[IC] QFRL100 - New Render and Colors added!

[Thebloodyez]

QFRL100

Update logs:
- To do:
  (Add renders)
  (Change UDB placement to central)
  (PCB V2 Prototype)
- 07/03/2023: IC Form
- 07/03/2023: The button used in the proto V1 is temporary and require new mold, Testing different pads material (POM (the current pads for V1, require new more sturdy design), Aluminum (Original design still waiting for the new buttons mold), CEM (Pending to test)).
- 07/04/2023: Added my discord & updated the button for bottom mount.
- 07/05/2023: Updated the IC form with plate material section.
- 08/28/2023: Added Caps_lock & Num_lock LED indicators to newest PCB version.
- 10/28/2023: 3D bottom button mold V1 printed (Will opensource it after GB).
- 11/18/2023: Prototype case V2 ordered along with PC pads, There will be another version of pads that I want to test as well (Will post changes once I receive the new proto).
- 12/25/2023: I will offer a hotswap PCB as an option. First I will finish from solder pcb then I will start with hotswap version.
- 12/31/2023: Received prototype V2.
- 01/17/2024: Tested bottom pc pads and need a minor changes.
- 02/01/2024: Got some positive responses from vendors I will list them once everything is settled.
- 02/10/2024: Added renders of the keyboard with layouts. List of vendors is updated.
- 02/11/2023: TX AP clip-ins stabilizers of choice will be included in the kit!
- 02/13/2024: Pictures of V2 prototype.
- 06/03/2024: Updated IC form.
- 03/22/2024: Ordered PCB V2 prototype.
- 04/14/2024: Solder PCB V2 prototype reached!.
- 04/26/2024: I tested the Solder PCB V2 prototype and I need to add some cosmetics in the GB version.
- 04/27/2024: I placed QFRL100 Hot Swap V2 prototype order and waiting for manufacturer.
- 09/03/2024: Looking for more vendors.
- 09/17/2024: Added new renders along new colors and removed WK top case.
- 10/09/2024: Locked the vendors for now
- 10/30/2024: Updated Hotswap PCB support to include (Split Back space, Split L Shift & Split R Shift)
- 11/17/2024: Removed TX Stabilizers to reduce the overall cost of the base kit.
- 12/26/2024: Corrected QFRL100 built weight to 2.351 (HubertTheMad reference).
- 05/18/2025: Prototype Hotswap PCB with the latest support.

Join my Discord | Instagram

Introduction

Hi geekhack, this is an early IC for my newly design board qfrl100 a FRL 100% layout. This board takes some of characteristics of my previous project the "70O FRL" but instead it utilizes both top and bottom mount using the plate. I intended to add a touch of the design origin like USB cutout which its similar to the 70O but the USB cutout has been changed back to normal in the V2 and instead added my touch into the brass through weight. Not to mention I like also Long Boards .
Please find the details below:

Specifications

7.5 degree 100% FRL.
Front H: 17.98 mm (EFH 21.55 mm).
Top and bottom mount.
Brass through weight.
Plate to top case: 7.8 mm.
Plate materials (Aluminum, PC & PP).
Mounting pads + screws 20 M2×0.4 mm (PC or FR4).
QFRL100% PCB 1.6 mm soldered and hot-swap.
PCB layout support: 10U spacebar, Split backspace, ISO enter, 1.25U left shift and 1.75U right shift, 2U and 1U on numpad.
Firmware: QMK, VIA and Vial.
Support Mx and Alps.
Weight built: 2.351 KG.
Additional information:

More

Case W: 437.5 mm* L: 115.2 mm.
Case Back H: 34.466 mm.
Case Bezels: Top & Bottom (9.5 mm), Sides (4 mm).
PCB MCU: atmega32u4.
PCB designed by Thebloodyezkb

PCB Layout

Solder PCB

More

ANSI Hot Swap PCB

More

QFRL100 Structure

More

The bottom button attached bottom pads then uses 2XM2 screws for the mount. The plate then sets on bottom button.

Renders:





Dark Blue


Dark Gold


Emerald Green


Purple


Red




Prototype V1:

More

Prototype V2:

More

V1 USB Cutout

V2 USB Cutout

V2 vs V1 Corner


Note: The V1 prototype fillet more smooth comparing V2 prototype, I am considering amending the changes in the final prototype with V1 top case fillet with V2 corners.

Price:
~450 USD for 100 MOQ ~400 USD for 100 MOQ.

Notes: I am targeting a higher MOQ than 100 to reduce the overall price, but as for now the I am aiming below 420 450 USD, and price is subject to change. Also note that the price has increased due to the hardware's limited MOQ



Vendors:
1- Clickclack (US & International).
2- Typo! Works (Taiwan).
3- Cafege (OCE).
4- Keygem (EU).
5- JaePrototypist (UK).
6- Deskhero (CA).
7- ktechs.store (SG).


Case Colors
(Silver, Grey, Black, Green, Blue & Red).
Aluminum Plate Colors
(Silver or Red).


What's included:
Aluminum top & bottom case.
Plate of choice (Aluminum, PC and PP).
2 Through brass weights.
Soldered or Hot-swap PCB of choice.
UDB (unified daughter board) + JST cable
Screws (extra included).
Mounting pads + bottom buttons.
Hard carrying case.
TX AP Clip-in Stabs of choice (Normal or Long Pole).

Special Thanks to!
Special thanks to MENA server, Dark, My Discord Members, Blacksimon & Masje.

Album Dump:

More

Fusion360 screenshots:
https://imgur.com/a/jOdY82v
Proto V1:
https://imgur.com/a/3E76Crq
Render:
https://imgur.com/a/Yvz9o2f
Proto V2
https://imgur.com/a/FkFHuB5

[Thebloodyez]

Updates:

- 08/28/2023: Added Caps_lock & Num_lock LED indicators (PCB V2 is ready for prototype).
- 10/28/2023: 3D bottom button mold V1 is printed (Will opensource it after GB).
- 11/18/2023: Ordered Prototype V2 along with PC pads, Different materials test still pending.
  - Added extra mounting to top of the plate.
  - Changed three internal weights into two internal through weight.
  - Changed the USB cutout from "The House" to "Fuji Mountain".
  - No Changes done for USB placement.
- 02/11/2023: TX AP clip-ins stabilizers are included in the kit, Renders added to post.
- 04/26/2024: Added pictures of Solder PCB.

More

- 06/09/2024: I am recalculating the price for 100 MOQ & will update it once I am done.
- 09/09/2024: I will update the colors choices following new feedback.
- 12/09/2024: Considering to cut down the top case to either WKL or WK NeXT layout and Aluminum plate color to one color.

[Rhienfo]

Looks interesting, bottom mount and alps compatibility is so good to see (10u spacebar is awesome as well)

Good luck with the IC

[hormonesvest]

Keyboards usually come in different sizes and functions

[masje]

Very cool mount! Do you have a discord where we can join?

[doctorboy]

Very cool project. The bottom mount looks quite interesting, I believe it should provide some bounce, right? Do you also already have some colours in mind?

Two recommendations from my side:
- personally, I would prefer to have the USB port centralised;
- I would also like to see the adoption of the new Molex connector for the USB daughterboard, it would be better for future compatibility.

Good luck with the IC.

[Thebloodyez]

Very cool mount! Do you have a discord where we can join?

Greetings to the longest of all bois .
Thank you for your interest in the project, I added my discord in the update section.
Feel free to join!.

[Thebloodyez]

Very cool project. The bottom mount looks quite interesting, I believe it should provide some bounce, right? Do you also already have some colours in mind?

Two recommendations from my side:
- personally, I would prefer to have the USB port centralised;
- I would also like to see the adoption of the new Molex connector for the USB daughterboard, it would be better for future compatibility.

Good luck with the IC.

- I am sending the proto V1 for testing to get a feedback but yes there is bounce.
- As for colors I added in the IC form so based on that I will have in mind but I can see people want Silver and Black so far.
- I am considering central usb also Molex connector.

[Theman2k]

Not feeling this at all right now.
USB placement and cutout, mounting placement, bottom screws placement doesn't seem as good as it could be.
There is alps support.. but is there a matching plate offering for it?
No word on keyboard weight and PCB indicator LED's either.
No option for a thinner PCB with flex cuts for anyone who would like it.
Design is subjective, but for me it just seems bland.

Price sounds fine and it comes with a hard case which is a plus from me.
I also like the layout support, 10u is great!
I really want to like this (I love big boards) but I feel it needs some more work. 

[aa212121]

Not feeling this at all right now.
USB placement and cutout, mounting placement, bottom screws placement doesn't seem as good as it could be.
There is alps support.. but is there a matching plate offering for it?
No word on keyboard weight and PCB indicator LED's either.
No option for a thinner PCB with flex cuts for anyone who would like it.
Design is subjective, but for me it just seems bland.

Price sounds fine and it comes with a hard case which is a plus from me.
I also like the layout support, 10u is great!
I really want to like this (I love big boards) but I feel it needs some more work. 

Hope u filled out the IC
I guess the USB db cutout will help reduce cost cuz then it is the same 3 brass weights not 2 same weights+1 weight with db cutout - thats why no center usb. my guess.
I didnt realise this up till now, it is bottom mount? i couldnt quite understand how the current structure works with btm mount but ive been wanting a seamed case with btm mount!

[paulgali]

Not feeling this at all right now.
USB placement and cutout, mounting placement, bottom screws placement doesn't seem as good as it could be.
There is alps support.. but is there a matching plate offering for it?
No word on keyboard weight and PCB indicator LED's either.
No option for a thinner PCB with flex cuts for anyone who would like it.
Design is subjective, but for me it just seems bland.

Price sounds fine and it comes with a hard case which is a plus from me.
I also like the layout support, 10u is great!
I really want to like this (I love big boards) but I feel it needs some more work. 

Hope u filled out the IC
I guess the USB db cutout will help reduce cost cuz then it is the same 3 brass weights not 2 same weights+1 weight with db cutout - thats why no center usb. my guess.
I didnt realise this up till now, it is bottom mount? i couldnt quite understand how the current structure works with btm mount but ive been wanting a seamed case with btm mount!

Both top and bottom mount afaik, to be honest with the 4 point mount on alphas I really wanna see what bottom feels like. Should be good imo

[Thebloodyez]

Not feeling this at all right now.
USB placement and cutout, mounting placement, bottom screws placement doesn't seem as good as it could be.
There is alps support.. but is there a matching plate offering for it?
No word on keyboard weight and PCB indicator LED's either.
No option for a thinner PCB with flex cuts for anyone who would like it.
Design is subjective, but for me it just seems bland.

Price sounds fine and it comes with a hard case which is a plus from me.
I also like the layout support, 10u is great!
I really want to like this (I love big boards) but I feel it needs some more work. 

Hope u filled out the IC
I guess the USB db cutout will help reduce cost cuz then it is the same 3 brass weights not 2 same weights+1 weight with db cutout - thats why no center usb. my guess.
I didnt realise this up till now, it is bottom mount? i couldnt quite understand how the current structure works with btm mount but ive been wanting a seamed case with btm mount!

Both top and bottom mount afaik, to be honest with the 4 point mount on alphas I really wanna see what bottom feels like. Should be good imo

Due to the demand of softer material plates I included a new mounting point to the case V2.

[VXQN]

When using bottom mount, what stops the plate from shifting laterally? I have TKL that uses an o-ring mount and it's possible for the pcb/plate to hit the case which results in annoying sounds...

[Thebloodyez]

When using bottom mount, what stops the plate from shifting laterally? I have TKL that uses an o-ring mount and it's possible for the pcb/plate to hit the case which results in annoying sounds...

The bottom button "Head" will stop the PCB from hitting the case and the "Leg" will seal the plate from shacking. A shaking & hard bottoming out test had been done already with V1. However due to softer plate materials I added another mounting point to the top to avoid PCP with PC\POM plates from flexing and bottoming out with the case.

Note that I am still testing and waiting for proto V2 so I could do the same tests as above .

[krautcat]

NeXT ADB-esque layout is lit. 

[Thebloodyez]

NeXT ADB-esque layout is lit. 

I might consider "End" blocker

[Thebloodyez]

I am offering a Hotswap PCB as an option!.
please check out IC Form for more feedback.

[Thebloodyez]

Renders Added .

[masje]

Renders Added .

Renders looking hot brother!! Excited to see this

[Thebloodyez]

Renders Added .

Renders looking hot brother!! Excited to see this

Thanks brother. I am excited too.

[Handke]

no function keys... you call it 100?

[Rob27shred]

NeXT layout based

[Thebloodyez]

no function keys... you call it 100?

 Its a 100 FRL .

[Thebloodyez]

NeXT layout based

I really like the NeXT layout specially if u pair it with 10U spacebar.

[Necrolegion]

Any chance to add a dirty South Paw version with the numpads on the left side?

[Thebloodyez]

Any chance to add a dirty South Paw version with the numpads on the left side?

Unfortunately it wont be possible for this project .

[Dmitri]

Longboi

[Thebloodyez]

Solder PCB Updated!

[Paul Turner]

Keyboards usually come in different sizes and functions

[Thebloodyez]

Updated the list of vendors. and yup it is still alive

[Thebloodyez]

Updated the post with a new render and colors!

[KrisonB]

Dark gold (brown) so good

[Thebloodyez]

Dark gold (brown) so good

It is really looks like brown\bronze, I am just inserting color names based on the manufacture .

[HubertThemad]

An absolutely amazing looking board, great typing feel, and sounds great (although that's subjective of course).

If you can hit the $400 for 100 MOQ price point, I think this board will make many people happy!

I joined the prototype run for this board, and all of us agree that the board is fantastic. Makes data entry and work something to look forward to every day.

YouTube Video Review:

Sound Test Compilation 1:

Sound Test Compilation 2:

[Ceyx]

Another banger I'd like with BT. Happy for everyone who doesn't require it.

[Sinister Slim]

Just curious, what's the idea/inspiration behind the engravings on the weight?