类型: IC
作者: jouz
发布时间: 2020-06-30
16:48:23
更新时间: 2020-09-08 04:37:19
原链接:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107203.0
IC Closed!
GB Thread here
1. Introduction & Motivation
This is an IC for an HHKB-Alice-like case
& PCB. The name BMEK stands for
Be*m**eier
Ergonomic Keyboard*. Ive
documented the progress of this design in the Making
Stuff Together forumssince October 2019.
The entire project (case design,
PCB, etc) is published under an open source license (
GitHub). Me and others in that thread have machined copies of the
design from different plastic materials using small CNCs and
3D Printing services.
Now we want to ascend to a metal
(aluminum) version and share the joy with others. The best
way to make this also economically feasible is in the form
of a group buy.
The design is pretty mature at this
point, and the first first prototypes have arrived (for
review of the prototypes,
see here):
There are still a number of things to be figured out
& discussed before heading straight to a GB:
- An estimate of how many people are interested
- Final set of color options
- Kit options and addons
-
Group buy procedure
IC FORMS
1. General Interest Check / Keep me updated form
2 Colors Form
-
Kits / Options Form
**The last form might require you to sign into your google account (to prevent vote manipulation).
Please let me know if that’s a problem for you, and I’ll provide you with an alternative link later!
**
Join the Discord Sever
2. Design
The BMEK design is unique in a number of ways. First and foremost it sports an HHKB-style layout combined with the ergonomically rotated center clusters similar to Alice-likes. We also keep (a version of) the macro-keys on the left from the Alice-like layout. However, the key-placement was redone from scratch, changing some of the (to my mind) awkward key placements inherited from the original EM7 layout, such as the stepped bottom row modifiers.
Another design principle was symmetry. The case is symmetric along its vertical center axis, and the key layout conforms to this symmetry: The opposing homing keys and opposing outer-most keys have the same distance to the center of the case. BMEK further differs from your typical Alice-like with its more aggressive looking outline. The top and side edges follow the key layout instead of being square, which (to my knowledge) hasn’t been done previously, either.
3. Assembly
Its a high profile case with top-mounted assembly. There is an option to fasten the PCB to the top case when using the hot-swap PCB (a solder-only PCB will also be available).
The typing angle is 6 degrees, the center clusters are rotated inwards by 10 degrees.
The distance from the plate/switches from the ground is kept as low as possible.
The bottom case can house a non-cosmetic weight (i.e., its not visible from the outside).
A fully assembled case (with weight, PCB, Plate Switches and Keycaps) comes in at 1855g.
4. Layout Options & Plate
There are four layout options ( keyboard layout editor), all supported with the same plate:
2U backspace VS Split backspace
2.75u right shift VS split right shift
-
2.75u spacebar VS 2.25u spacebar (both left and right half)
-
2.25u left shift vs ISO-style split left-shift
(TODO: the plate image above doesn’t show the split left-shift yet)
Note that all layout options will be available both on the hotswap and the solder PCB.
However, when assembling the hotswap PCB, you’ll have to decide for which layout to configure the hotswap sockets.
(i.e. just like with layout options for the switches, the socket footprints overlap with some offset).
Flex Plate
An alu-flex/half plate will be available as an extra, for details see here:
(Color of the flex plate prototypes is the teal from the hammerhead colorway. Flex plate will only be available in a single color, which may not be teal)
Blocker
The original concept for the BMEK was to use 2x2.75u spacebars (for the symmetry). While I wanted to keep this option, the reality is that spacebar kits often just include 1x2.75u and 1x2.25u.
The blocker fills the gap when using a 2.25u spacebar instead of a 2.75u spacebar. It can be used on either side.
The blocker is designed to go just up to the chamfer of the inner edge of the top case.
This leaves the original symmetric lines of the high profile case in tact while filling the missing gap nicely:
Personally, I’ve started to like the look quite a bit. If this works out to look this good and tight in reality, I feel this is a feature more than it is a compromise.
What is more, alternative blocker designs are certainly possible. A polished brass blocker design with some logo engraved could add a unique accent. If any artisans want to take this up, Id be happy to lend support!
5. PCB QMK / VIA Support!
USB-C (full usb-c to usb-c support)
ESD Protection (thanks to help from ai03!)
2 Versions: Hotswap & Solder
Color: good-old green soldermask
-
6 optional LEDs for various indicators & cosmetic effects
-
Depending on the layout options, you will require 4-6 2U PCB mounted stabilizers.
6. Manufacturing
Were very likely using 3DHubs for the of machining case, plates and bottom weights. Turns out they are not much more expensive than quotes Ive gotten from manufacturers in China (at least for someone like me without deep connections into the manufacturing scene there). They are also a good fit for me as a single person running this group buy: They will source and QC all the parts before shipping them to me bundled up, also all other costs are know upfront (there will be no surprises with import taxes for me, etc). 3DHubs also really fits with the spirit of the Making Stuff Together & Open Source heritage of this project. It is really easy for individuals to use their service to produce copies of BMEK parts (or derivatives). Of course, single parts are expensive (in particular CNC parts), but I guess its nice to know that you have that option
.
The same is true for the PCBs. All files and instructions will be made available, so you could just order the PCB yourself from JLCPCB or similar suppliers.
7. Colors & Materials
Case & Plate in this group buy will only be made in Aluminum (see FAQ for why no other materials will be part of this GB)
I have proposed a number of colors, and in the color poll you can vote on an extra color to add.
These colors will definitely be available:
Case Black
Dark Blue (~Pantone 533 C)
Dark Violet (~Pantone 5115 C)
Anthracite Gray (~RAL 7016)
-
Silver (/*see Note 1)
Plate Black
Teal (Pantone 3258C)
-
Silver (/*see Note 1)
Note 1: Beware that unanodized also means that the aluminium surface will not be hardened, and thus not be as scratch resistant as the anodized versions.
I absolutely wouldn’t worry about this for the plate, however for the case this is something too keep in mind.
This option is really for people that plan to do something custom to their, such as getting it powder coated, cerakoted, or even anodizing yourself.
Note 2: I know this will disappoint some people, but I cannot offer e-coatings such as e-white or e-yellow. I dont have that option at my current manufacturer.
To keep the work manageable for me, and the price low, I do not want to involve another (overseas) party.
8. Renders
Disclaimer: As usual, these renders are for illustration. Details, especially the colors of case & keycap sets in the renders may not reflect the final outcome.
Also, the renders in this thread may not accurately reflect the available layout options for a given keycap set (exact labels of the Sys/Code modfier etc).
I’ll be updating & fixing these mistakes wherever we spot them.
Hammerhead Colorway
The Dark Blue Case and Teal Plate colors were picked to go along with GMK Hammerhead.
Thanks to @KeyLabs for providing me with their design files for these renders.
The fact that the BMEK looks like a the head of a hammerhead shark is pure coincidence, but once I discovered that, I had to commit:
Various Combinations
EPBT Neon colors + Black + Teal
More
GMK 9009 + Dark Violet + Black
GMK Laser (Cyberdeck) + Dark Blue + Teal (
Renders of other combinations here!)
GMK Striker + Dark Blue + Black
GMK Nautilus + Dark Blue + Teal
GMK Bingsu (now with fixed mod/alpha colors
) + Dark Violet + Black
GMK Olivia + Black + Black
GMK Dracula + Black + Teal
GMK Dracula with VIM keys from ERR kit + Black +
Black
EPBT White on Black + Black + Black
EPBT Neon colors + Dark Violet + Teal
<<== CLICK FOR MORE
9. Kit Options
The base kit
will at least include the following items:
- 1x Top Case
- 1x Bottom Case
- 1x Plate
- 1x PCB (hot swap or solder)
- Screws & Hex-keys
- Rubber feet
-
Copper bottom weight (~700g)
***I cannot offer to ship the hotswap PCBs pre-soldered with the hotswap sockets. I will have to solder all the USB connectors & LEDs by hand, and thats already plenty of work
Plus, since some of the socket position depend on the layout option you prefer, there will be some soldering on your end either way.
Best I could do is to offer to buy the sockets in bulk and ship them along for you to solder (soldering the hotswap sockets is just as easy as soldering switches).
Extra plates & PCBs will be available at reasonable
cost.
DIY Kits
Ive been thinking about offering DIY kits, for those
that dont want to buy a full case but want to make their own
cases at home. These would just include the PCB, Plate &
Screws.
These kits would be available & shipped as
in-stock items after the GB is completed.
Experimental: Dampening Kits
I have laser cut a variety of dampening material from
foam and silicone:
These were
evaluated with the prototypes, but they had too little effect and will likely not be
available as extras.
But ofc I’ll publish all
templates/files so you can experiment with this stuff
yourself!
10. Group Buy / Procedure
This is my first group buy as a host, so Id
appreciate suggestions on the preferred procedure (raffle,
fcfs,
), duration, payment, etc. of the group buy.
Given
that I’m doing this alone, there will be an upper limit on
orders/cases that I can sell (in the order of 50).
This
is what I can manage while ensuring that everything goes at
a good pace and smoothness..
Price
Planned price is 299 for the base
kit as described above, excl fees and shipping.
Prices
for extras TBD.
Shipping
I’ll ship “worldwide” (from Germany, to wherever
DHL allows me to ship too).
Beware that due to the virus, international parcels
are currently a bit more expensive.
Let’s hope this
situation improves. I’m also going to look into getting
business prices for shipping (which are also slightly more
expensive, but not as much as for private customers).
Progress and Timeline
-
Still figuring out the bureaucracy, as such a GB is being
considered a taxable business in Germany
- Hoping to move to GB mid September.
-
Estimated time between GB (after I received all payment)
and shipping: 6 weeks
11. FAQ
More
Why do you publish the files? Arent you concerned that
people will just build their own instead of joining the
GB?
This is a hobby for me, not a business. I get a kick
out of sharing the design with people that want to make
their own versions.
Also, I see “open source” as an
added value to the product: If you really want to change
something about your copy, be it the color/style or
even something functional such as the PCB or plate, you can
just go ahead and modify every single part of the keyboard
and have it manufactured for you (or manufacture it
yourself).
This will certainly remain the cheapest
option to get an ALU case, so “open sourcing” doesn’t really
cannibalize the GB in my mind.
Why no brass/carbon fibre/… plates? Why No
POM/PC Case?
To keep the costs low. All case & plate files are
open source, if you want something specific, you can either
make it yourself or even run your own group-buy with my
files and blessing.
This is especially true for the
plate options, which can be made cheaply even in lower
numbers.
Why isnt the bottom weight cosmetic/visible from
the outside?
The weight is designed to maximize its function (add
heft & feel to the case, change the sound profile due to
the different material), without adding to the cost: it can
be cheaply produced from sheet metal.
For those that
prefer a lighter case, they can leave the weight out without
it affecting the outer appearance.
Why 1u+1.25u modifiers in the bottom row instead of
Tsangan or regular ANSI?
The 1.25u alt key allows that cluster to fit without
needing to step the key like it has to be done with the EM7
layout that uses a tsangan/1.5u alt.
I think the
1u gui looks best on hhkb-like layouts (Ive tried with the
2x 1.25u modifiers instead and I didnt like the looks).
I
dont think its a huge deal keycap-compatibility wise, as
most sets come with the right 1u and 1.25u modifiers.
Why keep the macro-key-cluster on the left if you’re
going for HHKB?
I was mostly referring to the “HHKB” to describe the
bottom row/modifiers (as this is arguably the most
distinctive feature, and a go/no-go for most). I find
the macro-key-cluster is useful. When designing I tried
both, and I preferred the looks when keeping the
macro-key-cluster, as it keeps the case symmetric.
Both
of these points are reason enough to keep the cluster over
removing it just for the sake of being puristic about what
an HHKB-like is supposed to be.
So, can I use any keycap set?
You should pay attention to a couple of things when
picking a keycap set. Any GMK GB keyset +
spacebar/obscure kit comes with all keys, no worries
here. Only a few of the cheaper sets come with proper 2.25u
/ 2.75u convex spacebar keys. However, most come with
an extra 2.25u shift key (and the 1.75u rshift key, that
frees up the the 2.75u rshift when using the split rshift
layout), which makes many of these sets fully compatible
with the extra shift keys as spacebars. The next thing to
look out for would be if the keycaps also ship extra keys
with proper hhkb-labels (if thats what you want, i.e. the
backspace above enter or the control key to replace caps
lock). A second B key is also not a common inclusion, but Id
suggest to just use an interesting other key from that row
(i.e. an arrow key, the 1u 00 key, or a 1u modifier).
Ive
set up a little
spreadsheet with (cheap) options for supported keycap
sets.
12. IC Log
Quote V0
(29.06.2020) - Official IC opening
V1 (01.07.2020) -
Fixed some render colors & legends
V2 (28.07.2020)
- Prototypes arrived
V3 (01.08.2020) - Prototype
Pictures, Review & Design changes (see here)
V4 (02.08.2020) - Color & Kit vote opened
V5
(10.08.2020) - PCB & Plate design final, ordered last
batch of prototypes
V6 (16.08.2020) - Color vote closed
- we’re adding Anthracite Gray!
V7 (18.08.2020) - Price
of base kit.
V8 (31.08.2020) - Flex Plates tested (see here)
V8 (08.09.2020) - IC Completed, Raffle and GB
Announced (GB Thread)