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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:17:01

Title: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:17:01
Notare

(https://i.imgur.com/c6kRM50.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/Zpf2cgo.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/l8zZXop.jpg)

antares.ci (http://antares.ci) – Official website (*revision* looking into vendors now)
(Custom Site - Still Updating and Optimizing for All Platforms)
*Revision* Not sure if I'm going to get rid of the site entirely or what. But the people have spoken. I'm going to work something out with a few vendors to move the process forward

https://forms.gle/dGykhfT8ZZiNhSSN8 - IC Form


Outline

Color Codes

Orange: important details for Part II and revision info
Green: Prices/Costs
Red: Disclaimers/Significant Announcements
Purple: Communication/Notification Details
Yellow: Shipping Details


1. Greetings

After 2 years of revisions, head scratching, praying, and feelings of defeat, I am proud to finally reveal: Notare. This project is [hopefully] the first of many custom keyboard and tech product ventures that I aim to release. I posted a cringeworthy IC a little over 2 years ago (only on reddit) and received constructive criticism from the community. The design concept has changed immensely since then, and thankfully, so has my knowledge and experience (still far from an expert though). This is Part I of a two-part interest check. Part II will essentially be an update of Part I, with more info on logistics, accessories/packaging, typing tests, and any revisions. Now after reading some comments recently on other ICs, I feel this must be said: although many aspects of this board appear to be set in stone, they are not. This is still in fact an Interest Check. Feel free to offer any suggestions on design or functional changes, and depending on practicality (and my vision for the project of course), I will genuinely consider implementing them. After my first attempt at an IC, I just wanted to ensure that this attempt provides enough details and hopefully conveys the amount of thought I have put into the project. Now that we got that out of the way, above you will find the link to the official website which is designed from scratch by myself and is still a work in progress. Below, you will find detailed information regarding the project, nicknamed – The Genesis Project. 


2. TLDR



3. Design

   a.   Wave Pattern

            The name Notare is derived from the hamon patterns often seen on Japanese swords and knives. The side profile is seamless, and the slight angle change caused by the wave pattern allows it to stand out in the right lighting. The overall
            shape of the board was designed to slightly resemble a Japanese sword – from the back angle, to the hamon pattern, to the curved front face.


            (https://i.imgur.com/6bn1IJ1.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/e3vQX3B.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/5oSAjDE.jpg)
            (https://i.imgur.com/MpVxU5T.png)
            (https://i.imgur.com/F1Do5nF.jpg)
            (https://i.imgur.com/CwUS8YP.jpg)
   

   b.   Keyboard Inspirations

            The aesthetics of Japanese swords and knives were the main inspiration regarding the theme of the board. Aside from that however, the Notare design language was inspired by modern classics such as the Duck Orion v3, the HHKB Professional HG, and the
            Keycult No. 2.                        (https://i.imgur.com/qrEZ1YV.jpg)
                        (https://i.imgur.com/mXOgPmE.jpg)
                        (https://i.imgur.com/yHarCJx.jpg)
           


   c.   Underside

            The bottom of the board features a screwless, mirror polished stainless steel bottom plate. The plate surrounds the centerpiece of the mid plate, sporting a laser etched logo in white. *Feet coming for Part II of IC*

            (https://i.imgur.com/l8zZXop.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/Yq9ajRl.jpg)
            (https://i.imgur.com/gflC1d9.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/Uvucdyk.jpg)
           

   d.   Curves and Angles

            The front face of the board features a curve that causes it to gleam when light strikes. The back edge of the board is also curved to a certain degree for not only aesthetic purposes, but also to make lifting the board easier. All edges of the exterior
            portions of the board are filleted aside from the chamfers on the key cutouts. This includes the fillet on the back edge that meets the stainless steel bottom plate. This will also cause a slight gleam when light hits the filleted edge of the stainless steel.

            (https://i.imgur.com/C822mCj.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/r3Z3sZ6.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/6bn1IJ1.jpg)
                       

   e.   Switch Plate & PCB

            The switch plate will come in 3 variants: 5052 aluminum, sandblasted brass, and polycarbonate. There are 3 main flex-cuts that significantly contribute to the typing experience. Two between the number row and function row, and one above the home row.
            This allows for a much softer and ‘bouncier’ typing experience. (I may actually need to tighten the home row flex cut as there is quite a bit of flex right now. We'll see.)

            The PCB is custom but was derived from the Hiney h87a (https://hineybush.com/products/h87a-1-8?variant=31727557083238) to keep things simple and reliable. It will be available in Solderable and Hotswap variants, with a fixed
            layout on the Hotswap variant (ISO support should be doable for in-stock after GB). The PCB also features LED indicators mapped to Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, and Layer 1 (M(1)). All switches mounted are south-facing and stabilizers are
            PCB-mounted. There is built-in ESD protection, but this is also provided via the included daughterboard (based on Unified C3 (https://github.com/ai03-2725/Unified-Daughterboard)). Now the current PCB prototype is not up to date
            in terms of color and layout, and the switch plate has had small revisions as well including the layout and screw hole placements. But stay tuned for the updated IC with the revised protos. The available layouts of the PCB can
            be found below along with photos of the previous plate and pcb iterations:
           
            (https://i.imgur.com/JhV0gq3.jpg)

           
More
            (https://i.imgur.com/Q580IUb.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/Wjb972I.jpg)
            (https://i.imgur.com/ZOXONDG.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/7FRTziz.jpg)

           


   f.   Badge

            A magnetic badge - depicting the house’s logo - sits perfectly in the function row to add another level of personalization. While the badge utilizes the negative space found in between the ESC and F1 keys, the option is available to 'debadge' the board due to
            the absence of cutouts for the badge. The badge is CNC machined out of 6063 aluminum with a small magnet embedded within the bottom. It comes in three anodized colorways including Crimson Red, Rose, and Mother of Pearl.
            *Disclaimer: due to the small size and shape of the badge, very small hook marks may be seen on the inside edges of the badge from anodizing. Still working this out with manufacturer.

            (https://i.imgur.com/lVZqe8W.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/hU1hzb7.jpg)
            (https://i.imgur.com/meDmzyq.jpg)
            (https://i.imgur.com/QvwI6ar.jpg)
            (https://i.imgur.com/i7u5dzE.jpg)


4. Assembly

The Notare is a three-piece case which allows for the screwless and seamless design. The assembly process is essentially identical to the Keycult No.2 and the Monokei Kei. The top and mid plates are screwed together first, followed by the bottom plate which is screwed to the mid plate via screw holes carefully placed in between certain switches. For the mounting system, it utilizes a classic isolated gasket mount. The gaskets are made of poron and are 1.5mm in thickness. As the board is screwed together, the gaskets are compressed as the switch plate is sandwiched in between. This dampens vibrations and alleviates the board of any pinging noises from metal-on-metal contact. Standard stuff. The switch plate has 4 mounting points at the top and 2 at the bottom, excluding a third mounting point underneath the spacebar of course.   

(https://i.imgur.com/9irSyjR.jpg)


5. Unit Badge

After brainstorming ideas for what should go on the inside of the mid plate, and then hearing about cloning issues on the aftermarket, I decided to add a unit badge on the inside of the board. The unit badge is mirror polished stainless steel to keep things consistent with the bottom plate, and will have the Unit Number, Model, and unique Serial Number laser etched on top. It will stay fixed to the mid plate via two small magnets on the bottom. Each unit and serial number will be kept in a database to keep track of each unit. I've already discussed this with my manufacturer who has confirmed that this will be possible for the GB. I have more ideas for authorizing each board on our website but I have to do more research before I can divulge. Below is an example of the unit badge with the serial number blurred out:

(https://i.imgur.com/rEF0bnq.jpg)


6. Colorways

For the next proto, I'm trying to get the manu to color match the Mother of Pearl colorway. But they were hesitant to do this last time for just one prototype. Nevertheless, I'm going to order chips for all colorways prior to Part II and re-inquire about the full color matched prototype. You can also see the grey silicone feet in these renders. This color isn't final, but we will see after the samples come in.
 
(https://i.imgur.com/HnkZas1.png)

More

(https://i.imgur.com/u8NMZSR.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/2Zok3lB.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/RcRdKt6.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/vxd77zB.png)




7. Technical Gallery

            (https://i.imgur.com/GGOFVO9.jpg)


       
            (https://i.imgur.com/ml9xTx3.jpg)


            (https://i.imgur.com/0C4gVKx.jpg)

More

  • The JST raceway runs directly to the connector via the mid plate. In terms of the JST, not sure where exactly I'm going to source them from yet and whether the heat shrink could be sourced from the same supplier. I know of a couple that would suffice, but let me know of any quality JST suppliers (preferably with the tabs on the side so it is easier to push into the connector).
 
            (https://i.imgur.com/hx2h4Zg.jpg)


  • Here is a seated position shot to get an idea of what would be staring back at you on a daily. There is a bit of extra space between the blockers and shift keys which will be addressed. Also, the LEDs being used are bright, but the light gets absorbed quite a bit by the black board. Not sure if they were on in this picture but when I was testing that was something I wanted to address.
            (https://i.imgur.com/lRZDGWD.jpg)


  • Here is a top-down shot to get an idea of key-spacing. (The switch plate used here was an experimental confetti/camouflaged ano from a previous manu so ignore that if you notice it.)
            (https://i.imgur.com/El3hWx3.jpg)


  • The USB-C cutout is quite precise but looks a bit rough around the inside edge. I'll discuss this with the manufacturer.
            (https://i.imgur.com/hbnYVtC.jpg)[/list]



8. Pricing & Kit Details


9. Vendors

US: TBA
Canada: TBA
Europe: TBA
Asia: TBA
Oceania: TBA


10. Roadmap

11. Special Thanks
Title: Re: Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: chat and team on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:28:46
575-599 lol.
I do think the magnetic badge is pretty cool.
Not being ran through a vendor, I'm out. 
yikes
Title: Re: Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: //gainsborough on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:31:12
Quote from: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:17:01
  • The guy that refused to sell me the Orion v3 2 years ago for $700 which sparked this whole project

based.  Neat looking board, mate!
Title: Re: Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: ankit on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:59:40
Quote from: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:17:01
Seemless

Quote from: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:17:01
Japanese Inspired

Quote from: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:17:01
$575-599 for base kit
Units ~ 500 Max FCFS, MOQ still being negotiated

Quote from: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:17:01
Puddsy - for providing quality feedback and guidance for posting ICs and running GBs

Looks about right. GLWIC.
Title: Re: Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: LaserCrafter on Mon, 18 July 2022, 03:11:42
Lol
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: Zyrophr on Mon, 18 July 2022, 03:36:07
Looks very nice, even if it's another scratch magnet haha. Interested  :thumb:
GLWIC.
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: Lolipopu on Mon, 18 July 2022, 04:11:32
Need sound test and actual proto unit. 500 unit gb? It’s really cool design tho. GlWIC
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: jiminojimi on Mon, 18 July 2022, 05:03:12
The price in this economic climate  … ouch. Avoiding vendors … double ouch. No hotswap… triple ouch.
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: Neely_12 on Mon, 18 July 2022, 07:15:09
Quote from: jiminojimi on Mon, 18 July 2022, 05:03:12
The price in this economic climate  … ouch. Avoiding vendors … double ouch. No hotswap… triple ouch.

You got two of those right lmao.

In other words, the design is pretty cool and for the materials and the curve the price is not outrageous but if you could get it down to low 500s with vendors I think you'd get much better feedback

Title: Re: Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 07:32:26
Quote from: //gainsborough on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:31:12
Quote from: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:17:01
The guy that refused to sell me the Orion v3 2 years ago for $700 which sparked this whole project


based.  Neat looking board, mate!

Thank you!
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 07:35:21
Quote from: Zyrophr on Mon, 18 July 2022, 03:36:07
Looks very nice, even if it's another scratch magnet haha. Interested  :thumb:
GLWIC.

Thank you! I'll keep you posted
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: hali on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:19:40
can you show the inside of the keyboard
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: DaaDaa on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:22:04
I love the aesthetics ebbs the colors are amazing but I’d never trust my money to you without a vendor. Come to think of it salvation60 is half a year later with no accountability from novelkeys so I don’t really trust vendors with my money as well. GL though
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:31:32
Quote from: Neely_12 on Mon, 18 July 2022, 07:15:09
Quote from: jiminojimi on Mon, 18 July 2022, 05:03:12
The price in this economic climate  … ouch. Avoiding vendors … double ouch. No hotswap… triple ouch.

You got two of those right lmao.

In other words, the design is pretty cool and for the materials and the curve the price is not outrageous but if you could get it down to low 500s with vendors I think you'd get much better feedback

Yea I just went through and made the hotswap part bold and underlined because even in IC Forms people keep mentioning "no hotswap?" lol. Now I spent about a year making the website from scratch because I was thinking more long term in regards to future projects. But I don't think people care too much about that given it's my first GB lol. I know that the lack of vendors can be off-putting so I'm going to look into vendors for CONUS and international. Pricing is still up in the air but I think we may be able to do low-mid 500s. The stainless steel, 3-piece kit, and [most of all] machine time contribute to this. Not to mention quality. I've gotten several prototypes from several different manufacturers over the past 2 years, and I could easily pull a cheaper price for compromised ano and machining quality. But I had certain standards that weren't met until recently. And the cost of everything has gone way up since that great year of 2020. Nevertheless, price can drop. Just realistically won't be below the low 500s. But I'll update with any new info as I receive it. And thanks for commenting btw!
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:46:35
Quote from: hali on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:19:40
can you show the inside of the keyboard

Yea I'll post a couple renders or photos showing the inside
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: Puddsy on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:47:27
i've never seen this keyboard or this ic before in my life why am i in the special thanks section

please take my name off this, thanks

the logo looks like a clitoral hood
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: Cobertt on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:54:36
Quote from: Puddsy on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:47:27
i've never seen this keyboard or this ic before in my life why am i in the special thanks section

please take my name off this, thanks

the logo looks like a clitoral hood

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 09:17:13
Quote from: Puddsy on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:47:27
i've never seen this keyboard or this ic before in my life why am i in the special thanks section

please take my name off this, thanks

the logo looks like a clitoral hood

AH! It wasn't this design. It was from a couple years ago on stream and you reviewed my IC. Called the Antares V1 back then. After you reviewed my IC I went back to drawing board. It's 'xannyo' from twitch if that rings a bell. Also joined the discord. I'll pull you off of there though. Should of asked you first my bad!
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: turangaleela on Mon, 18 July 2022, 10:51:33
Quote from: Cobertt on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:54:36
Quote from: Puddsy on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:47:27
i've never seen this keyboard or this ic before in my life why am i in the special thanks section

please take my name off this, thanks

the logo looks like a clitoral hood

(Attachment Link)

lmao
also it's "seamless" but GLWIC
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 10:59:33
Quote from: turangaleela on Mon, 18 July 2022, 10:51:33
Quote from: Cobertt on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:54:36
Quote from: Puddsy on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:47:27
i've never seen this keyboard or this ic before in my life why am i in the special thanks section

please take my name off this, thanks

the logo looks like a clitoral hood

(Attachment Link)

lmao
also it's "seamless" but GLWIC

Smh damn. Had it right in the IC and goofed on the subject. I'll hold that
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: KneeDeep on Mon, 18 July 2022, 11:19:43
(https://c.tenor.com/ZX4YdxwL2tQAAAAC/i-am-the-clit-commander-jay-silent-bob.gif)
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: Homiezoned on Mon, 18 July 2022, 11:20:31
Really like the sides
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: dgneo on Mon, 18 July 2022, 12:31:24
Quote from: MichelKami on Mon, 18 July 2022, 02:17:01
  • Units ~ 500 Max FCFS, MOQ still being negotiated

500 units and no vendor?

oh this will be good
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: LumiP on Tue, 19 July 2022, 04:23:54
I honestly really like this design and the red color, assuming it's that vivid in person. Inspiration is clear and integrated well. I'd love to see a typing test.

I'm definitely interested if you can get a vendor on board.
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: aa212121 on Tue, 19 July 2022, 05:44:37
Colour coding the IC ! :thumb: :thumb:
Screws for the case would be nice.
Dont care about the unit badge.
Quote from: hali on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:19:40
can you show the inside of the keyboard
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: MoarCoffeePlzzz on Tue, 19 July 2022, 07:43:58
First GB offering 500 units privately fulfilled? Nah.
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: soundstage on Wed, 20 July 2022, 04:58:44
External design and aesthetic looks good. Which vendors have you considered so far?
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: Plasma on Thu, 21 July 2022, 12:28:30
Really nice especially in Vino variant
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: Nonnegaard on Thu, 21 July 2022, 19:52:22
Holy fuxk this is gorgeous
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: Nonnegaard on Thu, 21 July 2022, 19:56:26
Quote from: jiminojimi on Mon, 18 July 2022, 05:03:12
The price in this economic climate  … ouch. Avoiding vendors … double ouch. No hotswap… triple ouch.
Id say no hotswap sorta evens it out
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seemless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: Nonnegaard on Thu, 21 July 2022, 19:58:33
Quote from: DaaDaa on Mon, 18 July 2022, 08:22:04
I love the aesthetics ebbs the colors are amazing but I’d never trust my money to you without a vendor. Come to think of it salvation60 is half a year later with no accountability from novelkeys so I don’t really trust vendors with my money as well. GL though
That leaves c2c which is arguably the worst of the bunch. Guess youll have to settle with never buying another keyboard.
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: Aluality on Fri, 22 July 2022, 14:51:17
I think a blue grey color would look great with this board.
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: Razer1987 on Sun, 14 August 2022, 14:35:32
Really nice board, I pray for ISO support in the GB phase!
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: kkd_20 on Wed, 02 November 2022, 10:42:19
This looks amazing
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: whitewolf154 on Wed, 02 November 2022, 23:02:53
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh this gives me Keycult vibes
Title: Re: [IC] Antares: Notare | TKL | Seamless | Screwless | Japanese Inspired
Post by: thocciness on Thu, 17 November 2022, 11:01:56
Really love the knife-like side profile! Almost looks two-tone in certain lighting. Great job!