I originally created this keyboard as a personal project earlier this year as a keyboard with a layout that would work best for me in CAD and was only planning on getting one made for myself and a friend but when others heard of the board either via me or my keyset renders for GMK Night Runner they would always ask about when they could get it. So here it is, after a bit of work getting the prototypes made and ironing the bugs out, I introduce my baby the SP-111!
What does the name mean?
It has a ton of meanings to the name that most don't even realize.
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SP: Split, Southpaw, Special. 3 meanings tied to the 3 ones in the name.
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111: The numbers from my username. Original meaning for the numbers in my username is my b-day, November 1st, so I had to incorporate it somehow.
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111: Wait, there is more meaning? Yep! The 3 prototypes (once again representing the 3 ones in the name and the 3 people with them) have a layout that has exactly 111 switches (one of the layout options).
Why is this board laid out like it is?
- Southpaw to allow you to use the numpad and mouse at the same time (helpful for CAD and other data entry)
- Split to allow placement in a comfortable manner for long sessions of data entry or work in general.
- Right side layout to maintain the functionality of a full size in a much more compact manner. Hence the 1800 style arrows and vertical nav.
What mounting style is it?
- Sandwich mount, with the plate visible around the edges and locating tabs for alignment.
What are the specs?
- Board has a typing angle of 7 degrees (yes it is like a normal board but split, no tenting available unless you plan on drilling and tapping the case...)
- Left side weights 1.49 Kg (3.29 lb) and the right side weights 1.3 Kg (2.87 lb). This is without pcbs, switches or caps, and there are no weights, just case and plate.
- Board interconnect is Type-C, I am not a heathen!
- Board connects via Type-C as well.
Is the buy limited or unlimited?
- Unlimited of course! I don't like to run buys with a max for the sake of making it exclusive.
Will I be able to buy an extra set of pcbs?
- Yes, the plan is to sell extra pcbs alongside this board so you can have spares.
Will I be able to buy extra plates?
- Not sure at the moment, I would like to but no guarantees they will be available.
Will the plate files be posted so I can make my own plates?
- That is the plan, not sure exactly when I will post them (probably around delivery time?). This means you can do mirrored numpad plates and different materials to your liking just know that for the usb ports to align properly 1.5mm plates need to be used unless you make a spacer below the plate.
When will I be able to get my SP-111?
- It will ship probably early to mid Q2 to be safe as it entirely depends on the quantity ordered for the lead time.
My favorite feature?
- The smooth slope on the bottom side, which is really nice to touch when either picking it up or just thinking.
Renders:
Featuring KAT WoB by OneCreativeMind.
Renders by MetallicCharles
Layouts:
- Before anyone asks, mirrored numpad is not supported on the plates due to the issues it brought to the table for that corner of the board (basically a super flex section that would feel horrible compared to the rest of the board). It
IS supported on the PCB though if you want to get your own plates cut.
- And as a side note, you can mix and match the bottom row options, they don't have to be both the same spacebar size, each side layout is independent of each other and the included plate supports 2.75u and 2.25u options on both halves. 3u will require a different plate just because it made the plate a bit too light on material to include. So if you feel like a 2.25u and 3u you can go for it (if you get a plate made).
- The following are PCB only to not have the plate be too weak and flex more than intended.
Colors:
- Black with sandblasted brass plate.
- E-white with sandblasted brass plate.
- Blue-gray with a sandblasted brass plate.
- Renders:
https://imgur.com/a/4uA4ECXVendors/Dates:
- This will be run by The Key Dot Company and proxies most likely (TBD)
- GB opens
November 22nd!
Timeline:
- November 22nd start date, end date not set atm.
Pricing:
- Black or blue kit: $399
- E-white kit: $419
Special Thanks:
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OneCreativeMind for helping me come up with this board in the beginning and the logo for the board
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MetallicCharles for the renders
IC Form:
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https://forms.gle/mw4HBTwS9uLArfkf7
