Introduction
Development
Born from the idea that an accent weight should be appreciated for its design, not hidden underneath or inside the keyboard, making it the key design feature for System_65. From the beginning, a simplified assembly process was important, not only by reducing the screw count, but also switching to magnets for interchangeable parts for customization. The 65% layout offers a great balance of functionality and compact form.
⠀
Design
The design features an accent weight attached magnetically at the front of the keyboard, and a badge at the bottom. These two parts provide some customization and different colours/materials will be available as add-ons, including blank badges. The System_65 uses a top mounted switch plate, with switches and stabilizers sitting on top of a custom designed PCB (hotswap or solder), which offers a variety of layout options.
Introduction
Development
Born from the idea that an accent weight should be appreciated for its design, not hidden underneath or inside the keyboard, making it the key design feature for System_65. From the beginning, a simplified assembly process was important, not only by reducing the screw count, but also switching to magnets for interchangeable parts for customization. The 65% layout offers a great balance of functionality and compact form.
⠀
Design
The design features an accent weight attached magnetically at the front of the keyboard, and a badge at the bottom. These two parts provide some customization and different colours/materials will be available as add-ons, including blank badges. The System_65 uses a top mounted switch plate, with switches and stabilizers sitting on top of a custom designed PCB (hotswap or solder), which offers a variety of layout options.
Supported Layouts
Another major objective for the System_65 was to offer identical layout support for both PCBs, MZ65-SYS (solder) and MZ65×SYS (hotswap). This also means that all switch plates will have the same layout support.
The FR-4 plate does not support the hotswap assembly hardware, but is still compatible with the hotswap PCB.
Layout Options
Backspace: Full / Split
Enter: ANSI / ISO
Caps Lock: Standard / Stepped
Left Shift: Full / Split
Bottom Row: 6.25u / 7u
Supported Layouts
Another major objective for the System_65 was to offer identical layout support for both PCBs, MZ65-SYS (solder) and MZ65×SYS (hotswap). This also means that all switch plates will have the same layout support.
The FR-4 plate does not support the hotswap assembly hardware, but is still compatible with the hotswap PCB.
Layout Options
Backspace: Full / Split
Enter: ANSI / ISO
Caps Lock: Standard / Stepped
Left Shift: Full / Split
Bottom Row: 6.25u / 7u
PCBs & Daughterboard
To accompany the goal of layout options, layout identifier dots are printed to mark the different options, most important for the bottom row. MZ65-SYS and hotswap MZ65×SYS. The only differences between the PCBs are the addition of caps-lock LED support for solder variant, and the colour of the solder mask: purple for solderable; and red for the hotswap variant.
The hotswap PCB is included in the keyboard kit, which includes the assembly hardware. The solder MZ65-SYS will be available as an add-on. All PCBs will be configurable with QMK firmware and compatible with VIA software.
Note: Daughterboard is not a unified daughterboard, pins are reversed.
Features
› MZ65-SYS (Solder) & MZ65×SYS (Hotswap)
› All layout options supported
› Layout Identifiers
› Caps-Lock LED, MZ65-SYS (solder) only
› USB Type-C
PCBs & Daughterboard
To accompany the goal of layout options, layout identifier dots are printed to mark the different options, most important for the bottom row. MZ65-SYS and hotswap MZ65×SYS. The only differences between the PCBs are the addition of caps-lock LED support for solder variant, and the colour of the solder mask: purple for solderable; and red for the hotswap variant.
The hotswap PCB is included in the keyboard kit, which includes the assembly hardware. The solder MZ65-SYS will be available as an add-on. All PCBs will be configurable with QMK firmware and compatible with VIA software.
Note: Daughterboard is not a unified daughterboard, pins are reversed.
Features
› MZ65-SYS (Solder) & MZ65×SYS (Hotswap)
› All layout options supported
› Layout Identifiers
› Caps-Lock LED, MZ65-SYS (solder) only
› USB Type-C
MZ65×SYS (Hotswap)
MZ65-SYS (Solder)
Variants
System_65 will launch with three variants. These specific variants were chosen to compliment a majority of keycap sets. In subsequent releases there will be more variants, including dual-tone variants.
Azure Odyssey
Top › Silver
Bottom › Silver
Accent Weight › Blue PVD
Badge › Blue PVD
Imperial White
Top › White (E-coat)
Bottom › White (E-coat)
Accent Weight › Black PVD
Badge › Black PVD
Triple Black
Top › Black
Bottom › Black
Accent Weight › Black PVD
Badge › Black PVD
Specifications
Features
› 65% layout, top mount
› Interchangeable accent weight & badge
› Custom PCB, w/ multi-layout identifiers
› USB Type-C
Materials
› Aluminum | top, bottom, switch plate
› Stainless Steel | accent weight, badge
› Polycarbonate | switch plate
› FR-4 | PCB, switch plate
Case Details
Dimensions: 325 mm × 120 mm × 32 mm
Typing Angle: 7.0°
Front Height (Adjusted): 19.4 mm
Weight (Unbuilt): 1.22 kg
Sale Format & Pricing
Pre-Order followed by In-Stock
The System_65 will release as a limited pre-order, with 10% off, then followed by an in-stock release of the remaining units. Pricing is not final, but currently estimated ~$400USD for in-stock, meaning ~$360USD for pre-order.
A group buy is not planned, however its feasibility will be determined at a later time through public interest and demand. Please note that pre-orders are not the same as group buy. You can learn more by visiting the Methods of Sale page.
Interest Check Form
The purpose of this form is to gather information and assess the demand for a group buy sale of the System_65. This group buy would run after the in-stock sale.
Sale Format & Pricing
Pre-Order followed by In-Stock
The System_65 will release as a limited pre-order, with 10% off, then followed by an in-stock release of the remaining units. Pricing is not final, but currently estimated ~$400USD for in-stock, meaning ~$360USD for pre-order.
A group buy is not planned, however its feasibility will be determined at a later time through public interest and demand. Please note that pre-orders are not the same as group buy. You can learn more by visiting the Methods of Sale page.
Interest Check Form
The purpose of this form is to gather information and assess the demand for a group buy sale of the System_65. This group buy would run after the in-stock sale.
Top Piece
Azure Odyssey › Silver
Imperial White › White (E-coat)
Triple Black › Black
Switch Plate
› Aluminum
› FR-4
› Polycarbonate (1.5mm)
› Polycarbonate (5mm)
PCB
Solderable › MZ65-SYS
Hotswap › MZ65×SYS
Daughterboard › MZ-USB
Bottom Piece
Azure Odyssey › Silver
Imperial White › White (E-coat)
Triple Black › Black
Accent Weight & Badge
Azure Odyssey › Silver
Imperial White › White
Triple Black › Black
What's in the Box?
All necessary magnets will be installed during QC & fulfillment. Hotswap PCB and assembly hardware is included in the kit.
*These add-ons have not been finalized yet. Please send feedback to voice your opinion.
Case Parts
› Top Piece
› Bottom Piece
› Accent Weight
› Switch Plate (Aluminum)
› Badge
› MZ65×SYS (Hotswap)
› MZ-USB (Daughterboard)
› 4× SKUF (Silicone Feet)
Assembly Hardware
› JST Cable
Screws:
› 2× M3x10mm (T10)
› 2× M3x6mm (T10)
› 9× M2x4mm (T6)
Hotswap Assembly:
› 6× M2x3mm (T6)
› 6× M2x3.5mm Spacer
› 6× M2x3mm Countersunk (T6)
Add-ons
Switch Plate:
› Aluminum
› FR-4
› Polycarbonate
PCB:
› MZ65-SYS (Solderable)
› MZ65×SYS (Hotswap)
Accent Weight (TBD)*
Badge (TBD)*
NOT Included
› Switches
› Stabilisers
› Keycaps
› USB Type-C Cable
The Road to Launch
The journey of the System_65, from concept to reality, has been a long one. Since everything was self-funded, it was crucial to proceed with caution during development and prototyping. Nevertheless, there is still a bit of work to be completed before pre-orders can go live.
Follow on Instagram to stay updated on the progress and news about the release details.
Evaluate and approve final prototypes that are almost finished manufacturing, and make minor adjustments if necessary. An update will be posted later with photos of the new prototypes.
In the meantime, you can find photos of previous prototypes on Instagram.
The packaging for System_65 is currently being designed, and will be prototyped soon.
Develop an instructional guide for users to follow while building their System_65.
The final pricing will be announced once all details are finalized. The current targeted in-stock price for the System_65 Keyboard Kit is ~$400 USD.
Prior to the launch of the pre-order, a few creators will showcase the build process, design, and typing sound tests of the System_65. Please note that units shown by creators are considered prototypes and packaging may not represent final product.
Concept Variants
The following are some of the variants that could potentially be offered during a group buy.
