geekhack

geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: Totoro on Tue, 08 July 2025, 04:20:00

Title: 【IC】Class 100---Fullsize board inspired by DEC LK201
Post by: Totoro on Tue, 08 July 2025, 04:20:00
27th Aug update:
New Design Front Badge (also replaceable with 2 switches)
New Design Back Weight inspired by VT220 pocket guide.
PCB Gasket Mount added (Plateless supported)
Check pics below.


Hi everyone! This is MM Studio, and we are here to bringing our new Class series design:

Class 100

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/21_04b90c78-e39a-4ba7-8ead-1fd8a004003d.jpg?v=1751957404)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/17_0a5d232a-f229-4e67-ac1e-6ee2462f5e26.jpg?v=1751957406)


Intro

Since the layout follows a full-size 100% form factor, its design inspiration naturally traces back to one of the pioneers of fullsize keyboards — DEC’s (Digital Equipment Corporation) LK201 , which accompanied various terminals succeeding the VT220.
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/DEC_advertisement_Computerworld_16Jan1984.jpg?v=1751958761)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/34430050852_9d52a04425_k.jpg?v=1751958760)


The "LK201" actually existed in multiple versions. For enhanced aesthetics and distinctiveness, we decided to reference the PC version with its signature PC blocker and legend strip in our final design.

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/167172131924542187.jpg?v=1751958758)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/FvoEdeKSsoNaR3PSxgi7ET5Nv6YG.png-large5000.webp?v=1751958803)

PC Blocker:
Beneath the magnetically-attached PC blocker lies a removable metal legend strip with back light and solenoid buzzer module. Also retains the classic three-key indicator cluster (Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock).

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/14_be08a788-7dd0-4476-bfcd-b3edafd39de9.jpg?v=1751957400)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/19_17dd62cd-36ae-4d5f-85e0-a39668d127ec.jpg?v=1751957404)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/12_5e7558c4-abc3-4669-87e4-8f5a043ce757.jpg?v=1751957399)

Programmable RGB part is embedded beneath the legend strip.
When connected, it activates to simulate vintage keyboard POST lighting effects – naturally, this feature can be disabled via VIAL.

Early testing proto pics, not final version
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/DSC01881.jpg?v=1751957403)

Hot-Swappable MCU Module:
(Discussing to remove this and change to 'Class style' badge or switches according to community feedbacks and CN IC)
The removable MCU module integrates critical components like the PCB's primary MCU. This design allows users to preserve their key mappings when swapping between full plate or half plate build pcb configurations – eliminating the need for firmware reconfiguration.

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/10_3e0265df-b66c-41bf-aa9a-17df924c1057.jpg?v=1751957400)

Side Profile & Weight
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/11_07575adb-27a3-40c0-922d-836c8681706a.jpg?v=1751957400)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/13_a3631620-bb10-43c9-92d1-aa324863353c.jpg?v=1751957403)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/DSC01880.jpg?v=1751957403)

Color options:

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/3_a488a985-04ae-4633-9662-213f27327157.jpg?v=1751957406)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/6_d961de8f-1eb6-48b1-b6da-f97cbdc69200.jpg?v=1751957407)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/4_b0aa3747-7afa-40de-8f78-5d41e8440d15.jpg?v=1751957406)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/5_6bcf9894-8d60-4503-95aa-b801602980a5.jpg?v=1751957406)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/8_36035f5e-132c-44ba-a617-5be00de8fc24.jpg?v=1751957406)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/7_d2db6c97-4e95-41bc-bc51-bd361bf8aef4.jpg?v=1751957406)

Mounting Style, PCB and Plates:

Isolated Top mount only. Full plate / Half plate available.

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/9_4c3e7964-83c4-4de6-89cd-afa3f1050c0e.jpg?v=1751957401)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/Top_Mount.3381.png?v=1751957407)

Plate options:
PP(Full plate only), Ano black Alu, Brass, Copper

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/15_b602522f-1965-42db-a5cc-a742d0f4de77.jpg?v=1751957405)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/16_e66da37d-0825-4d7c-8fa3-188eadd4cf45.jpg?v=1751957404)

PCB options:
Hotswap/Solder shares the same layout below.

Solenoid and Buzzer support.
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/layout.jpg?v=1751957398)

Title: Re: 【IC】Class 100---Fullsize board inspired by DEC LK201
Post by: Totoro on Tue, 08 July 2025, 04:21:02
Specifications:
Keyboard Size and Front Height:(Pics below)
Weight: ~4kg built
Typing Angle: 7°   
Mounting method: Top Mount
PCB:Wired QMK-VIAL

Keyboard est Price:  ~370$

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/2db206f181784f4eb223dd7a8b72d045.jpg?v=1751957397)

IC Form:
https://forms.gle/WAKvCV5JTq7Ea8xZA (https://forms.gle/WAKvCV5JTq7Ea8xZA)

Thanks for reading this IC and plz let us know if you have any suggestions!

Discord Community: https://discord.gg/3bPFmpqNJa (https://discord.gg/3bPFmpqNJa)



27th Aug pics update:
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/CLASS_104.4133.png?v=1756287724)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/24f24db0c654422e8e5748779d6ab9a4.png?v=1756287724)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/5351/0626/files/QQ20250827-151826.png?v=1756287721)
Title: Re: 【IC】Class 100---Fullsize board inspired by DEC LK201
Post by: DirtyGingy on Tue, 08 July 2025, 06:47:23
I can't guarantee I'll get it, but I like the board.
Title: Re: 【IC】Class 100---Fullsize board inspired by DEC LK201
Post by: zegonix on Tue, 08 July 2025, 07:53:58
definitely too big for me, but interesting ideas. keeping things fresh  :thumb:
Title: Re: 【IC】Class 100---Fullsize board inspired by DEC LK201
Post by: boku on Tue, 08 July 2025, 19:06:18
I'm a fan of fullsize boards and I really appreciate this one being another fun addition rather than just being a box on a wedge, however the CLASS branding is really ugly and will deter people like me who want something a little more low key for the workspace.

Redesigning the case to include the option of allowing you to remove the blocker badge and fill with switches for macros would be awesome and would sway my decision for sure.

The bottom weight almost feels liker an afterthought due to lack of creativity. Literally anything is better than the name of the board in big words on the bottom.

I also feel like the lack of hhkb top case to better represent the inspiration board is kind of sad.
Title: Re: 【IC】Class 100---Fullsize board inspired by DEC LK201
Post by: vhaarr on Wed, 09 July 2025, 00:41:19
...

I agree on all points, especially the hhkb top part.

Also I'd love alternatives to the PC blocker, for example a full cover brass piece - or other materials like walnut wood or copper, or even alu in different colors.

I realise this would hide all the LEDs completely, but that's what I want.
Title: Re: 【IC】Class 100---Fullsize board inspired by DEC LK201
Post by: Totoro on Fri, 11 July 2025, 01:53:02
...

I agree on all points, especially the hhkb top part.

Also I'd love alternatives to the PC blocker, for example a full cover brass piece - or other materials like walnut wood or copper, or even alu in different colors.

I realise this would hide all the LEDs completely, but that's what I want.

We decide to add brass blocker mate!
Title: Re: 【IC】Class 100---Fullsize board inspired by DEC LK201
Post by: Edric on Fri, 25 July 2025, 12:37:43
Agreed on the branding issues. The board is already kind of overloaded with the PC blocker, having a badge and CLASS on weight feels excessive.

Would definitely get one if no branding was an option.