Yugen Smith Presents The “Samurai Katana”1. INTRODUCTIONWe are a team of two engineers that fell into this keyboard rabbit hole for years and never climbed back up, we call ourselves Yugen Smith. We are introducing a keyboard that we have been working on for 3 years going through 5 design changes and improvements with a total 6 prototypes.
Let’s get to the point. Being hobbyists and enthusiasts, we design this keyboard with all the preferences that we look for in our “ultimate” keyboard preferences and we would like to share what we have done. The Samurai Katana.
2. DESIGNA few days ago, we dropped a
trailer that was pretty controversial in such a way that it was either removed or bombarded with pretty bad “karma” 🙃. Well, as passionate hobbyists and professionals, we just do what we love to do and sometimes things can get a little too fiery when you have a teammate that is so on fire and eager for something extra. Not to worry because we are coming in clean this time with the actual IC.
This design is inspired by the culture and legend of Japanese Samurai (the obsession with Japan and samurai is deep). An eastern warrior that wields katana as his weapon, living the Bushidō moral code which holds loyalty, bravery, and honor above life itself.
Keyboard is no longer just a tool for us but a space where art, passion, and engineering perspective blend into one. Hence, we want to admire what we love from above (no time to flip the board while typing). There is no intention to be minimalistic but at the same time not overly busy.
The Hamon is carefully thought to capture the beauty of one of the most legendary weapons, The Katana. It was prototyped through many rounds to get the unique effect that can represent the beauty of Katana Hamon. It is done with a crafty machining mark. Therefore, each piece will look unique for each board.
Together with the iconic symbols which describe Japan as the origin of Samurai, everything is framed and layered together in the form of a window placed at the spot where users can admire the art itself at any moment. The unique keyboard stand is designed in such a way that it is shaped like a Katana Kake (sword stand).
Viewing the keyboard from the side, you will be seeing the image of a katana resting on a Katana Kake and that is why the top case is shaped with a certain angle. As for the mounting, it will be an adhesive gasket mount (preserving the classic that got us excited years ago in this hobby).
3. SPECIFICATIONS- Case material: AL6061-T6
- Stand material: AL6061-T6
- Art plate material: AL6061-T6
- Case weight: ~2.5kg (built)
- Case dimension (with stand): 36.8 x 174 x 357 (mm)
- Layout: F13-TKL-ANSI/ISO/Tsangan/SplitKeys
- Mounting style: Gasket mount
- Typing angle: 5.5°
- Plate: Aluminium and FR4 (universal layout)
- PCB: Hotswap 1.6mm FR4, no Flex cut and no RGB, QMK and VIA compatible
- Daughterboard: ai03 board
- USB mounting: Middle
- Top case color (anodized): Shingen (Red), Masamune (Blue), Nobunaga (Purple), Tokugawa (Gold), Motonari (Green), Toyotomi (Orange), Honda (Silver)
- Bottom case color (anodized): Black
- Stand color (anodized): Silver and gold
- Art plates color (anodized): Gold Hamon (Silver background), Silver Hamon (Gold background)
- Front height (with bumps): 24mm
Note: The unique katana art plate will include a combination of dual surface textures, machining mark and semi bead blasted surface. Each piece will be slightly different and unique on its own.4. RENDER PHOTOS
5. FINAL PROTOTYPE PHOTOS
6. PCB, PLATE, AND LAYOUT
7. COMPONENTS
- Top case (1x)
- Bottom case (1x)
- Keyboard stand (1x)
- Foreground (1x) and background (1x) art plate
- Hotswap 1.6mm FR4 PCB, non flex cut and RGB (2x)
- Daughterboard (2x)
- JST cable (2x)
- USB cover (1x)
- Aluminium (1x) and FR4 (1x) switch plate
- Gasket (14x)
- PE foam (1x)
- PCB foam (1x)
- Case Foam (1x)
- Rubber foot (8x)
- Allenkey (M2 1x & M3 1x)
- Screws and fastener tools (1set)
- Artisan Tsuka USB plug (unpainted)
- Hardcover carry case
- Microfiber cloth
- Manual
8. PRICE, MOQ, AND FULFILLMENTAfter discussions with manufacturers, the final price is set to be in the range of RM2200 - RM2400, with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 250 units. We have chosen to work with a local manufacturer for this project and all components of the case will be
MANUFACTURED IN MALAYSIA.
Economically, it is a difficult choice. The complexity of the machining (100% CNC including art plate) was driven by design demand and the cost added with material price were the most significant factors.
Over the years in this hobby, we have seen dramas and fiascos with GBs that have been dragged endlessly (we were once in the same boat too!) and this experience has prompted us to carefully consider various scenarios that might happen.
Hence, by finding local manufacturers, we will be able to monitor and have better access to them in case issues arise. Besides that, we are more confident to have a more controlled lead time by not jumping into the same manufacturer with other brands. Following discussion with the manufacturer, the committed fulfillment will be 7-8 months after the GB is concluded.
To avoid higher cost for buyers, we will plan to run this limited GB and fulfillment on our own.
IC period: 31 Dec 2023 - TBD
GB period: TBD
Sale format: GB FCFS
Delivery date: 7-8 months after GB sale
Delivery method: DHL
Price: RM2200- RM2400 (excluding shipping and tax), exact price to be determined in GB9. MISCELLANEOUSWe understand that this design may be niche and it could resonate more strongly with a specific segment of enthusiasts rather than a broader audience. Art, being highly subjective, is not universally appreciated in the same way by everyone. We are not holding our breath but our passion for this hobby runs deep and we are eager to share something with fellow enthusiasts who share similar preferences and tastes as us.
Through this IC, we will gauge the enthusiasm of everyone who is interested so please give us your feedback.
Unboxing and sound test video will be coming soon!
SURVEY FORM The possibility is vast and there is no limitation to it. A keyboard has been more than just a tool; it goes beyond. VISIT OUR OFFICIAL WEBSITE DISCORD INSTAGRAM 
