[IC] Gentleman 65 Suited Edition - PC and Alu, Plateless Option (8/23 Update)

[JJ48_24]

Discord for updates - discord.gg/KD4qnJ34Hs

IC Form - forms.gle/XF5CA9wyCA51CvX86

The Gentleman 65 Suited Edition aims to provide high levels of customization, unique features, and end game quality all at an accessible price. The board features a burger top mount for plates and an option for plateless mounting on soldered PCBs. The Gent SE will be offered in Bead Blasted Polycarbonate, Black Aluminum, E-white Aluminum and Mint Aluminum. The rear exposed brass weight and the knob adds to the board's premium and minimalistic aesthetic, while the board's sound profile is accentuated with precut tape PCB backings.

Prototype Pictures

PC-




Aluminum-



Case Renders-


Keycaps - GMK Civiliaztions by Twgecko
Knob Renders-


Sound tests
(More configs coming! Join the discord server to see them as soon as they come out.)
youtu.be/zxadR2A4Us4
Burger mount brass plate, with lubed Holy Pandas, UMHWPE Cow on space bar, two layers of tape PCB backing



Layout/PCB
The Gent SE inherits the same sleek 65% layout as its predecessor the Gent 65. The PCB features underglow for use on PC boards, VIA/QMK support, ESD protection, and USB C to C support.

-Hotswap layout


-Soldered layout


Features
-Precut crepe paper tape backing for PCB
-Option for plateless bottom burger mount with removable mounting tabs on soldered PCBs
-Top burger mount for plates
-Rear exposed brass weight
-Rotary encoder/knob
-7 Degree typing angle


Why tape and not foam?
The tape was chosen for this board over foam as taping a PCB accentuates a board's sound signature, while sometimes foam can deaden a board's sound, detracting from the sound signature. Also given the PC case is translucent, the tape will be more discreet and will not interfere with the aesthetic of the board. For those of you who aren't familiar with the tape mod here is an awesome video explaining it youtube.com/watch?v=g7-syoxeIBQ

Plate options
-Aluminum
-FR4
-Brass
-POM

Knob Options
-E White
-Black Aluminum
-Mint Aluminum
-Brass PVD Brass
-Rose Gold PVD Brass

Brass Weight/Plate Surface finish
Passivation surface treatment was used for the prototype. However, it didn't meet my quality standards. That leaves 3 options for the surface treatment; 1. Uncoated brass, lowest price, matte finish, will patina over time 2. Matte PVD brass, more expensive than uncoated brass, matte finish, will not tarnish. 3. Glossy PVD brass, most expensive, glossy finish, will not tarnish. I have worked with all three finishes. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, so I want you to let me know your preferance on the IC survey.

Pricing and availability
-$250-$300
-Available at JKeys.design
-GB estimated within two months
-Quantity TBD

8/23
-Added renders for knobs
-Added E-White color option
-Added Redners for E-White, and mint colorways.

[JJ48_24]

Please fill out the survey if you are interested in the board so your voice will be heard. It will only take a minute or 2 of your time! I highly recommend you guys join the discord as that is where I am most active in providing updates. discord.gg/KD4qnJ34Hs

[FishyKeebs]

lets gooo jj

[question Mark]

More important question for me:
Why PC/alu and not wood?

[JJ48_24]

More important question for me:
Why PC/alu and not wood?

Wood will make a return in the R2 of the board running after the SE ships!

[Ustinj]

Personal opinion, but the bottom / weight area of that polycarbonate bottom looks a bit incomplete, I think it's maybe the corner having no fillets / chamfers

[question Mark]

More important question for me:
Why PC/alu and not wood?

Wood will make a return in the R2 of the board running after the SE ships!

Nice, looking forward to R2 then!

[JJ48_24]

Personal opinion, but the bottom / weight area of that polycarbonate bottom looks a bit incomplete, I think it's maybe the corner having no fillets / chamfers

That is far. With this whole board I was going for a sleek angular look, and that is what I felt fit.

[oTEMPE5To]

Personal opinion, but the bottom / weight area of that polycarbonate bottom looks a bit incomplete, I think it's maybe the corner having no fillets / chamfers

This is basically what my eyes were drawn to too. The sharp corners give the tofu a run for its money. They would really benefit from a chamfer. Even just a tiny one, just to dress it up a little.
I would be interested in seeing how the plateless mounting works on the Gent. A sound test of it would be nice, since sometimes the plateless sound can be a little empty in a smaller footprint board. (though the tape would probably help with that)
Sounds fantastic with the Brass and HP build you did.

Also, I cant believe how far this tape mod has come. I still find it unreal that it goes by the name Tempest mod. Im intrigued by the choice in Crepe, I am going to have to find some for myself to see what the sound profile is like.

[JJ48_24]

Personal opinion, but the bottom / weight area of that polycarbonate bottom looks a bit incomplete, I think it's maybe the corner having no fillets / chamfers

This is basically what my eyes were drawn to too. The sharp corners give the tofu a run for its money. They would really benefit from a chamfer. Even just a tiny one, just to dress it up a little.
I would be interested in seeing how the plateless mounting works on the Gent. A sound test of it would be nice, since sometimes the plateless sound can be a little empty in a smaller footprint board. (though the tape would probably help with that)
Sounds fantastic with the Brass and HP build you did.

Also, I cant believe how far this tape mod has come. I still find it unreal that it goes by the name Tempest mod. Im intrigued by the choice in Crepe, I am going to have to find some for myself to see what the sound profile is like.

I will definitely consider adding a chamfer to the edges on the bottom/weight given the feedback. Platelesss sound test will be coming within a week or so. So glad to see you on the IC!

[nsyinc]

enough clearance to do a 360 turn with the knob as designed currently?

[tarokeebs]

cool to see the tape mod used this way!

[10centNickle]

Did you proto this on your own CNC?

[yuutsu]

Why tape and not foam?
The tape was chosen for this board over foam as taping a PCB accentuates a board's sound signature, while sometimes foam can deaden a board's sound, detracting from the sound signature.

Why even bother including it in the first place? pre cut tape? anyone can do that with painters tape and about 2 minutes or less with scissors. Additional unnecessary cost...

[JJ48_24]

Why tape and not foam?
The tape was chosen for this board over foam as taping a PCB accentuates a board's sound signature, while sometimes foam can deaden a board's sound, detracting from the sound signature.

Why even bother including it in the first place? pre cut tape? anyone can do that with painters tape and about 2 minutes or less with scissors. Additional unnecessary cost...

1. Including the tapes in the box exposes the mod to more people who are not familiar with it allowing them to get the max out of their board.
2. With the underglow support on the PCB cut-outs are needed for the LEDs to work optimally, as well as a cutout for the reset button. While these cutouts could be made by the end-user, it would make the mod a bit more difficult.
3. The price of these tapes is very low and will not contribute any added cost to the sale price of the board even with including many in the box.

These things combined with the fact that not everyone will have the needed masking or painters tape on hand to do the mod makes it an obvious choice.

[RainWaiv]

Oh ho ho! Perhaps I shalt dabble in the purchase of this fine mechanized keyboard! But I must make it quick! Tea Time is at quarter to 5!