Delos - 60% MagLev Mounted Keyboard

Delos

MagLev Mounted 60%

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Who Are We

We’re [INSERT] Studios, a two-man design studio determined to bring high end quality keyboards to the market. After being in the hobby for a while, we wanted to bring our own unique style, and push the envelope on what keyboards are.


Introduction

This is our very first design and we are excited to finally share with the community on what we’ve been working on for the past year. We realized there aren’t that many mounting methods and decided to create a new one that’s just as unique and hopefully a great option in terms of acoustics and tactility. The board’s design was inspired by many keyboards that we had a high appreciation for such as: Jae’s Lodestone, jjw’s Cloudline, TGR’s Jane, Geon’s Frog TKL, and gok’s beauty.


MagLev Mount



To create the mounting system, there are 24 magnets in total excluding the 4 magnets that hold onto the rear badge. There are 8 magnets adhered to each the bottom, top, and plate in an orientation where the poles are facing in the same polarity to introduce repulsion, ultimately levitation. There are small cutouts in the plate to seat the magnets into place and a pin alignment system to keep the plate aligned and for smooth, linear travel.


Details

• Layout: 60% with WKL, WK, & HHKB Top Options
• Mounting: MagLev, uses magnets to fully suspend the plate and PTFE pins for alignment
• Materials: Anodized Aluminum 6063 Top and Bottom, Brass/Copper Weight and Badge
• Weight: Approx. 1.4 kg / 3.08 lbs unbuilt
• Typing Angle: 6 Degrees
• Front Height: 17.6mm w/o feet
• Plates: Anodized Aluminum 6063, Frosted Polycarbonate
• PCB: Hiney H60 w/ daughterboard
• Units: TBA
• Colors: TBA
• Price: TBA

What’s in the box?

• (1) Top Case
• (1) Bottom Case
• (1) Bottom Weight
• (1) Rear Badge
• (1) Alu Plate (Default)
• (1) H60 PCB + Daughterboard
• (6) Case Screws
• (4) Daughterboard Screws
• (24) Pre-Installed Bar Magnets
• (4) Pre-Installed Disc Magnets
• (1) Set of Rubber Feet
• (1) Microfiber Cloth
• (1) Custom Carrying Case

*During groupbuy, you will be able to purchase extra plates, pcb+db, top cases, carrying cases.*


Status/Timeline

Prototype V2 arrived a while ago and we apologize for the delayed update. Since the arrival, we have assessed the prototype with multiple build configurations and determined further changes that need to be made. Prototype V3 is definitely a must and is in the works. soonTM
We will want to push out this project and run the groupbuy before the year ends.


Updates

Prototype V2 Changes

• Fixed Top and Bottom case gap
• Adjusted to Side Profile Curves
• Redesigned Plate and Pin Alignment System
• Implemented Bottom Weight
• Adjusted Case Screw Alignment for practical and aesthetic reasons
• Redesigned JST and Daughterboard mount
• Sharpened overall tolerances (0.15mm → 0.075mm)
• Redesigned Rear badge
• In general, made minor aesthetic changes

Photos
Prototype V1

Prototype V2


FAQ

Can we modify/customize the strength of magnets to change the typing feel?
No, we did thorough research when it came to sourcing the type/size of magnets. The arrangement of these specific magnets we are using allows more than enough force to repulse without the unwanted contacts of the board assembly. In addition, we think the magnets' strength is suitable for the majority of typists.

What vendors will you be partnering with to sell this board?
We are still in the R/D phase of our keyboard and have yet to determine whether or not we would want to sell this board ourselves or through established vendors.

Layout Options?
Initially we only wanted to support one particular layout, tsangan, but if there is enough demand for additional layout expansion we will highly consider.

Typing/Sound test video?
Look forward to one within the next month.

Please treat this IC as a living document. We plan to regularly update the IC.