samiyuru/bakeneko-65

A simple 65% keyboard

Bakeneko 65 V2

A simple 65% keyboard for DIYers. This project is a special homage to TGR x Singa UNIKORN 60 and OTD 356 Mini

Features

• Mounting method using O-ring gasket and bottom cushion to support the PCB
• Single piece tray case
• USB-C with Unified Daughterboard
• QMK firmware and VIA ready
• Compatible with KBDFANS 65% plates

Layouts

Specs

• Dimensions: 315 x 110 x 30mm
• Front height: 18.6mm
• Home row height: 31mm(with GMK keycaps and bumpons)
• Case material: Aluminum 6061-T6
• Case weight: 750g
• Case color: RAL 2002 Vermilion
• Typing angle: 6 degree
• O-ring gasket: VMQ-50(Silicone 50 duro) AS568-264 / AS568-265 for split backspace

Mounting Style

Bakeneko 60/65 Mounting Style - YouTube

Typing Sounds

Bakeneko 65 Typing Sounds - YouTube

Showcase

Bakeneko 65 V2 Showcase - Imgur

Assets

PCB

• bakeneko-65/pcb

Firmware

• https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/bakeneko65

Case

• bakeneko-65/case

Plate

• bakeneko-65/plate

Compatibility

PCB

• There is no compatible PCB at the moment

Plate

• The followings has been tested
  • KBDFANS 65% POLYCARBONATE PLATE
  • KBDFANS 65% BRASS PLATE
  • KBDFANS 65% CNC ALUMINUM PLATE

Daughterboard

• Can use the one compatible with ai03's Unified Daughterboard

Guide on how to get parts

There is only an outline here at the moment. Detailed steps will be added if needed

PCB

• The gerber files are attached to the release page (https://github.com/kkatano/bakeneko-65/releases)
  • These files are optimized for JLCPCB's SMT assembly service so may be required to modify when ordering from other manufacturers
  • Keep in mind that they do not solder JST connector so you must solder it yourself

Stabilizers

• PCB Snap-in stabilizer is highly recommended
• With the screw stabilizer, the O-ring is pressed hard on the spacebar and backspace key so it has too tight feel

Case

• I ordered a prototype from 3D Hubs
• The details of the order are as follows
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Type of Aluminum: Aluminum 6061-T6
  • Surface finish: Bead Blasted + Anodized type II (Matte)
  • Color: Specific RAL color
  • RAL code: 2002
  • Contains threads: Yes
• If you want to change the color or surface finish, you need to update notes in the technical drawing

Plate

• Most easy way is to buy compatible plate from KBDFANS
• Or, use the dxf file for cutting service
  • I ordered a brass and aluminum plate from LaserBoost and a polycarbonate plate from BIG BLUE SAW

Daughterboard

• Most easy way is to buy from vendors like anykeys.eu and HINEY
• Secure with four M2x4mm screws
• In my case, I ordered a Unified Daughterboard PCB from JLCPCB, purchased parts from LCSC and soldered them myself. Recommended for those who love soldering and are good at it
  • Also need to get a JST-SH 4-pin cable. I bought one from AliExpress with a 150mm length. It was a little too long, but there is no problem with using it
  • The cable should be what is called "one-to-one" or "same direction". Do not select "Reverse direction". See also Unified Daughterboard wiki about this topic

O-ring

• I got it from local vendor in Japan. One for about $7 ~ 8
• McMaster-Carr seems to have same spec O-ring
  • I haven't bought it and haven't tested it, but it might works
  • https://www.mcmaster.com/as568-o-rings/cross-section-shape~round/dash-number~264/hardness~durometer-50a/
  • https://www.mcmaster.com/as568-o-rings/cross-section-shape~round/dash-number~265/hardness~durometer-50a/

Feet cushion

• Use Bumpons with the following spec. 3M SJ5302 will fit
  • Diameter: 7.9mm
  • Height: 2.2 mm

Cushion to support PCB

• It's up to you to decide what to use but will share some of my experiences here
• Silicone string
  • I bought extra silicone O-rings and cut them short. Place it in the case and place the PCB on it
  • At the moment, this is my favorite way
• EVA foam
  • When I was experimenting with different materials, I just had a KBDFANS module foam, so I used it. Cut those edges to a suitable size and place in the case

Contact

Feel free to contact me via the geekhack thread or DM if you have any questions
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107316.0

Special thanks to

• Elaine for Unikorn. Allowed me to publish the Unikorn-inspired case as open source and encouraged me
• Of course, I also show my respect and gratitude to yuktsi
• coarse for PCB review and kind support. His great work has refined the PCB well

Also I should mention

• OTD for 356 Mini. Origin of O-ring gasket mount style
• Evy for Plain60 series. I used it as a reference for my PCB design. They also answered my miscellaneous questions
• ai03 for MX_Alps_Hybrid and random-keyboard-parts.pretty. Also got a lot of help from his discord server
• overset for JP01. The idea of publishing the case design on Onshape. After seeing their great work I switched from fusion360 to Onshape
• And many community members for giving me advice and feedback, thanks!