[IC] Phoenix - a TKL by Cable Car Designs

[westfoxtrot]

Group Buy is now live: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=116192

Date has changed please see below: March 4 - March 25

From the ashes rises Phoenix!
Featuring a beautiful curved side profile, Phoenix evokes a feeling of elegant luxury.

The board features a carefully thought out ground-up implementation of a sandwich gasket mounting system. It has been engineered to keep the typing feel not only consistent across the whole board but also make it one of the most pleasant experiences in keyboards.



Photo credit @thinkkwer

TL;DR – please fill in this form

Key Features

• F13 Tenkeyless layout with ANSI and ISO support
• Sandwich gasket mount designed for consistency and type feel (poron as default, see below)
• USB Type-C w/ universal daughterboard support
• PCB with south facing stabiliser support
• Semi-seamless design with thin bezels
• 6.5° typing angle
• 20.268mm front height (with feet inc 7.8mm high profile) Effective Keyboard Height is 23.173. Details in Additional links
• Weights: 4kg built with brass base, brass base alone is 3.2kg, alu base is just over 1kg so built with alu base will be approx 2kg
• That curve

Note about the weights: they are approx due to limited access to precision scales, some private owners measure it at 4.1, some at 3.9 so consider it ~4kg rather than dead on

Group Buy Details

• Pricing: $499 (Aluminium base) $599 (Brass base) - Pricing is subject to change due to fluctuating raw costs
• Regional pricing will be added with the group buy post but is expected to mirror the exchange of the USD price above
• Date: 2022 March 4th through to 2022 March 25th
• Format: Unlimited (Subject to agreement amongst vendors)

Here is an excellent set of photos by the excellent @thinkkwer

Please consider this post a living document, I am currently in the process of finalising all arrangements with vendors and factories so dates and pricing will be updated as soon as I can.

In testing and amongst the private buy participants I’ve found people tend to prefer poron gaskets so that will be the default gasket material. If we get a sufficient volume of orders I intend to also include a set of silicone gaskets for a slightly firmer feel.
The PCB that comes with the kit will be customised though it is compatible with a.88 PCBs with daughterboard support.
Gaskets and feet are both custom cut for this board, there is a large AliExpress store that sells similar sized feet that will work down the line if you are unable to source your own. Though I will release the files for the gaskets as those are specific for this board.

Options

• Colors: Dark Red, Silver, or Black
• WK or WKL top (the PCBs and plates will only support a 7u bottom row unless there’s sufficient interest, please see IC form above)
• Full brass or aluminium base
• Plates: Polycarbonate or aluminium, ANSI or ISO
• The PCB will be a customised version of mechstudio’s mk88 complete with daughterboard and JST cable
• The board will ship with a hard case
• Additional plates, PCBs, and gaskets

Vendors
Here is a list of the retailers with their respective prices and regions. There are no regional restrictions outside of where a store can normally ship to, please buy from whichever vendor is best for you! Anything not completed will be updated ASAP

Region	Retailer & Link	Regional price	Notes
Europe	mykeyboard.eu	TBD
USA	Mekibo	TBD
Canada	ApexKeyboards	TBD
OCE	Daily Clack	TBD
Singapore	Hex Keyboards	TBD
East Asia	kibou.store	TBD
Indonesia	pluskb	TBD
UK	KeebCats	TBD

Due to the ongoing complications of the pandemic an exact timeline is hard to nail down, I would be hopeful everything can be manufactured and shipped in around 6-9 months. Though once we have a better idea of the volume of boards it will be easier to get a better timeline to share.

Plate files will be made available in my github plate repository once production files are confirmed.

Here is an exploded view


If you have any questions or comments about the case/pcb/buy etc. please ask here or by any of these contact methods: Reddit, Geekhack, email, discord.
I am most available on discord but will try to get back to you in a reasonable timeframe any way you reach out.

Thank you for your time

– Max

Additional links:
Soundtests pastelink
Github on Effective Keyboard Height

Thanks to:
Private Round buyers for their invaluable feedback
Morgana for an exceptional logo design
Kwerdenker/thinkkwer for being an extremely attractive human being
Lewis Flude for being an S-Tier proofreader
Everyone who was so enthusiastic to see the board come to life
you for reading the thanks section

Edit notes:
added weight to feature list
added EKH
added exploded view
added UK vendor
added pricing

[of_sam]

King ****.

[kk73715]

:pogchamfer:

[The0rigina1]

reserved

[Ella]

TKL

[NRbigfoot]

Phoenix looks so good Max

[terrad]

Yes

Sent from my IN2023 using Tapatalk

[rookb]

Give

[Yuray]

The Swan evolved into a Phoenix. So excited for this!

[Sensetrigger]

Finally! Good luck with that.

[Gvalch_ca]

Looked at the thread name
Thought that this board will be the same as Prophet and Angel but in TKL size
Saw that it is just an isolation mount board
Disappointment was immeasurable and day was ruined

[goya_dechi]

IC form filled, can't wait. Best of luck Max!

[kiyoboard]

I have been following this on Discord. Happy that IC for it started finally. And thanks for trying to make it unlimited and open for a month. Looking forward to the GB 

[PeppyToad]

Let's go

[namidettje]

Frog TKL , Mr Suit TKL , Angle TKL , Cloudline TKL (and others whom I forgot) and now this.

My wallet can't take this any longer u_u

Pretty interesting, will await for sound tests but looks like a banger!

GLWIC

[gautema]

Finally it’s happening 

Board of the year for me

[westfoxtrot]

Looked at the thread name
Thought that this board will be the same as Prophet and Angel but in TKL size
Saw that it is just an isolation mount board
Disappointment was immeasurable and day was ruined

turns out I can do more than 1 thing

Frog TKL , Mr Suit TKL , Angle TKL , Cloudline TKL (and others whom I forgot) and now this.

My wallet can't take this any longer u_u

Pretty interesting, will await for sound tests but looks like a banger!

GLWIC

Knew I forgot something, added a sound test section to collect these. Thanks

[fortaye]

This keyboard ran in July. Should be shipping soon. https://mechvault.net/products/phoenix-keyboard-kit

Phoenix was named after reviving the JD45 layout for the Phoenix45. A lot of people were asking ProjectCain for a premium version. So he ran the Phoenix. Aluminum case with beautiful brass weight. I thought you should know. Gl with gb!

[Zeelobby]

Yoooo, this is it chief. Glad to see the IC drop. Max #1 A-OK

[westfoxtrot]

This keyboard ran in July. Should be shipping soon. https://mechvault.net/products/phoenix-keyboard-kit

Phoenix was named after reviving the JD45 layout for the Phoenix45. A lot of people were asking ProjectCain for a premium version. So he ran the Phoenix. Aluminum case with beautiful brass weight. I thought you should know. Gl with gb!

was not aware of this - thanks for the info!

[vi0till]

I dont usually like black color, but with brass bottom, black is super nice.

Any chance for half plate option?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Puree]

 

[mini_ninja_64]

UwU

[ZavaZ86]

Max so lit

[Exluna]

Mmm very nice.

[actress]

Damn, great job.
Really hope it's unlimited. Would you consider half plate option for this, or is it not possible ?

[peaceperfection]

Can't wait for it! Hope it's unlimited similar to Prophet and Angle. Bought almost all of your boards so far!

[whirlwind]

I love you Max.

[westfoxtrot]

Can't wait for it! Hope it's unlimited similar to Prophet and Angle. Bought almost all of your boards so far!

Thanks for the support <3

Damn, great job.
Really hope it's unlimited. Would you consider half plate option for this, or is it not possible ?

Definitely will, please add it in to the IC form and if there's demand for it I will do my best to accommodate

[bert039]

It's cool, man, got red bottoms on
Life is good

[lewisflude]

An absolutely beautiful, elegant keyboard by one of the best designers in the hobby.

[Gvalch_ca]

turns out I can do more than 1 thing

Sure you can. But pin mount TKL would be awesome! Please consider it as you future project.

[Finite]

This keyboard ran in July. Should be shipping soon. https://mechvault.net/products/phoenix-keyboard-kit

Phoenix was named after reviving the JD45 layout for the Phoenix45. A lot of people were asking ProjectCain for a premium version. So he ran the Phoenix. Aluminum case with beautiful brass weight. I thought you should know. Gl with gb!

Yeah, although the name isn't copyrighted, I still think it's a bit of a problem to name a keyboard the same as another one that already exists. I hope this one gets renamed so that there won't be any misunderstandings or confusion, but I won't blame the OP since it's obviously just an oversight on their part.

[c0d3r]

I AM ALL IN!!!

[mmayhem17]

:eggplant:

Enviado de meu SM-G780G usando o Tapatalk

[MIGHTY CHICKEN]

looks very based

[lewisflude]

This keyboard ran in July. Should be shipping soon. https://mechvault.net/products/phoenix-keyboard-kit

Phoenix was named after reviving the JD45 layout for the Phoenix45. A lot of people were asking ProjectCain for a premium version. So he ran the Phoenix. Aluminum case with beautiful brass weight. I thought you should know. Gl with gb!

Yeah, although the name isn't copyrighted, I still think it's a bit of a problem to name a keyboard the same as another one that already exists. I hope this one gets renamed so that there won't be any misunderstandings or confusion, but I won't blame the OP since it's obviously just an oversight on their part.

Phoenix (TKL) actually predates Phoenix (40%) by around a year. A private GB ran in February of this year. I can’t foresee any misunderstandings here.

[pngu]

This keyboard ran in July. Should be shipping soon. https://mechvault.net/products/phoenix-keyboard-kit

Phoenix was named after reviving the JD45 layout for the Phoenix45. A lot of people were asking ProjectCain for a premium version. So he ran the Phoenix. Aluminum case with beautiful brass weight. I thought you should know. Gl with gb!

Yeah, although the name isn't copyrighted, I still think it's a bit of a problem to name a keyboard the same as another one that already exists. I hope this one gets renamed so that there won't be any misunderstandings or confusion, but I won't blame the OP since it's obviously just an oversight on their part.

Phoenix (TKL) actually predates Phoenix (40%) by around a year. A private GB ran in February of this year. I can’t foresee any misunderstandings here.

I think you're forgetting about fabled designer PhoenixStarr here, the inventor of the FRL TKL. I see a very real risk here with regards to people mistaking this keyboard for a person and then being disappointed when the door rings and all they get is a keyboard, and one with an F row at that!

[Gnome]

Keybirb.
The asymmetry on the screwholes are driving me crazy.

[westfoxtrot]

Keybirb.
The asymmetry on the screwholes are driving me crazy.

It's very deliberate in order to help the mounting system whilst being able to maintain the overall design language.

[_rubik]

Interested, but I'll have to circle back with feedback once I've digested it. Looks nice on first glance though

[Zurg Eon]

Very interested! Thank you for trying to make it unlimited

[Gnome]

Keybirb.
The asymmetry on the screwholes are driving me crazy.

It's very deliberate in order to help the mounting system whilst being able to maintain the overall design language.

I understand there's a reason for it. It's a very clean looking board so the asymmetry really sticks out like a sore thumb to me.
Speaking of mounting system, any exploded renders available?

[Ustinj]

beautiful and unique, excellent all around ... i've always loved this board's unique silhouette

[Kinesiologist]

yes please, im ready

[bert039]

beautiful and unique, excellent all around ... i've always loved this board's unique silhouette

Now that you mentioned it I can't unsee it. Is there a way to hide the center screws? Love the bottom of the board but the asymmetry stains it.

[bananathock]

YAY! I'm so happy! Thank you westfoxtrot for bringing us another wonderful keyboard!

[lewisflude]

beautiful and unique, excellent all around ... i've always loved this board's unique silhouette

Now that you mentioned it I can't unsee it. Is there a way to hide the center screws? Love the bottom of the board but the asymmetry stains it.

The screw placement is done in the same way as the TGR Jane V2. This is quite common to fit around board internals.

[stidal]

man, that back is something else. super clean

[The0rigina1]

This keyboard ran in July. Should be shipping soon. https://mechvault.net/products/phoenix-keyboard-kit

Phoenix was named after reviving the JD45 layout for the Phoenix45. A lot of people were asking ProjectCain for a premium version. So he ran the Phoenix. Aluminum case with beautiful brass weight. I thought you should know. Gl with gb!

Yeah, although the name isn't copyrighted, I still think it's a bit of a problem to name a keyboard the same as another one that already exists. I hope this one gets renamed so that there won't be any misunderstandings or confusion, but I won't blame the OP since it's obviously just an oversight on their part.

You don't think the TKL in the title would've given it away?

[Jacki]

I'm so ready for that brass bottom

[Dragonhunt]

The red is just too good.
I wish you could anodize brass so you get the heft and colour.

Do you already know how heavy the 2 versions will be?

If the red alu is too light i might try to think of a way too add weights myself.
And afterwards find a way to cover the screw holes which can't be unseen once you notice it  .

Looking forward to see the pricing on it.

[Branno]

nut

[HugoChowsky]

Is this board available in WK?

Oops sorry. I clearly didn't read the entire post. Sorry.

[dmatx1]

Do you already know how heavy the 2 versions will be?

built brass base is 4.5kg and the alu is around 2.5 less so likely around 2kg

From Discord

Full aluminum board is very-very far from being light

[sirieous]

Board sounds lovely. Keen to get in on the public run 

[dantambok]

great work Max!

[westfoxtrot]

great work Max!

 

From Discord

Full aluminum board is very-very far from being light

Added approx weights to the first post!

Board sounds lovely. Keen to get in on the public run 

you're my hero

Is this board available in WK?

Oops sorry. I clearly didn't read the entire post. Sorry.

Yes it is! Kwerdenker only had a WKL version for his photo shoot

Do you already know how heavy the 2 versions will be?

Added to the first post

beautiful and unique, excellent all around ... i've always loved this board's unique silhouette

  TYSM

I understand there's a reason for it. It's a very clean looking board so the asymmetry really sticks out like a sore thumb to me.
Speaking of mounting system, any exploded renders available?

Sorry for the delay, got locked out of fusion  . Added to the first post 

[Qwapa]

Very interested in this board!

[ai06L]

this is hot

[Whale_algorithm]

This looks nice. Would it be technically feasible to make the bottom screws hidden like a keycult no 2, or to use an offset USB port?

[westfoxtrot]

This looks nice. Would it be technically feasible to make the bottom screws hidden like a keycult no 2, or to use an offset USB port?

This design element was intentional. The TKL form factor is inherently asymmetrical, and the exterior screws mirror the internals of the keyboard. This functionalist design decision is a part of the mounting system and the private round/prototyping has shown it be an effective part of the design

[Vorge]

I cant unsee the screws but I cant unsee how beautiful it looks either. Gonna definitely grab one. GLWGB

[mikestah]

Take my moneys!

[niorob]

Very beautiful board, will definitely be trying to pick one of these up!

[bananathock]

you got this max!

[Coquelox18]

i love tkls so much and this is great

[Mandabanker007]

Great looking weight design

[westfoxtrot]

Pricing target has been added to the first post - sorry for the delay on getting this included I wanted to be sure it was as accurate and fair as possible.

[herbologist]

Gorgeous. Brass pricing is incredible.

Sent from my HD1925 using Tapatalk

[treeleaf64]

It is 12:22 am on December 5 2021 and i am looking at an aluminum and brass rectangle that is a well priced luxury keyboard.  I do not have enough money to buy it

Another bad night for me   Sleep well everyone

[Surefoot]

I'll definitely get one. Full brass base looks promising.

[mr_fro2000]

Finally, a Max TKL.. looks amazing!  GLWS!

[ephemeral25]

I have yet to try a nice implementation of sandwich gasket mount.

This is probably my best bet.

Looks good so far

I don't think the Alu version is well priced for an Unlimited run, maybe you don't want that many people to join IDK. The premium asked for the brass option makes a lot more sense all together and this would probably the option I will go for.

More photos would also be nice (sides and usb part of the board) to have a better overall idea.

[noorejji]

Will the red alu look like the bottom case in the OP? With all alu will the bottom color match the top case? Will the alu plate be the same color as the top case?

[Diggidy]

.

[Hawksmoor]

Is the production version of mechstudio’s mk88 the same as that in Kwerdenker's photo's.
Like with multi layout: F12 and F13. 7U and 6.25U?

Could i also ask the thickness of the PCB? Is it 1.6 or 1.2mm?



Thanks

[Whale_algorithm]

I will admit I don't love the bottom logo of the board - 

I tend to agree with you. I would prefer a smaller logo engraving

[actress]

I'm also not crazy about the weight design to be honest. Will try to get one brass bottom unit anyway because I'm really liking the curves and sound profile of the board.
Also thank you for trying to do unlimited units.

[J_Noes]

It’s so tempting but would prefer a tkl with a split plate

[LMarci]

Nice and clean design, will definitely get a unit

[westfoxtrot]

Is the production version of mechstudio’s mk88 the same as that in Kwerdenker's photo's.
Like with multi layout: F12 and F13. 7U and 6.25U?

Could i also ask the thickness of the PCB? Is it 1.6 or 1.2mm?



Thanks

The Production version will be tailored specifically for this board. F13 only and 7U only at the moment

1.6mm

I will admit I don't love the bottom logo of the board - it looks kind of cheesy to me - but overall I really like the aesthetics of the board and will likely be in for a brass bottom.

To confirm, a hiney 88 w/ db will be compatible?

Yes the hineybush 88 pcb is compatible with the daughterboard added and USB removed

Will the red alu look like the bottom case in the OP? With all alu will the bottom color match the top case? Will the alu plate be the same color as the top case?

The red alu is this colour. With a full aluminium board you can choose to have the 3 parts different colours or matching

[lewisflude]

.

[noorejji]

Will the red alu look like the bottom case in the OP? With all alu will the bottom color match the top case? Will the alu plate be the same color as the top case?

The red alu is this colour. With a full aluminium board you can choose to have the 3 parts different colours or matching

Thanks for clarifying.

I have yet to try a nice implementation of sandwich gasket mount.

This is probably my best bet.

Looks good so far

I don't think the Alu version is well priced for an Unlimited run, maybe you don't want that many people to join IDK. The premium asked for the brass option makes a lot more sense all together and this would probably the option I will go for.

More photos would also be nice (sides and usb part of the board) to have a better overall idea.

This seems a little passive aggressive to me (saying maybe he doesn't want many people to join). The pricing is incredibly fair for the quality of the design for both alu/brass. We've seen multiple unlimited GBs go above the $700-800 mark in recent times. Maybe I'm misinterpreting.

If you want something with great price/performance value, can I recommend: https://oceanusbrass.com/products/raw-brass-block

Your post definitely comes off as snide, so what’s the point in pointing out something as perhaps being passive aggressive?

[westfoxtrot]

Updated first post - change of date