[IC] Eclipse - 70% gasket mount keyboard (moved to GB)

[snurrebassen]

E c l i p s e
by snurrebassen
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Twitch




Moved to GB:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=113079.msg3053818#msg3053818


Hello I'm very excited to share a keyboard I've been working on.
I'm a graphic designer/3D artist, and I've been into keyboards for a few years now. I've been experimenting my way with building a variety of keyboards,
trying to find what I like best, like we all do. I've been working with a friend of mine, w3bb0, who's doing the PCB design and together we wanted to make a 40% TKL Style keyboard.
However we decided to move over to a bit more functional and accessible layout.







Prototype (v2) photos from the factory:









► Gasket mount ◄
►Seamless ◄
► Indicator LEDs ◄
► Internal weight ◄
► Centered USB-port ◄
► 7 degree typing angle ◄



I'm focusing on achieving beautiful aesthetics, a solid and compact sound and a pleasant typing feel.
As for layout compatibility, in the first run with prototypes we're only looking at standard ANSI and ISO layouts.
I really want to try to cover the main alternative layouts, such as split shift, split backspace and maybe even WKL, depending on responses of the form.



Progress so far:

☑ Listen to feedback and finish the design
☑ Order first prototype of PCB
☑ Order prototypes of the case in various colors
☑ Implement changes based on how the prototype looks, feels and sounds
☑ Start GB process
☐ Experience delays and setbacks but push on





UPDATE:
As I've stated in a few comments and post around, we have been working on the GB details, and I am happy to announce we have a date set!


Our very first group buy raffle is set to take place on 05/29/2021 - Last Saturday of May

- We will raffle a limited amount of 150 units of Eclipse, worldwide - one vendor.
- You will get to choose from Dark Grey, Lilac, Green and E-White.
- Default plate material is Polycarbonate. Optional plate materials are POM for a softer typing feel, and brass, for a heavier and more solid typing feel.
- Solder PCB only, I'm afraid, due to MOQ limitations. I know I've promised hotswap, but we will try get that through for the next round, when we know more about the demand. So sorry if this disappoints you, but we prioritize getting a solid first round through.
- A secure raffle will take place through mykeyboard's new website and raffle system. More details and info will come closer to the GB date.

There will most likely be more rounds, so don't feel bad if you don't win the raffle!!

Thank you all for your patience!! I'm really excited




I was a little late posting the GB thread, so it's yet to be approved by the mods. I'll link to it from here so we can continue the discussion and info over there, once it's up!


The raffle is LIVE!

The raffle has ended! Thank you all who participated!!

Any questions, feel free to reach out to me here or in my discord

[elmo]

nice!

since cygnus is most likely not going to happen anymore i'm definitely interested in this one! 

Edit: It would be nice to be able to select more than one color and plate option in the IC form

[Nonnegaard]

I absolutely LOVE this! Wouldn't it be considered a 65%, though?

[d.caminero]

Congrats on the design, I like it so much.

2 questions:

Will it be ALPS compatible? I see that the PCB is, but will you do the plates as well?
Will you include the possibility to do split spacebar?

[Quinella]

another frl tkl surfaces

[nathanchere]

With HHKB blocker option, this would rival TMO50 as my favourite layout.

[Erigorin]

Oof, interested!!!

[phinix]

Finally new F-row less TKL! YEEEEESSSSSS!!!!

Few things - how high is front? Like 18mm or so? I hope not too high.

Would you consider some dark grey or dark blue colors?

Will there be hot-swap option or just solder?

[wholypantalones]

A couple of questions after looking at the design.

Are those plate mount stabilizer holes or does it support both pcb and plate mount?

If this is a sandwich gasket mount, the top is removable and the weight is internal, why is there a removable plate that screws into the bottom? Why not make the bottom seamless instead?

I went to fill out the interest check form and it only lets me choose one color and one plate material. It would be nice if you could choose more than one color and plate material.

[o3okevin]

V nice

[mydens]

Stainless steel case option & hot swap PCB.

[GaNeBaL]

ne wkl renders avail and compatibility with cygnus pcb?

[idkpotato117]

Oh I love this absolutely

[VXQN]

Hell yes; I like this a lot. The only thing I'm not so sure about, but I'm sure you're not gonna change it, is the rounded corners. I prefer a squarer board but not enough to put me off purchasing!

[DALExSNAIL]

Honestly, a pretty tight layout, good job mate 

[heyjaykay]

Got me split with the hiney tkl one with this beaut. Pros and cons for both.

Really digging this layout idea. Form needs to be tweaked slightly tho, as what some other users have mentioned!! Super hyped

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[VipermanGT2]

This is a definite buy for me if the corners are changed to a more square shape. AND, show off the weight, or just add in the logo/detail onto the bottom piece. I hate it when a KB hides a beautiful weight inside the case.

[Zeelobby]

Just to counter, I'm definitely a fan of hidden weights that you never see anyway. Honestly if it cuts down on the cost, it doesn't need to be engraved either, though a symbol/badge on the outside would be cool.

[Han]

Really digging this idea. Can't wait to see the progress.

[snurrebassen]

ne wkl renders avail and compatibility with cygnus pcb?

No, I'm afraid not! We are not associated or working with the Cygnus creators, we're making our own PCB! Will do WKL and HHKB renders soon!

nice!

since cygnus is most likely not going to happen anymore i'm definitely interested in this one! 

Edit: It would be nice to be able to select more than one color and plate option in the IC form

Done! Thanks for the heads up!

Congrats on the design, I like it so much.

2 questions:

Will it be ALPS compatible? I see that the PCB is, but will you do the plates as well?
Will you include the possibility to do split spacebar?

Thank you and good to hear!

I think we can look into making alps an option for sure, I would be happy to include more folks!
I don't rule it out doing a split spacbar layout an option in the final GB!

Finally new F-row less TKL! YEEEEESSSSSS!!!!

Few things - how high is front? Like 18mm or so? I hope not too high.

Would you consider some dark grey or dark blue colors?

Will there be hot-swap option or just solder?

- The front is now 20mm, but i'm gonna try squeeze it down to 18 if I can! It's definitely more optimal to have it around 18mm for sure.
- Yes maybe, very possible!
- For now we're only looking at a solderable PCB, but nothing is certain yet.

A couple of questions after looking at the design.

Are those plate mount stabilizer holes or does it support both pcb and plate mount?

If this is a sandwich gasket mount, the top is removable and the weight is internal, why is there a removable plate that screws into the bottom? Why not make the bottom seamless instead?

I went to fill out the interest check form and it only lets me choose one color and one plate material. It would be nice if you could choose more than one color and plate material.

Right now the PCB renders are mostly to visualize the silk design, so yes in the end we are going to support PCB mounted switches as well.
I've gone ahead and looked at multiple keyboard mounting types, trying out different ideas. This one is inspired by the Oxalys mounting system, by Salvun. It was just a mounting system I became very curious about trying. The plate isn't directly screwed onto the bottom, it will be held tightly together by the screws holding the top and bottom together.

///

Thank you for all your interest and comments!

[elmo]

another frl tkl surfaces

If you don't like it then how about you just ignore it lmao

And it's not like there are too many boards with this layout around...

[breckstar]

Would love to see this in like 3-5° option instead of 7°. To me, 7 works fine for GMK but is too steep for SA and 0-5 works well for SA.

[valniro]

Love the rounded corners, awesome design mate!

[Starston3]

The plate seems to indicate forced full backspace but the pcb looks like it has the option for split?

Will the plate support split backspace or will it be fixed backspace?

[NoxNoxNox]

I like this style of board quite a bit;

Out of curiosity - have you considered making the gap between the main block and the nav cluster/arrow keys wider to match the bezel?

[Shutter_Shock]

A couple of questions after looking at the design.

Are those plate mount stabilizer holes or does it support both pcb and plate mount?

If this is a sandwich gasket mount, the top is removable and the weight is internal, why is there a removable plate that screws into the bottom? Why not make the bottom seamless instead?

I went to fill out the interest check form and it only lets me choose one color and one plate material. It would be nice if you could choose more than one color and plate material.

I'm definitely into this layout!! Please allow for pcb-mount/screw-in stabilizers. Zeal screw-in stabs are incredible and I put them on every board that I can. Also, I agree that the internal weight isn't necessary. The board will still be plenty solid without a built in weight.

[Shutter_Shock]

Also, while this is a small detail, I've always had better luck with strips of rubber on the bottom of the case rather than small rounds. For example all Rama Works boards that I can think of and the NovelKeys NK65 have two strips of rubber running the length of the keyboard rather than four dots in the corners. While the Keycult No 2 kept four pads rather than 2, it went from dots to strips. I find that the strips give the board more traction and are less likely to accidentally come off. I also personally think strips look significantly better/more premium than the dots, in part I guess because the dots can be purchased at any hardware store. I'm not sure how well this would work with the layout of screws on the bottom of the case, but I thought I'd share.

[Shutter_Shock]

I like this style of board quite a bit;

Out of curiosity - have you considered making the gap between the main block and the nav cluster/arrow keys wider to match the bezel?

Show Image

I second this. It would also allow for a bit more physical separation of the arrow key cluster, which at least to me is a plus.

[Zeelobby]

Personal I'd rather have the outer bezel be smaller and keep the form compact. But I'm just one nobody

[Missingnumber]

I love this layout!  It really is perfect. I disagree with those calling for a wider bezel beside the direction keys. I prefer the thinner one as-is.

I know it's early, but do you plan to work with any third party retailer on this board? I like this keyboard, but there's too many unfulfilled one-man-show group buys out there. With such a clean and unassuming board, I wish someone would just stock it like KBDFans does with the Tofu boards.

I don't see much value in the designed internal weight though. Either make it visible for aesthetic, or just make it optional to reduce price.

[Shutter_Shock]

I love this layout!  It really is perfect. I disagree with those calling for a wider bezel beside the direction keys. I prefer the thinner one as-is.

I know it's early, but do you plan to work with any third party retailer on this board? I like this keyboard, but there's too many unfulfilled one-man-show group buys out there. With such a clean and unassuming board, I wish someone would just stock it like KBDFans does with the Tofu boards.

I don't see much value in the designed internal weight though. Either make it visible for aesthetic, or just make it optional to reduce price.

Definitely agree with points two and three. I'm fine with the bezels either way.

[Zacharius]

Oof this is nice


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[d00deitsnik]

Had no idea j was looking for this till just now. I agree with the internal weight design. It would be nice on the outside. But iirc abec did something similar with the 45-ATS. I think to keep a cleaner body. I'm about this either way.

[pixelpusher]

Great design.  Simple and elegant.  Love the corner radius and bezel widths.  Clean bottom is nice too (i mean... twss?)

[iaman]

Personal I'd rather have the outer bezel be smaller and keep the form compact. But I'm just one nobody

idk that there would be space for the gaskets if the outer bezel was smaller?

I'm here for matching the bezel size with the between-clusters space if possible

[Zeelobby]

Personal I'd rather have the outer bezel be smaller and keep the form compact. But I'm just one nobody

idk that there would be space for the gaskets if the outer bezel was smaller?

I'm here for matching the bezel size with the between-clusters space if possible

That's a good point. Didn't think about that. I still like it thin. Feel like it fits the theme of a slimmer TKL

[badboy731]

I think this is the board I saw on instagram? if so very nice! will be watching

[macclack]

I love this so much

[JayBeamz]

Very nice design!!! Loving the F-rowless tkl layout for sure!
That removable plate on the bottom tho? If you got it show it off and put it on the keebutt lol.
Looks great either way. Ill def be following this one!

[TomePls]

I made an account just to say that this layout and design is wonderful.

[victorpre]

I'm just imagining the WKL version

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[Mr_BeastQuake]

I liked the Blackbird layout when I bought into the GB awhile ago but realized the numpad wasn't entirely necessary. If I didn't play my one game that requires the F-row I'd be in on this, but I really think that this layout is very practical and I appreciate its design.

[PikaJoyce]

I like this style of board quite a bit;

Out of curiosity - have you considered making the gap between the main block and the nav cluster/arrow keys wider to match the bezel?

Show Image

+1 for this.

Or just in general making the gaps consistent with one another. Otherwise, super interested and this is super cute!

[phinix]

Yep, matching thick bezels would be nice. So middle one a bit wider to match outer one.
Maybe bottom plate could be seamless as well? Like, even with edges?

[Quinella]

another frl tkl surfaces

If you don't like it then how about you just ignore it lmao

And it's not like there are too many boards with this layout around...

hey idiot where in that sentence did i negatively criticize the board, im quite happy theres more frl tkls coming out because i love the layout.

edit: im hoping this board does well gl with ic

[demonahz]

I really liked the idea and design. I'm in this one depending on the price, of course 

[snurrebassen]

Also, while this is a small detail, I've always had better luck with strips of rubber on the bottom of the case rather than small rounds. For example all Rama Works boards that I can think of and the NovelKeys NK65 have two strips of rubber running the length of the keyboard rather than four dots in the corners. While the Keycult No 2 kept four pads rather than 2, it went from dots to strips. I find that the strips give the board more traction and are less likely to accidentally come off. I also personally think strips look significantly better/more premium than the dots, in part I guess because the dots can be purchased at any hardware store. I'm not sure how well this would work with the layout of screws on the bottom of the case, but I thought I'd share.

Thank you for your comment here and on the google form! I have already thought about looking into strips instead of circular bumpers. It wouldn't make sense to have cheap bumpers on a premium board like this, so I'm most definitely gonna look into it!
Oh and screw in stabs support is definitely coming!

I like this style of board quite a bit;

Out of curiosity - have you considered making the gap between the main block and the nav cluster/arrow keys wider to match the bezel?

Show Image

Yes, after a lot of comments on it, I realize i haven't thought about that fact. I'm gonna look into changing it, see how it looks. Will post new pictures once I've worked on it! :)

The plate seems to indicate forced full backspace but the pcb looks like it has the option for split?

Will the plate support split backspace or will it be fixed backspace?

w3bb0 told me he can make this work, so yes. Gonna try make split backspace!

I love this layout!  It really is perfect. I disagree with those calling for a wider bezel beside the direction keys. I prefer the thinner one as-is.

I know it's early, but do you plan to work with any third party retailer on this board? I like this keyboard, but there's too many unfulfilled one-man-show group buys out there. With such a clean and unassuming board, I wish someone would just stock it like KBDFans does with the Tofu boards.

I don't see much value in the designed internal weight though. Either make it visible for aesthetic, or just make it optional to reduce price.

Yes, I will most definitely not do this on my own, hahah! I'm already working with mykeyboard.eu with another project, and they will be working with me on this one too.
And yes, going to reconsider the weight. Having an engraved internal weight doesn't make as much sense. Might look into having it as an option and instead engrave the top part somehow.

[snurrebassen]

I'm just imagining the WKL version

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Soon you won't have to imagine it! Gonna do some more renders of alternative layouts next week.

another frl tkl surfaces

If you don't like it then how about you just ignore it lmao

And it's not like there are too many boards with this layout around...

hey idiot where in that sentence did i negatively criticize the board, im quite happy theres more frl tkls coming out because i love the layout.

edit: im hoping this board does well gl with ic

thank you, glad to hear that. And i agree. I'm kinda surprised we don't have more of this layout.

[victorpre]

I'm just imagining the WKL version

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Soon you won't have to imagine it! Gonna do some more renders of alternative layouts next week.

another frl tkl surfaces

If you don't like it then how about you just ignore it lmao

And it's not like there are too many boards with this layout around...

hey idiot where in that sentence did i negatively criticize the board, im quite happy theres more frl tkls coming out because i love the layout.

edit: im hoping this board does well gl with ic

thank you, glad to hear that. And i agree. I'm kinda surprised we don't have more of this layout.

If we can achieve WKL AND split spacebar (as I saw it's an idea on the IC) I'll just have to throw my money at you

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[PocketAces]

I’m such a sucker for seamless case design. I’m not even usually into TKL but not having the F row just makes it that much more attractive to me. I’m probably in


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