[IC] KY-01 // 75% Top-Mount Keyboard [GB Date: 31st July 2020]

[KCK]

KY-01 // 75% Top Mount Keyboard

GB Date Status:
GB will be live 23:59 BST (20/08/20) FCFS. Everything you need to know about the KY-01 keyboard will be posted on those pages. (Edit: GB page is now viewable - https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107809.0)

[CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE DISCORD SERVER]






Design:




Quick Renders:


Click Here For More Renders



Specs:

• Mounting Type: Top Mount
• Typing Angle: 6 degree
• Material: 6061 aluminium bead-blasted/anodized finish
• Colours: Black/Grey/Silver/Dark Navy/Aquamarine/Blue Grey (Aquamarine = 5463 C / Blue Grey = 433C)
• Number of Units: 150 units
• Layout: Supports both ANSI & ISO Layout (Supports split backspace & stepped caps lock)
• Plate Material Options: Aluminium/Brass/Carbon Fibre
• PCB: Custom KY-01 USB Type-C PCB (Supports QMK, has ESD-Protection)
• Screws: 7x M2.5 Phillips pan-head screws / 8x M3 Torx Screw
• Switch Support: MX style switches only

[Estimated Price]: $275 for alu plate kit / $285 for brass plate kit / $290 for carbon fibre plate kit
(FCFS)

[Shipping Prices]: UK ($20) / Europe ($35) / USA & Canada ($35) / Rest of the world ($60)
[Estimated shipping date]: Late September 2020 - Early November 2020

(Parts)
- Top case
- Bottom case
- 1.5mm plate
- USB type-C PCB
- 7x M2.5 Phillips pan-head screws / 8x M3 Torx screw
- 2x Silicone Adhesive Strips + 2x replacement strips

>Click Here To Fill Out IC Form<



(Updates)
[30/05/2020] - Ordered Case Prototype (Black Aluminium Case & Brass Plate).

[01/06/2020] - Colour Update (Replaced "Dark Navy" colour with "Blue Grey")


[02/06/2020] - After receiving some feedback on my logo, I might be changing the logo that will be engraved into the bottom of the keyboard (You can vote the logo that looks better to you in the IC Form).
- Added a closeup render of the Aquamarine colour. After I receive my prototype, I will be ordering some colour samples (Anodised & bead-blasted Aluminium), to provide you guys accurate pictures of the colours.
- My manufacturer has updated me saying that the prototype is estimated to be shipped on the 10th of June.



[05/06/2020] - Estimated Base Kit price is now $269.99
- Carbon fibre plates will be available to purchase
- Increased the number of units to 100
- A picture of an unfinished prototype from the factory


[08/06/2020] - Received a video of the prototype from the factory this morning (Still needs sandblast treatment & anodising though). Finished prototype video should be sent to me tomorrow.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

[11/06/2020] - The prototype case is finished and has been shipped (It'll take around a week to arrive). PCB is still in production so it's estimated to arrive in 2 weeks time.

[17/06/2020] - Prototype case & PCB arrived! I’m just waiting for my switches & keycaps to arrive. Also waiting on the rubber strips. Once I receive my switches and keycaps I will record a sound test and showcase the keyboard in detail.

[17/06/2020] - Created a discord server! [CLICK HERE TO JOIN]

[21/06/2020] - Pics of the prototype!



[CLICK HERE FOR FULL GALLERY]

[24/06/2020] - Final Design Update. I have ordered sample colours today and i'm hoping to receive the pictures in a week. Colours have changed slightly. Aquamarine is now 316C & Blue Grey is now 432C & Dark Grey is now 446C.


Fill out the test GB form

[22/07/2020] - GB date has been announced! (31st of July 2020)

[Mr.Elli0t]

Loving the design! It looks  awesome!

[CrazyAssMonkey]

Well dam...

250??? I'm impressed that's a clean look. Her bottomis beautiful. 

[jackedhardwarejunkie]

Looks great!

I'll definitely be in for 1

[ssaiyanash]

In for that aqua marine 😍

[thecyangiant]

Looks good, I'm definitely interested. Can't tell if it's my phone being wonky but the ic link didn't seem to work. +1 for aquamarine

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[Kinesiologist]

Can you please clarify on the following regarding the PCB:

- Does PCB support QMK?
- Does it have ESD-protection?
- Will there be an option to buy an extra PCB for backup?

It would be great if you can update the original post with these info. Also, how can we follow the progress of this IC/GB?

The design is perfect in my eyes so looking forward to hearing more about it. Thank you

[KCK]

Can you please clarify on the following regarding the PCB:

- Does PCB support QMK?
- Does it have ESD-protection?
- Will there be an option to buy an extra PCB for backup?

It would be great if you can update the original post with these info. Also, how can we follow the progress of this IC/GB?

The design is perfect in my eyes so looking forward to hearing more about it. Thank you

The PCB will support QMK, has ESD-protection and there will be an option to buy an extra PCB. Sorry for not mentioning this on my post, will update it now.

[Surefoot]

Nice design, nice price, ISO support.. Maybe you could make the top row a bit more symmetrical (have equal length for blockers) ?

[Kinesiologist]

That's awesome, thank you for the quick response.

[Lenux]

Really nice work !

If i can get my hand on it i would definitely would

Good luck

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

"35 units (Might increase or decrease, depending on the demand)"
~250 USD

I'm gonna go out on a limb and suggest you could sell 35 in the opening 10 seconds of this group buy opening

[pixelpusher]

Where are you located?  Have you run any group buys or designed any boards in the past?  Did you design the PCB as well?  Need infos

[CrazyAssMonkey]

Where are you located?  Have you run any group buys or designed any boards in the past?  Did you design the PCB as well?  Need infos

Ah pixel asking the important questions.

[KCK]

Where are you located?  Have you run any group buys or designed any boards in the past?  Did you design the PCB as well?  Need infos

Located in the UK, I haven't ran any group buys before, but I will be ordering as many prototypes as I can if there are issues before I run a group buy. I didn't design the PCB, I had KnoblesseOblige design a prototype PCB for me (You can find him on Reddit/GitHub/Geekhack).

[rondg]

Yes

[ilikerustoo]

Could you elaborate the pricing for the board a little? Would definitely consider it because the price is great!

[rondg]

If we can use a socket, phillips or flat head screws, that would be nice. I'll definitely lose the torx screwdriver 

[jmsp0511]

definitely in at that price point!

[hottrout]

Interested, looks nice.

[Prelim]

interested, although I would prefer a pure TKL design (80%) 

[$hea]

Interested!! 

[Bl4ck]

Could you include another key on the vertical nav cluster?so make it a 4 key cluster.

[lenznel]

interested! the price point is noice

[Vireca]

The price its too good for 35 units. I think you could increase them and that will lower or maintain the same price maybe

[Sabin]

Where are you located?  Have you run any group buys or designed any boards in the past?  Did you design the PCB as well?  Need infos

Located in the UK, I haven't ran any group buys before, but I will be ordering as many prototypes as I can if there are issues before I run a group buy. I didn't design the PCB, I had KnoblesseOblige design a prototype PCB for me (You can find him on Reddit/GitHub/Geekhack).

UK based too!

Will you have any option for a hotswap pcb? There's not many well built 75% options out there

[cLRLYY]

This looks nice!

Would love to get my hand on one. Only two things I could argue about are the asymmetric blockers on the F row (would look way better if all of them were the same width) and the placement of the USB Port, I would prefer to have it on the left instead of the middle, but that personal preference. If this makes it for the estimated price, I will definitely try to get one of them.

[Coneree]

I'm a fan of the layout! Will be watching!

[$W4GK!NG]

Depending on the GB time, I will likely get one myself. Looked super cleaned and cool <33333

[supern00b]

In.

[lz2019]

Everything of the shape looks good too, except I hope the cut-in on the left/right sides of the bottom case can be a bit larger. So that I can pick up the keyboard easier with both hands (I have pretty round finger tip and my nail is short).

[noorejji]

Will you be looking for vendors?

[SxM Designs]

35 units is way too less. 1 min buying period!

[dhb82]

Please consider more units

[pcire]

Please consider more units

+1

[Rew23]

That Aquamarine color and the price point, damn I just hope i am quick enough to get in on this one. Looks great.

[$hea]

The price its too good for 35 units. I think you could increase them and that will lower or maintain the same price maybe

Facts. We need more!

[KCK]

I'm going to be increasing it to 75 units. I was thinking of increasing it to 100 but I don't know if I'll be able to actually sell that many units. QC will take a long time too so i'm not too sure at the moment. Problem is that my manufacturer isn't willing to decrease the price by much so the price will still stay the same.

The price its too good for 35 units. I think you could increase them and that will lower or maintain the same price maybe

Facts. We need more!

[cLRLYY]

I'm going to be increasing it to 75 units. I was thinking of increasing it to 100 but I don't know if I'll be able to actually sell that many units. QC will take a long time too so i'm not too sure at the moment. Problem is that my manufacturer isn't willing to decrease the price by much so the price will still stay the same.

The price its too good for 35 units. I think you could increase them and that will lower or maintain the same price maybe

Facts. We need more!

Well, 75 is alot better than 35. Maybe another increase if there will be a round two of this board.

[Lenux]

I'm going to be increasing it to 75 units. I was thinking of increasing it to 100 but I don't know if I'll be able to actually sell that many units. QC will take a long time too so i'm not too sure at the moment. Problem is that my manufacturer isn't willing to decrease the price by much so the price will still stay the same.

The price its too good for 35 units. I think you could increase them and that will lower or maintain the same price maybe

Facts. We need more!

The price is surprisingly really affordable for the market , don't worry about the price change about units number !

I think its a wise to make a small GB as a first Round and also at all, it might make you ideas clear, give more ideas and also make progress in the future, which is remarkable.

The project is more than fine, its really a good project i wish you good luck. The 75 slots might be good to begin with, thanks for the remarks

[Owl]

looks like a very nice board for a very affordable price point. Great job. I just wish this and so many other 75% didn't have that style of arrow keys. Deal breaker for me.

[Endeavour1934]

Definitely interested... and the color choice is really amazing, the aquamarine is really gorgeous!

[YellowHalo]

Looks promising. Just curious, how did you come up with that price? Considering that prototyping for case and pcb will cost a substantial amount. That design doesn't look simple to machine either so the cost may go up too. Will you run the gb with a vendor?

[syke]

aquamarine looks fab

[KCK]

Looks promising. Just curious, how did you come up with that price? Considering that prototyping for case and pcb will cost a substantial amount. That design doesn't look simple to machine either so the cost may go up too. Will you run the gb with a vendor?

Yeah the keyboard is turning out to be a bit more expensive than I estimated, mainly due to shipping prices, import fees and customs. However I can say that the price will stay below $300. I will update you guys with a much more accurate price in a week or two. This GB will not be ran with a vendor.

[adamjohari]

75 will definitely sell out at that price. Be confident. Amazing work.

[Cobalt]

Definitely in.

[bow3i]

Perhaps an increased MOQ can make more colours available? This looks fantastic, I'm looking forward to it!

[Bl4ck]

About the logo on the back, would totally prefer an Image like logo instead of Text logo (i don't really know how to explain this but I think you can understand) but I'm fine with both.

[lz2019]

do you plan to use a discord or set up a mail list for updates/announcements? or just keep everything in this thread?

[mongg]

If this came in white it would deadset need endgame. Please consider the new colour option?
Also hotswap?

[KCK]

do you plan to use a discord or set up a mail list for updates/announcements? or just keep everything in this thread?

At the moment I am only updating my GH post but once I receive my prototype I will create a discord server. (I was told the Prototype will be dispatched from the factory on the 10th of June)

[Xemnova]

That Ultramarine colorway is salivatingly good

[ever9415]

This keyboard is so cool. I will participate if this GB starts.

[shodid]

I would like to have this in blue grey.

[lz2019]

do you plan to use a discord or set up a mail list for updates/announcements? or just keep everything in this thread?

At the moment I am only updating my GH post but once I receive my prototype I will create a discord server. (I was told the Prototype will be dispatched from the factory on the 10th of June)

That sounds perfect! thanks.

[瓦布10312]

OEM of China？

[$W4GK!NG]

I don't see anything mentioning the bottom coloring so I'm gonna ask, how will the bottom piece look? Is it gonna be the same color as the top piece? and is it gonna be 1 color throughout the entire bottom or is the logo gonna have a different color?

[Karos]

Would be very interested to go in on this, looks fantastic!

[KCK]

I don't see anything mentioning the bottom coloring so I'm gonna ask, how will the bottom piece look? Is it gonna be the same color as the top piece? and is it gonna be 1 color throughout the entire bottom or is the logo gonna have a different color?

Yeah the bottom piece colour will be the same as the top. You will be able to choose the plate colour if you choose aluminium plate.

[kohjinagata]

I'm in for sure

[$W4GK!NG]

I don't see anything mentioning the bottom coloring so I'm gonna ask, how will the bottom piece look? Is it gonna be the same color as the top piece? and is it gonna be 1 color throughout the entire bottom or is the logo gonna have a different color?

Yeah the bottom piece colour will be the same as the top. You will be able to choose the plate colour if you choose aluminium plate.

Nice!! I'm definetly in if the group buy goes live at the right timing ))


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[$hea]

More hyped every day! Is the kit going to come with stabs?

[blak000]

I would definitely buy this if available.

[HutchoJ]

Put me down for one in Aquamarine, the board is superb. Well done!

[$W4GK!NG]

Now that the prototype has arrived, maybe you should make the discord server It will be easier for all of us to communicate.

[hotmail3214]

I just recently bought 7V.
Maybe another 75% won't hurt, I'm down for the GB anytime.

[vaf1en]

I am totally sold on that aquamarine colour.
Looking forward to seeing the build of the prototype and sound test.

[zlalaman2]

Here for it !!

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

[Devil]

Where's the Discord server link?

[$W4GK!NG]

Where's the Discord server link?

Theres none, KCK hasnt make one yet


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Leeex]

That Aquamarine color looks reeaaally good

[KCK]

Where's the Discord server link?

Just made a discord server. It's pretty basic but I think it'll do for now https://discord.gg/8fRVNtZ

[mudcakehoney]

Love this alot, I guess not having a brass weight is keeping the costs down (or did I miss that their is a weight?). Following with interest.

[KCK]

Love this alot, I guess not having a brass weight is keeping the costs down (or did I miss that their is a weight?). Following with interest.

No you're right, there aren't any brass weights. This is going to be my first GB so I want to keep the design as minimal as possible and keep it affordable

[ddrfraser1]

Definitely one of the better 75% keyboards I've seen. 

[kevchigga]

When's GB!? I'm so ready for this board!

[bloodparticle]

Gorgeous, it's going to be my first mechanical keyboard for sure, the grey blue is stunning! Since i'm from Portugal and it will be sent from UK, it is apealing, no customs  fees at least until December this year...
if everything goes well the delivery takes place this year?

[KCK]

When's GB!? I'm so ready for this board!

Haven’t got an exact GB Date. I’m just waiting for the colour samples from the factory atm. But GB should start around mid July if everything goes smoothly.

[ninjacore]

Very interested in seeing that aquamarine color. Will it be one of the samples you receive?

[KCK]

Yep, Grey/Blue Grey/Aquamarine. Black & silver are standard colours so I won't be needing samples for that.

[KCK]

When's GB!? I'm so ready for this board!

The GB will start on the 31st of July 2020 but the GB page will be posted on Reddit & Geekhack on the 29th of July.

[supern00b]

Are you gonna get the color samples before the 31st?

[KCK]

Are you gonna get the color samples before the 31st?

Colour samples are estimated to be received on the 28th of July but in case I don't, I will give everyone 7 days to decide whether to pay the invoices or not (Invoices will be sent as soon as you submit the GB form). However i'm sure the colour sample pictures will be ready by the GB starting date

[xantiema]

Are you gonna get the color samples before the 31st?

Colour samples are estimated to be received on the 28th of July but in case I don't, I will give everyone 7 days to decide whether to pay the invoices or not (Invoices will be sent as soon as you submit the GB form). However i'm sure the colour sample pictures will be ready by the GB starting date

Is it still limited to FCFS 35 units?

[Zammin]

Interested in this. Discord link is broken though, and I'm also wanting to know if hotswap is an option. A few others asked but I couldn't find an answer.

[LASERman]

I really like this design, obviously the layout, proposed colors, and especially the chamfer edge (if I name it correctly) but...
I have general concern... as an newbie I apologize if this is any offense but I read about uncertainty that comes with GB's in general and warnings about GB run by not well known/experienced persons - again, no offense intended - it's just your profile appears similarly empty to mine and in contrast to other GB owners.

So, can you tell us little bit more about yourself KCK?
I would like to know if this is your first project? More about your design experience and maybe who can vouch for you?

It seams you are based in UK which actually incline me more to support this project while everything else appears to originate in US .

[KCK]

Interested in this. Discord link is broken though, and I'm also wanting to know if hotswap is an option. A few others asked but I couldn't find an answer.

Fixed now. Should work now

[KCK]

I really like this design, obviously the layout, proposed colors, and especially the chamfer edge (if I name it correctly) but...
I have general concern... as an newbie I apologize if this is any offense but I read about uncertainty that comes with GB's in general and warnings about GB run by not well known/experienced persons - again, no offense intended - it's just your profile appears similarly empty to mine and in contrast to other GB owners.

So, can you tell us little bit more about yourself KCK?
I would like to know if this is your first project? More about your design experience and maybe who can vouch for you?

It seams you are based in UK which actually incline me more to support this project while everything else appears to originate in US .

Yeah I completely understand how you feel. However the factory I am working with has a lot of experience producing custom mechanical keyboards and has worked with people that successfully ran GBs in the past so you won't have to worry too much. I must admit I don't have any experience with designing pcbs which was why I hired someone with experience (knoblesseoblige) to design the pcb for this project and the prototype pcb that I tested worked perfectly fine. I believe the keyboard is ready for production so the only concern buyers should have is QC, but as i'm only selling 100 units QC shouldn't be much of an issue.

[Pomato]

The discord link doesn't work.
Where will this be shipped from? Currently, in Hong Kong, It would suck to have to fork out $60 for the board shipped CN>GB>HK.

[$W4GK!NG]

The discord link doesn't work.
Where will this be shipped from? Currently, in Hong Kong, It would suck to have to fork out $60 for the board shipped CN>GB>HK.

The shipping will be just like you discribe, as for discord link, try check the one on the GB post


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hottrout]

So this has already went to GB, been sold out and been closed without any link to the GB thread being provided here.  That is a real pity, I really wanted to be involved.

[LASERman]

This was very first GB I was looking for and I had no problem keeping track of it. GB date and time as well as the date when to look for GB thread you have at the beginning, also just under that in the same 1st  post you have link to discord channel (live several days before group buy) where all links were posted as updates/notifications. Yes you are right and Kenny should add link to GB here but he surely got bit overwhelmed with the demand (and our annoying questions  ) and didn't anticipated it will fulfil in literally couple of hours instead of a week! It was also his first time to run such endeavour.
No offence but I thought veteran like you knows how frantic GB can go here and how to keep your hand on the pulse. I believe you still have chance for "extras" so don't be so sad.

[hottrout]

Understood and I will of course look for an extra.  I am only 'sore' because I seem to have lost out in every raffle this year and this time when it was not a raffle, I was scuppered by a lack of any information.  I wish you good luck with this GB and I will continue to follow anyone who takes the time and effort to carry out such a huge task.