geekhack

geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: iKirin on Tue, 08 October 2019, 15:12:11

Title: [IC] Smol TKL - QMK compatible mini-TKL!
Post by: iKirin on Tue, 08 October 2019, 15:12:11
Smol TKL INTEREST CHECK

(https://i.imgur.com/EMDQW0W.jpg)

Hi there!

You might not know me and that is totally fine. I've been interested in keyboards and how to design them since quite a while, and now it's time to reveal something that has been teased on a bunch of discords already - a budget-diy keyboard that adheres (mostly) to the TKL standard. It should provide a starting point to this hobby for people that have not soldered much or just want a board with a smoler price-point that they can use as a second board or gift to other people.

So without further ado - here it is! (and if you don't want to scroll further down - here is a link to the IC (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWXbOpYFaj1DCgBUNHqV5FUp4APC7D-CVUcWCh1WvM58r6YA/viewform?usp=sf_link) )!)

Smol TKL

Layout/Design choices

When going into the Smol TKL there were a bunch of goals that I wanted to achieve. First it should be in a 'larger' form-factor since that is barely existing for custom mechanical keyboards. Second it should not require insane SMD soldering skills and just use a regular proMicro. And as a final goal it should not break the bank.
And all those things factored in gave birth to the Smol TKL!

(https://i.imgur.com/Pr0yJSq.png)

Features


Current Status

So, here's the thing: The PCB for the Smol TKL is already ready to be run with only the firmware needing some minor tweaks here & there. And I honestly don't know if there's demand for it to be run as a GB or if some vendors want to pick it up. But no matter which route it'll end up taking one thing that I've wanted from the start when working on this PCB: I'll not make a single cent on it and I want pretty much all that I'd make from it to go to a charity (like rainforesttrust.org).

Once I got figured out what I'll go for the contents of the kit will be decided. Personally I'm leaning towards 2 PCBs with a bunch of standoffs so the kit stays affordable. If you are interested in a case I'm currently working on a 3d printable sandwich mounted case that should work on *most* 3d printers.
I'll keep everyone that is interested updated! :slight_smile:


Thank you so much for reading through all of this & hopefully checking out the IC!

Here's a link to the IC-form if you're interested! (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWXbOpYFaj1DCgBUNHqV5FUp4APC7D-CVUcWCh1WvM58r6YA/viewform?usp=sf_link)
Title: Re: [IC] Smol TKL - QMK compatible mini-TKL!
Post by: jaminb on Tue, 08 October 2019, 15:35:27
Interested , would this fit the CYGNUS?
Title: Re: [IC] Smol TKL - QMK compatible mini-TKL!
Post by: iKirin on Tue, 08 October 2019, 15:43:01
To be honest, I don't know but I know that I'll be contacting the creator of the CYGNUS to check! :)

I've been working on the PCB since a few months but have not heard about that case until now!

EDIT: After a quick check (just the renders) I don't think it'd be compatible - the Cygnus has the USB-port in the middle while the Smol TKL has the integrated USB-port of the proMicro or other microcontroller you choose in the middle of the nav-cluster on the right.
Title: Re: [IC] Smol TKL - QMK compatible mini-TKL!
Post by: vosechu on Tue, 08 October 2019, 16:21:26
Have you considered donating to qmk?
Title: Re: [IC] Smol TKL - QMK compatible mini-TKL!
Post by: iKirin on Tue, 08 October 2019, 16:48:47
Donating to QMK has been my second thought after I thought that I want to support a charity - however I did not find anyplace to donate to them so I chose a well rated & known charity instead :)
Title: Re: [IC] Smol TKL - QMK compatible mini-TKL!
Post by: yrneh on Tue, 08 October 2019, 20:47:54
Would you be willing to run this pcb with a case as well? I know you plan to have a 3D printed one, but unfortunately I don't have an available 3D printer to use. I would rather purchase with the pcb.
Title: Re: [IC] Smol TKL - QMK compatible mini-TKL!
Post by: iKirin on Wed, 16 October 2019, 02:50:40
Sorry for the late reply!

I'm in contact with some wonderful & talented people that are taking a shot at making an acrylic case for it - so there should be at least one case-vendor where you can get a case from :)
Title: Re: [IC] Smol TKL - QMK compatible mini-TKL!
Post by: CrazyNun on Wed, 16 October 2019, 09:25:28
Quote from: iKirin on Wed, 16 October 2019, 02:50:40
Sorry for the late reply!

I'm in contact with some wonderful & talented people that are taking a shot at making an acrylic case for it - so there should be at least one case-vendor where you can get a case from :)

I'm interested if there are files for an acrylic case available =D
Title: Re: [IC] Smol TKL - QMK compatible mini-TKL!
Post by: PheonixStarr on Wed, 16 October 2019, 13:12:03
Quote from: jaminb on Tue, 08 October 2019, 15:35:27
Interested , would this fit the CYGNUS?

Different USB position, different layout (nav cluster is closer to alphas), and also pro micro needs more space in the case.

Quote from: jaminb on Tue, 08 October 2019, 15:35:27
Interested , would this fit the CYGNUS?