[Question] what's in v4?
Geobert opened this issue · 2 comments
Hi,
I've seen that a V4 is under work right now, what's in it?
I'm hoping for one OLED for some status indicator and maybe hotswap so I can take switches back if I change keyboard :)
Hey! It's cool to see someone interested in the keyboard.
Right now the only major changes planned for V4 are:
- Replace ItsyBitsy MCU with an on-board controller/components
- Minor layout adjustment
- Center cluster will no longer be staggered so it looks more like a TKL (And would allow an OLED to fit nicely about the Pause/Print Screen keys)
I had originally intended to add an OLED (Which is actually super easy from an electrical standpoint) but it complicates things when it comes to designing a case so I nixxed it for now. That said, once I get the first prototype of v4 built I'll probably reconsider because I would really like an OLED to play with as well.
As for hotswap switches, I don't currently have plans to add that. So far the goal of the project has been to make what I personally want in a keyboard. I've pretty much settled on the switches I like at this point and adding hotswap sockets just makes the build process more complicated for a feature I wouldn't use a whole lot.
I wouldn't say it will never happen though. When I finish the initial pass of v4 I plan to post the results and gauge interest in the project. Part of the reason I wanted to switch to on-board electrical components is that I could potentially order the PCBs pre-assembled which would make it much easier to sell them to folks who are interested. I'd love to be able to share the keyboard with others but don't have the time to build them myself.
Hi, thank you for your answer!
Well, I'm looking for a keeb that have function keys for my GF as we are on a Sofle RGB right now, and she misses the function keys. She doesn't like playing with layers very much.
The OLED is usefull for status indicator a bit of pimping (she has bongo cat and a rabbit and is quite fond of them ^^')
As for hotswap, in my case it's not really to test switches, but to move them keyboard to keyboard if ever a PCB doesn't suit us. The Sofle is hotswapable and I'm quite gratefull of it so the next keyboard will be cheaper ^^ (I'm leaning on an Avalanche for me and so a Bloomer for her).
Can you consider as well a plate build option (without a case) as it can bring the cost down as well and I prefer them as they tend to be less noisy (no soundbox).
For the onboard component, I'm seeing the value for ppl not wanting to build themselves, but it will rise the cost and replacement of the controller will be very very difficult if anything goes wrong, doesn't it?