10% Modular Keypad
grid 100
Intro
In July 2021, inspiration occurred to us when we were working on the structural analysis on grid 600 R2.
We were imagining something small, flexible, beautiful, and powerful that could be the extension of our daily driver keyboard and an exquisite standalone HID device.
We've also gathered some motivation from some movies. Like the Joystick Q uses when searching for villains at his place, like the input device Dr.Ido uses when he applies a cyber ware surgery.
We carefully cultivated this idea, broadly tested its feasibility, and relentlessly refined it.
So here it is, grid 100.
Mini modules and chassis
grid100 is a 10% layout small keypad, which supports three different modules:
MINI-PRESS: a 1x2U with a tiny keyboard with hot-swappable sockets
CYCLE-ENCODER: a 2x2U encoder module similar to the CYCLE module for grid 650.
CYCLE-JOYSTICK: 2x2U module with a joystick.
There are two different chassis: Ver. CLASSIC and Ver. FLASH.
grid 100 is quite versatile.
It can be a regular 10-key keypad. Powered by QMK and supported by VIA or Vial, each key can be customized with a key value or macro.
grid 100 can be a music player control device with dual CYCLE-ENCODER modules. The module comes in both stepped and smooth versions, the stepped version can be ideal for song selection, and the smooth one can be useful for volume control.
Alternatively, grid 100 can be a six-button arcade game controller with a joystick. The customizable layout design makes it friendly for left-handed users. The joystick can even be mapped as a mouse, turning the grid100 into a large TrackPoint. （2023 June 14 update, we’ve released new firmware for CYCLE-JOYSTICK module, which map the joystick into Dpad or mouse without other software. Check project update here.)
The Fn button, Firmware and Configurator
At the upper right corner of the grid100, we put an Fn switch and wired it directly into the keypad's matrix. By default, it is the layer switch key, and it doubles as the boot magic button for easier firmware flashing. You can program it into any other key if you would like.
We put PORON pad behind the Fn Button for better feeling and remove rattling.
Speaking of layout and firmware, we have created a web-based grid configurator for you to customize and visualize your grid 100 setup and download related firmware and macros (macros can achieve some functions that cannot be executed by firmware alone, such as pressing the Fn key to switch layers and lighting effects at the same time).
Let's talk about some details of the modules.
1. MINI-PRESS (feat.grid Linear semi-silent switch)
Haptic and sound character matters a lot to us. The gasket-mounted MINI-PRESS module is our first product that features a Rigid-Flex PCB design that isolates the vibration from the PCB to the keypad chassis. The small PCB is made of two layers of FR-4 with a sheet of FPC (flexible printed circuit) laminated in between and a stainless steel plate reinforcing the structural weak point.
The PCB works in conjunction with two layers of PORON gaskets and 1.5mm polycarbonate position plates. There is virtually no hard physical connection between the switches and the keypad chassis. The switches are just floating inside the board. In terms of the chassis, we fill it with two PORON damping foams to reduce hollowness.
We called it MINI-PRESS but paid significant attention to it. We even designed a switch for the grid100: the grid linear semi-silent switch, which features a 55g gold-plated spring, pre-lubrication, and fence design. Semi-silent means the switch only creates one definitive click sound when it hits bottom. It helps typing accuracy, and it sounds unique. The translucent cases, on the other hand, enhance RGB backlight from the MINI-PRESS module.
Sound Test
All grid 100 will be shipped with 5 MINI-PRESS modules, 10 grid linear semi-silent switches, and 10 frosted keycaps. There will also be some switches available for order.
Rigid-Flex PCB & Switch lifespan tester
To lifespan test on both the MINI-PRESS module and the new switch. We built a lifespan/force tester for grid 100. The final design surpasses 1 million actuations. That was quite some effort in design proofing, but we believe it is absolutely worth it.
2. CYCLE-ENCODER:
The CYCLE-ENCODER module is similar to the Type-10 CYCLE module for grid 650. They share many common designs, including the exact pushable knob design, interchangeable magnetic cap, and standalone encoder signal processor. In fact, the standalone encoder processor concept that we used on the CYCLE and ARRAY + CYCLE module for grid 650 was proven and tested on a CYCLE-ENCODER module prototype on grid 100. That is why we can finally release the image of the test scene.
The main difference between the CYCLE module for grid 650 and CYCLE-ENCODER module for grid 100 are:
The ARGB LED is controlled by QMK and adjustable in VIA or vial.
There are more LEDs on grid 100 since the ring diffuser is slightly larger.
We offer a smooth version (no detent) for the CYCLE-ENCODER on grid 100. It is a little more expensive.
3. CYCLE-JOYSTICK:
We use the same analog joystick unit as the Xbox One Elite Controller, which Alps makes. This pushable joystick comes with tension adjustability, which can be handy if you prefer a heavier feeling. The grid joystick cap is also interchangeable. You can screw it on or off. A PTFE collar locates at the bottom of the stick, preventing the stick from hitting the module case and providing smoother movement.
To match the brightness on the light bar on the Ver.FLASH grid 100, we lift the LED PCB on CYCLE-ENCODER and CYCLE-JOYSTICK by adding a thicker PCB. Which was a little hassle for our vendors on the first try, but we nailed it eventually.
Unfortunately, due to some software limits, only one CYCLE-JOYSTICK module can be recognized on grid 100. (if you install two, they will crosstalk)
For any analog joystick, drifting is inevitable after some wear. We will continue to provide replacement PCBs as we always do (at least 5 years of product support). Also, the joystick unit should also be available to order in many places like ifixit.
Material, finish, and color
Chassis and CYCLE-ENCODE， CYCLE-JOYSTICK cases are made of aluminum.
Light bar on Ver.FLASH chassis and the light ring on CYCLE modules are made of polycarbonate, injection molded.
E-White: Electrophoresis-coated aluminum
Liquid Silver: Hand-polished exterior surface, electroplated aluminum
Black, Pine Green, Silver, Purple, Navy: Bead blasted, anodized aluminum
On the E-White chassis, the Fn button is silver anodized aluminum.
On Liquid Silver chassis, the Fn button is black anodized aluminum.
The rest chassis comes with the same color Fn button.
*Due to the characteristic of the hand polishing and electroplating process, we can't guarantee a 100% perfect surface, but we can assure you our standard is above average.
*Liquid Silver is prone to small scratches, we do include a free protection film for the bottom plate for this variation.
GB info will be announced soon.
Thanks a lot for reading to here.
feel free to join our discord channel: https://discord.gg/4NWh9c8aVz
-grid