Source
r/mechmarket•
petejohanson

[IC] Zaphod - 34 key wireless unibody split

Interest Check

Zaphod

https://imgur.com/gallery/crwsKBL

This is an interest check for the Zaphod wireless keyboard. This is a true interest check, to gauge interest levels for this keyboard, and get feedback on some kitting/design choices, so your answers are appreciated!

Details:

  • 34 keys, with a Ferris stagger/layout.
  • Unibody split, with a pronounced 25 degree angle for each "half".
  • Chow low profile switches
  • Support for the Adafruit Sharp Memory display module (https://www.adafruit.com/product/3502), a power efficient, fast refresh display. (https://imgur.com/gallery/oOpsDOB)  The module can either be soldered on with standard pin headers, or pogo pin headers can be used to make the display easy to remove.
  • BLE Wireless (nRF52840 chip), running ZMK firmware - https://zmkfirmware.dev/
  • Power switch to cut power when tossed in a bag.
  • Space under the display for lipo battery up to about 190mAh, using JST plug or soldered directly,

Price:

TBD, with feedback from the interest check, I'll be evaluating assembly, case, and kitting.

interest Check Form:

Iif you're interested, please fill out the IC form: https://forms.gle/ze1oT8Ycq6HmdDQH9

Geekhack thread:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=112486.0

Updates:

For updates and more discussion, please join the #ic-zaphod channel on the Low Profile Keyboards discord server: https://discord.gg/PKjFbkxNTw

Posted Apr 25, 2021, 5:51 PM UTC

15936
Vongow•

Been hoping to see this since I saw your post last week. I'll use mine to spread the love of Vogon poetry around the galaxy!

9
miramichier_d•

I can't help but think that this should have 42 keys instead.

7
petejohansonOP•

Yeah, I'm aware of the painful irony there. The goal is something easily portable for your galactic traveler to bring on the go.

5
abenf•

+1 for adding 8-key macro row on top. for the lulz.

2
SargentRedbeard•

+2 on this. Very interested regardless.

2
sidarous•

Hey, you sass that hoopy Pete Johanson? There's a frood who really knows where his keeb is.

5
Shidoshisan•

very interesting. Except I have enough things to dust. The open electronics itch has been scratched for me many many years ago. Add a clear skele layer that goes over top the electronics so the majority of the dust can be easily wiped and I think a lot more peeps would be interested. Either way....very interesting indeed.

4
petejohansonOP•

One of the recipients of an early prototype designed a case that did just that:

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/834300815760949278/834412286932025344/IMG_20210412_144918.jpg

I may end up designing an acrylic plate case, and if so will aim for something that covers the center area.

Thanks for the feedback!

6
Seth1784•

Possibly interested

3
petejohansonOP•

The last question of the IC form has some options, if there's anything about the design you'd rather be different. (No guarantees, just gathering feedback)

2
Seth1784•

I'll fill out what I can, I'm new to all this mechanical board stuff though lol.

2
broeas•

It looks good

3
skamando•

"I'm up to here with cool, okay? I am so amazingly cool you could keep a side of meat in me for a month. I am so hip I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis."

3
expl0itz•

INTERESTED INTERESTED VERY INTERESTED

3
MrBannnnnanaMan•

Any rough prices?

2
petejohansonOP•

Hoping to have rough price range soon. So far all prototypes have been JLC, but that requires some partial assembly on my part, so a lot will depend on getting some quotes from other vendors once I get a sense of volume for a possible GB.

2
MrBannnnnanaMan•

Yea this looks super sick and a kit I would buy if it was cheap for the wacky layout plus chocs

1
petejohansonOP•

Base PCB will hopefully be reasonable. If you just go bumpons, should hopefully be a relatively reasonable $.

The cases (if I end up designing milled PC case, or acrylic plate) will vary in $. I will definitely OSS the 3dp case for folks that want to get their own printed.

1
MrBannnnnanaMan•

Will there be an option for nothing soldered? I’d love to do some smd soldering and bring the price down.

1
RaisedInAppalachia•

love the display

2
defunkt1721•

Looks like a speedo! Love it

2
petejohansonOP•

I mostly get the "It's a bat!" response, but underwear/speedo comes up pretty often too.

1
smellycoat•

Looks really cool, definitely in!

2
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1
Theyeti511•

Can I see the schematic?

1
petejohansonOP•

Sure, the current version is posted here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S2W4i_RnObb0XbYHoBbfSmhQ3IFF8RAK/view?usp=sharing

Zaphod itself I will likely open source after the GB.

1
Theyeti511•

Awesome! Thanks

1
broeas•

it looks good

1
jcliment•

I like the staggering profile. I usually find the P column is a bit too high for my taste.

I would def buy the GB if i was not a lily58-type of person. Need more keys than what this one provides 8⁰)

1
petejohansonOP•

Not wireless, but I know Thomas of splitkb/Kyria has plans for a version that includes number row but still has aggressive pinky stagger like Kyria; it might be up your alley when released.

1
jcliment•

I see, the Elora. Interesting...

2
broeas•

It looks so good.

1
petejohansonOP•

Thanks!

1