Interest CheckKeyboards

Lodestone - a Gasket and MagLev mount 65% - Prototypes in Production

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Description

Welcome to the interest check for the Lodestone, a collaboration between Flex (of the FLX-Virgo) and Jae (of the J-01 & J-02).

This is an early interest check for a magnet mounted and gasket combo 65%. The board is a blocked 65% with stylish base, and chunky bezels. Designed to look sleek and unique, with a seamless side profile, the board is as elegant as she is functional.

Design
Using the standard 65% layout, and inspired by large rounded bezels, the design puts aesthetic alongside function. This layout has long been popular within the community, and for good reason. With support for all usual layouts on the PCB (incl ISO, split or full left shift / right shift / backspace, and a few variations on the bottom row) you can be sure to be able to build this board to the layout of your choice. Please note - the top blocker area is till a work in progress. There is a version with or without it as currently stands.

Updates
Updates will be posted here and on my discord: https://discord.gg/qm944aC
You should also check out Flex's discord here: https://discord.gg/KRAuQRc

MagLev & Gasket Mounting
The board features a unique mounting system, comprising of both magnetic levitation for a cushioned feel, and a top mount gasket to isolate the plate from the case. This reduces ping and noise transference from the plate to the case; and will highlight the true sound of the switches and caps without detracting from the maglev experience.

This design requires a firmer plate material, due to the way the typing feel is accentuated by the forces applied to the magnetic repulsion when typing. As such we will default to Carbon Fibre, as it is non magnetic and rigid, whilst offering an even feel. Even so, due to the unique interplay with the magnets, the typing experience is cushioned across the board.

Naming
The first magnets were not invented, but rather were found from a naturally occurring mineral called magnetite. The mineral magnetite is an iron oxide that is easily magnetized when it forms. Magnetite is also known as Lodestone.

Prototypes
A prototype of the current iteration of design is on order and will be used as a test bed to determine the correct orientation and volume of magnets required. Through rapid prototyping we have experimented with multiple magnet mounting solutions to test the forces applied and required to keep an interesting typing feel.

Once the final Prototype is here we will share details of the build and videos of the experience you can expect.

Proof of Concept
We have completed multiple iterations of the board, and some working examples of how the mounting will work. Whilst there is too many iterations to share in the IC, I thought it would be useful for you to Flex's original POC with mounting two boards on a rigid, adjustable plane, and the strength of the magnets intended for use.

These invaluable experiments and multiple iterations have really shaped the final design.

Specification

2piece case - Aluminium
Plate - Carbon Fibre (fixed ISO and ANSI variants)
PCB - USB C and QMK Compatible (ESD protected)
Breakout Daughterboard
7 degree Angle
Colours TBC
Gasket; 1.5mm Nitrile Rubber

Group-Buy Details
Whilst we would like to take this product to Group Buy, we are dependent on the prototypes success. We have a good level of confidence, and believe in the potential of this board to deliver a new and innovative solution to the market.

Initially it would likely be a small 50 unit run post the prototype completion; with the potential for larger runs later if demand is there. No dates are currently planned for this; however the aspirational plan is that we would be looking at April for the first run.

Next Steps