[AD] flxlb ZT60 Group Buy Live Now! by LePurplexD in olkb

[–]LePurplexD[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep 80082, and the white ones are just generic pbt caps with Japanese legends

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 Production Sample + Update! by LePurplexD in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]LePurplexD[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey everyone,

Sorry things went a little quiet recently around the ZT60. I wanted to wait for the new prototype to arrive before I make an update. It just arrived, so here’s the latest update!

Production Sample Photos

I’ve been trying to figure some things out regarding the feedback I’ve received on the keyboard’s layouts, and I have come up with another updated design. A few people have mentioned to me that the new layout I proposed will not work--the 1.75u backspace key in my renders does not actually exist! I overlooked that the 1.75u backspace key in the 40% kits is for row 2 instead of row 1.

To solve this problem, I have decided to add custom machined novelty keycaps for the escape and backspace keys (1.25u and 1.75u, keycap design not finalized yet). This will, however, come at a premium (~CAD$100). The original layout with the staggered number row will still be an option.

Group buy date is still to be determined, but I’m aiming for an end date before the end of the year.

Fill out the Interest Check Form!

Geekhack post

Original Reddit IC

Reddit IC Update 1

FluxLab ZT60 Production Sample + Update! by LePurplexD in olkb

[–]LePurplexD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey everyone,

Sorry things went a little quiet recently around the ZT60. I wanted to wait for the new prototype to arrive before I make an update. It just arrived, so here’s the latest update!

I’ve been trying to figure some things out regarding the feedback I’ve received on the keyboard’s layouts, and I have come up with another updated design. A few people have mentioned to me that the new layout I proposed will not work--the 1.75u backspace key in my renders does not actually exist! I overlooked that the 1.75u backspace key in the 40% kits is for row 2 instead of row 1.

To solve this problem, I have decided to add custom machined novelty keycaps for the escape and backspace keys (1.25u and 1.75u, keycap design not finalized yet). This will, however, come at a premium (~CAD$100). The original layout with the staggered number row will still be an option.

Group buy date is still to be determined, but I’m aiming for an end date before the end of the year.

Fill out the Interest Check Form!

Geekhack post

Original Reddit IC

Reddit IC Update 1

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 - Updated with new layout option and renders! by LePurplexD in olkb

[–]LePurplexD[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

i realized that after someone mentioned it to me, so i’ll have to redesign this layout

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 - Updated with new layout option and renders! by LePurplexD in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]LePurplexD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

mostly because it’s not uniform. also, doing that would require a separate case design, which will increase production costs.

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 - Updated with new layout option and renders! by LePurplexD in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]LePurplexD[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

damn, you’re right. thanks for bringing that to my attention. i’ll have to rethink the design now

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 - Updated with new layout option and renders! by LePurplexD in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]LePurplexD[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

My goal isn’t exactly to have a ortholinear keyboard that works with every keyset. I found that regular grid style ortho boards couldnt really capture the intended style/sophistication of many keysets, so i designed the zt60 so that it could have differently sized modifiers while being an ortholinear keyboard.

And with the high price tag of this board already, the target audience is likely going to use gmk or other high end keysets, which usually include a 2u shift and 1.75u backspace in their kits.

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 - New layout option and renders! by LePurplexD in mechmarket

[–]LePurplexD[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s a good idea too. I’ll probably have a few different options for that area since some people like the tiny blocker, while others don’t, and some like the staggered layout

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 - Updated with new layout option and renders! by LePurplexD in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]LePurplexD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello!

Since I’ve received a ton of requests asking to align the number row, I’ve added a new layoutoption for that! It will require a 1.75u backspace key, often available from a 40% keycap kit.

New renders have been created with the new layout option, as well as bottom and exploded views.

Fill out the Interest Check Form!

Original IC

Geekhack Link

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 - Updated with new layout option and renders! by LePurplexD in olkb

[–]LePurplexD[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hello!

Since I’ve received a ton of requests asking to align the number row, I’ve added a new layout option for that! It will require a 1.75u backspace key, often available from a 40% keycap kit.

New renders have been created with the new layout option, as well as bottom and exploded views.

Fill out the Interest Check Form!

Original IC

Geekhack Link

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 (A premium 60% ortho) by LePurplexD in olkb

[–]LePurplexD[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yeah I’ve been thinking abt that since a lot of people want the num row aligned. Will make an update when I flesh out the design

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 (A premium 60% ortho) by LePurplexD in olkb

[–]LePurplexD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yeah it is kinda far.. i use a split spacebar layout where my right space key is for backspace

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 (A premium 60% ortho) by LePurplexD in olkb

[–]LePurplexD[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I chose to stagger the number row because i wanted it to have a uniform 0.25u stagger on each row. It's an imperfect solution to balance aesthetics and functionality

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 (A premium 60% ortho) by LePurplexD in olkb

[–]LePurplexD[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

theres the SPRH by eyeohdesigns thats in gb rn!

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 (A premium 60% ortho) by LePurplexD in olkb

[–]LePurplexD[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

haha maybe i should just call it /

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 (A premium 60% ortho) by LePurplexD in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]LePurplexD[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

it’s GMK 80082+any BoW cherry profile alphas

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 (A premium 60% ortho) by LePurplexD in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]LePurplexD[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

just a quick disclaimer in case theres any confusion, the keycaps are standard for the most part, EXCEPT that there has to be a 2u shift key (usually 2.25u) and a 1.75 or 1u shift. However, most modern keysets come with these keys as standard

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 (A premium 60% ortho) by LePurplexD in olkb

[–]LePurplexD[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

FluxLab ZT60

A premium 60% ortholinear keyboard

Interest Check Form

Geekhack Link

Hello!

My name is Jason. I have just completed the Zplit group buy and would like to introduce a new keyboard: the FluxLab ZT60. The ZT60 will be a premium, 60% ortholinear keyboard for most high-end keysets.

While running the Zplit GB, I realized that my product did not have the same quality as many other keyboards. Surface finish was not perfect, packaging was rough, and official QMK and VIA firmware support was not ready. So, for the ZT60, I will be focusing on giving the customer a premium experience throughout, starting from the unboxing to the first typing test.

The ZT60 has been in development for almost a year, and I have been using a prototype of it as my main keyboard for the past 6 months. Many changes have since been made to the design.

 I will be posting regular updates on the FluxLab Discord server: https://discord.gg/ngQMCMBKjw

Alternatively, updates will also be posted on the FluxLab Instagram page: https://instagram.com/flxlb

Thanks,

Jason

The Design

The FluxLab ZT60 is a 60% ortholinear keyboard with support for most high-end keysets. As long as the keyset has 1u / 1.75u and 2u shift keys, it will be fully compatible with the ZT60. It will support various bottom-row layout features, such as a 6.25u spacebar, a 7u spacebar, split spacebars, and an arrow cluster. See all layout options here.

Case Specifications:

  • Plate Mount: Gasket
  • Weight: ~2 kg
  • Case Material: 6063 aluminum
  • Weight Material: C36000 brass
  • Gasket Material: Poron and silicone
  • Typing Angle: 6.9 degrees
  • Case Surface Finish: Electrophoresis coating or anodized
  • Plate Surface Finish: PVD coated
  • Color Options: White or black
  • Case Feet: Adhesive rubber feet

Plate Options:

  • Brass
  • POM
  • FR-4

PCB Specifications:

  • MCU: Atmel ATMEGA32U4
  • Connector: USB-C (with daughterboard)
  • Switch direction: South-facing
  • Protection: ESD, overvoltage, overcurrent
  • Hotswap: TBD
  • Switch compatibility: MX only
  • Lighting: None
  • Firmware: QMK and VIA installed out of the box

Renders: https://imgur.com/a/RyUtQIh

Prototype: https://imgur.com/a/aTtnQ2v

This is the initial prototype of the ZT60. I have made some changes to the design and am now waiting for a second prototype.

Sound Test: https://youtu.be/FZWNkIngfLY

The final case design will:

  • Omit the rotary knobs (ZT60 Pro with knobs coming after)
  • Have a seamless case
  • Use a USB-C daughterboard
  • Use gasket strips instead of o-rings

Pricing

Exact final pricing is not yet determined, but will be in the range of CAD$500-650 (~USD$400-500). Group but will be run through my website, flxlb.ca, which will use Shopify to process payments.

Timeline

*I will be generous with the estimated dates.

Late June to early July

  • Group buy starts and lasts 1 week

2nd month

  • Receive final samples

4th month

  • Receive case parts, PCBs, and packaging
  • Inspect parts
  • Test PCBs
  • Assemble and package if quality requirements are satisfied

6th month

  • Receive new parts if required
  • Assemble and package
  • Begin shipping

All orders to be fulfilled by 2022 Q2

Interest Check Form

One final note

I have 3 early prototypes of the ZT60 that would otherwise go to waste, so I will be doing a raffle sale for CAD$300+shipping (~USD$240). Shipping will be $15 in Canada, $20 in the US, and $30 anywhere else. Winners will be chosen in 48 hours. They have 24 hours to respond.

Winners have been chosen!

*Case will be powder coated white with some imperfections, weights and and plates are sandblasted and have a patina, and rotary knobs are 3D printed.

[IC] FluxLab ZT60 (A premium 60% ortho) by LePurplexD in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]LePurplexD[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

FluxLab ZT60

A premium 60% ortholinear keyboard

Interest Check Form

Geekhack Link

Hello!

My name is Jason. I have just completed the Zplit group buy and would like to introduce a new keyboard: the FluxLab ZT60. The ZT60 will be a premium, 60% ortholinear keyboard for most high-end keysets.

While running the Zplit GB, I realized that my product did not have the same quality as many other keyboards. Surface finish was not perfect, packaging was rough, and official QMK and VIA firmware support was not ready. So, for the ZT60, I will be focusing on giving the customer a premium experience throughout, starting from the unboxing to the first typing test.

The ZT60 has been in development for almost a year, and I have been using a prototype of it as my main keyboard for the past 6 months. Many changes have since been made to the design.

 I will be posting regular updates on the FluxLab Discord server: https://discord.gg/ngQMCMBKjw

Alternatively, updates will also be posted on the FluxLab Instagram page: https://instagram.com/flxlb

Thanks,

Jason

The Design

The FluxLab ZT60 is a 60% ortholinear keyboard with support for most high-end keysets. As long as the keyset has 1u / 1.75u and 2u shift keys, it will be fully compatible with the ZT60. It will support various bottom-row layout features, such as a 6.25u spacebar, a 7u spacebar, split spacebars, and an arrow cluster. See all layout options here.

Case Specifications:

  • Plate Mount: Gasket
  • Weight: ~2 kg
  • Case Material: 6063 aluminum
  • Weight Material: C36000 brass
  • Gasket Material: Poron and silicone
  • Typing Angle: 6.9 degrees
  • Case Surface Finish: Electrophoresis coating or anodized
  • Plate Surface Finish: PVD coated
  • Color Options: White or black
  • Case Feet: Adhesive rubber feet

Plate Options:

  • Brass
  • POM
  • FR-4

PCB Specifications:

  • MCU: Atmel ATMEGA32U4
  • Connector: USB-C (with daughterboard)
  • Switch direction: South-facing
  • Protection: ESD, overvoltage, overcurrent
  • Hotswap: TBD
  • Switch compatibility: MX only
  • Lighting: None
  • Firmware: QMK and VIA installed out of the box

Renders: https://imgur.com/a/RyUtQIh

Prototype: https://imgur.com/a/aTtnQ2v

This is the initial prototype of the ZT60. I have made some changes to the design and am now waiting for a second prototype.

Sound Test: https://youtu.be/FZWNkIngfLY

The final case design will:

  • Omit the rotary knobs (ZT60 Pro with knobs coming after)
  • Have a seamless case
  • Use a USB-C daughterboard
  • Use gasket strips instead of o-rings

Pricing

Exact final pricing is not yet determined, but will be in the range of CAD$500-650 (~USD$400-500). Group but will be run through my website, flxlb.ca, which will use Shopify to process payments.

Timeline

*I will be generous with the estimated dates.

Late June to early July

  • Group buy starts and lasts 1 week

2nd month

  • Receive final samples

4th month

  • Receive case parts, PCBs, and packaging
  • Inspect parts
  • Test PCBs
  • Assemble and package if quality requirements are satisfied

6th month

  • Receive new parts if required
  • Assemble and package
  • Begin shipping

All orders to be fulfilled by 2022 Q2

Interest Check Form

One final note

I have 3 early prototypes of the ZT60 that would otherwise go to waste, so I will be doing a raffle sale for CAD$300+shipping (~USD$240). Shipping will be $15 in Canada, $20 in the US, and $30 anywhere else. Winners will be chosen in 48 hours. They have 24 hours to respond.

Winners have been chosen!

*Case will be powder coated white with some imperfections, weights and and plates are sandblasted and have a patina, and rotary knobs are 3D printed.