[IC] zekk.works RBB - "Seamless"+"Screwless" F13 TKL (Update 7/31, Raffle SOON™)

[zekkin]

zekk.works R.B.B. (Really Bad Boy)

Prototype 1







Prototype 2

Photos to be added following a build stream by TaehaTypes!
I'll be pinging my entire Discord server when this is happening so please make sure to join up and not miss out!

Final Color Renders









As you can see, the final choices for choice of color will be Red and Black.

I know more was on the table in the original IC, but due to logistics we've made the decision to go with two colors. Two colors will allow a more smooth fulfillment process in the end and Mekibo and I are trying to make this as smooth as possible for everyone (including us!), so we appreciate your understanding on this.

-----

Some thoughts...

This keyboard was in the works for a long while, and as stated in my original IC, this was meant to be the culmination of a few iterations of a keyboard that set me off on a particularly degenerate journey. It's been incredible to see how others have put their own spin on their own favorite Kpop artists, Vtubers, or whatever they fancy. Knowing that it all started from one of my first designs gives me great pride and each new board that I see in this style adds on to that. Thanks to all for giving me the confidence (both directly and indirectly) to keep designing keyboards.

Now, this is the final iteration of the keyboard originally called Seulgi, then Seulgi v2, and penultimately Seulgi FE. Each design built off the last, taking various lessons-learned into considering prior to production of the next. My goal with RBB is to complete this several years long story and put some boards into the hands of people who have gassed me up time and time again.

Keyboard Details

• Top mount
• "Seamless"
• Internal fastening
• 6.9deg typing angle
• Front face height: 17.8mm
• Effective keyboard height (EKH): 22.1mm
• Stainless steel (sandblasted) internal weight
• Semi-custom H88 + daughterboard from Hineybush Keyboards

GB Details

• Sale format: 75 units (50 public raffle/25 FnF)
• Raffle details: Trivia based raffle (answers to trivia must be correct in order for your entry to be valid). Form link (a Google form) will be shared in both mine and Mekibo's Discords.
• Start Time: Date and time to be announced soon. It will be a short raffle due to low units (50).
• Relatively small kit: Keyboard (top/bottom/plate/weight/DB), choice of extra plates, choice of extra PCBs
• Price: $575 (shipping not included!)

Links

• Instagram
• zekk.works Discord
• Mekibo Discord

-----

If you made it this far, thanks for reading and standing by as this came together. We're approaching the true beginning for this board!

-zekk

~

[of_sam]

Pog

[o3okevin]

nice

[yoot]

looks p nice

[hineybush]

got damn this keyboard is Really Bad

and Very Cute

[Sup]

cum

[Crooks]

Clean

[ttom]

Cool

[pnw-g]

Letsgo! GLWIC mr Zekkin

[aadk5]

That's a Pog if I've ever seen one

_{Wendy #1}

[perryhuynh]

nutty

[lush_bunny]

ALL HAIL ZEKK!

[Rx003]

Oh my god his a really bad boy

[Zeelobby]

So litty. Having an ogre gotta say zekkin produces grade A++++ work. Would love to get my hands on a zekk.works TKL. Looks great.

Really hoping warm grey makes it in.

[Baka Bot]

Looks hawt. Nice

[Nuclear Nachos]

so very lit

[renzpwns]

Seamless boards are so lit.

[FishyKeebs]

Wow this is nice, what price are you aiming for? Would love to get it.

[Kinesiologist]

yes please

[Jyll]

One hundred percent here for this! GLWIC!

[BapoDonu]

Dear yoot zekkin.
It may have already been brought to light, that the community is unsatisfied with the current state of this tenkeyless board.
Their main concerns is the engravings and name. They feel as if you are simply using it as a way to capitalize off the current popularity of the v-tuber k-pop organization known as Hololive red velvet. I, to some extend, agree with this.

While I do believe it is acceptable to make a board inspired by your favorite v-tubers idols, doing so consecutively without any clear link between the board and the v-tuber idols will arouse suspicion as to whether you are truly doing this due to passion for the keyboard community and the v-tuber idols your board is representing, or simply doing it for your own gain.

Although I do see the idea of making a series of v-tuber k-pop inspired keyboards, I would highly advise you to reconsider the direction the design of this board is heading in. Either you should directly link it to an v-tuber idol with clean engravings, or remove any current resemblance, and simply run the board as a standalone group-buy.

Either way, I do believe the board has the potential to turn out well.
Best of luck.

[nu_types]

This is hawt

[mta]

Sweet

[sirieous]

This is neat

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[some1ab]

cant wait

[Zambumon]

Dear yoot zekkin.
It may have already been brought to light, that the community is unsatisfied with the current state of this tenkeyless board.
Their main concerns is the engravings and name. They feel as if you are simply using it as a way to capitalize off the current popularity of the v-tuber k-pop organization known as Hololive red velvet. I, to some extend, agree with this.

While I do believe it is acceptable to make a board inspired by your favorite v-tubers idols, doing so consecutively without any clear link between the board and the v-tuber idols will arouse suspicion as to whether you are truly doing this due to passion for the keyboard community and the v-tuber idols your board is representing, or simply doing it for your own gain.

Although I do see the idea of making a series of v-tuber k-pop inspired keyboards, I would highly advise you to reconsider the direction the design of this board is heading in. Either you should directly link it to an v-tuber idol with clean engravings, or remove any current resemblance, and simply run the board as a standalone group-buy.

Either way, I do believe the board has the potential to turn out well.
Best of luck.

No.

[Chippy]

Is this based on one of those k pop things all these kids have as their avatars?

Jokes aside this looks clean and I am excited to see more on the proto. Not for me given the theme but good job.

[eyedrop]

Most people get extra PCB anyway, so it would be a good idea to make it a default.  That makes your life easier.

[ymaaan]

yes

Sent from my SM-A505GN using Tapatalk

[jewleeuhn]

This is looking real good.

[BapoDonu]

Dear yoot zekkin.
It may have already been brought to light, that the community is unsatisfied with the current state of this tenkeyless board.
Their main concerns is the engravings and name. They feel as if you are simply using it as a way to capitalize off the current popularity of the v-tuber k-pop organization known as Hololive red velvet. I, to some extend, agree with this.

While I do believe it is acceptable to make a board inspired by your favorite v-tubers idols, doing so consecutively without any clear link between the board and the v-tuber idols will arouse suspicion as to whether you are truly doing this due to passion for the keyboard community and the v-tuber idols your board is representing, or simply doing it for your own gain.

Although I do see the idea of making a series of v-tuber k-pop inspired keyboards, I would highly advise you to reconsider the direction the design of this board is heading in. Either you should directly link it to an v-tuber idol with clean engravings, or remove any current resemblance, and simply run the board as a standalone group-buy.

Either way, I do believe the board has the potential to turn out well.
Best of luck.

No.

[dennisbrochill]

Awesome pics. Great size. Look thick. Solid. Tight. Keep us all posted on your continued progress with any new progress pics or vid clips. Show us what you got man. Wanna see how freakn' huge, solid, thick and tight you can get. Thanks for the motivation.

[xNoodles]

yes please

[Gavzers]

giv pwease

:rbbear:

[tekkeun]

very hot! 

[asciisii]

looks nice glwic, extra pcb should be default and would make your life easier

[Krelbit]

the zekk works man is my friend and i like my friend's keyboard

[Sicowa]

pog

[CaptainVinceO2]

1, 2, 5. . . I love RBB

[Velvet_Crowe]

kewl board

[Auracity]

LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[chunkgamergod]

I, for one, am a really bad boy as well therefore I connect with this board

[ok.png]

*cue Irene’s d7 note*
he’s a really bad boy, he’s a really bad boy

really keen for this!!!!

[futurecrime]

Bad af. And that green n purple looks well Zooted. GLWIC&GB

[Zach]

 

[LightningXI]

Is it the same red as the one that was done for Ogre? Loved that darker tone for the anodizing.

[susboards]

i love you.... i mean the board.

[Woahder]

big pog

[Rob27shred]

Beautiful board Zekkin! That red & green are chef's kiss. So hope I can get in on one of these. Good luck with this project going forward!

[whirlwind]

Looks clean 

[SirShakes]

RBB hype

[lush_bunny]

Can you use an O-ring here?

[Krelbit]

Can you use an O-ring here?

I mean, it wasn't designed with an o-ring in mind. I would assume no, or at the very least it probably won't be tested.

[bisoromi]

ara ara im bad boy

[zekkin]

Can you use an O-ring here?

Hello! No o-ring this time -- this will be pure top mount.

[lush_bunny]

Can you use an O-ring here?

Hello! No o-ring this time -- this will be pure top mount.

I see. Does this mean I need some foam for the bottom of the PCB to eliminate ping?

[Ramen Champ]

i like kpop aluminum

[Razz1023]

Beautiful keyboard

[skrunk]

Very nice, keeping my eye on this board.

[Ustinj]

nais final form

[goddream]

zekkW zekkW

[alwayswarren]

Can't wait, always great stuff from you Zekk.

[hineybush]

Can you use an O-ring here?

Hello! No o-ring this time -- this will be pure top mount.

I see. Does this mean I need some foam for the bottom of the PCB to eliminate ping?

good keyboards don't need extra stuff

[NRbigfoot]

Board looks sick, always solid designs from Zekk

[lush_bunny]

Can you use an O-ring here?

Hello! No o-ring this time -- this will be pure top mount.

I see. Does this mean I need some foam for the bottom of the PCB to eliminate ping?

good keyboards don't need extra stuff

In Hiney and Zekk we trust. Out with the foam then.

[Jefff]

I like it!

[finalarcadia]

Very cool overall but I really don't care for those engravings  I'd stick with just the ZJ, front or back is fine. Just a suggestion, anyway good luck with IC!

[meiosis]

nicee

[Hi !!]

RBB! RBB!

[zekkin]

All renders in the OP have been updated to be a little nicer.

[mawli]

That green looks so nice

[paqji]

very sick, thank u for another chance at a zekk board, the idea of 2 plates per kit is a good one!!!

[Brioric]

Really excited for this one 

[kk73715]

what is the front height? (perpendicular distance from the desk to the front of the r4 keycap) or effective keyboard height? https://github.com/Croktopus/effective-keyboard-height
what are the plate materials available? sorry if I missed it in the main post, I can't seem to find it
renders of the plate?
will the plate be contacting the top case along the perimeter of the top case internals? again, might be me not being able to see it properly

GLWIC

[zekkin]

what is the front height? (perpendicular distance from the desk to the front of the r4 keycap) or effective keyboard height? https://github.com/Croktopus/effective-keyboard-height

Front face height: 17.8mm
EKH: 22.1mm

what are the plate materials available? sorry if I missed it in the main post, I can't seem to find it

This is in the main OP:

GB Details

• Sale format: 75 units (50 public raffle/25 FnF)
• Start Time: ~July 2021
• Fixed kit: Keyboard, 2 plates (1x 2mm PC/1x 1.5mm Aluminum), 1-2 PCBs (TBD in IC)
• Price: TBD after receipt of prototype

renders of the plate?
will the plate be contacting the top case along the perimeter of the top case internals? again, might be me not being able to see it properly

And yes, the plate makes contact with the perimeter of the top case internals so as to not show and unsightly gap between the plate and top case.

Hope all that is helpful.

[mech0nly]

filled the form. very interesting design, zekk

[Quinella]

glwic zekk

[chriszhu]

Super nice, hopefully lucky with this one 🙊

[lush_bunny]

If I died today, and it turns out that not only is God real, but he's actually a zekk TKL with a Hiney PCB, MX Browns, and Handerbait, I wouldn't even be mad.
Fingers crossed for a good price when the proto arrives, my wallet can only take so much right now.

Also, I've never joined a raffle before, how does that work? Input your email and if you "win" a slot, you get an email requesting payment details?

[zekkin]

Also, I've never joined a raffle before, how does that work? Input your email and if you "win" a slot, you get an email requesting payment details?

In a nutshell, yes.

[anatworkaccount]

I wish Zekk was my friend

[lush_bunny]

Zekk is my friend. I know it, but he doesn't.

[dimo]

i like the front engraving :]

[iNViSiBiLiTi]

Nice idea with the plates   Seems like my preaching is working. 

[kk73715]

Hope all that is helpful.

Thanks for the reply Zekkin- very helpful indeed! Apologies again for not reading the IC thoroughly.

[Dyto69]

wow that internal waterfall

[lush_bunny]

Will we get a build and sound test before GB?

coughThaxcough

[brandkeebs]

please lord almighty giveth me a zekkeeb 1 time

[dr_huru]

RBB looks so sick!

[zekkin]

Will we get a build and sound test before GB?

coughThaxcough

I'm hoping to send this prototype to a few buddies who happen to stream so people can see it and I can get their feedback.

[Serioussam]

Cant wait for the streams. 

[danawanb]

really bad boy

[paulgali]

This is pretty nice, now waiting for colors!

[zekkin]

So some slightly unfortunate news -- the factory informed me last night that the backlog from pre-CNY was too big and not enough machines were available, so despite putting the order in ~3 weeks ago, production has not started on the prototype.

I'll be sure to update re: the prototype when I get more info from the factory.

---

I mentioned this on my stream last night but the results for the PCB portion of the IC are overwhelmingly for including 2 to match the 2 plates, so we'll go with that.

Keep filling in that form! I hope Warm Gray and Evergreen make it!

[NotYellow]

It looks way to cool to pass up, lets hope the price is good so I won't have too

[kimhoon9]

I want this

[lush_bunny]

My discord channels told me that stanning Red Velvet is something cool keeb enthusiasts do, so I stan my girl Seulgi 

[jewleeuhn]

Evergreen is looking better to me every time I look at this IC. Which is probably every day.

[dietonto]

A+ 

[Kekkles]

I am down bad for this

[zekkin]

Hey all, it's been a little while and there's been quite a few responses on the IC. So far it's looking like these will be our color choices:

• Black
• Warm Gray
• Red
• Evergreen

It's not completely set in stone, so make sure to keep hitting that IC.

---

Unfortunately, still essentially no movement on the prototype manufacturing. Hoping that'll be on the move in the next week or two.

[thecharczar]

Lookin real good Zekk. Can't wait to hear more!

[pnw-g]

Looks amazing, wantttt

[peanutpanda]

Naisu.  That warm grey makes me feel some kinda way.  :eyes:

[godzillq25]

evergreen stuck in the suez canal

[SnowyMinion]

Really digging the green! Looking forward to this

[Ramen Champ]

I'm hoping my demons move into this keyboard and leave my head 

[goddream]

I'm hoping my demons move into this keyboard and leave my head 

bro u good?

[HoodrowThrillson]

I'm hoping my demons move into this keyboard and leave my head 

bro u good?

he just needs a bro hug.

[densus designs]

interesting! looking forward to see how this turns out!

[TipsyMallard]

Lookin good boi 

[treeleaf64]

I'm hoping my demons move into this keyboard and leave my head 

bro u good?

he just needs a bro hug.

I will supply one hug
From tree leaf

[zekkin]

Small update -- prototype is done and has been shipped. I'm expecting to receive it sometime this coming week. I'll have photos up shortly after I receive it as well as some initial opinions/thoughts on what needs to be changed (if anything ).

[lush_bunny]

Small update -- prototype is done and has been shipped. I'm expecting to receive it sometime this coming week. I'll have photos up shortly after I receive it as well as some initial opinions/thoughts on what needs to be changed (if anything ).

You must be excited (so am I). Fingers crossed.

[ogp3]

I love this board. Thank you for blessing us Zekkin RNG please don't fail me again...

[chung]

noice colours

[zekkin]

Prototype arrived really early this morning.







I'll take some time to check it over.

[flying1911]

just.. wow

[lush_bunny]

Red Plate, Silver Board. Always a nice combo.

[ogp3]

Proto looks absolutely beautiful!

[tsukune1349]

Prototype arrived really early this morning.

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

I'll take some time to check it over.

Is this the Cool Gray version? Cause if it is we definitely need it ><

[kdam39]

this is really bad for my wallet

[Theconejo]

Motion to add split rs and bs to plate+pcbs?

[thanatic]

nice! now how to be F or n F

[kbye]

Clean TKL. looking forward to it zekkin!

[Ranger_Trivette]

you can't post prototipe and disappear for a month   

update us 

[Tree14]

So lit


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[UGunaLOSE]

what a really bad boy 

[treeleaf64]

Hello Mr Zekk. That's an engrossing plate design. The small tabs coupled with the cutouts next to the mounting points will lead to some substantial flex.
Treeleaf wants to see it in action

[zekkin]

Sorry for jebaiting everyone with the prototype pictures and poofing for a bit.

I've gotten some PCBs on hand and will be sending them and the prototype to two streamers to be built and looked at closely:

• Lulzthax
• tonykjin (formerly known as RamenChamp)

There's a few things internally that I'd like to change for production so I'll take a bit more time to work that out -- I don't believe another round of prototyping will be needed for these changes.

Following these builds I will provide more details on changes to the structure of the future group buy itself.

[Zeelobby]

Sorry for jebaiting everyone with the prototype pictures and poofing for a bit.

I've gotten some PCBs on hand and will be sending them and the prototype to two streamers to be built and looked at closely:

• Lulzthax
• tonykjin (formerly known as RamenChamp)

There's a few things internally that I'd like to change for production so I'll take a bit more time to work that out -- I don't believe another round of prototyping will be needed for these changes.

Following these builds I will provide more details on changes to the structure of the future group buy itself.

So lit. Looking forward to them!

[ogp3]

can't wait for gb!

[AzzYung]

The only TKL I’m striving to get!!!

[hpetrovski]

Prototype looks nuts, good luck!

[Keeblet_257]

nice board from what I read but wkl layouts kill my interest immediately, however good luck with ic

[ljyel]

If i ever get a zekks board I will baby it forever   

[Minahctrl]

yes yes yes yes the prototypes

[AnotherAsian]

Any chance we can get this in a certain bear's official color of yellow?

[ai06L]

i wish i can get one this is hawt

[wowaweewa]

This might be a stupid question, but what does 25 'FnF' mean? Thanks!

[alwaysbless]

Friends and Family. Aka da hookup.

[wowaweewa]

Friends and Family. Aka da hookup.

Haha, thanks. You learn something new every day!

[ManiacMarc]

Any updates?

[Grant-GG]

Any updates?

"I had planned to be nearly ready to start the group buy by now and then start it around the beginning of July, but I don't believe that is a good idea. In chatting with hiney recently, and you may have seen in other conversations in the community, there are major IC shortages throughout the world. It is not impossible to acquire the chips and other components necessary for the PCBs to be manufactured, but they are much more expensive (~3x more expensive).

I will not be starting a group buy until I've come up with a solution or alternative with hiney.

More information to come following the build streams and some personal time with the board (targeting late July/early August)."

[Zurg Eon]

I legit had a dream last night I won the raffle for this board. I was so happy.

[lewisflude]

Pog

Based

[Heritage.T.A]

I saw the prototype on stream and it looks great
Hopefully GB can be run this year

[_rubik]

Pog

Based

yum

[darthcapn]

The board is so hot! Warm grey is one of the best colors on a board tbh! I am gonna beat my desk to death if I don't win this (my desk is already half dead, it needs freedom)

[mr_fro2000]

gonna cross my fingers for this raffle... wish more units would be made!

[FamilyJoule924]

find it messed up 25 /75 are FnF only it is limited as is

[zekkin]

Hey everyone!

Sorry for letting this fester in the deep pages of Geekhack since August. Around that time I was also looking for a new job, ended up moving to another state, as well as got fully involved in the new job. A lot more is asked of me in this new position so I've made a few decisions (some of this has already been shared in my Discord server, but since this is getting up and running again I want to make sure to update this thread as well).

It's become glaringly obvious, especially after sitting on Ogre extras for a year (just completed -___-), that my day job (as well as the downtime following the workday) takes too much time for me to be able to manage a group buy like I did with Ogre.

popkorn from Mekibo showed some early interest in the board (as well as sharing a love of Red Velvet) and has agreed to run the group buy! I'm super appreciative of this and we'll be able to produce more units (within reason for Mekibo, i.e. not unlimited) to make sure my designs are able to reach more of your desks.

The Plan

As most of you know, during the Lunar New Year holiday, what seems like the entirety of China shuts down for a portion February. Our factory will resume regular work in about 2 weeks so when that happens we'll be doing a few things:

• Ordering a new round of RBB prototypes. These will be built by a couple streamers (will announce who and when in the future).
• Color IC was pretty heavily leaning towards red, TBD if there will be different color options.
• Group buy currently slated for ~April 2022, 100-200 units.

Having already completed, prototyped, and assembled the design personally, I'm fairly confident in the functionality of the design. However as there have been a couple small things that have changed since the initial prototype, it'll be nice to see how those changes work in practice (ex: bigger USB hole for different cables, removal of unnecessary cuts in both plates, and other tiny quality-of-life changes).

I'll also be updating the first post of this thread to be more aligned with the current plans for group buy.

Discord

More info about and renders of RBB can be found (and more will be shared as time goes on) in my Discord server, but going forward this thread will be updated as well. I'll do my best to reply to questions or whatever in this thread but I will most likely respond faster if asked through Discord.

Information and teasers for future projects such as OV (successor to Irene, also through Mekibo, to run at some point after RBB) and my full-size design (through Switchmod.net) can also be found in my Discord server!

[dariannn]

I am very excited for this

[DubbTom]

Great to hear you were able to figure something out that allows you to focus more on the design side but also increase the public unit count. The jump from 25 to 100-200 public units will hopefully bring raffle odds into the low single digits!

[totoro3]

yesss lets make it 200 for ddeulgi

[zekkin]

Wew, interest check updated! We back!

New info in the main post!

[o3okevin]

let's gooooo

[ConfuseBill]

Any information on the payment method for raffle winners?

[popkorn62]

Any information on the payment method for raffle winners?

anything but paypal. I will invoice winners via mekibo storefront.