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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 02:16:22

Title: Codename: Weaven
Post by: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 02:16:22: So some of you guys will feel familiar with these photos I posted days ago

(http://i.imgur.com/iLgqh4s.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/rfbU09S.jpg)

And yes, some of you ask about the board but it's not until today that I can show the rest of the project to you, don't know what to call it just yet so I'll leave the code name Weaven there.

So the idea behinds this small guy is I want a keyboard that is convenient enough to be my daily driver, but not at home. Yeah, I want to bring my keyboard to college everyday. Y U NO BRING YOUR VIPER (or LZ CE, Duck Eagle, Hammer case or whatever) ??? ?? It's too heavy. Admit it. I know you feel it too.

Then first what we have to deal with is the weight. And what do we say when it comes to heavy problem? CARBON.

Yes we'll have carbon then.

(http://i.imgur.com/sL5PW9O.jpg)

(Also the board I'm using is BeastMask's SPRiT edition of FaceU, thanks, Sprit)

While we're at it, we were thinking getting the back plate made also from carbon fiber, then what? I'll tell you that way we just came up to a regular simple 2 layer case which has open side, mounted screws everywhere, and a feeling of an unfinished product left every time you look at it.

Why don't we do some thing that add the final missing piece to that?

And that was when these guys come in:

(http://i.imgur.com/dRiD1TA.jpg)

Matcha KitKat anyone? :p

(http://i.imgur.com/MLmTm8d.jpg)

You can now get an idea of how these connected to each other

Break time: LEDs installing

(http://i.imgur.com/bxb4FLV.jpg)

Now let's get them together.

So the idea is now you have 3 layers case and a stunning case to compliment the design. What make them interesting then is to make them friendly and easier, the aim is to make assembling process as simple as possible. You just have to slide it in 8)

(http://i.imgur.com/oCILVd9.jpg)

I can tell you that the assembling is where it cost me most, I already finished the whole bag of KitKat :-[

(http://i.imgur.com/MqS7QUC.jpg)

Getting it done

(http://i.imgur.com/eCFH2do.jpg)

Give me some light

(http://i.imgur.com/wZ9tiR7.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/qAbBPoB.jpg)

Now that's it, what I've been working on lately. It still just a flat board for now. I'm putting it on a carbon fiber tube to have an slight angle. Maybe I'll make it into the board's feet too, but that still there to consider.

So what about the feeling with the CF plate? I can tell you that it's the best plate I've ever typed on. The feeling is much like a mix between aluminium and steel one. It does indeed have the firmness on par with a SS plate, but behave in a way very different that bring it a bit of feel from alu. Those in result make a plate that is so unique and packed in a very light form.

Bare in mind that this is a personal project and still in a developing state. I'm working on a feet and will be updating here when it comes. Also it still have some flaw that I'm still not very satisfied of, but worry not, the 2nd case with fixture are in the made and will be updated in this topic too :thumb:

So what's your thought?

July 21 Update:

Hey I'm back :p

Thank you people for the award KotM, that was really a surprised to me ;D I've been wandering around some last days, since you guys seem to love the keyboard very much, I'm doing a second prototype to fix some design flaws on the original one posted here, this might be the final one to go if a group buy may ever happen in a short time, I may soon open an IC but that'll be later, and now, here is the new CF plate for the proto2 :thumb:

(http://i.imgur.com/i5nI83G.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/gdGBHP3.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/pehwfnu.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/8xnwAvl.jpg)

As you may notice the cut outs for switch are kind of weird, this is what we come up with after the experience with the first plate, the common square cut or openable cut with squared side is actually not suitable to machine on carbon fiber. This is due to the fiber character of the material, any small corner would easily get broken. This in fact cause little to no affects to the typing experience or assembling but make the plate appear very much like an unfinished, flawed piece of work so, you know what I meant :D

Also, here is a traditional stainless steel plate being laser cut, I made this one to have an idea of how it would be different between using SS plate and CF plate in the Weaven, well, SS as you can easily guess, is much heavier, and not as sturdy as CF though, but you can have a shiny surface to compliment the LEDs in the other hand :))

(http://i.imgur.com/n8DQLJZ.jpg)

That's it at the moment, I also had a new 4-piece frame made to come with this, I'll get back with it hopefully another couples of days, so stay tune :thumb:
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: joey on Wed, 10 June 2015, 02:29:56: Quote from: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 02:16:22
So what's your thought?
Intense.
Definite Keyboard of the month contender here.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: phoenix1234 on Wed, 10 June 2015, 02:35:13: What's my thought?

It's amazing! :thumb:
I really like the design of the case although let see how you finish the feet and the total weight of keyboard. Not only it looks stylish but also it is easier for transportation as a kit of DIY. When I saw your teasing pictures a few days ago, I suspect it is a carbon plate and it is for real now. Last but not least, the colour tone of the pictures taken are really suitable for the keyboard.

Congratulations! :)) So a group buy coming soon with BeastMask's SPRiT FaceU?
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: byker on Wed, 10 June 2015, 02:35:14: Nice board! Thanks for the writeup, I was curious after you posted pictures of it the other day.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: Mad_Maxx on Wed, 10 June 2015, 03:05:20: Wow that looks great! Very clean design, very sharp.

How is the stiffness of the board/case overall? and how does the case sound compared to a plastic case vs. a metal case?
Where did you get the plate and case made? (sorry if I missed that, i'm new here...)
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 05:26:33: Just remember that I forgot to weight the total keyboard after getting everything together. Tomorrow then :))

The sound is very good, with MX red on the noise was very low and I very like it (obviously :)) ) The anti-slipping mat inserted between the PCB and bottom CF plate make the whole thing very stable and eliminate the echo sound caused by the close space (2 thin plate and the case)
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: katushkin on Wed, 10 June 2015, 06:25:02: Really great! Love the write up, and the carbon plate is really awesome. Just a shame about the switches ;)

And I echo Joey's thoughts about KOTM too :)
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: quochung1989 on Wed, 10 June 2015, 06:25:41: Wow, it 's impression idea :thumb: Especially carbon material. In additional, I like feet boards so I hope to see your feet soon.
Waiting for more updates...
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Wed, 10 June 2015, 06:42:06: I am going to need one of these in a 75% :eek:
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 10 June 2015, 06:52:49: Whoa, very cool project there, sir. Looking great!
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: sethk_ on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:03:59: Wow, this is amazing! Really like the two-toned case
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:05:23: Really liking it.
So the PCB just slide in the carbon side parts? or is there more support for it?
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: sethk_ on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:25:01: Quote from: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:05:23
Really liking it.
So the PCB just slide in the carbon side parts? or is there more support for it?
If I think I know what you are asking, the plate slides into the top of the case, and the bottom slot is the bottom of the case
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:29:46: Quote from: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:05:23
Really liking it.
So the PCB just slide in the carbon side parts? or is there more support for it?

the PCB is hung to the plate by the switches (it gets better if you use PCB mount MX), then landing on a anti-slipping mat over the bottom plate
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:33:46: Quote from: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:29:46
Quote from: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:05:23
Really liking it.
So the PCB just slide in the carbon side parts? or is there more support for it?

the PCB is hung to the plate by the switches (it gets better if you use PCB mount MX), then landing on a anti-slipping mat over the bottom plate

So on this picture :
(http://i.imgur.com/dRiD1TA.jpg)

the top cutting is where the Plate slide in and the lower one is made to assemble the bottom plate of the case?
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: sethk_ on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:40:09: Quote from: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:33:46
Quote from: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:29:46
Quote from: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:05:23
Really liking it.
So the PCB just slide in the carbon side parts? or is there more support for it?

the PCB is hung to the plate by the switches (it gets better if you use PCB mount MX), then landing on a anti-slipping mat over the bottom plate

So on this picture :
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/dRiD1TA.jpg)

the top cutting is where the Plate slide in and the lower one is made to assemble the bottom plate of the case?
Yep, at least from what I can tell from the photos
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:40:11: Quote from: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:33:46
Quote from: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:29:46
Quote from: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:05:23
Really liking it.
So the PCB just slide in the carbon side parts? or is there more support for it?

the PCB is hung to the plate by the switches (it gets better if you use PCB mount MX), then landing on a anti-slipping mat over the bottom plate

So on this picture :
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/dRiD1TA.jpg)

the top cutting is where the Plate slide in and the lower one is made to assemble the bottom plate of the case?

yes, as you can see it here that the 2 cutting are made for the 2 plates sliding in

(http://i.imgur.com/oCILVd9.jpg)

Both are 1.5mm in thick if you're wondering. I'm considering making the bottom one thicker though.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:41:32: Thanks for the clarification man, this look fantastic, Korean custom level imo.

ps: just a though I'm having , with different side pieces, you could change it to happy layout :)
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: mashby on Wed, 10 June 2015, 08:07:39: I think I'm in love.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: sethk_ on Wed, 10 June 2015, 08:09:40: Those holes, are those for pins?
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: neverused on Wed, 10 June 2015, 08:32:02: Beautiful board, I like the project log presentation too. Excellent work
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: vindaon on Wed, 10 June 2015, 08:40:33: The carbon fiber plate is just beautiful.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 09:06:22: Quote from: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:41:32
Thanks for the clarification man, this look fantastic, Korean custom level imo.

ps: just a though I'm having , with different side pieces, you could change it to happy layout :)

Happy and Winkeyless layouts are both planned 8)
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 09:55:15: Quote from: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 09:06:22
Quote from: azhdar on Wed, 10 June 2015, 07:41:32
Thanks for the clarification man, this look fantastic, Korean custom level imo.

ps: just a though I'm having , with different side pieces, you could change it to happy layout :)

Happy and Winkeyless layouts are both planned 8)

Man this is getting too good.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: quochung1989 on Wed, 10 June 2015, 10:37:33: I like thicknesss of bottom plate around 2.5 - 3 mm or more. Thicker plate make me feel solid & part of housing.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: jbondeson on Wed, 10 June 2015, 10:41:30: Love the multi-part case design.

I've been looking for ideas when my CNC machine (finally) arrives for alternative case designs and this slot design would be great to do in any number of materials: metal, wood, 3d printed, or even cast resin...

Great job! :thumb:
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: retrochick on Wed, 10 June 2015, 10:59:56: Awesome job, I love that you can just slide in the PCB. Have you done any stress testing at all on the flex of the case or the suspension of the PCB in the grooves? Just curious.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: Photekq on Wed, 10 June 2015, 12:44:10: Good ****.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: nubbinator on Wed, 10 June 2015, 13:13:23: Pretty nifty idea. What is the case made from? I tried doing a search on carbon, but didn't find anything.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: sethk_ on Wed, 10 June 2015, 13:58:34: bazh, how far do the plate & bottom part slide into the ridges? 1mm?
Title: Codename: Weaven
Post by: heedpantsnow on Wed, 10 June 2015, 20:57:28: Nice! Thanks for the writeup! You may be interested in the thread in my sig.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 21:57:10: Quote from: pwnnarwhal on Wed, 10 June 2015, 13:58:34
bazh, how far do the plate & bottom part slide into the ridges? 1mm?

The cut is 3mm in depth to make sure the both plates be hold still and flex wouldnt happen.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: sethk_ on Wed, 10 June 2015, 22:31:08: Quote from: bazh on Wed, 10 June 2015, 21:57:10

Quote from: pwnnarwhal on Wed, 10 June 2015, 13:58:34
bazh, how far do the plate & bottom part slide into the ridges? 1mm?

The cut is 3mm in depth to make sure the both plates be hold still and flex wouldnt happen.
Thanks, and how thick is the case? I am interested in making my own for a 70%, I hope you don't mind
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: bazh on Thu, 11 June 2015, 08:56:19: what if I do mind :))

but you just gave me an idea, I may want to hold a GB for this when it's all done
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: sethk_ on Thu, 11 June 2015, 08:57:15: Quote from: bazh on Thu, 11 June 2015, 08:56:19
what if I do mind :))

but you just gave me an idea, I may want to hold a GB for this when it's all done
I was hoping you would have one! I really like the design of it, I need one for school next year and your build made me rethink just buying an HHKB again and using it for school.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Thu, 11 June 2015, 09:59:05: Quote from: bazh on Thu, 11 June 2015, 08:56:19
what if I do mind :))

but you just gave me an idea, I may want to hold a GB for this when it's all done

What would be the feasibility of doing a 75% this way?
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: sethk_ on Thu, 11 June 2015, 10:01:47: Quote from: iamtootallforthis on Thu, 11 June 2015, 09:59:05
Quote from: bazh on Thu, 11 June 2015, 08:56:19
what if I do mind :))

but you just gave me an idea, I may want to hold a GB for this when it's all done

What would be the feasibility of doing a 75% this way?
I was able to design a 75% for this that works in a similar manner, but as far as it goes, I think all he would have to do would be extend the sides, and make a new plate.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Thu, 11 June 2015, 10:06:46: Quote from: pwnnarwhal on Thu, 11 June 2015, 10:01:47
Quote from: iamtootallforthis on Thu, 11 June 2015, 09:59:05
Quote from: bazh on Thu, 11 June 2015, 08:56:19
what if I do mind :))

but you just gave me an idea, I may want to hold a GB for this when it's all done

What would be the feasibility of doing a 75% this way?
I was able to design a 75% for this that works in a similar manner, but as far as it goes, I think all he would have to do would be extend the sides, and make a new plate.

You can count me in for one then!
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: mashby on Thu, 11 June 2015, 10:54:11: Quote from: bazh on Thu, 11 June 2015, 08:56:19
what if I do mind :))

but you just gave me an idea, I may want to hold a GB for this when it's all done

PLEASE!
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: quochung1989 on Thu, 11 June 2015, 12:31:03: What material is it made? Steel or Aluminum?

(http://i.imgur.com/dRiD1TA.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/MLmTm8d.jpg)
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: KatzenKinder on Thu, 11 June 2015, 13:03:35: Quote from: mashby on Thu, 11 June 2015, 10:54:11
Quote from: bazh on Thu, 11 June 2015, 08:56:19
what if I do mind :))

but you just gave me an idea, I may want to hold a GB for this when it's all done

PLEASE!

I second this, can always use more 60% in my life :v
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: wlhlm on Thu, 11 June 2015, 17:20:58: I think this will look really nice with the Carbon SA set and the CF plate :D
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: suicidal_orange on Thu, 11 June 2015, 17:35:53: As if the carbon plate and custom case weren't enough you finished it off with orange LEDs - looks perfect to me!
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: pear_voz on Thu, 11 June 2015, 22:18:52: Quote from: quochung1989 on Thu, 11 June 2015, 12:31:03
What material is it made? Steel or Aluminum?

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/dRiD1TA.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/MLmTm8d.jpg)

It's Aluminium man :3
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: bazh on Sat, 13 June 2015, 01:11:31: Weighting update 8)

(http://i.imgur.com/KsVenxb.jpg)
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Sat, 13 June 2015, 02:09:15: Quote from: bazh on Sat, 13 June 2015, 01:11:31
Weighting update 8)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/KsVenxb.jpg)

Damn that's light! How much would you think a 75% in this style would cost?
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: quochung1989 on Sat, 13 June 2015, 02:31:38: It is heavier than I think ;)

Weight of my imsto board (include alu r2 case; poker pcb; alu plate; switch, caps, stab....) around 840g.
This mean carbon board only lighter than 150g. No more while poker or HHKB only 450-550g.
At first I thought your design can broken weight design. But now I have a little disappointed :(
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: infiniti on Sat, 13 June 2015, 03:26:56: Very nice and sleek, bazh!
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: MAR82 on Sat, 13 June 2015, 04:58:20: Quote from: KatzenKinder on Thu, 11 June 2015, 13:03:35
Quote from: mashby on Thu, 11 June 2015, 10:54:11
Quote from: bazh on Thu, 11 June 2015, 08:56:19
what if I do mind :))

but you just gave me an idea, I may want to hold a GB for this when it's all done

PLEASE!

I second this, can always use more 60% in my life :v

Agreed
I'm about to build my 3rd 60%, but after seeing this I think there's going to be a 4th
Now I need to think of what PCB I'll want for it
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: Joey Quinn on Mon, 15 June 2015, 18:19:24: This is ****ing tits! Whenever this sells I'll buy!
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: SixtyLife on Wed, 24 June 2015, 20:48:06: I'd buy this in a heartbeat. hands down the most beautiful 60% plate and case I've seen!
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: bazh on Tue, 21 July 2015, 00:20:39: Hey I'm back :p

Thank you people for the award KotM, that was really a surprised to me ;D I've been wandering around some last days, since you guys seem to love the keyboard very much, I'm doing a second prototype to fix some design flaws on the original one posted here, this might be the final one to go if a group buy may ever happen in a short time, I may soon open an IC but that'll be later, and now, here is the new CF plate for the proto2 :thumb:

(http://i.imgur.com/i5nI83G.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/gdGBHP3.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/pehwfnu.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/8xnwAvl.jpg)

As you may notice the cut outs for switch are kind of weird, this is what we come up with after the experience with the first plate, the common square cut or openable cut with squared side is actually not suitable to machine on carbon fiber. This is due to the fiber character of the material, any small corner would easily get broken. This in fact cause little to no affects to the typing experience or assembling but make the plate appear very much like an unfinished, flawed piece of work so, you know what I meant :D

Also, here is a traditional stainless steel plate being laser cut, I made this one to have an idea of how it would be different between using SS plate and CF plate in the Weaven, well, SS as you can easily guess, is much heavier, and not as sturdy as CF though, but you can have a shiny surface to compliment the LEDs in the other hand :))

(http://i.imgur.com/n8DQLJZ.jpg)

That's it at the moment, I also had a new 4-piece frame made to come with this, I'll get back with it hopefully another couples of days, so stay tune :thumb:
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: rpeterclark on Tue, 21 July 2015, 05:48:02: That looks so nice!

Can you go into more detail about the issues you ran into with previous plate cutouts? Was the breakage an issue during just assembly, or also during usage? I ask because it doesn't bode well for another carbon fiber case group buy that's going on which uses the typical cutouts.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Tue, 21 July 2015, 06:13:28: Looking forward to seeing the proto2.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: Hzza on Tue, 21 July 2015, 06:58:28: Nice little case this, following with interest.

Don't suppose you know if it is/will be GH60 compatible?
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: azhdar on Tue, 21 July 2015, 07:12:23: Quote from: Hzza on Tue, 21 July 2015, 06:58:28
Nice little case this, following with interest.

Don't suppose you know if it is/will be GH60 compatible?

Should be, the pcb in the Op seems to be one of Sprit Pcb, which is a standard 60%.
Actually is there any non standard 60% PCB nowadays?

And since it's not using the regular 60% standoffs and instead the pcb is sliding in between 2 layers , even pcb not using the regular stanfoffs should fit.

Correct me if I'm wrong based Bazh.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: Hzza on Tue, 21 July 2015, 07:19:11: That was my line of thinking as well, thought I'd double check though.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: bazh on Tue, 21 July 2015, 07:38:08: yes the 60% should all be fit in Weaven case no matter what positions of standoffs the pcb uses

well, the cutouts, if you look at my stainless steel plate above, you'll notice that the cut for switches-opening ability have small pieces like a small square in the corners, which turns out, on the carbon fiber plate these little pieces will be broken and as a result the holes turn rounded corner, this happen every where there's small corners or small pieces of materials left between cuts

of course it does not affect you on actual use but it left marks and feels like the plate was broken, which I don't like, so I decided to go with the rounded clean cut for better look
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 21 July 2015, 07:45:32: I really like this keyboard. The design of the case is clever. I do have a question: how important are green tea Kit Kats to the operation of this keyboard? I see that they're in most of the pictures in the OP.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: Karura on Tue, 28 July 2015, 14:39:20: I love this case design.

What are you using on the bottom of the keyboard to prop it up so you have a better angle for typing?

Please post more photos :D
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: ramnes on Sun, 04 October 2015, 14:40:38: That's awesome. How much did it cost overall?

If not too pricey, that's definitely something I would buy.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: Den441 on Sun, 04 October 2015, 21:15:27: Amazing design and execution on this! I would definitely be down for a spot in a GB for one. Hope to see more soon.
Title: Re: Codename: Weaven
Post by: boTy on Mon, 05 October 2015, 13:29:54: :O This is awesome! Probably one of the, if not the best looking board i've ever seen.