Interest CheckKeyboards

OGR - Retro 65XT

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Description

Links:

INTEREST CHECK FORM

AKB Website
AKB Discord
AKB Instagram

Background Info:

The OGR was originally designed as an entry for the OG Summer competition on r/customkeyboards in 2019, which it won. It was originally inspired by various vintage keyboards, but chiefly the Cherry/NCR G81-3077 for the iconic Cherry nose, the pronounced seam and the large forehead. It also drew inspiration from the Cherry G80-0832 for the accented piece around the keycaps to give it a truly unique look. The name is a portmanteau of OG Summer and NCR, whose branding on the aforementioned G81-3077 was also the inspiration for the retro-styled AKB logo. While the PCB is USB-C compatible, the port is enclosed deep inside the case and the case parts gently clamp the cable down to give the aesthetic of a hard-wired cable.

Also, for those who are interested, there will be a numpad (OGR-N) available either as an optional extra or separately.

Specs/features:

Inspired by Cherry G81-3077/G80-0832
10° typing angle
Full 6063 aluminium construction
Bead-blasted and anodised finish
Top mounted plate
21.5mm effective front height (with bumpons)
QMK and VIA/VIAL-compatible USB-C PCBs
LED indicators on caps lock, numlock on numpad
Two colourways (Dolch & Blue/grey)
Integrated cable aesthetic
Bold, pronounced seam
Period-authentic product stickers
Plate materials: 5052 Aluminium, Polycarbonate, Carbon Fibre (may change)
Is an absolute unit
2.9kg (6.5lbs) / Numpad 0.9kg (2lbs) [unbuilt]

Prototype photos:

Kit contents:

Not including extras

1 x Top Case - 6063 Aluminium
1 x Bottom Case - 6063 Aluminium
1 x Accent - 6063 Aluminium
1 x Plate - 5052 Aluminium OR Carbon fiber leaf spring (undecided)
1 x Badge - 6063 Aluminium
1 x Solder PCB - Black FR4 with green solder mask
4 x AKB Bumpons - Injection molded silicone
1 x Bottom sticker
10 x Torx button screw M3 x 6mm in A2 stainless steel (plate)
5 x Torx button screw M3 x 6mm in A2 stainless steel (accent)
6 x Torx button screw M3 x 12mm in A2 stainless steel (case)
2 x Torx countersunk screw M3 x 5mm in A2 stainless steel (badge)
1 x Instruction manual

Current group buy plans/details:

Not all is set in stone yet, but:

Will be limited to somewhere around 250 units, plus extras and F+F units.
GB launching on Saturday April 16th. GB Delayed until further notice
Sale will be conducted via my own website through a raffle checkout system.
Pricing isn't yet finalised, due to the fluctuation of raw aluminium prices but I'm aiming for ≤£440 (~$575 USD) for the OGR, and ≤£200 (~$270 USD) for the OGR-N. (+VAT for UK)

Layout Support:

Two tops will be available - one for 7u bottom row with dual 0.75u blockers, and one with a single small blocker for 6.25u support.

The OGR-N PCB will have support for regular and southpaw configurations, as well as the option to have a full 1u setup. The plate available will support regular and southpaw layouts, due to its reversible design.

Special Thanks:

Blacksimon for running the OG Summer competition, and playing a crucial part in bringing this board to life. Without that kick up the arse I may not have caught the designing bug I have today.
Martin for his excellent work on the PCB designs.
Flexerman (FLX) for his crucial input with the board’s design and improvement.
Koen for his beautiful photos of the prototype.
Lulzthax, for his great build stream.
ThereminGoat, Hot Trout, Lewis, BK, Archetype and countless others for their support throughout.

To-do list: