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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: liangalv on Wed, 25 August 2021, 15:48:14

Title: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: liangalv on Wed, 25 August 2021, 15:48:14
(https://i.imgur.com/Zg357b3.png)
Mona
Circle Website / Interest Check Form (https://notcircle.ca/)

Objective:
Mona originated as a case study on designing a 60% keyboard which exhibited both uncompromising quality and feature set. It seeks to bring hobbyist level features to the masses while maintaining an excellent entry price.

Features:
(https://i.imgur.com/QacYQUm.png)

Specifications:

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

Layouts:
Universal PCB
(https://i.imgur.com/bXFnRUa.png)

Hotswap PCB (TBD)
Due to the fixed nature of hotswap pcbs we've decided to determine the final layout via a popular vote on the interest check form. (So please give us some insight thanks!)


What to expect in the base kit:

Optional Add-ons:
Base Kit:Estimated to be around 200 USD


 
Shipping will originate from Canada.
Interest check will be live from 08/25/2021 to 10/08/2021. Please kindly fill out the form if you are interested (or not) as this will heavily influence the options available during the GB (ETA January). Once maximum production capacity is filled, the GB will close and production will follow.


For any private inquiries please feel free to send an email to <support@notcircle.ca>

Please follow our other socials for more frequent updates:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/definitelycircle/
Discord: https://discord.gg/RhxwAVgUBb


Gallery
(https://i.imgur.com/lGg5R0h.png)(https://i.imgur.com/HEHwyar.png)(https://i.imgur.com/Dv3oWbv.png)(https://i.imgur.com/y9ffW2u.png)(https://i.imgur.com/J1yO54s.png)(https://i.imgur.com/jOmOTMF.png)



Status / Timeline


Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: liangalv on Wed, 25 August 2021, 15:49:15
reserved
Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: FishyBuisnessmn on Wed, 25 August 2021, 15:59:48
Kinda slaps actually, hopefully the black circle on the bottom stays blank, because minimalism :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: Ustinj on Wed, 25 August 2021, 16:01:22
Interesting, looking forward to seeing how it's assembled. from what it looks like, the gummy worm only rests on the 4 corners, and the entire PCB is smaller than the plate assembly - seems like a new approach. Some questions out of curiosity:

- If the PCB is smaller  to accommodate for the corner mounting, will the bottom row of switches have all 4 corners sitting flush on the PCB, or will the switches be somewhat 'hanging' off the edge of the PCB? I see a cutout in the case that seems like it's for the PCB to fit deeper into the case, which looks like it's a good bit overlapping the switch cutouts.
- What's the distance distance from the PCB to the case bottom, and case bottom thickness, since ~13mm is insanely low and the last approach to reach <15mm it required a hole in the bottom case. Looks like case depth is only cut out away from the edges (so maybe a benefit of the PCB size..).

Clarification on the build process would be very much appreciated... my curiosity is piqued
Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, &quot;Gummy worm&quot; for $200?
Post by: darthcapn on Wed, 25 August 2021, 16:15:04
Interesting design. Glwic.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: pfcmickey on Wed, 25 August 2021, 19:00:37
Could you consider split spacebar? Or is it compatible with other pcbs such as the h60 from hiney?
Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: Chippy on Wed, 25 August 2021, 19:46:36
that chair render is incredible.
Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: niicao on Thu, 26 August 2021, 05:29:20
I would appreciate if u could explain better the mounting points for the o-ring on the corners of the case, I don't understand how u will make the o-ring rest on those corners without the pcb cuts
Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: liangalv on Thu, 26 August 2021, 15:24:46
I would appreciate if u could explain better the mounting points for the o-ring on the corners of the case, I don't understand how u will make the o-ring rest on those corners without the pcb cuts

Interesting, looking forward to seeing how it's assembled. from what it looks like, the gummy worm only rests on the 4 corners, and the entire PCB is smaller than the plate assembly - seems like a new approach. Some questions out of curiosity:

- If the PCB is smaller  to accommodate for the corner mounting, will the bottom row of switches have all 4 corners sitting flush on the PCB, or will the switches be somewhat 'hanging' off the edge of the PCB? I see a cutout in the case that seems like it's for the PCB to fit deeper into the case, which looks like it's a good bit overlapping the switch cutouts.
- What's the distance distance from the PCB to the case bottom, and case bottom thickness, since ~13mm is insanely low and the last approach to reach <15mm it required a hole in the bottom case. Looks like case depth is only cut out away from the edges (so maybe a benefit of the PCB size..).

Clarification on the build process would be very much appreciated... my curiosity is piqued

Thank you so much for you questions and insight. For the original implementation of this board (i.e the one shown here) I think this was a fundamental misunderstanding of a gummy worm implementation on my part. I set this board up in this way so that the four corner pieces would act as a lower limit for the pcb to rest on while the rest of the edges of the PCB/Plate assembly friction fit to the case. In theory this should allow for only four hard points on each corner of the case while allowing the alpha cluster to move freely with the relief cuts in PCB. However, this probably isn't optimal for the longevity of the PCB itself and as a result I will be re-engineering the PCB and internal mounting implementation to strictly make contact with the o-ring. I was so excited with implementing the other aspects of the product that I got over zealous and realize now that I made a mistake.

As for the clearance from the bottom of the PCB to the case there is a good 7.6mm of clearance and the median thickness of the case is roughly 6.2mm thick, curious to how problematic these values may be in the final product, a bit more clarification on these values would provide very valuable insight to me. Thanks in advance
Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: _rubik on Thu, 26 August 2021, 16:11:43
Gummy worm, alu, brass weight, bluetooth 60%.... for 200$? Sounds like a good deal to me
Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: Ustinj on Thu, 26 August 2021, 17:10:39
I would appreciate if u could explain better the mounting points for the o-ring on the corners of the case, I don't understand how u will make the o-ring rest on those corners without the pcb cuts

Interesting, looking forward to seeing how it's assembled. from what it looks like, the gummy worm only rests on the 4 corners, and the entire PCB is smaller than the plate assembly - seems like a new approach. Some questions out of curiosity:

- If the PCB is smaller  to accommodate for the corner mounting, will the bottom row of switches have all 4 corners sitting flush on the PCB, or will the switches be somewhat 'hanging' off the edge of the PCB? I see a cutout in the case that seems like it's for the PCB to fit deeper into the case, which looks like it's a good bit overlapping the switch cutouts.
- What's the distance distance from the PCB to the case bottom, and case bottom thickness, since ~13mm is insanely low and the last approach to reach <15mm it required a hole in the bottom case. Looks like case depth is only cut out away from the edges (so maybe a benefit of the PCB size..).

Clarification on the build process would be very much appreciated... my curiosity is piqued

Thank you so much for you questions and insight. For the original implementation of this board (i.e the one shown here) I think this was a fundamental misunderstanding of a gummy worm implementation on my part. I set this board up in this way so that the four corner pieces would act as a lower limit for the pcb to rest on while the rest of the edges of the PCB/Plate assembly friction fit to the case. In theory this should allow for only four hard points on each corner of the case while allowing the alpha cluster to move freely with the relief cuts in PCB. However, this probably isn't optimal for the longevity of the PCB itself and as a result I will be re-engineering the PCB and internal mounting implementation to strictly make contact with the o-ring. I was so excited with implementing the other aspects of the product that I got over zealous and realize now that I made a mistake.

As for the clearance from the bottom of the PCB to the case there is a good 7.6mm of clearance and the median thickness of the case is roughly 6.2mm thick, curious to how problematic these values may be in the final product, a bit more clarification on these values would provide very valuable insight to me. Thanks in advance

These are some values that would be good to consider:

- A: Distance from top bezel of case to the top of the plate (this is so the case covers your switches and bottom of keycaps). To cover most caps safely, I'd aim for at minimum 7.5mm for this, but you can pass with 7mm if you don't mind a shallower look
- B: Distance from the top of the plate to the top of the PCB is 5mm. This value is fixed because of MX switch spec
- C: Standard thickness of PCB is usually 1.6mm. Can be thinner but standard PCBs are 1.6mm.
- D: Distance from the bottom of the PCB to the internal bottom of the case. You want a minimum distance to prevent switch pins from touching the bottom of the case and shorting... I think 2.4mm should be the absolute bare minimum if there's zero flex at all, 3mm+ is a good amount to aim for.
- E: Thickness of the bottom of the case at its thinnest point. Just worth noting since usually the front of the board, where the spacebar is, is where the thinnest part of the case is.

Totaling these values, ~7+ mm (bezel to plate top) + 5mm (plate top to pcb top) + 1.6mm (pcb top to pcb bottom) + 2.4mm (minimum pcb to case bottom) + ~.5mm+ (thinnest part of case) usually totals up to around at least 16.5mm - that is why most boards have a front height that is around 17+. Sorry, this is not to nitpick or backseat game as I am genuinely curious - but I can see how a 13.6mm front height is possible if you are making a semi-low profile case.
Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: Friendship on Fri, 27 August 2021, 08:19:42
I would appreciate if u could explain better the mounting points for the o-ring on the corners of the case, I don't understand how u will make the o-ring rest on those corners without the pcb cuts

Interesting, looking forward to seeing how it's assembled. from what it looks like, the gummy worm only rests on the 4 corners, and the entire PCB is smaller than the plate assembly - seems like a new approach. Some questions out of curiosity:

- If the PCB is smaller  to accommodate for the corner mounting, will the bottom row of switches have all 4 corners sitting flush on the PCB, or will the switches be somewhat 'hanging' off the edge of the PCB? I see a cutout in the case that seems like it's for the PCB to fit deeper into the case, which looks like it's a good bit overlapping the switch cutouts.
- What's the distance distance from the PCB to the case bottom, and case bottom thickness, since ~13mm is insanely low and the last approach to reach <15mm it required a hole in the bottom case. Looks like case depth is only cut out away from the edges (so maybe a benefit of the PCB size..).

Clarification on the build process would be very much appreciated... my curiosity is piqued

Thank you so much for you questions and insight. For the original implementation of this board (i.e the one shown here) I think this was a fundamental misunderstanding of a gummy worm implementation on my part. I set this board up in this way so that the four corner pieces would act as a lower limit for the pcb to rest on while the rest of the edges of the PCB/Plate assembly friction fit to the case. In theory this should allow for only four hard points on each corner of the case while allowing the alpha cluster to move freely with the relief cuts in PCB. However, this probably isn't optimal for the longevity of the PCB itself and as a result I will be re-engineering the PCB and internal mounting implementation to strictly make contact with the o-ring. I was so excited with implementing the other aspects of the product that I got over zealous and realize now that I made a mistake.

As for the clearance from the bottom of the PCB to the case there is a good 7.6mm of clearance and the median thickness of the case is roughly 6.2mm thick, curious to how problematic these values may be in the final product, a bit more clarification on these values would provide very valuable insight to me. Thanks in advance

These are some values that would be good to consider:

- A: Distance from top bezel of case to the top of the plate (this is so the case covers your switches and bottom of keycaps). To cover most caps safely, I'd aim for at minimum 7.5mm for this, but you can pass with 7mm if you don't mind a shallower look
- B: Distance from the top of the plate to the top of the PCB is 5mm. This value is fixed because of MX switch spec
- C: Standard thickness of PCB is usually 1.6mm. Can be thinner but standard PCBs are 1.6mm.
- D: Distance from the bottom of the PCB to the internal bottom of the case. You want a minimum distance to prevent switch pins from touching the bottom of the case and shorting... I think 2.4mm should be the absolute bare minimum if there's zero flex at all, 3mm+ is a good amount to aim for.
- E: Thickness of the bottom of the case at its thinnest point. Just worth noting since usually the front of the board, where the spacebar is, is where the thinnest part of the case is.

Totaling these values, ~7+ mm (bezel to plate top) + 5mm (plate top to pcb top) + 1.6mm (pcb top to pcb bottom) + 2.4mm (minimum pcb to case bottom) + ~.5mm+ (thinnest part of case) usually totals up to around at least 16.5mm - that is why most boards have a front height that is around 17+. Sorry, this is not to nitpick or backseat game as I am genuinely curious - but I can see how a 13.6mm front height is possible if you are making a semi-low profile case.

the 13.6 "front height" measurement also appears to be from the upper end point of the fillet/chamfer (i cant see that well) on the bottom to the lower end point of the fillet/chamfer on the top. It doesn't appear to show the height of the entire case at the front and also that its not measured 90 degrees from the floor makes this measurement a bit misguided in its intent anyway. at least that's how I interpret this. I will say, even if those are 1mm fillets, a 15.6mm case height is still below your minimum space calculation, so something seems off!
Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: yanwrld on Fri, 27 August 2021, 15:07:41
I would appreciate if u could explain better the mounting points for the o-ring on the corners of the case, I don't understand how u will make the o-ring rest on those corners without the pcb cuts

Interesting, looking forward to seeing how it's assembled. from what it looks like, the gummy worm only rests on the 4 corners, and the entire PCB is smaller than the plate assembly - seems like a new approach. Some questions out of curiosity:

- If the PCB is smaller  to accommodate for the corner mounting, will the bottom row of switches have all 4 corners sitting flush on the PCB, or will the switches be somewhat 'hanging' off the edge of the PCB? I see a cutout in the case that seems like it's for the PCB to fit deeper into the case, which looks like it's a good bit overlapping the switch cutouts.
- What's the distance distance from the PCB to the case bottom, and case bottom thickness, since ~13mm is insanely low and the last approach to reach <15mm it required a hole in the bottom case. Looks like case depth is only cut out away from the edges (so maybe a benefit of the PCB size..).

Clarification on the build process would be very much appreciated... my curiosity is piqued

Thank you so much for you questions and insight. For the original implementation of this board (i.e the one shown here) I think this was a fundamental misunderstanding of a gummy worm implementation on my part. I set this board up in this way so that the four corner pieces would act as a lower limit for the pcb to rest on while the rest of the edges of the PCB/Plate assembly friction fit to the case. In theory this should allow for only four hard points on each corner of the case while allowing the alpha cluster to move freely with the relief cuts in PCB. However, this probably isn't optimal for the longevity of the PCB itself and as a result I will be re-engineering the PCB and internal mounting implementation to strictly make contact with the o-ring. I was so excited with implementing the other aspects of the product that I got over zealous and realize now that I made a mistake.

As for the clearance from the bottom of the PCB to the case there is a good 7.6mm of clearance and the median thickness of the case is roughly 6.2mm thick, curious to how problematic these values may be in the final product, a bit more clarification on these values would provide very valuable insight to me. Thanks in advance

These are some values that would be good to consider:

- A: Distance from top bezel of case to the top of the plate (this is so the case covers your switches and bottom of keycaps). To cover most caps safely, I'd aim for at minimum 7.5mm for this, but you can pass with 7mm if you don't mind a shallower look
- B: Distance from the top of the plate to the top of the PCB is 5mm. This value is fixed because of MX switch spec
- C: Standard thickness of PCB is usually 1.6mm. Can be thinner but standard PCBs are 1.6mm.
- D: Distance from the bottom of the PCB to the internal bottom of the case. You want a minimum distance to prevent switch pins from touching the bottom of the case and shorting... I think 2.4mm should be the absolute bare minimum if there's zero flex at all, 3mm+ is a good amount to aim for.
- E: Thickness of the bottom of the case at its thinnest point. Just worth noting since usually the front of the board, where the spacebar is, is where the thinnest part of the case is.

Totaling these values, ~7+ mm (bezel to plate top) + 5mm (plate top to pcb top) + 1.6mm (pcb top to pcb bottom) + 2.4mm (minimum pcb to case bottom) + ~.5mm+ (thinnest part of case) usually totals up to around at least 16.5mm - that is why most boards have a front height that is around 17+. Sorry, this is not to nitpick or backseat game as I am genuinely curious - but I can see how a 13.6mm front height is possible if you are making a semi-low profile case.

the 13.6 "front height" measurement also appears to be from the upper end point of the fillet/chamfer (i cant see that well) on the bottom to the lower end point of the fillet/chamfer on the top. It doesn't appear to show the height of the entire case at the front and also that its not measured 90 degrees from the floor makes this measurement a bit misguided in its intent anyway. at least that's how I interpret this. I will say, even if those are 1mm fillets, a 15.6mm case height is still below your minimum space calculation, so something seems off!

You are most definitely correct about the 15.6 front height. I calibrated the drawing in the IC as a canvas in fusion using the long side, and it comes out to 15.602, within the margin of error from the resolution of the image. With basic trig calculations, it's 13.53mm if you take the number given (without fillets) 90 degrees from the floor. Taking into account the fillets, it's 15.515mm 90 degrees from the ground using the 15.6mm figure. I can't wrap my head around how it's possible with 6 degrees, but if they are making it work, that is a pretty incredible feat. Perhaps the keycaps are sunk in a bit more in renders than how they would appear irl? From what I can see that is probably the case here. If you take into account the 16.5 minimum, top case to top plate should be just a bit less than (or the same as!) bottom plate to bottom case. My guess is that the top plate to top case height is just too shallow, but okay without switches. Op, try to import a switch model in CAD and add a keycap on top. Better to test in 3d now than find out the hard way with prototypes.
Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: stewfayew on Wed, 01 September 2021, 16:26:03
That was a very nice IC form-filling experience  :)

I love o-ring mount and I love 60%. Very interested to see how it feels to type on...
Title: Re: [IC]Mona | 60%, Bluetooth (Extensible), Arrow-Cluster, "Gummy worm" for $200?
Post by: conternecticus on Thu, 02 September 2021, 23:32:07
Where will Mona be shipped from? Edit: It's Canada sorry I missed it in the main post.
The IC didn't have the Purple case color option so I'll say it here: Please consider dark purple or purple color for the case. GLWIC!