类型: IC
作者: qluboards
发布时间: 2020-07-28
01:01:00
更新时间: 2020-10-11 14:41:36
原链接:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107771.0
Qlu.boards
mako.TKL
A classic top-mounted WKL TKL
GB Thread:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=109009.0
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Design, Specs, Renders
- GB details
- Google Form
- Thanks
- FAQ
- Built Prototype
- Sound Test
1. Introduction
I love sharks. And you
should too.
2. Design, Specs, Renders
I, and the community as a whole, has been on a bit of
a 60/65 and gasketing bender recently so I decided to take a
step back and go with a more classic TKL utilizing
top-mount. 4 mounting points on the top, 3 on the bottom.
The 3 mounting points on the bottom specifically spaced out
to avoid making the spacebar feel like a brick (thanks OTD).
Both brass and polycarbonate will be available as plate
choices so the typing feel can be made softer if desired.
Given
the shark theme for the mako.TKL, I took some creative
liberties to further that. I intentionally kept the case as
thin and streamlined as possible to mimic the shortfin
mako’s ultra-hydrodynamic body. Additionally, I designed the
side profile to look like a shark’s jaws as its’ mouth
opens. Lastly, I have “shark” 鯊魚 engraved
on the weight in traditional Mandarin as a nod to my own
familial heritage. Overall, my goal was to create a classic
and elegant keyboard with just a little spice of “new”. And
of course sharks.
Specs:
- Top: Anodized Aluminum 6061 (Pantone 533C)
- Bottom: Anodized Aluminum 6061 (Pantone 14-4102tcx)
- Top mount plate: (Brass or PC option depending on desired feel)
- Weight: Brass PVD and/or Polished Stainless Steel (depending on prototype quality)
- PCB: h87c provided and tested by hineybush
- WKL layout (split backspace, split R shift, stepped caps)
- 6° typing angle
- est. 2.1kg unbuilt (brass plate/brass weight)
-
Color options: Navy/Navy OR Navy/Light Grey
Renders:
3. Group Buy Details
Limited Quantity:
35-40 units available.
I am a 1-man operation and my
focus is on providing a timely and quality product so, even
if there’s interest, I unfortunately won’t be able to take
on any more than that. It is possible that there will be a
couple extras depending on how many of the boards pass
QC.
Likely price: ~$420 + shipping.
Kicker: While
current manu/shipping costs are quite high due to the
current climate, this has been a passion project for me as I
do love keyboards and I do love sharks.
As such, if
this project proves to be profitable beyond $500,
I will donate $500 to the shark charity SHARK STEWARDS in
their effort to not just preserve the shark ecosystem, but
also to restore coral reefs.
More info on their amazing cause can be found here:
https://sharkstewards.org/
Current Status: Quotes received from multiple
manufacturers. I have chosen 2 to proceed with and will be
ordering protos from each in the coming days to compare
quality before making a final decision.
4. Interest Check Form
https://forms.gle/6t6ukzsQzs3yecM86
5. Thanks
Thank you to:
OtherAndrew
for responding tirelessly to my questions/concerns
CJT
for the renders
hiney for the PCBs and answers to my
questions
ai03 for creating a fantastic design
community
the community for normalizing our obsession
with expensive chunks of metal
6. FAQ
First off, I want to thank the community for all the
support. There were a ton of responses to the IC form and a
lot of good suggestions. Please find some of the FAQ below
and my response to them:
Hot-swap?
Not on this project sorry. I already have other
designs in mind for future projects that would probably lend
themselves more to a hotswap style.
Add additional colors? Namely
purple/black/e-white.
Those 3 colors were definitely the most popular in IC
responses. In keeping with the theme, I don’t think purple
or e-white are going to be on the docket this time around.
However, I do think black or a dark space grey could be
solid. Will probably end up offering one of those.
Tiny logo/design on the top?
Yes! After playing around with and consulting some
more on the jaws around the USB-C, I ultimately decided that
it couldn’t be implemented as well as I would require it to
be. However, I am ordering the prototype with a small subtle
mako tooth design for some additional flair on the top
piece. For those who are unaware, shortfin makos have
extremely distinctive narrow teeth which are designed to
pierce and grab onto prey even at high speeds. This is in
comparison to flatter more triangular teeth that are
commonly seen which serve to serrate through tough flesh and
bones.
Carbon fiber plate?
I
won’t be providing CF plates on my own for this run.
However, I am more than happy to release the plate files so
owners can cut plates from whichever material they
choose!
7. Prototype
Thanks for
everyone’s responses to the IC.
Prototype Pics (w/
Metropolis):
8. Typing Test
https://soundcloud.com/qlu-boards/makotkl-typing-test-1/s-Mb40HEwbEiU