The 45-ATS the first manifestation of my CAD work.
The first prototype 45-ATS coated in Electrophoresis Yellow.
Learning to render with Fusion 360, I had become very comfortable with the workspace. The 45-ATS is my first stab at creating something from nothing by collecting my favorite features from other keyboards that I owned and appreciated at the time.
The name 45-ATS is simple after it’s been broken down. Keyboard names are often suffixed by a number that represents their size in proportionality to a full sized keyboard. The name for this board comes from the base layout of a 45% keyboard, ATS: And Then Some. The ATS referring to the arrow keys and column jutted into the right side of the layout.
Modeling was not the hard part for me. Once the tolerances were known, it was just a matter of time. Creating the circuit board design was more challenging; using a few help-me guides I was able to assemble something that worked at the prototype level. One of the key features is a detachable USB-C port, allowing it to fit right in with the family electronics that run our lives.
45-ATS render showing USB-C port.
Render of the color selection at group buy level.
When the time came for the group buy; the board was available in black, silver, white, plum red, and light blue. Keysets are chosen separately by the owner and whether the board matches the keycaps or the keycaps match the board, that’s up to them. 50 orders were collected and 77 keyboards were made.
Run out of a shared 900 square-foot apartment, this project owned my space.
The end result.
