Updates:
All boards shipped - small number of replacements in the process of being issued.
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The J-01 Rev1 is the next revision in the series of boards. Historically there has been a prototype of the J-01 back in late 2017 and a small run of the same prototype in early 2019.
Since then the board has been back on the drawing board / butchers block to improve the board and I now feel like it’s ready for a more public outing via a Group Buy. Disclaimer up front, I fully appreciate that this board is not for everyone, and some people will enjoy its features, whilst others won’t; but I’m hoping that the people who do like its design will appreciate me bringing it to the community. You can read more about the changes in the IC -
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107597.0Design Philosophy:The design is based around the principle of allowing sound development within the case, through the use of a carefully designed acoustic cavity, but with enough mass and dampening (via fully isolating gaskets) to ensure a clean and crisp note.
Visually the design is a modern take on vintage keyboards, specifically inspired by the pen rail on a Model M, and the Macro keys seen on the vintage Commodore boards – but in a more current style. This leads to chunky bezels, solid pen rail, and reduced base with the majority of the mass under the Alpha keys to improve sound. Grey base and accent pen rail to accentuate the main body, without drowning it out. The front lip and side profile is designed to give the board a look of one that is floating, without drawing the eye. Optional Brass pen rail to add a touch of elegance.
Prototype:A prototype is on hand and requires only minor amends that wont impact the quality of the board. This includes revised plates, PCBs and Gaskets. You can review the build stream for the board here and pictures later in this thread:
Keep up to date:Colours/Options:Case Material - Aluminium
Case Colours:
- Black top (grey base and pen rail)
- Red top – RAL 3005 (grey base and pen rail)
- Blue top – Pantone 533 C (grey base and pen rail) (please note this is the same pantone as the Aegis Navy option)
- Limited Edition E-white (top and bottom case) and Brass pen rail
- Optional Brass pen rail can be added to any order as an extra
Here are the colour samples:
Red (on the Isla Prototype)
![](https://imgur.com/bdoAERx.png)
Blue (on the Allison Prototype)
![](https://imgur.com/vU2bbS2.png)
Plate Options:
- Carbon Fibre (Fixed ANSI or Fixed ISO)
- FR4 (Fixed ANSI or Fixed ISO)
- Plate files will be made avail immediately after the GB for buyers to get more customised options or materials to their liking
PCB/Hardware:
- QMK / VIA Compat
- ESD protection
- Compatible with ANSI / ISO
- Torx screws used for case and daughterboard
- USB C as standard
Layouts:- PCB:
- Fixed ANSI Plate
- Fixed ISO Plate
GB Details:Ok so J-01 Rev 1 Updates on Prices and dates... All USD prices are approximates as the boards will be listed in GBP but should convert roughly to the prices noted
Dates: - Limited Edition Raffle - Opens 8pm Uk (3pm EST, Noon PST) 29th August for 24 hours. Winners Drawn and invoiced on 31st August - 72 hours to pay.
- Standard Edition - FCFS @ prototypist.net 5th September Time TBC - 200 units. If all units sell silly quick - 50 more 24 hours later (y'all seem hungry enough for this)
- Shipping of these boards is likely to take place in June 2021 - However I will endeavour to make that earlier if I can, and keep everyone up to date if the timeline slips
Prices:- Limited Edition (all e-white, brass pen rail) = £445 / $590
- Standard edition (3 colour options, grey base, grey pen rail) = £390 / $510
- Extras - PCB = £30 / $40, Plates (CF or FR4) = £27-35 / $35-45, Brass pen rail = £55 / $70, Grey pen rail = £40 / $50
All boards come with:
- Top Case
- Bottom Case
- Pen Rail (alu for standard, brass for Limited)
- Hard Carry Case
- Triple Layer Gaskets
- CF plate (ISO or ANSI)
- Hardware
- PCB
- Daughterboard (and JST)
Once you purchase FCFS you'll get an email with a form to complete your preferences for colour choices and 10 key macro or 8+logo etc. If this is not completed within 48 hours *I'll pick for you*
Shipping is whatever shipping is - DHL calculate it automagically - that being said if you buy and it seems crazy high def get in touch to discuss.
EU folks - these are the prices without VAT - if you have an EU address VAT will be applied on top at 20% automatically at checkout
Pictures: Pictures of the prototype built on stream on Sunday 19th July
Renders: (please note these are renders only, final colours may differ from these and will be close to the pantones noted above, please bear this in mind.
By Nathan Alphaman:3 Colours avail
![](https://imgur.com/PcX25mz.png)
Red with Brass pen rail and logo top
![](https://imgur.com/9JPoLPZ.png)
Red with Grey pen rail and 10 key macro top
![](https://imgur.com/mE9gKJm.png)
Blue with Grey pen rail and logo top
![](https://imgur.com/eywc117.png)
Blue with Brass pen rail and 10 key macro top
![](https://imgur.com/r7Oty1z.png)
Black with Grey pen rail and logo top
![](https://imgur.com/YA2HQZm.png)
Black with Brass pen rail and 10 key macro top
![](https://imgur.com/TXwXdmX.png)
E-White Limited Edition with Logo Top
![](https://imgur.com/ihVGgvp.png)
E-White Limited edition with 10 key macro top
![](https://imgur.com/etILuQD.png)
By FLX:Tease 1
![](https://imgur.com/82qZkbe.png)
Tease 2
![](https://imgur.com/xuhjZvB.png)
Tease 3
![](https://imgur.com/AV8N4j2.png)
Scene 1
![](https://imgur.com/uIisEb7.png)
Scene 2
![](https://imgur.com/USfwu2y.png)
Thanks:- James (AKB for CAD design and works, plus listening to me drone on for hours)
- Flex for the PCB re-design and production and renders
- Nathan Alphaman for some stunning renders
- Everyone who has shown interest in the board and convinced me to share it wider than just the proto run
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