Introduction

Compatibility

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Great for touch typing

Plate PCB and Pricing

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Yes

Robotical

Trente

jebbra

rrrsss

runswithflowers



Maybe

Puddsy

ErgoMacros

Vigrith









I'm gauging interest in a PCB for a 60% board with a symmetrical row stagger (a more natural slant for the left hand). The PCB will fit right into 60% cases, and will come pre-soldered with microcontroller (atmega32u4) and diodes - all you need to do is add switches. Above is an example layout that I'm using in a hand-wired prototype board right now.



The current PCB prototype supports both MX and ALPs switches; Id like to run a concurrent switch plate group buy enabling each of the PCBs supported layouts:





Features

* Symmetrical layout, for a more natural (ergonomic) key arrangement than legacy layouts.

* Support for standard ANSI keycap sets - you dont need any special keycaps.

* Support for qmk or tmk, with an atmega32u4 microcontroller (found on teensy 2.0 and pro micro).

* Support for poker style 60% cases.

* Support for Cherry MX AND Matias/ALPs style switches.

* All components will be presoldered - just add switches and caps.



Further refinements

* Switch plate style (which layout, universal switch cutouts?).

* debugging the PCB.



The Layout

The layout features symmetrical staggered rows, like the



The PCB

Im currently debugging the first PCB prototype. The PCB supports ALPs and Cherry MX switches, with the following supported layouts:





Bonus!:



The two alternative bottom rows arose from my desire to support the (limited) Matias keycaps that are available - here is a hand-wired Katana60, with MQCs and aekii caps, that Im currently using day-to-day at the office:





Fully programmable

The PCB will include an atmega32u4 - the same microcontroller found in the popular Teensy and Pro Micro boards, so its compatible with TMK and QMK firmware.



If youre interested in either 1. the PCB, 2. the switch plate or 3. both, please reply, saying which. I'll add the names to a list (and may or may not create a form for you to fill in).



Also, please state if you'd be interested in the plate if it supports universal holes (so the same plate can support both MX and ALPs style switches.)



Thanks!

Interested users:RoboticalTrentejebbrarrrsssrunswithflowersPuddsyErgoMacrosVigrithI'm gauging interest in a PCB for a 60% board with a symmetrical row stagger (a more natural slant for the left hand). The PCB will fit right into 60% cases, and will come pre-soldered with microcontroller (atmega32u4) and diodes - all you need to do is add switches. Above is an example layout that I'm using in a hand-wired prototype board right now.The current PCB prototype supports both MX and ALPs switches; Id like to run a concurrent switch plate group buy enabling each of the PCBs supported layouts:* Symmetrical layout, for a more natural (ergonomic) key arrangement than legacy layouts.* Support for standard ANSI keycap sets - you dont need any special keycaps.* Support for qmk or tmk, with an atmega32u4 microcontroller (found on teensy 2.0 and pro micro).* Support for poker style 60% cases.* Support for Cherry MX AND Matias/ALPs style switches.* All components will be presoldered - just add switches and caps.* Switch plate style (which layout, universal switch cutouts?).* debugging the PCB.The layout features symmetrical staggered rows, like the utron suka's hypermicro or a number of bpiphanys boards. Unlike these boards, a standard ANSI keyset is all you need to cover this layout. This is by design, as it allows you to cheaply buy in to any attractive keyset group buy.Im currently debugging the first PCB prototype. The PCB supports ALPs and Cherry MX switches, with the following supported layouts:Bonus!: Link to KLE The two alternative bottom rows arose from my desire to support the (limited) Matias keycaps that are available - here is a hand-wired Katana60, with MQCs and aekii caps, that Im currently using day-to-day at the office:The PCB will include an atmega32u4 - the same microcontroller found in the popular Teensy and Pro Micro boards, so its compatible with TMK and QMK firmware.If youre interested in either 1. the PCB, 2. the switch plate or 3. both, please reply, saying which. I'll add the names to a list (and may or may not create a form for you to fill in).Also, please state if you'd be interested in the plate if it supports universal holes (so the same plate can support both MX and ALPs style switches.)Thanks!

Latest update post: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88719.msg2477138#msg2477138 Katana60 is a symmetrical row staggered PCB that is compatible with standard 60% keyboards and standard keysets. You can use Matias/ALPS switches in any of the compatible layouts, and there is a layout which is compatible with an AEKii keycap set. The idea of the compatibility layouts is to reduce costs when it comes to hunting down keys for your new board.This image illustrates the multiple bottom compatibility options available on the PCB. The MX and AEKii labels are a guide - you can use whichever layout you want with any switch type, though in order to use the AEKii compatible stabilisers, you will need to get your own plate cut.KLE compatibility:Or image:The board is symmetrical row staggered, which is great if you're a touch typer and/or you use Dvorak/Colemak layouts, or any other layouts optimised for maximum home-row time. The idea here is that you rarely need to move your hands from the home row, making it more efficient and ergonomical.Many ergonomic keyboards on the market tend to be expensive, require completely custom keycaps sets (adding to the cost) and have an odd shaped case. Trying one without being sure if you'll like it requires a leap of financial faith. The Katana60 will be cheaper to try, and you can choose one of many 60% cases, giving you a lot of customisation choice.There will be a universal plate available at the same time as the PCB. The PCB supports PCB mounted Cherry stabilisers, though you can make your own plate with plate mounted cut-outs if you wish. Though the original intention was to launch a group buy, but the Katana60 will instead be made available at candykeys.com The PCB and universal is currently being quote up and prices will be revealed soon. I welcome all of your feedback, please leave your comments below.Original post: