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Pneuma Mk.2/60 - Interest Check

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Description

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Introduction on the Pneuma from Stef:

The Pneuma is my take on the 60% form factor that I have worked on for the past couple of years. The name "Pneuma" or "πνεῦμα" is a noun used by the ancient Greeks to describe the "Spirit" or "Soul". It is also used to describe the creative force within humans, a nod to the inspiration I've gotten while designing the board. The board was developed around the design philosophy that a product shall be interesting from three distances: far away, regular usage distance, and up-close.

From afar, the large shapes, soft lines and material finishes invite the user to come closer. Here they can notice the symmetry, balanced weight and design cues like the slightly larger slope of the case that looks like it sucks in the keycaps. Finally, when getting really up-close with the board, tiny details start to stand out like the continuous curvature of the outer edges and the tiny fillets used on the main chamfers to soften the look & feel.

A private GB was held for the Mk.1 design in 2020. It was planned to enter the public GB phase shortly after but was deemed too risky at that point in time due to the pandemic. However, armed with new insights, we improved the Mk.2 in terms of assembly, typing feel, and machinability while staying true to my initial vision for the board.

Changes from the Mk.1:

Mounting changed from poron gasket mounting to o-ring strip gasket mounting.

Plate coverage and stiffness are similar, but gaskets are now removable/replaceable to experiment with different materials and hardnesses.

Overhauled internal construction.

No mid-piece and faceplate but a single bottom piece. This simplifies the complex machining of the Mk.1 design and reduces the number of screws needed to disassemble the board (from 10 to 4) without losing the screwless exterior.

Added internal weight.

To offset the weight from the previously optional stainless steel faceplate/mid-piece in order to increase total weight and cover the daughterboard cable channel.

Introduced Polycarbonate top version.

Due to the new assembly method of the Mk.2, there are no visible screws in the PC top, and all threads remain in the aluminium bottom. The PC top didn't fit the desired design language in the Mk.1 since the screws would be visible.

The design language and ratios have remained the same but refined with continuous curvature on the outer radii, softened edges less prone to damage, and updated logo at the bottom.

Product details:

Specifications:

6.5 degree typing angle
7.5 degree top case angle
Clean seamless construction
23.1mm Adjusted Keyboard Front Height
O-ring strip gasket mount compatibel with 3mm ø cord
6063 Aluminium top/bottom case or option for PC top.
Copper internal weight
Estimated weight: 1.5kg (built)
Compatible with Geon 60% removable rubber feet
QMK/VIA compatible PCB by Martin
Further options and colourways TBD

Plate & PCB:
Default plate compatibility

PCB compatibility

Current sale plans:
Antipode exclusive in-stock, 100-200 planned units, estimated price $299-499 depending on edtion, further details TBD

Visuals:
Prototype Photos:

First round of prototypes:

Second round of prototypes:

Case internals:

Typing tests:
First round prototype with Gateron Oil kings on Alu plate:

First round prototype with Sarokey strawberry wines on Alu plate:

Special thanks to:
The Antipode team, for collaborating with me on my personal dream project and offering a level of collaboration unheard of in this hobby.

All buyers and supporters of the Mk.1 Pneuma, for offering great insights for improvement and their long term support for this project ❤️.

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