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Interest Checks / Re: [IC] The Bullet Train - a Low Profile Wireless V4N4G0N layout board
« Last post by upas on Thu, 02 October 2025, 14:55:44 »Reserved
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Interest Checks / [IC] The Bullet Train - a Low Profile Wireless V4N4G0N layout board
« Last post by upas on Thu, 02 October 2025, 14:55:18 »
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I’d like to introduce the Bullet Train keyboard. Like most of my designs, the idea for this board came from a personal desire of mine. I wanted to have a small portable keyboard for myself that is suitable for gaming, but also works as a daily driver for normal tasks. I’m not the best at typing on ortholinear or columnar staggered boards, but 40% staggered boards fit the bill. With the additional requirement of gaming, it made sense to use the 12.75U wide V4N4G0N layout featuring a number row with numbers 1 to 6.
Ultimate Portability
When I think of ultimate portability, I typically don’t think about MX based keyboards. While I would consider some MX keyboards light and portable (for example - Bakeneko Go or Photon), sometimes if you’re trying to pack light or travel with a single bag, it can be hard to justify using your limited space on a full height MX keyboard. So for this keyboard, I also wanted to use low profile switches.
To the best of my knowledge, there are no other low profile V4N4G0N variants that exist already, except for one that maybe uses Kailh Choc v1 switches - but I personally don’t like the reduced travel on choc v1. Recently, some new low profile options have come to market which really improve the acoustics and type feel - so I decided to base this on my preferred new low profile switches - the Gateron KS-33 series. With this in mind, I decided to design a new keyboard from scratch.
Wireless and Latency
For me, most of the games I play are single player ones where keyboard latency doesn’t make a huge difference, and as such, I also thought that wireless would be a nice quality of life feature to add. The V4N4G0N layout is also well suited for this purpose - since it has the 1-6 keys in the numrow which are often useful in games, and the rest of the empty numrow space can be used to house a sizeable battery, so the keyboard shouldn’t need to be charged much. For games where latency is a focus, the keyboard can still be plugged in via USB. Its 40% layout and low profile nature still make it a great candidate for a travel gaming keyboard.
Layouts
Starting from a 6.25U bar gaming layout (big spacebar is quite useful for gaming) - we went with the traditional V4N4G0N layout.
With low profile switches, stabilizer clearance needs cutouts on the PCB, limiting the potential split space options - but we were able to allow for a 2.25/1.25/2.75 split spacebar. While not as optimal as a 2.75/2.25/1.25 split, there is a split space option.
Each of the layout options will need a different plate, since low profile stabilizers are plate mounted.
Aesthetics
The Bullet Train looks quite simple at first glance - but has a few aesthetic features I wanted to bring attention to. The board is flat - 0 degrees - in order to keep it as low as possible. But, we wanted high-profile bezels, so the gaps between switch and keycaps will not be visible. The bezels are pretty thin - again in an effort to keep it sleek and portable. The top left of the board features a PC diffuser for RGB status indicators.
The top right of the board has a triangular cutout so you can add charms, a carabiner, or a strap to the keyboard for easy carrying.
And There’s a bullet train shaped indent across the 7-0 section of the num row. This indent will have a bullet train sticker in it - the design is being finalized.
The bottom of the board features AKB feet.
There is also a Cannon logo on the back of the board.
Mounting
The V4N layout has a unique challenge - the num row only has 6 keys - so unless you’re careful about mounting, you could end up with an inconsistent feeling board. Some other designs use side-of-case mounts to tadpole mount or top mount the plate. But since this is low profile, I chose to use a PCB gasket mount. The PCB basically sits on gaskets that touch the bottom plate of the keyboard. As the bottom plate is installed, the gaskets compress. The gasket placement is optimized to ensure consistency across the alphas.
There are tabs on the PCB which ensure that the PCB/plate assembly can’t move higher than it should as well. Ultimately, this gives a nice comfy feeling board without being too stiff or too bouncy.
Acoustics
The Bullet Train is also planned to ship with a 1.2mm poron + PET plate foam layer as well. The purpose of this is twofold.
First - I think it helps with acoustics. With the Poron foam, the sound of the board is a little cleaner.
Second - it makes the build process way easier. With a 1.2mm plate and low profile switches, it's way easier to install switches with the foam included. You can use a 1.2mm plate fork as well - but those are hard to find.
As usual, most of this comes down to personal preference, but in my opinion, the foam is worth using. I would encourage people to try building with and without the plate foam and making their own decision, though.
Keycaps
Right now, legend accurate low profile keycaps are a bit tough to find for the V4N4G0N layout. Luckily, matt3o is working on PFF profile. It’s basically a low profile compatible version of PBS. I’m a huge fan of PBS profile, and I’ve been able to try early versions of PFF. I love PFF profile as well. I hope to sell a Bullet Train specific PFF profile keycap set with this keyboard.
All the images of Bullet Train here are using some early version of PFF, with Akuko Lab's Aperture Priority design printed on them. The final ones are not ready, and the final keyset will be something different, but this should give you a sense of what the profile will look like.
Options and Addons
I hope to offer the Bullet Train in a number of colors. The colors we offer will almost entirely depend on IC results. The prototype is a forest green which I quite like.
For plate materials, we’re using an FR4 plate as default, in order to make sure wireless signals can get through (an aluminum plate would compromise signal strength). With that in mind - we’re still going to try to offer an aluminum plate and a PC plate as addons as well to offer extra customization.
The stock PCB is wireless / Gateron KS-33 hotswap, but I also made a wired QMK KS-33 hotswap and solderable version too. I’m going to try to add Kailh Choc V2 support to the solderable version as well. All 3 of these PCBs will be available for purchase as well.
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Pricing
I don’t know what pricing is going to end up like, but I think it should be pretty affordable. It’s a 3 piece case (high profile aluminum frame, bottom cover, PC diffuser). My goal is to be able to sell this under $200 in group buy, including wireless and a battery, and a bit less for a wired QMK-only version.
To meet this goal, we'll likely offer 4 colors max, and have an MOQ of 100. We'll also price it out at an MOQ of 50 just to see what that might look like. Depending on IC results, maybe we can initially price at 50 MOQ and refund to the 100 MOQ price if we reach it.
Next Steps
We’re hoping we can run this GB in January, but it’s contingent on a few things.
I already have a fully working wired prototype, but need to finish firmware and testing for the wireless PCB. That is underway already.
We need to figure out what colors we want to run - this IC should help with that.
Finally - we need to design the bullet train sticker and the PFF keycap set to pair with bullet train.
The most difficult parts of making this board are already done, luckily, so I think a January group buy is realistic.
More images are available here
Alternative image host for those in the UK
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Group Buys and Preorders / Re: [GB] F104+SSK+122+62+77+50+Ergo orders now open! Kishsaver+Industrial Model F
« Last post by Ellipse on Thu, 02 October 2025, 14:21:21 »Major project milestone:
Today the keyboard projects passed $4 million in total orders!
Thanks for your notes and update ploxiln!
Today the keyboard projects passed $4 million in total orders!
Thanks for your notes and update ploxiln!
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Interest Checks / Re: [IC]篆Seal - A Fullsize Keyboard
« Last post by denizany on Thu, 02 October 2025, 14:20:26 »I'd be also interested in a second group buy.
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Interest Checks / Re: [IC] KB Stubborn Charm (Akita Neru inspired)
« Last post by Manukbs_ on Thu, 02 October 2025, 14:17:32 »I am sorry. I didn't intend to make an impression like this. I just wanted people to see the project. I also want to get this keycap set up and running as fast as I could. Also I am just at the age of 17. I have been in this community when I was 14. Perhaps I still have more maturing to do. My parents are willing to help me with this project and many others that I have met online. Sorry if my impression is bad. I am gonna take this as a lesson for me to calm down and take it easy is what my friends online and irl always tell me to do. I am already in contact with keykobo and they are willing to make this project happen. I have also contacted a KBDFans employee and they suggested me to make an IC first to see how the keycap does. Call me too young however you want but that will not stop me from doing this project that I love. If I still can't be forgiven, fine. I will try better next time and not spam in other people's posts. I know I still need to learn how to mature. I want this project to happen before 2026 or before I go to what the school calls the residentials atleast. It is where we stay in this big mansion that our school has for 1 week. I want to have a good computer to play games and also make more 3d modeling stuff when I am there for 1 week. So I will try to get this project to be real however I can. I wanted to rush through things but, I guess that led to a bad impression. Sorry guys. So please, I ask for your forgiveness if not, it's up to you really. You are your own person, I don't control who you are really. That is up to you. I am atleast glad that I got feedback like this now so I don't have to do it when I am older. So I appreciate that. Thank you.
You did nothing wrong, too many keyboard warriors nowadays and even more in geekhack, do what you love and ignore people who don't bring you anything.
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Interest Checks / Re: [IC] GMK Disco Rasputin - Complete Overhaul
« Last post by paincroustillant on Thu, 02 October 2025, 13:13:58 »I would buy it if there was not the translation in english on the mods...
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KeyCon 2024 / Re: Keycon 2024 - Artisan Panel Recordings
« Last post by floydrichardson on Thu, 02 October 2025, 07:33:45 »https://artisancollector.com/articles/keycon-2024-artisan-sessions/ bloodmoneyReally appreciate you uploading the Keycon 2024 artisan panels — huge thanks to the organizers and all the makers who participated!
The artisan panels from Keycon 2024 have been uploaded! Apologies for the audio on the first recording, I was dealing with a bit of feedback that couldn't be corrected until after it had concluded. More info on them available in the link, but here are the panels and who the panelists for each were:
Artisan Panel #1 - Bogan Caps (Arium), Hello Caps (Hello?), LevelCaps (9999hp), and Rubrehose (badchad)
Intro to Artisan Making - Bogan Caps (Arium), PrimeCaps (DanklyFrank)
A Visual History of Artisans - PichaelThompson, Rmendis and CPTbadass from Tactile Zine
Artisan Panel #2 - Hunger Work Studio (Binge), Maison of the West (R3wfio), Mastonon (Mastonon), PrimeCaps (DanklyFrank and Lisabella), and special guest GAF (Kudos)
A few quick thoughts:
- The "Intro to Artisan Making" panel was super insightful — getting a better understanding of the sculpting and casting process really deepens the appreciation for these caps.
"A Visual History of Artisans" was a fantastic retrospective. Loved hearing from the Tactile Zine crew and seeing how far the community has come.
Great lineup across the board: Arium, Hello?, 9999hp, badchad, Binge, R3wfio, Mastonon, DanklyFrank, Lisabella, and a surprise GAF appearance? What a treat.
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Other Geeky Stuff / Re: What video games are you currently playing?
« Last post by phinix on Thu, 02 October 2025, 06:44:32 »meanwhile back in reality; Team Cherry has always been very vocal about their stance on AI usage in game development
(Attachment Link)
Hwo dvs use AI in gamedev? Is it used to generate environment, like levels etc?
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New Members / Re: Introduction to BossKeebs
« Last post by ItIsWritten on Thu, 02 October 2025, 06:16:06 »Welcome. So what kind of projects do you do?
Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S908U1 met Tapatalk
Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S908U1 met Tapatalk
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Keyboards / Re: What is best latest TKL keyboard kit I could buy?
« Last post by phinix on Thu, 02 October 2025, 05:12:44 »Have you tried the Neo80 keyboard yet? That is an interesting budget board. [It's not 'budget' quality.]
That is the only one in your list that I have experience with. I also have a KBD8X MKII. What I can say is that I don't see how the MKIII stands out in today's market, but it is probably a 'solid' board.
I just got NK Classic TKL keybaord kit - looks really solid, good quality. I need to build it, hopefully in next few days.
I have a Classic TKL - typing on it right now.
It's a solid board, but I find the typing experience a little harsh. Like maybe the plate doesn't flex like it should. But I'd be curious to see how it goes with you. It could be that the Hyperglide Browns I am using with this build are snappier than pre-tooled.
I'm slowly leaning towards throwing all my keyboards through the window...
I've been trying to build that Classic TKL last night - having problems with stabilisers. They are very sluggish, I did not over lube them. I played with differnet caps, had pbt caps swim in boiling water (pbt PBS set) to try and bend them a bit, cause noticed that cap stems were kinda not aligning with stab stems. Got that right, then had to bend stab wires a bit, cause it looked like those were pushing stabs sliders to the edge of it and scratching on those walls too heavily.
Then after 2 hours of trying things I got it right - they worked fine - but then I realised that there is something wrong with actual build - stabs felt ok when straight on pcb, but as soon as I put on plate, they started to get stuck! WTF!!!!!!
That Classic TKL has screws for pcb+plate, so I took those out, moved plate around to see when it stop "blocking" stabs, there are moments were it works for one stab, but not for all... How the hell plate can have impact on stabs? I think only moment would be when moved to one side, it moves actual switch away from the center of stab and somehow make it all sluggish/stuck.
That's two different sets of stabs (TX AP Screw-in and clip-in), different caps (pbt PBS set, SA, HSA, GMK), switches... I'm on the edge to give up
Or sell it all and buy pre-built keeb, maybe I'm too old and this **** is not for me anymore...