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【IC】MEME | Gasket-Mount 65% (Dead 5|10|2018)

类型: IC
作者: Krelbit
发布时间: 2018-03-08 16:32:54
更新时间: 2018-06-03 20:53:58
原链接: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=94467.0


Project is dead, read latest update.
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Hello, and welcome toMEME.

Now, I’ve never made or run a keyboard group buy before, but I do have limited experience in running group buys, having run a couple in preparation for something bigger, like this. I currently operate switchmod.net.
MEME is a gasket-mounted 65% that pulled quite a bit of aesthetic inspiration largely from the look of Topre Realforce boards. The board was originally meant as a one-or two-off, but due to the financial unfeasibility of the entire circumstance, I decided to run it as a group buy. However, I have mostly maintained the design choices that were made, and will not change the board any further than I have up until now, bar some small improvements along the way.
The board features:

  • 6061 anodized aluminum

  • A QMK-Compatible PCB

  • An anodized 6061 aluminum badge that is able to be screwed out and replaced as accent pieces. The badge will feature the word “meme,” but a blank variant will also be available.

  • Two replaceable daughterboard pcbs, one USB-mini and one USB-C, which can be interchanged.

  • An anodized aluminum plate that supports switchtop removal

  • 8 Custom made Silicone Gaskets

  • M65-A rubber feet

    The MEME will be machined and anodized in the United States. I think it’s important to be able to maintain constant contact with my machinist and have them understand me 100%. I believe that this will also vastly expedite the wait times and any issues can be addressed much faster.
    I am currently working on having a prototype made, so I will just put my to-do list here:

  • Finish Board Design

  • Finish PCB Design

  • Contact Elastomer Company regarding gaskets

  • 3/13/2018 Put in order for prototype PCBS

  • 3/23/2018 Receive and test prototype pcbs

  • Start machining the prototype case

  • Assemble the prototype board

  • Run the group buy.

    The group buy will be a raffle-style buy, with 30 available units. I am projecting a target price of $450 per kit before shipping.
    Included Layouts:

    PCB+ Daughterboard:
    More







password: spoiler
Thank you for checking out MEME! There will be more info made available on this thread as the project progresses.

Thank you to riotonthebay, jchan94, hineybush, ai03, and the various slacks and discords I’m in for supporting my endeavor into actual keyboards.
More Renders: https://www.flickr.com/photos/102874444@N07/sets/72157691556531834
Update 2 - 3/13/2018:
Prototype PCBs have been ordered! They will be in my hands hopefully by the month’s end.
Thank you for your continued interest in my project.
Update 3 - 3/23/2018:
Prototype PCBs have arrived! They’ll be by the beginning of April. After we see that everything works, especially regarding the daughterboards, I’ll move on to getting the prototype case made.

Production PCBs will be matte black with a white silkscreen. The pictured prototypes are not indicative of the final product, and are only for test purposes.
Update 4 - 4/4/2018:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=94467.msg2588080/#msg2588080
Update 5 - Road bumps and Progress: 4/10/2018
Snag hit, we’ve got some small problems with the daughterboard, JST connector cables, and the PCB.
We’ve rectified our issues but will need new prototype pcbs. +1 1/2 week to project time while those arrive.
Thanks to Wilba for helping us out with our troubles, and for a hookup.
Prototype Case Status: Waiting for a quote, and ready to place an order.
Gasket Status: In production.
Removed colors Brown, Orange, Yellow, and Olive Drab from color table. Orange will be available as a badge color, but not as a case color. Gold is close enough to yellow to not need both.
Want to vote the on final PCB Color? Cast your vote here: https://www.strawpoll.me/15478962
PCB color will be picked from the strawpoll at the end of the IC.
Update 4/30/2018: oof
Final quotes have just arrived, and they’re actually a lot higher than I expected them to be. I am considering running this at a lower volume because I do not believe I can reach MOQ otherwise with this increased price. The new case would cost near $550, and the PCB, plate, gaskets, and screws would end up costing more. The revised kit pricing would be around $675, which is unacceptably high to me.
I’m going back to the drawing board a bit to see if I can make any changes that lower the price at all.
I am also now considering overseas manufacturing, but as a complete newbie in the field, I don’t know where to go and what to use. As a student with finals week approaching, I don’t even really have the time to look into it at the moment.
What do you guys think of this change in plans?
PS: If you’ve got another source I could look into for machining, let me know.
PPS: Also considering running 2 cases and ending the project.
5/10/2018: Project Death
I’ve moved manufacture of this project to the East, and thus, the original intent of getting a very low quantity buy can be re-fulfilled. 2-5 MEMEs will be made, and none will be available publicly.
This post marks the death of the project for the public.
This has certainly been a learning experience and I will take everything into my next project, which will also be not only gasket mounted, but also cheaper.
Thank you for your continued interest in the project.
Apologies for those of you who I accidentally hyped.
Krelbit, Switchmod.net.

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