM LINK: https://forms.gle/e454QypTEHdam3D47 closed, IC results here

IC II (finalizing GB details): https://forms.gle/p72923Kk8htdaTx47 closed

DISCORD: https://discord.gg/Sv9a37n

NEWSLETTER: https://store.studiokestra.ca

PRODUCT PAGE: https://studiokestra.ca/nue


PREFACE

Hi Geekhack. I'd like to share a project I've been working on.

Nue is a 60% plate-less keyboard, using a gasket mount style via tabs on the PCB. My goal was to design a keyboard with a simple aesthetic but also offer something a bit different from other customs, with a specific focus on typing feel and acoustics. Nue is french for "nude", in reference to its plate-less design.

252004-2
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DETAILS
  • Case Angle: 6 degrees
  • Mounting: PCB gasket mount
  • Materials: 6063 aluminum, clear coated brass weight
  • Front Height: ~18mm
  • Plate: optional
  • PCB: Solder-only STM32 PCB + unified C3 daughterboard. QMK/VIA compatible

252014-7

Sound and feel are very important to me, and most of the time prototyping was spent on these aspects. Things I am testing include a combination of:
  • PCB with and without flex cuts
  • 8+ different types of gasket material ranging from different materials, densities, and thicknesses
  • Case foam
  • Optional FR4 full/half plates
A USB-C daughterboard is utilized to alleviate any tension or stress on the port due to flex.

LAYOUT

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Extra PCBs will be available, but it will also be open sourced after the group buy is over.

COLORS + TOP OPTIONS

Based on the previous IC, rose and slate blue were the most popular colors. I will be running these two alongside two top options, WK and WKL. Sorry HHKB :(


PRICING & AVAILABILITY

  • 60 public units (tentative), will be released at https://store.studiokestra.ca and will ship from Canada.
  • Group buy will happen sometime closer to the end of this month or early next month (still readying a couple things for group-buy).
  • GB format TBD - vote in the second IC!


Please subscribe to the newsletter or join the discord server to stay updated.

CURRENT STATUS

Latest updates here: https://studiokestra.ca/2020/12/21/december-2020-preparing-for-group-buy/

Older:
More
09-19-2020
First aluminum prototype has arrived and I've been putting it through the paces. The anodization is really good with only minimal streaks on the interior. Fit is great and no major revisions are needed. The color is not what I was expecting though, it's more mauve/lilac than pink depending on the lighting. I may order a second prototype with small adjustments as well as a different top and color (HHKB maybe).

252018-9252020-10
More prototype pictures. Proto PCB is green but production version will be black.

As for typing feel, I think it's acceptable but a bit too soft with the flex cuts. I've designed and ordered another round of PCB prototypes with different flex cuts to see how this changes the typing dynamic.

Sound is great in my opinion, but it is always subjective. There is no audible ping that I can hear coming from the case. At this point I don't think case foam is necessary, but I may decide to make this an optional add-on.


TO-DO
  • finish gathering feedback
  • Order second PCB prototype
  • Order second case prototype
  • Continue testing gasket/PCB/plate combinations
  • Design and order custom packaging
  • Start a discord server and newsletter for updates
  • Build Stream
  • Prepare for GB
« Last Edit: Wed, 20 January 2021, 15:47:08 by kbye »

Offline of_sam

  • Posts: 272
  • Location: United States
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #1 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 14:48:03 »
Well done. Solid work so far.
Typing on: HHKB Pro 2 - Stock :aware:
Collection: F1.69, Police, Jubi, RF 87U, En Dash, Rosenthal, Soulless, Frog, Calliope, GAF 910, Sabre, W1-AT

Offline IMZO

  • Posts: 172
  • Location: Maple leaf country
  • Matrix shill, and TKL WKL Lover
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 14:55:46 »
This is so nice, totally for that pink...  :D
More
Current boards: Jane V2 CE , Matrix 1.2og Silver WKL , Matrix 2.0add coating black WKL, Matrix 2.0add WKL Coating yellow, Satisfaction75 R1 Cloud white, Korno65, Bloop65, HHKB Pro 2 white,Lin Whale Pink WKL, Gok 7v White, Gok 7v Black, Orion V3 Silver WKL, Orion V2.5 Red WKL, Geon F1-8x Silver WK, Haus65 BlueGray, Plume65, Vertigo, Frog TKL WKL GreenF13


Offline Ustinj

  • Posts: 390
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #3 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 14:59:13 »
a strong feeling that it's going to be a great typing board, looks good!

Offline Rob27shred

  • Posts: 1482
  • Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  • Insane in the Membrane! 👻
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #4 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 15:03:13 »
Very interesting, plateless is the move, will be keeping an eye on this & IC form filled out!

Offline binepad

  • Posts: 62
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #5 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 15:13:00 »
Wow it looks amazing and sturdy

Offline deedz

  • Posts: 20
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #6 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 15:26:25 »
WKL, 6 degree, gasket, $300?

This is it chief

Offline KingOfMemes

  • Posts: 845
  • Location: Murica, the best country in the world
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #7 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 15:40:43 »
I love this. Choosing between the pink and the green is going to be a tough choice

Offline pngu

  • Posts: 145
  • Location: Germany
  • send noots
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #8 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 16:15:28 »
Awesome.

Offline whitemamba

  • Posts: 33
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #9 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 16:37:13 »
Like it

Offline mrpokemone

  • Posts: 19
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #10 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 16:51:37 »
such pog

Offline kbye

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 59
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #11 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 17:09:28 »
Thank you everyone for the feedback so far, good or bad I appreciate it all

252033-0

no YOU'RE beautiful


Offline Tyler

  • Posts: 26
  • hhkb >
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #12 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 17:52:00 »
color me interested. Looking forward to see how this one turns out.

Offline paqji

  • Posts: 13
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #13 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 18:11:34 »
nuclear mac and cheese levels of good

Offline Danyl

  • Posts: 2
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #14 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 18:59:40 »
am hot and bothered

Offline keebieweeb

  • Posts: 18
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #15 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 22:25:11 »
very interested. this makes me feel things



Offline alspdx

  • Posts: 24
  • Location: Portland, OR
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #16 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 23:34:39 »
100% in for Rose or Fern HHKB; Lavender would look great, too!

Offline KFOXE

  • Posts: 21
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #17 on: Sat, 19 September 2020, 23:41:36 »
Interested, love the design. Hoping you consider adding a purple colourway.

Offline LZRD

  • Posts: 15
  • Location: Australia
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #18 on: Sun, 20 September 2020, 00:09:52 »
Very interested! GL with IC!

Offline reticent

  • Posts: 19
  • Location: Alberta, Canada
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #19 on: Sun, 20 September 2020, 02:29:11 »
Loving the feedback you're getting with this my dude, especially with all the work you've put into it. Not sure if I'll join the group buy since money is tight but you have my support <3

Offline te_dulce

  • Posts: 15
  • Location: USA-CA
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #20 on: Sun, 20 September 2020, 03:16:00 »
Very cool. Are 1.2mm PCBs in the running?

Offline lakeboredom

  • Posts: 428
  • Location: Bay Area California
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #21 on: Sun, 20 September 2020, 03:46:48 »
Finally a breakdown pic my caveman brain can understand ha. Nice clean design. Not 100% sold on the side gaskets, I'm guessing they could be left out on preference though.

Offline Skeezy

  • Posts: 6
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #22 on: Sun, 20 September 2020, 04:04:09 »
Look awesome and love the color choices.

Offline pngu

  • Posts: 145
  • Location: Germany
  • send noots
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #23 on: Sun, 20 September 2020, 06:26:55 »
Very cool. Are 1.2mm PCBs in the running?

From my personal experience both 1.2mm PCB as well as "flex cuts" are over the top for a PCB-only board, but obviously that's a matter of preference and ultimately up to the designer. As such, I'm very fond of them prototyping different things before even posting the IC, there's too much "brrrr here's a render gimme $600" on GH these days.

Offline Dunne

  • Posts: 87
  • Location: Switzerland
    • Dunne
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #24 on: Sun, 20 September 2020, 10:54:05 »
Simon approves, so I approve  :thumb:

Offline xarly06

  • Posts: 13
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #25 on: Sun, 20 September 2020, 10:56:02 »
Oh its looks so good. I'm goong to follow this IC.
Good job.

Offline Dr_D

  • Posts: 25
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #26 on: Sun, 20 September 2020, 10:59:01 »
Looks interesting, I'll be following this. Any chance for a typing test once you get a proto you're happy with?

Offline kbye

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 59
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #27 on: Sun, 20 September 2020, 20:16:22 »
Loving the feedback you're getting with this my dude, especially with all the work you've put into it. Not sure if I'll join the group buy since money is tight but you have my support <3

Appreciate it bro!

Very cool. Are 1.2mm PCBs in the running?

From my personal experience both 1.2mm PCB as well as "flex cuts" are over the top for a PCB-only board, but obviously that's a matter of preference and ultimately up to the designer. As such, I'm very fond of them prototyping different things before even posting the IC, there's too much "brrrr here's a render gimme $600" on GH these days.

Thank you! This project has been in the works for months but I wasn't comfortable posting an IC until I had a working prototype. That being said, there are already a number of things I'm looking to improve upon based on my testing and community feedback. 1.2mm PCB is one of the changes I will test next, among other things.

Looks interesting, I'll be following this. Any chance for a typing test once you get a proto you're happy with?

Yes! Once I'm satisfied with the proto, I will try to reach out to some streamers as well as record a typing test myself.

Offline Awayhugepickle

  • Posts: 46
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #28 on: Sun, 20 September 2020, 21:01:59 »
I'm definitely interested in a keyboard with no plate.

Offline ephemeral25

  • Posts: 88
  • Location: Paris, France
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #29 on: Mon, 21 September 2020, 02:11:59 »
Only recently discovered 60% as fervent TKL user.

Really interesting project, can't wait to see were this ends up.

Offline posph

  • Posts: 15
  • Location: US
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #30 on: Mon, 21 September 2020, 02:54:20 »
Good Job!  ;D

Offline mace8970

  • Posts: 3
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #31 on: Mon, 21 September 2020, 10:39:50 »
Looks great! Any plans to add ESD protection for the PCB?

Offline dantambok

  • Posts: 963
  • Location: Goutland
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #32 on: Mon, 21 September 2020, 11:22:20 »
consider me interested!  :thumb:
Stuff  I have
More
2x TGR Alice / TGR 910 RE / TGR 910 CE / TGR 910 VKC / 2x TGR Jane V2 / 2x Matrix 2.0 / Matrix 2.2 / Matrix 1.2OG / Lyn Whale v2 / Lyn EM7 v3 / DK Saver / Keycult No. 1/60 /  Quantrik Hachi /  Quantrik  Kyuu / Duck Orion V2 / TGRxSinga Unikorn R1 / 2x Unikorn 2.2 / Quantrik QXP /  JER80 / TMO50 / 2x 86u / ION i69 / LZ MP / 2x FMJ80 / TGR Jane V2 CE / Matrix Project F / IDB60 / is0  / MXSS / Atom TKL / Duck Viper v3 / HBCP / Noxary 280 / LZ Physix / FLX Virgo / Modern M0110 / Matrix 2.0 ADD / TGR Police / Noxary XRF / Noxary Vulcan Pro / 350 Mimi / Matrix 2.0CP / Kira80 / Exent 65% / FMJ60 / Haus 65 / Kikuichimonji / Cake 60 / 2x AU Unikorn  Commission/ LZ XE / Paraluman 60 / AI03 Andromeda / Dalco 959 Mini GT / LZ Erghost /  Finder Works Hyphen / 2x Singa Kohaku / Linworks EM8 / GAFxTGR 910 / TGRxKLC Dolice / TGR 910v2 ME / Noxary Valhalla / Hiney Ibis / LZ REs / PerryWorks MC65 / Hiney Poly TKL One / RS60 / Zekk RBB / QK80 / Keycult No 2 TKL / FLX Virgo r2 / Matrix Navi

Coming --   Lynx50 (wixx scammed us) / Ladybird60 / JJW Derivative / TGR Shi

100+ GMK sets


Offline zoo

  • Posts: 188
    • zoo
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #33 on: Mon, 21 September 2020, 11:25:04 »
ever since i found out about idb60, i've wanted a plateless gasket 60%. looking forward to this!

Offline andromache

  • Posts: 209
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #34 on: Mon, 21 September 2020, 12:42:53 »
I absolutely adore everything about this.

Offline kbye

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 59
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #35 on: Mon, 21 September 2020, 17:24:30 »
Looks great! Any plans to add ESD protection for the PCB?

I am using the standard unified USB-C daughterboard which has ESD protection :thumb:

Offline beigeandbrown

  • Posts: 103
  • Location: Dorsia
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #36 on: Mon, 21 September 2020, 18:30:45 »
I love the look and design, I think something that could look a little better is using countersunk screws and sockets on the bottom plate instead of the notched out sections. Additionally I'd vote for a 1.2mm pcb option or maybe a full thickness pcb with alpha flex cuts to achieve a somewhat similar effect.

Offline Ramen Champ

  • Posts: 53
  • Location: Socal
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #37 on: Tue, 22 September 2020, 01:02:25 »
 :eek:
twitch.tv/ramenchamp_

Offline gilbert

  • Posts: 127
  • Location: Germany
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #38 on: Tue, 22 September 2020, 04:48:54 »
it's cute
Collection: F1.69, G80-5K, Bliss TKL, Ecliptica, Cypher, Safa S588, Southpaw Fullsize, HHKB Pro2, Zenith G80-1192HAD

Offline Applet

  • Posts: 487
  • Location: Sweden
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #39 on: Tue, 22 September 2020, 05:01:32 »
Very cool. Are 1.2mm PCBs in the running?
I'm very fond of them prototyping different things before even posting the IC, there's too much "brrrr here's a render gimme $600" on GH these days.
This is so true. Agree 100%

Cool looking board. PCB-mount is very interesting!

Offline thestrayed

  • Posts: 33
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #40 on: Tue, 22 September 2020, 10:32:00 »
Yes

Offline chriszhu

  • Posts: 128
  • Location: Toronto
  • (* ̄(エ) ̄*)''
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #41 on: Tue, 22 September 2020, 11:49:36 »
Super excited for this!

Offline asciisii

  • Posts: 89
  • Location: Canada
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #42 on: Fri, 25 September 2020, 14:11:23 »
Interesting. Plateless gasket is cool

Offline Tyler

  • Posts: 26
  • hhkb >
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #43 on: Fri, 25 September 2020, 16:01:03 »
Really digging the pastel colors. Interested  :thumb:

Offline wencan008

  • Posts: 87
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #44 on: Fri, 25 September 2020, 17:21:11 »
Liking the plateless and loving the green. Hoping this all goes well!

Offline pixelpusher

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 4179
  • Location: Tennessee - USA
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #45 on: Fri, 25 September 2020, 17:42:06 »
I don't konw squat about squat, but seeing the mention of STM had me remembering reading from a discord channel:

Quote
there appears to be a global shortage of 48-pin variants of STM32F072
Both QFN and QFP

Don't know if that would be an issue here. Just throwing it out.  Board looks quite nice.  Those low contrast renders are kinda weird though.

Offline kbye

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 59
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #46 on: Fri, 25 September 2020, 17:52:03 »
I don't konw squat about squat, but seeing the mention of STM had me remembering reading from a discord channel:

Quote
there appears to be a global shortage of 48-pin variants of STM32F072
Both QFN and QFP

Don't know if that would be an issue here. Just throwing it out.  Board looks quite nice.  Those low contrast renders are kinda weird though.

Yes, I became aware of the STM32 situation when I tried to order new protos last week. They are still available but at inflated prices due to the shortage. I bit the bullet for testing purposes but I'll be watching the supply over the next couple months and if it doesn't improve I may switch back to the trusty atmega.

Sorry you didn't like the renders. Although it was low contrast on purpose to give a pastel look, I'm still learning! Feedback appreciated.
« Last Edit: Fri, 25 September 2020, 23:21:23 by kbye »

Offline zedbraxmen

  • Posts: 65
  • Sheesh
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #47 on: Fri, 25 September 2020, 20:28:47 »
The price point / est. is right on target, also bonus points for HHKB top!
Will definitely keep an eye on this. Loving the blue, hopefully the blue pastel can be achieved. Looking fwd to other colour(s) protos.
« Last Edit: Fri, 25 September 2020, 20:36:11 by zedbraxmen »


HHKB Kei | Constellation

Offline zedbraxmen

  • Posts: 65
  • Sheesh
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #48 on: Fri, 25 September 2020, 20:38:51 »
Very interesting, plateless is the move, will be keeping an eye on this & IC form filled out!

I'm genuinely curious to know what is the advantage of going plateless.


HHKB Kei | Constellation

Offline beigeandbrown

  • Posts: 103
  • Location: Dorsia
Re: [IC] Nue | 60% PCB Gasket Mount
« Reply #49 on: Fri, 25 September 2020, 22:44:09 »
Very interesting, plateless is the move, will be keeping an eye on this & IC form filled out!

I'm genuinely curious to know what is the advantage of going plateless.
Like most things, It is all preference. The difference from plateless opposed to plate is there will be a lot more flex when typing. This will provide a softer/bouncier typing experience, especially when combined with gasket mounting.