Atom68 Alu is a keyboard housing designed by Niz in collaboration with several keyboard enthusiasts. The goal is to make a keyboard case which has the following features:
- Both MX and Capacitive compatible. The MX version is powered by QMK. The capacitive version is powered by Niz/Plum Atom68 parts.
- Seamless from side views
- Vertical front&back.
Capacitive: In order to coordinate both MX switches and Electro-Capacitive switches, the inner space has been meticulously designed. There are mounting points for USB C female connector daughter boards, capacitive controller boards, and batteries(for Bluetooth version).
Seamless : To make the case seamless, we didn't use the regular and cheap solution that just adding a flat bottom plate. In that way, the case will be light and hollow. Instead, the bottom case is also milled from a large thick aluminum block and is crafted to just the inner space we need.
Vertical: The vertical front and back walls look cleaner than most regular keyboard designs. To achieve this goal, the aluminum bars need to be re-adjusted for more times during the CNC milling, which significantly adds the costs.
To make this case perfect, we make no compromise.
Specs: - Typing angle: 7
- Colors: Silver, Black, Grey, White
- Mounting method: sandwich mounting with thin rubber pads
- Weight: 1.5kg fully built without keycaps
Sliders and switch housingsNiz is improving the sliders and switches housings continuously. The sliders and switch housings on Atom68 are made from Polyplastics's POM material imported from Japan. The newest 2019 versions are much smoother than before. The sliders come with silencing rings by default. As a side note, the sliders can also benefit a lot from lubing in terms of sound.
StabilizersThe original Atom68 uses Costar stabs. It's not possible to add regular PCB-mount Cherry stabs on it because there's no room.
We designed new plate-mount Cherry-style stabilizers that can fit the plate perfectly. The sound and feel of the stabs are on-par with PCB-mount stabs.
Dome compatibility- Niz domes: Best for compatibility. There are 35g, 45g, and 50g versions. For the 50g version, you need to cut an 80% sheet to fit the 65% layout.
- BKE Redux domes: Good for compatibility. You may need to adjust the positioning of the domes several times to make them work perfectly. The RGB backlit won't go through the domes.
- Topre domes: Compatible but not really good. You may need to adjust the positioning of the domes MANY times to make them work perfectly. The RGB backlit won't go through the domes.
- Topre domes + housing + springs: Compatible with the Atom68 PCB but you need to make a custom plate.
BluetoothIn order to make the full aluminum case compatible with the BLE version controller, we added an external antenna on the controller and led it to the rubber feet. The Bluetooth signals can pass the case through the rubber feet holes at the bottom of the case. This solution has been tested to be very well.
In the Bluetooth+business mode, the battery life of Atom68 is around 126 hours with continuous use. In the Bluetooth+gaming mode, the battery life of Atom68 is around 78 hours with continuous use.
FirmwareAtom68 is fully programmable with a Windows OS software.
The actuation travel can be changed. We developed this function before Topre's APC.
Front BadgeThere is a custom brass badge in the front. It will be PVD coated.
The default legends are engraved as "Atom".
Pm or email me if you need custom legends.
MX versionThe MX PCB is powered by QMK. It supports PCB mount stabilizers. No Bluetooth support.
ShoutoutsThanks to
Fox-lab for providing general guidance on the design.
Thanks to Ramiel for providing feedback.
Thanks to
Pitta key for designing the MX PCB and the daughterboard.
If you're not familiar with Niz keyboards, please read this post written by senter:
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/7zx89n/niz_keyboard_bke_mod_interview_with_the_head_of/He interviewed our founder Ke Miu one year ago.
Pre-orderThe preorder page is online now.
https://www.nizkeyboard.com/collections/groups-1Pre-order opens until 01/09/2020.
The estimated fulfillment date is by the end of March.
Due to the COVID-19, the new estimation for the shipping date is May 10 or earlier.
For the influence of COVID-19，the Con-board used on the NIZ keyboard seriously out of stock（Niz keyboard is also out of stock）， expected delay to June15.
On behalf of my team，i would like to extend my sincere apologies to everyone.
CNC update：
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All orders are already in transit. If you have any questions about group purchase, you can send email:
[email protected]
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