aemerson_

6 ms·

31.
by aemerson_ 2mo ago
Unfortunately not possible, at least not securely, and not in a way that users would expect. I really tried. We could include _a_ fingerprint sensor, and even include a special secure/tamper-proof chip, but it would never be able to wo
32.
by aemerson_ 2mo ago
Thank you so much! Really appreciate it. Glad you like the website too, I put a lot of effort into it. If you have any questions I'd be very happy to answer them.
33.
Show HN: I spent 2 years designing a mechanical Magic Keyboard(electronicmaterialsoffice.com)
306 points by aemerson_ 2mo ago|245 comments
34.
by aemerson_ 8mo ago
Well done on shipping. Reading this gave me PTSD of shipping our first hardware product at a similar scale. It was a tough experience but you'll have learned a huge amount and be much better equipped for the second time (if you choose
35.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Link to previous post + discussion: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32507172
36.
Show HN: Altar I, the minimal keyboard launched on HN, is open for pre-orders(electronicmaterialsoffice.com)
5 points by aemerson_ 4y ago|2 comments
37.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
It was indeed KiCAD.
38.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Still TBC, but it should be around 3 months between charges with normal use. More accurate numbers to come later.
39.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Interesting point on the arrow keys. On Altar I you can "feel" the arrow area since the arrows are dished but the keys around it are raised.
40.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
GT Flexa was super fun to work with. The numerals on Altar I are, as you can imagine, the widest and thinnest that Flexa would go! I also added a custom Egyptian "I", rather than the default "I" since it reads less like
41.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
As @yeutterg says below it is possible to self certify CE. For prototyping the body, I initially 3d printed it, then moved to 1 off cnc milling. For this I mostly used Geomiq (geomiq.com), which farms it out to various countries (mostly chi
42.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Thanks @dang! Sorry about the confusion, I had not read the show hn rules in detail.
43.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
In theory the board works with Linux, but it has not actually been tested. If it is tested with Linux and is confirmed working, I will specify that in the specs.
44.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Agreed, acoustics are SO important. Once I am happy with how the prototype sounds I will update the website with a typing text.
45.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Thanks, I'm so happy you — and lots of others — like what I've been working on. It means a lot, it's very fulfilling. I don't find the criticism demoralising. Quite the opposite, it means people are engaged, which I love
46.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
The 3d renderings are all created in Keyshot. The model was created in Fusion 360. I am fairly new to both and found them both reasonably intuitive.
47.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
No prototype photographs yet... but soon!
48.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Oops, I'll fix that shortly.
49.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Thank you!
50.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Thanks for the heads up. As for the pornographic comment, that's the best compliment I've got all day!
51.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
I have not tested the Kailh sunset switches but I'll check them out.
52.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Yes you are right, it is hard to get a sense of the materials from these CGI renders. Getting hold of recycled aluminium in small quantities is proving difficult so hence the hedge to say recyclable* not recycled* on the website. I will try
53.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Thank you, I am a huge Teenage Engineering fan so that is a big complement! Perhaps a larger board or separate numpad could come down the line if there is enough interest.
54.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
<3 In all seriousness though I don't mind people complaining. I asked for feedback, after all.
55.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Thank you for the kind words. For now it is just linear switches but it may be possible to offer a choice of switches down the line. I'll look into it.
56.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
Haha thank you for the feedback, and noted! I will look to add some static shots of the board.
57.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
I have mainly been using the rotary encoder for volume, yes. I have to say it does _feel_ very nice though, much more satisfying than changing volume with vol up/down media keys. I tested out using the encoder for other things like zoo
58.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
I hadn't considered that but you raise a good point. I'll look into it.
59.
by aemerson_ 4y ago
You are correct! There was not enough space below the keys due to the device's low profile. So the right hand area houses the MCU, USB C port, battery, as well as the 2 slide switches and button that poke out the side of the case.
60.
I spent a year designing a low profile, minimal mechanical keyboard(electronicmaterialsoffice.com)
1131 points by aemerson_ 4y ago|664 comments

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