Print Page - [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains!

geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: louckousse on Wed, 04 September 2024, 09:31:18

Title: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! | GB Ended
Post by: louckousse on Wed, 04 September 2024, 09:31:18

(https://flatbrains.notion.site/image/https%3A%2F%2Fprod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Ffe1b8092-a82c-46db-ae99-c02124f4d8b1%2F776d8cac-3e00-4126-b8a3-fc14b01c1902%2Fplaketxl-logo.png?table=block&id=52589d28-f7a5-4ef9-89da-33dfff264ca5&spaceId=fe1b8092-a82c-46db-ae99-c02124f4d8b1&width=2000&userId=&cache=v2)

(https://i.imgur.com/UVVVdhD.jpeg)
Picture credit: Bagri (https://www.instagram.com/bagri_shoot/)

Hi everyone, we're Flatbrains! from France!

Our duo consists of Plaketdebeur, who mainly handles case design, and me, on the electronic side of things.

Up until now, we've kept a low profile by running mostly fnf runs and a bunch of prototypes. That said, you may have seen some of our boards around, such as the PlaketVNR (https://www.reddit.com/r/CustomKeyboards/comments/zsk36g/grrrrrrrr/), the Plaket60 (https://www.reddit.com/r/CustomKeyboards/comments/12gqz55/my_favourite_ever_plaket60/), or even the Samara (https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/comments/13sfn5f/ive_created_a_thing_the_samara_is_alive/).

We're glad to announce that the PlaketXL GB is now live until December 5th!

The idea

An old-school-looking 60% with a double F-row and a pen-holder

(https://i.imgur.com/YESBJgW.jpeg)
Picture credit: Tomish (https://www.instagram.com/tomishart/)

More pictures of the first prototype (color not available in the GB)
(https://i.imgur.com/wfyfjvx.jpeg)

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

(https://i.imgur.com/6HwxabM.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/deBvL0n.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/RHc4Lqb.jpeg)

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

History

The design process started almost 2 years ago when Plaketdebeur, who's passionate about OG boards, wanted something reminiscing of the 80s era and some of its iconic boards such as the Cherry G80-2100 (https://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_G80-2100).

After several iterations on the design, a first prototype was ordered. It got displayed at some meetups as well as on streams, and received solid comments and feedback.

Eventually, Delta Key Co. reached out to us about running this as a GB. We took the opportunity to run another round of prototypes with another manufacturer, and implemented some changes based on the previously collected feedback about the first prototype.

PlaketXL's top secret R&D

Specifications

● Alpha angle:		6°
● F-Row angle:		17°


● Alpha mount:		O-ring
● F-row mount:		Top-mount


● EKH (https://github.com/Croktopus/effective-keyboard-height):		23.8mm
● Front height:		19.5mm


● PCBs:		Solder or hotswap PCBs (same compatibility) (1.6mm) with C3 spec DB
● Weights:		Clear-coated dual internal brass weights
● Weight:		3kg built (6.6lb)

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

(https://flatbrains.notion.site/image/https%3A%2F%2Fprod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Ffe1b8092-a82c-46db-ae99-c02124f4d8b1%2Fd7f0d859-74a7-4ce6-bd83-6e2273895c4f%2Fimage.png?table=block&id=e27c2c34-d02a-495b-8ad6-b46541709036&spaceId=fe1b8092-a82c-46db-ae99-c02124f4d8b1&width=2000&userId=&cache=v2)

(https://i.imgur.com/O7HBciT.jpeg)

Options

Colorways	● Beige and red with red plate (Vintage Red)
	● Silver and blue with blue plate (Modern Blue)
	● Black/silver/black with red plate (Classic black)


Layouts	● WK
	● WKL
	● HHKB


Plates	● Alu with flex cuts
	● PC without flex cuts


Extras	● Top piece in beige, silver or black in every layout
	● Bottom accent piece in red, blue or black
	● Silver aluminium plate with flex cuts
	● Clear frosted PC plate without flex cuts
	● Solder or hotswap PCBs

(https://i.imgur.com/6YbpTmB.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Okj9Dw7.jpeg)
Renders by kustom3 (https://www.instagram.com/kust0m3) with druz (https://www.instagram.com/aaarsene)'s assistance

(https://i.imgur.com/7iEXqEy.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Guw2jUp.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/51Zlml3.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/zq2n4Zi.jpeg)

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

(https://i.imgur.com/8qXPZYv.jpeg)

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

(https://i.imgur.com/3miacjV.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5ZUoziB.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/HLl7kIb.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/hI2Lz6G.jpeg)

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

Vendors

Starting at US$415
The GB run from November 5th to December 5th.

🇪🇺 Europe 🇪🇺	🇫🇷 Delta Key Co. (https://deltakeyco.com/collections/plaketxl) (lead vendor)

	🇬🇧 proto[Typist] (https://prototypist.net/products/group-buy-plaketxl-by-flatbrains)
🌎 Rest of the World 🌏	🇺🇸 Click Clack (https://clickclack.io/collections/upcoming-group-buy/products/flatbrains-plaketxl-mechanical-keyboard-kit)
	🇦🇺 Keebz N Cables (https://www.keebzncables.com/collections/live-group-buys/products/group-buy-plaketxl-by-flatbrains)
	🇸🇬 ktechs (https://ktechs.store/products/flatbrains-plaketxl)
	🇰🇷 Swagkeys (https://www.swagkey.kr/19384116/?idx=976)

Prototypes builds and sound tests

Prototype build by Taeha Types

Second prototype - Popus and dark vBlues on alu

First prototype - vBlacks on alu - credit: Zyrophr (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgI0sON_2_VYVjQo-QVkz9Q)

Links

● Flatbrains!'s discord (https://discord.gg/xmbd2FTM2b)

● Notion (https://flatbrains.notion.site/Plaket-XL-df2ee848b6124018ba44d91ed50f72aa)

● Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/_flatbrains/)

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: louckousse on Wed, 04 September 2024, 09:31:56

Embrace tradition, reserve the first post

# 2024-09-24: adding vendors and GB date (start november 5th)
# 2024-11-06: Update first post with GB infos, including new extras, plate modification and hotswap PCBs

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Manukbs_ on Wed, 04 September 2024, 09:35:37

Let's ****ing go

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: SilfurSol on Wed, 04 September 2024, 09:38:01

VIVE LA FRANCE

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Lhiebig on Wed, 04 September 2024, 09:49:36

Very nice to see this amazing design and keyboard going for a global sell.
GLHF even if I know that with such a design, their is no luck involved, just talent.
Love you guys!

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: mamahuhu on Wed, 04 September 2024, 10:14:50

A l'attaque!

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: HubertThemad on Wed, 04 September 2024, 10:21:29

Damn! This has my interest. GLWIC

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: azhdar on Wed, 04 September 2024, 10:23:07

oui

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: WiBla on Wed, 04 September 2024, 10:49:03

This is my first post here, GLWIC ! 🇫🇷

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: xLeHoy on Wed, 04 September 2024, 10:57:02

Really giving off a retro vibe while also giving off some more recent board vibes.

GLWIC!

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: bizzlesticks on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:01:26

Cool design, I've been wanting a 60% with F-row! I find the typing test to honestly sounds pretty awful, especially at this price point, and the typing angle is too shallow - which means unfortunately this board is not for me. Best of luck though!

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Islander on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:12:12

Very interesting design. GLWIC

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: thibaud on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:13:03

Great board congrat for the design, the pictures and all of the hard work behind the scene.
Best EU vendor too

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: LightningXI on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:13:54

Quite the fun looking board! A nice ode to the classics; would be so keen to see it in person. I love the 2100.

What purpose does the inner weight with the individual holes under the switch serve? Well, moreso a rhetorical question, but what kinds of findings have you had with how it affects the typing experience?

Will keep an eye on the IC/GB. GL!

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: BlivionIaG on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:19:29

Very nice, good luck with your ic 👍

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Kokaloo on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:21:56

square keyboards are so in right now

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: mongoose27 on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:32:00

This is very cool, something different from your run-of-the-mill 60's. Definitely keeping an eye on this one. :thumb:

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Gtour on Wed, 04 September 2024, 12:42:08

Simple but neat. Interesting inner weight design, GL

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Bagri on Wed, 04 September 2024, 13:39:52

Let's go booooys
super cool <3

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: druz on Wed, 04 September 2024, 14:40:38

Great work as always guys, GLWIC!

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Bert on Thu, 05 September 2024, 03:03:02

Cool stuff! I wish I knew how to solder.

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: vhaarr on Thu, 05 September 2024, 05:49:24

glwic man I really want this hhkb :-D

Please show us a full render of hhkb top with keycaps, maybe in beige? :P
Kind of wish for more colors, but I could use another silver/black board anyway so hmm

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: VXQN on Thu, 05 September 2024, 07:16:58

Not really a 60% guy but this looks awesome. Are the side bezels wider than the bottom ones?

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: SilfurSol on Thu, 05 September 2024, 08:00:14

Please consider allowing to mix and match top/accent pieces. And maybe add an asterisk on the proto photos that currently Silver + Red is not a planned possible combination, could mislead some people I guess

Again vive la france and GLWIC

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Plaketdebeur on Thu, 05 September 2024, 12:48:36

Quote from: LightningXI on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:13:54

Quite the fun looking board! A nice ode to the classics; would be so keen to see it in person. I love the 2100.

What purpose does the inner weight with the individual holes under the switch serve? Well, moreso a rhetorical question, but what kinds of findings have you had with how it affects the typing experience?

Will keep an eye on the IC/GB. GL!

This remains theoretical, but in my tests (another project, where I was able to test with and without the studs), I have the impression that it slightly accentuates the sound of the switch above the small hole. Also, having small studs avoids resonance. In any case, I thought it was a funny idea.

Quote from: VXQN on Thu, 05 September 2024, 07:16:58

Not really a 60% guy but this looks awesome. Are the side bezels wider than the bottom ones?

Yes, same wider

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: RozenKristal on Thu, 05 September 2024, 14:01:13

oh wow this is beautiful, any chance for a hotswap pcb :(

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Raie_de_Boule on Thu, 05 September 2024, 15:15:46

Another vote for the hotswap PCB (please)

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Meepergon on Thu, 05 September 2024, 17:17:57

yeah this is sick. i'm in.

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: mul7i on Fri, 06 September 2024, 03:44:49

such a cool concept, excited for the sales date reveal

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: El Kinoflop on Fri, 06 September 2024, 04:29:15

Looks great. 3-1-3 Split space would be amazing. GLWIC

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: louckousse on Fri, 06 September 2024, 04:43:23

Quote from: RozenKristal on Thu, 05 September 2024, 14:01:13

oh wow this is beautiful, any chance for a hotswap pcb :(

Quote from: Raie_de_Boule on Thu, 05 September 2024, 15:15:46

Another vote for the hotswap PCB (please)

I promise nothing but I'll see what I can do with the rest of the team. The hotswap bring some constraints and we need to make sure that everything fit and how to propose this option. (ansi only? both compat?). Time to reopen KiCad!

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: thibaud on Fri, 06 September 2024, 09:11:31

Hotswap would be a great option for some people - good news if you manage to make it happen.

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: crowcrowcrow on Fri, 06 September 2024, 10:27:18

this is sick wow

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: inviz on Fri, 06 September 2024, 16:28:10

oui, baguette, fromage

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: ZavaZ86 on Sat, 07 September 2024, 11:42:37

Other than the lead vendor being one of the more expensive EU vendors (which is disappointing) while being fairly new'ish/small isn't great. But I do look forward to it being released and hope for the best and at least Jae is an option

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Bagri on Sat, 07 September 2024, 13:01:32

Quote from: ZavaZ86 on Sat, 07 September 2024, 11:42:37

Other than the lead vendor being one of the more expensive EU vendors (which is disappointing) while being fairly new'ish/small isn't great. But I do look forward to it being released and hope for the best and at least Jae is an option

For the price part, you need to bear in mind that we have 20% VAT in France, so while it is more advantageous for french people because of shipping costs, it might costs you less with other vendors once announced. But I don't think it is fair to call it expensive if you don't compare prices excluding taxes.

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: inviz on Sat, 07 September 2024, 13:07:26

Quote from: ZavaZ86 on Sat, 07 September 2024, 11:42:37

Other than the lead vendor being one of the more expensive EU vendors (which is disappointing) while being fairly new'ish/small isn't great. But I do look forward to it being released and hope for the best and at least Jae is an option

French project, made by french people, with a french lead vendor.
It all makes sense.

Let's give newcomers a chance, especially when they're trustworthy and local.

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Kuruje on Sat, 07 September 2024, 13:08:24

The best team releasing the best board idea ever !
The design is awesome ! I definitely need it !
And involving DKC is a great move !
Thank you ! GLWIC !

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: pseudonym on Sun, 08 September 2024, 06:07:41

Please reconsider adding a hotswap PCB with decent layout support. Otherwise it looks great.

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: crowTFT on Mon, 09 September 2024, 21:02:37

Looks absolutely sick, I will definitely be getting beige + red

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Nuap on Mon, 09 September 2024, 21:06:46

i buy

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: deductivemonkee on Mon, 09 September 2024, 22:00:36

If it's solder, can alps support be added? No real reason not to

Sent from my SM-S911W using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Zyrophr on Sun, 15 September 2024, 11:34:12

Quote

18:33 VIP louckousse: i love you flatbrains you're the best

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: mr_foggy on Mon, 16 September 2024, 12:40:39

deltakeyco for my experience is oblotzky level of trustworthiness + it's cheaper than most EU vendors for me + this board is genius = buy

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Piperaceae on Mon, 16 September 2024, 13:10:39

Nothing but nice things to say about Delta Key Co!

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: pseudonym on Mon, 16 September 2024, 15:16:42

May I ask if you considered a cherry lip by any chance?

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: nathanchere on Mon, 16 September 2024, 17:42:59

Quote from: El Kinoflop on Fri, 06 September 2024, 04:29:15

Looks great. 3-1-3 Split space would be amazing. GLWIC

2.25-1.25-2.75 split space would be even better ;)

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Bennettb on Wed, 18 September 2024, 00:25:06

This is very cool! Love the retro vibe, feels like a NASA control panel.

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: louckousse on Wed, 18 September 2024, 04:12:27

Quote from: pseudonym on Mon, 16 September 2024, 15:16:42

May I ask if you considered a cherry lip by any chance?

The external design is final, so no cherry lip even tho' that's a design part I REALLY love. We tried to put one early on, but it didn't worked well with the rest of the design.

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: pseudonym on Wed, 18 September 2024, 13:26:48

Thanks for the explanation. Really looking forward to this project, cherry lip or no :D

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: louckousse on Tue, 24 September 2024, 09:41:54

I've updated the first post with new vendors joining us. We now have a nice coverage.

We also decided to run the GB from November 5th to December 5th.

Last but not least, I heard you and I started working on a hotswap PCB. Doing my best to be able to propose it for the GB.

Thanks for the support so far, we're really happy with the reception, it means a lot. ♥️

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: MartinThePolarBear on Tue, 24 September 2024, 10:12:21

Definitely interested in this one

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro XL using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: actionbastard on Fri, 11 October 2024, 11:30:50

Maybe dumb question but what size spacebar do I need for this in wk format?

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Prelim on Fri, 11 October 2024, 11:39:52

7u spacebar as it is (WKL)

if last row was WK, then 6.25u

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: jd on Mon, 14 October 2024, 13:47:56

100% in, though it would be nice to have a hotswap pcb option if possible.

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: Woovie on Sat, 02 November 2024, 01:25:58

I unfortunately assumed the pricing on clickclack was accurate, and was really excited. I think it's a great design but not in a 400+ mood right now in the hobby. Good luck with your GB, it's a beautiful board! :thumb:

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: kbd0 on Sat, 02 November 2024, 18:36:27

Always been a fan of old boards with layouts like this. Lots of keys without losing mouse space and looks really good. GLWIC

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: FoxandFoundry on Tue, 05 November 2024, 20:36:06

Is there a way to do red and silver? Also is the main promo shot red and silver or red and beige (the group buy choice) because it looks like silver to me?

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! | GB Live from November 5th to December 5th
Post by: louckousse on Wed, 06 November 2024, 17:04:15

Hey folks!
Quick update: The GB is now live until Devember 5th!
You can find the list of vendors and links to product pages in the first post.

We've tried to listen to your feedback as much as possible, so here are a few changes:
- Hotswap PCB is now available! (with the keyboard kit and as an extra)
- Extra plates : Alu silver w/ flexcuts and clear PC w/o flexcuts
- Accent and top pieces available separately
- the black kit now comes with a red alu plate instead of a silver one

Unfortunately, we're unable to create a thread in the GB section of the forum.
For this reason we'll use this IC thread's second post for updates about the GB as well.

Bisous !

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! - 60% with double f-row
Post by: louckousse on Wed, 06 November 2024, 17:08:10

Quote from: FoxandFoundry on Tue, 05 November 2024, 20:36:06

Is there a way to do red and silver? Also is the main promo shot red and silver or red and beige (the group buy choice) because it looks like silver to me?

The promo shot (wasn't really a promo shot tbh) is in silver/red because we used early unit before even doing this GB. We used the pictures because they are beautiful and show well the design of the keyboard. But yeah unfortunately we decided to not go with silver/red for the GB because we felt that beige/red was more close to the retro vibe we wanted. Having silver/red also would have been redundant, so silver/blue appeared.

The closest you can get is by ordering a modern blue with red accent as extra. You'll only miss the red plate.

Title: Re: [IC] PlaketXL by Flatbrains! | GB Live from November 5th to December 5th
Post by: twitchytheinsideman on Thu, 07 November 2024, 03:10:37

me likey