Release beta improves upon Alpha in design and features; it was re-designed from the ground up to be backwards-compatible with SharkPCB rev. Alpha designs yet improving using a better microcontroller.
Following feedback from rev. Alpha users:
- The rotary encoder placement on the ESC key was removed and only the "BACKSPACE" position is available;
- More RGB LEDs were added to make the RGB animations more fluid;
- The switch footprints are now "soldermask" type where the switch pads are "hidden" on the top side, making the huge Shark logo more visible;
- All labels are now metallized in custom Pirulen font;
Technical improvements
The new revision Beta greatly technically improves upon Alpha:
- New Joker Topology microcontroller circuit which allows it to use multiple different STM32 MCUs; the first prototypes were made using F411;
- Reset circuit now a double-MOSFET delayed-discharge MOSFET
- Component list is available on JLCPCB parts so the PCBs can be manufactured by that manufacturer
- Rev. Beta firmware has a "encoder modes" firmware