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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: worldspawn on Sun, 05 May 2019, 01:26:32

Title: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Sun, 05 May 2019, 01:26:32: I really love the design of the Katana60, but find myself typically using smaller boards most of the time, so I figured I'd explore the style in some smaller form-factors.

First up, the Kodachi50 a 50% board with 2 layout options, uses standard layout key sizes for the most part (layout 1 will work with most base sets using the shift keys for the split space, option 2 may require a 40/50s set for full coverage)
(https://i.imgur.com/v1SYb6a.png)

Next, a smaller board in the 40% style, the Tanto40, nearly standard key coverage, will definitely need a 40% kit for a couple keys if you want matching legends, but can probably get away with just a base if you don't mind a couple mods legends being off
(https://i.imgur.com/tiaLE4v.png)

Finally, the smallest board, a 30%, the Kaiken30, a minimal board with a decent set of mods, very compact, a great travel option that's a bit more ergonomic than your average 30%
(https://i.imgur.com/5UklcQ0.png)

All 3 boards are going to be QMK compatible, using a Pro Micro controller and have an option for RGB backlighting. Case options will be either a simple 2 layer case similar to this:
(https://i.imgur.com/ygQ71Nt.jpg)
image courtesy of /u/Polyzhu

Or a full acrylic layer case similar to this:
(https://i.imgur.com/ZdNb3yj.jpg)
image courtesy of /u/Hedgey

PCBs will be sold as well as kits

kits are all-inclusive (electronics, stabs, hardware), just add switches and caps for a complete board.

Pricing likely to be:

Kodachi50
PCB-$20
kit with basic case-$49
kit with full case-$69

Tanto40
PCB-$15
kit with basic case-$42
kit with full case-$62

Kaiken30
PCB-$10
kit with basic case-$35
kit with full case-$55

A set of 3 (one of each)
set of PCBs-$40
set of kits with basic cases-$110
set of kits with full cases-$155
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: sithlord on Sun, 05 May 2019, 01:34:03: Tanto and Kaiken look nice...another layout to try out :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: Kasterborous on Sun, 05 May 2019, 01:59:40: Me like Tanto Me buy Tanto
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: trabbit on Sun, 05 May 2019, 02:07:48: Very interesting layout, good luck with GB man!
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: PyroL on Sun, 05 May 2019, 02:39:53: Worldspawn is a great guy with great PCBs! Loving the theme of this one, count me in for a Kaiken I guess! Plz credit /u/Polyzhu for the Alpha pic ;)
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: kmfmppl on Sun, 05 May 2019, 03:38:16: This is great, especially intrigued by the 50% :)
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: Parowozik on Sun, 05 May 2019, 09:09:46: I'm in love with kaiken and tanto ;D
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: resonantarchitect on Sun, 05 May 2019, 09:30:17: I'd definitely be in for a Kaiken or a Tonto, maybe even both! Hope this comes to fruition.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: vicissitude on Sun, 05 May 2019, 10:08:11: lovely size.
nice design. :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: voight-kampff on Sun, 05 May 2019, 11:45:13: really cool
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: tex_live_utility on Sun, 05 May 2019, 19:22:51: I would be in for the Tanto40 :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Tue, 07 May 2019, 23:38:42: Thanks for the interest so far, everyone :D

I'm moving right along on the design, the Kodachi50 PCB design is complete
(https://i.imgur.com/kHogQK4.png)

I'm exploring silkscreen art options, I was thinking of pulling some of the old Japanese wood-block print art, also open to suggestions if anyone has any neat ideas (nothing with copyright, please)
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: funderburker on Wed, 08 May 2019, 03:33:28: I had made some KLE with similar 40%/50% layouts inspired by Katana60. :))

When you mention that you love the design of a Katana60 you mean that you're a daily user of the board or just you like the idea and visual aspect of it? Personally I'm on the fence about an ergo board without angled alphas such as Katana60 or your suggested layouts still as a lot of people are saying that something like an Alice or Prime-E (just examples, don't have any of them) is really comfortable due to the angled alphas. But I still want to try one or two of these, more specifically Kodachi and Tanto would be great.

Maybe you can add some stand off holes in the PCBs? It would allow for people to design one-part 3D tray mount high-profile cases for these layouts, without a need to do sandwich cases or two part cases.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Wed, 08 May 2019, 16:47:18: My hands naturally fall at an angle across a staggered board, it's a comfortable angle for me, I have an Atreus and don't really care for the angled ortho columns, and prefer the angled stagger.

Adding some holes for tray mount is a good idea, I'll throw some in.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: Hungry_thom on Thu, 16 May 2019, 09:26:18: Yes, these look awesome! I am definitely down for a Tanto and Kaiken with basic case. I assume these will be compatible with QMK?
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Thu, 16 May 2019, 09:32:13: Yep, all my designs are QMK compatible. Design work is continuing alongside my other projects.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: megaforce on Thu, 16 May 2019, 11:16:39: i dont like small boards but this is adorable

my little keyboard can't be this cute
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: 24k_Tinman on Sat, 18 May 2019, 11:31:41: Very interested in the whole set of these. Do you have an estimation on when a GB may be up for this?
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Sat, 18 May 2019, 13:19:51: I'd estimate mid July for the open, I usually do pretty quick turnaround on my group buys so expect it to ship about 2 months after close.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: lolo on Sat, 18 May 2019, 15:01:14: Look at my ~~horse~~ keyboard, my ~~horse~~ keyboard is amazing...
(https://i.imgur.com/LDQZcWn.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Tue, 28 May 2019, 00:01:40: Quick update on the Kodachi design, PCB is done for now, prototypes are being ordered. I've added holes for tray-mount options, and finalized the art.
(https://i.imgur.com/kPwrWUH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PfcCMS1.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/4J1Nc18.png)
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: foolcatdaboy on Tue, 28 May 2019, 05:59:03: Kodachi looks very interesting to me
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Thu, 01 August 2019, 00:22:29: Quick update, Kodachi prototype is assembled!

(https://i.imgur.com/FORB8dL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Ec8m1h6.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: Hungry_thom on Thu, 01 August 2019, 11:35:10: Awesome! Looks great. Can't wait
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: sinnyc on Thu, 01 August 2019, 23:14:57: Never thought I'd be interested in a 40 until I saw the Tanto. Very cool.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Thu, 01 August 2019, 23:28:46: Tanto40 PCB design is done and prototypes have been ordered!
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: nasp on Fri, 02 August 2019, 00:10:03: Kodachi is looking great :thumb:

Quick question. How tall is the front of the case? It's probably just the angle of the photo, but it looks a little tall. Thanks
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: digid3ar on Fri, 02 August 2019, 00:19:54: damn those pcb look so pretty, i would buy a crystal desk to lay on the floor and admire that beauty :eek:
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Fri, 02 August 2019, 00:38:00: Quote from: nasp on Fri, 02 August 2019, 00:10:03
Kodachi is looking great :thumb:

Quick question. How tall is the front of the case? It's probably just the angle of the photo, but it looks a little tall. Thanks

It's about 24mm from desk to top of bezel, 15mm from desk to top of plate.

here's the front edge beside my THE50
(https://i.imgur.com/RnvE028.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Fri, 02 August 2019, 17:30:13: Tanto PCB
(https://i.imgur.com/iVT5GYw.png)

And Render of the back side art
(https://i.imgur.com/DhCgSyG.png)

Original Art
(https://mymodernmet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ukiyo-e-japanese-woodblock-prints-14-1.jpg)
Andō Hiroshige, “Kanbara,” ca. 1833-1834
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: nuclear_wizard on Mon, 05 August 2019, 18:51:09: Love this! Definitely in for a Kodachi and a Tanto!
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: dr_unconscionable on Mon, 05 August 2019, 19:38:37: Love all of these! Definitely in for at least a Kaiken.... and maybe the other two also!
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: jrs on Thu, 08 August 2019, 11:00:59: Will you offer frosted acrylic for the cases?
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Thu, 08 August 2019, 11:37:01: Yeah, will probably offer at least a frosted clear and frosted black option.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: SingSong on Tue, 13 August 2019, 01:21:09: I don't need any more TortureMe Keyboards(TM) but that Kaiken...goodness, never thought I'd want a 30% this badly. I LOVE that it's more in that staggered angle like the original Katana, I don't think I've seen many 30% keyboards play with layout beyond ortho/standard.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: JuiceTin255 on Fri, 16 August 2019, 13:46:54: If these prices remain close to the estimate then I'll be buying all three... These are all amazing and I really appreciate you creating them for us!
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: equalunique on Mon, 02 September 2019, 07:12:08: Are you guys aware that TEX makes keyboards named "Kodachi" and "Shinobi"?

Kodachi https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=4260

Shinobi https://www.keebtalk.com/t/tex-shinobi-7-row-mechanical-keyboard-with-trackpoint-pre-order/6479

Sent from my Ono-Sendai Cyberspace 7 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: SingSong on Wed, 04 September 2019, 18:49:49: I mean, OP hasn't updated in ages (Which makes me sad). But he's calling these the Shinobi Tools collection, which I think is different enough from the Shinobi keyboard to be left alone.

The Kodachi might need a name change or tweak, though.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: digid3ar on Wed, 04 September 2019, 20:02:25: its kodachi 50 not kodachi, one is a pcb the other is a full keyboard, i dont see a problem there
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: Dissitesuxba11s on Fri, 22 November 2019, 14:01:34: Are you still looking to make these kits? If you are, I'm definitely interested in the Tanto40.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Fri, 22 November 2019, 14:06:53: Quote from: Dissitesuxba11s on Fri, 22 November 2019, 14:01:34
Are you still looking to make these kits? If you are, I'm definitely interested in the Tanto40.

Yes, I'm just going to stock them in my etsy shop, I've got an initial run of 25 PCBs for the Kodachi and Tanto boards I'll put up in the shop soon.

I've got the circuit design done for the kaiken, but not the art yet, so that one is still a bit off.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: Dissitesuxba11s on Fri, 22 November 2019, 14:12:45: Quote from: worldspawn on Fri, 22 November 2019, 14:06:53
Yes, I'm just going to stock them in my etsy shop, I've got an initial run of 25 PCBs for the Kodachi and Tanto boards I'll put up in the shop soon.

I've got the circuit design done for the kaiken, but not the art yet, so that one is still a bit off.

Sweet! I'm looking forward to picking one up. It's such an interesting layout.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: Fabi on Fri, 22 November 2019, 14:14:28: Quote from: Dissitesuxba11s on Fri, 22 November 2019, 14:12:45

Sweet! I'm looking forward to picking one up. It's such an interesting layout.

Dito :)
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: RominRonin on Sat, 23 November 2019, 09:49:43: So what's the latest on these? I was considering making my own small format version of the Katana60, but it might not be necessary if I can pick one of these up ;)
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: x86ect on Tue, 26 November 2019, 15:22:19: Quote from: RominRonin on Sat, 23 November 2019, 09:49:43
So what's the latest on these? I was considering making my own small format version of the Katana60, but it might not be necessary if I can pick one of these up ;)

There's something quietly satisfying in seeing an original designer appreciate another member's offshoot of their own project.
Such a great community.
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Tue, 26 November 2019, 15:29:38: Quote from: RominRonin on Sat, 23 November 2019, 09:49:43
So what's the latest on these? I was considering making my own small format version of the Katana60, but it might not be necessary if I can pick one of these up ;)

Ive got the 50 and 40 production PCBs on hand and ready to go, should have some time over the long weekend to get them up on my etsy shop :D
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: RominRonin on Sat, 30 November 2019, 16:01:22: Cool, I'd like a link when you've updated it please :)

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: Dissitesuxba11s on Wed, 19 February 2020, 11:30:03: Not sure if I missed it but was this ever offered on your Etsy shop?
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Wed, 19 February 2020, 11:34:58: Quote from: Dissitesuxba11s on Wed, 19 February 2020, 11:30:03
Not sure if I missed it but was this ever offered on your Etsy shop?

not yet, still working on it along with a few other projects. If you want updates, I usually post in my discord https://discord.gg/WBpkM8P
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: Dissitesuxba11s on Wed, 19 February 2020, 12:28:17: Quote from: worldspawn on Wed, 19 February 2020, 11:34:58
not yet, still working on it along with a few other projects. If you want updates, I usually post in my discord https://discord.gg/WBpkM8P

Oh dope! Didn't know you had a Discord. Definitely joining your server. Thanks ;D
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: coralof on Wed, 06 May 2020, 07:15:16: I am also interested in the Tanto40 PCB! Do you plan on updating this page once it's available? I wasn't able to locate your Etsy shop. I'm actually just up in Dallas. :)
Title: Re: [IC] Shinobi tools, a set of small boards based on the Katana60
Post by: worldspawn on Wed, 06 May 2020, 09:03:22: YEah, I'll post here and in my discord when the boards go up for sale.

https://discord.gg/WBpkM8P

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WorldspawnsKeebs