The Monarch: Alps 60%+LHTK (Shipped)

Latest Update Here

What is the Monarch?

• Alps Compatible
• Uses Apple Extended Keyboard II keycaps (dye sub PBT) and stabilizers or Alpine Winter keycaps with custom bent stabilizer wire
• 0.090” alumium for the top and bottom plates on the case (switch plate is recessed to allow the switches and stabilizer inserts to properly snap into place)
• 0.375” CNC milled Lexan for the center spacer
• 60%+left-hand numberpad layout to allow for close mouse placement while still providing the convenience of the numberpad

Prototype Pictures:

Completed prototype:





Full Album: http://imgur.com/a/98VRS


Plate recesses:






Full Build Log: http://imgur.com/a/AeGHW


Differences Between the Production Version and the Prototype Pictured above:

• Cerakoted finish on the aluminum plates.
• Plates will be laser cut and then the recesses with be milled to allow for completely square corners on all switch and stabilizer holes (the prototype was cut completely by CNC milling)
• PCB will be provided as part of the kit, so no hand wiring necessary! Designed my skullydazed. Will be running TMK, documentation can be found here: https://github.com/skullydazed/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/keyboard/monarch/doc
• Caps Lock and Number Lock LEDs
• Case design slightly modified to accommodate the PCB and the indicator LEDs.
• Additional mounting holes in the bottom plate compatible with GON's Aluminum Feet.
• Black and silver machine screws will be available.

Production Version Renders:










Available Colors:
The aluminum plates used for the top and bottom of the case will be finished using Cerakote which is a very tough and durable ceramic coating often used on firearms.
84 different colors will be available for you to choose from including an option for just bare aluminum in case you want to finish the plates your own special way! I highly recommend looking up the color(s) you are interested in to see what the actually look like when applied, as the difference between the swatch and the actual applied look can be quite different!

Color Chart:



Final Price: $250 (shipping not included)

Order Form: http://goo.gl/forms/2KzgDqXNXY

Current Order Count: 22

The above price is for the case and the PCB, and is based on numbers for approximately 25 orders.
If the final order numbers are far below this target of 25 then I will most likely have to adjust pricing accordingly or cancel the buy.
Orders are set to close on November 7, 2015 at this time, however this date is not set in stone.

What is included in the kit:

• Top Plate
• Bottom Plate
• Center Spacer
• PCB
• 12 Machine Screws
• Rubber Feet (4 small and 4 large hemisphereical)

Alpine Winter Blank Numberpad:
njbair has been kind enough to reach out to me and offer to add a blank numberpad kit for Alpine Winter exclusive to the Monarch!
You can add one or more to your order for $16/set. Keep in mind that if you wish to order an Alpine Winter base set to go with it you will have to order direct from njbair here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HJET5Vl006sj6VUkNGoecomV83H5f8qu8G4ZpjdER3g/viewform?c=0&w=1
If you do order an Alpine Winter base set as well both the numberpad and the base set will be shipped along with your Monarch order so you don't have to pay shipping twice.
All orders for the numberpad will be invoiced by njbair.





The buyer will be responsible for sourcing an AEKII to harvest the keycaps and stabilizers from (if they choose to use AEKII caps and stabs).

I am more than happy to answer any and all questions you might have!