[IC] KORE LX PCB by Nuxroskb x HMC Studios

Hello @everyone!

I'm excited to introduce KORE, a PCB project that HMC Studio and me have been developing. KORE is a combination of "Keyboard" and "Core", representing the heart of a mechanical keyboard. The vision behind KORE is to build a PCB platform that serves as the foundation for as many keyboards as possible without compromising on quality.

Our goals are simple:

• One PCB, compatible with as many keyboards as possible.
• Premium build quality. (Blackcore/ CEM3 Material + Gold-plated PCB)
• Reliable and long-term aftermarket support.
• Free 1-to-1 PCB replacement for manufacturing defects.

The KORE project will consist of three primary layouts, with multiple variants available within each layout. KORE LX (60%)

• Multi-layout (6.25u, 7u, ISO)
• Tsangan

KORE LXV (65%) Coming soon...
KORE LXXX (TKL) Coming soon...
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KORE uses a JST-to-SUR connection, the same solution I've used across every keyboard project I've developed over the years.

The biggest benefit is the size of the SUR connector. It has a footprint comparable to a Kailh hotswap socket and in some cases, it's even lower profile. This provides much greater flexibility when designing keyboards with limited internal clearance.

Traditional JST connectors are noticeably taller and bulkier. As a result, many keyboards rely on a PCB with the JST connector positioned at an exact location. If that position doesn't perfectly match the cutout in your case, the connector can interfere with the case, prevent assembly, or create unwanted pressure against the bottom housing.

This becomes a real problem when the original PCB is discontinued or difficult to obtain. Even if another PCB shares the same layout, it may still be incompatible simply because the JST connector is located differently.

KORE solves this issue

By using a JST-to-SUR design, KORE remains compatible with standard Unified Daughterboards while using a dedicated cable to connect the PCB. This makes it much easier to adapt KORE to a wide range of keyboard projects without being limited by JST connector placement.

To make things even simpler, every KORE PCB comes with all the accessories required for installation, so you have everything you need right out of the box.
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Let's start with KORE LX, our 60% PCB.

It took HMC Studio and me nearly four months of research, prototyping, and refinement to bring this PCB to life.
One of the biggest challenges we wanted to solve was creating a USB Type-C connector that could be either permanently installed or easily removed, depending on the user's needs.

The reason is simple: not every keyboard case is designed the same way. Some cases are built around a USB Type-C port mounted directly on the PCB, while many others rely on a Unified Daughterboard.

With most PCBs currently available, once a Type-C connector is permanently soldered onto the PCB, it becomes incompatible with cases designed for a daughterboard, as the connector will interfere with the available space inside the case.

The common solution on the market is to simply snap off the Type-C connector when switching to a daughterboard configuration. While this works, it's only a one-way solution. Once the connector has been removed, it cannot be reinstalled if you decide to use it again in the future.

That wasn't the experience we wanted to offer.

With the goal of creating a single PCB that is compatible with as many keyboard projects as possible, HMC Studio and I spent months developing a solution that allows users to freely choose between an onboard USB Type-C connector and a Unified Daughterboard without sacrificing or permanently modifying any part of the PCB.
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What's Included
1× KORE PCB
2× Connection Cables (Short & Long) 
1× Daughterboard
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Estimate price: $45
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Render:

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Layout supported

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Real Product: