◇ Case study

Omron75: new approach for an old favorite, omron B3G-S

Omron75 mechanical keyboard

Designed specifically to accommodate Omron B3G-S switches, known for their consistency and unique tactile feel. Omron75 offers a versatile 75% layout, a high-end sandwich case with sound-dampening features, and a thoughtful design that balances practicality and aesthetics.

Its build incorporates innovative solutions for ease of modification and optimal switch performance.

Industrial Design

CAD

CNC

Mechanical Keyboard

If you’re interested in the full build, please visit Deskthority.net

Read on Deskthority
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Overview

Opportunity

  • Unique offering: first board specifically designed for Omron B3G-S
  • Innovation: merging vintage switch technology with modern compatibility
  • 75% layout: introduces variety to the market in 2018

Constraints

  • Scarcity: difficulty sourcing Omron switches
  • Technical challenges: high failure rate while harvesting the switches
  • Compatibility: limited keycap options due to the unique dimensions of B3G-S

Accomplishments

✓ Excitement for 75%: paved the way for many other variants to come, especially the Knight

✓ Community awareness: raised interests on the Omron B3G-S as a viable daily driver

✓ Proven theory: demonstrated that sandwich design can deliver a quiet and soft typing experience

✓ Experience: Omron75 gave me the confidence and skill upgrade needed to start the Boring Box

Results

The Omron75 project resulted in a compact and unique 75% layout keyboard. It features a sandwich-style construction with a polycarbonate mid-piece for sound dampening.

Its design includes large chamfers and rounded corners. It offers a visual homage to vintage mechanical keyboards while incorporating modern technologies such as CNC machining, Cerakote metal finishes, and carbon fiber plates. These elements combine to create a high-performance, aesthetically pleasing keyboard that seamlessly blends classic and contemporary design principles.

What I Learn

There are only three Omron75's in existence. I keep one prototype with linear yellows and one final product with tactile whites, Mike Everett keeps the other final product with clicky yellows.

The Omron75 is a personal project that I cherish, created when I was most passionate about mechanical keyboards as a hobby. This project allowed me to apply contemporary design principles while discovering and preserving the vintage technology of the early days computer. Through both innovation and nostalgia, it gives me the drive to grow as a designer.

While many have requested the design file, I have no plans to share it as of now. For me, Omron75 represents a milestone and a source of personal growth and good memories. Compared to the current innovations from other designers, Omron75 can only serve as a minor reference.

Tech Specs

Specification

Typing Angle: 6º

Layout: 75%

Switch Support: Omron B3G-S

Winkeyless Support: Yes

Winkey Support: No

F-13 Support: Yes

Weight

Unbuilt: 9lbs

Built: approx. 9.5 lbs

Materials

Top: Brass(Cerakote)

Mid: Polycarb(Sandblasted)

Bottom: Brass(Cerakote)

Foot bar: Brass(Cerakote)

Grommets: Silicone Rubber (50A)

Plates

Omron: Carbon Fiber - Layout: dedicated 7u

Connectivity

Fixed cable

Timeline

01
Ideation & Analysis

Mar 2018

  • Gaining interest in B3G-S switches since the acquisition of the Datavue Spark Laptop
  • Researching sandwich system from Filco OEM, VE.A, and the Cheat keyboards
02
Detail Designs

Jun 2018

  • Prepro
  • Concept designs
  • Implementing complimentary features
  • Risers for feet
Omron75 mechanical keyboard
03
Prototypes & Revisions

Apr 2019 - Jun 2019

  • First prototype
  • Switch breakdown
  • Documentation on Deskthority.net
  • Changing risers to single foot bar
04
Final Design

Aug 2019

  • Final revision
  • Final design doc
  • Two final products
Omron75 mechanical keyboard
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