TKD Cycle8 Keyboard Kit Groupbuy

This product is available for group buy.

The group buy date is 12th July 2024 - 30th July 2024
The estimated shipping time for this product is Q3 2024/ Q4 2024

Learn more about group buy here.

Shop Cycle8 add-on extra here.

Specification

The kit includes (main kit, no additional optional purchases):

-Keyboard Kit x1 set
-Keyboard bag x1
-Plate x1
-PCB x1
-PCB stabilizer x1 set
-Gasket beans x1 set
-Gasket rings x1 set
-Foam Kit (plate foam, PE foam, case foam) x1 set
-Foot pads x1 set

PCB & Layout

Soldered

Hotswap

HE Magnetic switch PCB Layout

-Single mode
Single-mode offers the option of Soldered PCB and Hotswap PCB.
The single-mode is developed using the official QMK library, supporting VIA/VIAL

-Tri-mode
Cycle8's tri-mode will support VIA, no longer appearing in standalone driver mode, which means it has a more stable driver program. It is equipped with two 2200mAh batteries and has implemented the functions of combination keys and soft switch switching modes. There will be enhanced optimization of device compatibility in Bluetooth mode.

-Magnetic Switch PCB
Cycle8's HE solution is provided by Rakka, featuring hardware and software developed in-house by Rakka, specifically tailored for the Cycle8 kit. It boasts strong performance, ensuring low latency while maintaining consistency between theoretical and physical performance metrics.

Key features include:
8000Hz polling rate
Adjustable actuation distance from 0.1 to 4.00 (true physical travel with no dead zones)
High resolution up to 0.05mm (adjustable in 0.05mm increments)

To ensure stability of the HE solution, it includes:
FR4 plate
HE PCB
Plate-mounted stabilizers
GATERON magnetic jade switch

These components will be pre-assembled as part of the kit order.

Overall Introduction

Cycle8 is the second kit following Cycle7, featuring an 80% keyboard layout that continues Cycle's design language and philosophy. It remains an entry-level product aimed at achieving high completion standards, with improvements in production difficulty and craftsmanship.
As a break through introduced in Cycle7, EZ-assemble System, a ball-catch quick-assemble structure, will continue to be an integrated part of Cycle8 but with improved custom CNC components better suited for TKL frames.
This release enriches design details compared to its predecessor. As a TKL-sized keyboard, Cycle8 introduces more features:

Accessory

Lighting Strip:

The lighting strip for the directional area is optional. You can choose between a version with lighting or without lighting:

Battery Compartment Cover

-Anodized Aluminum Battery Compartment Cover (135g)
-Brushed SS Battery Compartment Cover (392g)
-Brass Battery Compartment Cover (427g)

Weight

-Brushed + Polished-Mirror SS (348g)
-Brushed + Polished-Mirror electroplating (348g)

Plate:

-5052 Aluminum plate
-PC plate (Unlike previous uses of PC material, this release features a completely new material and process for the PC plate.)
-FR4 plate

Inner Weight

Please note, this is an additional optional purchase:

Battery compartment internal weights (stainless steel adding approximately 315g, brass adding approximately 346g)

These weights are not compatible with the tri-mode battery pack due to size constraints.

-Stainless Steel Inner Weight
-Brass Inner Weight

EZ-assemble System - a ball-catch quick-assemble structure

The Cycle8 still adopts the ball-catch EZ-assemble system from the Cycle7. However, to achieve a frame proportion more suitable for TKL and improve assembly stability, we have produced smaller-sized ball-catch components in-house using CNC machining.

Utilizing 7-series aluminum alloy paired with hardened anodization.

Custom carbon steel springs combined with silicon nitride ball catches (compared to stainless steel balls, silicon nitride offers higher strength and inherent lubrication).

Structural Options

Dual Mounting Modes
The Cycle8 features two modes of Gasket mount, allowing for structural changes to be swiftly accomplished with the assistance of the ball-catch EZ-assemble mechanism.

-Gasket Beans
This offers a more delicate and soft typing experience. We've retained the gasket beans mounting from the Cycle7, as it offers efficient and stable tactile feedback. This characteristic was proven effective in the Cycle7.

-Oring Gasket
We have introduced a new form of gasket with an O-ring, which we believe is superior to the traditional O-ring structure with single-sided support typically found in whole-board setups. This new configuration offers a more stable performance regarding pressure distribution within the PCB.

Furthermore, it largely preserves the tactile characteristics of the O-ring structure. It provides the most direct critical feedback under non-rigid connections, distinct from the soft feel of the deformation travel of comparatively fragile gasket beans.