Holepunch35 / Alice layout 35-key keyboard [UPDATE 18.8.23]

0. INTRODUCTION
Hello, we are Holepunch Studios, and we are thrilled to present the Interest Check for our latest project. This post serves as a platform to gauge your interest, gather feedback, and determine the future trajectory of this endeavor.

1. UPDATES
18.08.2023

• Case assembly structure overhaul: An improved hidden-screw mounting system was implemented
• External weight added
• New colorways will be considered: red and/or green colorways may be available in the future
• Assembly animation added (may be subject to change)
• Renders updated

31.07.2023

• Renders of the latest Prototype (Version 6) added
• Planned colorways revealed
• Planned wrist rest revealed
• Link to Interest Check form added

28.07.2023

• Overhauled Aesthetics: The contrast of elegant curves, rounded chamfers and sharp edges create visual interest. Despite its size, the keyboard has evolved into a striking but subdued showpiece that is sure to impress on your desk. Please see the preview renders in the "SNEAK-PEAK"-section.
• New Gasket System: 3D-printed gaskets allow the user to alter the typing stiffness and sound of the board according to their preferences. The gaskets are printed with different densities of volumetric lattices which allow for different stiffnesses thereof.
• Hidden Screws: since this board is rather small, screws can be hidden without negatively impacting the build experience.
• Daughterboard: we have now integrated the open-source Unified Daughterboard C4-series.
• Typing Feel: the new design should allow for more movement, thus enabling the builder the option of a "bouncy" typing experience. This was done while also considering the front height of the board.
  
  • Much more: Additional details may follow in the near future.
  
  Please note that the keyboard's design is still a work in progress, and any images, renders, or previews only reflect the current state of the project. Many details are still subject to change. More information will be shared as the project progresses. Thank you for your patience!
  
  
  2. INSPIRATION AND DEVELOPMENT
  The board was inspired by flurples’ opensource C-13X keyboard and aims to stay faithful to the original layout and design, but also to incorporate more premium features and materials. Flurples was informed about our intent to produce and sell this keyboard and has graciously granted us his permission to do so.
  After multiple rounds of prototyping we have completely overhauled the initial design while retaining the original layout. Our goal was to improve the build experience, typing feel and aesthetics with each iteration and our latest design suits our preferences in these aspects. The following renders illustrate how the design has changed.
  
  !OLD! FOG colorway
  !NEW! STERLING colorway
  
  Some of you may be surprised by how drastically the board has changed, but we assure you that the alterations were not only worth it, but sometimes also necessary.
  
  
  4. CURRENT DESIGN
  The following images are renders of the latest prototype (Version 6).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Assembly demonstration of the current prototype:
  
  
  
  
  Depending on the demand, a wrist rest will be included or available as an add-on:
  
  
  
  
  
  5. COLORWAYS
  Depending on the demand, not every color will be produced. This is to reduce cost and environmental impact. However, these are some of the colorways that are the most likely to be offered. Please fill out the Interest Check form below to "vote" for your favorite colorway.
  
  ABYSS (black anodized aluminium top, gold anodized bottom)
  FOG (polycarbonate top, teal bottom)
  STERLING (silver anodized aluminium top, gold anodized bottom)
  CREAM (beige E-Coat top, gold anodized bottom)
  
  
  6. SALES INFORMATION
  
  
  • This board will be sold via group buy, but with limited extras available for people preferring the in-stock-experience
  • Vendors are currently undecided
  • Price: unknown; we aim to keep the price as low as possible, barely enough for us to cover manufacturing and logistics costs. We do not intend to profit from this project since this is our hobby. However, because the MOQ will be low and the complexity of the design, the board may turn out expensive regardless
  • MOQ: currently undecided
  
  7. INTEREST CHECK
  Please fill out the Interest Check survey to influence where this board will be headed. We value community feedback very highly and would greatly appreciate any and all forms of advice, help, feedback or encouragement.
  https://forms.gle/Hhex9gu1jQw36E4c7
  
  Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to fine-tune and perfect this project. Thank you for your support!
  
  
  
  Thank you for your time, we look forward to seeing this project come to life.
  Alex, Holepunch Studios