https://hexkeyboards.com/products/hex-50fehex.kbd50FE
Plateless F13 WKL TKLWith the third and final instalment of our plateless series(for now),
we finally arrive at our form-factor of choice: the Winkeyless Tenkeyless.
After more than 12 months of RnD and 5 iterations of prototypes later,
we're finally ready to launch our first entry into the world of high end WKL TKLs.
Mounting Style
Like the 4B and the 3Cv2 that preceded this, the 50FE utilizes the O-Ring Plateless Mount.
In this iteration of the mount, the O-Ring positions have been optimized for the TKL Layout,
making sure the sound and type feel is as uniform as it can be across the board(pun absolutely intended).
No acoustic mods are required.Side Profile
50FE features a massive sandblasted stainless steel (SUS304) external weight, designed and
machined to stand out amongst the crowded space of high-end TKLs.
Visible from both the sides and back of the keyboard, the gentle curvatures provide contrast and
visual interest, while remaining unobtrusive to the silhouette of the design.
We wrestled with the idea of adding more design elements to the exterior of the board, but we
eventually decided to keep the exterior clean, allowing the side profile to be the star of the show.
Inspirations
Like many, we were enamoured by the TGR Jane v2 when we first entered the hobby. Even though
the design elements of the Jane v2 has been replicated time and again in other boards, we took
great care to ensure these elements don’t become a pastiche in our interpretation of the design.
The carbon fibre accent, together with the hexagonal badge are both contextualised elements that
were inspired by the Jane v2 CE.
F1-8X by Geonworks changed what we thought were possible for a TKL in its price bracket. Its
innovative O-ring mount was also one of the precursors to the PCB O-ring mount that we eventually
adopted in our recent designs.
The venerable JER80 also introduced us to how a plateless TKL should feel and sound like. It helped
us set the bar high for what a plateless TKL can be.
Major appreciation to everyone who has been part of this process, from fellow
vendors/designers/creators to our friends in the hobby.
The 50FE stands on the shoulders of giants.
Colors Available
Stormy Weather (18-4214 TCX)
Misty Lilac (15-3807 TCX)
Chive (19-0323 TCX)
Jet Black (19-0303 TCX)
Note:
We provided FHI Pantones instead of metallics for the factory’s reference because we wanted more unique
hues to be achieved for this project. We will provide the factory with relevant color guides and do multiple
rounds of color matching before proceeding with anodization.
Specifications
Effective Keyboard Height: 24.7mm
Typing angle: 6.9 degrees
Materials:
5052 Aluminium (Bottom & Top Case)
SUS304 (Weight & Badge)
Silicone (Feet)
Surface Finishes:
Sandblasted (Weight & Badge)
Matte (CF Backplate)
Fasteners used:
M2.5*10 Hex Socket Head Cap Screw (Small Head Diameter)
M3*5 Hex Socket Countersunk Screw
M2*4 Hex Socket Button Screw
Colours:
Stormy Weather
Misty Lilac
Chive
Jet Black
Vendor: hex.kbPCB Supported Layouts (Solder only)
Final Prototype Pictures
Note: PCB will be Matte Black in the production run
Sales Info:Kit price: SGD 650
Kit includes:
1x 50FE, 1x PCB, 4x Silicone Feet
1x Carrying Case
1x Microfiber Cloth
1x Certificate of Ownership
100 units (serialized, no reruns or extras)
FCFS, colors and add-ons to be selected after initial sale
Pre-order starts on 5th February 2023, 2200 GMT +8
Targeted Completion: Early Q3 2023*
*FNF edition already in production, hence the more optimistic timelineVODsTaehatypes: Twitch VOD
