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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: kbye on Sun, 29 May 2022, 10:36:10

Title: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: kbye on Sun, 29 May 2022, 10:36:10
Troublemaker

(https://i.imgur.com/4Lmt6wJ.jpg)

Troublemaker is a compact-1800 minus the F-row. It is top mounted via the PCB, which will allow for plateless builds.
When I designed Nue, it was meant to be a board I used at home. Now that I'm back in office for work, I wanted a more work-centric layout.
Thus, troublemaker was born. It's called troublemaker due to the massive headaches I incurred while designing it.

Interest check form: https://forms.gle/gQoJybE6pqUGhf2M6

Discussion and feedback on my discord: https://discord.gg/Sv9a37n


DETAILS
(https://i.imgur.com/1Bd1EvA.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/BsOhl2b.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UUjMCZa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OFJGL9P.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/yQVufZB.jpg)

I wanted a work board which meant having a numpad, but also wanted a compact layout with isolated arrow keys in order to avoid accidental keypresses.
A subtle cherry-style lip helps keep the case profile low and allows for a place to rest your palms, but a common problem is that it interferes with the arrow cluster in CP1800 layouts.

(https://i.imgur.com/a8d5KFp.jpg)

I am not a fan of how far the lip extends out in vintage boards (see G80-1800), so with troublemaker I kept the profile flat on the arrow keys. This creates some visual interest and provides uniform bezel widths around the board (0.5u on the top/middle/bottom, 0.25u on the sides and arrows)


LAYOUT

(https://i.imgur.com/35PEQL6.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ekcZhVt.png)
Layout should accommodate a broad audience and I have no interest in changing it at this time.
The decision to use 3U split space instead of 2.25/2.75 is because I personally like 3U and want to push more designs to include them. 3U wires will be included.
10U for memes


COLORS

Colors not final. Would like to run 2/3 colors max.

Black
(https://i.imgur.com/kbChPVx.png)

Blue-Grey / Silver
(https://i.imgur.com/LqDQ5xJ.png)

E-white
(https://i.imgur.com/GhCBNJn.jpg)


PRICING/AVAILABILITY


REVISIONS

Prototype R1 (August 2021)
(https://i.imgur.com/Q7wtHZT.jpg)
Photo album: https://imgur.com/a/HXBT3rr (courtesy @jlai.keebs (https://www.instagram.com/jlai.keebs/))

Feedback notes:
Used for a couple months for work. Typing feel was decent, wasn't a big fan of the sound which I initially attributed to the PC bottom.
This was my first "screwless" exterior design, where the screws were located on the interior beside the switches.
I had issues with the switches interfering with the screws which made it hard to assemble/disassemble.
Indicator LEDs rattled the top case.

Prototype R2 (April 2022)
(https://i.imgur.com/K9NPuP9.png)
Photo album: https://imgur.com/a/2S9J2Yq (courtesy @stillchromatic (https://www.instagram.com/stillchromatic/))

Feedback notes:
Screw / switch interference was fixed.
Switched indicators to SMD mounted RGB lights to prevent the rattling.
Sound was a bit better, but I figured out that the meh acoustics were due to the mounting style.
Some screwhole tolerances needed fixing but overall I liked the visual appeal.

Prototype R3 (Planned for Aug 2022)


The interior screw design is not user-friendly so I'm ditching it. The final proto will be assembled via exterior screws covered by Geon molded feet.
I am also adding 2 more mounting methods. My hope is that the tadpoles will soften the bottom-out sound that I don't like.
Adding O-Ring as another mount option (a plate would be mandatory in this case).


TO-DO

Thanks for looking!
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: o3okevin on Sun, 29 May 2022, 10:44:35
Yoooo let's ****in go board of the year
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: finalarcadia on Sun, 29 May 2022, 10:49:06
Very nice design, good work

Sent from my SM-S908U1 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: pixelpusher on Sun, 29 May 2022, 10:53:33
I like the solution for the front bezel.  Hopefully your attention to detail in revisions will make this a phenomenal board.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: noodleman on Sun, 29 May 2022, 11:03:06
take my money!
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: mmayhem17 on Sun, 29 May 2022, 11:05:22
looking good  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: Rob27shred on Sun, 29 May 2022, 11:10:08
I'm ready to make some trouble!
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: ankit on Sun, 29 May 2022, 11:53:53
Quote from: kbye on Sun, 29 May 2022, 10:36:10
I wanted a work board which meant having a numpad, but also wanted a compact layout with isolated arrow keys in order to avoid accidental keypresses.
A subtle cherry-style lip helps keep the case profile low and allows for a place to rest your palms, but a common problem is that it interferes with the arrow cluster in CP1800 layouts.

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/a8d5KFp.jpg)


This is so cool. I realllly like this idea/aesthetic.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: reticent on Sun, 29 May 2022, 12:52:25
The duo tone aesthetic with the brass weight and the stainless steel accent piece is probably my favourite part of the board. That and the fact that the arrows are detached without having a huge ass lip.

Great work man, you know I'm in for sure.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: Cylent on Sun, 29 May 2022, 13:00:40
Goddammit, 1 day after I purchase the odin v2 you post this IC. I will be watching your IC carefully, GLWIC!  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: asciisii on Sun, 29 May 2022, 13:09:03
Insanely nice, too bad its a form factor I could never use  :)) Really love the lip
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: spedywin on Sun, 29 May 2022, 13:33:55
looks so hot
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: BRSxIgnition on Sun, 29 May 2022, 13:37:43
Love the style of this case and the target price is dead on.

Excited to see how it sounds and feels, especially with tadpole and O-Ring gasket mounts.

I think Navy Blue may work well rather than Blue-Gray, but the black and white are both super sleek with the three tone base/weight combo.

Will be watching this with great interest.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: Draxion on Sun, 29 May 2022, 13:48:21
I'm in
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: clik_clak on Sun, 29 May 2022, 14:03:40
Gorgeous board!

I'm definitely going to try and grab one of these when they run!
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: misswaffle on Sun, 29 May 2022, 16:07:46
Yet another amazing design!! Love the look of this and the layout
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: BasedCoper on Sun, 29 May 2022, 16:36:07
Great job with another fantastic project. GLWIC
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: irithyll on Sun, 29 May 2022, 17:38:15
Really interesting in seeing how the third round prototype will turn out!
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: bshendy on Sun, 29 May 2022, 18:09:21
Interesting bezel, Big long thic brass weight w/ an internal weight under alphas, subtle branding, an IC that's straight to the point and isn't ostentatious, new interesting option in a relatively uncompetitive 1800 layout market...

This is like getting delivered an A+ steak that's perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper.

On a side note, this reminds me a lot of the Venn65, which isn't a bad thing by any means.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: Arithmetics on Sun, 29 May 2022, 18:42:46
+1 for 3u nice to see people finally implementing
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: synthetics on Sun, 29 May 2022, 19:59:23
Hot.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: Ashen_21 on Sun, 29 May 2022, 20:24:49
Damn this looks clean!
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: TyPo.mk on Sun, 29 May 2022, 21:48:58
Pretty cool board, looks nice
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: Ghostinn on Mon, 30 May 2022, 09:26:46
Arrow cluster blocking the lip is a really gorgeous visual part of this board, excited to see this move forward!
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: infinitum on Mon, 30 May 2022, 12:26:31
damn nice front lip, might cop.
glwic!
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: L0fi on Mon, 30 May 2022, 21:58:25
Really like the mirror finish on the back. Definitely gonna consider because I/m looking for a good full-size kb. GLWIC :D
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: fujitasenpai on Wed, 01 June 2022, 01:10:56
Quote from: Cylent on Sun, 29 May 2022, 13:00:40
Goddammit, 1 day after I purchase the odin v2 you post this IC. I will be watching your IC carefully, GLWIC!  :thumb:

Exactly my situation. And yeah I'm definitely getting this one as well. I love the simplicity of it.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: bitbot on Wed, 01 June 2022, 01:27:46
nice looking board  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: LegendsWorks on Wed, 01 June 2022, 02:14:15
Joining this for sure :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: deska on Wed, 01 June 2022, 09:18:22
this is so clean! I especially love the spacing around the arrows
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: treeleaf64 on Wed, 01 June 2022, 10:25:49
Need more mounting tab for stability
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: BRSxIgnition on Wed, 01 June 2022, 12:31:20
Would be interesting to see how O-Ring gets implemented - would potentially make mounting points a non-issue if it was the primary mounting method.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: granola bar enthusiast on Wed, 01 June 2022, 15:19:05
very cool, will consider getting
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: kbye on Thu, 02 June 2022, 18:06:38
Thanks for all the good feedback so far.


[attachimg=1]
idk who keeps putting this in my ICs lol but ty <3 you all


Quote from: treeleaf64 on Wed, 01 June 2022, 10:25:49
Need more mounting tab for stability

Typing is quite stable because it is top mounted, but will be revising mounts slightly for the tadpole mounts anyway.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: empa on Thu, 02 June 2022, 19:26:46
def. keen on this one. subscribed
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: hottrout on Fri, 03 June 2022, 03:45:56
Nice layout.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: acme64 on Fri, 03 June 2022, 21:04:20
this is mislabeled
1800 - f row is a 65% with number pad
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: SwitchKeys on Fri, 03 June 2022, 21:44:24
Inject this into my veins
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: clik_clak on Sat, 04 June 2022, 09:22:41
Quote from: acme64 on Fri, 03 June 2022, 21:04:20
this is mislabeled
1800 - f row is a 65% with number pad

It’s far closer to an 1800 than a 65.

Imagine thinking you can tell a designer what to label their keyboards as.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: WK on Mon, 06 June 2022, 13:39:46
I don't like it. I LOVE IT!
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: Bachoo on Mon, 06 June 2022, 14:01:56
All your boards have been nothing but bangers bro, GLWIC <3
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: JQ27 on Mon, 06 June 2022, 17:02:55
I love me some FRL 1800 boards.  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: KurtKurtson on Tue, 07 June 2022, 06:01:31
Very nice. I support the tadpole mount. Looking forward to use this board alongside my Cypher and the incoming W1-AT. By far the best layout for office use.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: GraffitiDecos on Tue, 21 June 2022, 20:23:59
I like this a lot!

Silly question: how well do the indicators work? On my cypher they are pretty much useless ; the angle doesn't work, they aren't bright enough and they bleed to into the adjacent keys.

Also, Canadian designer/vendor? Saving on shipping is a definite plus!


Sent from my SM-S901W using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: LumiP on Wed, 22 June 2022, 13:30:14
I absolutely adore this design! GLWIC!

Honestly, I don't need another FRL 1800 but what I can tell you is that if this comes out at the correct time you absolutely will have my money. LOVE LOVE LOVE.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: kbye on Wed, 22 June 2022, 15:10:05
Quote from: GraffitiDecos on Tue, 21 June 2022, 20:23:59
I like this a lot!

Silly question: how well do the indicators work? On my cypher they are pretty much useless ; the angle doesn't work, they aren't bright enough and they bleed to into the adjacent keys.

Also, Canadian designer/vendor? Saving on shipping is a definite plus!


Sent from my SM-S901W using Tapatalk


That's a great question. The indicators are 1mm in diameter, and in testing I find the visibility to be very good.

This is revision 1 which uses THT LEDs. The photo shows the indictors in super bright flooded studio lighting. Even under harsh lighting, it's pale but still visible.
(https://i.imgur.com/kU33ocG.jpg)

Rev2 PCBs are SMD RGB LEDs which are a lot brighter (sorry no pictures at the moment, proto is in use at my office)

There is barely any light bleed because of how close the top is to the PCB, but just to account for it, I have simple gasket cutouts that you stick onto the PCB.
(https://i.imgur.com/sAATHPH.jpg)


 
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: BRSxIgnition on Sat, 25 June 2022, 09:13:44
Nice to see that common issues like light bleed are being addressed. Excited to hear more ubdates regarding the project - lots of good 1800 options lately in IC.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: treeleaf64 on Sun, 26 June 2022, 11:37:13
It is not trouble making if the design is simple
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: lowercaselena on Mon, 11 July 2022, 05:36:00
this looks really great!! im happy to see more FRL 1800 options pop up :)
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: turangaleela on Mon, 11 July 2022, 20:38:00
I'm really into this...
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: leavenember on Tue, 12 July 2022, 04:01:33
Looks great! Love seeing all the detailed work you've put in to this.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: KevlarBear on Fri, 22 July 2022, 10:27:22
Fantastic looking board, definitely joining when GB happens  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: Friendship on Mon, 25 July 2022, 10:04:36
yeehaw this is a beauty, form filled GLWIC!
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: honeybee on Tue, 02 August 2022, 07:51:09
This board in baby blue would be my dream. Would also love to see it in lavender.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: Exluna on Sun, 04 December 2022, 12:15:39
Mmm. Interessttinnng.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: HappyB0T on Sun, 04 December 2022, 21:52:55
I am absolutely in love with the front lip transition. From filled - Will buy.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: mr_foggy on Mon, 05 December 2022, 11:50:09
beautiful. i'd love to see a southpaw version tho :(
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: theloosegoose18 on Mon, 05 December 2022, 12:56:59
I am definitely looking forward to your thoughts on prototype r3! Will be joining the group buy.
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: Arithmetics on Mon, 20 November 2023, 16:29:31
dead?
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: takuto on Tue, 21 November 2023, 10:26:12
Same question as above ^ where are we on this one?
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: PrizeOcelot5911 on Fri, 24 November 2023, 04:09:00
this is so clean! I especially love the spacing around the arrows :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Troublemaker - FRL Compact 1800 keyboard
Post by: knorkegeil on Mon, 27 November 2023, 09:19:13
[attachimg=1]