Monarch (WKL 65, knob, interchangeable inserts) EXTRAS AVAILABLE!!!!

Monarch by King Boards




EXTRAS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!!


Group Buy links below are now live! GB will be starting December 5th at 11am EST and running through December 20th (unless all slots are claimed earlier).
I've decided to go with a FCFS style for this first GB. Based on volume and demand, I will alter this approach for the next GB if needed.
There will be 200 slots available of the Standard kit and 50 slots available for the Limited Edition.

Standard Kit Link Limited Edition Link


Taeha Types completed a build stream December 8th at 9pm EST.



Background

Please review the IC here https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=108826.msg2962758#msg2962758 for any and all background information.


Description

Monarch is a WKL 65% with a separated arrow cluster, rotary encoder knob, and interchangeable inserts. (Initially I was only going to offer WKL but the amount of requests I received to also make WK has led me to offer that option as well).

I wanted the board to be customizable based on the users preference and the keysets they had on hand.
For example if you have been rockin' GMK Striker for a few months and want to change it up, I thought it would be great if you could change the look of your board as well to match GMK 8008 if you're throwin' that on!

The interchangeable inserts is really what I set out to create because I like to switch my keysets frequently and I was too often left with only a couple options that I could ever match to my board due to its color.

Simply pop the case open, swap out the insert to a new color, and you've completely changed the look of your board!

The rotary knob has grown to become something I really love on a board because it gives me easy quick control of so many different things.
Each kit will come with 1 brass knob and you'll have the choice of one of 4 colors (Gold, Black, Silver, Carbon Gray).

Monarch deploys a 7.7o typing angle for a comfortable typing position anchored by an o-ring burger mount.

The front lip height has been kept at a low 17.5mm for a smooth transition.

Having a separate arrow cluster not only increases usability but also shows off more of the stunning insert colors.

The board will also come with a 2mm custom internal liner for increased sound dampening.

Each kit will also be shipped with a carrying case custom designed for Monarch.

A portion of the large brass weight is visible from the back of the case but also spans a large portion of the bottom of the case with a beautiful engraving of the King Boards logo.

The PCB is QMK and VIA compatible. It also has ISO compatibility however the plates offered will not support it. I will make the plate files publicly available later on so members can cut their own if they want.

This design also utilizes a daughterboard to enable a symmetrical center-location port.

Plates will be available in Aluminum and Brass.

There will be 2 versions of Monarch available. Standard and Limited Edition.

This board is a beastly beauty weighing in at about 7.5lbs for the Standard version and a whopping 9.4lbs for the Limited Edition.



Prototype Images


















Additional Color Renders can be found here...
https://imgur.com/a/p6iJDir


Layout





Standard Kit
$500 + ship

The standard kit will include...

• A Top and Bottom Case of The Same Color (Black, Blue, Red, Gray)
• Aluminum Insert in Choice of Layout (WKL or WK) and Color (Black, Blue, Red, Gray)
• Plate (Aluminum or Brass)
• Brass Weight
• Rotary Encoder
• Brass Knob (Gold, Black, Silver, Carbon Gray)
• Inner Sound Dampening Liner
• Custom Carrying Case Made Specifically for Monarch
• PCB
• Daughterboard
• Associated Cables, Screws, O-rings, and Bumpons

Color Options For Case and Insert
Black
Blue
Red
Gray



Limited Edition
$575 + ship

For the Limited Edition model you have the option of either an E-White or Black case paired with a gorgeous full Brass Insert in your choice of WK or WKL.
The Brass Insert is only available as part of the Limited Edition version and will not be available to purchase as an extra.
This Insert adds roughly 2lbs to the overall weight and even more to the uniqueness.







Extras

• Plate - Aluminum ($20) , Brass ($24)
• Insert - Aluminum ($65) (Black, Blue, Red, Gray)
• PCB - Comes with PCB and Daughterboard ($40)
• Encoder - $4
• Knob - $8 (Gold, Black, Silver, Carbon Gray)
• Carrying Case - $20

Summary

• WKL 65% (also available as WK)
• 7.7o angle
• Rotary Encoder Knob
• Interchangeable Insert Pieces
• O-Ring Burger Mount
• QMK/VIA compatible
• 17.5mm Front Lip Height
• 2mm custom internal liner for sound dampening
• Roughly 7.5lbs for standard version and 9.4lbs for Limited Edition
• USB-C Daughterboard
• Custom Carrying Case

FAQ

• Any ISO?
  The PCB will support ISO and I will make the plate file public to allow anyone to get their own ISO plate cut.
• Can I get a custom color?
  Sorry not at this time.
• Can I get a custom finish?
  Sorry not at this time.
• How long until delivery?
  If you've been a part of GB's before you know the normal timelines but I've made every effort to get this completed quicker then normal. Most vendors use Sea shipping to receive their parts whereas I'm doing Air so the delivery time should be cut down by around a month. I would ballpark about 10-12 weeks based on my relationship with my manufacturers with the obvious COVID delays always possible.
• Is it Hotswap?
  Sorry not at this time.
• Will I be able to purchase extra pcb's, plates, inserts, etc.?
  Yes. They should be listed above but if I've missed something you're interested in, please let me know.
• Can I please get a brass insert?
  Sorry but they are only part of the Limited Edition.
• How will I pay?
  If you are one of the first 200/50 then I will send you an invoice to be paid within 24hours of receipt. If payment is not made within the timeframe, I will offer the kit to another buyer. A separate invoice will be sent out once the kit is ready to be shipped to avoid hassles with people changing addresses.
• Is there a Discord?
  Sorry but at this time there is not. I should have some more time coming up soon in order to maintain a channel, at which time I would notify everyone of its creation.
• How will you handle updates?
  I will post updates to this thread at the very moment I have them. Rest assured I will keep everyone updated as the process moves along and the current status of everything.

I really hope you enjoy the design! I look forward to getting them in the hands of everyone that wants them.