[IC] “Go-fit60,” A 60% Bluetooth 5.0 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard Kit, by entergogo, GB starts on Aug 15

Updates on April 17, 2021

Hi from entergogo,

Hope you guys are staying safe and healthy. We know it’s been a longggg day since the latest update. Here’s a brief of what we have working on since the last update on this discussion page. We regrouped the team, designed and launched the first generation Go-popper, a 2-in-1 Aluminum Switch Opener (Interested in? You can find out more here). More than that, we tried to break through the technical difficulty we identified during the past one-year exploration, studies, and development on Go-fit60, which is the new official name of the GG60 barebones kit. We’ve been receiving many cares and greetings during the past several months, so we think it’s time to go for the next chapter.

We notice that some of you also mentioned in the previous discussion if the purchase of the kit can be more flexible and whether the PCB was available for being purchased separately and inclusively. The answer to these questions is 100% a YES. Meanwhile, two types of PCB are available for the selection–with or without RGB lights.

The purchase on Go-fit60 kit has four options:
Option 1: The original kit includes 1 PCB (RGB enabled), 1 plate, and 1 aluminum case
Also contains 1 set of cherry stabilizers and 1 set screws
(switches and keycaps are not included in the kit)
Option 2: The original kit includes 1 PCB (no RGB), 1 plate, and 1 aluminum case
Also contains 1 set of cherry stabilizers and 1 set screws
(switches and keycaps are not included in the kit)
Option 3: 1 PCB with RGB
Option 4: 1 PCB does not have RGB

e-white & black aluminum case and PCB overview (with keycaps and switches)

The black & e-white aluminum case



One significant adjustment was applied.
The initial ideal software design of PCB is Bluetooth 5.0 enabled plus the QMK setting. However, after almost one year of researching, engineering, adjusting, and prototyping, we found that this combination is currently not thoroughly well-developed and mature enough in the whole market. It is actually being identified as a very challenging technical barrier by most of the professionals we had lots of discussions with, and we are still on our way to solve it with a satisfying answer. However, at the moment, we have to regrettably announce that the PCB contained in the kit will not realize the combination of these two features.

As a result, we decided to keep the Bluetooth 5.0 and replace the QMK with a driver temporarily. Although this combination cannot be applied to the kit, we firmly believe that the demand for a full-case remapping is nonnegligible for the community. That’s why a driver is our alternative decision, which also provides the option of the full-keys customizable keyboard setting.

The PCB



Besides, during the prototyping and the previous IC collection, we realized that the battery capacity is another killing point for a Bluetooth-enabled mechanical keyboard, especially when the initial sample tested during the prototyping could only hold an 800mAh lithium battery, leading to some feedback we received regarding the duration of it. Therefore, we decided to upgrade the battery capacity to 3500mAh, which sustains a much longer working duration. Accordingly, the high frequency of charging the keyboard will not be a concern with Go-fit60 under a larger battery capacity.

Features of the kit

  • Bluetooth 5.0 (support up to 3 devices)
  • Hot-swap (Kailh socket)
  • Anodized Aluminum 6063 case
  • Type-C port
  • Charging indicator

Specs

  • An Aluminum 6063 plate, 1.5mm, Tray mount style
  • Low profile case, 7-degree angle
  • Layout: standard 61 keys, ANSI (6.25 u space bar)
  • Case and Plate color options: black, e-white, space grey

In the previous IC of Go-fit60, only black and red were provided as the case and plate color options. However, through the comments and feedback that we gathered from the IC, black, space grey, and e-white were the colors being wanted and loved the most. Therefore, we made a slight adjustment on the color selection by replacing the red variant with the space grey and e-white options.

More details on the Pre-soldered PCB

  • Bluetooth 5.0 (support up to 3 devices)
  • 3500mAh Lithium battery
  • Dual-mode, Wire/Wireless, charging when cable plugged
  • Hot-swap (Kailh socket)
  • USB Type-C breakout
  • Black solder mask with gold surface finish
  • Low battery/charging indicators
  • Switch direction: South-facing (in case of keycaps interference issue)
  • ESD protection was added
  • Cherry stabilizers (pre factory lubed)

Go-fit60 with keycaps & switches


Go-fit60 type-c charging port and bluetooth button

TIMELINE
TBA

The form used to collect and gather IC will no longer receive responses as soon as we update this notice here. The new GB form will soon be posted if everything is on the right track.

PRICING
We put a lot of effort into this project since early 2019 before we initially started designing and producing Go-poppers. Many of you may recall that the first IC was posted one year ago, and after that, we faced some challenges over the past two years, including the unexpected COVID-19. The original idea of introducing Go-fit60 was to offering a barebone kit that is made with better raw materials, representing higher quality and durability, and therefore can be regarded as an alternative replacement of plastic-made case for intense typing workload. Keeping this in mind, we lower the pricing of the kit over the GB with our best effort over conversations and negotiations with the factory and warehouse.

Finally, we all agreed that during the GB, although the cost of the raw material of the e-white Go-popper is relatively higher than the others, it will have the same price as the kit of black and space grey Go-fit60. Also, we decided to waive the cost of the production on the PCB that is enabled with RGB, making it the exact pricing as the regular PCB with no RGB lights support.

The GB will be held for 20 days in total, and three different prices will be assigned to 1 kit and 1 PCB, respectively, for the first 3 days, the 4th to 10th day, and the last 10 days.

SHIPPING
All orders will be conducted and shipped by entergogo directly from the factory.

ANY QUESTIONS?
Any questions, thoughts, or concerns about this event or us, please post them here or reach out to us directly at hi@entergogo.com. Many thanks to everyone in the community for your unconditional support.

Be sure to check the discussion page for updates.


Updates on Sep 25, 2020

As with the last update, we had a hard time with the QMK+ Bluetooth testing process, and after another period of time we were still unable to work out some of the bugs, and while it may disappoint some people, we have to be honest and say that we have decided that the GG60 does not support QMK, and we will still be using the Bluetooth 5.0 solution. We are already redesigning the PCB to speed up the product launch.

Here are the latest product details:
The GG60 kit came from an original idea to make a powerful and minimalist mechanical keyboard for working on the go.

Features

  • Bluetooth 5.0 (support up to 3 devices)
  • Hot-swap (Kailh socket)
  • Anodized Aluminum 6063 case

Spec.

  • Anodized aluminum 6063 case
  • Aluminum 6063 & brass plate, 1.5mm, Top-Mount style switch plate
  • Low profile case, 7-degree angle
  • Case and Plate color options: black, red
  • Layout: standard 61 keys, ANSI (6.25 u space bar)

Pre-soldered PCB

  • Bluetooth 5.0 (support up to 3 devices)
  • 2000mAh Lithium battery (estimated 2 months duration)
  • Dual mode, Wire/Wireless, charging when cable plugged
  • Hot-swap (Kailh socket)
  • USB Type-C breakout
  • Black solder mask with gold surface finish
  • Low battery/charging indicators
  • Switch direction: South-facing (in case of keycaps interference issue)

Discord link: entergogo
Discord name: entergogo#2512
Please fill out the IC form if you’re new here:)
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Updates for the GG60 and initial GB
Important updates on Aug 6

After some struggle and trade-offs, we decided to go with Bluetooth 4.0 + QMK instead of the originally planned Bluetooth 5.0 + QMK. We feel sorry about this, especially for who has an expectation on Bluetooth 5.0.

Either Bluetooth alone or QMK is very easy to implement, but Bluetooth + QMK is not.

After months of trial and talking to industry solution experts, we found that implementing Bluetooth 5.0+QMK was very difficult and beyond our team’s current capabilities.

In fact, Bluetooth 4.0+QMK is a very good solution, at least for now, it is more stable and the user experience is almost the same as Bluetooth 5.0.

In short, we don’t want to launch Bluetooth 5.0 + QMK when it’s not fully ready.

Next, we need a little more time to finish the rest of the work and then officially launch the GG60 Kit. (GB coming soon…)

Discord link: entergogo
Discord name: entergogo#2512
Please fill out IC form if you’re new here:)
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Updates for the GG60 and initial GB

GG60 Kits include as follows. (switches and keycaps are not included in the kit)

  • 1x alu case
  • 1x plate
  • 1x PCB(soldered)
  • One set cherry stabilizers
  • One set screws

Features
QMK / Hotswap with Kailh socket / Bluetooth 5.0 / Alu Case / Type-C port / Charging indicator

Other information

  • There is no backlit for the initial GB, but the PCB supports SMD lights.
  • Besides black and red, maybe add one more color option for the case, probably grey. (We know many people want a white case, but due to the high defect rate, the price will be affected, we will release the white one in the future than now)
  • ESD protection was added
  • Switch direction: South-facing (in case of keycaps interference issue)
  • Cherry stabilizers (pre factory lubed)
  • Only ANSI layout for the initial GB, ISO layout coming later(2nd round GB)
  • You can choose to buy a PCB separately
  • GB opens between May 20 to June 10, exact date TBD
  • We provide free assemble service if you need it.

——————————————————————————————————————————
Hi, everyone! This is Chao. GG60 is a minimalist mechanical keyboard kit, it was designed for the people who like portable and small keyboards, the wireless function quite fit for the people who like travel and work mobile, one charge can last over 2 months.

We hope more and more people can enjoy a premium custom mechanical keyboard. So we tried our best to make it an affordable custom keyboard kit, only $99 for the basic kit.


More photos here

GG60 features:

  • Anodized Aluminum 6063 case

  • Bluetooth 5.0 with 2000mAh Lithium battery (estimated 2 months duration)

  • Hot-swap socket

  • QMK - fully programmable

  • Type-C terminal, Dual-mode, Wire/Wireless, charging when cable plugged

  • Black PCB with Gold pads

  • Switch south-facing

  • Low battery/charging indicators

Pricing (USD)

  • Basic kit 1: $99 (including Anodized CNC Aluminum Case, PCB, Aluminum Plate, and necessary tools, screws, etc.)

  • Basic kit 2: $109 (including Anodized CNC Aluminum Case, PCB, and Brass Plate and necessary tools, screws, etc.)

  • Extra Case: +$50

  • Extra PCB: +$50

  • Extra aluminum plate: +$12

  • Extra brass plate: +20 USD

  • Shipping fee: $35 for all locations, DHL Express

GB time: TBD
MOQ: 100 pcs

Please fill out IC form if you have an interest:)

7 Likes

Any chance of buying PCB only?

1 Like

Yes, for sure. We can offer that option.

1 Like

I hate to be that guy, but is the Bluetooth FCC certified? What sort of battery protections does it have?

Yes, we will do FCC for the PCB board, and we have installed temp sensor IC on the PCB to protect the battery.

Is there RGB leds and underglow? Also is the battery removable and replacable?

Discord replied.

Please check new updates.

Can it support holy pandas or Zealios?

Yes, it does support holy pandas and Zealios.

Could you do PCB only? Or offer a walnut case? Also, does the PCB fit GH60 cases?

Hey, you can buy PCB only, we will give this offer. Do you mean a wood case? So far we don’t have this plan. The gg60 pcb doesn’t fit the GH60 cases.

Heyyyy guys, we know it’s been a longggg time since the last update on this discussion page. Fortunately, we are now re-starting this project right after finished up the Go-popper. Here’s the update on it.

Let us know any thoughts, comments, and questions about our Go-fit60 barebones kit!

entergogo
April 2021

3 Likes

Couldn’t wait for this sorry! Settled on Bluetooth 4.0 and QMK as part of the big Cora group buy!

https://www.play-keyboard.store/collections/bioi-g60ble-rev2-pcb-cora-60-case-groupbuy

Maybe next year…

Updates on August 10, 2021

Here’s the update on the go-fit60 barebone kit.
We gathered some new pictures of the prototype:





More pictures at https://imgur.com/a/cAWXkPi

Here’s the video that will give you a quick walk-through on go-fit60’s sound with two kinds of switches: TTX red switch and Gateron blue switch: YouTube

TIMELINE
GB starts on August 15, 2021, with a new GB post, but we will also update here.

PRICING
We made a slight adjustment to the pricing. The price will start from USD$89.00. Detail will be announced in GB.

2 Likes

This video will give you a quick walk-through on go-fit60’s sound with two kinds of switches: TTC red switch and Gateron blue switch.

Updates on August 15, 2021

We just initiated the GB on Go-fit60! Check it out here: [GB] “Go-fit60,” A 60% Bluetooth 5.0 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard Kit, starts from US$89.00, GB starts on Aug 15, 2021 EST

entergogo team

2 Likes

While this board is not for me, I do applaud the work you’ve done here! A good old fashioned tray mount 60%, made from high quality materials, with BT, QMK compatible, & at a really great price. If I was in need of a on the go board this would be the one I’d go for, GLWGB! :+1:

2 Likes