(https://i.imgur.com/ALMN0Kq.jpg)
Interest Check Form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10w1cRPxJuy58cJq5aYoWLOoiQoycVIDTl671aO0-9CQ/edit)
UpdatesMore
22.5.2021 Based on feedback from the IC form and from the comments here, I updated the layout to support an encoder in either the macro column or the nav cluster, and I also added split right shift support. I also decided to not include the encoder and knob in every kit, but instead make it an optional addon. See pricing section for more details.
IntroHello everyone,
This is a project that started as a personal thing roughly 5 months ago, and after having multiple people express interest, I decided to post an IC. It's inspired by the likes of the Discipline and Mysterium from CFTKB.
Please note that photos are of a prototype and some things have since been changed for revision 2. The renders show the final version.
More prototype photos:More
(https://i.imgur.com/tIDmWE9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FWGAR1u.jpg)
FeaturesIt consists of an FR4 bottom plate, the PCB and an FR4 Switchplate, supports only MX Style switches, both PCB and plate mount.
The kit would include everything needed to build it, including a metal knob and an encoder, acrylic guard for the forehead, acrylic angling feet and a 0.91" 128x32 oled display.
OLED position on the final version can be seen here:
More
(https://i.imgur.com/Y7VHwk8.png)
What's been changed since the first prototype?* Removed the small IO expander chip as I've managed to make everything fit without it
* Moved the encoder into the nav cluster
* USB port is now centered
The LayoutWhen deciding on the layout I drew inspiration from Protozoa Studio's Foundation (http://protozoa.studio).
There's a macro column on the left side, options for standard/tsangan bottom row, stepped/regular caps lock, split/regular backspace and ANSI/ISO.
Only one encoder at a time is supported.
(https://i.imgur.com/iUpLTZZ.png)
Old Layout:
More
(https://i.imgur.com/m5LhhWq.png)
Color optionsThere will only be one colorway available at this time, unless I get a lot more interest than I expect. That colorway being
Black FR4 substrate with Clear soldermask.
Big thanks to dudeship for the renders.
(https://i.imgur.com/lWn0Vwf.jpg)
More
(https://i.imgur.com/admW1Ke.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/GeJnRRQ.png)
I chose this colorway because I think it fits in quite well into the exposed electronics theme with the visible copper traces, plus it's pretty unique.
Target Pricing and MOQ95 without shipping and taxes for the whole kit without a knob, with an 8€ optional metal knob.
This is not set in stone, if there's enough interest I may increase the MOQ to lower prices a bit.
With the black FR4 and clear soldermask comes an MOQ of 150 to make it somewhat reasonably priced.
Open SourceI doubt the design files would be of much use to many people, as the PCB was designed in Altium, however I'll consider making the Gerber files available on GitHub after the Group Buy (if I make it to that stage)
How to keep up with updates?I'll post updates both here and on my discord: discord.xeon.works (http://discord.xeon.works)
Huge thanks to: dudeship for doing the renders
thanks to ecto from Protozoa (https://protozoa.studio/) for being supportive of this project
sigprof in the QMK Discord server for helping me figure out an obscure error with flashing the ATMEGA32A
4pplet for his awesome Altium library (https://github.com/4pplet/Altium-Keeb-lib)
coseyfannitutti for making the Mysterium, which was the keyboard that inspired me to pursue this project