Hello my friends. This thread has taken a bit of a different direction to what i had hoped. Thank you to those of you that have discussed the topic of whether or not this is clone with cooler heads, whether you are agree or not.
I would like to take a moment to lay out the differences because i think this project is being looked at in the wrong way. I also don't want to become "the clone guy". Perhaps it's my fault for explaining the origins of the project and made the connection too easy to make for those that can only put one thing in the context of another. Im not saying this design is pushing the boundaries of keyboard design: its a two piece, top mount TKL after all.
MountingIts a top mount TKL right? I urge you to take a look at any top mounted board you own. This is one of the more "set in stone" things in design in my opinion especially in a top mount. The way my design differs from the 360C is:
- extra mounting point to be a bit more consistent across the whole board
- Different screw placement that prioritises support around alphas and corners
What has this achieved? The prototype feels very good to type on. Flex is consistent and enjoyable. Is it different enough from the 360C? No less than any other top mount TKL in my opinion.
Plate DesignDo keep in ming this is the prototype plate, you'll just have to imagine the layout support. How is this different from the 360C?
- I'll start with an obvious one: its a different layout. F13 means modified flex cutouts around that top portion
- The flex cutouts look the same. Yes because they're flex cut outs at every opportunity
Side profileHow many times has this side profile been iterated on?
Does that make every two piece board with a flat back and a straight cut out a clone of the first one? Here is a comparison of 360C to En Dash. I would say the 360C is significantly more angular while the curve of the En Dash is more soft and sweeping.
WeightYep, it's a rectangle. Heres how my brick of brass is different:
- the inside is significantly bigger - Why? more surface area of brass inside to improve acoustics as well as provide a little more heft
- Mounts from the inside for a hidden assembly
I hope this is enough for you sticklers out there. I only ask that rather than getting stuck on the similarities, you look at the differences. A thin bezelled two piece design will look a certain way especially if it's a revival of an old design. If you think it is still too close you are welcome to not support the project.