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Allow me to introduce my fourth design, the ORI CLS-3//60. This will still be a design language that I believe will endure for many years to come. With this design, my goal is set higher than the 3//88. However, it remains incredibly simple and classic. We will have a 60 classic layout, the finest hand-feel in the ORI Classic Series to date, and a distinctive sound and typing experience tuned to my preferences, all coming together.
Design
It's challenging to know where to begin, but perhaps I want to bring back the design of CLS-1. Redesigned to be more elegant, especially in terms of proportions, the simpler and more compact, the better. The proportions of everything must be just right when you hold it in your hand.
I began grappling with this idea a few months ago. Escaping from old thoughts sometimes takes more time than coming up with something new. And then, when I put the first strokes for ORI CLS-3//60 on paper, everything started to become clear.
I wanted the curves on the sides to flow seamlessly, ensuring a fantastic hand-feel. The human hand is truly remarkable, capable of sensing nuances that are rarely visible to the naked eye but easily felt by touch. It took me quite some time to discuss with the factory engineers about creating a seamless sensation between the four corners of the keyboard.
(https://i.imgur.com/2zur9q8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iDOla1Z.jpg)
3D printing to feel the true scale
(https://i.imgur.com/j5FFWqz.jpg)
In addition to beautiful design, it must also adhere to functionality. What I set out to achieve was that the JST cable connection between the PCB and Daughter Board had to be one of the last steps in the assembly process. This was to ensure that there would be no excess cable inside the case.
To achieve this, I almost had to make the Daughter Board assembly the final step. However, this introduced a challenge: front height.
Front height would essentially be easy to lower if:
1.The keyboard's edges extended further.
2.There was only one assembly plate, as having two would require ensuring the thickness and rigidity of both components. If they were too thin, it would be a danger to durability and could lead to excessive sound resonance.
And ultimately, I had to compromise with a height of 19mm.
It turns out that it works quite well for this proportion.
(https://i.imgur.com/ccDTVOL.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/ybzSD0G.jpg)
Since 60 keys wouldn't provide enough space for the ORI bird logo, I also thought this was an opportunity for me to introduce something fresh and, as it turns out, it's something I like the most.
Initially, my idea was to emboss the ORI logo and infill it with red enamel. However, after testing, I realized that it was just a lazy choice. So, I decided to create a CNC-machined and anodized logo. And here it is, an ORI logo with a red anodized background, and the letters ORI are cut out after anodizing to reveal the original aluminum color, making it stand out from the red background. The internal mechanism is carefully attached and aligned to ensure it is always in the right position.
(https://i.imgur.com/FzO3IDY.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/elHZ2lN.jpg)
The internal layout is arranged relatively similarly to the CLS-3//88. And with a compact 60-layout keyboard, I thought about adding some vent holes inside, which would make the sound a bit clacky (unless you're using full foam, which would render the internal case design somewhat meaningless).
But how to make the vent holes look elegant? I pondered this for quite a while before deciding to implement them. Adding these vents would increase production costs by around $35 - $50. However, luckily, I never thought I would have to make a design to sell at such a low price to maximize profit, so let's just do what I think is best.
(https://i.imgur.com/ldhUxGC.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/zZiNhJx.jpg)
The two vent holes support sound clarity and prevent any resonance issues. There's also a name tag piece with the word "ORI" or any other text I desire.
And finally, the bottom surface is ready for any material we can combine, whether it's brass, copper, steel, or any other option.
(https://i.imgur.com/MiqigZj.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/ktvc0Hj.jpg)
And the connection between the top and bottom plates is designed with convenience in mind. There may even be a space for information about the keys and PCB for easy reference. In the production version, I might include a small QR code to make it even more convenient for lookup.
(https://i.imgur.com/hCqogwa.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/gQAKpuL.jpg)
FULL STAGE OF DESIGN
(https://i.imgur.com/QCWFKIX.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/9xZ5c7P.jpg)
Sketch - 3D print - CNC check - Anodzied and colour check
Back to the boring thing,but essential part.
Basic specifications
Keyboard layout: 60 Classic
8-part assembly
Top cases: Alunimum
Bottom cases: Alunimum/Brass/Steel/Copper
Internal weight: Brass/Copper/Steel
External weight: Aluminium/Brass/Copper/Steel
O-Ring mount
Typing angle: 6 degrees
Front height: 19mm
PCB : CEM3 1.6mm
Custom PCB and Daughterboard by Mechlovin’ Studio
PRICE & SALE PLAN
Expected: 420$/kit
Prices will vary mainly due to raw material prices at the time of production, or the option selection of the final version.
SOUND TEST
I'll still do it as soon as possible. Currently, I have not built to test. And it took a few weeks for me to send it to some friends for their evaluation.
THINGS TO DO
As always, I really need your opinions to further improve the design. As well as being able to have a more comprehensive view. I'm comfortable with any criticism of the design.
IC form: https://forms.gle/vTZk25bkRn8D18Y66
UPDATE
Protoytpe ORI CLS-3//60 Rev2.
+Add 2 colour way:
- Black in black: Black aluminium with Steel Weight mirror polish then black PVD.
- Un-named: Dark champange with Steel Weight sand blasted.
+ Upgrade Glass Bead smaller for sand blasted. Make surface more smooth.
(https://i.imgur.com/NcrErJd.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/GyPnJys.jpg)
SOCIAL
Website : www.ori-club.com
Discord: https://discord.gg/tYgNKE35w5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ori.club/