Timber Wolf, GB on 9/20

Update Sep 7: The Group Buy

The GB launches on 9/20 at 8PM PST. It will run for one week, or until we reach 40 units. I have no idea which will happen first. Gonna set an MOQ of 25, though.

A full kit with the TBR-Prime layout will go for $365 + PP fees and shipping. Full kits with TBR-A and TBR-B layouts will run for $390. If you instead choose to get a custom layout (choosing a specific left side, top row, and right side), that will be $465. You will also be able to order extra PCBs and top cases - PCBs will be an extra $60, for the top case it will be $150 for the Prime, $175 for the A or B, and $250 for a custom.

I've already had prototypes made for the TBR-A (top) and TBR-B (bottom) layouts, but before we launch the GB, I wanted to do kind of a second IC, so that I can nail down what exact configurations would best suit most people. It's just 4 questions, multiple choice, should only take a minute. If you just want the TBR-Prime layout, that's locked in so you don't need to worry about filling this out.

IC Form 2


OP:

Keyboard design always starts with the layout for me. For this board, I set out to create something with the functionality of a 75% or TKL, but with added features like a rotary encoder, numpad enter, and macro keys, all in a tight and exceptionally usable package. I ended up coming up with two primary approaches to this goal, and I decided that I wanted both.

The Case

In the BattleTech universe, OmniMechs are unique for their ability to quickly change their loadouts, with the Timber Wolf being a fan favorite 75-tonner. This keyboard follows a similar philosophy, with the ability to quickly change between layouts on the same chassis.

To that end, the Timber Wolf is top-mounted, allowing the entire top piece and PCB to be quickly switched out with an alternate layout. It is a plateless board, with the PCB affixed to the top case in something reminiscent of a burger-mount, in an attempt to foster a relaxed keyfeel with excellent acoustics.

If quick-swapping doesn't appeal to you (I might be unique in wanting that feature), you may still be interested in one of the possible layouts. The plan is to allow people to pick any layout supported by the PCB, and order a top case based on that layout. Hopefully with no MOQs (though there will be downsides, such as added cost). I also want to have a "Prime" configuration, though (or maybe 2) based on what layout options are most popular from this IC, and offer that layout at a lower price. Hopefully this serves as the best of both worlds!

The Timber Wolf will have an aluminum construction with no weight, but it's not exactly light - Fusion360 estimates it at over 2.4KG for just the top and bottom case. It uses an 8° typing angle and 19.05mm switch spacing, and bumpon strips.

Stylistically, I wanted to go for something in the flavor of western mech designs, with an industrial look and angular features rather than organic curves. I'm very excited about how it turned out, and I hope you like the look of the renders as much as I do, though colors are still very TBD.



The Layouts



These four layouts are only a smattering of the possibilities. Since I plan to allow people to choose their own layout in the GB, I laid out the options in KLE, to give you a preview of the ways you will be able to customize your board. You can choose your own set-up for the left-most column, the top row & nav cluster, and the right side. In total, there are 60 combinations (but much fewer that I'd consider reasonable and expect people to actually use). You can also make your own custom layout that builds on some combination of those three sections and removes keys, but you'd have to talk to me about that and we could design the layout together (or throw something together and set it to me).

While the layouts do all have their own flavor to them, they mostly follow these tenants (most of it is self-explanatory, but I love talking about this stuff).

• 1/3u Gaps: Having only a .25u gap between separate key areas never felt like quite enough to me, and I've kept the gaps between f-key clusters at a full .5u
• Rotary Encoder: There are custom layout options that forgo this feature, but I truly love having one
• Nav Cluster: Inventive nav cluster shapes are fun, but maintaining the original shape (more or less) will always be the best option
• 2u Delete: The PCB does support putting 2 1u keys in this area, but a 2u delete key (using a numpad + keycap) really feels great
• Numpad Enter: Easily my favorite key on a keyboard, and I think its loss is the glaring issue I've had with TKLs - hitting numpad enter with my thumb has been a habit ingrained in me for my whole life, and I've talked to some others who feel the same way
• Macro Column: Too useful for my workflow to give up dedicated macro keys, and this way all the artisan fans have a place to flex.

In addition to these wild customization options, the 60% block supports other, more normal options - both ISO and ANSI layouts, as well as split backspace, stepped caps, and a few bottom row options - focusing around compact versions of the standard bottom row, Tsangan, and WKL.

The PCB

• AtMega32u4 running QMK
• Daughterboard for center-mounted USB with fuse & ESD protection
• Lock light with light pipe, shroud to prevent bleed, and trimmer to control brightness
• PCB cuts aimed at consistent keyfeel over maximum flex
• South-facing switches
• Fully via stitched lel

Thanks to PheonixStarr for the sick renders in red with GMK Jamón (zoom in on the aluminum in those images and check out that bead blast texture, mm) and the wonderful denizens of ai03's discord server for feedback on the design!

Extra Renders

Feel free to request a render of any layout you're interested in and case color