(https://i.imgur.com/9a9p8JQ.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/g2n1SY1.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/lirDxdv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BIibXoO.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/jORufQM.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/ja0sTCW.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/SGinRlv.jpg)
DesignThe BMEK design is unique in a number of ways.
First and foremost it sports an HHKB-style layout combined with the ergonomically rotated center clusters similar to Alice-likes.
We also keep (a version of) the macro-keys on the left from the Alice-like layout.
However, the key-placement was redone from scratch, changing some of the (to my mind) awkward key placements inherited from the original EM7 layout, such as the stepped bottom row modifiers.
Another design principle was symmetry. The case is symmetric along it’s vertical center axis, and the key layout conforms to this symmetry:
The opposing homing keys and opposing outer-most keys have the same distance to the center of the case.
BMEK further differs from your typical Alice-like with it’s more aggressive looking outline.
The top and side edges follow the key layout instead of being square, which (to my knowledge) hasn't been done previously, either.
(https://i.imgur.com/1hq1c7S.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/2qx2Bvk.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/MTbewck.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/Gdelhgl.jpg)
AssemblyIt’s a high profile case with top-mounted assembly.
There is an option to fasten the PCB to the top case when using the hot-swap PCB (a solder-only PCB will also be available).
The typing angle is 6 degrees, the center clusters are rotated inwards by 10 degrees.
The distance from the plate/switches from the ground is kept as low as possible.
The bottom case can house a non-cosmetic weight (i.e., it’s not visible from the outside).
A fully assembled case (with weight, PCB, Plate Switches and Keycaps) comes in at 1855g.
(https://i.imgur.com/zs9wcPN.jpg)
Layout Options & PlateThere are four layout options (keyboard layout editor (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/b874dcf155a1f80ea85f86f8f8786ef9)), all supported with both plate styles:
- 2U backspace VS Split backspace
- 2.75u right shift VS split right shift
- 2.75u spacebar VS 2.25u spacebar (both left and right half)
- 2.25u left shift vs ISO-style split left-shift
Layout Options:
(https://i.imgur.com/XuFxwth.png)
Regular Plate:
(https://i.imgur.com/u5vPtu2.png)
Flex/Half-Plate:
(https://i.imgur.com/4stoRy2.png)
Note that all layout options will be available both on the hotswap and the solder PCB.
However, when assembling the hotswap PCB, you'll have to decide for which layout to configure the hotswap sockets.
(i.e. just like with layout options for the switches, the socket footprints overlap with some offset).BlockerThe original concept for the BMEK was to use 2x2.75u spacebars (for the symmetry).
While I wanted to keep this option, the reality is that spacebar kits often just include 1x2.75u and 1x2.25u.
The blocker fills the gap when using a 2.25u spacebar instead of a 2.75u spacebar. It can be used on either side.
The blocker is designed to go just up to the chamfer of the inner edge of the top case.
This leaves the original symmetric lines of the high profile case in tact while filling the missing gap nicely:
(https://i.imgur.com/w27e1IE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lirDxdv.jpg)
Personally, I've started to like the look quite a bit.
Bottom SideThe bottom side features an engraved "BMR" Bemeier Logo and 4 10mm diameter recesses for rubber feet (which are included):
(https://i.imgur.com/dGr0CqT.png)
PCB- QMK / VIA Support!
- USB-C (full usb-c to usb-c support)
- ESD Protection (thanks to help from ai03!)
- 2 Versions: Hotswap & Solder
- Color: good-old green soldermask
- 6 optional LEDs for various indicators & cosmetic effects
- Depending on the layout options, you will require 4-6 2U PCB mounted stabilizers.
(https://i.imgur.com/kUrYCUo.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/YCao9M6.jpg)
ManufacturingWe’re using 3DHubs (https://www.3dhubs.com/) for the of machining case, plates and bottom weights. Turns out they are not much more expensive than quotes I’ve gotten from manufacturers in China (at least for someone like me without deep connections into the manufacturing scene there). They are also a good fit for me as a single person running this group buy: They have a good way of handling QC disputes, and all costs are know upfront (there will be no surprises with import taxes for me, etc). What's more, we're using the
3DHubs Sample Verification Program, which means that we'll get another set of prototypes from the factory that is producing the final run which we can review for quality & fit before the rest of the batch will be manufactured.
3DHubs also really fits with the spirit of the “Making Stuff Together” & Open Source heritage of this project. It is really easy for individuals to use their service to produce copies of BMEK parts (or derivatives). Of course, single parts are expensive (in particular CNC parts), but I guess it’s nice to know that you have that option :).
The same is true for the PCBs. All files and instructions will be made available, so you could just order the PCB yourself from JLCPCB or similar suppliers.
RendersCheck out the IC thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107203.msg2926447) for more renders