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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: windlabs on Mon, 10 April 2023, 22:08:40
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Hello, we are Wind Studio. Following our Wind X, X65, and X98 X series, today we bring you our new series, the fourth product - Z75.
First and foremost, in my mind, this kit is defined as a high-end, chic keyboard, and we hope to bring different styles of keyboards to everyone in the future
1.Design
Inspiration - from the Zspace Z4 NAS
Perhaps due to my professional background in design, when I first saw the Z4 on the Zspace website, I was deeply attracted to its appearance.
Its appearance is simple yet stylish, with a streamlined body that exudes symmetrical aesthetics. It is no wonder that it won the Red Dot Design Award.
Adhering to our consistent minimalist and timeless classic design philosophy, we have created a new keyboard, the Z75
(https://imgur.com/dsy9WaL.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/rZnefAm.jpg)
Appearance
Firstly, let's talk about the front. Unlike the narrow border design of the previous series, the Z75 uses a large border design with rounded side profiles,
which looks softer and smoother.
(https://imgur.com/Yw3Vdqc.jpg)
The transition between the upper and lower case is rounded, giving it a smoother feel. The interspersed upper, lower and bottom shell structure highlights
the waistline while avoiding bulkiness. In addition, the waistline extends to meet the curve of the front edge, creating a small notch that adds to its aesthetic appeal.
(https://imgur.com/v7kEI9H.jpg)
The 20-degree slanted design of the front and back edges creates two symmetrical parallel planes that enhance its depth and three-dimensionality.
(https://imgur.com/NINijvQ.jpg)
The entire back panel is also a 20-degree slope design, with curved small slopes on both sides connecting with the straight lines of the foot pads,
which is simple yet comfortable.
(https://imgur.com/811m4N9.jpg)
Finally, the weight on the back and the logo on the front are both composed of two rings, which combine to form the letter Z, hence the name of this kit, Z75.
The Z logo is also a CAPS indicator light, and the light can cycle freely.
(https://imgur.com/oEoTZNg.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/W4DpDtU.jpg)
2.Structure
(https://imgur.com/4f1TlGi.jpg)
Size
With a round large border, it is 36.4cm long and 16.64cm wide, weighing approximately 6 pounds (including switches and keycaps). It feels heavy in your hand.
The 20mm front edge height and slanted design not only conform to ergonomics but also provide a comfortable typing experience for extended periods of time,
as well as better aesthetics.
(https://imgur.com/IA4s3re.jpg)
For internals, we are sticking with gasket mount. The PCB has single-mode and dual-mode options and is equipped with two battery compartments allowing for
a capacity of 5000mAh. It not only extends the symmetrical beauty visually but also improves battery life. The single-mode PCB supports both VIA and VIAL
key customization, and you can use VIAL without downloading firmware. The dual-mode PCB still uses the LDN and can connect up to eight Bluetooth devices
with one-click switching.
(https://imgur.com/Npgoknr.jpg)
This kit moves away from the popular flex cuts. There will be no flex cuts for the pcb and plate, providing a new experience for everyone.
We provide two types of plates with significant differences in material: POM and aluminum. For others who would like plates with other
materials or flex cuts, we will provide design files later on.
(https://imgur.com/HIxCVy2.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/SujUwJC.jpg)
Based on experience of previous products, the battery connection interface of this kit is connected to the TYPE C daughter board instead of PCB for
easier installation and removal.
(https://imgur.com/5MbXN8y.jpg)
3.Material Info
Case material: 6063 ALU, manufactured by Hongtu
Mounting Style: plate gasket mount
PCB material: black core board fr4, 1.6mm
PCB Modes: Wired hotswap, Bluetooth hotswap, Wired soldered
Plate: 1.6mm POM or 1.6mm aluminum
Kit weight: about 2.6kg, excluding switches and keycaps
Measurements: 36.5*16.64*4.18cm
Typing Angle: 7 degrees
Back weight blocks: Black and silver PVD
(https://imgur.com/d6uS8PF.jpg)
Side Weight strip: Black and silver PVD
(https://imgur.com/nTivq2R.jpg)
PCB layout:
(https://imgur.com/aeCYJaz.jpg)
4.Sale info
Price：Wired $365, Bluetooth $385（(rounded edges increase manufacturing costs)）
Group buy dates：June – Aug 2023, the exact dates will be provided at GB
Sale Method: group buy, time limited but no quantity limit, please pay attention to announcement
Delivery dates: 4-6 months after group buy ends
Package include：
Top case
Lower case
Bottom case
Front metal keys X2
Gasket
Bumpons
Side weight strip X2
Z Logo back weight X2
Battery case cover X2
Z logo front diffuser X1
Type-c daughterboard
Wrench
PCB
Plate
Foam kit
5.Extra price
Wired hotswap pcb: $30
Bluetooth hotswap pcb: $50
Solered PCB: $30
Foam kit：$10
POM plate：$25
ALU plate：$25
6.Color choices
①Black (black PVD weight strip, silver bottom case, deep black PVD back weight)
②Red oxidized 2347C (Silver PVD weight strip, black bottom case, deep silver PVD back weight)
③Blue oxidized 282C (Silver PVD weight strip, black bottom case, deep silver PVD back weight)
④Silver (Silver PVD weight strip, blue bottom case, deep silver PVD back weight)
⑤Gray oxidized 2334U (Silver PVD weight strip, black bottom case, deep silver PVD back weight)
⑥Green oxidized 7724C (Silver PVD weight strip, silver bottom case, deep silver PVD back weight)
(https://imgur.com/xRCvNib.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/8h6PrpZ.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/yEIyD1o.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/s55GmEq.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/1eyugvZ.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/zln34P4.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/Mw12rnw.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/OSa97p9.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/oGH0jEI.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/gcBqIwX.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/89PuqtO.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/SVsBvYl.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/rJ9bIuk.jpg)
More review videos will be released later, welcome to join our discord server：https://discord.gg/VEWAzhW2Z7 (https://discord.gg/VEWAzhW2Z7)
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I like the round edges!
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Interesting design. Bezels are a bit too chonky for my tastes, but it's an interesting looking board.
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really digging the design!
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Good looking keyboard with tasteful curvature , would love to see a 60% in the future if possible.
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Good looking keyboard with tasteful curvature , would love to see a 60% in the future if possible.
This. I'd love a 60% or even a 40% in this style. No bigger than 65% for me.
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This board looks so good, love the colors. Can't wait for the GB!
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I’m dying to have one in bright orange so I can relive my iPod Nano days :’) super fun & funky, love it!
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Group Buy is now live on our website - https://mechboards.co.uk/products/wind-z75-keyboard-kit-group-buy