Chapter 1 - Exploded 65% | US Vendor Confirmed

Chapter 1

Rooke Design







Chapter 1 was inspired by material and finding a way to display those materials in a simple yet sophisticated way.



IC Form (CLOSED)





0. Contents

1. Details
2. Status
3. Photos and Renders
4. Deskmat and Comic
5. Vendors and Pricing
6. Contact and Socials
7. FAQ






1. Details

- 65%
- Isolation gasket mount with leaf spring plate
- 6.5° typing angle
- 18mm front height (excluding front chamfer)
- Footprint = 340mm wide x 136.5mm deep
- Weight is between 1.8kg and 2.5kg depending on configuration
- Arrow cluster
- Rotary encoder
- ANSI and ISO plate options (6.25u and 7u)
- USB-C daughter board
- Aluminium and Polycarbonate Case Options
- Various Weight Options
- Custom Knob
- Expected Q3 Group Buy Date







2. Status

Update 16.05.2021: Lot's of great feedback from the first IC form so far! I am currently working on other layouts for the PCB, as well as the plate design. Flex cuts are next on the agenda!

R1 prototypes have been received and are in the process of testing. I am happy with the Polycarbonate, Black and E-white but the teal didn't come out as expected and will, therefore, be replaced with a Dark Navy. Some dimensions needing minor adjustments, this will be done in the coming days. This includes adjusting leaf plate design slightly and fixing the gap between keycaps and the case.

R2 prototypes will then be ordered to confirm that I am happy with fitment and with the colour outcome. R1 custom knobs will be ordered at this time too, along with deskmat prototypes.

Update 01.06.2021: I'm very excited to announce that Mekibo is on board to be the US vendor for Chapter 1 Group Buy!

Changes for R2 prototypes are going smoothly. I have also been working on redesigning the bottom engraving, and will release it once finalized!




3. Photos and Renders

V1 Prototypes

Black and Polycarbonate Variants











Exploded View





Plate Design

Plate design is subject to change, the below renders are used to give you a better idea of what the plate will look like, but are not the final. I am working on adding flex cuts for a more uniform typing feel as well as adjusting the leaf spring dimensions.

Anodized Lilac Plate






See below for other plate colours (renders not accurate to real life):



Knob Design






General Renders








4. Deskmat and Comic

Chapter 1 is only the beginning of the story...

The board will come with a comic illustrated by my good friend Jack Singer and will be used as a "verification" method, as well as a collectible for (future) returning customers!

Along with this, I will be offering a deskmat GB alongside Chapter 1 which is inspired by one of the many beautiful frames in the comic!

Deskmat (more to come soon)



Comic (teaser)






5. Vendors and Pricing

Exact pricing and number of units to be announced. Price estimated to start around +-430usd

Asia: Ilumkb
Australia: Daily Clack
Canada: Ashkeebs
Europe: Mykeyboard.eu
US: Mekibo




6. Contact and Socials

Please follow me on Instagram and come join the Discord if you want to chat!







7. FAQ

Q: Is the layout fixed?
A: Yes, 6.25u and 7u ANSI and ISO.

Q: Will there be RGB?
A: No.

Q: Will there be a hotswap PCB?
A: Maybe.

Q: Can I buy your prototypes?
A: They will not be for sale.

Q: How many units will be available?
A: Depends on interest, but I am aiming an MOQ of 500.

Q: How will the GB in my region run?
A: That is determined by the Vendors.

Q: Typing tests?
A: Coming soon!



Special Thanks!

A big thank you Tom Sparrow for all the help throughout the process; Mykeyboard.eu for being a huge part since the start of the project almost a year ago(!) and also to all vendors for showing their interest in my design. As well as the German community for all the love early on, and my girlfriend for the constant support!