Hi. Thanks for checking in.
Tind is a high-end keyboard with a custom molded self-aligning gasket system. The plate has total isolation. You just build your board, connect the daughterboard, throw it in and fasten the top from the bottom with screws.
The design of this keyboard started in 2017, right after Fjell R1 finished shipping. It has been a top mount, gasket mount, bottom mount, gasket mount(again) and I think I have finally found the recipe for a good silicone gasket keyboard. I wanted to have this mounting system available to use in future Mekanisk keyboards, and to finally prove that the solution works, is a huge milestone for me because it allows me to integrate gaskets in a good way into future designs. This will also allow Mekanisk to rapidly create new designs and form factors with an existing mounting system due to less time used on developing a new mounting solution for that specific keyboard.
The keyboard uses 12 custom molded bottom gaskets that support the plate from the bottom as well from the sides by letting the plate rest on them. This mean that no alignment is needed. There are 12 corresponding small silicone gaskets that push the plate down from the top at the same places and creates a firm grip for the plate. These are attached to the top piece of the keyboard. The plate is totally isolated from the rest of the case. The bottom silicone pieces are thicker than conventional keyboard gaskets, to create a soft landing when typing.
The plates are designed from the ground up to support the keyboard in the best possible way. These do not support switch top removal.
Specifications and features:
This article is continues under the photos.
Prototypes and renders will differ from final product. There are already decided adjustments. Factory photos are low quality and will show artifacts not seen in real life.
Ultramarine: Beautiful Pantone 3035C inspired color. Blue with a hint of green.
Dark grey: Not the standard “warm gray”. This is a dark, cool gray. (R1 grey)
Available in ISO or ANSI. Possible half plates in both material and layout options.
Sandblasted brass
Carbon fiber
Tind top piece (Ultramarine / Dark grey)
Tind bottom piece (Dark grey)
12x Custom Molded Mekanisk Silicone Gasket System bottom gaskets
12x Mekanisk Silicone Gasket System top gaskets
4x Custom Molded Mekanisk Viewfinder Silicone Bumpons
Mekanisk Gasket Plate in sandblasted brass / carbon fiber(+ $25) with ISO or ANSI layout support
WT60-? PCB with an USB-C daughterboard
All necessary screws and tools for assembly
Packaging
Custom EVA/EPE foam, double cardboard shipping box.
We are aiming for a late June raffle, with September/October shipping. The raffle will be announced beforehand, and will not come as a surprise. These estimates are subject to change due to COVID-19.
Why are there no blocked corners or winkeyless options?
We need to limit all options as much as possible for this keyboard, so for this round, only the standard layout will be available. The next round we will supply different options and might include both blocked corners and winkeyless layouts.
Will there be more color options?
Not this round.
What does gasket/isolation mount mean?
To me, it means that the plate is isolated from the rest of the case in some way. There are many different methods that are used to achieve this. We developed our own.
Different form factors?
65% and TKL are planned for the Tind.
Please note that details can change before the raffle.
Thank you for reading.
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This is the 5th year that LeandreN / Mekanisk are running group buys, and Mekanisk has grown into a something much larger than 5 years ago. If you want to read more about where this adventure started, you can read more here.
Thanks to everyone who has bought a Fjell, Klippe T, Klippe S, Type X, a keyboard part, a sticker, or just being with me as support.
Thanks to every maker that I have taken inspiration from, and that has taken inspiration from me. It means a lot.
Thanks to our fantastic content creators, and a special thanks to Mechs on Deck, TaehaTypes and TopClack. Check them out!
Thank you for all your support during these years. Without the support of this community it would not be possible to develop and deliver these products at all.
With community support, Mekanisk is committed to further develop our keyboards and continue to make them better each iteration. In addition, we want to create new designs and offer more form factors moving forward.
Here is to a better second half of 2020 for everyone, and a huge thanks to the entire community. I wish all of you the best of luck moving forward.
- LeandreN / William J.