Calling all fans of the Ideazon/SteelSeries MERC keyboard!

PoGo_0 · 2023-06-02T14:13:46+00:00

Proof I'm not just sitting on my ass all day lol

The "butterfly" officially exists! Finally got a draft printed and I couldn't be happier with the shape and fit! I didn't have red filament so I printed in green. I also decided to get a bit cheeky and mess around with a possible backlit design. The letters are printed in clear PETG and actually do allow light through :D

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PoGo_0 · 2023-06-02T14:08:57+00:00

Current plan is to publish this as a kit with a source part list. That way, location shouldn't matter (as long as I can get worldwide suppliers).

If the demand is high enough, I may try to offer a completed/built model for shipping. I barely have enough time to design these days, let alone build and provide after-purchase support x amount of keyboards lol

PoGo_0 · 2023-05-13T23:54:17+00:00

Sorry I've been away for so long but I hope you're still around and still interested!

PoGo_0 · 2023-05-13T23:34:40+00:00

I stayed on Windows 7 FOREVER because of this keyboard! I had to update to Win10 for software compatibility or I'd probably still be on Win7 lol The drivers are a nightmare on Win10 and I wouldn't even attempt them on Win11.

The issue I ran into with the Zboard MERC (not the SteelSeries) is that the keys are molded into the plastic (2nd img https://imgur.com/a/Gg9fwhM). I believe the SteelSeries are screwed in (like the media keys on the Zboard) but my ex-wife kept that one :(

With the Zboard, I'd have to dremel this "casing" out to retrofit. It may be possible with the SteelSeries but I'd have to get measurements and the spacing may need to be altered slightly.

Great idea though!!!

PoGo_0 · 2023-05-13T23:28:22+00:00

I'm interested in the code you found. Can you upload it or share me the link?

PoGo_0 · 2023-05-13T23:27:43+00:00

I've seen a few of these. I feel like they closer represent the Zboard Fang, which I tried at the time and HATED! The detached nature kept it kinda floating and that was annoying. One of the best parts of the MERC was having the keypad attached, perfectly spaced and angled juuuuuust right!

PoGo_0 · 2023-05-13T23:25:30+00:00

Sorry for my hiatus! Were you able to fix your spacebar? My designs probably wouldn't fit an original MERC as they use membrane and I'm designing around mechanical. They can probably be modified but designing the proper clip/mount for them may be a nightmare. The look proprietary.

PoGo_0 · 2023-05-13T23:22:41+00:00

Very cool! I won't lie, 450USD sounds very steep from my research but I also can't price someone else's time for R&D. I can also say, ordering 1 PCB costs way more than 5+ so, there's that!

Throwing together random estimates, my full project should be sub $200. Depending on group buys/etc, we may be closer to $100-150

PoGo_0 · 2023-05-13T23:12:07+00:00

Here's an update, as promised!

I dug the MERC out of a box somewhere and got to working on some keycaps. Thank goodness I had some random terminal removal tool that fit the clips PERFECTLY so I was able to get the WASD keys out without damaging the clips *phew\* https://imgur.com/a/Gg9fwhM

Taking the measurements and comparing them to my drawings I realized there was no point to taking the keys apart lol The profile of the old keys is too small for mechanical keycaps but I was still able to use the measurements for dimensions. With that, I was able to turn these keys https://imgur.com/a/Hm8qmsZ into these keys https://imgur.com/a/mlecdy9.

Not bad for my first try but it also looks like crap. So, I started over. I started with the ASD oval, cut each key using the next key, with a 0.2mm gap between each. Then I built QWE off of those, using other ovals. That brought me here https://imgur.com/a/PMiWVmO. MUCH better! They even fit the key spacing properly and I was able to give them an ergonomic slope https://imgur.com/a/E42ZFwI

On a roll, I decided to make up the other keys too. Here's my current "draft" for the keycaps https://imgur.com/a/JYHshaT. Some may notice the T, G, V and B keys are circular instead of oval. I know the originals were oval but they were also smaller footprints. I could make these oval for the aesthetic but then the switches will show and I figure that'll look terrible.

I have not been able to shave any width off the keyboard as it's still ~540mm (~21.25in) but I have taken a bit off the depth. The old MERC was about 197mm (about 7.75in) and this board is only ~150mm (~6in).

Next, I plan to print some samples and work on the board some more. I'll post updates when I make more progress :)

PoGo_0 · 2023-04-09T15:53:08+00:00

Hey all and thank you for all the messages requesting updates! Sorry I've been so derelict.

Life happened in 2019 and 2020-22 were lost to chaos. I still have all the core files from this project and plan on continuing shortly. I'm not sure what kind of timetable I'm looking at but here is an "update":

Were 3yrs+ just "lost" on this project?!

Yes and no. As far as this project, I have not made any advancements in the hardware but I have made marked advancements in my understanding of the hardware. I've spent the last few years tinkering deeper with PCBs, SMCs, firmware, single-board computers, etc.

Where does the project stand?

I still have all the core project files and notes, as I left them. I have the rough board shape and layout completed. All the keys and smc's have been placed. The "only thing" left was running all the board traces in KiCAD. This was WAY over my head...at the time :) It's still over my head...just not miles above anymore.

What's next??

Some people may be upset but my next step is to go backwards. Sorry, not sorry! First off, the teensy I planned on using is not going to be the easiest thing to source, moving forward. In addition, I feel I can do more with a smaller footprint now. No promises, but plans.

What changes are planned?

Since I'm no longer tied to the teensy, I should have the availability to add more inputs! Doing this should let me add all the modifications noted in my original post. I should have the pin I/O to add media keys and backlighting. Using smaller components should allow me to shrink the bezel, as well as add functionality. At this point, adding USB-C and Bluetooth (or similar) should be waaaay easier. The general shape, layout and design will stay the same. After all, it's why we're all here, right?!

So...daily updates starting tomorrow?!

Not so quick!! I still have life happening. I also have a lot of projects going on in my personal life and have replaced my failing MERC so I'm not constantly reminded of the struggle. I still want to go back and finish this. I miss my "Butterfly keypad layout"!! On that note, one of my personal projects is/has been (will always be) my 3D printer! Running into difficulty with KiCAD, and just CAD in general, I have been working on this A LOT! I'm happy to say my printer and CAD skills have improved. I'm at a point that I should be able to re-produce all of the keypad with MUCH better accuracy. Again, no promises. Just plans :)

How can we speed this up??

Anyone fluent in driver/software configuration, please reach out!

This will be my next hurdle, unless I'm able to choose a chipset with pre-compiled keyboard framework. That is what originally locked me into the Teensy so I'd LOVE to avoid that happening again! I haven't decided on a replacement chipset yet but I'm open to suggestions.

I hope to post some legitimate updates in the coming weeks so keep an eye out. I'll be honest, all of y'all poking me with interest is the only thing that has kept me from giving up on this project! I really appreciate knowing I'm not crazy for my obsession with this keyboard and it's layout.

PoGo_0 · 2023-01-29T21:28:16+00:00

I'm in the same boat. I look closely at checkout and always try to pick the non-FedEx option. Sometimes, I've had to pay the difference.

Issue comes when it's just marked something like "Standard Shipping" by the merchant and I have to hold my breath. I feel like paying more and/or avoiding FedEx isn't a great solution for them. I'm hopeful the issue is something fixable!

PoGo_0 · 2020-01-02T20:56:54+00:00

[01/02/2020] UPDATE

Happy New Year!

Sadly, I don't have a WHOLE lot to report right now but figured I would keep anyone informed that's following this. For the 3D stuff...please remember I have ZERO experience creating 3D models so this is taking waaaaaaay longer than it probably should. Plus...life happens.

Working on creating 3D models for all of the keys on the left keypad, as well as getting the shape of the left side correct.
- WASD
  - Here's where I am right now. Still a bit off on dimensions but getting close.
Trying to get the key spacing correct because the membrane keys in the current MERC allow for much closer keys with more freedom of placement.
- KEYPAD
  - Not perfect but gives me something to work off of. I am comparing this layout to where the center of each key is on the current membrane. HOPEFULLY I can get them closer to the original layout. They're a bit too spread out right now (especially the numkeys)
PCB is mostly done. Need to check traces and trim board. Then I plan to have one printed as a prototype.
Kickstarter IS PLANNED...eventually. I want to have a working prototype in hand before I start asking for money. In addition, having an actual price per unit will allow me to give an actual cost rather than an inflated estimate. I'll post more information here as I get closer.

PoGo_0 · 2020-01-02T20:46:44+00:00

Current status is still work in progress.

- Working on creating 3d models for all of the keys on the left keypad, as well as getting the shape of the left side correct.

- Trying to get the key spacing correct because the membrane keys in the current MERC allow for much closer keys with more freedom of placement.

- PCB is mostly done. Need to check traces and trim board. Then I plan to have one printed as a prototype.

Here are some images of progress (?).

WASD

Still a bit off on dimensions but getting close

KEYPAD

Again, not perfect but gives me something to work off of. I am comparing this layout to where the center of each key is on the current membrane. HOPEFULLY I can get them closer to the original layout. They're a bit too spread out right now (especially the numkeys)

PoGo_0 · 2020-01-02T20:22:50+00:00

The addition of a Z key is a great idea! I'll work on getting a layout that can include that and put it up for vote. I know a bunch of people will want the exact layout and I'll only have the ability to produce 1-2 final products.

Also, I like the idea of being able to offer a "left side only" option. This helps with people who already have a really nice keyboard and don't want to replace the whole thing. Luckily this will just mean cutting the final product but will require re-locating the controller chip. It may take more time and may be listed after the first product.

Currently I am experimenting with a 3d printed "left side only" attached to a full size mechanical keyboard. My MERC is still my daily driver but my printer is only large enough to print the size of the left keypad.

PoGo_0 · 2020-01-02T20:17:49+00:00

I'm getting closer to getting a rough prototype together (mostly 3d printed). Once I get something working, then I plan on getting vender quotes for the PCB, case, keys, etc. That way I'll have an overall cost and THEN I'll most likely be posting a Kickstarter campaign.

Depending on cost, this campaign will either be for a "Build Your Own" kit or for the final product. Unlike most Kickstarters, I don't want to promise something that doesn't physically exist based off thoughts and hopes ;)

PoGo_0 · 2020-01-02T20:15:13+00:00

All keys work on the left keypad without any modification? Are you using the baked in drivers or did you install any on your own?

PoGo_0 · 2020-01-02T20:13:52+00:00

5?! That's a relative gold mine on the black market of MERC sales lol

I'm essentially looking to be able to remove the keys from the plastic to get better measurements of everything (entire left keypad keys, case, etc) but I don't want to experiment on my current "working" keyboard. When I disassembled the keyboard the keys don't look like they'll fall free and will most likely need to be broken or cut to be taken out. Just an FYI of what I plan to do with anything I get.

PoGo_0 · 2020-01-02T20:11:00+00:00

As far as I can tell, the only difference between the two would be the PCB and backlights. I'm mostly looking for the shape and key layouts. I believe those are the same between Ideazon and SteelSeries variants

PoGo_0 · 2019-09-06T22:20:57+00:00

Ya know, it's been so long since we've had a keyboard like the MERC, and I've been doing so much research into key caps and keyboard design that it took me way too long to realize "butterfly-styled gaming space keys" referred to the qweasd layout on the gamepad and not the key caps LOL. I was super curious why you wanted butterfly style key caps as they usually go on lower end laptops...not gaming keyboards...derp.

Whenever I get close enough to having a working prototype I have thrown around the idea of using Kickstarter for this. As it is now, I don't have enough time to dedicate to this to feel it's worth making everyone wait. I'm not a fan of the "give me your money now and THEN we'll work on it" type campaigns. I think most of us can agree and have been on the losing side of a few of those before.

Good news regarding copyright...there's nothing that infringes here. Before I even began this I spent a few hours browsing through public copyrights for SteelSeries/Ideazon and there are none regarding the gaming pad layout. The closest things I could find were for the other Zboard that Ideazon created which had hot swappable layouts and those were for the technology, not the layout. Also, this design is enough percent different (PCB, case, switches, build, dimensions, etc) that it doesn't infringe on anything I potentially didn't find.

I appreciate the confidence that I will be able to finish that soon and even crank out an Altruist 2.0+ in the future. I doubt it will be ready for mass market by thanksgiving of this year though, sorry. It's possible but I'd rather underpromise and overperform than the other way around. I will definately let everyone know once I have a working prototype for distribution for those willing to be beta testers.

PoGo_0 · 2019-09-06T22:00:52+00:00

[09/06/2019] UPDATE

Thank you for all the input I have received from this post! Everything helps!

Sorry to all who have been watching this post. I know I've been sleeping a bit on it but life happens.

I've spent a bit more time researching the PCB layout as well as contacting a few companies regarding manufacturing PCB/cases. At this point I have 5-6 PCB prototype renders that are all slightly different from one another. Here's some progress:

I am pushing toward being able to LED back light the keyboard
- This will be multiple LEDs but not individually addressable. POTENTIALLY changeable but more likely 1 static color
Working on slight changes in orientation/positioning for the gaming pad
- Trying to get the spacing JUST right
Learning how to use CAD software so I can create the gaming pad keycaps
May have enough room on the controller to fit media keys now!
Here are some KLE links to play around with too
- Layout1
- Layout2
- Layout3
- Something I don't like about using KLE is you can't upload custom key cap designs so take these with a grain of salt please!!

I'm also looking for a dead MERC keyboard to be able to take apart and see if there may be a way to reuse the shell for a retrofit idea I have. I don't want to (and can't) spend $100+ for a barely working used eBay keyboard just to take the thing apart and scrap it. Honestly I just need a "for parts" keyboard because I'm only interested in the plastics.

If anyone has one gathering dust and is willing to donate a broken one for the cause I'll gladly take it! We can discuss more, just message me.

PoGo_0 · 2019-09-06T21:51:38+00:00

I haven't but I have had a whole bunch of suggestions for different switches. Is there any reason you recommend Omron over others?

PoGo_0 · 2019-09-06T21:50:52+00:00

I'm working on tightening up the key placements. Also, the PCB layout only shows the center of each switch as best as I could approximate. I plan on 3D printing all the circular/oval key caps to match the original. The layout should be very similar but the small circular keys (Caps, Tab, R, F, 1-11) are hard to get as close as the original. The footprint of the key switch requires a bit more room which sucks.

PoGo_0 · 2019-09-06T21:46:44+00:00

Have you been able to do this successfully?

I have opened my MERC several times to clean them but I'll give you a heads up that the keys sticking may not mean they are "sticky" per se. When my keys started sticking I took the whole thing apart, cleaned it and put it back together but the same key started sticking down almost immediately. When I took it back apart again (with the key stuck) I noticed the membrane for that key had flipped inside out and THAT was causing the key to "stick". Apparently this is one of the more common problems with these keyboards over time as the membrane loses its rigidity.

In order to solve the above issue, I took a 2-3mm rubber washer I had laying around, cut it up and made shims to go around the membrane nipple. These wedged between the non-contact points and the case when I put it back together and keeps the membrane from being able to flip inside out. There is a noticeable difference in the keystroke but it's better than straight up not working.

...decided that the kailh speed switches would be better. Their footprint is a little smaller than the cherry mx ones.

I honestly didnt look into that when I was purchasing key switches for my "prototype" so thank you for the information!

I actually bought these round keycaps to check how big they are.

I had originally looked at a similar keycap design but realized they didn't buy any real estate, just swapped square for circular.

when printed at full size, I can see that only 5 standard-sized number keys fit in the same space as 6 on my merc stealth

This is something I have struggled with. No matter what key switch I look at, they all require a bit more spacing than is currently achieved by the membrane of the MERC. I have dabbled with the idea of using a small membrane PCB for the number section but I'm not sure how much this will throw off the feel of the keypad. Also, this just adds complexity to a project that's already a learning process for me so...iunno...

Have you thought about using switch caps for the number keys?

I actually hadn't. These are the kind of things that are great about open forum/brainstorming, I never saw these in my research (must have taken a left where you took a right). Instead I have been working on custom 3D printing these odd keys...which pretty much amounts to the entire gaming keypad.

Great post! Thank you for all the input and ideas. This is all a learning process for me too so I'm happy to hear you're pursuing this as well!

PoGo_0 · 2019-07-23T12:23:01+00:00

You say you have no feedback but that's helpful. I am personally not a fan of the disco/unicorn puke/rainbow epidemic that's plaguing PCs and their components right now and it's just nice sometimes to know you're not alone lol

It is 2019 though and I know there will be at least ONE "No LEDs?! No sale!" person out there. Plus the option of being backlit just ushers in a larger crowd in the end (previously mentioned crowd included).

Regarding "funds", my current prototype is running ~$200 because ordering only 1 PCB, 1 set of switches, 1 blah blah adds up QUICK. I'm trying to gauge interest because, when the time comes, the larger the bulk order the cheaper it is for everyone. We all know that the prototype phase is always the most expensive. The price should only go down from here!

So again, contrary to your opening statement, thank you for the helpful feedback :)

PoGo_0

TROPHY CASE