Updates :- 17/10 - We have finalized the pricing of our kits here are the details: S = Kitting with Solder PCB and HS = Kitting with Hotswap PCB
2nd Proto Build Stream There will also be build stream of the proto boards by: • Taekeyboards: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCllGwtW6scxAjM28fIgEozg • Diego from Lightning Keyboards: Configuration: Cherry mx hyperglide blacks with half cf plate • Jae from Prototypist Keyboards: Configuration: OP blacks with full cf plate, ISO layout
Design
The design is inspired from the JER mini layout with a functional blocker. Featuring a seamless case to maintain and clean and minimal look. The board feature 2 type of mounting system with top mount and gasket mount configuration. The blocker can function as layers indicator with LED soldered and a diffuser or as cosmetic with brass badge insert. Typ 65+, a 65% layout with left macro cluster and chamfered edges.
renders by motohiro
Low front typing height and cherry boards inspired front lip design, for comfort and a homage to vintage design.
renders by motohiro renders by motohiro
It also features a clean and minimal design by having hidden brass weight to deliver a more consistent sound profile across the board while still providing a load to it.
Garnet Red
Spinel Grey
Nephrite Jade
V2 Proto pics
Finalized Jade Ano Colour
Fun Fact: Nephrite Jade is inspired from the R34 GTR Millennium Jade paint
Case specifications:- • Designed by 14x71 • CNC aluminum 6063 • 65% layout with left macro cluster design • 6 degree typing angle • Dual mount configuration: Top mount or Oring gasket mount • 17.7mm front lip height - centred USB-C port • Colors:- Nephrite Jade, Spinel Grey, Garnet Red (Top) - Silver, Black (Bottom)
PCB specifications:- • Designed by Kopibeng • Comes in solder and hotswap variant • Solder pcb will have universal layout support 6.25u, 7u, ISO, a universal plate file will be provided later on if you wish to use 6.25u bottom row • PCB compatible with QMK,VIA and VIAL support • USB-C daughterboard (ai03 unified c3 db) • OTD 356 mini style PCB flex cut and relief cut • LED indicator (if soldered) for layers but there will also be firmware file for lock keys instead if there is demand • Red solder mask
Solder and Hotswap PCB pics
PCB labels for quality of life improvement
PCB supported layout for solder and hotswap
Exploded view:
Gasket Mount
Top Mount:
First Proto Typing Test
I've some feedback on the candle being in the typing test video. The reason behind is because the wooden wick creates a faint crackling ambience sound to validate that the recording is indeed unedited, not the other way round.
Switches: Cherry hyperglide blacks /w 63.5 slow springs (lubed and filmed) Keycaps: GMK Burgundy Mounting: Top mount /w carbon fiber half plate
Switches: Vintage cherry mx clears /w 63.5g 22mm springs (lubed and filmed) Keycaps: enjoyPBT G81-SAV Mounting: Gasket mount /w carbon fiber full plate
Our first prototype does not feature OG cherry front lip which will be added on the 2nd prototype.
Plate Supported Layout:-
Kitting:- • CNC top and bottom case (Anodized) • Brass weight (Sandblasted) • Brass blocker and PC Blocker (Both sandblasted) -Tentative- • Carbon fiber twill plate (Half/Full) • Screws, rubber gasket strips, LEDs and etc. • Custom hard carrying case
Sales format:- • Groupbuy format (FCFS/Raffle) • 350 units • Price: TBD, tentative $395 (solder pcb)
Current road-map:- • Make first prototype case and PCB • Review and revise design and case study on current prototype case • Make interest check and collect data • Make 2nd prototype case, anode chip and PCB 29/7 - 2nd prototype case and pcb confirmed and currently in production. • Update IC post with new prototype and builds • Finalize design and kitting • Finalize pricing and sales format
Our challenges and how we react to it:-
• Possible anodization color did not live up to expectations? To overcome such challenges we will try to minimize such uncertainty by placing 2nd prototype and anode chip to color check against our renders).
• Delay in shipping and bad product being handled to doorstep which will further delay the GB? We have placed our own representative to facilitate local manufacturer processes to minimize risk and ensuring manufactured goods are to what we expected before shipping to our doorstep for further QC and fulfilment.
Frequently-asked-questions :-
Q: Is there any hotswap PCB to be made available? A: Currently we have no plans to provide for hotswap PCB. 29/07 - Due to demand in hotswap pcb, we will have hotswap pcb.
Q: Is the LED programmable, if so isit RGB? A: No it’s not RGB, you would have to solder in the LEDs (we will provide only white LEDs). Else, you could just install with the brass blocker if you prefer non luminated.
Q: How long is the fulfilment time or groupbuy dates? A: Currently we are looking to set up the groupbuy around mid Nov or early Dec. As for the fulfilment dates would provide later after we set up our 2nd prototype.
Q: Where are you guys based? A: We are based in Penang, Malaysia. and our designer is based in Bali, Indonesia.
Beamingrobot from monokei Lbaron from Smith and Rune Jae from Prototypist Keyboards Kaster and YZ from Hex Keyboards Elaine from Singakbd Motohiro for the renders Keebmunity, Kopibeng, IMKG community, jebbra, itsundone, zedbraxmen Everyone who has supported us this far, Thank you
