HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDSThe stars align! After a pretty intensive IC phase with lots of fertile discussions, we have finally reached the GB phase. Oh and btw, new name! SKB (Simple Keyboard) is no more, it's a Heavy Metal Keyboard now (or HMKB). To make the whole GB process easier for all of us, I set up a shop. A discord channel is also available now. BUT PLEASE, before you do anything, take your time and read this start post including the FAQ - because 95% of the time it helps all the time
RendersHMKB-60 Standard with GMK Dark
HMKB-60 HHKB stainless steel with GMK Ashes
HMKB-65 with Dolch
HMKB-65 with GMK TARO R2
HMKB-75 with GMK Nautilus R2
HMKB-75 with GMK Ashes
HMKB-80 WKL with OG Cherry caps & RGB Modifier
HMKB-80 with WoB
HMKB-95 with GMK 9009 (almost, because R0)
HMKB-40there are a few in the IC thread, soon more...
PhotosRAL1013
Stainless Steel
More photos
AboutThis is a mechanical keyboard enclosure made from bent sheet metal. After being laser cut,
a big precision bending machine forms the sheet metal part into its final shape. Top and bottom steel parts form an extremely tough and heavy enclosure that rests firmly on your desk.
The plate that holds the switches is top mounted which is obviously revealed by the penetrating bolts. TPE grommets are used to fully isolate the plate from the bolts and the enclosure, which results in a more enjoyable typing experience.
The typing angle is adjustable by a mono leg, made of metal and attached by bolts. This ensures the case top stand rock solid at all of the four possible angles: 6, 8, 10 and 12 degrees.
The big bezels are a deliberate choice and provide a well spaced frame for the key caps.
Powder coating is a very robust, technical coating. It has a grainy texture wich is called fine structure. Beige, grey, black and yellow are the available color options.
Apart from these powder coated versions there is also a stainless steel version. It is bead blasted V2A steel.
Designed and made in Germany.
Sizes and versions
Specifications- material and finish: steel (powder coated) or V2A stainless steel (bead blasted)
- top mount construction
- high profile case, caps sink in very deep
- plate fully isolated via grommets
- adjustable typing angle: 6, 8, 10 and 12°
- very low first/lowest key row
- weights, see on the product page
- dimensions 40, 60, 65, 75, 80, 95
- additional info in the shop
Colors- Classic Beige (RAL 1013), Feinstruktur
- Dolch Gray (RAL 7039), Feinstruktur
- Black (RAL 9005), Feinstruktur
- Yellow (RAL 1023), Feinstruktur
- Natural/bare, stainless steel, bead blasted
Included- keyboard enclosure (top, bottom, mono-foot)
- switch plate (steel or brass)
- PCB (designed by Maartenwut, high quality, QMK)
- accessories (grommets, bolts, standoffs, nuts)
PricingSee the prices in the shop. Here are some basics:
- 60% including steel plate and PCB starts at 130€ (142$ ), including shipping to the US it's 160$
- 80% TKL including steel plate and PCB starts at 170€ (185$ ), with shipping to the US it's 214$. Shipping is expensive because the boxed TKL weighs just over 2kg, so the cheaper sub-2kg shipping option isn't possible with TKL and bigger
- stainless steel versions cost a bit more
- brass plate instead of steel plate, costs more
- the 60% is also offered with just the plate but without the PCB, this starts at 110€/119$ (that's 137$ shipped to the US)
TimelineI assume a sufficient amount orders will be reached after one month. Order should be placed in the following month. Production should take at least two months, four months at max. Then the shipping starts and it will take at least one more month until the last package will be shipped.
Expected shipping Q3 2020
Updatesthe whole start post including the FAQ will be updated over time. To be most up to date you should join the discord server. Here I will only post the most important milestones.
- just started
- first numbers (amount of orders) will be published in a few days
- the future
FAQQ: What is included?
A: The case, plate, PCB and accessories like nuts, bolts and grommets.
Q: Who developed the PCBs?
A: Maartenwut.
Q: But I already have a PCB, can I get an HMKB without it?
A: Yes, the 60% versions are available without PCB, that's "HMKB-60s" in the shop. All other sizes are only available as kit, PCB included.
Q: Boardwalk PCB?
A: The Boardwalk PCB is the only one you'll have to get elsewhere. It's sold via MKUltra. You need to ask Silentreader regarding a Euro proxy.
Q: YAS62 PCB?
A: I have very few left from my last GB. They are the only reason a SKB2 YAS version will be made.If you already have a YAS PCB and want a new case for it, you can get the HMKB-60-YAS without the PCB, you can find it in the shop under "HMKB-60s".
Q: RGB?
A: Please leave!
Q: Hotswap?
A: No, Maarten's PCBs don't support hot swap.
Q: Can I use another PCB?
A: Yes, if you prefer a different PCB (maybe because of hot swap capability) you can do so. SKB2 is a top mount construction, so you don't need to care about screw hole compatibility. Just make sure the USB port is at the correct position. I tried a hot swap PCB, it fits, no problem.
Q: Other colors?
A: There was a long discussion about which colors and which specific RAL tone. It's beige, grey, black, yellow and stainless steel. Nothing else.
Q: Powder coating, what is that?
A: It's a durable type of technical coating. It's like baked into the metal. Google it!
Q: Only this Geekhack IC thread? Am I missing something? Discord, Instagram, anything else?
A: During the IC phase all was happening in the Geekhack thread only. Since the start of the GroupBuy, a discord server is available.
Q: What about social media?
A: No, I don't do social media at all but I don't mind if you share information about HMKB on social media, provided you link to "
www.heavymetalkeyboards.com".
Q: Will you offer plates made of other materials than steel or brass?
A: No, only steel and brass.
Q: A custom plate?
A: I'll make a custom plate file for everyone who wants it. Just not right from the start, need a rest first, before I dive in to custom plate files.
Q: How long will the GB run?
A: About one month, I estimate until the end of may or start of june.
Q: Expecting any corona related delays?
A: The German manufacturer is operating normally at the moment. The Chinese company responsible for the PCBs is back to normal operation at this time. So I don't expect any corona related delays.
Q: So you do run a shop now, or what?
A: No! The store is simply a means to run the group buy more efficiently. I don't consider myself a shop operator.
Q: Will you have HMKBs in stock?
A: No, I'm not planning to hold stock, definitely not!
Q: Where is it made?
A: The keyboard case is entirely made in Germany. Only the PCBs are made in China.
Q: How can I help?
A: Use the banner in your signature or show your support with a post to let me know you like it. That makes me happy.
Q: Where are you from?
A: Frankfurt, Germany. GUDE!
Group BuyHEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS(among the first 100 orders, seven of the prototypes will be raffled)
DiscordJOINOblotzky, huge thanks for your help!If you like this project, please add the following to your signature:[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.0][img width=470 height=120]https://i.imgur.com/LNCvDiF.jpg[/img][/url]
