Author Topic: [IC] Eon WKL Wedge 60% (Read 23925 times)

Que7797 · « **on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 15:03:57 »

Intro

More

Hi Geekhack, im Que.

(or Que#7797 on Discord)

I've been fortunate enough to have owned keyboards from many designers over the years. This has led me to develop very selective personal preferences. No one was offering the specific combination of features that I wanted, so I decided to make my own.

Now I'd like to share a project that is finally nearing completion.

Eon is a WKL Wedge 60%

All pictures in this post contain the 'Q4 2021' prototype.

Main features of the Q4 2021 Prototype include:

6063 Alu Case
Brass Weight
WKL
Wedge
HHKB Side & Front Bevels + Pwner Lip
6-Degree Typing Angle
Hiney H60 pcb + USB-C UDB
Low USB-C port horizontal to desk (Works w/ Lindy)
~16.5mm-17.5mm Front Height (~21.695mm EKH) feat. Noxary Ledge + Officially Licensed Baion Wave™ /s (with permission from Baion himself!)
M2 Screws for Case, Plate, Weight, and UDB. One driver required to assemble the entire board.

Confirmed Plate Mounting Types: O-Ring, Top

More

Overview

Eon borrows design ques from many other boards, going all the way back to the 356mini.

The main focus with this version of the design was experimentation with internal tolerances and mounting types.

Exterior aesthetics were a minor consideration that didn't stray far beyond 'wedge with thin bezels' and as a result are subject to change in future revisions.

The mounting options for testing in the Q4 2021 prototype include: Top Mount, O-Ring Gasket, Isolation Strip Gasket, Leaf-Spring, Kitchen Sink, etc.

Testing

More

Fit testing after qc went great, likely a result of previous prototyping that already went into this design. There are definitely some minor changes required before moving into production, but I was expecting to have overlooked something major, or at least for more to have gone wrong. After all, its 'Hope for the best, prepare for the worst' or something like that, isn't it?

So far, so good!

Build #1: PC Plate, Inks w 205g0, Cherry Clip-ins w BDZ, GMK 9009

Test a) O-Ring Mount

Test b) Top Mount

Please note: Typing tests are not an accurate representation of what a keyboard will sound like on your desk.

Apologies for audio only. I don't have adequate video recording equipment yet.
Perhaps ill have to arrange for a proto to be built by someone on stream at some point?

Also, a new revision has been completed based on initial testing and feedback.
Multiple builds are planned for alternate (backwards compatible) plate types, materials, and switches.

Stay tuned!

Project Roadmap

~~Finalize Prototype Design~~
~~RFQ and Order Q4 2021 Proto~~
~~Receive and QC the Q4 2021 Proto~~
~~Test Q4 2021 Proto and Revise Design~~
~~Finalize and RFQ Revised MMXXII Design~~
~~Small Discord-Only GB (to gear up for a larger public GH run)~~
~~Gather Additional Feedback~~
~~Final Revision~~
Public GB

Targeting a $4XX price range with this project but more exact details to come when the design is ready for production.

~~~

For updates on all of my projects join yet another:
-> Discord Server <-

Que7797 · « **Reply #1 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 15:05:13 »

2022.03.04 Update

A small discord-only Group Buy for a new revision of this board, in order to gear up for a larger public GH run, is happening now!

As an incentive to join sometimes designers offer a 'special edition' color that will never run again, or maybe even a weight made out of a different material. For this round I am offering something along those lines, but a little more unique.

Join my Discord Server for more details.

~~~

2022.03.30 Update

After a brief manu delay due to Covid, the Discord-only GB has resumed, and the entry window is winding down into the final few days!

More info available on Discord.

Thank you for your consideration!

~~~

2022.04.04 Update

Discord GB entry window closed.

Cheers!

~~~

2023.05.11 Update

A lot has happened since the last update:

- A Discord GB for the Aeon variant of this design has been completed!

- A small plate GB providing compatibility for Aeon between different versions of the hiney h60 pcb is nearing completion.

- I fell in love with making keycaps!

All the experience and feedback ive gained since completing the Aeon GB has gone into the final revision and I can't wait to bring Eon to you guys in 2023!

mmayhem17 · « **Reply #2 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 15:09:35 »

dgneo · « **Reply #3 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 15:17:15 »

Just beautiful Que

Belled · « **Reply #4 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 15:28:33 »

It’s so good, not too flashy, just the right amount of minimalism

Rafa_n · « **Reply #5 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 15:33:33 »

Yes, gib pls. Eu proxy would be nice.

chat and team · « **Reply #6 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 16:04:01 »

WhatsForLunch · « **Reply #7 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 16:45:39 »

Simple, elegant... I need it!

Also EU vendor plz thanks

Sandy · « **Reply #8 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 16:48:57 »

I know it's minimal but it feels a bit too minimal to me. But that might be preference. I like simple and refined but it feels a bit lackluster. I know you said you were focussing on mounting and exploring that though. I hope your group buy goes well! I'm not sure how big you're thinking of going for this project

Please also share some shots of the different mounting styles if you don't mind. Even if they are just section analyses

packman86 · « **Reply #9 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 17:41:07 »

Very clean and contemporary design!

Fun to see this in public finally

Ensaum · « **Reply #10 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 18:28:42 »

I'm in. My vote is for O-Ring mount if it matters.

Ensaum · « **Reply #11 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 18:35:51 »

Quote from: cogitoergofemme on Sun, 20 February 2022, 16:48:57

I know it's minimal but it feels a bit too minimal to me. But that might be preference. I like simple and refined but it feels a bit lackluster. I know you said you were focussing on mounting and exploring that though. I hope your group buy goes well! I'm not sure how big you're thinking of going for this project

Please also share some shots of the different mounting styles if you don't mind. Even if they are just section analyses

One thing I can think of to add some flair is a little No. 2 style fillet on the underside of the board. Kinda like this.

C0M9L3X · « **Reply #12 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 18:36:55 »

This reminds me of Bias for the bottom case cutouts

linell · « **Reply #13 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 19:48:01 »

ty for cat
love the hhkb sides

Que7797 · « **Reply #14 on:** Sun, 20 February 2022, 20:02:26 »

Quote from: mmayhem17 on Sun, 20 February 2022, 15:09:35

Q?

Yes, that's how my username is pronounced, if that's what you're asking haha

Quote from: dgneo on Sun, 20 February 2022, 15:17:15

Just beautiful Que

Appreciate you, my friend!

Quote from: Belled on Sun, 20 February 2022, 15:28:33

It’s so good, not too flashy, just the right amount of minimalism

Im glad you're enjoying it, more to come in the near future.

Quote from: Rafa_n on Sun, 20 February 2022, 15:33:33

Yes, gib pls. Eu proxy would be nice.

Noted, ill try my best to make it happen.

Quote from: chat and team on Sun, 20 February 2022, 16:04:01

Nice

Nice

Quote from: WhatsForLunch on Sun, 20 February 2022, 16:45:39

Simple, elegant... I need it!

Also EU vendor plz thanks

Working on it!

Ill also keep that in mind.

Quote from: cogitoergofemme on Sun, 20 February 2022, 16:48:57

I know it's minimal but it feels a bit too minimal to me. But that might be preference. I like simple and refined but it feels a bit lackluster. I know you said you were focussing on mounting and exploring that though. I hope your group buy goes well! I'm not sure how big you're thinking of going for this project

Please also share some shots of the different mounting styles if you don't mind. Even if they are just section analyses

Aesthetic changes are indeed on the way. Although at this point I believe the silhouette will stay the same. Time will tell.

More info will be released as things are finalized. Thanks for your feedback and interest.

Quote from: packman86 on Sun, 20 February 2022, 17:41:07

Very clean and contemporary design!

Fun to see this in public finally

Much appreciated, homie! Thank you so much for your support. It means a lot.

Quote from: Ensaum on Sun, 20 February 2022, 18:28:42

I'm in. My vote is for O-Ring mount if it matters.

It matters. How much it matters I am not quite sure.

Quote from: C0M9L3X on Sun, 20 February 2022, 18:36:55

This reminds me of Bias for the bottom case cutouts

That's right, they are based heavily on the Bias for this prototype!

Just to be clear, Baionlenja (the creator of the Bias keyboard) has already seen this board, and has given me his blessing to use the design.

That being said, the case bottom has already received a re-working since this prototype was created, and will likely be altered again before production.

Ill be sure to keep you all updated as things progress.

Thanks for your kind comments everyone!

stidal · « **Reply #15 on:** Mon, 21 February 2022, 01:29:04 »

very interested if price is good :prayge:

denibhoxha · « **Reply #16 on:** Mon, 21 February 2022, 05:33:41 »

Damn that looks really clean, my only gripe with it is how rounded the fillets on the top are and the backside having just that ! on top of the usb cutout makes it look really empty back there. Maybe a logo or smth on the bottom left/right would make it look less empty. Looking forward to seeing the new iterations on the design and mounting.

whirlwind · « **Reply #17 on:** Mon, 21 February 2022, 05:53:57 »

Looks lovely

unusuaL_ · « **Reply #18 on:** Mon, 21 February 2022, 06:19:48 »

cherry lip

Coby · « **Reply #19 on:** Mon, 21 February 2022, 08:19:52 »

hell yeah this is heat, I'm in!

nqbshas · « **Reply #20 on:** Mon, 21 February 2022, 09:06:24 »

Aesthetically very nice and clean. Hopefully it will come out with a good price.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

treeleaf64 · « **Reply #21 on:** Mon, 21 February 2022, 09:31:56 »

What advantage does this baion wave provide/

AstralYT · « **Reply #22 on:** Mon, 21 February 2022, 11:18:04 »

Consider WK.

I'll vote for O-Ring.

I hope this won't be super exclusive board.

Que7797 · « **Reply #23 on:** Mon, 21 February 2022, 11:47:56 »

Quote from: treeleaf64 on Mon, 21 February 2022, 09:31:56

What advantage does this baion wave provide/

Hey treeleaf, im glad you asked. Please see my long answer in the hidden section below.

More

I think of it kind of like a Noxary Ledge for every row instead of just the bottom one, but it's a little different because while the Noxary Ledge allows for a lower front case height, the Baion Wave (depending on how its implemented) also allows for more plate travel before bottom out. I would have to check before giving you exact numbers but iirc it doubled the amount of possible plate flex in this case.

It's likely the sound of the board is also affected in raising the areas of the case floor that don't reduce plate flex, and there must be some acoustic ~~benefits~~ effects of having a baffled case bottom, but im certainly no expert there and I couldnt tell you what they are exactly. I guess the idea is to put more keyboard inside the keyboard, instead of something like foam. The trick is to find a nice balance that deepens (?) the sound signature and helps mute any potential for pinging but still lets the board breathe enough to not kill off its unique acoustic properties. Obviously these are aspects that are all heavily defined by personal preference, so unfortunately there will be no pleasing everyone, but I'll do my best.

I guess im also just a big nerd for 'intricate-looking-but-actually-so-simple-why-didnt-I-think-of-that' design concepts that go into making the boards we all love so good. I could honestly talk for hours about this stuff, but I should probably get back to work. Thanks again for asking!

And thanks again for your comments and support everyone!

Just a heads up, I am working on getting pricing and availability for you in the near future, but it will be for the new revision that is also well on its way.

Please understand that it is difficult to project costs for a design that has not yet been finalized. Keep in mind, im also just now making the transition from enthusiast (probably much like yourself) to designer, and potentially vendor of some kind, and that is not a process I take lightly. I have a lot of work ahead of me, and I will not run anything until I am 100% confident in my ability to bring the project to completion. At this point, im honestly still just trying to make the best keyboard possible, and pricing has gone largely unconsidered until this stage in the process. Your patience as I get established is greatly appreciated!

edit: for grammar and clarification, especially on treeleaf's question.

caap · « **Reply #24 on:** Mon, 21 February 2022, 23:20:33 »

looks great! happy to see where this ends up

rpiguy9907 · « **Reply #25 on:** Tue, 22 February 2022, 12:53:31 »

Yes I will buy this. Take my money.

gloomycloud · « **Reply #26 on:** Tue, 22 February 2022, 22:27:52 »

I'm really interested in the baion wave in this board, will you provide a half-plate option?

rokon07 · « **Reply #27 on:** Fri, 25 February 2022, 00:27:00 »

Great design lad; GLWIC

zyyg · « **Reply #28 on:** Fri, 25 February 2022, 23:16:23 »

Will Eon support iso

moyu.studio · « **Reply #29 on:** Sat, 26 February 2022, 06:03:50 »

Nice!!

Que7797 · « **Reply #30 on:** Mon, 28 February 2022, 17:03:14 »

Quote from: gloomycloud on Tue, 22 February 2022, 22:27:52

I'm really interested in the baion wave in this board, will you provide a half-plate option?

Check discord in about an hour.

Quote from: zyyg on Fri, 25 February 2022, 23:16:23

Will Eon support iso

Probably not this round, but I will provide files for a universal plate that includes ISO before fulfillment.

Nonnegaard · « **Reply #31 on:** Tue, 01 March 2022, 02:48:03 »

hottest keeb since cw

Nonnegaard · « **Reply #32 on:** Tue, 01 March 2022, 02:48:25 »

and i can actually get it xd

Que7797 · « **Reply #33 on:** Fri, 04 March 2022, 10:00:45 »

A small discord-only Group Buy for a new revision of this board, in order to gear up for a larger public GH run, is happening now!

As an incentive to join sometimes designers offer a 'special edition' color that will never run again, or maybe even a weight made out of a different material. For this round I am offering something along those lines, but far more unique.

Join my Discord Server for more details.

Que7797 · « **Reply #34 on:** Wed, 30 March 2022, 11:31:52 »

After a brief manu delay due to Covid, the Discord-only GB has resumed, and the entry window is winding down into the final few days!

More info available on Discord.

Thank you for your consideration!

Que7797 · « **Reply #35 on:** Mon, 04 April 2022, 14:02:02 »

Discord GB entry window closed.

Cheers!

HoffmanMyster · « **Reply #36 on:** Tue, 05 April 2022, 14:12:37 »

IC thread is re-approved after links to GB sale have been removed by OP. Some related discussion remains in the comments, but is okay as it's over now. Please resume your usual IC activities here.

totalemon · « **Reply #37 on:** Wed, 06 April 2022, 00:29:14 »

a really elegant design, def another win for 60% users. I really appreciate the nods to the kei, even if the layout isn't for me

Que7797 · « **Reply #38 on:** Sat, 09 April 2022, 10:06:59 »

Much appreciated, HoffmanMyster.

neoknob · « **Reply #39 on:** Sun, 10 April 2022, 01:05:33 »

Heavy duty keyboard!

Nonnegaard · « **Reply #40 on:** Tue, 12 April 2022, 03:35:40 »

Joining the Discord group buy changed my life, it truly did. I now have another keyboard... in a couple of months. Remarkable.

Que7797 · « **Reply #41 on:** Thu, 14 April 2022, 09:46:10 »

Quote from: totalemon on Wed, 06 April 2022, 00:29:14

a really elegant design, def another win for 60% users. I really appreciate the nods to the kei, even if the layout isn't for me

Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate it!

Quote from: neoknob on Sun, 10 April 2022, 01:05:33

Heavy duty keyboard!

Quote from: Nonnegaard on Tue, 12 April 2022, 03:35:40

Joining the Discord group buy changed my life, it truly did. I now have another keyboard... in a couple of months. Remarkable.

lmaooo

littletokyokeebs · « **Reply #42 on:** Thu, 14 April 2022, 10:49:36 »

Classic design, GLWGB

faulknernolan · « **Reply #43 on:** Thu, 26 May 2022, 03:55:59 »

I care about it. But if the price is good, nothing better

conternecticus · « **Reply #44 on:** Sun, 29 May 2022, 05:15:24 »

When will the public GB happen?

LegendsWorks · « **Reply #45 on:** Sun, 29 May 2022, 05:52:15 »

Good

Que7797 · « **Reply #46 on:** Sat, 04 June 2022, 18:41:45 »

Quote from: littletokyokeebs on Thu, 14 April 2022, 10:49:36

Classic design, GLWGB

tyty

Quote from: faulknernolan on Thu, 26 May 2022, 03:55:59

I care about it. But if the price is good, nothing better

Ill do my best.

Quote from: conternecticus on Sun, 29 May 2022, 05:15:24

When will the public GB happen?

Sometime after discord gb finishes.

Quote from: LegendsWorks on Sun, 29 May 2022, 05:52:15

Good

Thanks

_PixelNinja · « **Reply #47 on:** Sun, 05 June 2022, 05:00:59 »

Please consider HHKB and WK layouts for the public GB.

granola bar enthusiast · « **Reply #48 on:** Sun, 05 June 2022, 10:14:08 »

angled WK blocker looks really nice! gl with the project

conternecticus · « **Reply #49 on:** Mon, 06 June 2022, 09:46:22 »

How much did the board cost during the Discord groupbuy?

granola bar enthusiast · « **Reply #50 on:** Mon, 06 June 2022, 10:14:17 »

while talking to my friend who had this as his pfp he pointed out the similarities

Seunghyun Lee · « **Reply #51 on:** Mon, 06 June 2022, 12:31:45 »

Quote from: conternecticus on Mon, 06 June 2022, 09:46:22

How much did the board cost during the Discord groupbuy?

$505 base
$65 extra red half alu plate
$55 extra h60 and jst cable

Que7797 · « **Reply #52 on:** Tue, 07 June 2022, 01:07:41 »

Quote from: Seunghyun Lee on Mon, 06 June 2022, 12:31:45

Quote from: conternecticus on Mon, 06 June 2022, 09:46:22
How much did the board cost during the Discord groupbuy?

$505 base
$65 extra red half alu plate
$55 extra h60 and jst cable

Yes, and keep in mind that the discord gb is for a different design (with less than 50 units) as you can see here:

_PixelNinja · « **Reply #53 on:** Wed, 08 June 2022, 12:08:44 »

I think I know the answer to the question but what made you change the design for this IC? In my honest opinion Discord version is more unique.

Que7797 · « **Reply #54 on:** Thu, 09 June 2022, 12:46:47 »

Quote from: _PixelNinja on Wed, 08 June 2022, 12:08:44

what made you change the design for this IC?

If I understand your question correctly: The design hasn't changed for this IC. The IC for Eon came first. The design was changed for the Discord GB that came afterward, to differentiate them.

Eon = Public GB on Geekhack

Aeon = Discord GB

Quote from: _PixelNinja on Wed, 08 June 2022, 12:08:44

In my honest opinion Discord version is more unique.

Good to hear! That was largely the plan:

Quote from: Que7797 on Fri, 04 March 2022, 10:00:45

A small discord-only Group Buy for a new revision of this board, in order to gear up for a larger public GH run, is happening now!

As an incentive to join sometimes designers offer a 'special edition' color that will never run again, or maybe even a weight made out of a different material. For this round I am offering something along those lines, but far more unique.

Join my Discord Server for more details.

Thanks for asking!

conternecticus · « **Reply #55 on:** Sun, 12 June 2022, 06:45:18 »

The Aeon looks nice indeed.
So Eon is postponed until Aeon is fulfilled?

icey_keebss · « **Reply #56 on:** Sun, 12 June 2022, 09:02:03 »

looks very clean, i like it

GLWIC!

Que7797 · « **Reply #57 on:** Wed, 29 June 2022, 11:52:53 »

Quote from: conternecticus on Sun, 12 June 2022, 06:45:18

The Aeon looks nice indeed.
So Eon is postponed until Aeon is fulfilled?

Thank you for saying so, and for asking your question.

No postponements, we are proceeding according to the schedule outlined in the OP:

Quote from: Que7797 on Sun, 20 February 2022, 15:03:57

Project Roadmap

~~Finalize Prototype Design~~
~~RFQ and Order Q4 2021 Proto~~
~~Receive and QC the Q4 2021 Proto~~
~~Test Q4 2021 Proto and Revise Design~~
~~Finalize and RFQ Revised MMXXII Design~~
Small Discord-Only GB (to gear up for a larger public GH run)
Gather Additional Feedback
Final Revision
Public GB

Quote from: icey_keebss on Sun, 12 June 2022, 09:02:03

looks very clean, i like it

GLWIC!

Thanks for commenting, I appreciate it!

Que7797 · « **Reply #58 on:** Thu, 11 May 2023, 16:05:44 »

Well hello there, Geekhack!

It feels like forever, but quite a lot has happened since my last update:

1. A Discord GB for the Aeon variant of this design has been completed!
2. A small plate GB providing compatibility for Aeon between different versions of the hiney h60 pcb is nearing completion.
3. I fell in love with making keycaps!

All the experience and feedback ive gained since completing the Aeon GB has gone into the final revision and I can't wait to bring Eon to you guys in 2023!

More details including GB date to come.

Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or feedback in the meantime!

News:

Author Topic: [IC] Eon WKL Wedge 60% (Read 23925 times)