Hi guys, this is rkeebs_, not long ago I posted an IC for Qi65, while waiting for the prototypes to arrive due to the delays of DDS, I would like to present another project that I have been working on for a while. This IC is for early opinions collection as I understand the true meaning of IC is not only showcasing your projects, but also collecting and listening to the opinions of potential customers or the community. So I decided to post this early.
Specifications
Layout: FRL TKL, WK/WKL/HHKB
Typing Angle: 9 Degree
Front Height: 17.5mm (Without Feet)
Mounting Style: Poron Gasket (Top 4/Bottom 3/No Spacebar Mounting points)
Design
Similar to the Qi65, the design is rather simple. I drew inspirations from one of the most popular boards, TGR Jane, that has some straights edges and angles which I think is somehow timeless. And this is what I went for at the beginning of this project, I want to make something minimal and unique at the same time for my fav layout, FRL TKL.
On the front, I added a badge under the function matrix to make it a bit different than other FRL TKL, with a little indicator light in the middle. Initially, this light is rather wide, however, after a few rounds of renders, I found the indicator is too wide and taking over the whole front face, so I decided to shorten it to make it just as an indicator. On the front bezel, I did a little bit of a cherry lip to make typing experience more comfortable.
On the side, it's a simple side profile complemented with two straight lines to make it a bit different. I do not like using curves at all not because I do not know how to do it, it's because I really like the old fashion way of making a keyboard really "rectangular".
On the back, it's a large piece of SS PVD with cutouts in the middle and on the side. Unlike usual weight design that covers just the middle part of the back, I want to show a blend of the bottom case and the weight. And there is a logo I designed for this board constructed by two diamonds that are cut and combined together. The SS PVD weight also extends to the USB-C port face so you can see it from that angle too.
Overall, the design is not complex and fancy, but what I like and what I think is the most timeless design is minimal design. Nothing too much going on here, but I hope it is unique in some ways.
Here are some more renders:)
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I appreciate it fron the bottom of my heart and hopefully you can fill out the IC form if you are interested!
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