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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: nachie on Wed, 11 May 2022, 17:56:35

Title: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60 - Vendor Updated, New Prototype
Post by: nachie on Wed, 11 May 2022, 17:56:35

I'd like to present

Båge
(https://i.imgur.com/BUOBJ98.jpg)


No longer have vendor, this has been put on hold indefinitely, most likely cancelled.


Who am I?
 TL;DR A long time lurker


Båge?
 The name stands for a circular arc or bow-shaped bend. Matches the Keycaps that this board supports, so yeah, there's that.

Inspiration
TL;DR My fascination with the AEK60 form factor, GSKT-00 and kkatano's Bakeneko

More
I signed up on GH to join a group buy for ALPS60 plate. It has always been my favorite 60%. I got an AEK64 (http://"https://i.imgur.com/3uA8O60.jpg") and even learned PCB design to make an underglow pcb for it but the integrated plate wasn't for me either. The first case I designed from scratch was the AHKB (http://"https://imgur.com/a/d8Her1o"), a split AEK64 in HHKB layout. But again, integrated plate, and first time designer errors like extra gaps on the side and case being too hollow. So I've been at this for a while, prototyping and learning the craft. I have other design in the works as well but this is the one I feel most confident about going full steam ahead with.

The main inspiration for this case though along with the AEK fascination was the GSKT-00 for understanding o-ring mounts and kkatano's Bakeneko for the single piece construction. This is not a Bekeneko with a modified bottom, it is a board designed from scratch using the same internal design style but applying things I have learned so far on my design journey, also taking into factor the construction differences between ALPS and MX builds.


Specifications

  • Single Piece case
  • AEK Curve for use with AEK caps
  • Angle: 6 degree
  • Weight: Internal, optional. Materials TBD
  • Material: Aluminum and possibly Polycarbonate
  • Mount: O-Ring mount, friction fit
  • Uses Universal Daughter Board for USB C
  • PCB: Custom ALPS pcb with flex cuts and underglow. Existing MX pcbs will work as well.
  • Plate Materials: Aluminum, FR4, Stainless Steel, Standard BYO 60 plate support
  • QMK and VIA compatible Not merged yet

Current Plan

  • Design
  • Initial Prototype
  • Interest Check
  • Prototype the final weight design in brass
  • Another Prototype round with changes from IC?
  • Interest Check II
  • GB Prep
  • Group Buy
  • Cancelled
Color Options

Cases will be offered in a single color, most likely Space Grey, and also Polycarbonate.
  • Space Grey
  • Polycarbonate

Pricing

TBD. Trying to keep it as low as possible. We do have a vendor backing this, so more pricing information to come as we get close.

Layout Options

Following layouts will be supported by the ALPS PCB offered. Plate files will also be released after the buy. Case was modified to work with existing MX PCBs are well, so that is also an option.

(https://i.imgur.com/3QjqFgE.png)


Group Buy Vendor

I am pleased to announce that CannonKeys will be the official vendor for this group buy. Actual dates and prices etc. will be updated soon.

Prototype

 - Aluminum Album (https://imgur.com/gallery/Ox6OXQW)
 - Poly v1 Album (https://imgur.com/gallery/tUdOZJW)
 - Aluminum v2 with GMK and MT3 caps instead of AEK (https://imgur.com/a/K6aeOEB)
 - GB Unit Renders - Still Prototyping (https://imgur.com/a/iD0KSTO)
 - GB Unit Prototype (https://imgur.com/a/5W1uHki)

Prototypes shows Mirror finished PVD Brass for weight for v1 and sandblasted raw brass weight for v2. Neither of these will be offered, the GB units will have internal weight.


Cancelled

Full update on discord if y’all are interested. TL;DR; is the design doesn’t make sense for 2023, the curve makes it more expensive than a bakeneko which it is compared to. CK pulled out, I don’t think we have a shot of MOQ without a vendor. As such this is cancelled, perhaps redesign someday. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was interested in this and waited this long. Thank you for the support y’all have shown, I really appreciate it.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: darthcapn on Wed, 11 May 2022, 18:10:04
Let's gooo! How come we didn't talk about this the other day! Count me in!!
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: LightningXI on Wed, 11 May 2022, 18:43:24
Down to support a nachie project. I have confidence it'll be good.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nevin on Wed, 11 May 2022, 19:10:00
looks great! good luck with the project!
any alps love is more than welcome!
... (personally, i think these type of boards should be alps only, but that would severely decrease your numbers, so i get it. i felt the same way about the "modern m0110" & "molly")

any way to do a halfplate? not familiar enough with the GSKT-00 style mounting.... do the bands go around the pcb or the plate?

i remember talking to you at one point somewhere online. (was probably about the paladin pad)
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: robotictomato on Wed, 11 May 2022, 19:33:41
Yes - very excited about this. Totally in - anything that uses classic Alps sets like AEK is a win in my book.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: treypop on Wed, 11 May 2022, 20:17:49
I love the big ass enter support. What style of BAE will it support?
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Wed, 11 May 2022, 20:50:04
Quote from: LightningXI on Wed, 11 May 2022, 18:43:24
Down to support a nachie project. I have confidence it'll be good.

Wew! I appreciate the vote of confidence fam, you will find out soon enough  :D

Quote from: treypop on Wed, 11 May 2022, 20:17:49
I love the big ass enter support. What style of BAE will it support?

The PCB is essentially a modified paladin64 layout wise. So it supports 3 different locations for ALPS BAE, but does not support the M0116 enter. However, I'd like to re-iterate that this is specifically designed for AEK caps, so normal OEM profile caps, or DSA caps will look funky on it. I just added the full pcb layout support on here for completeness.

Quote from: nevin on Wed, 11 May 2022, 19:10:00
looks great! good luck with the project!
any alps love is more than welcome!
... (personally, i think these type of boards should be alps only, but that would severely decrease your numbers, so i get it. i felt the same way about the "modern m0110" & "molly")

any way to do a halfplate? not familiar enough with the GSKT-00 style mounting.... do the bands go around the pcb or the plate?

i remember talking to you at one point somewhere online. (was probably about the paladin pad)

Thank you :) This is that ALPS only board. I won't be offering any MX plates with it. PCB supports MX Screw-ins, but that's again so that multiple projects can use the same PCB.
For the mounting, this does not use a two piece case like the GSKT-00, it uses a single piece construction like the Bakeneko. The o-ring sits around the switches between the pcb and the plate and that's how this friction fits into the case.
A half-plate could technically be made, but then you'd be limited to using SKCL greens with leds (ALPS switches don't pcb mount without them), so even though its possible, its not very useful :)
Ah, the paladinpad, could be, those are still stocked by RNDKBD btw ;)  :thumb:

Quote from: darthcapn on Wed, 11 May 2022, 18:10:04
Let's gooo! How come we didn't talk about this the other day! Count me in!!

We did, but not in full detail  :))

Quote from: robotictomato on Wed, 11 May 2022, 19:33:41
Yes - very excited about this. Totally in - anything that uses classic Alps sets like AEK is a win in my book.

AEK FTW always! Lets goo!
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: Kokaloo on Thu, 12 May 2022, 00:50:13
aww yiss great alternative since Lunar has been hard to get a hold of. Bottom row support for Tai Hao caps (regular ansi) would be nice if you're able to include that!
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: ankit on Thu, 12 May 2022, 02:22:52
This is very cool. Absolutely love the side profile.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: linell on Thu, 12 May 2022, 02:30:46
this is sick :)
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: sloth. on Thu, 12 May 2022, 02:48:27
I love it, IC filled and looking forward it!
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nevin on Thu, 12 May 2022, 02:48:42
thanks for the info on the mounting.

a while ago i ran across Delirious's wonderful TX84 build log and he uses a neat "comb" to help with alps alignment. (hit link and scroll down quite a bit. in the 3rd post of the thread titled "build log" wonderfully detailed & lots of pics)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=99552
i had a friend of mine print me one on a 3d printer.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: el_lento on Thu, 12 May 2022, 03:05:19
IC form response sent! Very interested in this.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: beelzking on Thu, 12 May 2022, 04:37:46
This is really cool, love that people are starting to give alps customs more love.
GLWIC
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: Chippy on Thu, 12 May 2022, 08:34:31
Hell yeah. Would love to see steel plate.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: toniwonkanobi on Thu, 12 May 2022, 09:50:38
Bage > Lunar > AEK64 :D
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: treeleaf64 on Thu, 12 May 2022, 10:00:37
Apples are from a tree and the leaf is curved like a keyborad  Welcome into my house
See our reflection in the water
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: granola bar enthusiast on Thu, 12 May 2022, 10:11:11
this is really nice, i have always wanted a gummy o-ring mounted topre board but i think that may be impossible, this is just one step closer to it!
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: ogp3 on Thu, 12 May 2022, 10:38:05
keeping an eye on this for sure!
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: Inftex15 on Thu, 12 May 2022, 11:16:21
Very nice, I'll be lurking on discord  ;)
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: Diggidy on Thu, 12 May 2022, 12:39:34
,
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Thu, 12 May 2022, 13:25:57
Wow! I hadn't expected these many responses in the first 24 hours honestly. I glanced through them so will like to address a few things in a group. Will check in detail if I missed something and respond to it tonight.

1. SS Plates - Yes, will add these to the offered plate materials. Will also order one to try out with the weight proto.
2. Weight/Logo - The logo on the weight was just to test out how far I can stretch the manu. It is indeed difficult to machine, easier to engrave, but looks out of place regardless. This will get replaced by the Båge text shown on the inside of the weight. The inside weight surface probably will be kept plain. Again, open to feedback here so do fill out the IC if you haven't already.
3. Vendors - Regional vendors would definitely be a no (our numbers would be very low compared to GMK), if any, there could be one single vendor. My preference is a self-fulfilled buy if the interest is within numbers I can safely commit to, and judging by the responses, most folks are okay with that. Again, this could change, so do fill out the IC if you haven't but intent to.
4. PCB Flex Cuts - Ill upload a picture of the PCB. The flex cuts are not crazy like some of the owlabs boards, but similar to what the GSKT-00/ 356 mini has. The main reason I added them is they felt nice with my ALPS builds in these boards.
5. Case Only - We could definitely offer just the case by itself, bring your own plate. I'll be making plate files available as soon as the GB closes. You'd still need the PCB though since it's customized for the gasket pillars in this case.

Quote from: Kokaloo on Thu, 12 May 2022, 00:50:13
aww yiss great alternative since Lunar has been hard to get a hold of. Bottom row support for Tai Hao caps (regular ansi) would be nice if you're able to include that!

I could add 6.25u bottom row, but would someone realistically use this with non-AEK caps?

Quote from: nevin on Thu, 12 May 2022, 02:48:42
thanks for the info on the mounting.

a while ago i ran across Delirious's wonderful TX84 build log and he uses a neat "comb" to help with alps alignment. (hit link and scroll down quite a bit. in the 3rd post of the thread titled "build log" wonderfully detailed & lots of pics)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=99552
i had a friend of mine print me one on a 3d printer.

I had most definitely seen this thread, had forgotten it exists. It could be a neat thing to try. I'll probably not offer half-plates though, but can make half-plate files available with the other plate files if someone wanted to go that route.

Quote from: Chippy on Thu, 12 May 2022, 08:34:31
Hell yeah. Would love to see steel plate.

Still going through all the feedback, but steel plates seems to be the most commonly requested option. So will definitely be adding those to the list.

Quote from: toniwonkanobi on Thu, 12 May 2022, 09:50:38
Bage > Lunar > AEK64 :D

I still wish I had kept the AEK64, it was beautiful.  :D

Quote from: Diggidy on Thu, 12 May 2022, 12:39:34
Absolutely amazing. Filled out IC. When can I purchase this?

A few more things to iron out but judging by the response, probably soon.


I really appreciate everyone who responded to the IC, thread or discord. Great feedback, keep it coming. Ill try to incorporate most stuff I can without modifying the original idea too much.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: infinitum on Thu, 12 May 2022, 13:48:09
that curve is shmexy
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: Rob27shred on Thu, 12 May 2022, 14:39:45
Count me in if I can get a spot! Been drooling over the Lunar for years & need a higher end case for my AEK60 builds!
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: sirieous on Thu, 12 May 2022, 16:59:09
we love curves
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: Applet on Fri, 13 May 2022, 05:30:47
I got a few questions regarding this IC/GB, so I thought I'd mention it, so there is no talk/drama. I have a very similar open sourced project (https://github.com/4pplet/Unextended) with no relation to this one. I don't have any plans to run my project as IC/GB at this point. I don't mind and wish you the best of luck with this IC and GB :D I love to see more AEK projects.

One thing I encountered when prototyping my case is that there can be issues with the posts below spacebar with the unikorn/ck bakeneko mounting post positions. Since there is no PCB-mount stabs to keep it in place, the oring can get pushed in and not rest on the two posts below the spacebar. I switched to the bakeneko V3 mounting posts, and it's no issue with them. Since the positions of the posts is then always close to a switch, the oring is kept in place. Your experience may vary in this design, but I thought I'd mention it.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Fri, 13 May 2022, 12:35:51
Quote from: Applet on Fri, 13 May 2022, 05:30:47
I got a few questions regarding this IC/GB, so I thought I'd mention it, so there is no talk/drama. I have a very similar open sourced project (https://github.com/4pplet/Unextended) with no relation to this one. I don't have any plans to run my project as IC/GB at this point. I don't mind and wish you the best of luck with this IC and GB :D I love to see more AEK projects.

One thing I encountered when prototyping my case is that there can be issues with the posts below spacebar with the unikorn/ck bakeneko mounting post positions. Since there is no PCB-mount stabs to keep it in place, the oring can get pushed in and not rest on the two posts below the spacebar. I switched to the bakeneko V3 mounting posts, and it's no issue with them. Since the positions of the posts is then always close to a switch, the oring is kept in place. Your experience may vary in this design, but I thought I'd mention it.

Not the post I was hoping to see in the morning  ;D
I appreciate the understanding and not coming out guns blazing on this one. I had no clue this existed. I did a little digging and I think the repo tagged the upload on 3/31/2022 for the case file and my Instagram has the render posted on 3/29/2022. But the repo shows a finished prototype so you probably had this in the works for sometime just as I did, it would have been cooler if we bumped into each other at that time. But I assure you, there is no drama here, and I appreciate you being as cool about this as I am.   :thumb:

Now, one might wonder how these look side-by-side, so I I tried doing that and putting it in an album (https://imgur.com/a/MyBLjml) (I hope that is okay). It highlights some differences, the curve is similar but everything else including usb placement etc has its differences.

Now to the actual question, I've been using it daily for the past few days. I haven't noticed the assembly shifting, the post placement I have perhaps is accommodating for that. The placement is different from the v3 Bakeneko, and also different from Unikorn/CK (atleast from the pics, dont have a pcb to verify). But I'll definitely keep an eye out for this happening in the coming weeks of use. I do like the split spacebar support you went for among the options, and bluetooth, maybe one day I will have enough time to dig into ZMK.


Quote from: Rob27shred on Thu, 12 May 2022, 14:39:45
Count me in if I can get a spot! Been drooling over the Lunar for years & need a higher end case for my AEK60 builds!

Absolutely! I recognize your name from my first group buy a few years ago. I hope to not keep this restricted, but will have to soft-cap it at some point if it blows up beyond what I can fulfill myself  :)
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: HappyB0T on Fri, 13 May 2022, 17:14:00
What a cool IC - I want in.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: aeryxz on Sat, 14 May 2022, 04:10:59
Wb nachie. Keen
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: KeyBros_ on Sat, 14 May 2022, 07:57:55
Clean
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: Applet on Sat, 14 May 2022, 10:24:37
Quote from: nachie on Fri, 13 May 2022, 12:35:51
I assure you, there is no drama here, and I appreciate you being as cool about this as I am.   :thumb:
Great, it's all good ;D I totally don't mind the album
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: infinitum on Tue, 17 May 2022, 12:33:40
nice to see some new things
also curve so clean
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Tue, 17 May 2022, 17:02:12
So I finally got a chance to go through all the previous responses from the IC and also the newer ones, so here's a summary of where we are at.

1. Matching Numpad: A few folks asked about this, it's definitely possible (https://i.imgur.com/Rq4KmjT.jpg). I have the files, got to love parametric design. I'll get them quoted and we can see if they are worth it based on numbers.
2. The PCB has screw in stabilizer support for MX stabs so that SP ALPS caps can be used. Not sure how they would look on the higher rows though.
3. Folks asked to see how this case might look with Cherry MX Cap profiles. I don't have any MX plates, but I'll order one and take pictures with MT3 and GMK. Don't have SA.
4. Flex Cuts: Here is the PCB (https://i.imgur.com/ZwE1g9h.jpg). As you can see the flex cuts are minimal and match the tried and tested locations.
5. I do have a poly prototype that I'll be sending to get built. Once that is done, I will absolutely do a side by side Aluminum vs Poly sound test.
6. Weight graphics are being re-designed, so I'll share renders once that's completed.
7. AEK ISO: Cannot be supported since ISO AEKs are not the standard layout size. So this one is a definite no, sorry.
8. A lot of people asking for Green, which I find very surprising for an AEK, but two different folks shared the same Pantone and its beautiful, so I'll add that to the list of color samples to order.
9. Matching Artisan: A few folks asked about this, I forgot about it on the original IC. I did create a poll on discord for it though and there seems to be some interest. We'll probably do a small raffle for participants depending on me being able to source the AEK logos.



So, for an actual update. I tried recording a typing test with the prototype. This was shot on an iPhone, so ymmv. Also, first time recording a typing test so hopefully its quiet enough. Also recorded a flex test with FR4 plate, this may seem like a lot of flex, but when typing it not "bumpy", just nice and soft.

Prototype Typing sounds (https://youtu.be/Vtcu3FgDxkA) - Linear SKCM Blacks, Krytox oiled 40cn springs, FR4 Plate.
Flex Test (https://youtu.be/TJmwffpt3WQ)


Again, a lot of good feedback, keep it coming  :thumb:


P.S. Posting everything as links in the hope it keeps the thread clean and loading on smaller screens, hope that's okay.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: treeleaf64 on Wed, 18 May 2022, 10:42:20
How do you pronounce this one    Like  Bagel ?  or Rage   Rayayayay Ayayayaya Yayayayayaayya!!!!!!
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Wed, 18 May 2022, 12:11:25
Quote from: treeleaf64 on Wed, 18 May 2022, 10:42:20
How do you pronounce this one    Like  Bagel ?  or Rage   Rayayayay Ayayayaya Yayayayayaayya!!!!!!

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/båge


But I just call it Beige like the English word  :))
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: Sandy on Sat, 21 May 2022, 22:03:45
Looks like ai03 rebooted his curved O-Ring project https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=108657.0
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: chat and team on Sat, 21 May 2022, 23:51:14
lol this scared ai03 to start moving his project again
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: Nonnegaard on Sun, 22 May 2022, 16:27:55
THIS is why the bakeneko was made public. after all of the unikorn clones that people have made these past weeks, this sure is a diamond in the rough.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Thu, 26 May 2022, 01:54:38
Ordered the second prototype based on some feedback from the IC, from a second factory. They don’t anodize in-house so won’t get color samples yet but since most colors are standard we should be good. Weight win new design also ordered with raw brass finish similar to what will be offered.

Lastly, ordered POM and SS plates along with one mx plate (yeah somehow few folks really want to see what GMK looks like on this so might as well)

Everything should be here in a few weeks. Will update as things progress.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: plag on Fri, 27 May 2022, 21:17:22
this looks awesome. would love to see a green unit like the other too lads in here mentioned as well, other than that, im super hyped for this
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Sat, 28 May 2022, 01:01:32
Quote from: pepperonichicken on Fri, 27 May 2022, 21:17:22
this looks awesome. would love to see a green unit like the other too lads in here mentioned as well, other than that, im super hyped for this

I think a sample green proto might not happen (I tried), since custom colors on a small batch are expensive and won’t match the next batch exactly. But I’ll offer green in the next IC and if there is enough interest I’m definitely open to offering it in the buy.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: ibankais on Tue, 05 July 2022, 11:49:40
Excitedly waiting for this, and just wanted to chime in with a +1 for a green version.

GLWIC!
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: ManoliVisuals on Tue, 05 July 2022, 14:28:09
id be very in for this! need to find some alps lol
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: Homiezoned on Sun, 17 July 2022, 13:29:26
The curve omg :p
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Tue, 16 August 2022, 17:02:06
Okay, here is a long overdue update.

- Updated the OP with changes, posted a new IC Form: https://forms.gle/Byywk22ws5YFDStEA. Please fill out even if you filled out the first one
- I have the proto v2 kit in hand, planning to send it out for review, just waiting to iron out a few things. (Point below)
- Based on the feedback from the first Interest Check, I am working with a Vendor to see if they'd be on board. Making progress slowly, will have details in a week or two.
- Depending on how things progress, we may switch to an internal, optional weight. This is to try to keep the base price down as much as possible with material price increases. I think it is a good tradeoff between those that want a weight and those who want the case to be absolutely as cheap as possible. Again, its a maybe, hence please fill the IC.
- I will post an update as soon as I have news about vendor and/or proto v3.

Please do fill out the IC, that will help me plan this in the coming weeks/months.

If I missed something, do let me know. Thank you for all the great responses so far, and the support you have shown  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Mon, 19 September 2022, 14:23:49
It's been a minute. If you are on my discord or instagram, you probably have seen a few updates go by. I wanted to wait to update here till everything was a bit more official.

We have a vendor who is willing to back this. Based on the feedback from them and the IC, changes were made to the case. Main ones are
- Weight changed to internal
- Bottom Engraving
- Will now support existing MX PCBs (and plates), so only a custom ALPS only PCB will be offered with ALPS Plates.

Prototype PCBs are ordered. Case prototypes will be ordered soon. I updated the OP with the current plan and details and also added albums for the various builds so far.

 - Aluminum Album (https://imgur.com/gallery/Ox6OXQW)
 - Poly v1 Album (https://imgur.com/gallery/tUdOZJW)
 - Aluminum v2 with GMK and MT3 caps instead of AEK (https://imgur.com/a/K6aeOEB)
 - GB Unit Renders - Still Prototyping (https://imgur.com/a/iD0KSTO)

As always, do fill out the IC is this is something that interests you. I know some questions in there might be redundant now, but just a show of interest also helps to get the final number.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: ylothar on Mon, 19 September 2022, 16:02:04
Is it possible to consider an ALPS plate that supports SP stabilizers? (MX compatible)
It would pair with this GB in progress: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=118246.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=118246.0)
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: toniwonkanobi on Mon, 19 September 2022, 16:03:10
Why can't everyone just let this be an AEK case for AEK keycaps? lol
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Mon, 19 September 2022, 16:07:32
Quote from: ylothar on Mon, 19 September 2022, 16:02:04
Is it possible to consider an ALPS plate that supports SP stabilizers? (MX compatible)
It would pair with this GB in progress: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=118246.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=118246.0)

Yup, that’s not that hard. Infact there are already plates out there that support SP DCS 60, I’ll take some pictures with DCS pingmaster next. The PCB supports MX stabs even though it’s ALPS only, I have that covered.

Quote from: toniwonkanobi on Mon, 19 September 2022, 16:03:10
Why can't everyone just let this be an AEK case for AEK keycaps? lol

That is what this is, by design. Just that if AEK isn’t your thing then it works well with other configs as well.
I suppose getting switches and caps might be an entry barrier but that’s what we want to address with this, make it as easy and budget friendly as possible for folks to get into the alps world and then offer premium upgrades for that little something extra.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: toniwonkanobi on Mon, 19 September 2022, 16:08:24
Quote from: nachie on Mon, 19 September 2022, 16:07:32
Quote from: ylothar on Mon, 19 September 2022, 16:02:04
Is it possible to consider an ALPS plate that supports SP stabilizers? (MX compatible)
It would pair with this GB in progress: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=118246.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=118246.0)

Yup, that’s not that hard. Infact there are already plates out there that support SP DCS 60, I’ll take some pictures with DCS pingmaster next.

Quote from: toniwonkanobi on Mon, 19 September 2022, 16:03:10
Why can't everyone just let this be an AEK case for AEK keycaps? lol

That is what this is, by design. Just that if AEK isn’t your thing then it works well with other configs as well.
I suppose getting switches and caps might be an entry barrier but that’s what we want to address with this, make it as easy and budget friendly as possible for folks to get into the alps world and then offer premium upgrades for that little something extra.


👍🏿
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: ankit on Mon, 19 September 2022, 22:14:26
deleted, thank you hoffman
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: ylothar on Tue, 20 September 2022, 15:49:18
Quote from: nachie on Mon, 19 September 2022, 16:07:32
Yup, that’s not that hard. Infact there are already plates out there that support SP DCS 60, I’ll take some pictures with DCS pingmaster next. The PCB supports MX stabs even though it’s ALPS only, I have that covered.

That is what this is, by design. Just that if AEK isn’t your thing then it works well with other configs as well.
I suppose getting switches and caps might be an entry barrier but that’s what we want to address with this, make it as easy and budget friendly as possible for folks to get into the alps world and then offer premium upgrades for that little something extra.

(https://c.tenor.com/Vq3qMfYjhS4AAAAS/waynes-world.gif)
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: atkins on Sun, 09 October 2022, 23:30:05
Am I correct to assume that the PCB supports og AEK ISO or is this standard ISO pictured?
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Sun, 09 October 2022, 23:59:09
Quote from: atkins on Sun, 09 October 2022, 23:30:05
Am I correct to assume that the PCB supports og AEK ISO or is this standard ISO pictured?


Standard ISO. OG AEK ISO is not a 15u layout and not supported.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: atkins on Mon, 10 October 2022, 01:30:26
Quote from: nachie on Sun, 09 October 2022, 23:59:09
Quote from: atkins on Sun, 09 October 2022, 23:30:05
Am I correct to assume that the PCB supports og AEK ISO or is this standard ISO pictured?


Standard ISO. OG AEK ISO is not a 15u layout and not supported.

Thanks for the quick reply. It actually is 15u. Its just that the leftmost keys are 0.25u wider and the rightmost keys are 0.25u shorter than standard - for god knows whichever reasons. Will there be a case only option for oddballs like me?
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Mon, 10 October 2022, 01:42:50
Quote from: atkins on Mon, 10 October 2022, 01:30:26
Quote from: nachie on Sun, 09 October 2022, 23:59:09
Quote from: atkins on Sun, 09 October 2022, 23:30:05
Am I correct to assume that the PCB supports og AEK ISO or is this standard ISO pictured?


Standard ISO. OG AEK ISO is not a 15u layout and not supported.

Thanks for the quick reply. It actually is 15u. Its just that the leftmost keys are 0.25u wider and the rightmost keys are 0.25u shorter than standard - for god knows whichever reasons. Will there be a case only option for oddballs like me?

Ah yes, you are right, I was thinking of an ASK for some reason.

I am not sure what format the options would be offered in, but I can try to see if the vendor would be willing to consider it.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: toniwonkanobi on Mon, 10 October 2022, 17:38:31
Did anyone else get a random notification from geekhack saying the hoffman dude split this topic?
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Mon, 10 October 2022, 19:01:13
Quote from: toniwonkanobi on Mon, 10 October 2022, 17:38:31
Did anyone else get a random notification from geekhack saying the hoffman dude split this topic?

I got one as well, not sure what it means. Still seems to be unaffected.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: ylothar on Sun, 27 November 2022, 03:14:04
Any news?
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: nachie on Sun, 27 November 2022, 03:18:27
Quote from: ylothar on Sun, 27 November 2022, 03:14:04
Any news?

Prototypes for the final (hopefully) designs have been ordered by the vendor with their fab. Both poly and Alu protos were ordered, still waiting to receive and verify those.

Pcbs are good to go, minor tweaks on the final ones, should be getting them next week.

Overall it’s almost there, just have to verify the final design and fitment and announce details on the actual buy.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: ylothar on Mon, 28 November 2022, 06:47:51
Quote from: nachie on Sun, 27 November 2022, 03:18:27
Prototypes for the final (hopefully) designs have been ordered by the vendor with their fab. Both poly and Alu protos were ordered, still waiting to receive and verify those.
Pcbs are good to go, minor tweaks on the final ones, should be getting them next week.
Overall it’s almost there, just have to verify the final design and fitment and announce details on the actual buy.

Great, thank you!
I've noticed Discord invite doesn't seem to work anymore, can you please share another one?
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60 - Vendor Updated, New Prototype
Post by: nachie on Wed, 30 November 2022, 17:16:04
It's been a while since an actual update.

I'm pleased to announce that CannonKeys will be the vendor for this group buy. They have been incredibly supportive and have been super helpful in making sure we can keep the machining costs as low as possible.

Earlier today, they received prototypes for the GB unit in both Aluminum and Polycarbonate.


IC form is still open for those that want to give additional feedback. There was an issue with my discord and I had to nuke it, I'll create a new one and post the link here by the end of this week.

Next up is sending prototype units to streamers to build and review. Also finalizing GB dates, options, prices etc. Will keep the thread posted on when that happens.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60 - Vendor Updated, New Prototype
Post by: toniwonkanobi on Wed, 30 November 2022, 17:22:19
Nice! Looking good nachie.
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60
Post by: Signature on Thu, 01 December 2022, 06:51:23
Quote from: nachie on Mon, 10 October 2022, 19:01:13
Quote from: toniwonkanobi on Mon, 10 October 2022, 17:38:31
Did anyone else get a random notification from geekhack saying the hoffman dude split this topic?

I got one as well, not sure what it means. Still seems to be unaffected.
Splitting the topic is the usual standard for us moderators to delete spam or inappropriate messages.

Quote from: treeleaf64 on Wed, 18 May 2022, 10:42:20
How do you pronounce this one    Like  Bagel ?  or Rage   Rayayayay Ayayayaya Yayayayayaayya!!!!!!
https://forvo.com/word/b%C3%A5ge/
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60 - Vendor Updated, New Prototype
Post by: hkhawk on Thu, 01 December 2022, 16:51:33
Exciting updates, congrats
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60 - Vendor Updated, New Prototype
Post by: ylothar on Sat, 28 January 2023, 10:51:18
Any news?
How about Discord?

Can't wait for GB to start! :cool:
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60 - Vendor Updated, New Prototype
Post by: ylothar on Mon, 10 April 2023, 02:55:14
Any news?
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60 - Vendor Updated, New Prototype
Post by: nachie on Mon, 10 April 2023, 03:19:14
Quote from: ylothar on Mon, 10 April 2023, 02:55:14
Any news?

PCBs were updated to use STM based processors instead of ATMega to be inline with the rest of the CannonKeys offerings. Proto pcbs, cases and caps/switches etc are with CannonKeys, waiting for scheduling time with streamers to do a couple builds on stream.

Also, created a new discord with an additional verification step built in to combat bot spam from last time. Link updated in the original post.

Stream news should be following in the coming weeks, followed by a date for the GB. A couple things needed to get redone which took some time, thank you for being patient :)
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60 - Vendor Updated, New Prototype
Post by: ylothar on Mon, 10 April 2023, 03:52:18
Quote from: nachie on Mon, 10 April 2023, 03:19:14
PCBs were updated to use STM based processors instead of ATMega to be inline with the rest of the CannonKeys offerings. Proto pcbs, cases and caps/switches etc are with CannonKeys, waiting for scheduling time with streamers to do a couple builds on stream.

Also, created a new discord with an additional verification step built in to combat bot spam from last time. Link updated in the original post.

Stream news should be following in the coming weeks, followed by a date for the GB. A couple things needed to get redone which took some time, thank you for being patient :)

Thanks so much for the update, awesome! :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Båge - AEK Curved O-ring mount 60 - Vendor Updated, New Prototype
Post by: jordowag on Mon, 10 April 2023, 22:02:55
Can't wait! This will be my first custom alps board :thumb: