[IC] zeit // Plateless 65XT

[eminVPA]

zeit    65xt // plateless // Tadpole

IC FORM


Index:

   1.Introduction
   2.Specs
   3.Media
   4.Current imperfections
   5.Availability
   6.Changelog / Future improvements



Introduction

Hello everyone, emin here. I want to present you my first proper design which I made to check off following boxes:

- Tadpole-plateless
- 65% with XT column
- Looking good on the table


Yep - just those three points were enough for me to dive into keyboard design principles, learning Fusion 360 from scratch and dealing with failed prototypes which taught me very good lessons.

The name 'zeit' is literally the german word for 'time' and is a homage to my time commitment towards the aforementioned "trials and tribulations".


Specs




Kit contains:

   - Top Case // A6063
   - Bottom Case // A6063
   - Weight piece Sandblasted Brass // Standblasted Stainless Steel
   - 1.6mm Solder PCB <QMK//VIA> // S1 UDB // JST-to-EZMate cable (200mm) (Plans to offer Hotswap PCB with extended layout support)
   - Plate // Alu // POM // ***
   - 10xA50 Tadpoles // 10xA70 Tadpoles
   - 12 Rubber-Standoffs (Refer to 'Current imperfections')
   - Packaging
   - All misc. parts for assembly like screws, allen key, etc.

Colors (2-3) available for the keyboard to be determined through the IC Form. Render will be provided in March 2025


Media



Photos

More

PCB



PCB Layout compatibility




PCB prototype




Internals Top

More

Internals Bottom

More

Soundtests

HMX Xinhai

MX2A Purple

Current imperfections

'Forcebreak-integration': For the most recent proto, I played around with using different kinds of 'forcebreak' as can be seen in the spec sheet. The first iteration was using 'run of the mill' gasket cutouts and fitting them with 2mm thick poron and natural rubber. Depending on the matierial the effect was noticable, but not satisfactory in any case.
The second idea was using o-rings which go around the mounting screws. And again, depending on O-Ring strength, the effect was noticable, but in contrast more of which I was looking for.
But here is the thing: Both methods are way too primitive for them to benefit the end user in a general use (sound) and building perspective. A more sophisticated approach - like using rubber-standoffs on mounting points - is advised and will be integrated in the production unit (not a new round - bad wording, pardon me).

UDB-S1 and EZmate: While the new UDBs use EZmate connectors and the general idea is great, many have pointed out that these connectors are more of a curse than a gift to work with. Since more hective movement can knock the cable out of the connector, this can make the assembly a pure nightmare. For that, the main PCB remains with the classic JST-connector, while the S1 UDB remains with the EZmate connector.

Yeah I know POGO-Pin connector is a thing, but I would rather wait for Ai03 or others to offer POGO connector DBs which are readily available.

Sound of the bottom row: Due to the low front height and way too much empty room between the PCB and bottom case (3.8mm), it sounds relatively hollow in comparison to the alphas. Decreasing distance between PCB and bottom case should resolve this issue. Change from 3.8mm distance to 3.3mm distance between PCB and bottom case.   

Rubber feet: Basic rubber domes ain't pretty. Simple as is. Custom mold feet will be sourced.

Top-Case blocker and engraving: Having read the feedback, most of the feedback boiled down to this: Get rid of the engraving of the Top-Case blocker and replace it with something else. While I have to agree that the engraving is a bit too much for the Top-Case, I decided to remove it completely for the moment and brainstorm something better to replace it. The blocker in of itself will remain, to keep the Top-Case design as I imagined it to be.


Availability

Sale format: Group-Buy
MOQ: 50 Soft-Cap
Price: ~450 USD
Manufacturer: DDS

Price and MOQ subject to change with inclination to take steps to lower price to low 400s // high 300s

Vendors:

To be chosen after determining if there is sufficient interest for 'zeit'.


Design // IC Changelog

Design Changelog:
Implement Rubber-Standoffs: 24.02.2025 - Custom rubber-standoffs around the mounting points (Verification in production unit)
Fix bottom row hollowness: 24.02.2025 - Increased Bottom-To-PCB distance from 3.8mm to 3.3mm (Mounting points prevent shortcut of swiches with bottom case)
Changing rubber feet: 24.02.2025 - Basic change to Black/White Dome Feet instead of Clear Dome Feet
Top-Case Blocker: XX.03.2025 - Changing the engraving on the Top-Case Blocker since feedback suggests it is not appealing (Nor is it to me being honest)
Plate-support: 24.02.2025 - Chaning the internals on the Top-Case to allow to fit a plate
Plate with proper layout support: 2X.02.2025

IC Changelog:
Published IC - 04.02.2025
Updated IC with current round of feedback - 24.02.2025
Link of a Discord-Server as means of communication and voting: 2X.02.2025
Providing renders of selected colors: XX.03.2025

Thank you very much for stopping by and reading through the IC. This means a lot to me. 

[twitchytheinsideman]

reserved

[Bert]

XT crew: Assemble!

[VXQN]

I'm a certified XT-Enjoyer but the design is not for me. GLWGB!

[warhopper]

Really dig the design, love plateless and the layout. Left some feedback on the IC, but would love to see samples of the various colors you have as options.

[cartersrush]

No blocker please.  GLWIC

[tankLancer]

I love this layout
GLWIC!

[evelynwang]

Awesome! I really like the design of the Plateless 65XT. Can you share more about your experience using it?

[eminVPA]

//BUMP// First of all I want to thank everyone for their shared interest in this project of mine, this means a lot to me, honestly. There are a few things I want to touch on right now:

• While feedback was overall positive, there were some rookie mistakes which have been - deserved - pointed out, like the lack of renders of colors or transparency of PCB/Hotswap support, or an open discord server to discuss improvements or keep those of you who are interested updated.
• One thing that was more than apparent was the dislike of the engraving. And to be honest, I couldn't agree more. So I have completly removed the engraving for now - brainstorming better ideas to make space of the blocker (which will be continually be discussed in the discord when it is done)
• Not being knowledgeable with Discord, I have to learn how to quickly setup a server, this should be done in the near future.
• I am currently in talks with DDS to provide color samples, which also means that I have to color match for the specific colors I envision there to be, and they will be ordered with the production unit.
• Talks with vendors will start after I gauged interest after providing renders and further feedback on discord.

Awesome! I really like the design of the Plateless 65XT. Can you share more about your experience using it?

The experience can be summarized with the following attributes: Balanced - hefty - comfortable. The keyboard having a relatively low EKH, allowing for some bounce, while not being too extreme and having "oompf" to it.

That's it for now. Have a nice day everyone! 

[kein_mark]

This is such a nice design. +1!

[Gemmmmmmmmmmmmmy]

Finally a 65XT! I'm interested already, but even more so if you'll consider a wkl...

[Randomlosername]

Finally a 65XT! I'm interested already, but even more so if you'll consider a wkl...

Second this! WKL would be fantastic for this.