Since Hall effect Keyboards/Switches took basically the whole gaming industry over, and I want to equip one of my endgame keebs with a Hall effect pcb, does anyone know if any company sells/plans to sell 65% Pcbs that will fit in the likes of a Keycult 65 or SingaKBD Kohaku???
Videos
INTEREST CHECK LINK
The u65-HE is a 65% Hall Effect PCB, integrated with QMK/VIA firmware and designed to fit the Bakeneko 65. This project is a collaborative effort from Serene Industries and Trailblazer Keyboards.
TLDR:
Compatibility will be similar to Bakeneko 65 PCB and is intended for usage with said kit. See compatibility notes below for other options.
PCB is 1.6mm thick and has no flex cuts
Uses a standard JST connector, 4-pin cable, and AI03 C3 DB
Features a Fixed Layout, as closely spaced magnetic signals can cause problems
Soldered standoffs in the 4 corners hold PCB to plate, similar to Venom HE
Compatibility has been tested in the following cases:
Saag65
Bakeneko65 (CannonKeys)
We can post a datasheet for others to submit compatibility with the edge cut data if desired. Please let us know in the Interest Check which boards you’d like to see compatibility for!
u65-HE PCB Layout
The U65-HE layout, featuring standard capslock, full backspace, and a 7u spacebar, is shown below.. Magnetic sensors struggle to correlate signals to the proper switch when magnets are in close proximity. As such, multi-layout options may become available in the future, but this first launch will only include a fixed, robust Hall Effect setup.
Soldered standoffs are between the ` and 1 key, Backspace and Ins, Ctrl and Win, and Down and Right Arrow.
Features
The u65-HE PCB comes with 3 actuation mode options.
1. Normal (APC)
In this mode, the user defines both actuation height and release height.
The switch must reset before another actuation, like a traditional MX Switch.
Lower thresholds means a shorter travel distance before actuation.
Safeguards are in place to prevent the switch from reaching an always-on or always-off setting.
2. Rapid Trigger
In this mode, the user can input and stop keys dynamically, without resetting the switch between inputs.
Engage Distance: This parameter defines the distance required to activate the key input.
Lower values (to the left) means a shorter engage distance.
Disengage Distance: This parameter defines the distance required to stop the input.
Lower values (to the left) means a shorter disengage distance.
Once disengaged, the key can be engaged again without a full reset.
Deadzone: This parameter defines the maximum height a switch can rebound before needing a full reset.
Once the deadzone is triggered, the switch must be fully reset before another input is possible.
A lower (toward the left) deadzone value moves the deadzone closer to top of the keystroke, allowing more room for re-engaging the switch.
Deadzone value can be 0 and is 0 by default.
3. Key Cancellation
In this mode, users can input a secondary key without releasing their primary key input.
u65-HE supports AD and ZX key cancellation modes only.
AD Mode allows A or D to be input while the other is held.
ZX Mode allows Z and X to be input while the other is held.
Calibration
Factory firmware is calibrated to a generic batch of Geon RAW HE switches.
User re-calibration is encouraged for the best experience, as switches all have magnets with small variance in force.
Calibration can be done by first clicking the Calibration Start button.
LEDs will all turn red to show that prior calibration data is deleted.
Current prototype photos do not have LEDs.
Afterwards, press and hold every key individually, one at a time, for about 1s.
LEDs will turn green once calibration is complete.
Pressing the key again will not negatively affect the calibration, if you are unsure which keys are pressed.
Current prototype photos do not have LEDs.
Once all calibration is complete, click the End + Save button and enjoy your new switches!
Video demonstrations for calibration will be available soon!
Kitting & Pricing
Our Kit includes the following:
FR4 Plate
u65-HE PCB
Any necessary screws for assembly
(Optional Extras) 70x Geon RAW HE Switches
PCBs will be calibrated for Geon RAW HE with factory firmware. However, we encourage users to re-calibrate for best results.
We are aiming at a starting price of $110 for the kit without switches. Pricing is not final yet.
Vendor List
We wish to keep vendors limited and region locked at the moment to streamline the communication and fulfillment process.
North America: Trailblazer Keyboards
Australia: Keebz N Cables
...your region's favorite vendor here! (TBD)
We’ll be looking to build out the vendor list in the upcoming weeks. If there’s a specific vendor with a good reputation in the region, please post suggestions in the Interest Check.
Looking for updates?
Discord: Feel free to join the Project W Discord or Keebz N Cables servers
Instagram: u/trailblazerkeyboards or u/keebzncables
Email: Drop us some feedback on the Interest Check and we’ll keep you updated via email
Any questions regarding Serene Industries can be sent to [email protected]!
Instagram: u/serene.industries
Does anyone have any news on a 65% pcb or keyboard. I have a custom keyboard from about 2 years ago that I am trying to upgrade a little bit. I came across magnetic/lekker/hall effect switches and was going to think about buying them until I realized a certain pcb is needed. Are there any known alternatives or future plans for a 65% pcb that has Hall effect?