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Hike News

【IC】Atom68 Alu | preorder page is online

类型: IC
作者: Nizkeyboard
发布时间: 2019-12-04 12:24:52
更新时间: 2019-12-26 20:29:48
原链接: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103669.0


Atom68 Alu: A custom housing for Niz Atom68 Electro-Capacitive keyboard


Atom68is an Electro-Capacitive keyboard developed by Niz (formally Plum).
It’s using the latest Niz firmware, the 2019 new versions of sliders and switch housings, and the popular 65% form factor.
The versions available include EC-S (wired non-backlit), EC-Ble (wired and Bluetooth dual-mode, non-backlit), and EC-Ble RGB (wired and Bluetooth dual-mode, RGB backlit).


Atom68 Alu is a keyboard housing designed by Niz in collaboration with several keyboard enthusiasts. The minimalist design originated from two basic features: 1) seamless and 2) vertical front&back. In order to implement these two features, we’ve met many challenges in both designing and manufacturing. Now the design is almost finished and we are very proud of how it turns out.

Specs:

  • Typing angle: 7

  • Colors: TBD

  • Mounting method: sandwich mounting with thin rubber pads

  • Weight: 1.5kg fully built without keycaps

  • Price: TBD



    Sliders and switch housings
    Niz is improving the sliders and switches housings continuously. The sliders and switch housings on Atom68 are made from Polyplastics’s POM material imported from Japan. The newest 2019 versions are much smoother than before. The sliders come with silencing rings by default. As a side note, the sliders can also benefit a lot from lubing in terms of sound.

    Stabilizers
    The original Atom68 uses Costar stabs. It’s not possible to add regular PCB-mount Cherry stabs on it because there’s no room.
    We designed new plate-mount Cherry-style stabilizers that can fit the plate perfectly. The sound and feel of the stabs are on-par with PCB-mount stabs.


    Dome compatibility

  • Niz domes: Best for compatibility. There are 35g, 45g, and 50g versions. For the 50g version, you need to cut an 80% sheet to fit the 65% layout.

  • BKE Redux domes: Good for compatibility. You may need to adjust the positioning of the domes several times to make them work perfectly. The RGB backlit won’t go through the domes.

  • Topre domes: Compatible but not really good. You may need to adjust the positioning of the domes MANY times to make them work perfectly. The RGB backlit won’t go through the domes.

  • Topre domes + housing + springs: Compatible with the Atom68 PCB but you need to make a custom plate.
    Bluetooth
    In order to make the full aluminum case compatible with the BLE version controller, we added an external antenna on the controller and led it to the rubber feet. The Bluetooth signals can pass the case through the rubber feet holes at the bottom of the case. This solution has been tested to be very well.
    In the Bluetooth+business mode, the battery life of Atom68 is around 126 hours with continuous use. In the Bluetooth+gaming mode, the battery life of Atom68 is around 78 hours with continuous use.
    Firmware
    Atom68 is fully programmable with a Windows OS software.
    The actuation travel can be changed. We developed this function before Topre’s APC.

    Front Badge
    The prototype badge is engraved and bead-blasted brass. It doesn’t look as good as we expected.
    We plan to make it PVD coated with laser-engraved legends in the final products.
    The legends are TBD.

    MX version
    We really like the design of the case so we plan to provide an MX PCB for this case as well.
    Even the switch cutouts are almost the same, a separate MX plate will also be provided to support PCB-mount stabs.
    Shoutouts
    Thanks to Fox-lab for providing general guidance on the design.
    Thanks to Ramiel for providing feedback.
    Thanks to Pitta key for designing the MX PCB and the daughterboard.
    The preorder page is online now. https://www.nizkeyboard.com/collections/groups-1

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