2022 Q1 Update for grid 650

This update includes the release of module type - 10 CYCLE, module type - 07 + 10 ARRAY+CYCLE and Lightspeed-compatible PCB for grid 650.

We've also prepared a little more version 2 QMK BLE boards, which means a limited amount of stock units are available.

grid 650 CYCLE module and ARRAY+CYCLE module

More than a year after introducing grid 650, we are excited to announce the release of the CYCLE module. In the period leading up to its release, we learned many things like how QMK processed encoder signals and created a module with a standalone chip to ensure accurate and consistent feedback.

The idea was easy, but the process was not. We started with the module's function, spending countless hours making electronic prototypes that we tested with motorized rigs that drive the encoder 10x past its claimed lifespan. Next, we focused on the module's look and feel, arriving at an elegant design consistent with the carefully-designed products you expect from grid. After numerous iterations, throwing out, and starting again (many times), we finally arrived at a product we are proud to present to you and gave it a name that pays tribute to the rigors of the design process from which it was born: CYCLE.

Module Type-10 CYCLE:

Specially designed knob, featuring no side screw holes and interchangeable magnetic cap.
Currently, two cap designs are available: Ver. Classic and Ver.Peaks
EC-11, 20 stops encoder with a center button
Standalone microprocessor for encoder input handling and lighting
12 ARGB LED with 5 light effects and 13 colors:
- Light effects: Static, Breathing, Spinning, Rainbow breathing, Rainbow cycle
- Colors: White, Red, Orange, Yellow, Chartreuse, Green, Mint, Aqua, Azure, Blue, Purple, Fuchsia, Pink
Connects to the keyboard matrix and is recognized as F1-F4 keys (configurable*)
- Left rotation = F1, right rotation = F2, left rotation with knob pressed = F3, right rotation with knob pressed = F4
Compatible with all our PCBs
Power drain from the battery: 10-80mA

*F1-F4 keys can be configured for our QMK PCB and LS PCB in 2.4G mode.

Earlier in the geekhack forum, zFrontier, and some e-mails, we were suggested to combine module 07 ARRAY with module 10 CYCLE. So, here we are.

Module Type-07+10 ARRAY+CYCLE:

The "ARRAY" part on the left and the "CYCLE" part on the right
Same ARRAY PCB and similar CYCLE PCB.
Not compatible with our 18650 battery holder, requires flat battery mod for wireless built.
Limited as a complete set and unlimited as an ARRAY upgrade (without ARRAY PCB)

Unique design getting rid of the need for a side screw hole

CYCLE module light effect - rainbow cycle

Groupbuy info for CYCLE and ARRAY + CYCLE module:

Groupbuy will be on zFrontier, coming shortly.
Module 10 CYCLE and Module 07+10 ARRAY will be available in black, silver, navy, and purple
Both modules come with a magnetic cap Ver. Classic in the same color, the cap has the same color options as the module.
$80 for CYCLE and $150 for ARRAY+CYCLE.
$18 for extra magnetic cap Ver. Classic or $28 for magnetic cap Ver. Peaks
2022 August delivery

Lightspeed-compatible PCB for grid 650

The Lightspeed-compatible PCB is an alternative for better wireless performance than our original QMK BLE board. Its earliest design goes back to when we started the grid 650, and that's why it is fully compatible with all grid 650 modules. Since the last November, we've sent a dozen early prototype boards to alpha users and received positive feedback.

Spec of the Lightspeed-compatible PCB for grid 650:

ANSI, hotswap available in both WK and WKL
1.2mm thick blue PCB and immersion gold plating.
Use Logitech Lightspeed core chip, recognized as Logitech G613, no QMK support
Responsive and reliable 2.4G wireless connection
The board itself is very power efficient.
2.4G with USB-A receiver (included) & Bluetooth Low Energy
25 Function keys for WK or 23 for WKL, including F-zone, 2.4G/BLE switching keys and media keys.
F-zone programmable using G-hub software, in 2.4G mode
Battery measurement works due to voltage follower design
5 LEDs, Green-2.4G, Blue-Bluetooth, White-CAPS indicator, Orange-Charing, Red-Low battery
Compatible with all grid 650 modules. including PRESS and CIRCLE
Secondary Battery connector* (protection bypassed) on the backside for easier battery mod.
*We highly suggest you not to use the secondary battery connector and 18650 battery at the same time

Groupbuy info of the Lightspeed-compatible PCB for grid 650:

Groupbuy will be on zFrontier, coming shortly.
The Lightspeed PCB for grid 650 uses plenty of fancy chips that are not regularly seen on a keyboard; besides, it requires a donor G613 keyboard. That's why it will be $110.
There will be some wear on the USB receiver because we use recycled (used) G613 donor boards to cut costs.
We clean and sanitize the USB receiver before shipping.
We can still use a new G613 keyboard for special orders, which is more expensive, costs $170, and will be less environmentally friendly. The only noticeable difference is the brand new USB receiver.

Layout of grid 650 Lightspeed-compatible PCB

QMK BLE PCB version 2 for grid 650, hotswap and solderable

These two boards have Similar spec as the original apart from:

Atmel 32U4 chip in VQFN package
Mill-max socket compatible with solderable PCB
Same secondary battery connector as our Lightspeed-compatible PCB (battery protection bypassed)
Stock at $75, $5 more expensive due to cost increase in parts and material