Here is the link to the pricelist:http://deskthority.net/wiki/Phantom#Pricelist
PrinsValium has designed a PCB with a programmable controller and a mounting plate that will fit inside a regular Filco tenkeyless keyboard case, which will enable every Filco tenkeyless user to use a full set of good old Cherry keycaps, including Cherry’s original 1.5x wide Ctrl and Alt keys. Detail technical discussion is here.
Latest PCB design:
- Phantom PCB-Small.jpg (732.46 KiB) Viewed 30889 times
Other unique features of this design:
-There are 4 extra holes on the PCB for each switch that should provide each stem/spring replacement without desoldering the switch from the PCB and metal plate.
- per 7bit’s request, you could do something crazy like this for the front row:
- Phantom_7BITa.png (14.36 KiB) Viewed 30889 times
HaveANiceDay started the project originally with PrinsValium, and we are carrying it forward. Here is HaveANiceDay’s original post:
FAQ
"Who was that shape in the shadows? Whose is that face in the mask?"
Ladies and Gentlemen!
I am happy to finally announce a project of mine in co-operation with PrinsValium of the Symmetric Stagger Board fame.
For a long time I have lusted after the Korean custom keyboards, jealous of the ability to use a full set of Cherry double shot and dye sub keycaps without substitutes!
You see, I never cared about their CNC carved Alumin(i)um bodies and I spoke about that on a few occasion. The holy grail, for me, are the keycaps.
I reached out to PrinsValium, told him my story and asked if he was interested. Luckily, he shares my views on this and he agreed to [strike]help me out[/strike] do all the work for me.
Now, before you fall asleep I'll go ahead and tell you what you probably have already guessed from the story above:
We are making a PCB with a programmable controller and a mounting plate, which will enable every Filco tenkeyless user to use a full set of good old Cherry keycaps!
Wait, what? Just for the Filco tenkeyless? Why?
It's practically impossible to make one PCB compatible with all the keyboard bodies out there, so we went with this one for a few reasons:
1. The Filco is probably the most popular tenkeyless brand around here.
2. The keyboard body on the Filco is in my opinion beautiful, I actually think it looks better than the Korean custom Alumin(i)um bodies.
3. It costs a lot to make low volumes of keyboard bodies, way more than a whole Filco tenkeyless.
4. I already own one! Yes, the privilege of being project lead.
If you still don't have a good idea what it would look like, it's basically the 86U layout!
We would need 1-sized windows keycaps for in between CTRL and ALT, but luckily there are cheap Cherry boards with just the right keycaps available.
People who are involved in this group buy:Why "Phantom"?
It's a Phantom behind the Filco mask!
What IS the Phantom?
A "unisex" PCB (fits ANSI and ISO), the Teensy controller and a matching mounting plate.
It fits the Filco tenkeyless and most likely the PLU ML-87(the insides of the case are identical to the Filco).
I don't know how to solder, am I SOL?
If you don't want to or can't do soldering, you can contact Half-Saint (located in Europe) or alaricljs (located in the USA). They are offering their soldering service. You will have to order parts from this group buy and tell us to ship the parts to one of them. You will need to work out the cost and shipping arrangement with them directly.
Why the Filco tenkeyless/PLU ML-87 and not another brand?
1. Filco are probably the most popular around geekhack of all the tenkeyless keyboards.
2. Both of those are compatible with each other, thus increasing the market size.
3. I already own one
Is this compatible with the Filco tenkeyless gen1 AND gen2?
Yes.
Can I use ALL of the Cherry doubleshots/dye-subs with the Phantom? Meaning the entire bottom row with the 7-sized spacebar and the off-center capslock?
YES! This is the main reason we are doing this.
But I really like the modern layout my Filco has, can I keep it the way it was?
Sure, PCB is fully compatible with both choices.
What layouts are supported by the PCB?
ANSI and ISO in standard Filco or oldschool Cherry layout.
Also there is support for the shorter shift + FN key, like on the HHKB!
Another option that is available is the UNIX layout.
Can I use it to convert my ANSI Filco tenkeyless to ISO?
Yes, and from ISO to ANSI as well!
Can I re-use my old Filco mounting plate if I just want PCB with the reprogrammable controller?
Yes.
Do I have to buy the switches myself?
Not if you reuse the old ones from the Filco.
Can I use PCB mounting (without the mounting plate)?
No, there are no holes on the PCB that are needed for PCB mounting. There were good design reasons to leave them out, sorry.
What stabilizers are supported by the mounting plate?
Costar(Filco) and Cherry stabilizers.
We still have to look if we can cram both of them on one mounting plate.
Will there be just one mounting plate?
No. Every layout will probably get a matching mounting plate.
What will the PCB look like?
It will have an awesome black finish on both sides with white silkscreen markings for easier switch mounting. The Phantom logo and text will be embedded on the copper layer like on the Filco gen2.
What will the mounting plate look like?
Bare metal which you can spray-paint as you want and if you want
Update history:
---
PrinsValium: PCB and plate design
BiNiaRiS: plate ordering, payment collection, US distribution
7bit: payment collection, European distribution
Litster: Organizer, group buy communication
The PCB should be between US$25 to US$40 each. And the plate should be between US$20 to US$30 each. The finally price has yet to be determined. Each order includes 1 PCB, 1 plate, 1 controller. You will need to source your own diodes and Cherry switches. And you will need to solder them together yourself.
If you don't want to or can't do soldering, you can contact Half-Saint (located in Europe) or alaricljs (located in the USA). They are offering their soldering service. You will have to order parts from this group buy and tell us to ship the parts to one of them. You will need to work out the cost and shipping arrangement with them directly.
Total cost per kit should be between US$80 to US$120, depending on how many orders we have for bulk discount, shipping cost (factory to distributors, distributors to you), packaging cost, and paypal fees. As always, you the buyers will be responsible for all custom taxes, if any.
If you are interested and is committed to buy, please post the following information:
Code: Select all
Your user name: litsterExample
PCB 3
ANSI15 1
ISO15 0
ANSI125 1
ISO125 1
TEENSY 3
Country: USAEDIT2: Added soldering service information.
Edit 3: Added more ordering information to the 3rd post in this thread.
Edit 4: Uploaded pictures locally to Deskthority.
EDIT4: PCB picture at the top of the first post has been updated to the final design.
