Interest Check Link (https://forms.gle/dAm2X6r2FE8EGJLR6)
Table of Contents
- PCB Specifications
- Features
- Kitting & Pricing
- Vendors
- Project Log and Updates
PCB Specifications
The u65-HE is a 65% Hall Effect PCB, integrated with QMK/VIA firmware and designed to fit the Bakeneko 65. This project is a collaboration from Serene Industries and Trailblazer Keyboards.
TLDR:
• Compatibility will be similar to Bakeneko65 PCB
• PCB is 1.6mm thick and has no flex cuts
• Uses a standard JST connector, 4-pin cable, and AI03 C3 DB
• Features a Fixed Layout, as closely spaced magnetic signals can cause problems
• Soldered standoffs hold PCB to plate, similar to Venom HE |
Prototype Images. Final adjustments to be added.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZhxoPsf.jpeg)(https://i.imgur.com/gVcPoIK.jpeg)(https://i.imgur.com/nUd5g50.jpeg)(https://i.imgur.com/2DYi5wT.jpeg)
Renders. Final Prototypes may not appear exactly as presented.
(https://i.imgur.com/MxvSb9d.jpeg)(https://i.imgur.com/fCpE8jH.jpeg)(https://i.imgur.com/vWfvjmU.jpeg)(https://i.imgur.com/W3d1qbh.jpeg)
Additional Renders and Photos (https://imgur.com/a/nRZ43cR)
Compatibilityu65-HE has been tested in the following cases:
• Saag65
• Bakeneko65 (CannonKeys) |
We can post a datasheet for others to submit compatibility with the edge cut data if desired. Please let us know in the Interest Check (https://forms.gle/dAm2X6r2FE8EGJLR6) which boards you’d like to see compatibility for!
u65-HE PCB Layout
The U65-HE layout, featuring standard capslock, full backspace, and a 7u spacebar, is shown below. Magnetic sensors struggle to correlate signals to the proper switch when magnets are in close proximity. As such, multi-layout options may become available in the future, but this first launch will only include a fixed, robust Hall Effect setup.
(https://i.imgur.com/aBeGVbp.png)
Soldered standoffs are located between the ` and 1 key, Backspace and Ins, Ctrl and Win, Down and Right Arrow, and around the spacebar.
Features
The u65-HE PCB comes with 3 actuation mode options.
(https://i.imgur.com/nT08Bbp.png)
Normal (APC)- In this mode, the user defines both actuation threshold and release threshold.
- The switch must reset before another actuation, like a traditional MX Switch.
- Lower thresholds means a shorter travel distance before actuation or release.
- Safeguards are in place to prevent the switch from reaching an always-on or always-off setting.
(https://i.imgur.com/yUerKk1.png)
Rapid Trigger- In this mode, the user can input and stop keys dynamically, without resetting the switch between inputs.
- Engage Distance: This parameter defines the distance required to activate the key input. Lower values (to the left) means a shorter engage distance.
- Disengage Distance: This parameter defines the distance required to stop the input. Lower values (to the left) means a shorter disengage distance.
- Once disengaged, the key can be engaged again without a full reset.
- Deadzone: This parameter defines the maximum height a switch can rebound before needing a full reset. Once the deadzone is triggered, the switch must be fully reset before another input is possible.
- A lower (toward the left) deadzone value moves the deadzone closer to top of the keystroke, allowing more room for re-engaging the switch. Deadzone value can be 0 and is 0 by default.
(https://i.imgur.com/iWUFPHr.png)
Key Cancellation- In this mode, users can input a secondary key without releasing their primary key input.
- u65-HE supports AD and ZX key cancellation modes only.
- AD Mode allows A or D to be input while the other is held.
- ZX Mode allows Z and X to be input while the other is held.
(https://i.imgur.com/UaymuUM.png)
Calibration- Factory firmware is calibrated to a generic batch of Geon RAW HE switches.
- User re-calibration is encouraged for the best experience, as switches all have magnets with a small variance.
- Calibration can be done by first clicking the Calibration Start button. LEDs will all turn red to show that prior calibration data is deleted.
- Afterwards, press and hold every key individually, one at a time, for about 1s. LEDs will turn green once calibration is complete.
- Pressing the key again will not negatively affect the calibration, if you are unsure which keys are pressed.
- Once all calibration is complete, click the End + Save button and enjoy your new switches!
(https://i.imgur.com/bseLhyz.png)
Video demonstrations and build streams for all features will be available soon!
Kitting & Pricingu65-HE Kit includes the following:
• FR4 Plate
• u65-HE PCB
• Any necessary screws for assembly
• (Optional Extras) 70x Geon RAW HE Switches |
PCBs will be calibrated for Geon RAW HE with factory firmware. However, we encourage users to re-calibrate for best results.
We are aiming at a starting price of $95 for the kit without switches.
Vendor ListWe wish to keep vendors region locked at the moment to streamline the communication and fulfillment process.
• North America: Trailblazer Keyboards
• Australia: Keebz N Cables
• ...your region's favorite vendor here! (TBD) |
We’ll be looking to build out the vendor list in the upcoming weeks. If there’s a specific vendor with a good reputation in the region, please post suggestions in the Interest Check.
Project Log and Updates☑ Post u65-HE PCB Interest Check - 12/7/2024
☐ Review IC Feedback and Data
☐ Make any necessary changes, and potentially renew prototypes
☐ Setup demonstration builds for u65-HE PCB
☐ Reach out to Vendors and finalize Vendor List
☐ Finalize Group Buy details
☐ Announce GB Dates |
Looking for updates?• Discord: Feel free to join the Project W Discord (https://discord.gg/QHwZZqDwGQ) or Keebz N Cables Discord (https://discord.gg/5Jd5uJg8NQ) servers
• Instagram: @trailblazerkeyboards (https://www.instagram.com/trailblazerkeyboards/) or @keebzncables (https://www.instagram.com/keebzncables/)
• Email: Drop us some feedback on the Interest Check (https://forms.gle/dAm2X6r2FE8EGJLR6) and we’ll keep you updated via email
• Any questions regarding Serene Industries can be sent to denis@serene.industries!
Instagram: @serene.industries (https://www.instagram.com/serene.industries/) |
Thanks for checking our project out! Looking forward to getting feedback from the community.
Interest Check Link (https://forms.gle/dAm2X6r2FE8EGJLR6)