[IC] ADK64v2 - Split Gasket Mount 60%

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Hi everyone, I'm rebooting the ADK64v2 after some design changes.



The same:

• 3D Printed (new techniques will make this curve much smoother than v1)
• Classic AEK style curve

The different:

• Gasket mounted - same excellent sound/feel as the PLA75 (v1 was tray mount)
• Split design (integrated magnets hold it together when not split)
• Many layouts supported, see KLE below
• Nachie designed custom PCB - QMK, USB-C to PC, USB-C to connect the halves

I will be prototyping the design starting this week, all the modelling is done. Nachie has the PCB ready for alps switches, and if this interest check is successful we will implement MX switches as well. I plan on having prototypes in April, barring any corona delays.

Once I am ready to start the GB, there will only be a 1-3 week lead time. That's it. I'm handling the printing on this one, and I've got my printer dialed in to keyboardbelle quality. I will be sending the cases in small batches as I produce them, so the turnaround should be very quick.

Note: The B key stays on the left. The way nature intended.



Let me know what you think!

[gnhuy91]

any hope for non-split version? looks really promising

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

any hope for non-split version? looks really promising

No, as there are few commercial printers that can print full size cases, and keyboardbelle, who I usually collaborate with, is going to be occupied for quite a while.

I do have a few extra ADK64v1s if you want a stardard 60%, but the V2 will be this split design.

[nickaster1]

What is the kit going to look like?

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

What is the kit going to look like?

A case in a few color options, I'm thinking a beige, grey and clear + a pcb + plate. I may end up condensing the layouts or splitting the PCBs into alps/mx. I'm not sure if I want to include a simple USB-C to USB-C cable, or just let people get their own and save a few bucks.

[piit79]

No, as there are few commercial printers that can print full size cases...

Really? Just out of curiosity, what is the total width of the case?

[Zeelobby]

I'm full on board with a split gasket anyway. Most splits right now are top/bottom/integrated mount. Main thing keeping me away from split was a real lack of the newer mounting systems. Last thing we need is another regular 60 gasket mount. Haha.

[lush_bunny]

You set on those three colors? Would kill for red.

[brln]

Probably in for round 2 with MX switches. GLWS

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

You set on those three colors? Would kill for red.

It's close to 1kg of printed material, so I'd be open to doing one offs if I can easily get the filament. My prototype will probably be red.

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Probably in for round 2 with MX switches. GLWS

Just to clarify, we all add MX to the PCB design for this run.

[pixelpusher]

this is pretty cool, man.  So is 4.75u the size of the space bar on the M0116?  And we could use the apple/command key from that same board for the 1.75?  I'm not 100% sure of the sizes of those caps b/c I don't own a M0116.

That's the only thing that sticks out to me. You have a lot of options listed for bottom row compatibility, but there are no bottom row alps caps available with alps mount stabilizers (as shown in your renders) for anything but the top one on the list.

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

this is pretty cool, man.  So is 4.75u the size of the space bar on the M0116?  And we could use the apple/command key from that same board for the 1.75?  I'm not 100% sure of the sizes of those caps b/c I don't own a M0116.

That's the only thing that sticks out to me. You have a lot of options listed for bottom row compatibility, but there are no bottom row alps caps available with alps mount stabilizers (as shown in your renders) for anything but the top one on the list.

This layout is as the board stands now, and all but the one with 3 x 2u keycaps (shown in renders - which can be made from one AEK) need a AEK and M0116 - everything 2u and larger has stabs. When we get MX compatibility the bottom row will make more sense, in the alps footprint we are just trying to get lots of compatibility from an AEK + M0116 cap set.

[pixelpusher]

makes sense. time to buy a 0116!

[tex_live_utility]

any hope for non-split version? looks really promising

You can glue the two halves together.

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

any hope for non-split version? looks really promising

You can glue the two halves together.

Magnets! I've got slots for really strong neodymium magnets so the halves will stay together unless you give er a nice tug.

[Kokaloo]

any hope for non-split version? looks really promising

You can glue the two halves together.

Magnets! I've got slots for really strong neodymium magnets so the halves will stay together unless you give er a nice tug.

holy big brain alert

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Alright, I'm moving along nicely. The gap coverage for the AEK keycaps is below. All are good except the top key. I took some measurements and readjusted the CAD, and am printing that out today, so the edges are basically done.

I also heard your comments with regard to the PLA75, and am resizing the nut holes so that assembly isn't a pain! I'm aiming for a nice friction fit.



I am not just waiting for nachie to finalize the Alps PCB, and I will order some prototypes. Once I have a full board in hand to test, we will move into developing an MX variant. I also am going to explore making a PLA75 top for the case, since the mounting is so similar. Let me know if this is of interest, or if I should just keep this one as an ADK style curve top.

[gnhuy91]

**** thats a v smooth curve

[lush_bunny]

What a sexy ass board

[urbantheii]

Split board, I am in!

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

**** thats a v smooth curve

Since it's not a full one piece thing like the v1, I can print it in a different orientation that maximizes the smoothness of the curve. Takes longer, but the quality is so much better.

[lush_bunny]

I swear if I ever decide to go for this board, I may be willing to pay extra for custom colors.

[rockydbull]

Are you planning on printing the crevice for the metal apple logo again? I really like that on my gen 1 cases.

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Are you planning on printing the crevice for the metal apple logo again? I really like that on my gen 1 cases.

Yes! I'm going to put them either in the top left again, or on the WKL blockers, as I think that would look really sharp.

[KingOfMemes]

Are you considering an HHKB top

[i luv chuletas]

So I'm confused, no extra B on the right side? Saw it on the KLE, but then saw you claim only a B on the left side.

Love that position for my function key 

[lush_bunny]

Will you be doing more renders?

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Are you considering an HHKB top

Yeah, WKL, standard and HHKB

Will you be doing more renders?

Sure. Any colors you want to see?

So I'm confused, no extra B on the right side? Saw it on the KLE, but then saw you claim only a B on the left side.

Love that position for my function key 

The KLE is a little outdated, and I don't want to create a bunch of case variants for every combination.

[lush_bunny]

Will you be doing more renders?

Sure. Any colors you want to see?

GMK Classic Red with a red case! Thanks!

[pixelpusher]

Hey, have you heard from keyboardbelle at all lately?  Someone mentioned on keebtalk that she had been ill and no one has heard from her in some time.  Not good.  Hope all is well.

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

Hey, have you heard from keyboardbelle at all lately?  Someone mentioned on keebtalk that she had been ill and no one has heard from her in some time.  Not good.  Hope all is well.

I thought all of us sat inside and played with keebs all day and thus were safe. Hope all's well.

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Hey, have you heard from keyboardbelle at all lately?  Someone mentioned on keebtalk that she had been ill and no one has heard from her in some time.  Not good.  Hope all is well.

Emailed her this week about some printing stuff, so she still walks this Earth - That is all I know.

[pixelpusher]

Hey, have you heard from keyboardbelle at all lately?  Someone mentioned on keebtalk that she had been ill and no one has heard from her in some time.  Not good.  Hope all is well.

Emailed her this week about some printing stuff, so she still walks this Earth - That is all I know.

Aight.  Hope all is well with you, too.  Looking forward to split stuff

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Hey, have you heard from keyboardbelle at all lately?  Someone mentioned on keebtalk that she had been ill and no one has heard from her in some time.  Not good.  Hope all is well.

Emailed her this week about some printing stuff, so she still walks this Earth - That is all I know.

Aight.  Hope all is well with you, too.  Looking forward to split stuff

Doing another round of the PLA with a Canadian printer first. Still need to learn kicad or for nachie to turn up to get those split PCBs prototyped.

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Hey all,

This project is not abandoned, still plugging away behind the scenes. Been using the time off in quarantine to learn kicad so I can make the PCB myself (with some guidance from nachie and other community members, don't you worry ), and have been working on the case quite a bit.

I also added a PLA75 style top option, because why the heck not:



I've also got a little video of the magnetic action to join the halves. I didn't want it to be overbearing, just enough to hold the case together nicely when you are typing away in the together position. Personally, I don't want to put massive magnets in it so you can pick it up as one piece (for cost, design and extra headache issues), but if you feel different please let me know.

Video: https://imgur.com/a/WMzYK7z

Finally, do y'all see USB-C to USB-C to join the halves as a positive, or would you rather just have TRRS? Let me know!

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Whoops, double posted.

[rockydbull]

USB-C to connect halves would be my preferred. Tons of nice already made usb c to usb c cables out there in various materials. TRRS seem kind of lacking.

[gnhuy91]

magnetic and 2 parts fitting in looks really good!

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

USB-C to connect halves would be my preferred. Tons of nice already made usb c to usb c cables out there in various materials. TRRS seem kind of lacking.

I know. The only danger with that is it is ever plugged in wrong (i.e. the computer line into either of the USB-C ports for the left-right communication) then as I understand it you are sending 5V to a data line and ruining the PCB. I know that nobody is that dumb, but that is the trade off for using USB-C as a half connector as well.

magnetic and 2 parts fitting in looks really good!

Thanks!

[bibobim]

Nice design of the magnet connecting two pieces together with a very well-fitting. Love to see some more real pics of an AEK style curve

+1 for the USB-C connection.

[Executorg]

Very nice project. I'm very much in.

Do I understand correctly, you still need to connect two halves by cable even when they held together with magnets?
Is it possible to add some connector between halves like on those magnetic cables?

Sorry if this is too complicated to ask, not exactly familiar with keyboards hardware.

[twoshoes]

Super cool. I would totally be in if you can do a white one!

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Very nice project. I'm very much in.

Do I understand correctly, you still need to connect two halves by cable even when they held together with magnets?
Is it possible to add some connector between halves like on those magnetic cables?

Show Image

Sorry if this is too complicated to ask, not exactly familiar with keyboards hardware.

You'd still need a cable to run between the halves, but that is an interesting idea. Just not for this round.

[gnhuy91]

i'd agree on not using usb-c for 2 halves, part of if was kids or college sometimes curious and could mess it up.
My orther concern is where to find such type of cable, would be great if its included

[rockydbull]

i'd agree on not using usb-c for 2 halves, part of if was kids or college sometimes curious and could mess it up.
My orther concern is where to find such type of cable, would be great if its included

Someone messing with the board always poses a problem because if they plug a trrs cable in or out while powered it could cause issues.

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Sorry for the lack of updates, been working on prototyping the PLA75 R2, graduating university, finding a place to live, enjoying a little bit of summer, etc.

I have also been learning kicad, and with the help of some more learned community members, I am about a week away from ordering an ADK64v2 prototype PCB, so this GB should see some traction in the coming months. I also will be partnering with spacecables to offer some of the finest coiled TRRS cables you can get as a part of the GB.

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Back from vacation this week. Will get ordering prototypes once I'm home, and some plates as well. Once I check those we are good to go. Thank you all for your patience!

[AvoidingYou]

any way this could be a 65% I'd go in on it if it were, because I really want a split keeb, but I need more keys. Any RGB planned for it?

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

any way this could be a 65% I'd go in on it if it were, because I really want a split keeb, but I need more keys. Any RGB planned for it?

No, not a 65% for this round. There will be lots of RGB though!