Author Topic: [IC] Kangaroo Left Handed 108 (Read 44763 times)

JonoColwell · « **on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:29:26 »

August 2022 update

Bit shorter time between updates

First of all huge shoutout to Mendez for building the prototype and giving his honest feedback on it.

To address the points he brings up in the video
1. I am investigating the ping issue, I am currently in the process of ordering some silicone in various thicknesses that could be placed where the tape would go to resolve the ping issue.
2. I am currently working on getting some new PCB and Case prototypes made with AEboards through their manufacturer which should resolve the stabiliser issue for spacebar
3. There will be a polycarbonate plate option
4. I am currently looking at getting foam for the case to see if it makes a huge difference.
5. Colours will be finalised once I've accepted samples from the new manufacturer
6. Where to buy is still in progress, sorry about the lack of updates and lack of board but I'm not releasing a product that I'm not 100% happy with.

April 2022 Update
Wow, long time between updates

Took me a long time to get the rest of the prototypes sorted, thanks materials shortage

Check out this bad boy

Full Album (it's only a few more pics)
https://imgur.com/a/Cfxa7L2

JUNE 2021 Update

First of all, it's been a while, I've got some new stuff to share with you, some new prototypes, and finally a KLE, which I realise only now I didn't share earlier

I was going to drive the boards over to my mate's place who did the initial photos because he's good with cameras and I'm ham fisted camera shake man, however we just got locked down for two weeks so I decided to go out the front and see what I could do.

Imgur Album of the newest prototypes
https://imgur.com/a/8mLecu6

KLE:

Update: couple of new pics,
https://imgur.com/a/9OZhoQP

Kinda scuffed this one because I didn't specify tolerances for electroplating on manufacture, so I had to use a dremel and smash it with a hammer to fit it together, gonna get it cleaned up from all the finger marks etc on it and take some more pics later.

Note: Not sure if the Rose Gold will be offered as an option, if it is it'll be pricey, it's proper rose gold so it's about 10x as expensive as a black would be etc

Anyone interested in something like this?

https://imgur.com/a/jO6VprD

Features:
Left handed 108
~~Made in Australia~~ TBD where it's made
Very heavy
QMK Compat
Wooden box for not for sale, just letting you know I have it
Approx Weight:
Full Alu with Brass Plate: 4 kg
Full Brass: 9 kg

Design by Solid Snake
PCB by Xelus

Price: approx 550 usd

To do:
Finish Parts
Put some words on the inside
Different Plates
Fix PCB and Plate so they support 1.5,1,1.5,7,1.5,1,1.5
Confirm price and timing
Brass top pieces
Better hinges on box

belgium_waffles · « **Reply #1 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:30:19 »

very lit

goddream · « **Reply #2 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:32:01 »

all brass version please

JonoColwell · « **Reply #3 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:33:01 »

Quote from: goddream on Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:32:01

all brass version please

Added to the list

IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES · « **Reply #4 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:35:26 »

Love it

Kingk22 · « **Reply #5 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:35:54 »

nice box

002_GT · « **Reply #6 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:39:00 »

good stuff jono

pngu · « **Reply #7 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:45:04 »

this is big good.

premise_ · « **Reply #8 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:48:50 »

hi any split spacebar support?

Silk · « **Reply #9 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:52:51 »

ne iso avail?

Rebral · « **Reply #10 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:57:16 »

Looking nice. Will be keeping an eye on this one!

JonoColwell · « **Reply #11 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 01:04:03 »

Quote from: premise_ on Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:48:50

hi any split spacebar support?

No

Quote from: Silk on Thu, 24 September 2020, 00:52:51

ne iso avail?

Also no

sirieous · « **Reply #12 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 01:09:48 »

Very nice board, even nicer box.

niakulah · « **Reply #13 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 01:29:51 »

Interested. QMK support?

JonoColwell · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 01:35:02 »

Quote from: niakulah on Thu, 24 September 2020, 01:29:51

Interested. QMK support?

Yes

Dovan1405 · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 01:42:36 »

nice keyboard can you send me all the files to study it?

jamster · « **Reply #16 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 02:08:29 »

Looks good. Shipping out of Oz is going to be killer though.

Agilr · « **Reply #17 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 03:32:51 »

Sycomore · « **Reply #18 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 04:38:08 »

Australia, yes.

Laneware · « **Reply #19 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 04:52:43 »

Good luck mate! Support for Australian made

CAZ · « **Reply #20 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 06:53:17 »

Great work Jono good to see some more home grown aussie talent, looking forward to seeing this develop further.

Capsy · « **Reply #21 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 07:00:26 »

Okay. I'm saying yes again.

ttom · « **Reply #22 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 07:08:56 »

best ic formatting i've seen in a while

love the board too

MuffinCat · « **Reply #23 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 09:35:24 »

Quote from: ttom on Thu, 24 September 2020, 07:08:56

best ic formatting i've seen in a while

love the board too

Jono gets to the point and gets **** done.

reminbee · « **Reply #24 on:** Thu, 24 September 2020, 10:12:08 »

wow that is gorgeous

Lysol_ · « **Reply #25 on:** Sun, 27 September 2020, 06:57:57 »

Really good formatting. Interested

dandruff · « **Reply #26 on:** Sun, 27 September 2020, 07:25:35 »

Let us buy the box with the board as an extra!

illusixn · « **Reply #27 on:** Sun, 27 September 2020, 10:21:26 »

https://dribbble.com/shots/6274769-Kangaroo-Line-Logo

jjoejimmy · « **Reply #28 on:** Sun, 27 September 2020, 11:55:23 »

that box is next level!

Luciqueii · « **Reply #29 on:** Sun, 27 September 2020, 14:49:29 »

Looks interesting, gonna keep an eye on this one (:

JonoColwell · « **Reply #30 on:** Sun, 27 September 2020, 16:20:34 »

Quote from: illusixn on Sun, 27 September 2020, 10:21:26

https://dribbble.com/shots/6274769-Kangaroo-Line-Logo

Edit: original was a bit disjointed

I originally paid to have this drawn in October of last year.

I assumed gold faith on the part of the artist however I can clearly see the similarities here

I have contacted the original artist to discuss a resolution

Edit2: And it's been resolved.

huey · « **Reply #31 on:** Sun, 27 September 2020, 19:55:10 »

holy moly this is cool

aeryxz · « **Reply #32 on:** Sun, 27 September 2020, 19:56:21 »

Suavity · « **Reply #33 on:** Sun, 27 September 2020, 20:10:07 »

GB when.

Michele · « **Reply #34 on:** Sat, 03 October 2020, 13:32:16 »

👀super interested omg. Imagine “9kg gang”, lit

MABC01 · « **Reply #35 on:** Tue, 13 October 2020, 02:53:39 »

I think this a Perfect! I am drafter that this Keyboard is exactly what I am looking for! If you make a few prototypes I will buy one from you.
I in Australia too. The desing is optimal, i dont have to remove my hand from the mouse. There is a lot of southpaw Keyboards but they keep the arrows in the right.

MABC01 · « **Reply #36 on:** Tue, 13 October 2020, 03:03:11 »

Please plenty of spot for us Aussies on the GB.
AE boards and Rama always put America first, many American Group Buys are exclusive to Americans or are priorities.
Group Buys open to them first and then the rest of the world.
AEboards dose not priorities the Australian customer.
Like the SOUTHPAW75 was focus on Americans.

yumboy1 · « **Reply #37 on:** Tue, 13 October 2020, 06:41:14 »

Can I use only left-handed people?

musdem · « **Reply #38 on:** Tue, 13 October 2020, 08:30:59 »

I stupidly missed the HEX.6C so I really hope I'll be able to grab this for my work.

Havattack · « **Reply #39 on:** Tue, 13 October 2020, 12:49:50 »

No, but i am kind of interested in a keyboard with a closing lid.. or a keyboard in a wood box.

noorejji · « **Reply #40 on:** Wed, 14 October 2020, 01:54:58 »

The gravitational force of this keyboard will mean that you need heavier springs.

aeryxz · « **Reply #41 on:** Sat, 17 October 2020, 07:22:05 »

Quote from: MABC01 on Tue, 13 October 2020, 03:03:11

Please plenty of spot for us Aussies on the GB.
AE boards and Rama always put America first, many American Group Buys are exclusive to Americans or are priorities.
Group Buys open to them first and then the rest of the world.
AEboards dose not priorities the Australian customer.
Like the SOUTHPAW75 was focus on Americans.

Excuse me?
Who are you? You've got 2 posts on geekhack so I assume you are new to the community.

I'm running the Australian commmunity server and gave friends and family gb slots to people in there. I've not run a public group buy in a long time so I'm unsure of what your accusations are.

What does Southpaw75 have to do with AEBoards or Rama?

productkun · « **Reply #42 on:** Sat, 17 October 2020, 07:51:44 »

That brass bottom is hot

JonoColwell · « **Reply #43 on:** Sat, 21 November 2020, 17:44:14 »

Updated with additional pics of the prototype, I've had it electroplated, unfortunately I didn't get tolerances put in for electroplating, so that needed to be dremel'd down and bashed with a hammer a fair bit to fit it together, next time definitely get the tolerances right.

https://imgur.com/a/9OZhoQP

Couple of additional prototypes lined up, some which are just blasted and sealed brass with anodised tops and another couple I'm looking into which I'm planning on getting plated with proper tolerances etc.

Note the rose gold on this does not have the protective coating on it, so it's very prone to scratching, I elected to not have the coating as it would add additional thickness and I knew I would already be running into issues with that, overall this thing is very stiff to type on but that's not so bad because I like tactiles. Not 100% sold on the sound of if, but that's at least in part because I'm using U4s unmodded because I'm kinda lazy.

despairsray · « **Reply #44 on:** Sat, 21 November 2020, 18:23:07 »

This thing looks insane. Is this a top mount? I couldn't find the mounting information. I am a leftie and am interested.

JonoColwell · « **Reply #45 on:** Sat, 21 November 2020, 18:54:39 »

Yeah standard top mount

Uriell · « **Reply #46 on:** Sun, 22 November 2020, 01:08:49 »

Have been lurking for some time but as a leftie, had to create an account to show interest.

Do you have a discord channel?

Freeaboo · « **Reply #47 on:** Fri, 27 November 2020, 19:13:40 »

Now I need a wood box...

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

foriscamis · « **Reply #48 on:** Sat, 19 December 2020, 04:22:39 »

I stumbled on this looking at some AE Boards.

This is exactly what I was after.

Expressing interest in all brass but would take anything for the layout. I'm expecting it's going to be excessively expensive but that's fine if your plan comes together.

Whats the angle going to be?

BTW it's not really left handed so much as sensible keyboard design. The arrows and number pad on the right is a remnant of the pre-mouse days. Saying that I suppose the qwerty layout is as well.

Rob27shred · « **Reply #49 on:** Sat, 19 December 2020, 06:06:54 »

Quote from: JonoColwell on Sat, 21 November 2020, 18:54:39

Yeah standard top mount

PickleTickle · « **Reply #50 on:** Thu, 14 January 2021, 05:19:44 »

I honestly still come back to this thread from time to time to see if there's an update. This board honestly ticks so many boxes for me

low_key_keyboards · « **Reply #51 on:** Sat, 30 January 2021, 02:33:21 »

Yes please!

JonoColwell · « **Reply #52 on:** Sun, 27 June 2021, 01:01:04 »

Hey so, it's been a while.

After I got my initial prototype I decided to spend some time daily driving it to see if I could identify any issues, so far, nothing wrong, I'm very much liking this with boba u4 silents.

However, there have also been huge issues with getting aluminium and brass stock, not so much here, but for Salvun, who I decided to get the second round of prototypes from, partially because I was having immense difficulty getting good anodisation in Australia (This seems to have been resolved in the meantime but needs further testing, at present I'm waiting until I have all salvun units in hand (Full brass, Full Blue, Black Top, Dark Grey, Gold Base, Gold/Blue/Red/Black 4.5mm alu plates, 2x brass plates remaining)

As of a couple of days ago I got my first Salvun made prototypes for the board and I've got to say I'm very happy with the quality of these, right now I'm just waiting on final production sample PCBs to come in, the parts for these are already at the assembler and I should have those within a week or two.

Regardless, here's the update, here's the pictures
https://imgur.com/a/8mLecu6

ee · « **Reply #53 on:** Sun, 27 June 2021, 01:43:33 »

cant wait to break my desk when I drop this on it

Minahctrl · « **Reply #54 on:** Sun, 27 June 2021, 01:57:31 »

that Kangaroo 108 Southpaw is an absolute beauty.

JonoColwell · « **Reply #55 on:** Sun, 27 June 2021, 02:02:18 »

Quote from: ee on Sun, 27 June 2021, 01:43:33

cant wait to break my desk when I drop this on it

The all aluminium units are very light, these ones weigh in at about 2.5kg each

splodeybaloney · « **Reply #56 on:** Sun, 27 June 2021, 20:30:33 »

I love this so much and I'd be chomping at the bit to get one if I didn't already have a similar keyboard

Can't wait to see how this goes further and how ugly expensive the full brass will be

Mecxs · « **Reply #57 on:** Tue, 29 June 2021, 06:13:24 »

When you make a TKL please call it the Wallaby 87, TIATIA=)=)=)

Cowmovie4 · « **Reply #58 on:** Tue, 29 June 2021, 16:41:33 »

very cool, we need more custom full sizes, and i love a good southpaw, ill be watching for this one closely, i'd love to put all of handarbeit on it if that ever comes in lmao. GLWIC!

JonoColwell · « **Reply #59 on:** Mon, 26 July 2021, 06:26:19 »

Second prototype has an issue with the plate, specifically with durock stabs they fit tighter than I'm comfortable with, some changes are being made to accomodate the wider stabs and ensure that they fit easily.

Mecxs · « **Reply #60 on:** Mon, 26 July 2021, 07:23:10 »

What are the chances of getting a 40% made called The Joey?

Or perhaps a TKL - "The Wallaby"

JonoColwell · « **Reply #61 on:** Wed, 28 July 2021, 02:57:04 »

Quote from: Mecxs on Mon, 26 July 2021, 07:23:10

What are the chances of getting a 40% made called The Joey?

Or perhaps a TKL - "The Wallaby"

While I have plans for future keyboards names are up in the air at the moment.

nostyle_au · « **Reply #62 on:** Wed, 28 July 2021, 05:33:55 »

Quote from: JonoColwell on Mon, 26 July 2021, 06:26:19

Second prototype has an issue with the plate, specifically with durock stabs they fit tighter than I'm comfortable with, some changes are being made to accomodate the wider stabs and ensure that they fit easily.

Is this for v2 stabs? Seems to be a common issue lately, glad you're on top of it

wowaweewa · « **Reply #63 on:** Wed, 28 July 2021, 08:53:56 »

A full-sized board with a numpad on the left... Nice!

udller · « **Reply #64 on:** Thu, 29 July 2021, 10:02:34 »

this using those ae feet? nice. it would be an added bonus if this was made down under. but yeah looking goods

lw88 · « **Reply #65 on:** Thu, 29 July 2021, 10:57:25 »

Have been looking for an all brass board, as well as left hand nav/numpad for use with CAD software so I don't have to take my right hand off my mouse and can use the left for all of that without having to shift it waaaay over and sacrifice mouse pad space.

I thought the only option was a TKL/75% and a separate numpad and I would have to just lump it on the brass. Then I saw this.

Here's hoping to makes it to GB stage, will be following keenly

clickpig · « **Reply #66 on:** Fri, 30 July 2021, 07:36:53 »

Damn Jono, just peeped the gallery - this is a thing of beauty.

Good luck with the next round of protos!

Michele · « **Reply #67 on:** Sat, 25 September 2021, 07:23:01 »

Hi, is there a discord server to follow up the process? Very interested👀👀👀👀

JonoColwell · « **Reply #68 on:** Tue, 12 October 2021, 01:20:12 »

Quote from: Michele on Sat, 25 September 2021, 07:23:01

Hi, is there a discord server to follow up the process? Very interested👀👀👀👀

Updates are in the Kangaroo channel on the Keyboard Treehouse server at the moment, but there are no updates as the second round of prototypes is currently delayed.

Dyto69 · « **Reply #69 on:** Tue, 12 October 2021, 02:50:33 »

Wow, this is a very cool project, I love the simple design and the engraving looks really good, personally I prefer a softer typing feel, so I would use less mounting points for the plate but I guess I could just not use all the screws as I do the same on JaneV2 / Koala Plates (I just use the 4 in the corner)
I wish you good luck with this Project, my man

JonoColwell · « **Reply #70 on:** Wed, 20 April 2022, 07:17:53 »

Hey it's been a hot minute since I updated this, in fact it's been so long there's a red notice at the top telling me I might want to start another topic.

Regardless, I've now got my hands on the rest of the second round of prototypes, including a full brass boards, here's some shots of the Brass Boy, currently out for build and review with a mate.

The piece fitment etc is pretty much 100% in place at this point and there's only two things holding up the unlimited group buy

1. Finalising manufacture, I'm looking at some new places and getting samples made to ensure that these are turned around fast when they're made
2. I've got about 3-5000 controllers on order with various suppliers and have had them on order for the last two years, the chip shortage is real, currently looking at potentially doing a revision to use the RP2040 but that has it's own issues (I do have 1500 of those on hand)

Here's the album with the pictures
https://imgur.com/a/Cfxa7L2

Ghostinn · « **Reply #71 on:** Wed, 20 April 2022, 12:11:30 »

This thing is absolutely wild, first time I'm seeing it. Profiles as well as underside are gorgeous. GLWIC!

granola bar enthusiast · « **Reply #72 on:** Wed, 20 April 2022, 12:40:11 »

this is actually a really cool idea, i used a anne pro 2 for like 2 years straight without swapping to anything else and i got so used to using my left hand for arrow keys (fn + wasd) that it's impossible for me to use arrow keys on the right of the board anymore. haven't tried a southpaw numpad yet but looks like an interesting design

Sewcrates · « **Reply #73 on:** Thu, 21 April 2022, 00:01:51 »

Thanks for the update. This board looks amazing.

Is the last pic in the latest set showing a right-handed version?

JonoColwell · « **Reply #74 on:** Sat, 06 August 2022, 19:40:14 »

Quote from: Sewcrates on Thu, 21 April 2022, 00:01:51

Thanks for the update. This board looks amazing.

Is the last pic in the latest set showing a right-handed version?

There will be a right hand version eventually. However the left hand version needs to go out, I've stopped working on other projects heavily until this has shipped.

Also thanks Mendez for doing a build vid, that's been linked in the description.

HubertThemad · « **Reply #75 on:** Mon, 31 July 2023, 10:10:47 »

Just popping in to wish you all the best with the project, and to take as long as you need to in order to create a fantastic product!

nug · « **Reply #76 on:** Tue, 03 October 2023, 03:26:42 »

FYI, preorder on Keyboard Treehouse soon?

This was posted on their discord earlier today

aeryxz · « **Reply #77 on:** Tue, 07 November 2023, 01:06:59 »

Yeap nug, it's live now

foriscamis · « **Reply #78 on:** Wed, 08 November 2023, 02:49:10 »

For reference Keyboard Treehouse: https://keyboardtreehouse.com/products/ae-x-impulse-boards-kangaroo

Dumblescore · « **Reply #79 on:** Mon, 11 December 2023, 15:37:24 »

Are white or silver boards in the future plans? I love this layout but am looking for a lighter color. I’m not totally opposed to stripping and re-coating a dark colored board, but that’s a huge expense if other colors are in the pipeline anyways. Sorry if this has already been addressed! I didn’t see any mention in recent comments

quake4mhg · « **Reply #80 on:** Sun, 24 December 2023, 00:44:51 »

I'm interested too, been using DSI ISO version since 2012. But this is too expensive XD

News:

Author Topic: [IC] Kangaroo Left Handed 108 (Read 44763 times)