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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: Zhu96 on Mon, 30 September 2019, 12:37:01

Title: [IC] Melody 80 keyboard from Character[Club](Huge update!!!!!)
Post by: Zhu96 on Mon, 30 September 2019, 12:37:01: Discord for discussion(not official): https://discord.gg/5xUuHkK, hope to answer any question u have ;)
Video update: https://www.instagram.com/p/B48_tYHnjYa/?igshid=1hr7wkeiup9ee
Come and check it out.

On behalf of my friend Trevor, he had requested me to post this IC for his upcoming keyboard Melody. Here's his original post with a simple translation:

After a good deal of contemplation, I've decided to have such a post introducing my upcoming keyboard under Geekhack. It took me days and nights working on the blueprint of Melody 80%, in order to make it perfect. Anyway, lets skip all these nonsense sentences and walk all you through the detail of my first keyboard: Melody 80%.
My design inspiration
My inspiration for the design of this keyboard comes from the sound testing I had while assembling the keyboard tank. While listening to those typing sounds, I realized that this is exactly the melody for the keyboard lovers like me. Lost ourselves in the beautiful typing sounds nothing less than a musician indulging in a beautiful music. Being aware that there’s no such design in our mechanical keyboard group, I decided to produce it myself.

Features of my keyboard

•   We decided to remove 3 keys: PrtSc, ScrLK and Pause, because these 3 keys are rare to use.

•   This keyboard has PCB-gasket mount structure (Platless).

•   I’ve tried to increase the typing angle through the internal of bottom case, to implement this design I have to change the way of stabilizing keyboard tank. I’ve bravely tried to use the method of rubber strip without any steel or screws to fastening the keyboard tank. To accomplish this my team had perfectly accurate calculation of the deformation rate and unsoldering probability of this fixed plate, making my design perform perfectly on this keyboard. At the same time such a design has improved two imperfections from traditional stabilization:
1. unstable typing feeling.
2. Install difficulty.
It has improved the low typing degree issue in a certain degree for the underbite structure. (I give all my respect to other designers who use traditional stabilization on their keyboard, this is only a change made according to my own experience while typing)

•   The PCB of this keyboard is all designed by my own team and we have overcome lots of problems. First of all, this is a PCB supporting QMK and NKRO, I chose type-c connector for Melody since it is compatible with the majority devices in 2019. A small detail on our own PCB is that we used same data from original Cherry factory, which makes the gap on Melody considerably small (almost no gap).

•   On the splice where the keycap and kit connect, we optimized the gap in order to provide our buyers the most delicate product. However, the effect picture is not as perfect as I expected. So we made a concave transaction, which gives users both the aesthetic perception of minimum gap and visual impact when chamfer passes into the plane.

•   The nameplate on the upper right has 16 dots surrounding the circle, each of these dots are RGB lightning. The extra dot on the far right is a signal light for CAPS key. Such a design is to fulfill the RGB lighting most players desire.

•   And to the grand finale, we will be providing multiple contrast colors for the keyboard, the color of the bottom plate will be different from upper plate. Whereas the color of the nameplate will be same as the bottom plate. Weight on the bottom plate will be in disc shape, which brings out the theme of Melody. We use wire drawing first and then plating with black nickelPVD to retain the wiredrawing effect. (I want to restore the look of vinyl record as much as I can).

Most recent updates, huge changes made to the design:
Hope you like it ;)
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: eniigma on Mon, 30 September 2019, 12:42:27: 1

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: eniigma on Mon, 30 September 2019, 12:43:15: top right logo looks weird, tone down the branding. other than that, looking good!
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: click clack jack on Mon, 30 September 2019, 12:46:06: For my personal taste, the badge is too big for me! That is my feedback, as a man who buys all TKL gb's this year
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: Kokaloo on Mon, 30 September 2019, 12:49:51: I sincerely thought this was a version of YMDK's Melody series, and I went "wait but they didn't even finish the 65 yet, huh?" but realized it' s someone else entirely.
I would recommend changing the name at the very least, as far as the board I do like the bezels and how it looks from the top, although I'd prefer the badge be smaller, or entirely optional.
I'm interested in how it works internally too.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: zekth on Mon, 30 September 2019, 12:52:01: Quote from: Kokaloo on Mon, 30 September 2019, 12:49:51
I sincerely thought this was a version of YMDK's Melody series, and I went "wait but they didn't even finish the 65 yet, huh?" but realized it' s someone else entirely.
I would recommend changing the name at the very least, as far as the board I do like the bezels and how it looks from the top, although I'd prefer the badge be smaller, or entirely optional.
I'm interested in how it works internally too.

I had the same feeling.
Optionnal badge also is a good idea.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: Zhu96 on Mon, 30 September 2019, 12:57:06: I've seen a few incomplete prototype, the badge will be in multiple colors, black is the stunning one as far as I see. It can be customized but the price can be little high.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES on Mon, 30 September 2019, 13:00:40: Optional plate for top right would be cool. I liked them for the novelty placement opportunity and key remapping but I do like the idea.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: LXVRGS on Mon, 30 September 2019, 13:11:33: needs more branding honestly
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: switchnollie on Mon, 30 September 2019, 13:25:41: Including 86 key option?
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: Zhu96 on Mon, 30 September 2019, 13:33:26: Sorry guys, add the name of the team at the top of the IC. This is from Character club!!!
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: iridescent22 on Mon, 30 September 2019, 13:34:38: Quote from: LXVRGS on Mon, 30 September 2019, 13:11:33
needs more branding honestly

agreed
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: gminso on Mon, 30 September 2019, 13:36:03: When Will the gb run?
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: msting on Mon, 30 September 2019, 13:48:56: Quote from: eniigma on Mon, 30 September 2019, 12:43:15
top right logo looks weird, tone down the branding. other than that, looking good!

+1
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: steezkeez on Mon, 30 September 2019, 13:57:59: As others have stated, I would re-work the branding in general. I think a simpler badge design + less script would benefit the overall aesthetics greatly.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: PikaJoyce on Mon, 30 September 2019, 14:04:04: Echoing what others have said. Not a huge fan of the badge.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: _rubik on Mon, 30 September 2019, 14:25:50: I agree with others -- the badge might be a little too big.

Otherwise, the two-tone is refreshing. This is a clear iteration, not just another clone. You have my vote :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: MadsMe on Mon, 30 September 2019, 15:22:58: I'm not a big TKL fan, but this is gorgeous and might just be a buy. I really love that you are trying to use the upper right corner for something else and gives it a really refreshing look.
I will say though that the text is very in your face and some nice art (like the thing between the nav cluster and the arrows) would be great!
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: Zhu96 on Mon, 30 September 2019, 15:30:32: Thank you all for the ideas, I will report that back to the designer.
Some details of the badge: there will be RGB light through the badge, each small hole will be minimized and ultimately giving you a rhombus shape. U can hardly see those small holes from you eyes since they will be made by laser.
I myself luckily had a chance to see a incomplete proto of the badge, each details are close to perfect. Those characters are to represent the classical music feeling same as the disc shape design at the bottom. You will see the actual prototype from designer's post soon. From start working on prototype to finished it only took him 4 or 5 days. All the GB will be produced and sent within 2 months. Imagine that speed.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: Solotov on Mon, 30 September 2019, 20:15:48: Only plateless option is offered?
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: Kallus on Tue, 01 October 2019, 04:05:24: Agree on the rebranding, i think remove some of the script and a different font would do wonders for the aesthetic. Something a little less art deco for the font
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: MadsMe on Tue, 01 October 2019, 09:46:14: Quote from: Kallus on Tue, 01 October 2019, 04:05:24
Agree on the rebranding, i think remove some of the script and a different font would do wonders for the aesthetic. Something a little less art deco for the font

I agree, the font is not what I assosiate with a melody
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: rora on Tue, 01 October 2019, 11:05:51: lucio mains rejoice
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: infinitykw on Tue, 01 October 2019, 11:32:34: Not a fan of the badge, not even interested in the idea of rgb lights on it, but good work friends.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: Trevor on Tue, 01 October 2019, 12:08:53: Quote from: infinitykw on Tue, 01 October 2019, 11:32:34
Not a fan of the badge, not even interested in the idea of rgb lights on it, but good work friends.

I'm sorry for that, my friend.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: Trevor on Tue, 01 October 2019, 12:24:24: Quote from: steezkeez on Mon, 30 September 2019, 13:57:59
As others have stated, I would re-work the branding in general. I think a simpler badge design + less script would benefit the overall aesthetics greatly.

I assure you, the badge doesn't look so weird.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: Trevor on Tue, 01 October 2019, 12:25:29: This is the badge.[attach=1]
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: tunadesu on Tue, 01 October 2019, 12:45:20: Idk, I think the badge looks pretty dope. :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: _rubik on Tue, 01 October 2019, 16:35:22: Quote from: Trevor on Tue, 01 October 2019, 12:25:29
This is the badge. (Attachment Link)

On second thought, that badge looks good :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: Trevor on Tue, 01 October 2019, 22:42:57: Quote from: tunadesu on Tue, 01 October 2019, 12:45:20
Idk, I think the badge looks pretty dope. :thumb:

Thanks
Title: Re: [IC] gasket mount Melody 80% from Character Club
Post by: The Equals D on Wed, 02 October 2019, 10:47:56: A little less branding would be nice but I like the design, would definitely be a board I'd have to consider if it makes it to gb.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: donan on Wed, 02 October 2019, 13:15:41: The badge is dope and the case looks raw yet elegant! I wonder... what date is the festival and how much are the tickets?

Very Interested :)
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Sorachi.Ace on Wed, 02 October 2019, 13:55:41: I love this concept for a keyboard. The dual tone and music related theme gives it a clean yet unique look. Also I think the badge is fine.

One thing I would love to see added is a rotary encoder. Although I'm not sure where/how that would work out. Maybe replace the esc key? I think it would fit the music theme.

So far I think I'll be in for the gb either way.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: shansoft on Wed, 02 October 2019, 16:42:56: Would much prefer if the badge is optional, since I do use those keys quite often.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Puddsy on Wed, 02 October 2019, 18:22:33: not the most inspired board i've ever seen but the color options look good and you can't really go wrong with a wedge anyway
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: AT on Wed, 02 October 2019, 19:51:51: E-White an option or powder coated ?
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Trevor on Thu, 03 October 2019, 10:54:35: Quote from: Sorachi.Ace on Wed, 02 October 2019, 13:55:41
I love this concept for a keyboard. The dual tone and music related theme gives it a clean yet unique look. Also I think the badge is fine.

One thing I would love to see added is a rotary encoder. Although I'm not sure where/how that would work out. Maybe replace the esc key? I think it would fit the music theme.

So far I think I'll be in for the gb either way.

Thank you for your advice. I will consider it in future projects. :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Vyndem on Thu, 03 October 2019, 11:58:54: Imagine this in polycarbonate Kreygasm
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Boy_314 on Fri, 04 October 2019, 11:26:25: will there be a winkey option?
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Trevor on Sun, 06 October 2019, 10:43:25: Quote from: Boy_314 on Fri, 04 October 2019, 11:26:25
will there be a winkey option?

There will be
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: lush_bunny on Sun, 06 October 2019, 17:43:56: Can the badge be the same color as the top and not the bottom?
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Rob27shred on Sun, 06 October 2019, 18:18:20: So do I got this right from reading the OP, this will be a plateless, gasket mounted. TKL? That has me more intrigued than anything about this board as I've been really wanting to try a plateless or half plate build. As far as the badge is concerned I personally don't mind it & dig the ideal of each hole having RGB shine through it (I am not a RGB fan at all either). but I do think the branding on top, back, & inside the case is a bit excessive. The two suggestions I would have is to replace the branding on the back with a musical scale or something along those lines & replace the mixer bars above the arrow cluster with just a note. That would fit the name much better IMO & tone down the branding, which would be a win win from the feedback I'm seeing here.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: vaughno on Sun, 06 October 2019, 20:14:18: pc wkl pls

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: tonny950111 on Wed, 09 October 2019, 20:57:12: Interesting,so the weight is a whole piece or separable ? Whats the price range.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Zhu96 on Wed, 09 October 2019, 23:43:24: Quote from: tonny950111 on Wed, 09 October 2019, 20:57:12
Interesting,so the weight is a whole piece or separable ? Whats the price range.
producing prototype now, price us not settled down yet, should be 500 or up
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Boy_314 on Fri, 11 October 2019, 10:19:38: Based on the picture below, the bumpons cover the screwholes. I would much prefer if the bumpons were a bit to the side so the case could be opened without removing bumpons.

More
(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=102677.0;attach=227191;image)
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: mtuanvu on Fri, 11 October 2019, 13:06:46: tbh, I thought it was just another ymdk kb before clicked in but no :p I think renaming is necessary, the gasket mount sounds cool. The plateless design will affect the feel of typing (flex), or not, if not, I'm just curios how you guys place the gasket to entirely eliminate both the flex feeling and the sound. Do you just simply place the gasket all over the board?
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Digitalmatter on Sun, 13 October 2019, 09:11:40: This looks like a really solid TKL. Would love the admittedly lame option for the command keys though
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: heyitsconan on Tue, 15 October 2019, 13:38:51: I got refered this from someone that knows you and sold me a keyboard. I am so excited!
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Datastream on Wed, 16 October 2019, 05:51:43: Thought this was a YMDK keyboard in the making lol
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Sunchaser on Wed, 16 October 2019, 06:44:47: If there will be ISO support, i'll be definitely in. love ur design elements and the two tone coloring :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80% keyboard
Post by: Zhu96 on Wed, 16 October 2019, 08:52:20: Quote from: Trevor on Tue, 01 October 2019, 12:25:29
This is the badge. (Attachment Link)
update for badge https://www.instagram.com/p/B3mpM2jHKiW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Zhu96 on Wed, 16 October 2019, 08:58:54: Do u guys prefer fcfs or raffle? any other ways u guys prefer for the sale
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: eniigma on Wed, 16 October 2019, 10:20:53: Quote from: Zhu96 on Wed, 16 October 2019, 08:58:54
Do u guys prefer fcfg or raffle? any other ways u guys prefer for the sale
fcfs

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Mtalbert on Thu, 17 October 2019, 03:37:37: gl w the group buy
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Sunchaser on Fri, 18 October 2019, 07:14:29: Can you tell me if the PCB will support ISO-layout? i think fcfs sounds good.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: LetoDaleko on Fri, 18 October 2019, 07:41:14: "Bit" to much branding, its hard to focus on the design. You have branding on top, on buttom, on the rear, inside the board and some weird stuff is even happenign above the error cluster.
Other then that looks interesting, exited to see the prototype.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: DukeEsquire on Fri, 18 October 2019, 11:49:37: I think the branding needs to be toned down a lot, especially since this is a new manufacturer.

Even Keycult and TGR don't have huge branding like this.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Zhu96 on Fri, 18 October 2019, 16:20:11: Quote from: Sunchaser on Fri, 18 October 2019, 07:14:29
Can you tell me if the PCB will support ISO-layout? i think fcfs sounds good.
Yep, it will
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: clik_clak on Fri, 18 October 2019, 16:49:27: I really want to like it, but the branding is just way too much. Having your name/logo in 5 different places on one board...That's just not needed. One of those logos is enough.
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: dom on Fri, 18 October 2019, 20:16:13: Megalomaniac approach ;)
The branding is killing the design TBH

Lately, I see this very often, is this some kind of "hidden rule of the keyboard community" to destroy pretty designs with logos and other unnecessary elements like here for e.g:

(https://i.imgur.com/lgWmO8C.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TmwDp4H.jpg)

Do you guys/girls like that? Why not be humble a bit and put the branding (and whenever you wanna say) at the back (doesn't have to be visible all the time).

I really respect people who like this, but not understand them :P
I hope I didn't hurt anyone if I did, really sorry! 🙏

Peace and xoxo :)
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Zhu96 on Sat, 19 October 2019, 22:16:19: Quote from: dom on Fri, 18 October 2019, 20:16:13
Megalomaniac approach ;)
The branding is killing the design TBH

Lately, I see this very often, is this some kind of "hidden rule of the keyboard community" to destroy pretty designs with logos and other unnecessary elements like here for e.g:

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/lgWmO8C.jpg)

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/TmwDp4H.jpg)

Do you guys/girls like that? Why not be humble a bit and put the branding (and whenever you wanna say) at the back (doesn't have to be visible all the time).

I really respect people who like this, but not understand them :P
I hope I didn't hurt anyone if I did, really sorry! 🙏

Peace and xoxo :)
we are considering a change at this time
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: mrsnifflez on Sun, 20 October 2019, 00:26:15: the bottom design is gorgeous.. but the melody logo I feel is too intrusive and does match the clean aesthetic of the keyboard. Outside it, I love the kb!
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: nathanchere on Sun, 20 October 2019, 16:14:01: WKL only?
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Zhu96 on Mon, 21 October 2019, 11:57:22: Quote from: nathanchere on Sun, 20 October 2019, 16:14:01
WKL only?
WK or WKL both applied
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Zhu96 on Mon, 21 October 2019, 11:58:11: Quote from: Sunchaser on Wed, 16 October 2019, 06:44:47
If there will be ISO support, i'll be definitely in. love ur design elements and the two tone coloring :thumb:
Pretty sure there is my friend
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Zhu96 on Mon, 21 October 2019, 12:00:39: Quote from: clik_clak on Fri, 18 October 2019, 16:49:27
I really want to like it, but the branding is just way too much. Having your name/logo in 5 different places on one board...That's just not needed. One of those logos is enough.
Working on an alternate edition where the badge and tuner above the arrow keys will be redesigned
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: nathanchere on Wed, 23 October 2019, 04:52:22: Quote from: Zhu96 on Mon, 21 October 2019, 12:00:39
Quote from: clik_clak on Fri, 18 October 2019, 16:49:27
I really want to like it, but the branding is just way too much. Having your name/logo in 5 different places on one board...That's just not needed. One of those logos is enough.
Working on an alternate edition where the badge and tuner above the arrow keys will be redesigned

It's an extreme long shot, but would there be any chance of an option for a simple badge so we can get it custom engraved ourselves? (thinking for a gift)
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Zhu96 on Thu, 28 November 2019, 12:51:52: Mixing console above arrow keys is now removed from the design. New weight and new badge are added. Any thoughts on it?
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: Zhu96 on Thu, 28 November 2019, 12:55:53: !
Title: Re: [IC] Melody 80-80% Gasket mount keyboard from Character[Club]
Post by: donan on Sat, 30 November 2019, 16:07:17: I like the old design more.

Now it looks like something you see in a hifi store as decoration for a hifi setup.
Also lacks attitude on the badge and bottom plate compared to the previous, and i like attitude.

All in all it looks ok/safer but it's not as interesting and my excitement for it isn't as much now as before.

Probably appeals to those who want more clean and minimalistic keyboard but i don't know.

GL with the design choices :)