[IC] Knife - unnamed ergo hhkb

[MisterKnife]

Currently designing a hhkb style tended ergo board. I'm in very early prototyping still. Aiming for a non-screw design and wireless ZMK PCB.

Materials: Polished SS, PC and Black Aluminium ( not sure yet if it's going to be anodized or e-coat )
Weight: 4-5KG
Mount: Poron gasket

P.S. if you have any suggestions please do tell. also for the name.

[nullinasou]

at this rate, ic post would contain nothing by summer 2023

[Findecanor]

Not sure about such short space bars in the centre.

[Lyle88]

I like the idea and design but there is not enough detail in this post.
My feedback is:

1. Include a USB C port. The render looks like it has no USB port which is silly if it's intentional. USB is needed for programming/debugging. A daughter board so that the port is centred would also be good.

2. If you make it Bluetooth, please offer an internal weight to go where the battery usually would - so people who want to use it wired can fill the battery gap.

3. Offer the wrist rest as an add-on. It doesn't need to be wood - wood can be unreliable/warp. Just as long as the wrist rest matches the angle and height of the board - maybe make it PC?

4. Don't do polished SS. Other community members have done this recently and my understanding is that it's very difficult to get right. Sandblasted and coated might be easier?

5. Have you tried this specific layout? the spacebar looks like it starts below the V key - which is too close to the centre of the board in my opinion. If this is an ergo board, make sure hitting the spacebar is also ergonomic.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

[MisterKnife]

I like the idea and design but there is not enough detail in this post.
My feedback is:

1. Include a USB C port. The render looks like it has no USB port which is silly if it's intentional. USB is needed for programming/debugging. A daughter board so that the port is centred would also be good.

2. If you make it Bluetooth, please offer an internal weight to go where the battery usually would - so people who want to use it wired can fill the battery gap.

3. Offer the wrist rest as an add-on. It doesn't need to be wood - wood can be unreliable/warp. Just as long as the wrist rest matches the angle and height of the board - maybe make it PC?

4. Don't do polished SS. Other community members have done this recently and my understanding is that it's very difficult to get right. Sandblasted and coated might be easier?

5. Have you tried this specific layout? the spacebar looks like it starts below the V key - which is too close to the centre of the board in my opinion. If this is an ergo board, make sure hitting the spacebar is also ergonomic.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

1. I will be using a lemo connector as USB connection.
2. Good point but with the almost 5kg it already is and the battery being in a compartment which isn't that big isn't gonna add much weight and how it is set up now it will also not change the sound of the board if there isn't a battery in there
3. I could make a choice in different wrist rests but how the board is set up using it without is not really feasible.
4. Good point on this. already talking to a production house and seeing what other options they have. maybe chrome plated then...
5. I'm using a split now and my thumbs rest naturally between the V-B and B-N, I am trying to have it to be able to swap out the 2u spacebar for a 3u which would solve that issue if you are unable to reach that naturally.

I am making this board even if it's just for me. If people are interested I can build this out more into a proper groupbuy.

[santela]

I think you'll have some interest, but you need to make this into a proper IC post. People are not gonna express their interest if the IC doesn't tell them much.

[Blamas]

I like the idea and layout but the IC need to be much more finished.

[VoodooBear]

It's honestly an interesting idea and I like the design language/layout.

I would reconsider using LEMO as a connector instead of USB-C. Cool idea, just can't see it gaining traction these days. Maybe throw up a poll or offer the option to go USB-C via an insert that covers the LEMO port with a USB-C cutout inside?

Is the wrist rest an integral part of the design? Or would this also work without it?

[LeoZ]

It's honestly an interesting idea and I like the design language/layout.

I would reconsider using LEMO as a connector instead of USB-C. Cool idea, just can't see it gaining traction these days. Maybe throw up a poll or offer the option to go USB-C via an insert that covers the LEMO port with a USB-C cutout inside?

Is the wrist rest an integral part of the design? Or would this also work without it?

this ^

[neoknob]

Its really nice, looking forward for prototype pictures.

[MisterKnife]

It's honestly an interesting idea and I like the design language/layout.

I would reconsider using LEMO as a connector instead of USB-C. Cool idea, just can't see it gaining traction these days. Maybe throw up a poll or offer the option to go USB-C via an insert that covers the LEMO port with a USB-C cutout inside?

Is the wrist rest an integral part of the design? Or would this also work without it?

The reasoning behind the LEMO was that you see the connector more and more as an option for a inter-connector in a cable. Which has no purpose. Plus USB-c in my opinion don't really have 'nice' connectors. but I could try to find a way to make it as an option. Running a poll is also a good idea. thanks for that.

For the wrist rest it is an integral part. the mid of the front is almost 4cm in height which without the wrest would be a challenge to use. I've been playing in my head with some nice ideas for wrests. Like maybe one of those burned woods in resin. Personally I prefer the look/touch of wood compared to plastics.

[joro1662]

this isn't ergo