Author Topic: [IC] SX60 Keyboard  (Read 20722 times)

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Offline Quantastrophus

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[IC] SX60 Keyboard
« on: Fri, 01 December 2017, 01:54:54 »
Hi, all!

This is my first post here on GeekHack but I am more active on reddit under the same username.  This is a Split 60% + macro row inspired by the VE.A that I have been working on.  I've manufactured a prototype and am hoping to get enough interest from the community to turn this into a group buy.

The PCB and plates should be coming in the next few weeks so I can fully assemble the board and put up some typing videos, etc.



imgur album: https://imgur.com/a/jGuWP
reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/7gnyu7/sx_60_album_on_imgur/


Keyboard Body comprises of 6 pieces:
  • Bottom Left - 6061 ALU
  • Bottom Right - 6061 ALU
  • Top Left - 6061 ALU
  • Top Right - 6061 ALU
  • Left Weight - Bead Blasted Brass
  • Right Weight - Bead Blasted Brass

Mounting Style
I'm not sure of the name (I call it sandwich) but here is a picture from Fusion 360 so you can visualize:


Keyboard Plate - This will be 2 pieces of bead blasted brass

Keyboard PCB
  • QMK
  • All connectors will be USB Type C
  • In Switch LEDs
  • Layout:



The prototype was manufactured in China but I'm not 100% confident in the quality of the anodizing. Maybe members of the community can weigh in from photos or I can take more detailed photos to discuss what expected quality is for anodizing as I'm unsure.

Despite the deficiency in the anodizing, I would say that their machining is actually quite good and I am happy with it. The board has no noticeable blemishes in my opinion.

Some options I'm considering based on feedback are:
  • Use a local company to Cerakote the cases
  • Find a suitable nearby company for anodizing
  • Offer the case bead blasted with clear anodizing
  • Find a new factory altogether


IC Link: https://goo.gl/forms/iR4zuzxZBO2f5QIz2


I'll update the thread tomorrow with an Google Forms interest check. Thanks for reading!


Second prototype Photos




« Last Edit: Wed, 10 January 2018, 13:58:15 by Quantastrophus »

Offline Quantastrophus

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 01 December 2017, 01:55:45 »
reserved.

Offline afrokobe

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #2 on: Fri, 01 December 2017, 14:51:02 »
hype, im down

Offline clasicks

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 01 December 2017, 14:51:54 »
Looking great, very interested.

Offline senter

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #4 on: Fri, 01 December 2017, 15:49:01 »
The anodizing looks good to me.

Offline r4wromg

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 01 December 2017, 16:15:50 »
Been waiting for something like this for a while now - definitely can count me in!

Offline audax989

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 01 December 2017, 17:37:31 »
would there be an option for feet?

Offline heliar_mk

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 01 December 2017, 20:11:40 »
Wait for this for a long time.I'm in. :))

Offline hoq

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #8 on: Sat, 02 December 2017, 01:39:35 »
Looks really nice.  :thumb:

Offline FoC_Tow

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[IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #9 on: Sat, 02 December 2017, 16:44:48 »
Been waiting for this!

Any chance for the pcb to support swapping left space and fn?
On the ve.a gb many ppl request this layout option
« Last Edit: Sat, 02 December 2017, 17:53:19 by FoC_Tow »

Offline ramnes

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #10 on: Sat, 02 December 2017, 18:06:03 »
Why is the Y always on the right side? :(

Looks very good tho, I wouldn't say I'm in too fast but I'm pretty interested, at least.
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Offline F5

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #11 on: Sat, 02 December 2017, 22:14:16 »
Why is the Y always on the right side? :(

Looks very good tho, I wouldn't say I'm in too fast but I'm pretty interested, at least.

I feel the same way about B being on the left side, but hey, that's just the correct way to type.

Offline PainMaster

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #12 on: Sun, 03 December 2017, 11:39:40 »
inspired by the VE.A ?
SaiB-CP Black - Kailh Bronze (Non Click / 58g) - Finish
Light Saver v1 Black - Cherry Wyze Black (Linear / 64g)
Light Saver v2 Gray - Cherry 1501 Black (Linear / 64g)
Light Saver v3 Silver - Cherry 8200 White (Non Click / 64g)
Light Saver Acryl (Duck96 base) - Gateron Yellow (Linear / 62g) - Season 1 Fin.
Octagon v1 Black - Cherry 1501 Black (Linear / 64g) / TX-1800 v1 Red/Black - Cherry Wyze Black (Linear / 58g)
VE.A Test Housing- Cherry 8113 White (Non Click / 58g)
TC-V3 , LZ*ASRH Black, VE.A 2nd
... etc.

Offline Quantastrophus

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #13 on: Sun, 03 December 2017, 12:51:26 »
inspired by the VE.A ?

Yes, I was inspired to create a keyboard similar to the VE.A after owning one for a few months. I also felt that there were some changes to the VE.A that I could make to make the board more suitable for myself.

What I liked about the VE.A:
  • Retains the normal staggered layout
  • Constructed fully of aluminum
  • Uses macro rows to balance the size of each side

What I didn't like and how I changed it:
  • When typing on the keyboard I noticed some lag between the two halves: I designed a new PCB that doesn't use V-USB or an outdated ATMEGA microcontroller.
  • I don't use a lot of the keys in a 75% layout: I switched to a 60% and 1 macro row layout.
  • I don't like the PCIE connector: I altered the PCB to use USB Type-C connectors

Most of this could be covered by just creating an alternate PCB for the original VE.A, but I also wanted to change to a 60% form factor.  This is why I decided to create a new keyboard as opposed to designing a new PCB for the original VE.A.

Offline lunr

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #14 on: Sun, 03 December 2017, 15:25:00 »
I hope this gets off. I would buy one instantly.

Offline FoC_Tow

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #15 on: Wed, 06 December 2017, 08:16:55 »
I hope this gets off. I would buy one instantly.


Same here!

I’ve even considered buying a Mistel to get my hands on a split 60, but I can’t stand the limited programmability and unsymetrical sides etc.

This on the other hand is exactly what I have been waiting for.

Pls make it happen!
In for two anytime <3

Offline ejewell89

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #16 on: Wed, 06 December 2017, 09:53:15 »
shoutout to afrokobe for showing me this. it looks awesome. and I'm very interested
              

Offline ramnes

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #17 on: Wed, 06 December 2017, 09:56:19 »
Why is the Y always on the right side? :(

Looks very good tho, I wouldn't say I'm in too fast but I'm pretty interested, at least.

I feel the same way about B being on the left side, but hey, that's just the correct way to type.

There are 14 keycaps on the row, makes more sense to me to split 7/7 than 6/8.  :rolleyes:
23h18 - photekq: hhkb with silenced realforce sliders and lubricated well is
23h18 - photekq: the best switch i've used

Offline heliar_mk

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #18 on: Thu, 07 December 2017, 00:34:00 »
Anything new about this?Hope the color of case would be more choices.

Offline kmba

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #19 on: Thu, 07 December 2017, 06:56:04 »
very cool, I'd buy one.
keyboards.

Offline MajorKoos

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #20 on: Thu, 07 December 2017, 08:31:52 »
Yes please.

Offline Quantastrophus

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #21 on: Thu, 07 December 2017, 17:13:11 »
Anything new about this?Hope the color of case would be more choices.

Hi,

I'm currently getting some anodizing samples for the following colors:

  • Black
  • Dark Gray
  • Gray
  • Rose Gold
  • Periwinkle

Offline kmba

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #22 on: Thu, 07 December 2017, 17:23:04 »
I would ditch one color for silver or add it.  Yea, some rose gold cases are pretty but silver is a bigger seller.  :thumb:
keyboards.

Offline FoC_Tow

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[IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #23 on: Thu, 07 December 2017, 17:41:53 »
I would ditch one color for silver or add it.  Yea, some rose gold cases are pretty but silver is a bigger seller.  :thumb:

+1 for Silver

Rosegold can definitely be nice, but I feel this board is too classy for flashy anodizing.

For colors I would much rather see powder / ceracoating in white, cyan etc.

Never been a huge fan of anodizing colors.

Offline Quantastrophus

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #24 on: Thu, 07 December 2017, 19:39:43 »
I would ditch one color for silver or add it.  Yea, some rose gold cases are pretty but silver is a bigger seller.  :thumb:

+1 for Silver

Rosegold can definitely be nice, but I feel this board is too classy for flashy anodizing.

For colors I would much rather see powder / ceracoating in white, cyan etc.

Never been a huge fan of anodizing colors.

Silver will be an option. It will just be anodizing without any color.

I am considering offering a special option for the first 5 people in the group buy. A case made of brass and then I will have Cerakoting done locally in any color the person wants. Of course this will be a little more expensive.

Offline kmba

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #25 on: Thu, 07 December 2017, 21:44:48 »
uhhhhh can I be #1 and get all brass, no coating.. polished for kicks.
keyboards.

Offline _rubik

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #26 on: Thu, 07 December 2017, 21:48:27 »
I would certainly be interested, price dependent.
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Offline FoC_Tow

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #27 on: Fri, 08 December 2017, 04:05:26 »

Silver will be an option. It will just be anodizing without any color.

I am considering offering a special option for the first 5 people in the group buy. A case made of brass and then I will have Cerakoting done locally in any color the person wants. Of course this will be a little more expensive.

I’m not a big fan of limited special options to be honest.

I have two carbon edition X60s and it was kind of a mess. In a lot of situations it felt liked special edition got treated differently but not in a good way. =(

I would LOVE to see cerakote as an option tho!


Not trying to sound critical, but if I do it’s definitely out of love <3
This is by far the one board I’m stoked about the most even more then ve.a v2 so I just want this to perfect.

Offering a limited option will make 5 people happy vs everyone else sad they didn’t get one, so the negative effects outweigh imo.

Offline Marutks

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #28 on: Fri, 08 December 2017, 05:30:13 »
Spacebar keys need stabilisers,  right?   I haven't seen stabilisers of this size.   Are they included in the kit?
I hope PCB has south facing switches?

Offline MajorKoos

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #29 on: Fri, 08 December 2017, 08:10:43 »
Spacebar keys need stabilisers,  right?   I haven't seen stabilisers of this size.   Are they included in the kit?
I hope PCB has south facing switches?

2u stabs will work.  Same size as left/right shift.

Offline heliar_mk

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #30 on: Wed, 13 December 2017, 10:09:02 »
Any update?

Offline Quantastrophus

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #31 on: Wed, 13 December 2017, 12:05:12 »
Any update?

I have the PCBs. I will receive the components on Thursday and will be putting a PCB together.

I'm currently waiting for the new factory to send me a prototype + plates.

They will also send me anodizing samples for colors I have selected.

Offline heliar_mk

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #32 on: Wed, 13 December 2017, 23:52:06 »
Any update?

I have the PCBs. I will receive the components on Thursday and will be putting a PCB together.

I'm currently waiting for the new factory to send me a prototype + plates.

They will also send me anodizing samples for colors I have selected.
Great! Hope this kb will go on sale soon. :p

Offline FoC_Tow

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #33 on: Thu, 14 December 2017, 02:38:17 »
Stoked for pics of the new prototype.

I’m already sold tho, just waiting until this goes live and I can order a few =)

Btw pls offer additional plates & pcbs

Offline FoC_Tow

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #34 on: Sun, 24 December 2017, 05:24:28 »
Everyday when I check Ve.a and SX60 for updates ;______;


Offline ejewell89

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #35 on: Sun, 24 December 2017, 09:46:11 »
Everyday when I check Ve.a and SX60 for updates ;______;

I'm with ya. but patience is big haha.
              

Offline afrokobe

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #36 on: Sun, 24 December 2017, 12:07:09 »
if yall want to chat with Quantrik, he hangs out in discord in kb-kustoms.  Told me the proto anode got messed up, so he had to look for new factory, which he found.  I think right now things aren't moving very fast because of holidays

Offline Puddsy

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #37 on: Sun, 24 December 2017, 12:10:26 »
Everyday when I check Ve.a and SX60 for updates ;______;

ve.a mid jan, i think
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Offline Sylvestyeo

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #38 on: Sun, 24 December 2017, 21:54:45 »
I'm down for this!!!

Offline Rykno

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #39 on: Fri, 05 January 2018, 06:36:32 »
This needs to happen. VEA envy too strong these days

Offline FoC_Tow

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #40 on: Fri, 05 January 2018, 15:47:35 »
This needs to happen. VEA envy too strong these days

They both need to happen <3

Offline Tre3Cycl3S

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #41 on: Sun, 07 January 2018, 19:31:55 »
Very interested in this indeed! Will like to know your rough estimate of the price if/when you have one.

EDIT: Is it possible to allow a configuration to switch the position of the fn and left space key on the left side?
« Last Edit: Sun, 07 January 2018, 20:08:51 by Tre3Cycl3S »
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Offline hansichen

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #42 on: Sun, 07 January 2018, 20:01:28 »
Split 60% is nice but I wish it would come with proper F keys on the left side and not just an artisan row

Offline Quantastrophus

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #43 on: Sun, 07 January 2018, 22:53:32 »
Split 60% is nice but I wish it would come with proper F keys on the left side and not just an artisan row

Sorry but no plan for proper F keys on the left side. I added the left row simply to balance the length between the left and right sides.

This needs to happen. VEA envy too strong these days

It will happen ;)

This needs to happen. VEA envy too strong these days

They both need to happen <3

Very interested in this indeed! Will like to know your rough estimate of the price if/when you have one.

EDIT: Is it possible to allow a configuration to switch the position of the fn and left space key on the left side?

Yes I will add that layout to the PCB as quite a few users here and on discord have requested it.


Offline MajorKoos

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #44 on: Mon, 08 January 2018, 12:26:17 »

I'm a bit concerned about wear along the join between the two halves, especially on the corners.

186024-0



Offline Poesjuh

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #45 on: Mon, 08 January 2018, 12:35:54 »
Very interested! Can’t wait for pics with pcb, switches and caps :D


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline Quantastrophus

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #46 on: Mon, 08 January 2018, 13:12:52 »

I'm a bit concerned about wear along the join between the two halves, especially on the corners.

(Attachment Link)

You'll notice that the corners are rounded as opposed to being sharp, so they should not wear down like a 90 degree angle would.  I would also hope that you choose to use this keyboard in the split layout so this wouldn't be an issue.

Offline MajorKoos

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #47 on: Mon, 08 January 2018, 13:34:26 »

I'm a bit concerned about wear along the join between the two halves, especially on the corners.

(Attachment Link)

You'll notice that the corners are rounded as opposed to being sharp, so they should not wear down like a 90 degree angle would.  I would also hope that you choose to use this keyboard in the split layout so this wouldn't be an issue.

I do it with my VE.A and TS65 all the time.
Mainly when I need to make room for the cats or engage in some one handed typing.

Offline PerniciousPony

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #48 on: Mon, 08 January 2018, 13:44:56 »
I think this looks awesome.  I'd be all over it if it was 65% w/2 macro rows.  Trying to cram arrows into a 60% never really works IMO.  Also, 65% w/2 macro rows would work perfectly with all the wrist wrests for the VE.A while this is a new form factor. 

This is tempting as is, but if you run it a 65% form factor at some point, I'll be all over that :thumb:

Offline iFreilicht

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Re: [IC] SX60 Keyboard
« Reply #49 on: Mon, 08 January 2018, 14:37:52 »
Awesome work! Just a thought on the branding: Sentraq has sold a 60% board called the S60-X and a matching 65% called the S65-X. You may want to consider re-naming your board while you still can to avoid anyone confusing the two.
Sentraq S60-X, dyed blank PBT keycaps, Gateron Browns