[IC] Paradigm ASK55 - a 14.5u/55% Alps Keyboard w/ Multi-Board Support

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Current status: In development

Latest update: https://paradigm.parts/guidance/ask55/faq/

Share your thoughts below!

[Nuum]

Stupid question: Isn't the ASK alpha section 0.5u shorter than a regular 60% keyboard and wouldn't you then have a 0.5u gap, if you just put it into a normal 60% case?

[snacksthecat]

I responded to the reddit post but I’ll link here as well. I did a similar PCB that supports these layouts and a few more. It might be useful in your project.

workshop-f7/alps64-mini-t19077.html

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Stupid question: Isn't the ASK alpha section 0.5u shorter than a regular 60% keyboard and wouldn't you then have a 0.5u gap, if you just put it into a normal 60% case?

Absolutely correct, there would be .25u on either side of the board. Options may include developing a 60% plate and PCB which would then see .25u of 'dead space' or spacing the caps further to get rid of the space. The latter, I'm not too keen.

It's early days and there's options; let me know what you think in the IC

[pizza_is_a_lie]

I responded to the reddit post but I’ll link here as well. I did a similar PCB that supports these layouts and a few more. It might be useful in your project.

workshop-f7/alps64-mini-t19077.html

I actually replied on Reddit as I checked that first. Feel free to PM me on there or reply, I think we need to talk more!

[DatOtherJosh]

I can't wait to have my hand on one! I know it's not a popular opinion but I love the m0116 layout! May I ask what's the earliest date I could get my hands on one?

[Findecanor]

Besides the missing 0.5u in width, the bottom edges of the keycaps follow the gentle curve of the top case.
I am afraid that they would look weird in anything but in a "floating keys" 60% case, and maybe weird in that too.

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Besides the missing 0.5u in width, the bottom edges of the keycaps follow the gentle curve of the top case.
I am afraid that they would look weird in anything but in a "floating keys" 60% case, and maybe weird in that too.

With each passing day, this little project is evolving more and more. This initial interest check has been really useful in gauging people's thoughts and things which I probably hadn't considered myself.

I've been doing some fag packet sketches of cases this evening and I'm talking with other vendors and makers to see what we could make a possibility. One thing's for sure... we will make a new home for M0116 and M0118 keycaps... at the very least

[pizza_is_a_lie]

I can't wait to have my hand on one! I know it's not a popular opinion but I love the m0116 layout! May I ask what's the earliest date I could get my hands on one?

It's really, really early days and I haven't got any sort of ETA on this yet. I'm still establishing scope and requirements but keep your eyes peeled

[snacksthecat]

My original goal with my similar project was to create a custom case made to fit the 14.5u form factor. Is this something you might be considering as well?

[pizza_is_a_lie]

My original goal with my similar project was to create a custom case made to fit the 14.5u form factor. Is this something you might be considering as well?

I won't be revealing _too much_ just yet, it's really early days. It's an option. I actually PMed you on Reddit btw and added you on Discord

[pizza_is_a_lie]

All, a quick update from me.

As a result of the IC, I began pursuing the option of a 55. Thus, the ASK55 has been born. I’ve been working on plates and bringing together the efforts of folk before me. I’ll update more when I can and I thank you all for your input thus far.

[xtreg]

All, a quick update from me.

As a result of the IC, I began pursuing the option of a 55. Thus, the ASK55 has been born. I’ve been working on plates and bringing together the efforts of folk before me. I’ll update more when I can and I thank you all for your input thus far.

Interested.

Sent from my MI 6 using Tapatalk

[pizza_is_a_lie]

All, a quick update from me.

As a result of the IC, I began pursuing the option of a 55. Thus, the ASK55 has been born. I’ve been working on plates and bringing together the efforts of folk before me. I’ll update more when I can and I thank you all for your input thus far.

Interested.

Sent from my MI 6 using Tapatalk

Glad to hear! Do you own any of the 14.5u boards?

[xtreg]

No, but it is easy to get hold of one relativley cheap here in China.

All, a quick update from me.

As a result of the IC, I began pursuing the option of a 55. Thus, the ASK55 has been born. I’ve been working on plates and bringing together the efforts of folk before me. I’ll update more when I can and I thank you all for your input thus far.

Interested.

Sent from my MI 6 using Tapatalk

Glad to hear! Do you own any of the 14.5u boards?

Sent from my MI 6 using Tapatalk

[pizza_is_a_lie]

This has evolved ever so slightly…

Check out the update at Paradigm! I’m still eager to hear what people think about a sandwich case. Does anybody want to get involved from a case point-of-view? What’s your experience with FR-4 for plates?

[snacksthecat]

Hey dude, just wanted to see how the project is going. I'm not sure if you check DT so I'll check reddit as well.

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Hey dude, just wanted to see how the project is going. I'm not sure if you check DT so I'll check reddit as well.

Hey!

So, the case is coming along really nicely. I've seen the initial renders and it's a really suave design. Once Alas has something he would like to share, I'll be on it.

As for me, I'll hopefully draft the two remaining plates this evening or tomorrow evening and get them cut along with the 4 other designs which have been redrafted. Two plates, the Mac Portable and M0116, are signed off.

All plates were revamped to align with new screw holes etc. hence a bit of a delay. Plus, the acrylic cutter which I'm using for prototypes was unavailable for quite some time.

Once the plates are completed, I'll be on to Yiancar for the PCB and issue a new/updated IC on the usual socials (and share as much as I can).

[toniwonkanobi]

Anyone know what's going on with this project? I've tried pinging the guy, but he doesn't respond :/

[cods]

I am very keen for this too - I check his site once a month just to make sure I haven’t missed out. Looks so good, it’d be a shame if it doesn’t go ahead.

[cods]

Nice to see an up front approach - I hope the dude/tte is alright. Hats off for the amazing work so far!

https://paradigm.parts/

Thank you, from Paradigm

I would like to thank you all for your continued interest. Unfortunately, I don’t have the bandwidth to continue with Paradigm.

If you are interested in reviving and owning the ASK55 project, please reach out by email where I would be happy to discuss compensation for development and prototyping (prior to any asset handover).

All development is complete. Yiancar maintains the IP for the PCB. The case and plate files are in my posession, ready to roll

.

I don’t know the first thing about making something like this work, but if one of you out there does, you can totally count me in x1 at least.

[toniwonkanobi]

That guy is so bad about communication. Multiple people have reached out to him regarding the files, and he never responds. Kind of killed any interest I had.