CONTWO CFRL - your next everyday workhorse (CFRL, numpad) - Kindakeyboards

CONTWO CFRL
Designed & Engineered by Kindakeyboards




Hi there, I am Milo from Antwerp, Belgium. After more than 2 years, the time has finally come where I am able to (hopefully) launch another GB product - the CONTWO CFRL. The CONTWO CFRL aims to bring together productivity and sleek, timeless design.

Before diving into the nitty gritty details of the keyboard, let’s explain the name: CONTWO CFRL. CONTWO is short for CONCEPT TWO, the second series I am bringing out (following the CONONE 65). CFRL, abbreviation for Compact Function Row Less, describing the keyboard’s layout.

IC FORM: https://forms.gle/72VkZHhPmyViibkRA
DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/zkzd85ZucZ
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kindakeyboards/
NEWSLETTER: www.kinda.be



0. CONTENTS
1. DETAILS
2. HOW DOES IT WORK?
3. LAYOUTS, PLATE & PCB
4. VENDING, PRICING & SALE FORMAT
5. RENDER GALLERY
6. PROTO PHOTO GALLERY
7. TIMELINE
8. OPINIONS?

1. DETAILS
CASE
- front height: 19.90mm
- layout: compact FRL with numpad
- typing angle: 6.5 degrees
- mount: friction fit
- two-part case (body + weight)
- screwless exterior design

- body options: raw alu anodised, black ano, white powder coat, tbd
- weight options: brass bead blasted, copper bead blasted, raw stainless steel

PLATE
- aluminum/brass/polycarbonate/tbd – plate files available after sale
- thickness: 1.5 mm

PCB
- hotswap: fixed 6.25u ANSI layout
- solder: variable options (please find attached below)
- support: VIA and QMK
- switches: MX style
- designed by 0xCB - prototypes made & working

2. HOW DOES IT WORK?
The CONTWO CFRL consist of a milled aluminum case, milled weight, polycarbonate/brass/tbd plate and a custom silicone moulded dampener, that also acts as a gasket.

The different parts are held in place by a friction fit mounting system. Once assembled, the PCB, dampener, plate and switches will act as one piece that slides into the case from the top, with only the silicone dampener touching the aluminum case. The weight is screwed into the case using 4 countersunk screws.

One could compare this with a gummy o-ring mount where the o-ring is also a dampener. I hope this exploded view gives you a better understanding.



In theory the board can also be built with just a gummy o-ring, but I am yet to test this out on the prototype.

Hopefully this step by step build of the CFRL gives you a good view of how the assembly works.




3. LAYOUTS, PLATE & PCB







4. VENDING, PRICING & SALE FORMAT
VENDING:
- world: www.kinda.be
- currently in talks with more international vending partners, nothing set in stone for the time being

PRICING: aiming for the keyboard to be available from between 500EURs to 600EURs
(this would be with 21% VAT included, which will be discounted when shipped outside of the EU from Belgium)

SALE FORMAT: GB - first come first served (mid September/early October)
MOQ - 100 units

5. RENDER GALLERY
Find all renders here: https://imgur.com/a/mjdOmDL




6. PROTO PHOTO GALLERY
Find all photos here: https://imgur.com/a/zN0o6Ct
PROTOTYPE v1 - weight has been added + other updates
The case design has changed quite a bit since the first prototypes. More specifically, the bottom weight/accent was added, providing more customisability when it comes to looks and sound profile.

Nevertheless, the prototype did act as a proof of concept. All of the parts were able to fit nice and snug, as designed. For the time being I replaced the dampener with a milled polycarbonate surrogate. This way, I was able to check the fitment of the parts before making irreversible expenses like moulds.

In addition to the added weight, some other (smaller) changes have been made. Let me go over them quickly:
- The standard bumpon feet are swapped with Geonworks feet
- Minor margin changes to the dampener cutouts, allowing for better compatibility with stabilizers and a better ‘friction fit’
- Added text logo on the bottom
- Some minor internal tweaks






KEYBOARD BAG
As the convenience of a custom carry case is unlike anything else when it comes to travel and shipping, the CFRL will come standard with a simple, minimal, blacked out carry case.



7. TIMELINE
I will be ordering a dampener prototype made out of silicone in August. This will allow me to make comprehensive sound test, and possible iterations of the design depending on the outcome.

The second prototype will be ordered when we are a bit into the [IC], in the hopes of picking up on some good feedback!

8. OPINIONS?
Thank you for reading through this [IC]. It means a lot.
Please let me know your thoughts here or in the form. Looking forward to reading them.

At first I was a bit hesitant about the added weight. Now however, I think it really adds to the keyboard. Still has the same minimal and sleek look, but allows for a bit more customisability for those who want. What do you think of it?

If there are other things (major or minor) I perhaps overlooked, please let me know. Trying to get the next prototype as close to the final version of the keyboard as possible. So any input helps.

IC FORM: https://forms.gle/72VkZHhPmyViibkRA
DISCORD SERVER: https://discord.gg/zkzd85ZucZ
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kindakeyboards/
NEWSLETTER: www.kinda.be