Interest CheckKeyboards

Paintbrush | A 45% Keyboard | GB Date & New Vendor Announced!

by Zeus501

Group Buy: Mar 4, 2022 — Apr 8, 2022

geekhackpom

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byZeus501

Description

Paintbrush Redux

A 45% keyboard with exploded escape, arrows, rotary encoder/knob, and 'nav cluster.'
Featuring a gasket mounted plate, copper through weight and more!

Introduction

Inspired by the layouts of Abec13's 45-ATS and WalletBurner's Cajal, the idea for Paintbrush was born. After several changes and prototypes, the case was redesigned from the ground up with a focus on retaining the signature look and feel of earlier revisions while implementing more modern design elements.

Links

IC FORM

Layout

The PCB supports the following options for the bottom row:

Specifications

- Typing Angle: 7°
- Front Height: 18.1mm (23.1mm EKH)
- Case weight: 1.3kg (2 lbs 14oz) built
- Case Material: 6063 Aluminum for top and bottom | Copper for weight and knob
- Mount: Gasket Mount | 4 mounting points with 1/8" gaskets above and below the plate
- PCB: RP2040 with QMK/VIAL support and S1 UDB

Group Buy Details

- Case Colors: Blue, Grey, Green, Black
- Plate Materials: FR-4, POM
- Cost: TBD
- GB Date: March 4th - April 8th
- Vendor: CBKBD (Worldwide)

Media

V1 Proto build stream by Hedgey404:

Photos

The V6 protos are using the incorrect screws and will be fixed for GB. Copper weight and knob finish may differ depending on IC results.

V1 Photos

V2 Photos and Renders

V3 Photos

V4 Photos

V5 Photos

Design Changelog

V2 Prototype:

- Redesigned external case elements for a cleaner aesthetic.

V3 Prototype:

- Designed custom press fit knob with engraving.
- Reduced number and strength of magnets used for securing halves.
- Redesigned the weight to mount from the bottom with more magnets to be more secure.
- Moved the UDB lower in the bottom to avoid PCB bottoming out on the JST connector.

V4 Prototype:

- Modified knob engraving to accommodate easier CNC machining.
- Added cutouts for easier gasket placement on bottom case half.
- Added threaded holes to all parts for easier finishing.
- Changed from circle bumpons to custom cut rubber feet.
- Changed knob to use set screw for increased part consistency and reliability.

V5 Prototype:

- Redesigned case to be seamless and removed magnets.
- Lowered case height.
- Moved mounting points slightly.
- Changed the weight engraving.
- PCB MCU updated to RP2040.

V6 Prototype:

- Updated custom daughterboard to S1 UDB.
- Updated PCB to use Molex EZ-Mate connector for S1 UDB compatibility.

Acknowledgements

- OCM for the engraving artwork
- Olivia for the renders
- Hedgey for the build stream
- Dominic for being a nice guy