Another few months have elapsed, so it's time for some more updates!

Updates

BDN9 Rev. 3

The PCB for the BDN9 Rev. 3 has now been released, and the major change with it is the addition of MX hotswap sockets to it. We did have to drop Alps and Choc support as a result of that however. The dimensions of the PCB are the same as with the Rev. 2 PCB, so all the case parts for Rev. 2 are compatible with the Rev. 3.

BDN9 Rev. 3 PCB and revised plate kit

The plate kit has been updated a bit. Additional ESD protection was added to the PCB, and the bottom of the switch plate has an ESD pad on it to conduct any static through the USB-C port on the PCB. The bottom plate also has holes for Shroomie feet, which are included and pre-installed onto the plate, so no need for SKUF feet on it anymore.

Quefrency LM

Now that enhanced ESD protection has been added to a number of other products, we've been able to refocus efforts on the development of new products like the Quefrency LM.

Currently, an initial version of the left-half PCB has been completed, as well as the case design for both halves. The case design is similar to that of the Iris CE/LM/SE with a tray-mount design with o-rings where the PCB touches the tray and a silicone liner in the tray for a consistent feel and sound.

Here's a comparison of the height of a fully-built Quefrency next to a prototype of the Quefrency LM:

Left: Quefrency with Cherry profile keycaps, Right: Quefrency LM with THT profile keycaps

Here are some of the things that we've changed with the Quefrency & Cepstrum in making the Quefrency LM, based on feedback from you all:

  • North-facing LEDs - The Quefrency Rev. 6 primarily has south-facing RGB LEDs, except for a few on the right half at where the two halves join. The Quefrency LM makes this consistent by having a single orientation like the Cepstrum had, allowing for light to be seen with shine-through keycaps like the THT keyset we stock
  • Aluminum Tray Case - As mentioned before, an aluminum tray case is being made for the Quefrency LM, a departure from the sandwich case/plate style we've done for so long in the past. We've seen more and more that people want a solid case that looks professional, like most of the other things on their desk. We'll make some printable case files available, like we've done with the various Iris aluminum models
  • Halves that join together - The two halves of the Quefrency could join together, but while making the Cepstrum, the way the design was done made it that the two halves couldn't be joined together due to the orientation of the sockets at the join. We've figured out a workaround for that issue in the design of the Quefrency LM case
  • Single-Layout Option - Unfortunately, having north-facing LEDs for all switches and the requirement to have cutouts in the PCB to accommodate the low-profile stabilizers means we have to drop the option of having multiple layouts. Most people selected a particular layout option anyway

The right-half PCB still needs to be designed, and some tweaks made to the left-half PCB to let it work better with the case. But things are moving along better now, so we're hoping to have the Quefrency LM available by October of this year.

A Quefrency Rev. 7 PCB with similar revisions and case might be in the works as well.

Repairs on Hiatus

Back in May, I made the decision to put our Keyboard Repair Service on hold. I personally handle all repair jobs, including doing the initial consultations via email to see how feasible the repair is. I've completed 150+ repairs over the past couple of years, preventing keyboards from going to waste. But it eats up a lot of time, taking me away from more important work.

Will repair service resume? That's to be determined, and I have no idea yet.

FoldKB Rev. 2

Some initial PCB design work has been done on the left half. Revised aluminum plates have been ordered that add the exposed ESD pad, like other recent switch plates, as well as spots to install Shroomie feet.

Future Keyboards

Once the Quefrency LM is completed, work will begin on a Sinc LM. FoldKB Rev. 2 with hotswap sockets is in the works as well.

For a personal project that I want to get done, there will be the Nyquist LM. As you can see, just about everything is getting the low-profile Choc V2 treatment.