Hello everyone, here I will present the Interest-Check for SONIC170 V2. Back in 2023, we introduced SONIC170 to you, and the group buy was very successful. SONIC170 has become one of the favorite keyboards for many keyboard fans. Three years after the end of the SONIC170 group buy, we are about to bring out its updated version, which is also the last group buy for SONIC170. To optimize the installation of SONIC170 V2, improve the feel and sound, we made significant changes. Please read the following information if you like.
Index
Design Lighting Module Structure Specifications and Layout Kit Includes Colors Follow the development
Design
Front
The overall design continues from SONIC V1. The slightly wider right bar and the left Macro keys create visual balance and house the EC11 knob. We have also prepared a version without the cross-shaped strips, so that you can choose it if you hate the cross-shaped look.
Side
The biggest visual change from V1 is the curved side transition. The side and bottom are connected with dual curves. This makes the keyboard easier to lift and adds more depth to the profile.
Bottom & Rear
Bottom: Less is more. The bottom keeps a minimalist design language. We avoided extra lines and patterns to maintain harmony. The bottom logo uses a PVD finish.
Rear: The USB port has been moved to the right side. It aligns with the backspace key. This makes it easier to connect multiple small PCBs with pogo-pins. It also better showcases custom coiled cables on the desk.
Lighting Module
A matrix of 149 LEDs forms the lighting system. Each LED can be turned on or off individually in VIA to create custom patterns. Due to controller memory limits, it supports saving up to 5 custom patterns and 3 built-in patterns. You can switch between them using shortcuts.
The light board and macro board use pogo pin connections. You can remove or reposition the lighting module without replacing the macro PCB. Additional lighting modules can be purchased; you can install two modules for different combinations.
Right Light Bar: The right light bar and Caps Lock indicator now use side-facing LEDs. This solves the issue of visible LED beads at low brightness and harsh glare at high brightness. The light PCB board is connected using pogo pins, reducing installation difficulty by removing the need for FFC cables during assembly.
Structure
Leaf-Spring Gasket The SONIC170 V2 uses extended plate arms to reduce resonance. A wall-like frame design separates the plate arms from the inner cavity, reducing contact between the top and bottom shell. The brass mid-frame also helps reduce hollow sound and case resonance. The kit includes silicone gaskets in three hardness levels to match different inner setups.
Inner Structure A brass mid-frame and brass internal weight reduce internal resonance. Even without foam, the keyboard delivers a solid sound and feel. The kit includes a Poron foam pack as standard which you can mix and match freely.
Connection Method The SONIC170 V2 uses multiple pogo pins and magnetic connectors to reduce assembly difficulty. These parts come pre-installed from the factory. During assembly, you only need to connect one FFC between the main PCB and the macro board.
• Main PCB: 1.6mm hot-swap (fixed layout) or 1.6mm soldered (multi-layout) • Hot-swap: Supports fixed layout and stepped Caps Lock • Solder: Supports 7U spacebar and ISO enter • Macro Section: Hot-swap only for easy lighting module installation
Hot-swap:
Solder:
Colors
Available Colors:
Silver
Celadon
White
Ice Blue
Rose Gold
Lilac
Gray
Blueish purple
Black
Bottom Case Options: Same color as top, E-white, Silver.
PVD Bottom Logo Options: PVD Silver, PVD Black.
Kit Includes
• Shell (6063 aluminum top and bottom / brass weight / brass mid-frame) • Wired 1.6mm PCB (QMK with VIA support) • Plate (color-matched aluminum; e-white version with silver plate) • Foam kit (3mm Poron case foam / 0.5mm IXPE switch pad) • Gasket (Three different hardness levels) • Screws and feet • Manual • Full PCBA set (Type-C daughterboard / adapter / knob / light / macro / magnetic connector boards) • Keyboard case & Packaging box
Pictures
Follow the Development
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