[IC] SONIC170 - a fun 65% with knob and LED macro module | Groupbuy is Live!

[Homiezoned]

SONIC170

Hi y’all, it’s me.

Here I bring you the SONIC170, inspired by the TE OP-1 Field synthesizer.

It’s a 65% with a knob and a customizable LED macro module.

Crucifix-looking design has been removed due to religious concerns.

I’m not good at writing stories so here are some renders. (Proto pics and all info are included below)

How you can build it:






Proto Pics *knob in production*

Exploded views

INFO

Layout: WK & WKL
Mounting: Silicone "Cover" Gasket with leaf spring
Typing Angle: 7 degrees
Front Height: 18.7mm
PCB: Hotswap or Solder / QMK, Via support
Colors: Specifics TBD (Aiming for 10 colors but could change)
Manufacture: Good one
Price: Aiming for under $400

What's included:


Materials:
Top, Mid, Bottom Case: 6063 Aluminum
Weight: Stainless Steel
Plate: Aluminum, Polycarbonate, FR4
PCB: Black FR4

Top case choices:


Hotswap PCB Layout:


Solder PCB Layout:

Q&A

Where did the logo come from?
It’s the sound wave of saying SONIC.

Why LED module?
Why not?

Any typing test?
4 upcoming videos, will update once released.

*Will add more Q&A later on*

GB Time: July 15th ~ July 30th
Delivery: Roughly 5 months after GB

Vendors:
US: Monke Works
CA: Keyspresso
Japan: Basekeys
SEA: ktechs
VN: MOKB + SoiGear
EU: Keygem
UK: Mechboards
OCE: Allcaps 

Join discord to receive regular updates
If you have any questions, feel free to comment below

[hzh0525]

I can't wait to secure one!

[Pup]

Looking sick, please do consider Hotswap ISO support.

[Homiezoned]

Looking sick, please do consider Hotswap ISO support.

Will take that into consideration

[aicyborg]

Looking sick, please do consider Hotswap ISO support.

Will take that into consideration

I won't ask for HS ISO because I'd doubt you'll sell the units to justify that, but consider some universal plates and foam cutouts for ISO. Or if not that, at least add split Left Shift to the current solder PCB (ISO layout is both enter and one key in its corner, as well as being one more key where shorter Left Shift is).

Really intriguing project overall. Best of luck!

[Homiezoned]

Looking sick, please do consider Hotswap ISO support.

Will take that into consideration

I won't ask for HS ISO because I'd doubt you'll sell the units to justify that, but consider some universal plates and foam cutouts for ISO. Or if not that, at least add split Left Shift to the current solder PCB (ISO layout is both enter and one key in its corner, as well as being one more key where shorter Left Shift is).

Really intriguing project overall. Best of luck!

Noted! Will get to the split left shift first

Thanks

[phatmasterq]

one of the renders shows a 2u on the XT column - but that doesn't appear to be possible based on the pcb layout pics. so... just checking whether i can go geeksgonewild with 2u's on the xt column? please say yes.

[Siak]

This looks awesome, love the lilac and purple/burgundy color

[Zyrophr]

Actually, I love this.

[Homiezoned]

one of the renders shows a 2u on the XT column - but that doesn't appear to be possible based on the pcb layout pics. so... just checking whether i can go geeksgonewild with 2u's on the xt column? please say yes.

Thanks for the question. So that 2u keycap only has two stems on the bottom and it mounts onto two switches sideways. It's just an option but I assume that most people will just do regular 1u caps.

[Akele]

I'm normally not a fan of novelty boards, but this is actually a pretty nice design. Not sure how I feel about the glowing crucifix on the right hand side of the board, but other than that I like it.

GLWIC!

[Rhienfo]

This looks interesting, especially with the customization options. 400 does seem steep for what seems like a all aluminum construction. It honestly depends on the MOQ and what's in the kit (If all of those parts are in the kit then it would be more reasonable) so any info on both of those things would be greatly appreciated. GLWIC

[sugarfreemedia]

any chance for an ortho layout?

[Homiezoned]

any chance for an ortho layout?

Hi, thanks for your question. Unfortunately, we don't have a plan to add an ortho layout to the GB.

[Homiezoned]

This looks interesting, especially with the customization options. 400 does seem steep for what seems like a all aluminum construction. It honestly depends on the MOQ and what's in the kit (If all of those parts are in the kit then it would be more reasonable) so any info on both of those things would be greatly appreciated. GLWIC

Thanks for your interest. We are planning to ship the full kit so that you don't have to buy extra kits just to customize. Going all-in hehe. Check out this pic for what to expect. (the pic is missing the actual alu module cover)

[tryAgane]

First of al, it looks like a nice project. It is a shame that a ortho-layout isn’t supported, but I can understand why. The LED module seems pretty neat, and I assume making your own stencils wouldn’t be that hard if you wanted to. The bottom looks clean but elegant. There are, however, some small details to note and some suggestions, not sure if any of them are helpful or even feasible.

1. The knob seems to be inspired from TE TX-6, which is pretty cool. However, the accent colour seems a bit reddish in the renders, whilst TE consistently  uses the same palette of colours and design across all their new products. In this case a poppy/brighter orange maybe that could be used? At least for the silver/white model. There is also no knurling, that could help to better rotate the knob, especially since it is sideways.
2. The dot and cross on the TE OP-1 was originally used as a mic and VOL/Battery indicator, respectively. However, we don’t seem have any functionality that uses that. The vertical line of the cross of OP-1 also goes all the way through and has a bit thinner horizontal line. Maybe it is intentional or a bit unlucky, but because the knob is right there on the side, it kind of gives the impression that rotating the knob up will lower something, whilst the the opposite for going down, especially since it look like a plus, which seems a bit counter-intuitive, but honestly that could just be me. Maybe a TE TX-6 style 1 to 5 dot-style volume indicators can be used, or just a short vertical line and a longer vertical line. This will however make the bottom seem a bit empty and imbalanced, so I am not sure if it even fits with the holistic design. Maybe something can be engraved there?
3. In the FAQ it was stated that the aim is for 10 colours. Maybe it would be better to focus on 2 to max 5 killer combinations and palettes. Because I can imagine that not all the colors would be equally popular.

Lastly, a few question, are the knob and LED programmable? And it is stated to have QMK and VIA support, is that also for VIAL? Are there any upcoming/planned reviews on the keyboard?

[Homiezoned]

First of al, it looks like a nice project. It is a shame that a ortho-layout isn’t supported, but I can understand why. The LED module seems pretty neat, and I assume making your own stencils wouldn’t be that hard if you wanted to. The bottom looks clean but elegant. There are, however, some small details to note and some suggestions, not sure if any of them are helpful or even feasible.

1. The knob seems to be inspired from TE TX-6, which is pretty cool. However, the accent colour seems a bit reddish in the renders, whilst TE consistently  uses the same palette of colours and design across all their new products. In this case a poppy/brighter orange maybe that could be used? At least for the silver/white model. There is also no knurling, that could help to better rotate the knob, especially since it is sideways.
2. The dot and cross on the TE OP-1 was originally used as a mic and VOL/Battery indicator, respectively. However, we don’t seem have any functionality that uses that. The vertical line of the cross of OP-1 also goes all the way through and has a bit thinner horizontal line. Maybe it is intentional or a bit unlucky, but because the knob is right there on the side, it kind of gives the impression that rotating the knob up will lower something, whilst the the opposite for going down, especially since it look like a plus, which seems a bit counter-intuitive, but honestly that could just be me. Maybe a TE TX-6 style 1 to 5 dot-style volume indicators can be used, or just a short vertical line and a longer vertical line. This will however make the bottom seem a bit empty and imbalanced, so I am not sure if it even fits with the holistic design. Maybe something can be engraved there?
3. In the FAQ it was stated that the aim is for 10 colours. Maybe it would be better to focus on 2 to max 5 killer combinations and palettes. Because I can imagine that not all the colors would be equally popular.

Lastly, a few question, are the knob and LED programmable? And it is stated to have QMK and VIA support, is that also for VIAL? Are there any upcoming/planned reviews on the keyboard?

Hi, thanks for your suggestions and question. I’ll go over them one by one.

1. We decided to go with no knurlings for a cleaner look. We’ve tested on prototypes and we were relieved that it was pretty easy to use. Color-wise, we thought that this dark-ish red color would better match with different case colors, as orange would pop a lot more, considering that we are going to have a lot of colors provided in GB.

2. We will consider the changes mentioned in the feedback, really appreciate it. However, (kinda my fault) the GB date is quite close, so we might not be able to make those changes and reproduce protos at this point.

3. You’re right, we are considering lowering the numbers as well to lower costs and prices. We're actively talking over this and the final decision will be posted in the GB post.

4. Yes. Both the knob and LEDs are programmable in Via. For Vial, we are actively working on it and support will be added later.

5. Reviews: We already have a review video of one of the proto units out by 布甸仔. Although the video is in Chinese, you can get a good look at the unboxing experience, build process, and final result.

Hope that answers everything and let me know if you have any other questions.

[vhaarr]

I love my Tetrix, and I think this one looks awesome. If I ever used anything except hhkb layout I would certainly try it :-D

But please can you reply to my post on the Tetrix GB thread https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=117955.msg3165346#msg3165346 ? I can't get it to work in via or vial.

[cyril.]

So cool~~

[Homiezoned]

I love my Tetrix, and I think this one looks awesome. If I ever used anything except hhkb layout I would certainly try it :-D

But please can you reply to my post on the Tetrix GB thread https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=117955.msg3165346#msg3165346 ? I can't get it to work in via or vial.

Thanks for letting me know and sorry I didn't catch it earlier. I've just replied to the original reply.

Best,

[zephyrusrain]

Wish there was a version without the crucifix. Would be perfect otherwise.

[Pup]

Wish there was a version without the crucifix. Would be perfect otherwise.

I'm with you - no crucifix and ISO would be a buy from me.

[Homiezoned]

Wish there was a version without the crucifix. Would be perfect otherwise.

I'm with you - no crucifix and ISO would be a buy from me.

We've added the ISO support and split BS on the solder PCB.

Sorry to hear that you didn't like the crucifix, hope you would like our future design.

[bert039]

Is there a story or reason for the crucifix design?

[sugarfreemedia]

The crucifix is a no go for me. Makes no sense for a minimalistic design like OP-1.

[keebibi]

Really cool design - would you consider making an option without the crucifix?

[NihonCK]

Monke - tell the designer to bring out a non flexcut pcb or else

[zephyrusrain]

Wish there was a version without the crucifix. Would be perfect otherwise.

I'm with you - no crucifix and ISO would be a buy from me.

We've added the ISO support and split BS on the solder PCB.

Sorry to hear that you didn't like the crucifix, hope you would like our future design.

Mighty huge effort for you to run the exact same board without a crucifix in the future. Could easily just fix the problem by not having the crucifix with this R1. 

[Dotty]

I also think a version without the crucifix would be a huge improvement!
It's a religious symbol which doesn't match the overall theme.
Just keep the led bar and get rid of the engraving.

Will there be different versions of the knob?

[atleykins]

Adding to the no crucifix request. Otherwise this is fire.

[Homiezoned]

Is there a story or reason for the crucifix design?

The crucifix is a no go for me. Makes no sense for a minimalistic design like OP-1.

Really cool design - would you consider making an option without the crucifix?

Wish there was a version without the crucifix. Would be perfect otherwise.

I'm with you - no crucifix and ISO would be a buy from me.

We've added the ISO support and split BS on the solder PCB.

Sorry to hear that you didn't like the crucifix, hope you would like our future design.

Mighty huge effort for you to run the exact same board without a crucifix in the future. Could easily just fix the problem by not having the crucifix with this R1. 

I also think a version without the crucifix would be a huge improvement!
It's a religious symbol which doesn't match the overall theme.
Just keep the led bar and get rid of the engraving.

Will there be different versions of the knob?

Adding to the no crucifix request. Otherwise this is fire.

First of all, thank you for all the feedback. I really appreciate it.

Good news first, you can get the SONIC170 WITHOUT the crucifix now!

I will answer some questions here.
1) The inspiration comes from the field version of OP-1, which looks like this:

As you can see, this is where the crucifix-looking design came from.

2) There will only be one knob design offered in GB.

p.s. renders of the updated design (no crucifix) is coming soon. The GB post will use the new renders.

[warhopper]

Happy to see the crucifix being removed, so much more interested now!

[Homiezoned]

Monke - tell the designer to bring out a non flexcut pcb or else

Welp, there's two of them on the PCB 

[Homiezoned]

Update: Groupbuy is Live!

(GB post is still being reviewed by mods, should be up soon)