geekhack

geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: mikestah on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:05:59

Title: [OUTDATED][IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: mikestah on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:05:59
>New IC Here< (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=114419.0)

Old IC
More

Novus 60

(https://i.imgur.com/mU8B8OM.png)


>IC Form Link< (https://forms.gle/8igLvwHetpVTiSTy7)
IC form closed, thank you for the responses  :D


Introduction


Our goal with the Novus is to develop an addictingly pure typing experience. The Novus utilizes a traditional top mounted plate to
ensure that each keystroke will feel raw and satisfying. The case design is simple but aesthetic, and it is sure to match any setup.
Oh, and it comes in a neato plum color in case you want it to catch the eye.



(https://i.imgur.com/mXyW9J3.png)(https://i.imgur.com/x2BKZCv.jpg)


Specifications


Disclaimer: We will be ordering our first prototype soon


Keyboard
  • 60% keyboard
  • Top mount
  • 5° typing angle
  • 6061 aluminum
  • WK only
  • Plum, Jet Black, and Dark Gray colorways
PCB
  • High-quality solderable ANSI PCB
  • Support for split backspace, stepped caps lock, and 7u and 6.25u spacebars
  • Center-placed USB-C, no RGB lighting
  • QMK and VIA support
  • Designed by Cutie Club (http://cutieclub.cc/)
Plate
  • Support for split backspace, stepped caps lock, and 7u and 6.25u spacebars
  • Available in polypropylene, aluminum, and sandblasted brass

Color Matching

More

Colors in renders are likely not accurate to the real product. Colors on the real product will be matched to the following:

(https://i.imgur.com/J3kVKwh.png)(https://i.imgur.com/RmRAuCO.png)(https://i.imgur.com/8lq4Fs9.png)




(https://i.imgur.com/zaTYM52.jpg)


Pricing


Limited to 50 A-Stock
Shipping to US and Canada only

Base Kit (Under $315)
  • Top and bottom case
  • Polypropylene plate (black)
  • Custom PCB (black)
  • Screws
  • Clear bumpons
  • EVA case foam

Extras/options pricing is TBD



Renders

(https://i.imgur.com/Q0RTyRo.jpg)

>Additional renders can be found here< (https://imgur.com/a/FisJM9e)

Renders by @jaekeyed (https://www.instagram.com/jaekeyed/)


About us


We are a team of four designers that are passionate about creating a superior keyboarding experience. Admittedly, we are new to the scene,
hence why our first keyboard is named Novus (from the Latin for "new"). But don't be fooled, no part of this design has been rushed —
every single aspect has been thoughtfully designed. We understand we have a lot to prove, but we hope to exceed every expectation.

Contacts

More

Michael
  • Discord: mikestah#5011
  • Geekhack: mikestah
Rob
  • Discord: rob#6969
  • Geekhack: niorob
Xavier
  • Discord: XMan#7120
  • Geekhack: Thoughtfork
Mcstarcoin
  • Discord: Mcstarcoin#6889
Instagram: @novus_60 (https://www.instagram.com/novus_60/?hl=en)





Stay updated!


Join us in our Discord server (https://discord.gg/PNuzDfGuh2) to stay updated about the Novus and to provide additional feedback.
(Yes, we know you're probably already in a million Discords, but it’s the easiest way for us to keep you guys updated)

Oh, and anything and everything is subject to change.

Changelog/Updates

More

Apr 7 2021
  • Interest check opened! Please leave your feedback  :D




[/move]
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Thoughtfork on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:06:43
[Reserved]
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Baka Bot on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:17:48
this looks really nice, ne proto avail?
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Rafa_n on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:26:11
please no mounting points right under the spacebar
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Thoughtfork on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:28:06
Quote from: Baka Bot on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:17:48
this looks really nice, ne proto avail?

We understand the importance of the prototype, we will be ordering one in the next two weeks.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: kdam39 on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:36:02
Looks nice. Looking forward to your first proto
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Thoughtfork on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:39:24
Quote from: Rafa_n on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:26:11
please no mounting points right under the spacebar
That has definitely been a concern of ours. We will adjust our design as necessary after we receive the prototype.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: ilikerustoo on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:01:29
Quote from: Rafa_n on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:26:11
please no mounting points right under the spacebar

Agreed
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: ilikerustoo on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:07:00
No split right shift support?
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Thoughtfork on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:35:34
Quote from: ilikerustoo on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:07:00
No split right shift support?
We don't plan on supporting a split right shift, sorry.  :(
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Chippy on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:42:57
This looks nice but I feel like it needs something to stand out.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: SDKCAMPING on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:50:56
I have to agree with Chippy, While it may be a fine and simple board it just seems really boring. It uses standard 6061, has spacebar mounting point, seams, and is as rectangular as it gets. Good luck with the project, but the only remarkable thing I see is that the price is cheaper than most custom boards nowadays, but even then the kbdfans Tf v2 is basically the same concept but a little cheaper and has a weight.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Visionaire on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:55:38
Quote from: Thoughtfork on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:35:34
Quote from: ilikerustoo on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:07:00
No split right shift support?
We don't plan on supporting a split right shift, sorry.  :(

wat
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: SDKCAMPING on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:58:46
Quote from: Visionaire on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:55:38
Quote from: Thoughtfork on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:35:34
Quote from: ilikerustoo on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:07:00
No split right shift support?
We don't plan on supporting a split right shift, sorry.  :(

wat

Holy , just noticed that too.really, good luck with IC now I think it could really come in handy!!
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Thoughtfork on Thu, 08 April 2021, 16:05:54
Quote from: SDKCAMPING on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:58:46
Quote from: Visionaire on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:55:38
Quote from: Thoughtfork on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:35:34
Quote from: ilikerustoo on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:07:00
No split right shift support?
We don't plan on supporting a split right shift, sorry.  :(

wat

Holy , just noticed that too.really, good luck with IC now I think it could really come in handy!!

Sorry, we didn't mean to trivialize your feedback. Split right shift is definitely something we can do, we just honestly didn't expect there to be a demand.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: dededecline on Thu, 08 April 2021, 16:13:19
Quote from: Thoughtfork on Thu, 08 April 2021, 16:05:54
Quote from: SDKCAMPING on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:58:46
Quote from: Visionaire on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:55:38
Quote from: Thoughtfork on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:35:34
Quote from: ilikerustoo on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:07:00
No split right shift support?
We don't plan on supporting a split right shift, sorry.  :(

wat

Holy , just noticed that too.really, good luck with IC now I think it could really come in handy!!

Sorry, we didn't mean to trivialize your feedback. Split right shift is definitely something we can do, we just honestly didn't expect there to be a demand.

Split right shift is probably one of the most popular layout choices in 60%. The fact that you're surprised by demand for this honestly does not reflect, as new designers who admit to being new to the community, that you're ready to run a keyboard group buy. Very basic research of 60% keyboards would reflect this preference.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Baka Bot on Thu, 08 April 2021, 17:06:32
Quote from: Thoughtfork on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:39:24
Quote from: Rafa_n on Thu, 08 April 2021, 14:26:11
please no mounting points right under the spacebar
That has definitely been a concern of ours. We will adjust our design as necessary after we receive the prototype.
good to know you are already moving towards a prototype, glwic
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: NoxNoxNox on Thu, 08 April 2021, 22:03:35
Split shift is pretty much mandatory for most power 60% users.  I would strongly, strongly, urge you to add support for it.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: YMwoo on Thu, 08 April 2021, 23:39:56
Quote from: SDKCAMPING on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:50:56
I have to agree with Chippy, While it may be a fine and simple board it just seems really boring. It uses standard 6061, has spacebar mounting point, seams, and is as rectangular as it gets. Good luck with the project, but the only remarkable thing I see is that the price is cheaper than most custom boards nowadays, but even then the kbdfans Tf v2 is basically the same concept but a little cheaper and has a weight.

Same here. In fact, if I just saw the render without any context and I didn't pay attention to the details, I'd definitely think it's a tofu render.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Oggi on Fri, 09 April 2021, 05:11:08
How can you say you're including foam in the kit if you don't know what it sounds like without it???
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: clonetropboi on Fri, 09 April 2021, 09:19:51
Wouldnt recommend putting a mounting point under the spacebar. If you havent ordered a proto yet, then you might want to change that before you do so.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: NovaRMK on Fri, 09 April 2021, 09:31:33
Nice.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Nerdbot5000 on Sat, 10 April 2021, 16:55:32
Low(ish) angle 60%? I am interested. What is the front height?
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Thoughtfork on Mon, 12 April 2021, 14:56:33
Quote from: Nerdbot5000 on Sat, 10 April 2021, 16:55:32
Low(ish) angle 60%? I am interested. What is the front height?
Real front height is 20.5 mm
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Ustinj on Mon, 12 April 2021, 16:54:46
Quote from: Thoughtfork on Mon, 12 April 2021, 14:56:33
Quote from: Nerdbot5000 on Sat, 10 April 2021, 16:55:32
Low(ish) angle 60%? I am interested. What is the front height?
Real front height is 20.5 mm


That is kind of thick. I do partly agree with the other comments that the board could use something to make it more unique / appealing. I imagine a lower <17 front height could set it apart, while keeping the current aesthetic.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Que7797 on Tue, 13 April 2021, 00:29:10
Have to echo many of the same observations already expressed:

- Mounting point under the spacebar jumped out right away. Designers generally try to avoid mounting the plate in this area for multiple reasons, the least of which to make the spacebar feel and sound more forgiving.

- Split Right Shift is a widely accepted as a standard variation for 60% layouts. I dare say even moreso than split backspace, but my personal preference is probably clouding my opinion here.

- Front height above 19mm. I prefer a lower front case height, but again this is personal preference. ymmv.

- Any consideration for WKL top?

Other than that, it looks like a nice simple design and entry into custom mechanical keyboards. Looking forward to a proto and seeing how the project progresses from there.

GLWIC!
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: tex_live_utility on Tue, 13 April 2021, 21:18:31
Quote from: Chippy on Thu, 08 April 2021, 15:42:57
This looks nice but I feel like it needs something to stand out.

I disagree. More boring rectangles. Not everyone has one, and if someone (like the two of us) already owns 5 boring rectangles then they can stay out of the GB so other people can get their 1st boring rectangle.

That said, I agree bigtime that no split right shift is weird. 20.5mm front isn't the worst (plenty of good keyboards have fronts in the low 20mm range), and neither is a spacebar mounting point (LZ, Matrix). But the standards are definitely getting higher and I see no reason not to strive for better, unless it's a cost-saving measure that is passed on to buyers in the form of a lower GB price.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Jefff on Tue, 13 April 2021, 23:45:59
What's the price point you aim to sell at?
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Jefff on Wed, 14 April 2021, 00:00:14
The typing experience on this board will probably feel just like other tray mount 60s with a brass plate. Brass plates are so stiff the mounting style really doesn't matter much without MASSIVE flex cuts. I'd recommend either adding flex cuts all throughout the plate or perhaps offering half plates.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: audax989 on Wed, 14 April 2021, 06:35:06
its like you guys don't even type or use other keyboards when you made this.
Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: Nerdbot5000 on Wed, 14 April 2021, 13:01:44
I'd agree with wanting a lower front height, around 17mm would be nice to see. Regarding the plate, I honestly don't really care about flex and prefer simpler designs, but if you want to stand out or fully embrace the stiffness, it'd be cool to see a thick plate.

Title: Re: [IC] Novus 60 - 60% Keyboard
Post by: tex_live_utility on Wed, 14 April 2021, 20:25:06
Quote from: Jefff on Wed, 14 April 2021, 00:00:14
The typing experience on this board will probably feel just like other tray mount 60s with a brass plate. Brass plates are so stiff the mounting style really doesn't matter much without MASSIVE flex cuts. I'd recommend either adding flex cuts all throughout the plate or perhaps offering half plates.

When is the last time you typed on a tray mount? Top mount or gasket mount brass still feels and sounds better than tray, although 4-post tray can be pretty good if the case has enough mass.

Plus, plenty of GBs still have brass plates, so clearly plenty of people still enjoy them. Not personally my cup of tea, but that's fine.

Just slapping in a bunch of cuts doesn't necessarily make the keyboard better, either.