AEKISO60: A AEK ISO 60% PCB

[Applet]

Intro:
I've noticed several times that there is no 60% PCB (that I've seen) that supports AEK ISO keycaps. The AEK ISO-keycaps are really great, so it would be fun if they were used in modern 60% boards.

Specs:

• ATmega32U2 with QMK
• Alps-switch support
• Layout support for use of keycaps from the ISO-version of the Apple Extended Keyboard
• RGB underglow, 12 qt
• Standard tray mount, with some compatibility issues
• Unikorn / "rubberband" mount support
• JST connector for USB Daughter Board

Current status of PCB

• Prototypes tested
• QMK ported and added to main repo
• VIA implemented, currently waiting to be added to main repo. PR active

PCB:


Layout support:


Issues:
The switches on the ISO AEK are shifted 0.25u compared to standard ANSI/ISO, which adds some difficulty. This makes it incompatible with some of the mounting holes on common 60% tray mounts. The holes that is compatible is imo enough and it works ok in tray mount cases in my testing. See image of PCB for compatible mounting positions, it's three positions, one under spacebar and the two at the sides. The PCB should also work fine in any other type of mount, like a top mount with a custom plate or rubber worm.

Files:
Repo: https://github.com/4pplet/AEKISO60
A2 release: https://github.com/4pplet/AEKISO60/releases/tag/A4
Designed in Altium 20.

Test-fit:
Testfit using no plate and not soldered switches, seems to fit fine.


Latest changes:
- Moved daughter board connector for better fit in bakeneko and added cutout in PCB outline for bakeneko V3.
- Added two different BOM's for easier assembly of either use with tray mount or use with a case using daughter board.

[4sStylZ]

Very cool !

I am interested. I have some AEK 2 and for now I handwire them and use a 3D printed spacer but the PCB version can be a nice upgrade. If you sell them at the correct price I can probably buy some for my current and futures AEK that I can find in France.
 
Can you provide some additionnal IO pins for custom lights / indicators ? I have something like that on the XD75 and this is very cool.

For the name, I think that AEK60-ISO is perfect, Actually it’s a 58% exactly because of the 61 keys.

[Applet]

Very cool !

I am interested. I have some AEK 2 and for now I handwire them and use a 3D printed spacer but the PCB version can be a nice upgrade. If you sell them at the correct price I can probably buy some for my current and futures AEK that I can find in France.
 
Can you provide some additionnal IO pins for custom lights / indicators ? I have something like that on the XD75 and this is very cool.

For the name, I think that AEK60-ISO is perfect, Actually it’s a 58% exactly because of the 61 keys.

I currently use all the pins on the ATmega32U2, we could free up a few pins by rearranging the matrix, but I'd like to keep it as it is, I like to have a simple matrix, it makes it easier for people to troubleshoot the PCB.

We could switch processor to a ATmega32U4 or a ARM, I'll consider it.

[4sStylZ]

I understand your point. Keep it the most simple possible.

On my Handwired I use the Teensy ++ 2 so it’s a AT90USB1286. I don’t know if this is hard to adapt but on this piece of hardware there is more IO pin.

[Applet]

I made a github release with the gerbers, tho realize, these files are completely untested, no prototypes done yet. This release has the "Current layout support" in the main post.

Link: https://github.com/4pplet/AEKISO60/releases/tag/A1

[RETURNISO]

Would love a MX footprint version for Alcatel MKK caps

[Applet]

Would love a MX footprint version for Alcatel MKK caps

It's the one that looks like this? https://i.imgur.com/XbC4uzp.jpg

If like in the image, it looks like it is not the same width as standard 60%, since it is not offset like the ISO AEK. A standard 60% is 15u in with, that looks like 14.75u?

[RETURNISO]

Would love a MX footprint version for Alcatel MKK caps

It's the one that looks like this? https://i.imgur.com/XbC4uzp.jpg

If like in the image, it looks like it is not the same width as standard 60%, since it is not offset like the ISO AEK. A standard 60% is 15u in with, that looks like 14.75u?

Yes correct board!

yea its cutoff with 0.25u

OK. Rip i thought the AEK did the same.. my bad

I have some AEK caps aswell that's why this caught my interest, could be fun to try out and see if there was a enough interest for a small run

 

[Applet]

Would love a MX footprint version for Alcatel MKK caps

It's the one that looks like this? https://i.imgur.com/XbC4uzp.jpg

If like in the image, it looks like it is not the same width as standard 60%, since it is not offset like the ISO AEK. A standard 60% is 15u in with, that looks like 14.75u?

Yes correct board!

yea its cutoff with 0.25u

OK. Rip i thought the AEK did the same.. my bad

I have some AEK caps aswell that's why this caught my interest, could be fun to try out and see if there was a enough interest for a small run

 

Oh, that's a shame, If it were 15u, I could make something, but 14.75u will be a bit weird in a standard 60% case )

Is there anyone that can help me out and tell me what position the switch should be for the AEK ISO enter? (preferably in relation to the other switches) I do not have a set of these keycaps myself unfortunately, trying to find info. For the PCB I'm pretty sure it's fine, since I have added three different positions, but I would need the correct placement for plates anyway, better to get it correct now rather than later.

[ideus]

Would love a MX footprint version for Alcatel MKK caps

It's the one that looks like this? https://i.imgur.com/XbC4uzp.jpg

If like in the image, it looks like it is not the same width as standard 60%, since it is not offset like the ISO AEK. A standard 60% is 15u in with, that looks like 14.75u?

Yes correct board!

yea its cutoff with 0.25u

OK. Rip i thought the AEK did the same.. my bad

I have some AEK caps aswell that's why this caught my interest, could be fun to try out and see if there was a enough interest for a small run

 

Oh, that's a shame, If it were 15u, I could make something, but 14.75u will be a bit weird in a standard 60% case )

Is there anyone that can help me out and tell me what position the switch should be for the AEK ISO enter? (preferably in relation to the other switches) I do not have a set of these keycaps myself unfortunately, trying to find info. For the PCB I'm pretty sure it's fine, since I have added three different positions, but I would need the correct placement for plates anyway, better to get it correct now rather than later.

13.75u would sound even worst. This is my upcoming daily driver. Its parts are slowly coming, one by one, to be put together for the making of my very own personal layout. Mr. ReturnISO helps with a nice DK Alcatel set.

[Hapi]

would be nice have also JST SH connector footprint for usb daughter board. some nice cases require it.

sorry my mistake

[Applet]

would be nice have also JST SH connector footprint for usb daughter board. some nice cases require it.

sorry my mistake

No worries, do cases that is using the JST SH connector have the standard tray-mount placement for usb-port? If so, I can easily add a footprint for the JST connector. Currently, USB has a breakout with regular 2.54mm-header.

I am planning to do a prototype round of these in the end of the month or beginning of the next.

[Hapi]

Im planing build blue alps rama thermal. I don't know which connector exactly wilba boards using. I haven't had their boards yet in my hands

[Applet]

Latest release with JST-connector added:
AEK60ISO Rev A2: https://github.com/4pplet/AEKISO60/releases/tag/A2

I  plan to do these prototypes soon, I just need to finish up another project that I will order PCB's for at the same time.

[Applet]

What is the opinion of the bottom row? Too cluttered? Not sure if I should remove layout support to make it more catered towards only AEK or leave it as it is for good flexibility.

[Hapi]

What to leave it like this

[Applet]

Yes, I was thinking something along those lines. I'll look at it this weekend. Thanks for input 

[4sStylZ]

If you got some working proto PCB to sell I would love to have one

About the bottom row :

My first idea is to have full aek support. If there is a way to support more layout then I would love to have :

- Modifiers size from AEK at the left / right but the space bar replaced by a Smaller one (Size 3~) and more modifier close to it.
- Modifiers size from AEK at the left / right but a 3 three way split space bar : something like 2,25 + 1 + 3. (2 big keys for space + a 1u on the center).

Also I have watched your pdf and… this look very good ! I would make a only one aesthetic change : The font on the « for ISO-version of AEK ». I would choose something like Apple Garamond (for marketing use) or Univers 47 (Condensed Light Oblique) wich is the font on the keycap of the AEK if I remember correctly.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typography_of_Apple_Inc.

[Applet]

Yes, I'll look into changing the font to the "apple-font". I'll try and incorporate the 2.5u shift in the split space, since those are also available when using ISO keysets. I'll update when I settle on a bottom row, hopefully soon. 

[Applet]

I've settled on a pretty basic bottom row. I wanted to keep it simple, but add tsangan/wkl and split space using the common apple keycaps. This will be used for initial prototypes.

Good enough? 

Still need to figure out the apple-font, but pretty much ready for ordering first prototypes. Will update main post and make release on github tomorrow.

[Hapi]

perfect! 

[4sStylZ]

I am still waiting for this !

[4sStylZ]

Hi there,

Another question about your PCB. Did he offer additionnal pin to handle custom hardware ?
Basically I would use those to incorporate a joystick / mosfets to control custom lights effects or volume knob / MIDI sliders.

[Applet]

Unfortunately no, there is no extra pins. I like the ATmega32u2 for its smaller size and less external components compared to ATmega32u4 or other MCU's, but the downside is less pins and no I2C. All pins are used for matrix and underglow.

Prototypes should arrive at the end of next week. Can't say exactly when I will have time to build and start testing, but pretty soon. 

Edit: Updated main post with current layout support and how the PCB's look. I ordered green tho, not black.

[Applet]

Update:

I got the prototypes at the end of last week. I soldered one together and everything seems to work fine. I do not have a ISO AEK, so I will send the soldered prototype to a fellow in the community for testing.

I also started adding (only experimental) VIA-support, and all seems to work good. Not sure how hard it is to get your PCB accepted into the main repo. But all works fine if you load the .json into VIA.

[4sStylZ]

Whoaa cool.

I have just buyed 9 apple boards this week-end :
4 aek qwerty ANSI
3 aek azerty ISO
3 ask azerty ISO M0118

Guess I know need 3 of those pcb. How did you compile the bootloader on the mcu when you got your fresh PCB ?
Did you sell them ? Or will sell them after some verifications ?

[Applet]

Wow, nice score! 

The MCU come with a USB-bootloader, so you can flash QMK directly on a fresh chip. For VIA, you fist need to flash a VIA-enabled QMK-build, then you can configure the layout etc in VIA.

4 of the 5 prototype PCB's is still untested and not populated with any components. I will wait until the PCB i populated is tested until we go any further.

[the_ambyguous]

finally! cant wait for this!

[Applet]

Tiny update:

I have ISO keycaps on route to me, so I will soon-ish be able to verify the switch palcements etc of the design. (finally!  )

I also made the change like on my other 60% projects to add a flex cut. I have rearranged the matrix to free up one extra pin, now it is possible to have a capslock LED. I will not prorotype/produce these untill revision A is properly tested (unless we encounter some major issue with A1)

Pics of revision B:



Cheers! 

[gnhuy91]

Awesome news out of April! Time to ultrasonic my iso aek caps

[Applet]

Small update:

I got some ISO-keycaps from 4sStylZ and did a testfit on a raw PCB. All seems good! 

In the picture, the switches are only put in to place, no solder or plate, so they are not alligned properly.

Two of the mounts i was hoping to be able to use will not work. The switches is to close to the hole, so there is pretty much no room for the head of the screw.

You can see the mounting holes I will keep in this picture.


Cheers!

[gnhuy91]

looks great btw you're using rev A right?

[Applet]

looks great btw you're using rev A right?

Yes, this is the initial prototype (rev A) I’m testing on

[zshang]

Looks great!

(just wondering if there is any AEK keycaps compatiable PCB that supports HHKB layout w/ split left shift...

[Applet]

Looks great!

(just wondering if there is any AEK keycaps compatiable PCB that supports HHKB layout w/ split left shift...

I have made one that supports split left shift and hhkb, but not with the ISO AEK 1.5u shift, only 1.25u:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103531.0
Will try and make them avaliable soon.

If you want "true hhkb" it will be difficult to find a spacebar. You can do 1.5, 1.25, 6.5, 1.5, 1.25 bottom-row, it will be kinda like the "mx-hhkb".

[Pulsing Penguin]

Hi,
I've just found myself with an AEK board, just finished salvaging the switches as I type this.. I really want one of these made, is there any chance you could point me in the right direction. I relatively new to the  custom scene, and a COMPLETE rookie when it comes to alps builds!! Thanks a lot

[Applet]

Updated main post. New revision is done, but not tested yet. I will test it eventually and update the thread when it's done.

Hi,
I've just found myself with an AEK board, just finished salvaging the switches as I type this.. I really want one of these made, is there any chance you could point me in the right direction. I relatively new to the  custom scene, and a COMPLETE rookie when it comes to alps builds!! Thanks a lot

PM sent

[Applet]

accidental double post

[Applet]

Tiny update:

• VIA for AEKISO60 is now added to main repo.
• I will try and make a plate-file available soon (tray mount or rubber worm) for the standard layout.

[Applet]

Ordered a few SS plates using this plate design, we'll see if they turned out good in a couple of days 

Design is available as a dxf in the repo.

[gnhuy91]

[deleted]

[gnhuy91]

Ordered a few SS plates using this plate design, we'll see if they turned out good in a couple of days 
(Attachment Link)
Design is available as a dxf in the repo.

I'm wondering if the caplocks need to use reversed stab holes, since it is 2u long

[Applet]

Ordered a few SS plates using this plate design, we'll see if they turned out good in a couple of days 
(Attachment Link)
Design is available as a dxf in the repo.

I'm wondering if the caplocks need to use reversed stab holes, since it is 2u long

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think reversed/rotated stabs work on Alps? I'd love to rotate both enter and spacebar stabs.

Stabs on caps lock would be nice, but as you probably already know, it interferes with the cutout for the tray-mount screw (regular rotation). I've been using one of hasus designs for regular ANSI-plate and AEK which does not have any stabs for caps lock which works fine. That caps lock is 1.75, not 2u tho, I'll try and evaluate it when I get it, I hope it will work good.

[Applet]

Tiny update:
I got the plates yesterday. All the stabs etc works fine, also the plunger for space. I made a quick video, It's quite a rattle-fest with unlubed stabs. I'll try and make a proper build this weekend. 

[gnhuy91]

Tiny update:
I got the plates yesterday. All the stabs etc works fine, also the plunger for space. I made a quick video, It's quite a rattle-fest with unlubed stabs. I'll try and make a proper build this weekend. 

nice one! btw I got curious with your last msg and decided to go wild since I'm pretty sure the caplocks is 2u - I added "reversed stabs cutouts" and get a plate made today, here is the result:
https://imgur.com/a/tCZg3jl

I could add some more spacing so for the cutouts so that it wont be too close to the Tab's switch, but I'm glad my theory works on first try

[Applet]

Tiny update:
I got the plates yesterday. All the stabs etc works fine, also the plunger for space. I made a quick video, It's quite a rattle-fest with unlubed stabs. I'll try and make a proper build this weekend. 

nice one! btw I got curious with your last msg and decided to go wild since I'm pretty sure the caplocks is 2u - I added "reversed stabs cutouts" and get a plate made today, here is the result:
https://imgur.com/a/tCZg3jl

I could add some more spacing so for the cutouts so that it wont be too close to the Tab's switch, but I'm glad my theory works on first try

Cool! Looks to be working good  Did you also flip the stab-insers in the keycaps?

[gnhuy91]

Tiny update:
I got the plates yesterday. All the stabs etc works fine, also the plunger for space. I made a quick video, It's quite a rattle-fest with unlubed stabs. I'll try and make a proper build this weekend. 

nice one! btw I got curious with your last msg and decided to go wild since I'm pretty sure the caplocks is 2u - I added "reversed stabs cutouts" and get a plate made today, here is the result:
https://imgur.com/a/tCZg3jl

I could add some more spacing so for the cutouts so that it wont be too close to the Tab's switch, but I'm glad my theory works on first try

Cool! Looks to be working good  Did you also flip the stab-insers in the keycaps?

Yes the inserts in keycaps must be taken out and flipped to hold the flipped wire

[Applet]

Tiny update:
I got the plates yesterday. All the stabs etc works fine, also the plunger for space. I made a quick video, It's quite a rattle-fest with unlubed stabs. I'll try and make a proper build this weekend. 

nice one! btw I got curious with your last msg and decided to go wild since I'm pretty sure the caplocks is 2u - I added "reversed stabs cutouts" and get a plate made today, here is the result:
https://imgur.com/a/tCZg3jl

I could add some more spacing so for the cutouts so that it wont be too close to the Tab's switch, but I'm glad my theory works on first try

Cool! Looks to be working good  Did you also flip the stab-insers in the keycaps?

Yes the inserts in keycaps must be taken out and flipped to hold the flipped wire

Did you offset the holes anything, or are they the same distance from the switch, but rotated? I'm happy to add it to the plate design, if it works it works! Nice work

[gnhuy91]

they needed to be offset by 4mm after rotate, I'll submit a PR on Github to merge the plate file to your repo later

[Applet]

they needed to be offset by 4mm after rotate, I'll submit a PR on Github to merge the plate file to your repo later

Perfect!