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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: reticent on Fri, 14 May 2021, 01:54:10

Title: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: reticent on Fri, 14 May 2021, 01:54:10
WE'RE GOING TO GROUP BUY  :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:


(1/31/21 Update)

Hello all, I hope everyone had a good New Year and wishing everyone a good Lunar New Year! It’s been a while but I’m happy to announce that the Group Buy for Nascent will be starting on February 21st. Details for the Group Buy are listed below:
Kit Includes:
The biggest change is moving to full Cerakote, with the issue being I couldn’t find a good enough anodization shop. I know I also promised custom colors for a select few units but with how difficult it is to gauge how a certain Cerakote color would look like without physically seeing the color on a swatch, it would be too hard logistics-wise in satisfying the people who got the custom color units. Therefore, kbye and I decided to fully omit the custom colors option.

Anyways, it’s been a long time coming, and I’m glad this is finally moving on Group Buy phase. Please look forward to it!

Build Stream
This keyboard is not possible without the help of the hobbyists here in Alberta, and I'm proud to have Firewire, a local streamer show off the production version for a build stream!

Build Stream Here on February 3 at 7pm MST (https://www.twitch.tv/itsfirewire)


Updated Overview/Results of First IC (10/08/21)
The most prominent change from the first IC was that people wanted more neutral colors instead of the blue/green. 75 units will then be anodized black/clear (silver), 15 units will be Cerakoted. This and the higher number of units will also help with the price, bringing it down to a target price of 325CAD for the anodized version. Cerakoted units will still be at the target price of 375CAD unfortunately. No longer valid, every surface finish available will be Cerakote.

The next biggest change is switching from polycarbonate to FR-4 plate for the optional plate. My goal for this keyboard is to be plateless and I found that FR4 sounded better anyways if you do use a plate. Furthermore, the Nascent is compatible with typical 65% tray mount plates so its easier to source a polycarbonate plate (i.e. KBDfans, etc.) than an FR-4 plate if anyone wants to experiment with it.

The third biggest change is that I will be running this with kbye from Studio Kestra. He is a good local friend of mine who has supported me with this project from designing the PCB, agreeing to use his storefront, and just giving insight and tips in general. Having someone who has Group Buy experience directly involved in the project will definitely be a boon.

[attachimg=16]
[attachimg=9]
[attachimg=10]
[attachimg=11]

Current Phase
Final production version is finished, photos taken, sent to a streamer for a build stream! We're going to group buy boys.


Overview
Nascent (adj.): coming or having recently come into existence.

Inspired by the 7V, the Zephyr, the JER-A06, the TX65, the AKI-S, my inability to win raffles, and my procrastination, the Nascent is a 65% keyboard that utilizes a leaf spring mounting system for those who:
I’m looking to see if people are interested in such a board and if I should pursue the project even further.

Layout
[attachimg=1]

No hotswap because soldering is easy and I believe in you.
No ISO for now, sorry.

Surface Finish
Two options for the colors with the green being undecided yet. Blue Titanium is confirmed but I'm not sure if everyone would like Moss since it's more olive green or the deeper more vibrant Highland Green. The Cerakote website has better photos of the colors listed below. I have switched a large portion of the planned units to anodized clear (silver) and black. This is to answer the request from a lot of people for more neutral colors and also to reduce price (375CAD -> 325CAD). However! I also kept a portion of the planned units as Cerakote but instead of the 3 colors below, any stock color can be requested. Note: I've only prototyped the three colors below though so I can't guarantee how good it would look like with other colors. We're going full Cerakote, I can't find any good anodization shops. Overall price down from 375CAD -> 365CAD.

[attach=2][attach=3][attach=4][attach=17][attach=18]

Cerakote Blue Titanium (https://www.cerakote.com/shop/cerakote-coating/H-185/blue-titanium)
Cerakote Moss (https://www.cerakote.com/shop/cerakote-coating/E-210/moss)
Cerakote Highland Green (https://www.cerakote.com/shop/cerakote-coating/H-200/highland-green)
Cerakote Satin Aluminum (https://www.cerakote.com/shop/cerakote-coating/H-151/satin-aluminum)
Cerakote Armor Black (https://www.cerakote.com/shop/cerakote-coating/H-190/armor-black)

Cerakoting will be done by a local shop so I can monitor surface finish better/send back units that fail QC easier.
These colors were chosen because they remind me of the Canadian Pacific Northwest vibe the most.


Round 4 Prototype (Production Version)
Photos taken by @jlai.keebs (https://www.instagram.com/jlai.keebs/). Check him out! Production Version is Moss with GMK Bleached and GMK Olive.

[attach=19][attach=20]
[attach=22][attach=21]
[attach=23][attach=24]

Round 3 Prototype
Uses a new manufacturer to fix some glaring issues that the manufacturer for the previous rounds couldn't get right and is going to be the manufacturer I'll be working with if this goes on Group Buy. Production will have QoL minor changes like a longer JST cable, etc. Last two photos of Highland Green built by AidenHero.

[attach=5][attach=6]
[attach=12]
[attach=25]
[attach=26]

Round 2 Prototypes
Units were sent to friends to get their feedback. First photo shown are Blue Titanium and Moss in daylight taken using a Google Pixel 4a. Blue Titanium built by kbye. Moss built by Avi.

[attach=7][attach=8]
[attach=13][attach=14]

Round 1 Prototype
Too scuffed to show and I'm shy.


Discord
kbye has graciously agreed to let me host this board's project log on his server Studio Kestra. This keyboard is a separate entity from the Nue and is my project.

Click Here to join Studio Kestra (https://discord.gg/Sv9a37n)

Closing Thoughts
I’m posting this with a geekhack account with <10 posts (I’m more active on Discord), so I get the skepticism, but I hope that this IC shows my commitment to this project.

Special thanks to:Stay safe everyone and please look forward to it.
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: reticent on Fri, 14 May 2021, 02:16:49
Reserved, I guess.

Changelog:
10/08/21 - Big update on group buy plans, new photos for Round 2 prototypes and Round 3 prototype.
01/31/22 - New photos, finalized group buy plans, build stream on February 3! Got rid of anodization coz I can't find a good anodization shop, we going full Cerakote.
02/01/22 - Added some other photos of previous builds by friends.
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: kbye on Fri, 14 May 2021, 02:28:50
Love the olive green cerakote. Great project that has been in the works for a while, GLWIC!
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: $W4GK!NG on Fri, 14 May 2021, 02:40:34
A very nice price point for a 65% with no weight but daughterboard, also pcb mount ftw, tho I'm not sure how leaf spring it is going to be with the small amount of movement area but I'm very interested!! GLWIC

Edit: also thank you for no hotswap so people actually learn to solder for once
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: misswaffle on Fri, 14 May 2021, 02:59:58
Really lovely project! I always enjoy seeing designs from fellow Canadians and will definitely be following this. I'm also a big fan of the cerakote shades chosen, particularly that blue. GLWIC!
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: AstralYT on Fri, 14 May 2021, 06:20:48
Oooof I am gonna cry if I loose the raffle.

Sent from my Redmi Note 7 Pro using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: Ranger_Trivette on Fri, 14 May 2021, 06:34:06
are you sure about the leaf design of the pcb?
this doesn't seem a good idea to me :-X
won't it break after a while?
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: Coby on Fri, 14 May 2021, 06:45:29
 I love everything about this board :p would have love the v1 proto chamfers but its oki  :thumb:
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: Coby on Fri, 14 May 2021, 06:49:50
Quote from: Ranger_Trivette on Fri, 14 May 2021, 06:34:06
are you sure about the leaf design of the pcb?
this doesn't seem a good idea to me :-X
won't it break after a while?

If you place excessive pressure yea....but if you use it with normal force it won’t ;)
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: godzillq25 on Fri, 14 May 2021, 07:32:57
man thats alot of screws on the bottom, is there a design reason, coz it seems u should be good with 6-8 rather than 12
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: o3okevin on Fri, 14 May 2021, 07:50:10
lets go
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: reticent on Fri, 14 May 2021, 07:59:07
Quote from: kbye on Fri, 14 May 2021, 02:28:50
Love the olive green cerakote. Great project that has been in the works for a while, GLWIC!


Thanks man! It's been a long time coming. Ironic since the name is nascent haha

Quote from: $W4GK!NG on Fri, 14 May 2021, 02:40:34
A very nice price point for a 65% with no weight but daughterboard, also pcb mount ftw, tho I'm not sure how leaf spring it is going to be with the small amount of movement area but I'm very interested!! GLWIC

Edit: also thank you for no hotswap so people actually learn to solder for once

Thank you for checking it out! There's 1mm of clearance from PCB to alu. It seems like very little, but FR4 is a pretty stiff material and I've only seen it hit the aluminum when pressing really hard on it very close to the mounting point.

Quote from: misswaffle on Fri, 14 May 2021, 02:59:58
Really lovely project! I always enjoy seeing designs from fellow Canadians and will definitely be following this. I'm also a big fan of the cerakote shades chosen, particularly that blue. GLWIC!

Thanks waffle! Let's hope people are too as well lmao

Quote from: AstralYT on Fri, 14 May 2021, 06:20:48
Oooof I am gonna cry if I loose the raffle.

Sent from my Redmi Note 7 Pro using Tapatalk



I'm not sure if I'll go raffle or FCFS yet. It will be open sourced as well in the end so if you don't get it, there's always the option to make your own  ;)

Quote from: Ranger_Trivette on Fri, 14 May 2021, 06:34:06
are you sure about the leaf design of the pcb?
this doesn't seem a good idea to me :-X
won't it break after a while?

FR4 is a pretty stiff material so I think it's fine. I mean if you smash a top mount alu hard enough, it'll bend as well. I've been daily driving the same PCB since early 2021 with no worries.

Quote from: Coby on Fri, 14 May 2021, 06:45:29
I love everything about this board :p would have love the v1 proto chamfers but its oki  :thumb:

Thanks man! Reason for changing is because I like to rest my pinkie on the edges and want a more rounded edges to rest it on lol

Quote from: godzillq25 on Fri, 14 May 2021, 07:32:57
man thats alot of screws on the bottom, is there a design reason, coz it seems u should be good with 6-8 rather than 12

It could honestly get away with 8 screws but I bumped it up to 12 to keep it symmetrical and to pay a little homage to the Zephyr, a board that stuck out to me when I was starting out.
[attach=1]

Quote from: o3okevin on Fri, 14 May 2021, 07:50:10
lets go

Yessir let's go let's goooooo
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: GaNeBaL on Fri, 14 May 2021, 08:18:48
nice bord
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: kumori on Fri, 14 May 2021, 08:29:58
looks sick :thumb:
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: Draxion on Fri, 14 May 2021, 09:34:25
I want
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: MIGHTY CHICKEN on Fri, 14 May 2021, 10:10:01
Really loving what I'm seeing here!
Title: Re: Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: jabe8i on Fri, 14 May 2021, 10:54:11
Quote from: Ranger_Trivette on Fri, 14 May 2021, 06:34:06
are you sure about the leaf design of the pcb?
this doesn't seem a good idea to me :-X
won't it break after a while?
Isn't FR4 the main material used in pcbs? It's durable enough to be a common plate material so dont see a problem with it.
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: treeleaf64 on Fri, 14 May 2021, 12:18:52
I'm not a Plateless lover  I can apprecaiten when people do something nice .  It doesn't have a weight  but given the cerakote and machining intricacy it is not the worst value.

I chose the brown color to write this message because all treeleaves originate from the Saplings. which grow in the Dirt.
 The dirt in the Treeleaf's Forest is very nutritious for the young saplings. Which form the collective entity of the    T R E E L E A F
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: asciisii on Fri, 14 May 2021, 12:34:53
im in
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: StingrayShuffle on Fri, 14 May 2021, 13:58:40
Definitely in. Nice work Reti!
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: mrkevint on Fri, 14 May 2021, 15:52:17
I'm definitely interested in this keyboard.

I'm a big fan of PCB-mount boards. My JER-A06 and G80s are my favourites. I also appreciate clean and no-nonsense designs.

Good luck with your interest check. Cheers from a fellow Albertan!
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: reticent on Sat, 15 May 2021, 10:45:36
Thanks for the support everyone and for those who've filled the IC as well! Reddit IC post should be incoming soon. I'm thinking of sending out the 3rd prototype to a streamer to review so if you have any suggestions, please let me know :thumb:


Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: finalarcadia on Sat, 15 May 2021, 11:05:01
Cool project. I suggest less screws, just looks more dated.
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: godofdeath on Sat, 15 May 2021, 19:54:34
Aw it has seams in the mid

Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: Que7797 on Mon, 17 May 2021, 15:16:28
Looking good so far. My personal preference would also be less case screws, but in any case more PCB Mount boards are always a good thing!

GLWIC!

Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65%
Post by: genevatypes on Mon, 14 June 2021, 03:00:11
I understand the theme of the keyboard, regarding the Canadian Pacific Northwest, but the colors are too punchy for my taste.
I like the keycaps to do the work. Maybe having one or two color options silver, grey, or black? If that doesnt happen, I'm more than happy to pick up a blue titanium board, but that would be just my two cents to have more people be interested in this board since the colors are more personal to you.
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 10/09/21)
Post by: reticent on Tue, 10 August 2021, 02:22:01
Bump! Just updated with new plans for the group buy. Lowering the price to be even more accessible while also keeping the Cerakote option for those that want it was tough but hopefully this should be a nice middle ground. Let me know what you all think with the new IC.
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 10/08/21)
Post by: Reindeer on Tue, 10 August 2021, 17:02:06
Looks good!

glwic
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 10/08/21)
Post by: Complexsy on Tue, 10 August 2021, 19:06:38
Love the board! Low angle boards are hard to come by as of late so its very nice to see. Hopefully this first run goes well so more vendors from other regions can offer this and a larger MOQ to keep costs down. Good luck!
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 10/08/21)
Post by: reticent on Wed, 11 August 2021, 10:07:38
Quote from: Reindeer on Tue, 10 August 2021, 17:02:06
Looks good!

glwic

Thanks man!

Quote from: Complexsy on Tue, 10 August 2021, 19:06:38
Love the board! Low angle boards are hard to come by as of late so its very nice to see. Hopefully this first run goes well so more vendors from other regions can offer this and a larger MOQ to keep costs down. Good luck!

Low angle boards are definitely hard to come by. One of the reasons why I decided to make my own haha. I honestly haven't even considered an R2 with more vendors and a lower price, baby steps for me :P
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 10/08/21)
Post by: bobgr8 on Fri, 13 August 2021, 16:47:07
looks very nice! GL
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) BUILD STREAM FEB 3
Post by: reticent on Mon, 31 January 2022, 14:15:49
Updated with new photos, build stream, updated price, and finally GB date. Let's frickin' go.
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: o3okevin on Mon, 31 January 2022, 14:24:33
poggers
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: asciisii on Mon, 31 January 2022, 14:28:22
glhf
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: GFWD on Wed, 02 February 2022, 19:12:39
I am ready. Moss green continues to be my favorite.
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: Nonnegaard on Thu, 03 February 2022, 07:09:29
thats kinda hot.
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: reticent on Fri, 04 February 2022, 18:42:40
Quote from: o3okevin on Mon, 31 January 2022, 14:24:33
poggers
poggers to you to Kevin

Quote from: asciisii on Mon, 31 January 2022, 14:28:22
glhf

 :cool: you know it bro, thanks for the support man!

Quote from: GFWD on Wed, 02 February 2022, 19:12:39
I am ready. Moss green continues to be my favorite.

Honestly same, Moss is still my favourite color.

Quote from: Nonnegaard on Thu, 03 February 2022, 07:09:29
thats kinda hot.

no u  :cool:

Thanks everyone who tuned in for the stream! I'm gonna work with Firewire to get a proper typing test on Youtube so I can embed it to this post.
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: GFWD on Thu, 10 February 2022, 12:29:30
I watched the build stream and the board looks great!

I also just found (and watched) the build stream VOD highlights on Firewire's Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/Qc9O_gj5xR8 (https://youtu.be/Qc9O_gj5xR8)

Nice to have the shorter summary video to watch, thanks Firewire!
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: Keeblet_257 on Thu, 10 February 2022, 12:45:40
thats a lot of screws
btw "my inability to win raffles" I feel you, welcome to the club
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: ylothar on Thu, 10 February 2022, 15:20:36
Very very beautiful board and very concrete.

I will not participate but only because there is no ISO support: GLWGB :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: Kinesiologist on Sat, 12 February 2022, 21:28:19
so cute
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: GFWD on Mon, 14 February 2022, 15:54:28
The Nascent was on BlackSimon's IC/GB stream: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1297885439?t=00h25m04s
 (https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1297885439?t=00h25m04s)
for those that might want to hear his thoughts.
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: Belled on Mon, 14 February 2022, 19:02:20
I like the choice with not adding a weight
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: vkeycaps on Tue, 15 February 2022, 06:00:57
I love when PCB has it's own design. Although you wouldn't see it most of the time.
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: hkhawk on Tue, 15 February 2022, 17:10:29
What is the final typing angle?
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: reticent on Thu, 17 February 2022, 18:46:37
Quote from: GFWD on Thu, 10 February 2022, 12:29:30
I watched the build stream and the board looks great!

I also just found (and watched) the build stream VOD highlights on Firewire's Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/Qc9O_gj5xR8 (https://youtu.be/Qc9O_gj5xR8)

Nice to have the shorter summary video to watch, thanks Firewire!

thank you so much for the support dude honestly. Firewire did a great job, I owe him dinner one day haha!

Quote from: Keeblet_257 on Thu, 10 February 2022, 12:45:40
thats a lot of screws
btw "my inability to win raffles" I feel you, welcome to the club

All screwholes are beautiful. And yeah, honestly, why buy aftermarket when I can spend it on prototyping instead because I can never win any raffles? lmao

Quote from: ylothar on Thu, 10 February 2022, 15:20:36
Very very beautiful board and very concrete.

I will not participate but only because there is no ISO support: GLWGB :thumb:

Honestly yeah, the amount of people that wanted ISO support based on the IC was just too low to justify an ISO PCB. Making the PCB both ANSI/ISO made it difficult since this is supposed to be built plateless.

Quote from: Belled on Mon, 14 February 2022, 19:02:20
I like the choice with not adding a weight

Thank you! I like to actually bring my boards around without breaking my back. Even the massive cut on the back was to reduce the weight even further.

Quote from: vkeycaps on Tue, 15 February 2022, 06:00:57
I love when PCB has it's own design. Although you wouldn't see it most of the time.

I do too. it's a treat to see whenever I exchange the keycaps for something else.

Quote from: hkhawk on Tue, 15 February 2022, 17:10:29
What is the final typing angle?

Final typing angle is 4.75degrees!
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: GFWD on Tue, 22 February 2022, 11:34:54
So excited I got one of these in "moss".

Firewire keyboards also released a typing test video: https://youtu.be/UROVIpm2xNg (https://youtu.be/UROVIpm2xNg)
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: Cherizo on Wed, 23 February 2022, 11:43:10
In for Highland Green! It'll probably arrive before my GMK Botanical 2 set does. Excited for this board - thanks so much for making it.
Title: Re: [IC] Nascent | PCB Mounted Leafspring 65% (Updated 01/31/22) GB Announcement
Post by: GFWD on Fri, 25 February 2022, 10:54:40
Apiary and Alexotos took a look at the Nascent on their group buy review last night:

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1406933035?t=1h7m30s (https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1406933035?t=1h7m30s)