We continue our quest for making PCBs compatible with old and “non-standard” boards. After difficult projects such as OTD and Duck (Jetfire & Black Bird) and many other revival projects that we’ve done in the past, there’s probably not that much left to tackle, but there’s one that’s always been on the back of our minds: an Exclusive E6-V2 compatible PCB.
We initiated this project in early 2020 and finished drawing up a basic design soon after that. The special (and difficult) aspect about the E6-V2 PCB is that it has a non-standard switch spacing on the “custom” PCB version with a middle USB connector. There was another version with standard GH60 footprint, and since it’s standard, it is not the subject of this project. To be clear again, only the Non-standard E6-V2 PCB with centered USB port will be made.
Interestingly enough, we were recently asked to look into an UTD 356mini compatible PCB, and accidentally found out that it has the exact same switch spacing as the E6-V2 PCB that we’d been working on. The main difference is the spacebar stab orientation (south on the E6-V2 and north on the UTD), and we're thinking about whether we should separate this design into 2 versions (one north and one south) or make a hybrid one that supports both orientations. This decision will be informed by the form responses.
Current PCB design is basically final, and we’re waiting to test a final prototype before posting the GB. It is based on our latest Kay60 design, which is already QMK and VIA compatible. Some further specs and options to be considered:
• PCB thickness and material: FR4, 1.6mm or 1.2mm?
• Flex cuts
• Powered by Atmega32A MCU
• Supported layouts: 6.25U & 7U, ISO & split backspace supported
• RGB underglow (for E6-V2 sideglow)
• USB TYPE-C: 100% working on the E6-V2. Is a tight fit on the UTD 356mini, but should still work.
• MX Only
• ESD protection blah blah
• PCB color: will probably do red.
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Q & AQ: When is the GB?
A: We're waiting to test the final prototype. GB should go live mid-end April.
Q: Will you make plates?
A: We have a working plate file (based on our own research and measuring) for the E6-V2, and are on the fence whether we should offer plates in the upcoming GB. Form responses should inform this decision. In any case, the file will be checked again and open-sourced for your own plate cutting pleasure.
Q: What about other Exclusive boards?
A: Our upcoming Kay65 PCB is compatible with the E6.5. It will be in stock on our site. We also did some research on the E7-V1 and had an initial design, but haven't really had the time to follow up. We'll revisit it if there's enough demand.
