GB Location: Most likely on my own site, but may fall back to Paypal Invoicing
Hey man, probably seems like I am blowing you up but I have a couple hard hitting questions. Are you dead set on not seeking vendor support? They already have in place infrastructure to help what seems like it will be trouble on your first group buy. If you are dead set on doing it all on your own, with no maximum order quality how do you plan on quality checking all of our boards? Is this something you are going to seek outside help on? And finally would you consider forgoing the badge for rotary encoder support?
Hey man, probably seems like I am blowing you up but I have a couple hard hitting questions. Are you dead set on not seeking vendor support? They already have in place infrastructure to help what seems like it will be trouble on your first group buy. If you are dead set on doing it all on your own, with no maximum order quality how do you plan on quality checking all of our boards? Is this something you are going to seek outside help on? And finally would you consider forgoing the badge for rotary encoder support?
I think the design is cool and I like the innovation of the right hand side separated arrows/macro column.
That said, can you please give us a little more background about yourself and your ability to handle a large GB like this (financial buffer to handle snafus, administrative process, payments, QC, etc). Have you done anything like this before - I understand this is your first GB, but what other relevant experience do you have?
Many thanks!
I think the design is cool and I like the innovation of the right hand side separated arrows/macro column.
That said, can you please give us a little more background about yourself and your ability to handle a large GB like this (financial buffer to handle snafus, administrative process, payments, QC, etc). Have you done anything like this before - I understand this is your first GB, but what other relevant experience do you have?
Many thanks!
I am absolutely in love with the design, but would like to get some answers to these questions as well. The fact you're going unlimited for your first GB with no vendor support does make backing this project a harder decision than it would be otherwise. I did see you said you are friends with the factory owner, but that is kinda disconcerting as well. I'd like to know if you're having your friend produce the boards as a straight up customer of his/hers or if this is a situation where they are doing you some favors to help get this project done. Anyways please don't feel like we are trying to grill you or are not being trusting towards you, a lot of projects have gotten terribly off track or even never delivered from people who bit off more than can chew for their first GB. We're just doing our due diligence because we are genuinely interested in this board!
Anyways I really hope this is something that gets brought to life with hopefully as little problems as possible for you. I really love the design & would definitely join the GB if you can give us some reassurances that this a project you can pull off. GL with everything moving forward man, I'll be keeping an eye on this for sure!
This so much. I am absolutely amazed by how beautiful the design is. I would love to have it. But you are asking me to trust you with 300 dollars and giving me every reason in the world not to.
Will the group buy begin after the Ikki68 units have been shipped? It would be great if it was after, so people can see the quality of this relatively new manufacturerMost likely, yes
Yep, definite interest on my part too. Would definitely like to see a green or cerakote version but still interested either way.I've already got most colors set in stone - sorry :(
Send a board/proto to Jae from Top Clack to review!We have a voting poll on Discord for who to send it too! We will wait until this week's episode of Top Clack, see what Jae thinks :)
I’m down!! I would get one without the logo.Yep! There will be an option for no logo.
Hoping the PC version happens! But I'm in for white nonetheless.
Is there going to be an option to order a solderable PCB alongside the hotswap PCB? I know you said in the discord that having two separate would most likely not happen, I just wanted to know if there was a final decision on if two would be offered. Personally, I question the long term (several year) durability of most hotswap PCB's and I generally prefer the stability of a soldered PCB. There seems to be a massive trend towards hotswap PCB's in every board being released to accommodate the large influx of people into the hobby. It has great utility and allows for more people entry into custom boards, but it also garners personal hesitation for long term feel and use of a board. I absolutely love the design of the board from the cluster, to the logo, to the weight. I really hope that it isn't pigeonholed into a hotswap exclusive board, especially since most soldered PCBs can be mill-maxed into a hotswap, but the inverse isn't always true. Regardless good luck with the remainder of the IC and potential GB of this lovely design.You can vote on the Discord Poll for Hotswap vs Soldered
Would there be an image for potential layouts ?There is just 1 ANSI Layout.
as someone that is addicted to 65% boards having several.. last was NK65.. x2 and thinking of making that 3 in the future..
i would rather have this board for sure.. and getting a spare pcb would be awesome to but i payed almost $50 for the NK65 to get it past customs and not to mention the shipping. if there is anyone that can recommend a trustworthy proxy.. i would love to join this GB.. and buy my first higher end board.. otherwise it's NK65 $170 + $25 or more shipping +$45 or more customs..
as someone that is addicted to 65% boards having several.. last was NK65.. x2 and thinking of making that 3 in the future..
i would rather have this board for sure.. and getting a spare pcb would be awesome to but i payed almost $50 for the NK65 to get it past customs and not to mention the shipping. if there is anyone that can recommend a trustworthy proxy.. i would love to join this GB.. and buy my first higher end board.. otherwise it's NK65 $170 + $25 or more shipping +$45 or more customs..
I will try to see what we can do about customs, and shipping, hopefully it will be good, more information to come!
yes, EU proxy is definitely needed!For the mousepad we will have a proxy :))
Hotswap PCB would be badass, love the navy color.
Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
If there ends up being a dyed PC option with a hotswap PCB, I will throw so much money at thisOFC! Black PC with Hotswap - You know it!
I agree that this might be my favourite design for a 65% board yet, but that I would much prefer to have an option for a non-hotswap PCB as I don’t have the best experience with the longevity of the sockets and would also love to see few more layout options.For this one, we'll only have Hotswap. We'll be sure to add this to the next board!
Is there going to be an option to order a solderable PCB alongside the hotswap PCB? I know you said in the discord that having two separate would most likely not happen, I just wanted to know if there was a final decision on if two would be offered. Personally, I question the long term (several year) durability of most hotswap PCB's and I generally prefer the stability of a soldered PCB. There seems to be a massive trend towards hotswap PCB's in every board being released to accommodate the large influx of people into the hobby. It has great utility and allows for more people entry into custom boards, but it also garners personal hesitation for long term feel and use of a board. I absolutely love the design of the board from the cluster, to the logo, to the weight. I really hope that it isn't pigeonholed into a hotswap exclusive board, especially since most soldered PCBs can be mill-maxed into a hotswap, but the inverse isn't always true. Regardless good luck with the remainder of the IC and potential GB of this lovely design.To accommodate more people (We made a poll on discord) We have decided that hotswap is the way to go. There are no notable durability or sound differences, and it will be better for people who do not have a soldering iron. We will be sure to add 2 options for the next board - maybe even sell an extra PCB after the Alpine if there is enough demand! :)
Interested & will reserve, any Asia proxies? Could help for Vietnam :)We will have a Chinese Proxy :)
Any plans for ISO if the interest was big enough?Not at the moment, because having hotswap and ISO would mean that I need 2 boards designed for each, and QC would be harder and manufacturing would be pricier.
Any plans for ISO if the interest was big enough?Not at the moment, because having hotswap and ISO would mean that I need 2 boards designed for each, and QC would be harder and manufacturing would be pricier.
Beautiful, unique looking board. I imagine this will be very popular.tysm for the kind words! Keep an eye out for out second board ;)
I'm personally not a fan of having a key on top of my right arrow so I'm out but it's still an amazing looking board.
Do you have a production cap? Do you plan on making this an unlimited group buy?No prod cap :)
Just saw some of the proto pics on discord. You mentioned the clear PC case with the smoky PC plate was a manufacturer’s error. I disagree because it is exactly what I want lol. Super excited for future updates on thisThe community voted for Smokey Black haha, but maybe I'll change it. We'll see haha
Just saw some of the proto pics on discord. You mentioned the clear PC case with the smoky PC plate was a manufacturer’s error. I disagree because it is exactly what I want lol. Super excited for future updates on thisThe community voted for Smokey Black haha, but maybe I'll change it. We'll see haha
Haha I will give it a try, but that's totally TBD.Just saw some of the proto pics on discord. You mentioned the clear PC case with the smoky PC plate was a manufacturer’s error. I disagree because it is exactly what I want lol. Super excited for future updates on thisThe community voted for Smokey Black haha, but maybe I'll change it. We'll see haha
I like the smoky black case and plan on buying it. Something about the frosted case with the smoky black plate really pops though. If that’s also an option at some point I would consider that as well.
Oooooh, this loooks smexy.:thumb:
Any news on deciding for the underglow? Would rly love the polycarb of this if we could get some of that :)No underglow, unfortunately, I've found that Underglow doesn't look too good with smokey black PC.
It looks like in some pictures there is multiple badge inserts for the mountain, but in some pics it looks like the mountain is just an engraving. How will the badges work if there are any? Sorry if the info is in the post and I'm just missing it!Hi! So, due to issues with having too many parts, we decided having just a mountain as an engraving is the way to go. Apologies for any inconveniences caused!
Is there confirmation on the PCB having RGB per switch?Yes! Per-key RGB. :cool:
Beautiful, unique looking board. I imagine this will be very popular.
I'm personally not a fan of having a key on top of my right arrow so I'm out but it's still an amazing looking board.
holy ****!!! this isn't a keyboard this is a piece of art!!! i would love to get in on this gb? has it started or when is it going to?No, read the timeline in the first post
Beautiful, unique looking board. I imagine this will be very popular.
I'm personally not a fan of having a key on top of my right arrow so I'm out but it's still an amazing looking board.
100% agree. The board looks great except for the right column. If there was a gap above the right arrow to keep the keys aligned with their respective row it would have been a home run. It still turned out good though and I am sure the owners will end up happy. Good luck with the group buy.
Did you get a light blue prototype?Unfortunately, Light Blue was voted out of the color pool. My apologies!
I love how you didn’t put a limit of orders on the GB.
I'm totally in. Asia proxy pls ;)We will also be shipping from the manufacturer, who is in Asia :)
I'm totally in. Asia proxy pls ;)We will also be shipping from the manufacturer, who is in Asia :)
Yep! Credit Card is accepted :)I'm totally in. Asia proxy pls ;)We will also be shipping from the manufacturer, who is in Asia :)
I hope this vendor accepts credit card payment, me and my friends are looking forward to this board as when i showed it to them, however, 4 of us don't use PayPal or like me PayPal isn't an option right now.
Yep! Credit Card is accepted :)I'm totally in. Asia proxy pls ;)We will also be shipping from the manufacturer, who is in Asia :)
I hope this vendor accepts credit card payment, me and my friends are looking forward to this board as when i showed it to them, however, 4 of us don't use PayPal or like me PayPal isn't an option right now.
Is the finish on the proto going to be the same with the final version?Yes, sir. Keep in mind the weight on the PC Proto is not coated.
is the red a dark red or a more bright red? it's kinda hard to tell with the lighting in some picsIt's definitely not bright, I would say looks somewhat dark in person :thumb:
Is the website https://www.bitmapstudio.xyz/ supposed to be live now? I just tried to visit and it said it was unavailable.Down for the time being :)
Very interested, loving the weight design especially, have you considered maybe eliminating the word 'ALPINE' from the design of the back of the weight? Particularly since splitting it in half is slightly awkward and it already looks great on the inner surface. Doesn't do any major harm to how much I like the board, I just feel like it might make it even more elegant looking and further in the deco/modernist vein you're already heading in with those awesome other lines. Especially when I look at some of the prototype images. Apologies if I missed this is in another post, I didn't catch it on a glance over the rest of the thread.
Has the price increased over the last couple of weeks?No sir!
Very interested, loving the weight design especially, have you considered maybe eliminating the word 'ALPINE' from the design of the back of the weight? Particularly since splitting it in half is slightly awkward and it already looks great on the inner surface. Doesn't do any major harm to how much I like the board, I just feel like it might make it even more elegant looking and further in the deco/modernist vein you're already heading in with those awesome other lines. Especially when I look at some of the prototype images. Apologies if I missed this is in another post, I didn't catch it on a glance over the rest of the thread.
I actually agree with this. Love everything about this board but the back design is holding me back. Hope you’re considering losing the alpine wording on the back (mountain looks great though). Maybe it could be moved to the bottom (not split though, the splitting isn’t working for me either).
I want plsFESTIVE HOLA! :eek:
I love the overall design! Great job!!Unfortunately, at this point it is though to make any more large changes, but I will keep it in mind for the next GB! And about the sun rays, I don't think that all sunsets are reminisce of the Japanese military, and I definitely did not try to convey this. However, thank you for the kind words!
I just wish the 3 keys to the right could be their own cluster rather then being lumped with the arrows.
Also, the bottom weight has too much going on, IMO.
But I like very minimalist designs, so this could be just me.
The sun rays in the bottom weight also reminds me too much of Japanese military flags
But overall, great looking keyboard! I really like the edgy, boxy aesthetic. It's super clean in that aspect.
Totally down! Hotswap and Bluetooth would be a plus!
I'm fairly new to the scene but it seems like most boards that have the features and accessories of this are in the $400+ range easily. How is this so affordable for what is being offered?Now thats a first, haven't heard someone ask why it's affordable haha . I get ya though
I wish there was a solderable PCB with better layout coverage, something along the lines of this...
(Attachment Link)
Yeah, I have to admit I really do enjoy the look of the board, and the price is right, but the fixed hotswap layout is a real bummer. I couldn't imagine a 65% board without split backspace. What a shame.
Is it via compartible or just qmk?
I wish there was a solderable PCB with better layout coverage, something along the lines of this...We may add a solderable PCB, but definitely not during the GB. Also, I love your profile picture :thumb:
(Attachment Link)
Wow, such a beautiful design, the weight is stunning. That deep red is making me feel an alpine sunshine. I'll definitely be climbing this mountain!
Are there any updates regarding an EU proxy or something similar? Since you worked with Candykeys, have you considered them as an EU proxy for this board :rolleyes:
This so the board of the year right here.
What's the time frame looking like on this?Discord announcement said that mid-September is the likely GB date.
What's the time frame looking like on this?
Not a lot of boards have ever peaked my interest, but along came the Alpine65.
Truly beautiful man, I can't wait for this to go on GB. This board deserves the recognition.
Good Luck with GB Bit, do us proud!
Not a lot of boards have ever peaked my interest, but along came the Alpine65.
First it was me not getting one, and now Shiro?! You've gone too far
Truly beautiful man, I can't wait for this to go on GB. This board deserves the recognition.
Good Luck with GB Bit, do us proud!
But you ain't getting one i heard. :))
We still love you tho.
I am SO in.
I am SO in.
We all are, as well as 2,000 more :))
I am SO in.
We all are, as well as 2,000 more :))
Ryan will be all them all :(
very excited for this one, did i miss the discord link somewhere?Yes, it's in the OP.
Is there any PCB out there that is going to be compatible with the board? I wish there was a solderable PCB that I could get.
Yeah, I'm going to need this!!
Yeah, I'm going to need this!!
we all do sir. we all do.
Yeah, I'm going to need this!!
we all do sir. we all do.
What do you mean you will nned this?
You need it. Now.
I'm in! First GeekHack GB I'll join if ever I get lucky. :thumb:Thanks :)
500 units is a pretty big number, isn't it? at how many do keyboards usually sell? i don't think they easily get to 500 so getting alpine shouldn't be that hard, but i may be wrongI'd say this one's a steal for 300$ if it pushes through (fingers crossed), comparing to other 65% boards currently in the market this is tough to beat (gasket, layout, looks, included dampening). So shortage is really really possible - hopefully we get one before it happens, if it happens. (IMO)
BTW, no proxies right? Is SEA shipping considered?QuoteI'm in! First GeekHack GB I'll join if ever I get lucky. :thumb:Thanks :)
500 units is a pretty big number, isn't it? at how many do keyboards usually sell? i don't think they easily get to 500 so getting alpine shouldn't be that hard, but i may be wrongI'd say this one's a steal for 300$ if it pushes through (fingers crossed), comparing to other 65% boards currently in the market this is tough to beat (gasket, layout, looks, included dampening). So shortage is really really possible - hopefully we get one before it happens, if it happens. (IMO)BTW, no proxies right? Is SEA shipping considered?QuoteI'm in! First GeekHack GB I'll join if ever I get lucky. :thumb:Thanks :)
Yes, we'll get them directly from China (their Manu) so yeah. We from SEA will be able to get them :)
Sorry if this had been addressed before, do we have the dimension like front height?
The design seems nice but some important information if missing.I second the split BS!
What's the weight?
What's the typing angle?
Is the layout fixed? Will it support ISO? Split BS? Split LS? Bottom Row options?
Where's the port cutout? Will it use a daughterboard?
How will the badge attach to the case?
The design seems nice but some important information if missing.I second the split BS!
What's the weight?
What's the typing angle?
Is the layout fixed? Will it support ISO? Split BS? Split LS? Bottom Row options?
Where's the port cutout? Will it use a daughterboard?
How will the badge attach to the case?
Looking at the prototypes, the PC version looks like normal clear polycarb (which I honestly prefer). Is that just the lighting, or is the smokey black PC not a thing now?
Will Rose Gold ones be available. or just renders?
How can i get that banner to show support? ive been looking all over this post to no avail
i like this minus the logo on the top right corner, which is taking valuable space for an extra button. This has become such a common trend ugh
That PC version is everything.:D It will be Smokey instead of Clear for the Protos R2
i like this minus the logo on the top right corner, which is taking valuable space for an extra button. This has become such a common trend ugh
I feel this, but still one of the better logos I've seen.
i like this minus the logo on the top right corner, which is taking valuable space for an extra button. This has become such a common trend ugh
I feel this, but still one of the better logos I've seen.
I hope the modular badge in one of the blow ups makes a return. This badge is definitely going to be a dust magnet.