Author Topic: [IC] S T Y X - Plateless 60% w Isolated spacebar  (Read 175 times)

willmaupin, Kinvaris and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline saab

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 49
[IC] S T Y X - Plateless 60% w Isolated spacebar
« on: Sun, 15 June 2025, 14:37:14 »
S T Y X



Introduction

Hello, I’m Saab from the UK, previously known for designing the Pluto and Envy keyboards. Following the completion of Pluto,
I began work on a new project named Styx, a 60% keyboard that features a uniquely isolated spacebar for enhanced aesthetics and acoustics.
The name Styx is inspired by one of Pluto’s moons, continuing the celestial theme established in my earlier designs.
 This IC is purely to receive feedback regarding colors, weight options and much more. And not as an advertisement. So the feedback is genuinely helpful. Thank you

Please note that this is an extremely early IC

IC Form x Discord



Proto Pics








The orange peel effect and the scratches on the weight will be fixed on product units, this is just a prototype



Design Evolution

The first prototype arrived in late August last year. After spending time with it and appreciating its aesthetic,
I felt there was room to push the design further toward something more refined, yet still true to its minimalist roots.
In Styx V2, the subtle curves from the bottom of V1 have been accentuated and now extend gracefully to the top housing as well.
The internal weight has been reimagined as an external component, serving both functional and visual roles by housing the daughterboard and pogo pin connector.

My goal was to move away from a boxy, squared-off form and deliver a more sculpted, cohesive silhouette and I believe that vision has been successfully realized.


Version 1                                                                                        Version 2
       

The top-down perspectives of both boards reveal distinct design languages, deviating from the conventional rectangular keyboard silhouette.
Notably, the introduction of stepped contours on the underside not only enhances acoustic performance but also contributes to a more substantial and refined bottom housing profile.

       
       

The side profile has undergone a significant transformation. While the original design featured strictly 90-degree angles on the top piece,
the Styx V2 introduces angled sides throughout, creating a more cohesive visual flow that mirrors the curvature of the bottom housing.

       
       

Viewed from the bottom, the board now features a significantly more fluid and curvaceous form, as highlighted in the renders.
Every transition is intentional, creating a seamless visual flow. A subtle engraving of the moon phases has been introduced
an understated nod to Styx as one of Pluto’s moons. In line with the minimalist direction, all explicit branding such as the 'STYX' engraving from V1
has been removed in favor of a cleaner, more elegant aesthetic.

       

The redesigned weight in V2 is now fully visible—no longer just a simple square, but a carefully considered design
element that complements the board’s overall form. I'm genuinely proud of how this iteration has come together.

The first very prototype for Styx, 20/06/2024


I wasn't very happy with the overall aesthetics as it was too minimal and the typical typescript font -
on the weight that has been done one too many times.

The second prototype for Styx, 20/06/2024



Third Prototype for Styx, 07/06/2025



Specs

Case
- Layout: 60% with Isolated Spacebar
- Mount: PCB Gasket mount (poron)
- Front Height: ~18mm
- Typing Angle: 7.25 Degrees
- Top: 6063 Aluminum
- Bottom: 6063 Aluminum
- Weight: Stainless Steel/Brass/Copper
- Mass: 1.2kg/2.6lbs Unbuilt

PCB
- Material: 1.6mm FR4
- Type: Hot swap & Solder
- Software: QMK / VIA

Exploded View





Sales

Group Buy
GB sales Period - NaN

Vendors
We are open to working with regional vendors.

Pricing
Not fully confirmed yet

Potential Kit :
1x Case
1x Plate of your choice
1x PCB of your choice (Hotswap or Solder 1.6mm)
1x Hardware



Updates
18/10/2023 - Initial design started
24/04/2024 - First Proto finished
20/06/2024 - Weight and bottom design changes
02/08/2024 - Second Proto finished
12/08/2024 - Proto testing, acoustic issues
23/01/2025 - Design overhaul
07/06/2025 - Third Prototype Finished

To do
Sound test
More proto pics
Send proto units to content creators



THANK YOU

Offline saab

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 49
Re: [IC] S T Y X - Plateless 60% w Isolated spacebar
« Reply #1 on: Sun, 15 June 2025, 14:38:12 »
Reserved for updates