Keyboard Builders' Digest / Tips & Tricks
Maglev mounting
Colfy's Shou65 is a keyboard with floating maglev plate/PCB.
Published June 4, 2022
Fellow redditor uColfy posted some videos on his Shou65, a floating plate/PCB maglev keyboard – the "world’s most flexible board".
We've seen magnets used in keyboards in creative ways: beside screwless magnetic cases or magnetic tenting feet, Riskable's Void switches, this MX compatible maglev switch or the Zebra magnetic prototyping framework are some notable examples. However, I can't remember a maglev mounted plate like this one.
After designing the case and the maglev system in CAD, Colfy took a Bakeneko PCB, added magnets to PCB clips that mount to the case, and fixed magnets and rods to the base as well to achieve the maglev effect.
Check out his photolog and also this video demonstration:
Being a high school student who takes interest in tinkering and engineering, Colfy has been obsessed with the customizability and variety that come with mechanical keyboards.
From O-ring mounts to gaskets, he realized the different sounds that are produced through different flex of boards.
However, this prototype is only the first step in a series of experiments with a goal to build an electromagnetic board:
Though owning quite a few boards myself, I quickly realized I will never be able to experience the feel of every board. Although this is only prototype #1, I plan to make an electromagnetic board that will give access to flex on the whole spectrum. I believe this will save my wallet along with many others as testing new feels only will require one board – Colfy.
Specs
- Bakeneko PCB and fr4 plate
- 12mm with 4mm hole magnets
- brass sheet (acoustics and logo shine)
- 15mm silicone pads (desk cushioning)
- spray painted with regular plastic orange spray paint
Published on Sat 4th Jun 2022. Featured in KBD #81 (source).
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