[IC] Ursus - Symmetrical wkl 65%

[Xanira]

URSUS

(УРСУС)

     
Specifications

Typing angle: 8°                Front height: 17.75mm, adjusted 19.2mm                Layout: 65% symmetrical wkl                Mounting style: Sandwich o-ring                Weight: Bead blasted stainless steel                Middle part: Dark anodized aluminium                Top case: Frosted poly carbonate or silver anodized aluminium                Screws: M2x4: 8. M2x7: 8.                Feet: Compatible with Geon 20x7mm feet

Catalogue

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Parts & Assembly

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Information

Units: 25      Price estimate: €500-600      Sales date: q2 of 2026 (tbd)      Website: severe.design (beta)     Discord: https://discord.gg/8EXjGRb4E7      [IMPORTANT] Please fill this form if you are interested

Updates

              The private group buy has been fulfilled, and details are being finalized for the public group buy.

Ursus Sound Test(s) Built with Cherry Nixies on aluminium, tested with GMK and CRP

GMK (Isolated) 00:09-01:27 CRP (Isolated) 01:27-02:41 GMK (Desk) 02:41-04:05 CRP (Desk) 04:05-05:21

                           

Click more for manufacturer photos.

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3/14/26



                                   

EC PCB is in development. Fiberglass case for travel is in development.

                     For details and questions: https://discord.gg/8EXjGRb4E7

Thank you for reading!

renders have been lowered in resolution on Findecanor's recommendation

[Findecanor]

You know, you could have scaled down the images to a smaller size more suitable for publishing on the web before posting.

I'm on fast broadband and it still takes a lot of time to load. Especially considering that they are PNGs and not JPEGs.

[Randomlosername]

DAMN. I love this. So clean and the design has such a stoic presence.

[Xanira]

DAMN. I love this. So clean and the design has such a stoic presence.

I like the big word, thank you

[Rob27shred]

Nice, looks clean OP! About time someone else did a symmetrical WKL 65 too! I thought it would be a dominant form factor after how popular the Bauer was, but for whatever reason it didn't become one. I would love to see a Cherry styled lip on this, I think it would help break up the boxy look a little bit. Also curious to hear the sound test from the proto. The leaf spring design of the plate worries me a bit with the spacebar switch & stab cutouts being much closer to the bottom left side mounting tab than the right side. Which might negatively affect the sound of the spacebar. Hopefully it doesn't, but IME building KBs that type of setup usually makes for a weaker sounding space. Anyways GL with the proto OP, I'll be keeping an eye on this one! Been a hot min since a 65% interested me & this one definitely caught my eye.

[Xanira]

Nice, looks clean OP! About time someone else did a symmetrical WKL 65 too! I thought it would be a dominant form factor after how popular the Bauer was, but for whatever reason it didn't become one. I would love to see a Cherry styled lip on this, I think it would help break up the boxy look a little bit. Also curious to hear the sound test from the proto. The leaf spring design of the plate worries me a bit with the spacebar switch & stab cutouts being much closer to the bottom left side mounting tab than the right side. Which might negatively affect the sound of the spacebar. Hopefully it doesn't, but IME building KBs that type of setup usually makes for a weaker sounding space. Anyways GL with the proto OP, I'll be keeping an eye on this one! Been a hot min since a 65% interested me & this one definitely caught my eye.

Thank you so much for the kind words. The symmetrical WKL 65% is my favorite layout, so maybe I'm a bit ignorant for that reason, but I'm also surprised that its not more popular than it is. I would like to do a model with a cherry lip design to see how it looks. My biggest concern about making the front with a cherry lip, is that the stance of the keyboard, with the straight 90 degree angle from the front against the angled rear, might not be as severe, but that's just me ranting. I would love to try it out, I might just end up being proven wrong. As for the plate design, I have also had some bad experiences with mounting points around the spacebar switch/stabilizer area. My theory (don't take anything i say as the absolute truth lol) is that because this mounting style has less pressure on one point as well as being spaced out a fair bit from the main portion of the plate, compared to something like a traditional top mounted plate, it wont cripple the sound in the same way. Either way, We will find out with the new prototype. I'll probably also find a bunch of other small things to improve as well. I will be posting a sound test of the prototype here if it lives up to my expectations and i get the sound i want out of it. I wont be doing an EC sound test right away, as I'm just going to be using a spare MX PCB I have, that supports the layout.
Once again, thank you so much for both the kind words and the feedback, its super helpful to hear from other people with their own experience

[zegonix]

i don't understand why you call it 'symmetric'. the picture with the plate looks like a regular 65% layout to me. can you elaborate?

[Xanira]

i don't understand why you call it 'symmetric'. the picture with the plate looks like a regular 65% layout to me. can you elaborate?

well i guess if you want to look at it from a purely technical point of view, it cant ever be truly 'symmetric' on a 65% keyboard. Traditionally 65% WKL designs had the usual smaller 0.5u blocker on the right, with a regular 1u WKL blocker on the left. Whereas the newer "symmetrical" variant has two 0.75u blockers instead, while utilizing the same bottom row keys as most commonly used in 60% and tkl WKL, with a 7u space and 1.5u alt/ctrl keys. It doesnt really make for more functionality, but it looks better for those of us who prefer WKL in a 65% format.

Linked is the WKL ver. of the e6.5, which has a more traditional 65% WKL layout (coincidentally taken by Rob27shred) https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=43865.0;attach=227764;image

[zegonix]

ah i see, thanks for the explanation.
on first reading the term, i expected another row of 1u keys to the left or something

[Rob27shred]

ah i see, thanks for the explanation.
on first reading the term, i expected another row of 1u keys to the left or something

You know what a 65% set up like that with another row to left but not separated like a XT row would be more symmetrical now that you say that. Hmm definitely a good ideal for a future design!

[Xanira]

ah i see, thanks for the explanation.
on first reading the term, i expected another row of 1u keys to the left or something

You know what a 65% set up like that with another row to left but not separated like a XT row would be more symmetrical now that you say that. Hmm definitely a good ideal for a future design!

I wonder how that would be done without messing with the other rows. maybe with a ISO left shift or some other slightly obscure kitting. It could be a really cool idea imo

[Rob27shred]

ah i see, thanks for the explanation.
on first reading the term, i expected another row of 1u keys to the left or something

You know what a 65% set up like that with another row to left but not separated like a XT row would be more symmetrical now that you say that. Hmm definitely a good ideal for a future design!

I wonder how that would be done without messing with the other rows. maybe with a ISO left shift or some other slightly obscure kitting. It could be a really cool idea imo

Oh yeah there would definitely have to be some fudging of the layout for it to not look funky, just though it was a pretty cool ideal too!

[zegonix]

before the terminology gets to weird i would like to correct my statement.
of course i meant ".. another COLUMN to the left .."

[Xanira]

I would love to see a Cherry styled lip on this, I think it would help break up the boxy look a little bit.

I "sent" a dm to you here on geekhack, but when i check "sent messages" it doesnt show up, so im not sure if its sent or not (or if im able to send messages at all) so to sum it up; I did a small remodel of the top case with a cherry lip. I am not personally a fan of how it changes the silhouette of the board, however, if you end up being interested in joining the private group buy (or public if it ends up happening) I would not mind doing a 1 off (+ a couple extra for replacement and to keep) if it can be done within a reasonable price range

Heres what it looks like in comparison:

[tankLancer]

o-ring gasket and this sleek design, the board really hit my spot.

[Xanira]

o-ring gasket and this sleek design, the board really hit my spot.

Tyvm~

(Also update soon™)

Edit: Apologies, the update will happen later than I had expected due to the manufacturer of the new prototype being very busy at the moment.

[Xanira]

Bumping the thread.

Small update:
The manufacturer is currently very busy, and estimated 1-2 months before I'll have the prototype (that being in late June when I ordered it).
To put into context, that is not how long it actually takes to manufacture it, but for a very small unit count, or single unit like in this scenario, it will be put in a queue behind all of the larger quantity orders.

The bottom anodizing color, which should be the trickiest to get right (as opposed to the silver top), has been finalized.
Here's a video of the anodized color:


The MX PCB design is almost done and I will be ordering one very soon, as for the EC PCB it will be a little while longer.

Look forward to a larger update when I Receive the MX PCB and Prototype.

[Rob27shred]

Bumping the thread.

Small update:
The manufacturer is currently very busy, and estimated 1-2 months before I'll have the prototype (that being in late June when I ordered it).
To put into context, that is not how long it actually takes to manufacture it, but for a very small unit count, or single unit like in this scenario, it will be put in a queue behind all of the larger quantity orders.

The bottom anodizing color, which should be the trickiest to get right (as opposed to the silver top), has been finalized.
Here's a video of the anodized color:


The MX PCB design is almost done and I will be ordering one very soon, as for the EC PCB it will be a little while longer.

Look forward to a larger update when I Receive the MX PCB and Prototype.

The anno sample looks awesome! Hopefully they can keep that quality up with the actual bottoms! Yeah I'd imagine it's one of the busier times of the year for the manus, 1- 2 months isn't the worst wait though. Also looking forward to see the PCB designs when you get those together. Anyways still loving this project, I'll definitely be having as many people I can at out next local Pittsburgh meetup take a look at it! Great work on this so far, hope it keeps going smoothly for you!

[Xanira]

The anno sample looks awesome! Hopefully they can keep that quality up with the actual bottoms! Yeah I'd imagine it's one of the busier times of the year for the manus, 1- 2 months isn't the worst wait though. Also looking forward to see the PCB designs when you get those together. Anyways still loving this project, I'll definitely be having as many people I can at out next local Pittsburgh meetup take a look at it! Great work on this so far, hope iy keeps going smoothly for you!

It would be amazing to see it at the Pittsburgh meetup! Don't know what time of the year that usually takes place, but hopefully you'll have your unit in time for the next meetup. I guess manufacturers are especially busy during the summer, but I'm not completely sure to keep it honest. As always, I greatly appreciate your support <3

[Rob27shred]

The anno sample looks awesome! Hopefully they can keep that quality up with the actual bottoms! Yeah I'd imagine it's one of the busier times of the year for the manus, 1- 2 months isn't the worst wait though. Also looking forward to see the PCB designs when you get those together. Anyways still loving this project, I'll definitely be having as many people I can at out next local Pittsburgh meetup take a look at it! Great work on this so far, hope iy keeps going smoothly for you!

It would be amazing to see it at the Pittsburgh meetup! Don't know what time of the year that usually takes place, but hopefully you'll have your unit in time for the next meetup. I guess manufacturers are especially busy during the summer, but I'm not completely sure to keep it honest. As always, I greatly appreciate your support <3

We try to have them monthly but it ends up being every couple months usually. The next will be coming up soon, well before you get around to making any units for sale most likely, but I am definitely planning on showing this thread to our locals. There is a quite few of them I think will really like this design. I'm hoping I can turn them onto it at the next meetup then get them totally on board by showing them the one I'll be grabbing if it works out that I can get one before the GB goes live!

[Xanira]

We try to have them monthly but it ends up being every couple months usually. The next will be coming up soon, well before you get around to making any units for sale most likely, but I am definitely planning on showing this thread to our locals. There is a quite few of them I think will really like this design. I'm hoping I can turn them onto it at the next meetup then get them totally on board by showing them the one I'll be grabbing if it works out that I can get one before the GB goes live!

Oh that's more often than I would've expected, I'm so used to meetups being few and far between. With a bit of corroboration, I can probably time it so that your board will be with you in time for a meetup.

[Xanira]

Small update: Manufacturing of the new prototype has finally commenced. Here are some pictures of the bottom case being manufactured. The photos have been added to the original post as well, and I will be updating with new ones if/when I get them

[Terror]

Design looking straight outta soviet Russia lmfao $500-600 is a bit much for me tho but might be interested in the ec version

[Ape]

I really like the look of this!   

I think that mirror polished PVD stainless steel for the weight would look very good. Is that something you would consider as an option?

[Xanira]

Design looking straight outta soviet Russia lmfao $500-600 is a bit much for me tho but might be interested in the ec version

If you end up being interested please do fill out the form. It's just option 1: yes option 2: what would make you want to participate in the gb. It gives me a much better idea of exactly how many people are interested, so that I can get the proper quotes and in turn pricing.

[Xanira]

I really like the look of this!   

I think that mirror polished PVD stainless steel for the weight would look very good. Is that something you would consider as an option?

I did design it with the intention of the "weight" having a matte finish, both as a visual thing, but also as a longevity/quality of life thing. Which is also a  general design philosophy I have, e.g. avoiding adhesives and such. But to answer your question; I'm not a fan of PVD, but having it be polished is not something I'm against, as scratches on a polished part can be buffed out, as opposed to PVD. If you are interested in a one-off polished weight then I would not be against that, but it would be incredibly pricey for a complex part like that. To contextualize, the weight as it is right now, already costs more than twice as much as the bottom case, which is already fairly complex.

Edit: Also, thank you very much for the kind words <3

[Terror]

Design looking straight outta soviet Russia lmfao $500-600 is a bit much for me tho but might be interested in the ec version

If you end up being interested please do fill out the form. It's just option 1: yes option 2: what would make you want to participate in the gb. It gives me a much better idea of exactly how many people are interested, so that I can get the proper quotes and in turn pricing.

Ah I missed the link. I filled it out now

[Xanira]

Update:

The manufacturer has sent some update photos of the parts ready for post-treatment (polishing, sandblasting & anodizing)

Photos:



Cherry MX PCB Progress; Main PCB Is completed, but I have yet to design the daughterboard. (as a note, it should be compatible with the unified daughterboard)
The PCB/Daughterboard have been revised since then

Renders:



The original post has been updated to include the new photos and renders

[Xanira]

Update:

This will be several small updates in one. I've been traveling, so I have not been able to post the updates to Geekhack. To be clear, all of the necessary information will still be posted here.

8/20/2025:
All Prototype parts ready for post treatment


8/26/2025:
Finished parts
(note camera had issues picking up the colors properly)




5/9/2025:
non-finished Prototype PC top
(Vidoes not working, Will figure it out asap)

DB + MX PCB:

[Xanira]

Update:

I received the prototype.

A few minor issues to address with how it came:
Minor scratch (0.2mm~) on the exterior of the top case
Faintly visible machining marks on the interior of the bottom case under sharp lighting.
Faintly visible machining marks around the USB cutout under sharp lighting.
I will be redesigning the screw posts since they are too fragile for the Polycarbonate top.

The aforementioned issues have been addressed already and I will of course also be ordering extra units to ensure nobody receives a keyboard with similar cosmetic flaws

I haven't yet found the time to build it, but I'm hoping ill find some time next month, so that I can post a sound test.





The first 5 photos were taken in slightly cold daylight. The rest were taken with artificial lighting.

The bottom case anodized color is very difficult to pick up on camera and usually comes off more desaturated than it is. I would still like it to be a bit more of a saturated color for the final version though

[ryanlau998]

Avoid mounting points around the spacebar section might be great

[Xanira]

Avoid mounting points around the spacebar section might be great

Apologies for the late reply. The mounting point under the spacebar actually doesn't affect the sound or feel whatsoever on the prototype. It's very much as i suspected, that the leaf spring plate design makes it so that it is much less of a single hard point, but instead the pressure put on that point is spread across the rest of the leaf spring tab. Just to add to it, the feel and flexibility is very even throughout the entire plate assembly. I would say the spacebar is on the louder end of the spectrum in the build I did, but its not at all unpleasant, and matches the alphas pretty well IMO.

I've posted some sound tests on the discord server, that I will also be posting here, probably in the format of a Youtube video, as that seems to be the only good way of sharing audio clips here.

[Randomlosername]

Avoid mounting points around the spacebar section might be great

Apologies for the late reply. The mounting point under the spacebar actually doesn't affect the sound or feel whatsoever on the prototype. It's very much as i suspected, that the leaf spring plate design makes it so that it is much less of a single hard point, but instead the pressure put on that point is spread across the rest of the leaf spring tab. Just to add to it, the feel and flexibility is very even throughout the entire plate assembly. I would say the spacebar is on the louder end of the spectrum in the build I did, but its not at all unpleasant, and matches the alphas pretty well IMO.

I've posted some sound tests on the discord server, that I will also be posting here, probably in the format of a Youtube video, as that seems to be the only good way of sharing audio clips here.

Looking forward to hearing it!!

[Xanira]

Update: The private Ursus group buy has taken place, and is currently in queue for manufacturing. Once the private GB has been fulfilled, the public Group Buy will be scheduled!

Ursus Sound Test(s) Built with Cherry Nixies on aluminium, tested with GMK and CRP

GMK (Isolated) 00:09-01:27 CRP (Isolated) 01:27-02:41 GMK (Desk) 02:41-04:05 CRP (Desk) 04:05-05:21

[Xanira]

Update:
The private GB Ursus is being manufactured at the moment. I expect the private GB to be fulfilled within a month or two. I'll schedule and make preparations for the public GB once it has been fulfilled!

[Xanira]

Update: Private group buy & PCB design revision

The manufacturing for the CNC parts for the private group buy is completed, and I'm waiting for them to be shipped to me. I've been in a bit of a limbo as my previous contact person resigned, but things are back on track now.

I've decided to migrate the PCB from an ATmega32u4 based design, to an ARM Cortex-M4 based one. I've moved from a 2 layer structure to 4 layers, and added several additional levels of redundancy in terms of protection for the main board. This does mean that PCB will be more expensive, but it will be much more capable, and electrically secure.

The private GB fulfillment will be slightly delayed, as I'm going to have to order a new prototype for this revision of the PCB, and write mostly new firmware for it to work. However I have ordered enough parts for the private group buy PCB's to be made, so there wont be any further delays from having to wait for parts to be shipped after I get new prototype PCB on hand. I expect the private GB fulfillment to be delayed by about 4 weeks due to the aforementioned changes. I would estimate the fulfillment to be sometime mid-late may, after which The public group buy will be scheduled!

[Terror]

How is the EC PCB coming along? 

[Xanira]

How is the EC PCB coming along? 

It has been on the back burner for a little while, but I'm hoping and expecting to have it ready for the public group buy

[Xanira]

Update

The private Ursus (CL) group buy was fulfilled last month, and I'm working out the final details before the public group buy.

I've finished designing the EC PCB and plate. The EC PCB will be using the same high end Murata, Nexperia and Panasonic
passive and active parts as the MX PCB, but will be using the STM32G474 as opposed to the STM32F411 used for the MX variant.
It will also utilize additional high end Texas Instruments analog components for sensing, amplification, voltage referencing and
multiplexing for the analog side of the circuit.
The EC variant will be compatible with most aftermarket domes/housings made for Topre. It will be available as a standard option
and as an extra add-on. My estimate would be that it will be about €100 more than the MX variants.

I've been working with a high end classical instrument case manufacturer on a fiberglass travel case for Ursus. It will be comprised
of a Custom moulded fiberglass exterior shell, and a CNC machined close cell EVA foam, lined with short pile velvet. I'm currently
waiting for the prototype from the manufacturer. Pricing is not final, but I expect it to be a €130-140 add-on, based on the
manufacturers estimates.

An update will be coming soon with the final details for the public group buy.
As always, Questions are welcome.