NESON DESIGN: NICO Series 01 65% × Macro Keyboard

Hi everyone,this is Simen from： NESON DESIGN. Wishing you all a year of prosperity, health, and happiness!
Please follow our Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/neson.design/ or join our Discord：https://discord.gg/g6YQHD9e4b for the latest updates！

NICO Series 01 IC Form：https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11fnDHsupDXCHvkoxMPIs0m6hQ0HQNa1lYpEk0IkuiHU/edit

We are delighted to introduce you the 3rd keyboard produced by NESON DESIGN - Nico Series 01. (Note: The rendering pictures and prototype photos in this IC are from Ver.1 - Ver.3, which may have few minor differences from Ver.4. we’ll keep updating it in the future post.)
Nico Series 01 is a keyboard with 65% + Marco layout.




Catalog:

1.Design
2.Version Update Ver.1 - Ver.4 (w/ prototype photos)
3.Specification
4.Kitting
5.Color


1. Design
The design of N6, 700E is dynamic and energetic, while new NICO series is more elegant and wise. We design it to be more suitable to office users while adding uniqueness to it and not making it looks too serious. The vertical ambient lights on both sides gives it a low-key look.
There’s many softwares would require the F row and Marco usage frequently for workflow automation nowadays, and look of 75% layoutcould not fulfill our aesthetic goal. Instead we are adopting a hybrid layout - the horizontal stretch 65% with Marco, which has been executed in some other designs like KMAC kmini and RAMA Zenith, and they have laid a solid foundation for Nico.



2.Version Update Ver.1-Ver.4

Ver.1: Back in July 2021, we have disclosed the initial IC of Nico Series 01 and start the first round prototyping.
We implemented vertical lighting design on both sides and conducted a second round of sample to address PCB issues.



Ver.2: In May 2022, we changed the Marco area into 2 rows and adopted the i series i6 internal mounting structure into Nico series 01. We enhanced the internal for the better typing experience.

·Design of the mounting structure:
We optimized of structure from i6 in the first place and achieved a better stability by changing the mounting and supporting method for the internal. However, this plan would require change of look of Nico. Instead, we added the supporting structure and combined with the original Gasket Leaf to Nico.

·The function of the flexible support silicone:
It’s difficult to unified the typing feeling or typing sound cause people has diversified senses. And people have different preferences on flex-cut and plate materials. Therefore, the users could choose whether to add the support silicone or other customized materials depends on their own requirements. It also match with our understanding to customize keyboards, pleasing yourself by the actual feelings rather than what others say.
·After countless revision samples and software simulation, we are proud to say that the Flexible Support Silicone has fulfilled our initial goal.


Ver.3: In Aug 2022, we newly added the Hotswap PCB and made adjustments to the internal structure accordingly. The top case was engraved with our Logo.




·There are 10 R1 relegendable keycaps in Marco areas of Ver.1 & Ver.2 rendering pictures, which has gained interest from many users. So we contacted several keycap manufacturers and collaborated with KBDFans finally after several prototyping. Nico keyboard kit would come with 10 relegendable keycaps, and there will be two color options: black and white.


Ver.4：More detailed information will be updated in the future



3. Keyboard Specs：

·Layout: 65% × Marco
·Structure: Leaf Spring Gasket
·Typing Angle: 8 degree (Front Height 18.44 mm)
·PCB: 1.2mm, Type - C daughterboard (support QMK, VIA and VIAL, designed and manufactured by Astro)
·Plate: 1.6mm alu plate
·Price: About $370—$380
·Quantity：TBD
·Weight：About 2.2kg（Only case）

Exploded view：


Keyboard layout：

Hotswap PCB layout：

Soldered PCB layout:



4.Kitting：

·Keyboard (Top case, Badge, Bottom Case, Stainless steel weight) x 1
·1.6MM aluminum plate ×1
·1.2MM PCB and Type - C daughterboard ×1
·3.5MM Poron Mid-layer foam ×1
·C Gasket silicone set ×8
·Flexible support silicone ×6
·0.5MM Poron bottom case foam ×1
·JST cable ×1
·KBDFans relegendable keycaps×10


5. Colors：TBD

Ending Statement:
We strived for adopt suggestions from community for every design. If you like our design, please join us and collaborate on more fun designs!
May the year of the rabbit bring good luck and good health to all of you!
Peace & Love!