[IC] Besides Studio Alu Metal Keycaps set - GB 23rd July 2021

[well_cooper]

Are you ready for a keycap revolution ?
DISCORD LINK - Join to see our progress
GB Post HERE
https://forms.gle/AZLv5yJJ5gJPyjru7

It is happening! Pre production samples have arrived CLICK HERE

Hi fellow keeb and cap lovers, I'm helping a friend out with their upcoming project that they are keen to seek your feedback!

Introducing Besides Studio - 5 truly nerdy old boys who worked in the computer peripheral industry for many years, we designed computer cases, keyboards, gaming mouses, and headsets.  Currently, we have two industrial designers, two mechanical engineers, and one electronic engineer.


Inspiration
The inspiration of creating a full set of machined aluminum keycaps was at one stage just some drunk talk between the 5 of us since we already have full aluminum custom keyboard cases why not go all out and have a full set of metal keycaps to match.

While we are not the first to think, design, and make CNC aluminum keycaps but at the price point ($30 – 50 USD per 1u keycap) has restricted full sets to only be enjoyed by a few, on a commission basis. With a madman’s (that is me ) encouragement, we set a goal to make them more accessible at a somewhat obtainable price.

The first round of samples

Design
The full sets of keycaps will be based on the popular cherry profile (R1 – R2 – R3 – R4 – Space) with some design tweaks added for better user experience. During our first prototype we found that at fast typing situations, fingers can hit the edge of higher row keys, with plastic material (ABS or PBT) this is not much of a big deal. With much harder material it can be unpleasant therefore during our second prototype we decided to round the edge off the front-facing surface to lower the possibility for that to happen. The same applies to the space bar as well (no more thumb resting marks!)

The first round of samples

 

Kitting v1.2 - UPDATED FEB 2021 (MOD & BAR kit pricing will be updated)

Blank Set

Legend Set

Kitting v1

More

At the moment with kitting, we have taken a leaflet out of KAT Refine kitting style to cater for different keyboard layouts. We aim to be compatible with 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL and full 104 keys
 
We plan to introduce Alpha, F Row, Function Numpad, Arrow, Modifiers and Space bar - 7 separate kitS so no matter how serious or sceptical you are there is a kit that you can purchase at various price points to give them a try.

Blank Set

Alpha - $199 USD

Modifier - $150 USD



F Row - $89 USD



Numpad - $95 USD | Function - $29 USD | Arrow - $19 USD



Space bar - $55 USD

Legend Set

Since many people have request caps with legends, we thought about offering a laser engraving service rather than opening up another IC. (Laser engraving cost is EST to be $35 USD for a full set)

Colours

Black, Silver, Pale gold, Red, Navy,

More

Render Gallery

Red with Black on M60-A - case file courtesy of RAMA WORKS

More

Black and Gold, never grow old - case file courtesy of proto[Typiest]


Silver with Navy on U80 - case file courtesy of RAMA WORKS


Black with Gold on SP-111 - case file courtesy of TKC


Black with Silver on Klippe T R3 - case file courtesy of Mekanisk

Laser etched samples

Delivery time frame

Estimated 1.5 months for 100 full kits (TBC)
We are working very closely with our manufacturing partners to ensure capacity can be met and finish product quality is up to standard.


Material
The full set will be made of 6063 Aluminum, different colour sets will be achieved through anodizing. Caps’ cross stem is MX switch compatible (tightness can be easily adjusted)

More

[/m]

• 1u cap weight = ~2g
• 2.25u cap weight = ~4.5g
• 2.75u cap weight = ~5.5g
• 6.25u space bar weight = ~12.5g

We engineered the cap to be light so that (to us) there is little need to change to heavy spring weight switches or spring swap. So far it has been tested on 62g Everglide Teal v2.5 linear switches and 42g Oreo tactile switches.

Potato sound test setup with Cyberboard & Banana Split 62g Switches

More prototype pictures can be found here


Banner

Code: [Select]

[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=109843.0][img width=501 height=120]https://i.imgur.com/Iy6UWy6.png][/img]

To do list:

• Renders for all 5 available colours - Uploaded (100% completion)
  
• Laser engraving sample - Uploaded (100% completion)
  
• Final Kitting update - completed (100%)
• GB! - Soon

Update Log
26 Feb 2021 - Kitting update
21 Jan 2021 - Pre production sample photo added
14 Jan 2021 - Laser etched sample photo added
07 Jan 2021 - renders ++
02 Jan 2021 - More renders added
29 Dec 2020 - All colour render added, To do list updated
21 Dec 2020 - Legends sets render uploaded, added To do list
15 Dec 2020 - Tidy up post, Sound Test uploaded
13 Dec 2020 - Caps render, Kitting, Prices uploaded. Discord link and IC form link available

[tzoyo512]

 

[yui]

very nice, if you manage to get alu key caps to an "affordable" price it would be great.
i am a sucker for raw machined aluminum, would you think that could be an option? or that could even work on a keyboard? and i would need iso support, else i'll settle for just the spacebar.
and do you have plans for international buyers (i am guessing that you are based in the US)?
that is a loads of ifs but if you stay close to the teased pricing, ship to Europe and support iso i would most definitely get a set, and if you can get raw machined alu that would be even better
in any cases, good luck.

[krzank]

I want it.
Maybe I'll be able to afford full set.
 

[sup3r170va]

Very interesting idea. Definitely keen to watch this space.
For my info, does the mod kit include at least one spacebar? While I understand the need to break up to reduce the per kit price, I’m hoping I don’t need 4 kits (alphas, mods, space, arrows) for a 65% board

By the way do they come with legends? Yes right?

[Rossman360]

wow, looks way less obviously metalic than other metal caps I've seen

[bigfishkb]

Wow, great looking set. If the price can actually get low enough I would totally grab some. The nice teal color in the pictures isn't listed under available options though. I would want those and navy to make match hammerhead colors.

[Anthixious]

These caps can be done in a mint anon green?! Ugh, I might have to reconsider this <3 hoping I can save up for this in the future.

[johnnysstash]

these look pretty insane, ill have two sets please!

[Jaxxstatic]

sound test?

[CrlaoSvloadr]

Wonderful idea and goal you all have- I'm hoping to hear more from this, and if things go the way they're planned to- I'd absolutely love a set!

[lush_bunny]

HEAVY METAL

Yes, I want this.

[well_cooper]

very nice, if you manage to get alu key caps to an "affordable" price it would be great.
i am a sucker for raw machined aluminum, would you think that could be an option? or that could even work on a keyboard? and i would need iso support, else i'll settle for just the spacebar.
and do you have plans for international buyers (i am guessing that you are based in the US)?
that is a loads of ifs but if you stay close to the teased pricing, ship to Europe and support iso i would most definitely get a set, and if you can get raw machined alu that would be even better
in any cases, good luck.

Thank you, we are trying tho. We have done processes to reduce the amount of machining hours and release price is looking good so far (needs tweaking)
We will have ISO support, metal keycaps will work just like normal keycaps. Group buy will be available to international buyers.

In regards to Raw alu, the problem is that if the surface left untreated it will oxidize overtime (unless that is something you are willing to deal with) we currently don't have plan to have raw machined sets available

[well_cooper]

I want it.
Maybe I'll be able to afford full set.
 

  That is why we here! Stay tuned

[well_cooper]

Very interesting idea. Definitely keen to watch this space.
For my info, does the mod kit include at least one spacebar? While I understand the need to break up to reduce the per kit price, I’m hoping I don’t need 4 kits (alphas, mods, space, arrows) for a 65% board

By the way do they come with legends? Yes right?

We are working on the kitting atm, currently we plan to include 2 Space bars in the ALPHA kit (6.25u & 7u), Space bar kit will have other sizes for split space support

Lengends fonts can make or break a set, given everyone's taste is different we are thinking about doing a blank sets. You will be able to vote in the IC form when it becomes available

[well_cooper]

Wow, great looking set. If the price can actually get low enough I would totally grab some. The nice teal color in the pictures isn't listed under available options though. I would want those and navy to make match hammerhead colors.

Colour you see in the photos are the prototype sample set I currently have, Teal is chosen as a demo colour and before GB we will have an IC form to take on colour suggestion and you can vote for the colour you want

[well_cooper]

These caps can be done in a mint anon green?! Ugh, I might have to reconsider this <3 hoping I can save up for this in the future.

mint anon green....possible but it might be done in just Limited 1/1 sets 

[well_cooper]

these look pretty insane, ill have two sets please!

Thank you, keep an eye on this place for IC form when it's ready to be released

[well_cooper]

sound test?

It's been planned, will have them available together with IC form link later on

[lush_bunny]

These caps can be done in a mint anon green?! Ugh, I might have to reconsider this <3 hoping I can save up for this in the future.

mint anon green....possible but it might be done in just Limited 1/1 sets 

Depending on the price and color options, I might get more than one set. Good luck you guys.

[well_cooper]

Wonderful idea and goal you all have- I'm hoping to hear more from this, and if things go the way they're planned to- I'd absolutely love a set!

It WILL happen 

[well_cooper]

HEAVY METAL

Yes, I want this.

Yes sir!

[Anthixious]

These caps can be done in a mint anon green?! Ugh, I might have to reconsider this <3 hoping I can save up for this in the future.

mint anon green....possible but it might be done in just Limited 1/1 sets 

Alright I have no idea why I typed that, I'm pretty sure I meant anod for anodised, whoopsthies.

[UberPlatypus]

Now this. This is something I will pay for... Assuming it isn't more than $400 for a TKL layout... If it can be $300 for a TKL layout I'm sold.

Sent from my HD1925 using Tapatalk

[Nyeezy]

Following


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pixelpusher]

Love it.  I have rough fingers from peeling dry skin in the cold months.   These caps would feel so comfort to type on.   

[yukitoki]

I want this 

[pixelpusher]

Also, thinking about color.  I think sticking to natural metallic and neutral colors like silver, gray, bronze, and black make the most sense.  We have a ton of options with color when it comes to plastic keycaps.  I'd love to see something that reflects the natural beauty of the material, at least for the first round 

[hiddensong]

It all comes down to the price. Will you be the ones to do it!? I think you can.

[well_cooper]

Love it.  I have rough fingers from peeling dry skin in the cold months.   These caps would feel so comfort to type on.   

They are smoooooooth 

[well_cooper]

Also, thinking about color.  I think sticking to natural metallic and neutral colors like silver, gray, bronze, and black make the most sense.  We have a ton of options with color when it comes to plastic keycaps.  I'd love to see something that reflects the natural beauty of the material, at least for the first round 

That's is my goal, would also like to make some easy to pair colours available so it can be easy to pair up with your soon-to-be endgame boards

[well_cooper]

It all comes down to the price. Will you be the ones to do it!? I think you can.

We have improved CNC process dramatically and the feel on the prototype feels.....man that's something else

[well_cooper]

Pricing is availabe
Kitting is available
Colour option now added
IC Form is LIVE
Discord link addedLegend sets addedTo do list added

[yui]

In regards to Raw alu, the problem is that if the surface left untreated it will oxidize overtime (unless that is something you are willing to deal with) we currently don't have plan to have raw machined sets available

well it was only a bonus i will take silver anodized if raw is not available.

[beigeandbrown]

I'm not too knowing about this type of stuff but IIRC, aluminum oxide is actually a type of protectant from oxidation itself. unlike flaky iron oxide on regular steel, aluminum oxide forms a durable layer over raw aluminum almost immediately, creating a natural barrier to further oxidation. Therefore I don't think there will be an issue in terms of oxidation over time. I'm not sure how skin oils react to this  aluminum oxide but I'm pretty sure the stuff is non reactive and very tough.

[Beenoman]

Super interesting, do you have a sound test? It'd be interesting to hear the acoustics of it

[sup3r170va]

I would prefer the set to have legends. GMK style would be nice.

[well_cooper]

I'm not too knowing about this type of stuff but IIRC, aluminum oxide is actually a type of protectant from oxidation itself. unlike flaky iron oxide on regular steel, aluminum oxide forms a durable layer over raw aluminum almost immediately, creating a natural barrier to further oxidation. Therefore I don't think there will be an issue in terms of oxidation over time. I'm not sure how skin oils react to this  aluminum oxide but I'm pretty sure the stuff is non reactive and very tough.

Check this page out
https://www.wileymetal.com/aluminum-corrosion-why-it-happens-and-what-to-do-when-it-does/

[well_cooper]

I would prefer the set to have legends. GMK style would be nice.

Will have options in the IC form and GB will be base on IC results

[sup3r170va]

I would prefer the set to have legends. GMK style would be nice.

Will have options in the IC form and GB will be base on IC results

Thanks. Looking forward to the IC form.

[yui]

I'm not too knowing about this type of stuff but IIRC, aluminum oxide is actually a type of protectant from oxidation itself. unlike flaky iron oxide on regular steel, aluminum oxide forms a durable layer over raw aluminum almost immediately, creating a natural barrier to further oxidation. Therefore I don't think there will be an issue in terms of oxidation over time. I'm not sure how skin oils react to this aluminum oxide but I'm pretty sure the stuff is non reactive and very tough.

like iron there is multiple type of oxidation, and skin oils will make it oxide quite slower and so the oxidation will not be uniform, anodization will create a strong and consistent oxide layer, and allow for tinting. and yes alu oxide is very non reactive and pretty much the 2nd strongest material known to man (after diamond)

[zoo]

Thoughtful fillet

[well_cooper]

Major UPDATE 

[yukitoki]

Great Update!
Looking forward to the group buy.

[well_cooper]

sound test?

Uploaded today!

[well_cooper]

Super interesting, do you have a sound test? It'd be interesting to hear the acoustics of it

Available now

[Bobatype]

Sound test is a lot better than I thought an all metal caps set would sound like!

[pool]

I would be incredibly impressed if you can maintain the alpha sets at $200 dollars. Manufacturing quality metal keycaps is not cheap, especially in high tolerances. I am curious how you're able to maintain such a low price point?

Accounting for machining, sandblasting (which I believe you have), anodizing, and other treatments, that's quite low of a cost per keycap.

I am guessing you are doing all of this in house, which can keep costs low.

[RIFT]

I must succeed with the heaviest board in existence. GIMME GIMMEEee

[Cubic // esc lab]

You will have something truly special if you can offer this at the price point you say you will

But it does lead to a lot of questions on my end on what "the catch" is in how you will be achieving this price point. Will you be machining the keycaps or through metal injection molding/casting? What bead blasting level will you be using? How are you doing the anodization? What's the tolerance level you will be achievement? What does "easily adjustable stem" mean (from the look of your stems, they don't seem that much different from typical alu keycap stems). I'm going to guess you mean that typical house tools will allow one to tighten or loosen the stem to fit different stems.

I realize the questions I ask may seem slightly conflict of interest-y but as someone in the same space, that price point seems too good to be true other than if you:
1. Own the CNC machines + anodization (which seems possible considering
2. Literally just paying for material cost
3. Operating in a crazy high volume (which doing the math at 100 sets, doesn't seem super high)
4. You're running your own fulfillment and logistics
5. Not using vendors to help you sell
 
Anyways. You don't need to answer my questions if you feel you're revealing too much.

Again, if you can pull this off at the price point, I would be incredibly impressed. And I root for you the entire way.

[well_cooper]

Sound test is a lot better than I thought an all metal caps set would sound like!

Thanks Boba! Glad you like my potato sound recording setup

[well_cooper]

You will have something truly special if you can offer this at the price point you say you will

But it does lead to a lot of questions on my end on what "the catch" is in how you will be achieving this price point. Will you be machining the keycaps or through metal injection molding/casting? What bead blasting level will you be using? How are you doing the anodization? What's the tolerance level you will be achievement? What does "easily adjustable stem" mean (from the look of your stems, they don't seem that much different from typical alu keycap stems). I'm going to guess you mean that typical house tools will allow one to tighten or loosen the stem to fit different stems.

I realize the questions I ask may seem slightly conflict of interest-y but as someone in the same space, that price point seems too good to be true other than if you:
1. Own the CNC machines + anodization (which seems possible considering
2. Literally just paying for material cost
3. Operating in a crazy high volume (which doing the math at 100 sets, doesn't seem super high)
4. You're running your own fulfillment and logistics
5. Not using vendors to help you sell
 
Anyways. You don't need to answer my questions if you feel you're revealing too much.

Again, if you can pull this off at the price point, I would be incredibly impressed. And I root for you the entire way.

 

I would be incredibly impressed if you can maintain the alpha sets at $200 dollars. Manufacturing quality metal keycaps is not cheap, especially in high tolerances. I am curious how you're able to maintain such a low price point?

Accounting for machining, sandblasting (which I believe you have), anodizing, and other treatments, that's quite low of a cost per keycap.

I am guessing you are doing all of this in house, which can keep costs low.

Appericate your support on our project! Since I saw that video on Linus Tech Tips showing a full metal caps board really made me wanted one, I mean who wouldn't if the price is reasonable. That has been the starting point for this project. Discussing with multiple manufactures and optimzing the machining process started at the start of this year, the whole process was long and frustrating. Some designs seen on other metal novelty caps have to be left out to control cost (engraving on the inside) although I'm hoping to include in the future group buys.


To shed some light in your questions:

• We are planning to run fulfillment and logistics by ourselves, keep marketing to the minimum and overheads to the lowest possible
• Hight volume does allow us to have more leverage with manu to ensure adequate production time frame
• No vendors for this project since we cannot afford vendor commission at this price point
• ALL caps regardless its size will be CNC machined, sand blasted then anodized
• We are thinking about tweaking sand blasting level to give it a slight rougher surface texture but I'm very happy with the proto set I'm currently typing on
• Stems are easily adjustable with house tools (I've been using small piler and flat head screw driver), we are designing a specialized tool (optional purchase) to be released during GB phase to tighten and loosen stems
• Anodizing colours are chosen to show off its metallic property hence no E-white or other crazy colours available at this point (will be offered in the future)

[well_cooper]

I must succeed with the heaviest board in existence. GIMME GIMMEEee

Super keen to see your proto!

[Cubic // esc lab]

You will have something truly special if you can offer this at the price point you say you will

But it does lead to a lot of questions on my end on what "the catch" is in how you will be achieving this price point. Will you be machining the keycaps or through metal injection molding/casting? What bead blasting level will you be using? How are you doing the anodization? What's the tolerance level you will be achievement? What does "easily adjustable stem" mean (from the look of your stems, they don't seem that much different from typical alu keycap stems). I'm going to guess you mean that typical house tools will allow one to tighten or loosen the stem to fit different stems.

I realize the questions I ask may seem slightly conflict of interest-y but as someone in the same space, that price point seems too good to be true other than if you:
1. Own the CNC machines + anodization (which seems possible considering
2. Literally just paying for material cost
3. Operating in a crazy high volume (which doing the math at 100 sets, doesn't seem super high)
4. You're running your own fulfillment and logistics
5. Not using vendors to help you sell
 
Anyways. You don't need to answer my questions if you feel you're revealing too much.

Again, if you can pull this off at the price point, I would be incredibly impressed. And I root for you the entire way.

 

I would be incredibly impressed if you can maintain the alpha sets at $200 dollars. Manufacturing quality metal keycaps is not cheap, especially in high tolerances. I am curious how you're able to maintain such a low price point?

Accounting for machining, sandblasting (which I believe you have), anodizing, and other treatments, that's quite low of a cost per keycap.

I am guessing you are doing all of this in house, which can keep costs low.

Appericate your support on our project! Since I saw that video on Linus Tech Tips showing a full metal caps board really made me wanted one, I mean who wouldn't if the price is reasonable. That has been the starting point for this project. Discussing with multiple manufactures and optimzing the machining process started at the start of this year, the whole process was long and frustrating. Some designs seen on other metal novelty caps have to be left out to control cost (engraving on the inside) although I'm hoping to include in the future group buys.


To shed some light in your questions:

• We are planning to run fulfillment and logistics by ourselves, keep marketing to the minimum and overheads to the lowest possible
• Hight volume does allow us to have more leverage with manu to ensure adequate production time frame
• No vendors for this project since we cannot afford vendor commission at this price point
• ALL caps regardless its size will be CNC machined, sand blasted then anodized
• We are thinking about tweaking sand blasting level to give it a slight rougher surface texture but I'm very happy with the proto set I'm currently typing on
• Stems are easily adjustable with house tools (I've been using small piler and flat head screw driver), we are designing a specialized tool (optional purchase) to be released during GB phase to tighten and loosen stems
• Anodizing colours are chosen to show off its metallic property hence no E-white or other crazy colours available at this point (will be offered in the future)

 

[yukitoki]

just need to add a in a series-00 shiny esc keycap 

[Cubic // esc lab]

just need to add a in a series-00 shiny esc keycap 

Coming Soon ™ 

[titanium]

If you find a way to mimic the scoop/curved F&J home row I will definitely be in. Not a fan of the nub/bar homing unfortunately

[well_cooper]

My good friend and the all around super nice and fun streamer JPermz will stream tomorrow with a prototype set of full metal caps tomorrow at 7PM AEST 22nd Dec (or 3AM EST on  Dec 22nd).  Hope to see you there!

https://www.twitch.tv/jpermz

[SaraZera]

These will be perfect for my next build. Now we play the waiting game.

[snail_typist]

the mods are looking real nice, might get the mods and function keys

[well_cooper]

These will be perfect for my next build. Now we play the waiting game.

The perfect banner combo does exist

the mods are looking real nice, might get the mods and function keys

Same colour or mix & match?

[hottrout]

On the right egro board these could really pop.  Have you tested how tight they will fit.  The reason I ask is because sometimes RAMA caps are a little loose on the fit.

[well_cooper]

On the right egro board these could really pop.  Have you tested how tight they will fit.  The reason I ask is because sometimes RAMA caps are a little loose on the fit.

Cap stem tightness on our one can be easily adjusted. Tho I do notice some switches fits tighter (gat yellows, reds and black, ink series) and some fit slightly less tight (switches made by JWK in general)

[well_cooper]

Second last update before GB! Lets go

[yukitoki]

LETS GOOO 

[well_cooper]

[Bantalope]

Getting more tempting with every update.

[hottrout]

Starting to look better and better.

[Hellenic94]

Navy looks amazing. Making me second guess getting striker.

[twohands]

Any chance there will be blanks for ergo modifiers available? I would be in for multiple sets if it will be 

[well_cooper]

Any chance there will be blanks for ergo modifiers available? I would be in for multiple sets if it will be 

ergo dox?

[Rx003]

Interesting sound test! I would be in if there is an option for frow set only!!! Glwic and wish you all the best for this!

[well_cooper]

F-Row set is available 

[twohands]

Any chance there will be blanks for ergo modifiers available? I would be in for multiple sets if it will be 

ergo dox?

Yes Ergo Dox please.

[well_cooper]

Any chance there will be blanks for ergo modifiers available? I would be in for multiple sets if it will be 

ergo dox?

Yes Ergo Dox please.

Haven't seen Ergo Dox request coming up in the IC so far, perhaps in the future runs we will attempt to introduce that layout

[KaosJ]

Oh gosh cherry profile full alu is happening, i'm totally, definetely, absolutely in on this with legends (on a side note, the legends looks good!)
Just not sure if black or blue so i hope to see more photos. 

Will you give us all the info pre-gb so we can rush buy when it starts? 

[kapowaz]

Since the legends are being laser etched, and the price point is so premium, would you consider supporting ISO-UK as an option for legends (i.e. perhaps take a small number of orders and have ISO-UK legends instead of ANSI)? It’s looking awesome and I’d love to be able to use these on my daily driver!

[Rayndalf]

No homing on numpad 5 key?

[HelloThisIsDog]

So down for this, can't wait to see more content when these get sent out to creators!

[well_cooper]

No homing on numpad 5 key?

There is a homing dot on num 5, just not shown in the new render, this will also apply to blank sets as well

[well_cooper]

Since the legends are being laser etched, and the price point is so premium, would you consider supporting ISO-UK as an option for legends (i.e. perhaps take a small number of orders and have ISO-UK legends instead of ANSI)? It’s looking awesome and I’d love to be able to use these on my daily driver!

We might be looking at region support in R2 if our first GB goes smoothly, on the first set we only plan to support ANSI

[well_cooper]

So down for this, can't wait to see more content when these get sent out to creators!

TimKeyless have already show them on this stream with more to come

[phinix]

Those dark navy caps look phenomenal.
I would love to have a TKL set with dark navy alphas and gold mods, with legends of course.
But I guess price will be a killer...

[bert039]

Wow this is a game changer, I'm in

[Rumblethumps]

I'm in for sure! I've been waiting for a set like this!

[phinix]

If its like $300 for TKL set, I'm in

[KeyRelic]

Is this red render



is the same as red from here?

[Mwbowman]

Will there be any support in the future for ergodox layouts or something similar?

[pixelpusher]

any updates? 

[well_cooper]

any updates? 

Final production prototypes are on its way to me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[saam]

I saw another post that is similar to what I am about to say: It would  be nice if you could get this to a rather affordable price. At the end of the day it is metal, and machining and manufacturing will cost a bit more. I do appreciate the kitting and how you can choose what you need rather than making a huge base kit that would cost an arm and a leg. Thanks. Looking forward to see this project go further and further!

[nathanchere]

I'm curious about the reported weight of these. Looking at shift keys for example, other aluminum keys I have are 20-30% heavier. Given the nature of the CNC process it wouldn't be any cheaper to produce caps with thinner walls / less weight so I'm wondering why they are so much lighter than the two others I've tried.

[well_cooper]

I'm curious about the reported weight of these. Looking at shift keys for example, other aluminum keys I have are 20-30% heavier. Given the nature of the CNC process it wouldn't be any cheaper to produce caps with thinner walls / less weight so I'm wondering why they are so much lighter than the two others I've tried.

We try to have all the keys have a uniform typing feel and with less of a need to change to heavier springs on already building boards.  Desoldering isn't fun.
It is more expensive to produce caps with tinner walls but we are willing to put in the work and design optimization so that it is less work and concern for the end buyer.

[stomaha]

Do we have any idea as to the anticipated timing for the pre-order?

[TK0]

I know I've found this quite late, but hopefully this is very successful and we get a R2 with ergo kits. GL!

[Havattack]

I'm curious about the reported weight of these. Looking at shift keys for example, other aluminum keys I have are 20-30% heavier. Given the nature of the CNC process it wouldn't be any cheaper to produce caps with thinner walls / less weight so I'm wondering why they are so much lighter than the two others I've tried.

We try to have all the keys have a uniform typing feel and with less of a need to change to heavier springs on already building boards. Desoldering isn't fun.
It is more expensive to produce caps with tinner walls but we are willing to put in the work and design optimization so that it is less work and concern for the end buyer.

I'm not a big fan of soldering, but i fined de-soldering to be the funnest soldering i do. Popping that gun is therapeutic for me.

[achingfingers]

Just saw the video from TaehaKeyboards and this has really got my interest! 

[noirbizarre]

Wow, what an awesome keycaps set. 

Would it possible to have it for some less mainstream (that's an understatement, lets say exotic) layouts like:

• ISO-FR aka. azerty ?
• BEPO
• Ergo-L

Not related to these keycaps but since you are also presenting yourself, are you intending to do the same for other for other keycaps profiles (DSA...) ?

[Pach]

Just found out about this and this looks very neat. I saw the pictures of January samples and it seemed to have some alignment issues (backspace, enter, bottom row Control, alt, etc, shift/caps top left aligned instead of center left aligned, other spacing issues). I'm assuming these will be corrected and the current newest renders are what is going to be on the final product? Classic colors are a great choice, only thing I'm not a fan of is the diamond icon, it kinda disturbs the text-only consistency of the bottom row. I would much rather prefer Menu or Code or any other text alternative but that's just my opinion. I know it's probably too late to consider changing anything. The esc icon looks a bit large from the renders, but if I get the set I probably won't be using icon esc, so it doesn't bother me too much. There's also a few other wierd spacing issues in the renders that I hope isn't on the final product.

[pixelpusher]

Still following the IC with high hopes.  Just watched the TaeKeyboards video.  Most things look very good about this product.

Any thoughts on lowering the skirt so that the keycaps don't sit any higher than GMK?  The thing is, many keyboard designers use GMK as a guide when setting bezel height so that the caps sit just at or just slightly below the level of the bezel.  Your aluminum caps seem to sit at least 1mm higher than GMK, judging from the TaeKeyboards video.  Any chance on revisiting that aspect of the design?

[mrvco]

Very intriguing.  e-white blanks with my Milk M60-A would be a-m-a-z-i-n-g.  In the samples (top right space bar and arrow keys), do I see purple... or is that the black or blue not making it to my eyes intact?

[Darthbaggins]

The Red and Blue kits look amazing, definitely want to see this do well 

[well_cooper]

GB post is up! (pending mod approval)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=113910.0