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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: Zeus501 on Sun, 02 January 2022, 21:45:02

Title: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard | GB Date & New Vendor Announced!
Post by: Zeus501 on Sun, 02 January 2022, 21:45:02
Paintbrush Redux

(https://i.imgur.com/LhWPX00.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/vxADm1z.jpg)


A 45% keyboard with exploded escape, arrows, rotary encoder/knob, and 'nav cluster.'
Featuring a gasket mounted plate, copper through weight and more!



Introduction

Inspired by the layouts of Abec13's 45-ATS and WalletBurner's Cajal, the idea for Paintbrush was born. After several changes and prototypes, the case was redesigned from the ground up with a focus on retaining the signature look and feel of earlier revisions while implementing more modern design elements.


Links

IC FORM (https://forms.gle/VKzbQjzDRp31JZd18)



Layout

The PCB supports the following options for the bottom row:


(https://i.imgur.com/UxAgw7I.png)


Specifications

- Typing Angle: 7°
- Front Height: 18.1mm (23.1mm EKH)
- Case weight: 1.3kg (2 lbs 14oz) built
- Case Material: 6063 Aluminum for top and bottom | Copper for weight and knob
- Mount: Gasket Mount | 4 mounting points with 1/8" gaskets above and below the plate
- PCB: RP2040 with QMK/VIAL support and S1 UDB


Group Buy Details

- Case Colors: Blue, Grey, Green, Black
- Plate Materials: FR-4, POM
- Cost: TBD
- GB Date: March 4th - April 8th
- Vendor: CBKBD (https://www.cbkbd.com/) (Worldwide)


Media

V1 Proto build stream by Hedgey404 (https://twitch.tv/hedgey404):



Photos

The V6 protos are using the incorrect screws and will be fixed for GB. Copper weight and knob finish may differ depending on IC results.
(https://i.imgur.com/3xCNvRD.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/fV3S749.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gjwG53D.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/64L8VYc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KGhK1Yr.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Sa53Z6P.jpg)

V1 Photos
More
(https://i.imgur.com/cP43rsj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1ccxXQ8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qEkbMWj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0tWSEr2.jpg)

V2 Photos and Renders
More
(https://i.imgur.com/wT1zmtW)
(https://i.imgur.com/3aCdtmY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QK3GfSx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rmzHR7l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jnkqYWx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5JhXE94.jpg)

V3 Photos
More
(https://i.imgur.com/xXlfhA4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/leb2XQd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/57aeftu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mBFadNt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jR27jG1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SbBHvJ1.jpg)

V4 Photos
More
(https://i.imgur.com/KKRM0yC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EFDNNBF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dHeKZHf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RaI7qUl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1lhM0Gk.jpg)

V5 Photos
More
(https://i.imgur.com/i4JzZST.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WWQx9Rl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ckPLeXv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MgxEYt8.jpg)



Design Changelog

V2 Prototype:

- Redesigned external case elements for a cleaner aesthetic.

V3 Prototype:

- Designed custom press fit knob with engraving.
- Reduced number and strength of magnets used for securing halves.
- Redesigned the weight to mount from the bottom with more magnets to be more secure.
- Moved the UDB lower in the bottom to avoid PCB bottoming out on the JST connector.

V4 Prototype:

- Modified knob engraving to accommodate easier CNC machining.
- Added cutouts for easier gasket placement on bottom case half.
- Added threaded holes to all parts for easier finishing.
- Changed from circle bumpons to custom cut rubber feet.
- Changed knob to use set screw for increased part consistency and reliability.

V5 Prototype:

- Redesigned case to be seamless and removed magnets.
- Lowered case height.
- Moved mounting points slightly.
- Changed the weight engraving.
- PCB MCU updated to RP2040.

V6 Prototype:

- Updated custom daughterboard to S1 UDB.
- Updated PCB to use Molex EZ-Mate connector for S1 UDB compatibility.


Acknowledgements

- OCM for the engraving artwork
- Olivia for the renders
- Hedgey for the build stream
- Dominic for being a nice guy
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Zeus501 on Sun, 02 January 2022, 21:51:03
Reserved
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: matthewdias on Sun, 02 January 2022, 22:06:16
cool keyboard very hyped
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: surplusofchairs on Sun, 02 January 2022, 22:14:11
very hyped for this
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Hedgey on Sun, 02 January 2022, 22:16:28
I don't know who on earth would buy this board??  It's so weird with no screws, magnets, gasket mounting, and copper material.....

J/k this thing feels amazing and is a real pleasure.

(https://i.redd.it/49y2w0l9o3981.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: darthcapn on Sun, 02 January 2022, 22:37:27
I have been waiting to take a plunge into the 40s world since long and I feel this would be the best board to have! It is an absolute peice of art. Glwic!

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: paperassgasket on Mon, 03 January 2022, 00:24:52
Paintbrush gud.

I love it when 40's manages to leak into GH. GLWIC
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: rainkeebs on Mon, 03 January 2022, 00:25:32
Looks fantastic and the magnet construction is genius! Hope to see many of these on Reddit in the future. Well done Zeus :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Ll3macorn on Mon, 03 January 2022, 00:41:30
poggers
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: derpturtle on Mon, 03 January 2022, 01:57:17
love me a chunky 40
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Mecxs on Mon, 03 January 2022, 04:02:38
Is there a default plate?
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: growler on Mon, 03 January 2022, 07:52:36
Thicc

Sent from my SM-G980F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Cylent on Mon, 03 January 2022, 08:10:26
Looks cool, but why the exploded esc?
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Zeus501 on Mon, 03 January 2022, 09:25:14
Quote from: Mecxs on Mon, 03 January 2022, 04:02:38
Is there a default plate?

I’m working on updating the plate to be universal for all bottom row layouts. Default plate material as it stands will be FR-4. There will be a choice between a full plate or half plate come GB time.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Zeus501 on Mon, 03 January 2022, 09:28:52
Quote from: Cylent on Mon, 03 January 2022, 08:10:26
Looks cool, but why the exploded esc?

Why not? But more seriously, I just think it looks cool. Not much more to it than that.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Nurseh on Mon, 03 January 2022, 10:41:56
Copper engraved weight? Hype!
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Xury46 on Tue, 04 January 2022, 00:14:47
Very exciting, I saw this on the 40s Discord server a while back and I was wondering when I might be able to get my hands on one!
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: floweryi on Tue, 04 January 2022, 01:23:43
unfortunately i'm not deep enough in the hobby to warrant buying this but just would like to say that i absolutely love this layout and the aesthetics are incredible. glwic
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: HappyB0T on Tue, 04 January 2022, 01:38:02
Don't daily drive 40s but I want in on this one. What a cool layout.  :cool:
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Rumblethumps on Wed, 05 January 2022, 23:19:55
Whimsy was going to be my first 40s, but with it indefinitely on hold for now, this one might take its place. That wine color is slick!
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Madrigal on Sat, 08 January 2022, 00:03:12
Any plans on a hotswap pcb  :p
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: white_rabbit on Sat, 08 January 2022, 02:27:09
Keep up the great work Zeus ! :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Zeus501 on Sat, 08 January 2022, 15:14:32
Quote from: Madrigal on Sat, 08 January 2022, 00:03:12
Any plans on a hotswap pcb  :p

Currently there are no plans for a hotswap PCB due to the amount of supported bottom row layouts.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: wndy on Sun, 09 January 2022, 10:39:28
This board looks absolutely fantastic, can't wait to see it run.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: depressedkeebs on Sun, 09 January 2022, 18:39:43
ngl i love the combination of brass and polycarb
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: PixelPlays__ on Sun, 09 January 2022, 22:31:00
Why is the escape key shifted away like that? I think moving it back into its normal place and using a smaller knob would look better. Reminds me of the Q2's exploded Insert key.

Besides that, I like the design here! Any chance of adding 2.25/2.75 split support alongside the 3/3 split support it already has?
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Mecxs on Sun, 09 January 2022, 22:34:16
I like the exploded esc key. I am comfortable using it on an Alice layout, so it doesn't hugely bother me from an ergonomics perspective. The other benefit is that most GMK base kits offering basic 40s support in base don't add an accented esc in R2. So if you want to use accented esc you have to use the R1, which looks and feels weird when next to Q. This way that feeling disappears, or at least isn't as glaring.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Zeus501 on Sun, 09 January 2022, 22:51:29
Quote from: PixelPlays__ on Sun, 09 January 2022, 22:31:00
Why is the escape key shifted away like that? I think moving it back into its normal place and using a smaller knob would look better. Reminds me of the Q2's exploded Insert key.

Besides that, I like the design here! Any chance of adding 2.25/2.75 split support alongside the 3/3 split support it already has?

The escape is shifted away because I like the way it looks. As Mecxs pointed out, there are some actual benefits to it, though. Escape key placement will not change.

The knob size will also stay the same. The current size is ~18mm with the cutout being 19.5mm. This is a fairly standard size and supports a wide range of other knobs such as the Sat75 knob, GMMK Pro and most guitar knobs.

There is already 2.75/2.25 split support, but if there is enough interest in 2.25/2.75, I can look into adding it.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Zeus501 on Sun, 16 January 2022, 00:52:10
I've been quiet on this project for a while, but I've got a nice update!

I got some great feedback on the proto and I've made several changes to fix some issues/criticisms that were experienced. Some of the changes made are to fix design flaws instead of actual functional issues.

Problems

- Case halves too hard to take apart.
- Weight not secure enough and can easily be dismounted during assembly/disassembly.
- PCB bottoming out on daughterboard JST connector with half plate.
- Too much lateral movement between case halves.

Changes

Case Magnets
- Adjusted placement | 4 magnets are placed in the corners and 2 magnets are placed in the middle. The are now also properly centered.
- Adjusted amount | 6 magnets used instead of 8
- Adjusted strength | 1.35lbs pull force each instead of 1.5lbs each. 8.1lbs total pull force instead of 12lbs.

Weight
- New bottom-mounted design | The weight now mounts from the bottom instead of through the top of the bottom case half.
    - Magnet changes | 4 magnets with a 2.65lb pull force each used instead of 2 magnets.
    - Push pins added | 2 push pins added to aid with removing the weight after it has been mounted.
- Size change | The weight has been widened in order to make up for some lost mass due to the redesign.
- Adjusted clearances | The gaps between the weight and the case has been lessened.

Alignments Pins
- Adjusted placement | All alignment pins are now centered.
- Adjusted clearances | The gap between the pins and the mating slots has been lessened.

USB Port
- Adjusted placement | The USB port has been moved lower and recessed. Similar placement to the MB-44.
- Daughterboard change | The case now uses the open source db that MelonBred designed to accommodate the placement change.

Let me know what you think about the changes! Nothing is set in stone yet, so I'm open to feedback.

Here are some renders showing the changes.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Cujo26 on Sun, 16 January 2022, 03:21:02
This board is so cute! I quite like it
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: XCaellaX on Sun, 16 January 2022, 15:14:22
Gorgeous board! Might be my first high-end 40/45% (acrylic or wine for me) if I convince myself I can use a 45 daily.

Super nice update, congrats! Bottom mounted & widened weight will look much better on acrylic (& on aluminum as well)!
USB looks much better there.

Can't say much on alignment & magnets without seeing the product, but you have my full trust!

Question : how is the weight (copper) attached to / keep together with the magnets? Glued? Same question between the magnets & the board (aluminum / acrylic).
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Zeus501 on Sun, 16 January 2022, 16:23:20
Quote from: XCaellaX on Sun, 16 January 2022, 15:14:22
Gorgeous board! Might be my first high-end 40/45% (acrylic or wine for me) if I convince myself I can use a 45 daily.

Super nice update, congrats! Bottom mounted & widened weight will look much better on acrylic (& on aluminum as well)!
USB looks much better there.

Can't say much on alignment & magnets without seeing the product, but you have my full trust!

Question : how is the weight (copper) attached to / keep together with the magnets? Glued? Same question between the magnets & the board (aluminum / acrylic).

Yep, the magnets are glued in!
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: crystal on Sun, 16 January 2022, 16:41:44
Polycarb so hot
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Zeus501 on Wed, 19 January 2022, 23:54:52
Been working on a knob design. Let me know you what you think!

[attach=1]

Engraving courtesy of the wonderful ocm!
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Jsdfbn on Thu, 20 January 2022, 01:47:09
Damn this is sexy, can't wait to see when this goes live.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: WHITEHOTACTION on Fri, 21 January 2022, 01:23:34
Quote from: Zeus501 on Wed, 19 January 2022, 23:54:52
Been working on a knob design. Let me know you what you think!

(Attachment Link)

Engraving courtesy of the wonderful ocm!


I really like this knob design. While board is awesome. Hoping to make this my first 40.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: hottrout on Fri, 21 January 2022, 09:31:11
cute
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: billyli19 on Mon, 31 January 2022, 18:13:08
Finally a 45% that isn't sold out yet, hopefully I will be able to get my hands on one. Is there any way to subscribe for the GB yet? Sorry, I'm still new to the keyboard community and GB.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: Zeus501 on Tue, 01 February 2022, 16:19:03
Quote from: billyli19 on Mon, 31 January 2022, 18:13:08
Finally a 45% that isn't sold out yet, hopefully I will be able to get my hands on one. Is there any way to subscribe for the GB yet? Sorry, I'm still new to the keyboard community and GB.

Thanks for the interest and support! The best way to stay up to date is by checking in periodically on this GH thread or by joining the 40s discord (https://discord.gg/40percent) and grabbing the Paintbrush role.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: billyli19 on Tue, 01 February 2022, 16:21:25
Thanks a lot! Will do that :D

Quote from: Zeus501 on Tue, 01 February 2022, 16:19:03
Quote from: billyli19 on Mon, 31 January 2022, 18:13:08
Finally a 45% that isn't sold out yet, hopefully I will be able to get my hands on one. Is there any way to subscribe for the GB yet? Sorry, I'm still new to the keyboard community and GB.

Thanks for the interest and support! The best way to stay up to date is by checking in periodically on this GH thread or by joining the 40s discord (https://discord.gg/40percent) and grabbing the Paintbrush role.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: DeMechanica on Thu, 03 February 2022, 03:48:10
——-
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard
Post by: ihaveaquestion on Sat, 05 February 2022, 03:05:08
I want it ;-; I'll have a numpad on the left side and have my dream setup!
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard | Updated 5/8 - New Design!
Post by: MelonBred on Mon, 08 May 2023, 11:38:25
Stoked to see that this project was being worked on in the background and in full swing again. Redesign looks great.
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard | Updated 5/8 - New Design!
Post by: white_rabbit on Mon, 08 May 2023, 12:21:21
Back with a vengeance!
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard | Updated 5/8 - New Design!
Post by: delacruxkeys on Wed, 27 September 2023, 06:06:51
still keen for this! just what I've been looking for
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard | Updated 5/8 - New Design!
Post by: giacombum on Wed, 04 October 2023, 09:25:40
Great board! Is it possible to put a key in place of the rotary encoder, or not?
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard | GB Date & New Vendor Announced!
Post by: bombay.duck on Wed, 07 February 2024, 17:16:12
So glad this is alive and kicking
Title: Re: [IC] Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard | GB Date & New Vendor Announced!
Post by: Zeus501 on Tue, 09 April 2024, 08:53:53
Quote from: anpotsky on Wed, 07 February 2024, 17:16:12
So glad this is alive and kicking

I'm super thankful to CBK for helping me out and reviving this project! Hopefully any potential future projects go smoother.