QuinRiva: that's a good looking keywell. If we could get kinesis-like keywells on this project, it would be amazing!
Couple of manufactureing difficulties:
1. it would be significantly harder to make. I imagine the only cost-effective way to get that shape would be to stamp it
2. It raises the question on how to make a "base" for it. I wolud be fine with what is shown in your image, having an "open" keyboard like that, but if there needs to be some sort of case made, I imagine it would be difficult
3. Making a PCB for that would be difficult, involving either multiple PCBs with connectors, or some sort of shaped/curved/flexible PCB
Nevertheless, the design is good, and all the issues aren't insurmountable. I imagine one could solder it point-to-point without too much difficulty. I don't know what it'd be to stamp them, though.
1. Not really, as I have stated I intend to use a laser and press-brake to manufacture. Cost effectiveness is difficult to gauge as the large number of folds, most of which need to be accurate, demand a good-press brake and experienced operator. I have access to a good pressbrake and my operator is an Astro robot. However Dox's design could be manufactured on the cheap using sheet metal particularly if he squared the corners.
2. I've already designed the base (see pictures below); however I don't intend to have an enclosure that sits around the keys. It wouldn't be too hard to make, I just don't think that it is necessary for plate mounted keyboards.
3. Not really, I intend to just use a
flexible PCB. They can be a bit tricky to solder on, so I think that the best option is to use a solid PCB for the core components, and then a flexible PCB for the keys.
Hope that makes some sense. Keep up the suggestions though, as this is my first time at this sort of thing.
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