21XXA modern unsaver keyboard
IC FORM IC FORM IC FORMSpecifications
Case:
▸ 5.5° typing angle
▸ 25.5° on F-rows
▸ 6063 Top and Bottom case
▸ PCB Top mount on the main alpha cluster
▸ Plate top mount for the f-row cluster utilizing a 5052 aluminum plate
▸ ~3900g unbuilt, ~4300g built
(Current build is 4325g)▸ WKL with cross nav cluster
▸ 20.2mm front height
(Inner bezel edge to bottom, with feet)▸ 23.5mm EKH
(Bottom row switch stem to bottom, with feet)Front height & angle diagramMore
PCB▸ PCB designed by Cipulot
▸ QMK & VIAL compatible
▸ Indicator lights
▸ 5V solenoid support
▸ Solder only
▸ Faux integrated cable with an Internal USB C port
▸ FFC Ribbon interconnect cable between main & frow pcb
▸ 1.6mm FR4
Layout supportMore
Design & Mount
As shown in the renders, and implied by the name, the design takes heavy inspiration from Cherry’s 2XXX series boards, especially the chopped converted boards reminiscent of the ever-classic IBM Unsaver keyboards. It features everything you would expect: chunky bezels, rounded corners, a proper Cherry lip, exaggerated seam, stepped design for the angled F-rows, an integrated cable, and plateless mounting.
More renders
More
In true 2XXX fashion the F-row plate features an aluminum plate that is top mounted, while the main alpha & navigation cluster features a plateless top-mounted assembly as shown in the render below. Due to the nature of the layout, the F-row cluster requires a separate PCB that is excluded from the render so that the F-row mount is visible.
(PCB featured in all renders uses an old & outdated outline. I will update the IC when I have the updated PCB design )The 21XX also features a “faux” integrated cable, utilizing an internal USB-C port it gives a classic look without forcing you to solder a cable directly into the PCB. Furthermore to complete the vintage references the PCB supports a toggleable 5V solenoid.
Fancy renders
(Some of these renders are slightly outdated)More
Prototype pictures
V1(newest prototype)V0(Previous prototype)More
Who am I?
hej hej I am Pontus, I’ve been in the hobby since ~2019. You might have seen my name attached to some renders or somehow stumbled upon the DCS Dolch GB I helped run earlier this year. I really like keyboards.
Timeline
▸ Design 1 (V0) – finished (2022)
▸ Prototype 1 (V0) – finished, typed on for roughly half a year (Early 2023 - Aug 2023)
▸ Design revision (V1) – finished (July 2023)
▸ Prototype 2 (V1) – received, currently testing (Aug 2023)
▸ Confirm design (Aug 2023)
▸ Review units (??)
▸ Potential revisions (??)
▸ Group buy (??)
Sale info and format
TBAThe purpose of this IC is to gauge interest in the project. I currently do not have any vendor or final details so there’s not much I can share. Hoping to be able to reach a MOQ of ~50 units but if there’s substantial interest it can be raised.
The price will almost certainly be more than 500EUR and hopefully less than 700EUR. I will share a more accurate price estimate once I have an understanding of the interest for the board.
Details such as colors and kit contents will also be added later down the line as this is a relatively early IC.
If you’re a vendor interested in running this board, please reach out to me on discord Links
DiscordInstagramIC FORMThanks
More
▸ The regulars who encouraged me to start this project
▸ All the people who have found and supported the project pre this IC through my instagram & discord
▸ Cipulot for being the greatest PCB designer and putting up with all my stupid requests
▸ James for his pretty feet
▸ Ankit for his proofreading
▸ Myself for doing all the renders
▸ You! for reading this