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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: flying1911 on Tue, 07 July 2020, 12:36:07
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Hello Geekhackers,
We’re Mechlovin’, a team of two Mech enthusiasts based in Vietnam and specialised in providing PCB & Plate solutions. Since our first Group buy back in last October, we have successfully run many others, while working with reputable members of the community in collaboration projects.
This is the IC post for our first attempt at making a keyboard. The board, named Mechlovin’ Session 1, is intended as an amalgamation of our ups and downs as a team, and also my own personal experiences in this wonderful community.
Please follow us on Discord for the latest updates: https://discord.gg/K45RwTC
07.24 UPDATE - SOUND TEST VIDEO
07.17 UPDATE
The case has been anodised and built with Vintage Blacks. Notes on the possible changes in design can be found here: https://imgur.com/a/5mWl4xi?
Overall, things are looking good, design wise. We'll make some adjustments and continue to listen to community feedback before ordering the final prototype.
A typing video is coming soon. The typing feel is just as we expected: soft, bouncy, not as stable as boards with plates. The sound is GREAT, even without dampening.
NOTE: the machining for the 1st prototype was done locally, and it's pretty poor. At least we know the design works well. We expect to have the 2nd prototype in hand next month, and it should be a much closer presentation of the final product.
THE OVERALL DESIGN
We’re going back to basic with the overall shape of the board. It’s our first board and we feel it’s honest to who we are right now as a team. The overall design elements of the board is similar to those found on the Jane CE (my absolute personal favourite, and one that I was so so lucky to get hold of thanks to a great friend) and the preceding kustoms. There have been novel and exciting designs introduced, but this is the one we can always go back to.
(https://i.imgur.com/s7pIEJw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/w3QlCkx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EwoSja2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BMTI2AD.jpg)
THE MOUNTING SYSTEM & INTERNAL WEIGHT
We decided to go with the PCB top mounting mechanism, and the thinking process was straightforward. Personally for me, the best board I’ve ever typed on is the PCB - top mounted Jer J80 (A-06), and I have for a long time wanted to replicate that typing feel on a more compact and modern form factor. Also, since we’re essentially PCB solution providers, the direct PCB mounting system, without a plate obstructing the view is a fitting way to showcase our capabilities.
(https://i.imgur.com/lmPaAUh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8v5UZJi.jpg)
There’s a large internal brass weight, which in our experience, helps considerably improve the overall acoustic. We are likely to include a sound dampener with the standard kit, as during my time using the Jer 80, I found having a dampener under the PCB pretty much transformed the whole typing experience.
THE FREAKIN’ BLINDER AND THE LOGO
Our first ever Group buy was the Hannah 910, a PCB solution, obviously for the TGR 910. Apart from all the nice things that introduced Team Mechlovin’ to the community, the most memorable thing about that GB was probably the friendly complaints we received about the Blocker LED cluster being TOO BRIGHT out of the box. Basically, my genius of a partner, and hardware designer went over the top and put NINE LEDs on that 1u blocker position alone; and I, during QC, was inconsiderate enough to not lower their brightness before delivery.
(https://i.imgur.com/9YbI5W4.png)
We’re bringing back this “feature” to the Session 1’s PCB in a more refined manner, as a way to remind us of how we started, and how bad we can be. The LEDs are placed above the arrow cluster, shining up the logo, which is a simplification of S1 (Session 1) in circuit board style.
(https://i.imgur.com/umD3tTH.jpg)
See the LEDs in action on the Session 1: https://imgur.com/05Cq0XO
THE PROGRESS
We’ve received the first raw aluminum prototype from a local manufacturer and testing how the board works in real life. Basically everything seems to be working fine. Next steps:
- Send the board to be anodised
- Get it assembled for glamour shots and typing tests
Based on our findings and community input, we may introduce minor changes into the design before ordering the second prototype and start thinking about putting a Group buy together. Here’s what we currently have in mind in terms of a GB:
- GB Date: September/ October 2020
- Standard Kit inclusion: Top & Bottom cases, brass weight, stainless steel badge, PCB, and a cool certificate we’re working on.
- Extras: PCB (1.6mm & 1.2mm options, or even 1mm!?!); Carrying bag (may incorporate this into the standard kit)
- Price: $450-ish, excluding Paypal fee and shipping.
- Payment method: Paypal
- Quantity available: 69 in total, and each board will have an engraved serial number on its badge (we’re childish, sorry, but it’s the only way). This is our first ever keyboard GB, and it’s likely that we will split it into several small runs to stay on the safe side of things.
(https://i.imgur.com/uVC698s.jpg)
CHARITY WORK
This is a personal thing for me, and I’m glad that I have my partner on board with the idea. During my time working as an Operations Manager at an international school, I had the opportunity to work with BLUE DRAGON Children’s Foundation, an organisation that’s specialised in helping children in crisis throughout Vietnam, including ones affected by poverty, disabilities, homelessness, drugs and human trafficking. Though I haven’t been in that capacity for a while now, I still keep regular contact with former colleagues who continue to play active roles in supporting the foundation, and we feel it would just be nice to offer a helping hand especially in these difficult times. Find out about the Foundation here: https://www.bluedragon.org/who-we-are/
We would like to donate a certain percentage of the proceeds from this GB to help the children in need. Also, depending on how well the board is received by the community after the first run, we might organise a charity auction for a one-off unit, in which the proceeds will be donated in full.
CREDIT
- If I could, I would give all the credit to my trusted partner. I'm the one who does the talking, and often ends up with way more credit then I deserve. He's the real deal.
- BIG THANKS to Bruce from Ori.Club who helps realise our team's vision and ideas into a workable design. Follow his exciting IC for the Ori 87 here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=106031.0
- And all the thanks I could give to our friends in this community, both Vietnamese and international. You know who you are!
That is it for now. To say we’re excited about this project is a massive understatement, and we will be giving regular updates in the utmost detail possible in this thread. Our apology for the long read, here’s a TL;DR:
WE MAKE (GOOD) BOARDS
YOU GIVE US MONIES
TO MAKE US RICH
AND HELP AT-RISK TINIES
Thank you!
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Awesome board and I love what you are doing with the charity. Hope I can get one!
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
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Sup looks nice, I want it
Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
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This is awesome we need more pcb mounted custom keyboards
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you should raffle the first 68 and auction #69 because this crowd is thirsty
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This is awesome we need more pcb mounted keyboards.
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Great opening for a great board! Will definitely join.
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you should raffle the first 68 and auction #69 because this crowd is thirsty
If it's fcfs then just risk it all and get the last spot
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
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love it
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I like this :thumb:
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Appreciate the charity work and this board!!!!
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Can you show the side profile and bottom on the case? Also, what usb interface will you be using?
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Hope this will happen!
May you please share pictures of the bottom and side profiles?
Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk
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Updated the main post with more pictures of the side profile and bottom of the board. The current prototype uses Mini-USB, but we'll probably switch to USB-C in the final version. We'll also be playing with different fiberglass materials and PCB thickness as part of our research.
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Looks really nice! Gl guys! :thumb:
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this is so nice, will be absolutely be trying my best to get in on this. super interested to see what the verdict is regarding different pcb materials and thicknesses!
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good ~
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Just had a thought. I don't know how feasible this will be, but it might work since you are making your own pcbs. It'd probably be a good idea to make dedicated iso and ansi versions of the pcb that you can select from when ordering. We are going to have to rely on the switch pin holes for alignment without a plate and that enter cluster is looking a bit like swiss cheese right now.
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I haven’t been able to acquire a board with a top mounted PCB only yet, so I’m glad there will be another offering. The case looks classic and I’m sure it will be a hit.
Does the logo feature have a diffuser behind it?
What about a light blocking plastic insert to surround the logo LEDs to stop light bleed to the navigation and arrow clusters? Maybe a simple pressure fit plastic box that slides into the top and rests against the PCB
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Looks great friend
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pcb top mount oh yessss
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Really nice ! Love the work !
GL !
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Quantity: 69
N i c e
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the things I would do to receive that 69/69 board.
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oh nice a less cost friendly idb80
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Huge fan of PCB mounted boards so this is great to see! Rooting for you guys!
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honestly, the board looks good, but it reminds me to Lin montage, sorry if I may wrong :-X
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Three humble suggestions if I may, to make an already great board even better. :thumb:
1. bigger weight/badge on the bottom
2. remove the 2 small circles on the logo for a cleaner look
3. separate ISO PCB; As someone mentioned, wouldn't want crooked switches
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honestly, the board looks good, but it reminds me to Lin montage, sorry if I may wrong :-X
the montage is a nice board, but it definitely wasn't the first to have that side profile. earliest i know of is 456gt, may very well be on an earlier board but i'm not too familiar with all the old kustoms.
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Thank you all for your encouragement and suggestions. To address some of them:
- The design does have a cutout for an acrylic diffuser. We'll have more pictures after the case has been anodised and the diffuser laser-cut.
- We'll definitely give the idea of fixed layout PCBs a thought. We're also thinking about offering different PCB thickness and colour options, and will need to consider the feasibility of having a potentially large number of PCB variations.
- The logo is pretty much a fixed item now. We understand it may not suit everyone's liking, but it's a subjective matter, so for it's best to stick to what we like.
- We'll see how the whole board turns out after anodisation before considering whether to enlarge the badge.
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Oh did I say the case angle is 6.9 degrees? :cool:
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Hey the discord link wont let me join? Says something about the server is too full?
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Oh did I say the case angle is 6.9 degrees? :cool:
nice
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yes. absolutely in
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Hey the discord link wont let me join? Says something about the server is too full?
I'll look into it, but could you check if you've reached the limit of the number of servers you can join (100)?
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First time I learned there was a limit! I joined! thanks lol
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Nice finish
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No Hot-swap option?
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No Hot-swap option?
might be difficult to do hotswap on a pcb mount board due to possible flexing.
would there be relief cuts on the pcb?
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I thought I was done for 2020 but then I saw this project :thumb:
I really like the plateless gasket. This is some serious next level touch feelings.
No Hot-swap option?
might be difficult to do hotswap on a pcb mount board due to possible flexing.
would there be relief cuts on the pcb?
Mhmm don't think it is relevant to offer HS due to the flex. This would be a disaster
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Very nice board! A daring but true-to-your-belief move of going with a PCB mounted style. Where are you getting your PCB from?
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We will not be offering a hot-swap option for the board, simply because it is PCB-mounted. Without a plate, the switches wouldn't be held nicely in place.
Relief cuts may be added and tested on one of the prototype versions.
The case will be sent to be anodised (in silver) tomorrow, then we'll get on with the building and typing tests some time next week.
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Very nice board! A daring but true-to-your-belief move of going with a PCB mounted style. Where are you getting your PCB from?
Thank you! We design and (for the most part) produce our own PCBs.
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Awesome, looking forward to it.
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Awesome board by an awesome dude. GL with GB friend, I am sure it will turn out amazing just like the countless pcbs I have received from you :)
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Trustworthy guys putting out a tried-and-true design. Easy yes from me.
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Looks great, how does the plateless setup compare to a gasket mount in terms of typing experience?
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Awesome board by an awesome dude. GL with GB friend, I am sure it will turn out amazing just like the countless pcbs I have received from you :)
Thanks man for the encouraging words. We need to tread this lightly since this is our first board and the stakes seem much higher than making PCBs.
Trustworthy guys putting out a tried-and-true design. Easy yes from me.
You're the man!
Looks great, how does the plateless setup compare to a gasket mount in terms of typing experience?
We'll find out once the case comes back from the anodising factory and we get to build it, though based on my past experience with the Jer J80, which is PCB top-mounted and some gasket-mounted boards including the OTD 356 Mini and Keycult No.2 Rev.1, I found that the gasket mounting system did provide a more consistent and stable typing feel, but the experience on the J80 was more "full-bodied" with a thockier sound.
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me likey
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Very interesting, I'm excited to try out this mounting style if I have a chance. Also gotta support my fellow Vietnamese :thumb:
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UPDATED main posts with new pictures and link to the IMGUR album.
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I love the J80 and I'm looking forward to this! would you incorporate flex cuts in the pcb?
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awesome board
can i suggest a lemo port,like JER A80S?
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awesome board
can i suggest a lemo port,like JER A80S?
No, please don't do this so we won't have to buy a $100+ cable just to use the board...
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I love the J80 and I'm looking forward to this! would you incorporate flex cuts in the pcb?
The current set up without flex cuts is plenty flexy already, but we may produce some prototypes with flex cuts to see how it goes.
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awesome board
can i suggest a lemo port,like JER A80S?
No, please don't do this so we won't have to buy a $100+ cable just to use the board...
The idea of using LEMO or LEMO-style connectors has never crossed our minds, at least for this particular board.
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Great to hear, hopefully it turns out nice, since I'd love to see some flex cuts too :thumb:
I love the J80 and I'm looking forward to this! would you incorporate flex cuts in the pcb?
The current set up without flex cuts is plenty flexy already, but we may produce some prototypes with flex cuts to see how it goes.
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1st post updated with a sound check video.
We've ordered a second batch of PCB protos including: ISO only; ANSI only and 1.2mm.
We'll make a number of small changes in the design and order a 2nd prototype board soon.
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1st post updated with a sound check video.
We've ordered a second batch of PCB protos including: ISO only; ANSI only and 1.2mm.
We'll make a number of small changes in the design and order a 2nd prototype board soon.
just watched the video and saw the prototype album. Looks pretty streaky. Is that the anodization or just the rough machining you mentioned? I agree that the logo looks a bit too large IRL. I bet it feels amazing to type on though. Looking forward to the next revision.
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1st post updated with a sound check video.
We've ordered a second batch of PCB protos including: ISO only; ANSI only and 1.2mm.
We'll make a number of small changes in the design and order a 2nd prototype board soon.
just watched the video and saw the prototype album. Looks pretty streaky. Is that the anodization or just the rough machining you mentioned? I agree that the logo looks a bit too large IRL. I bet it feels amazing to type on though. Looking forward to the next revision.
It's mostly to do with the machining, which to be honest, is pretty bad. It was done locally to save time and it served its purpose, which is to let us know that the design works.
I also wanted for the logo to be smaller but that was beyond the capacity of the CNC shop I worked with. The next prototype, outsourced to a Chinese factory, will be much much more quality-focused and hopefully will give us the confidence to move into the GB phase.
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Really digging the design, classy and elegant!
Also love the fact that you're working with charity, keep up the good work,
Very interested in seeing how things develop
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You have my undivided attention because this **** gone be good
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thanks for changing the USB port to type C :p
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Very excited to see the GB for this. Owning a TKL with a sub-7° angle would be amazing.
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at first glance I don't think the logo is too large. I think it gives off that impression when it lights up.
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Interested to see how the mounting style does. Like the look of the board, but maybe the logo width and circles needs a little tweaking? It's hard to get it to look good both with and without LEDs.
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will the pcbs be green? Or is that only for the proto?
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New round of PCBs came in, with fixed ANSI and ISO support in 1.2mm and 1.6mm form factor. We'll be doing further testing and continue to work on the second case protoype.
(https://i.imgur.com/UnyI6bt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/y7wp45q.jpg)
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Love it! Also the idea so far for the LEDs shining up the logo is incrLEDible :thumb:
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Love it! Also the idea so far for the LEDs shining up the logo is incrLEDible :)) :thumb:
See what you did there ;D ;D
We've been typing on the 1.2mm PCB and decided that it may be too bouncy and unstable. Apparently there's a limit to this PCB mount mechanism. We understand it may appeal to some who like it extra flexy, so the 1.2mm option may still be available in the final buy.
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Video sounds amazing. Will be following this closely.
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nice. interested.
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interesting! Im in!
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This looks fantastic! Will it be FCFS or raffle? Kind of hoping for raffle.
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I’m really excited for this one!
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Definitely interested--very cool.
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*Clicks sound test video*
Hears: "SNAP!!!"
I yell in the middle of the night, waking everyone up, " DO NOT DUCKING SNAP AT ME!"
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plateless so good. cant wait for this.
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going to sound like nice dark chocolate :cool:
also just noticed unit count, lol... I think one particular board is going to be worth tenfold
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Very very interesting. Nice design, very clean overall - looking forward to this
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Awesome looking case, plateless, some of the proceeds go to charity, sounds like a win win to me! Fingers crossed I can get in on this one & GL with this project!
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Pcb mount all the things!
Best of luck Mechlovin' team!
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I know Mechlovin is busy with other projects, but I can't wait for Session 1
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Very nice. So the typing angle is 6.9 degrees. How tall is the front height?
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Very nice. So the typing angle is 6.9 degrees. How tall is the front height?
Of course it is just not 7in huh...
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give me a fine session 1 please
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People love Geehy clones and hate footprint for DFU mode ?