类型: GB
作者:
flying1911
发布时间:
2020-08-08 11:22:57
更新时间: 2021-04-01 12:28:45
原链接:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107977.0
ROUND 1 - DONE
More
Hello Geekhackers,
Were Mechlovin, a team of two Mech
enthusiasts based in Vietnam and specialised in providing
PCB & Plate solutions. Since our first Group buy back in
last October, we have successfully run many others, while
working with reputable members of the community in
collaboration projects.
THE STORY
Some months ago, we were contacted on Discord by some
community members about helping make a replacement PCB for
the Kyuu 65% board. Being huge fans of the Kyuu (but sadly
have never been able to own one), we initiated the project
and made 5 prototypes that were later sent over to volunteer
testers in Singapore and the US. Some key findings:
-
The USB-C connector fits perfectly. This was our most
pressing concern due to the fact that most Kyuu cases have
very small USB cutout, and we simply measured the
positioning of the port by feel (with the help of some
pictures sent by testers).
-
We got the Left Shift and Enter stabs orientation wrong.
We got too caught up with the USB port positioning and
didnt pay attention to the fact that stabs orientations on
those particular 2 mods are reversed on the Kyuu
(north-facing LShift and south-facing Enter) compared with
most other 65% PCBs. This requires a very simple fix which
has been reflected in the latest design:
**AVAILABILITY AND COMPATIBILITY
**
Due to the
fact that its a 65% PCB with centered USB-C connector, the 9
MIGHT fit certain cases that utilise a similar design, such
as the Exclusive E6.5. However, due to the mentioned
peculiar stabs orientations which may lead to
incompatibility with other 65% switchplates, we DO NOT
recommend using the 9 for any other boards apart from the
Kyuu.
This is a Group buy for only the PCB. Plates will
not be offered due to the lack of access to files or the
actual plate. There is NO MOQ. Considering how limited the
Kyuu is and there may not be much demand for the PCB going
forward, this is very likely to be a one-time thing, so wed
appreciate it if you can get as many as you need, and help
spread the words to other Kyuu owners.
**GENERAL GB
INFORMATION
**
**CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE GROUP
BUY
**:
https://forms.gle/5KYGBNsKBBT2poTU6
PROTOTYPE PHOTO ALBUM:
https://imgur.com/a/0A8cPNk
JOIN OUR DISCORD SERVER FOR LATEST UPDATES:
https://discord.gg/fSsbECG
Price: $48 (USD) per unit; plus international
shipping from Vietnam (calculated based on buyers
location)
MOQ: None
Group buy form opens on
Saturday, August 8th at 23:00 (GMT+7) for TEN DAYS.
Invoices will be sent out ASAP after form submission.
Payment deadline is 48 hours after the invoice is issued.
Estimated production lead time: 45-60 days, so shipping is
expected to begin mid-late October.
**PCB SPECS
**
PCB is programmable via QMK and VIA
PCB thickness:
1.6mm; USB-C port
Powered by STM32F303 MCU
(ARM-Based). Supported layout:
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com//#/gists/59d2cbbbd250f4fc87cac156dc5e56a4
No underglow LEDs
ESD protection
BootMagic Reset by holding ESC key and connecting USB cable.
Hardware reset available.
PCB color: Black solder mask
with immersion gold
SHIPPING
Shipping will be handled by my trusted proxy with
USPS tracking for US-based buyers; and Standard Post
(trackable) for ROW. You can also choose DHL Express, which
is very fast and reliable for an added cost.
*We would
like to thank all the volunteer testers of the prototype who
provided us with invaluable information and feedback!
*
THANK
YOU AND HAVE A GOOD ONE!
ROUND 2
BACKGROUND
Some time last year,
we attempted to design a Kyuu compatible PCB called
Mechlovin 9 (please pardon the obviousness) out of requests
from community members who had trouble finding one. Having
had no access to a real Kyuu unit, we made a number of
prototypes and sent them to volunteer testers around the
world. Thanks to their help, we were able to move to GB
phase, and the rest was a very smooth experience.
It
was always meant to be a one-time thing considering how
limited the board was, but the fact that Quantrik has
generously open-sourced the case file has sort of sparked a
DIY frenzy, along with it came new requests for the
Mechlovin 9 PCB to be rerun, and were happy to oblige.
It
is very important to be noted that the first round of the
Mechlovin 9 PCB had been ICed, run, and completed BEFORE the
original files were released. Both rounds of our compatible
PCBs (including this one) are completely independent
projects, and hence, do not violate the terms of use for
Quantriks licenced design.
**AVAILABILITY AND
COMPATIBILITY
**
Due to the fact that its a 65%
PCB with centered USB-C connector, the 9 MIGHT fit certain
cases that utilise a similar design. However, due to the
non-standard stabs orientations which may lead to
incompatibility with other 65% switchplates, we DO NOT
recommend using the 9 for any other boards apart from the
Kyuu.
This is a Group buy for only the PCB. We have
received multiple requests regarding offering the plates,
but that also means using the shared plate file which goes
against its terms of use.
**GENERAL GB INFORMATION
**
CLICK
HERE TO JOIN THE GROUP BUY:
https://forms.gle/ky1nArVzUWboDMB76
PROTOTYPE PHOTO ALBUM:
https://imgur.com/a/0A8cPNk
JOIN OUR DISCORD SERVER FOR LATEST UPDATES:
https://discord.com/invite/jqVbMpM
Price: $45 (USD) per unit; plus international
shipping from Vietnam (calculated based on buyers
location)
MOQ: None
Group buy form opens on
Wednesday, March 31st at 23:00 (GMT+7) for TEN DAYS.
Invoices will be sent out ASAP after form submission.
Payment deadline is 48 hours after the invoice is issued.
**PCB
SPECS
**
PCB is programmable via QMK and VIA
PCB thickness: 1.6mm; USB-C port
Supported layout:
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com//#/gists/45980a7e45f25cbabe852581fcfe5d3d
No underglow LEDs
ESD protection
BootMagic Reset by holding ESC key and connecting USB cable.
Hardware reset available.
PCB color: Black solder mask
with immersion gold
We have made a conscious decision
of switching from the ARM-based STM32F303 MCU on the first
rounds PCB to the more basic Atmega32A MCU. Using the STM32
on this pretty straightforward PCB design is an overkill and
will increase the final pricing significantly for no good
reasons, especially now that this MCU has been in supply
shortage for months now. With the use of the 32A, all
features that matter, including QMK and VIA compatibility,
stay; while the price can be lowered compared to the
previous round.
Prototype image - final product has matte black
solder mask
**LEAD TIME AND SHIPPING
**
The expected
production time is 6-8 weeks after the GB period finishes,
so were looking to start shipping at the end of May/ early
June 2021.
Shipping during the pandemic is generally
still unpredictable. The (very) good news is we have been
able to work with our EU and US proxy to further reduce the
base shipping rate, so it’s now $19 instead of $25 like with
previous GBs (please note that this is the base rate and
ordering in higher quantities may result in higher shipping
fees).
DHL(3-5 day delivery) has announced a new and
increased fee scheme (they normally increase their shipping
rates by around 5% each year), but were honouring the rates
offered in last year GBs, at least for now. Though were
still offering standard shipping (using national post) for
non-US and non-EU destinations, we highly recommend choosing
the DHL option for much faster and safer shipping. The
current DHL base rate applies for all packages under 2
kilos, so it may be a good idea to combine order with local
friends.
While we do send important GB updates via
emails, the best way to stay updated and connected is to
join our Discord server, and maybe follow us on Instagram if
you’re interested in our work.