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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: CtrlFrek on Thu, 08 August 2024, 08:59:08

Title: [IC] CatX( - F13 TKL with a kitty twist
Post by: CtrlFrek on Thu, 08 August 2024, 08:59:08
UPDATE

After receiving your feedbacks, we went back to the kitchen to cook up a new back design for the CatX( Finally after months in the basement, we present to you the new CatX( TKL, also featuring the new pink!!!

We also received a lot of feedbacks regarding the price of the board so we're actively working on that through negotiating with our manufacturer and anode providers. Keyboards production is very niche here in Vietnam so everything tend to be on the pricier side :(

(https://i.imgur.com/vMZ79YF.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/m1vAQzY.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZQ2lWHB.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YhZnmRq.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0gFmEhx.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Rm6V8Um.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XRxIQdk.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BUFNlnh.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ELzTiG1.jpeg)



(https://i.imgur.com/r2St2t6.jpeg)

After two successful rounds of the Cat:( (Past IC thread here (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=122254)), we at CtrlFrek have finally finished cooking the 2nd keyboard of the Cat:3 Collection, the TKL CatX( Once again, this will be a collaboration with our friend at Wuqi, who has been immensely helpful during the development & manufacturing process for all of our products, connect with him here! (https://discord.gg/9ChnNbUS)

Interest Check Form Here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemTUfxv8vbkIdxdXlfeeVR-zgjTku1qFAqHoLcMcdq1vkaag/viewform?usp=sf_link)

Check out our website below for an in-depth look

Click for cats :3 (https://ctrlfrek.com/pages/catx)

Join us on Discord to chat about cats keebs

Discord (https://discord.gg/TnGXb9Z2bj)





(https://i.imgur.com/CbjFwTE.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sw5uKzi.jpeg)

CatX(

CatX( is a F13 TKL gasket mount keyboard. Similar to the Cat:( we focused on the weight design and utilizing the same techniques to create a fun and playful back design. The board also features other similar design language to the Cat:( such as the curve side and cnc engraving on anode surfaces. 
 
CatX( will start at $450 *subject to change.

We're planning to do an in-stock FCFS sale near the end of September, 2024. The time specific will be updated later :3



Specifications

Case options:
  • Anodized Black
  • Anodized Silver
  • Anodized Red

Outer Weight Options:
  • Aluminum Black
  • Aluminum Smoke
  • Aluminum Red

Other Specifications:
  • Typing Angle: 8 Degrees
  • Dimensions: 366mm x 141.5mm
  • Front Height: 19.75mm
  • PCB: Solder
  • Daughterboard: Unified daughterboard with JST cable
  • Case Material: 6061 Aluminum
  • Plate Material: 5052 aluminum
  • Inner weight: Copper
  • Outer weight: Aluminum with engraving cnc mill

(https://i.imgur.com/4GNZmEd.png)

PCB Layouts:

More
(https://i.imgur.com/OOIY3GK.jpeg)


Kit Contents:
  • 1 CatX( case
  • 1 Aluminum Outer weight
  • 1 Copper Inner Weight
  • 1 Anodized Aluminium TKL Plate
  • 1 Solder PCB, QMK/VIA Supported
  • 1 Daughter-board Pack
  • Screws & feets for installation
  • Keyboard bag & microfiber cloth from our partner Wuqi





Prototype Pictures



(https://i.imgur.com/T4fkK07.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gEsHdXi.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pC44i7y.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/eAKIdxJ.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/p9AQYVP.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/409RptB.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SerqwHx.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ak54QGM.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BPG7Fzq.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Un9H0Rr.jpeg)




Title: Re: [IC] CatX( - F13 TKL with a kitty twist
Post by: xLeHoy on Thu, 08 August 2024, 09:06:59
Liked the design of the Cat:( and this is also looking really nice.

GLWIC!
Title: Re: [IC] CatX( - F13 TKL with a kitty twist
Post by: silentrookie on Thu, 08 August 2024, 09:15:22
Look stunning !  :p
Title: Re: [IC] CatX( - F13 TKL with a kitty twist
Post by: ben56k on Thu, 08 August 2024, 09:22:42
Always more cat.
Title: Re: [IC] CatX( - F13 TKL with a kitty twist
Post by: tactilesbad on Thu, 08 August 2024, 10:59:48
nice but 450? eh
Title: Re: [IC] CatX( - F13 TKL with a kitty twist
Post by: LMarci on Thu, 08 August 2024, 15:07:36
More car :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] CatX( - F13 TKL with a kitty twist
Post by: CtrlFrek on Tue, 08 October 2024, 12:56:14
UPDATE

After receiving your feedbacks, we went back to the kitchen to cook up a new back design for the CatX( Finally after months in the basement, we present to you the new CatX( TKL, also featuring the new pink!!!

We also received a lot of feedbacks regarding the price of the board so we're actively working on that through negotiating with our manufacturer and anode providers. Keyboards production is very niche here in Vietnam so everything tend to be on the pricier side :(

(https://i.imgur.com/vMZ79YF.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/m1vAQzY.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZQ2lWHB.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YhZnmRq.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0gFmEhx.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Rm6V8Um.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XRxIQdk.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BUFNlnh.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ELzTiG1.jpeg)
Title: Re: [IC] CatX( - F13 TKL with a kitty twist
Post by: tactilesbad on Thu, 10 October 2024, 08:38:52
beautiful! now work on the price, 450 is far too much.
Title: Re: [IC] CatX( - F13 TKL with a kitty twist
Post by: CtrlFrek on Sat, 12 October 2024, 00:17:43
beautiful! now work on the price, 450 is far too much.

Yup we're working on landing a better final price for the board since many people were concern with the price througout the IC. We'll update asap the new price after finalizing the cost with our manufacturer & anode provider.
Title: Re: [IC] CatX( - F13 TKL with a kitty twist
Post by: Plaidygami on Thu, 17 October 2024, 11:24:57
This looks gorgeous AF. Hope all goes well, cause I definitely want one.
Title: Re: [IC] CatX( - F13 TKL with a kitty twist
Post by: Diamond_Lee on Thu, 17 October 2024, 11:35:01
We need bubblegum and blue color on this keyboard
Title: Re: [IC] CatX( - F13 TKL with a kitty twist
Post by: taeyeon.4ever on Thu, 14 November 2024, 03:33:48
My girlfriend sent me this because of its stunning pink colour, and I must say, I'm quite taken with the weight design! As someone who's been a hobbyist since early 2017, I’ve a few observations that might help refine it for current enthusiasts.
- Front height: The 19.75mm front height, combined with the 2.5mm dimple feet, is rather unappealing. It feels a bit too high, making it uncomfortable to use without a wrist rest. Reducing it back to the 18mm range would offer a more comfortable and accessible feel without compromising the design.
- Gasket placement: The gasket tabs are positioned directly beneath the spacebar switch, which gives the spacebar a somewhat stiff, muted feel. At present, most designers are avoiding this placement to keep the spacebar more resonant—I’d recommend doing the same.
- Case screw positioning: The screws are slightly offset from the case, making them quite noticeable and, I must say, a bit distracting. This design also seems to require longer screws, which could lead to issues with thread stripping if less experienced hobbyists accidentally over-tighten.
- If the front height is difficult to reduce, consider thinning the weight down to about 2mm and using a flat-head screw, which would serve the same purpose as a countersunk screw. This could be a useful alternative to help lower the overall height.
Overall, with a few adjustments, I think this could be even more appealing to today’s audience.
GLWIC  :thumb: