Author Topic: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard (Read 35606 times)

ai03 · « **on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 10:52:05 »

Equinox XL
Equinox is back - The compact size and PCB-mount structure remain, but this time with more keys and a screwless exterior.

To stay up-to-date, it is highly recommended to join either ai03's or ION Keyboard's Discord server.

Visible Evolution

The proven tabbed-gasket PCB mount structure from the original Equinox remains, offering an unusual yet comfortable typing feel designed primarily for plateless use.
Equinox XL has been updated from the original with a seamless design and internal screws, making the exterior clean and sleek from any angle.

From the Desk to the World

The compact yet functional 50% key layout of the Equinox XL allows for easy migration from larger layouts while also ensuring compatibility with many keysets.
An internal brass weight balances the board’s mass - just light enough for portability, and just heavy enough for stability during use.

Tailored to the Occasion

Choose between winkey and winkeyless variants to choose between maximum functionality and a classic aesthetic.
The PCB allows for 3U-1U-3U split spacebar to extend productivity further without sacrificing the symmetrical aesthetic.

Specifications

- Aluminum case, internal brass weight, manufactured by Salvun CNC
- Weight: ~670g for the case incl. internal weight
- PCB: Soldered (Non-hotswap)
- Case colors: TBA
- Case variants: Regular, winkeyless
- Cost: TBD
- GB Date: TBD
- Vendors: TBA

- Media coverage/streamer review: In the future
- Note: PCB-mounted structure. It is recommended to use PCB-mount switches without a plate.
If absolutely necessary, please use the bundled FR-4 plate, or cut a plate based on the provided plate files.

Layouts:

Images
Yes, this board has already been prototyped.
Images are of the regular (non-winkeyless) variant prototype unit.

Pwner · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 10:52:20 »

Reserved

ZongZiWang · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 10:55:57 »

Maybe first under 60 to buy? Plateless is da way!

whirlwind · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 10:56:22 »

Fine, sign me up

Finite · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:00:22 »

What a banger, sign me up.

Ella · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:00:53 »

how do you type numbers?

spikedsynapse · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:01:55 »

This is really cool.

taco · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:05:38 »

alright take my money

JoltFX · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:06:09 »

I like the compatibility with normal Keysets… I have 3x40% but finding the right keys is always the issue.

Okonomiyaki#2832 · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:07:45 »

Very cute board.

Tuba_Joe · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:08:33 »

Any 10u support?

)

Really dig this

Neely_12 · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:10:48 »

I just want equinox r2

This still looks nice tho

PeppyToad · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:11:30 »

Yes please!

gwillad · « **Reply #13 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:15:08 »

man this looks stellar - love the inclusion of the Detroit layout

7empest · « **Reply #14 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:17:27 »

very cool! i always liked the equinox. that pcb mount looks like fun

darthcapn · « **Reply #15 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:17:56 »

Looks pretty pretty sweet. Plateless is the way!!

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

AstralYT · « **Reply #16 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:18:23 »

I wish this board would come under 300$

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

heyimpanda · « **Reply #17 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:24:11 »

excited to see more plateless boards!

herfalerf · « **Reply #18 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:26:11 »

Yeah this might be my first sub 60.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

terrad · « **Reply #19 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:33:02 »

Yes

Sent from my IN2023 using Tapatalk

Fe · « **Reply #20 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:34:34 »

niiiice

Kokaloo · « **Reply #21 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:39:31 »

how do you type numbers

Fraaaan · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:46:19 »

how do you type numbers

JoltFX · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:48:03 »

Quote from: Kokaloo on Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:39:31

how do you type numbers

Layers that work through holding or toggling a key. Like Fn

Kokaloo · « **Reply #24 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:49:29 »

Quote from: JoltFX on Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:48:03

Quote from: Kokaloo on Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:39:31
how do you type numbers
Layers that work through holding or toggling a key. Like Fn

Woah that sounds way too intense for me! You have to be an absolute weirdo to not have all of your keys.

Ella · « **Reply #25 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:52:12 »

Quote from: JoltFX on Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:48:03

Quote from: Kokaloo on Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:39:31
how do you type numbers
Layers that work through holding or toggling a key. Like Fn

no way, impossible

hzsh · « **Reply #26 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:55:19 »

Layout is clean, the royal and almost samurai-esque red is nice, you've done a very good job in that regard. The engraving on the back is also very clean and adds a unique element to the board, I especially like the font choice there. The option for WK versus WKL is also good to see. Overall, interested to see where this goes, GLWIC.

chriszhu · « **Reply #27 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 12:02:55 »

Nice, prototype looks good! 😍

sirieous · « **Reply #28 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 12:04:59 »

****in sign me up. I've heard too many nice things about the original

Bub · « **Reply #29 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 12:09:54 »

Quote from: Kokaloo on Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:49:29

Quote from: JoltFX on Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:48:03
Quote from: Kokaloo on Fri, 18 June 2021, 11:39:31
how do you type numbers
Layers that work through holding or toggling a key. Like Fn
Woah that sounds way too intense for me! You have to be an absolute weirdo to not have all of your keys.

lmao, never change, Kokaloo.

Personally this layout is a bit long for me, but not requiring a 40s kit is an obvious win to many. All-in-all if the price is right, this is a neat little package.

joshuarubin · « **Reply #30 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 12:26:49 »

Dammit. I swore off 40s. But this… “notafourty”… I can’t find a single fault. I keep thinking of something only to realize it’s already been considered. Nice work!

When’s the next round for Vega tho???

martensson · « **Reply #31 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 12:31:25 »

As a TMO owner I am happy to see more 50% keyboards. It is basically a 40% but with a few extra keys that makes all the difference for people who type other languages than English and who like to their ;"[] keys easily available without layers for programming. Numbers are actually easier to type with split space and using home row for numbers.

_ODIN_ · « **Reply #32 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 12:48:18 »

The layout is too small for me but the board looks stunning. Good luck with IC / GB

mvkb · « **Reply #33 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 13:38:07 »

**** like this is why I'll never be rich.

ogp3 · « **Reply #34 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 13:43:06 »

plateless!!!!!!!

Gavzers · « **Reply #35 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 14:03:31 »

I'm in love

Visionaire · « **Reply #36 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 14:17:16 »

Love it. Sign me up.

haystack · « **Reply #37 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 15:02:44 »

I just checked my interest, and it is at a high level. No "streamer review" necessary.

hottrout · « **Reply #38 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 15:23:54 »

Just for the hell of it I would buy one.

alwaysbless · « **Reply #39 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 20:05:56 »

Whew da red is looking nice. Looking like this or a PC TMOV2

Rubbermilitia · « **Reply #40 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 21:10:14 »

Plateless, gasket mounted pcb 40%? Having missed the Equinox, I'm really curious about this.

Zurg Eon · « **Reply #41 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 21:27:49 »

Must be the first sub 60% I'm interested in. Great balance between portability and usability for my language needs. TMOv has that too, but this has better keycap compatibility. Plus TMOv is 0.75u wider excluding side bezels.

rpiguy9907 · « **Reply #42 on:** Fri, 18 June 2021, 22:21:31 »

Can you add Alps support to the PCB? Because this uses full sized mods it would be perfect. Usually Alps is not practical for sub-60%

dantambok · « **Reply #43 on:** Sat, 19 June 2021, 02:01:16 »

that's a nice looking smol keyborb

shutuphamish · « **Reply #44 on:** Sat, 19 June 2021, 04:26:26 »

wkl under 60% consider me in. especially with a nice range of colours!

WhitePlate · « **Reply #45 on:** Sat, 19 June 2021, 12:49:54 »

Very cool! Dark forest green anodization would be really cool.

jpg2401 · « **Reply #46 on:** Sun, 20 June 2021, 19:13:43 »

I'm in

kimchijody · « **Reply #47 on:** Mon, 21 June 2021, 15:54:36 »

This checks so many boxes for me.

kohalified · « **Reply #48 on:** Thu, 24 June 2021, 01:15:58 »

damn after typing on the jubi I was inspired to make a plateless frl in the same vein. But this might tick too many boxes not to get.

Minahctrl · « **Reply #49 on:** Thu, 24 June 2021, 02:37:34 »

this is nice nice nice

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Author Topic: [IC] ION x ai03: Equinox XL | 50% Plateless Keyboard (Read 35606 times)