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【IC】Kingfisher (50%) Compact Keyboard - Prototype PCBs

类型: IC
作者: snevok
发布时间: 2017-05-07 15:26:30
更新时间: 2017-08-28 23:43:23
原链接: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=89402.0



40% boards are nice, but there aren’t enough keys for me personally. I don’t like having to shift layers to hit a question mark or a bracket. 45% boards are a little better, but there are barely any out there. The JD45 and Minivan come to mind, but they aren’t really that cheap or easy to get your hands on, and it’s hard to find keycaps with good compatibility.
I felt like a new compact layout was needed, so I put together my dream compact layout in KLE. It’s one row wider than the JD45, which is why I gave it the 50% size. Keycap compatibility works very well with this layout, and every single key (except for the red 1.25u key) can easily be found in an EnjoyPBT set in the right size AND profile.
The bottom row also has lots of compatibility, with options for 7u, 6.25u, and 6u spacebars, each with options for split space, still compatible with standard keycap sets. The right shift also allows for either full 2.25u, split arrow keys, or split HHKB.
Because of the way the layout is made, there will be little 0.25u blocked corners, giving it a sort of miniature HHKB-esque look.
As for design, I’m planning on two options, sandwiched acrylic and milled aluminum, and there will be a custom PCB included. There is no word on price yet, but if this gains enough interest, I will work on getting an estimate.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
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All Supported Layouts:
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Super Rough Model:
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Updates:
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/#5 - 8/28/17
Prototype case is printed, assembled, and in functioning use.
Extras were for sale on Reddit, 3 PCBs/kits were available, all pending.
I originally thought of this miniature project as completed, but I have gotten many messages on Reddit asking about the availability of this board which changed my mind. Therefore, I have been talking to someone about the idea for r2 with updated layouts, RGB underglow, and a hi-pro CNC aluminum case. More details about r2 will come in a separate IC, expect to see it sometime in the future.
/#4 - 6/14/17
PCBs are done being designed, and prototypes have been ordered!
PCB Renders:

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  • Alps and MX Support
  • Per Key LED Backlight
  • Fully Pre-Soldered SMD Components
  • Centered Mini USB
  • QMK Firmware
  • 8 PCB Mount Holes
  • All Original Layouts Supported
    I will work on the case design once the PCBs come in, so I can be sure that I get all the measurements correct on the first try. More updates to come once the PCBs arrive in ~30 days from China!
    /#3 - 6/7/17
    Decided to fall through with the GMK modifiers. They’re too expensive, and the MOQ will never be reached. It would also be an added stress for me shipping out an additional ~150 packages.
    Recently got a 3d printer and was able to print out the left half of the (curved) split version. I’m still working on getting the quality up, but the print worked out, and it gives a pretty good idea of what the full board will be like. I was originally concerned with the blockers, but they turned out to actually look quite nice in real life.
    Pics of the 3d print: http://imgur.com/a/Gtm6c
    I’m still waiting on the PCB design to be finished up, I’m sorry it’s taking a [/url]while.
    Bad news about the case manufacturer: All but one company that I emailed failed to respond to my quote inquiry. The one company that did respond said that they were unable to quote my request :(
    Good news about the case manufacturer: I did find a very local company willing to make the case. Once the PCB design is finished, I will finish up the case design to fit around the PCB dimensions, and then I’ll submit the case for a quote.
    Renders of the split curved case: https://imgur.com/a/kuqKC/#tWZRewb
    KLE layout: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com//#/#@@=Tab&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&_x:2%3B&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&=%7C%0A%5C%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Caps%20Lock&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&_x:2%3B&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A’&_w:1.75%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Shift&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&_x:2%3B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&=%E2%86%91&_w:1.25%3B&=Shift%3B&@_x:0.25%3B&=Ctrl&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:2.75%3B&=Alt&_x:2%3B&=Win&_w:2.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92
    Open source models: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yvrj5l8axs63t5z/AAC6vQeVSaIWHs_AWyq3ydP2a?dl=0
    /#2 - 5/22/17
    Just got a quote back from GMK. Sadly, I made a few changes to the set and they gave a quote for the wrong revision, but it should still give a good idea of the price.
    GMK gave the set a cost of $36 before shipping and fees for a MOQ of 150. The set would cost $32 before shipping and fees for a MOQ of 250.
    This estimate doesn’t include arrow keys, but it does include the price of three spacebars. Not including the spacebars would likely bring the price down, though I’m not sure by how much. Full compatibility with the JD45 could be added in place of the full size spacebars.
    The PCB guy is working on the design as we speak. As soon as he’s done, I’ll go ahead and order ~10 prototypes and solder them up.
    The company I reached out to still hasn’t answered my email regarding a quote, so I’ll either give them a call or work on finding another company to use instead.
    /#1 - 5/13/17
    Couple quick updates today:
  1. I found a PCB designer since I can’t do the designing myself. Once the keyboard layouts are finalized, he will get started on the prototype boards, which will be made soon after. I will keep be keeping one prototype PCB and be selling the rest to make back lost expenses.
  2. I found a local company willing to cut the plates and acrylic cases. Their facility is only 15 minutes away, and some family members have done business with them before. There is a powder coating facility in the same building if there would be any interest of having that as a unique case finish. They might do the CNC aluminum cases too, but I’ll have to ask.
  3. I contacted GMK for a quote for the compatible modifier keys. Decided on N9 and CP (Dolch mod colors) since they match almost everything except WoB. Not sure if all of these key legends/profiles are possible, but I’ll find out soon enough.
    Keys I want to include in the mod set:

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Layout example with the mods (with leftovers):

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