[IC] Ares HHKB-like Custom Keyboard (GB Soon..)

[kenlee]

Hi everyone

I’m ken and I want to introduce my design hhkb-like custom keyboard









More pics here: https://imgur.com/a/gV8cz

This purple is lighter than i assigned and i have asked EVE to make it more darker/accurate in gb production.

The following pics of board is the first original design of Ares, so pls just take the dark gray color for reference. All specifications will be same with purple prototype(will add 4 indents for rubber feet on gb) 








More prototype pics: https://imgur.com/a/z3FNd

Case Specifications :
    • Anodized aluminum 6061 case
    • Top mounted plate
    • 9 degrees angle
    • Compatible with standard 60% pcb
    • Support ISO and ANSI
    • Polished and sand blast case

Color Optitions : all colors are matte finish
    • Black
    • Red
    • Army green
    • Silver white
    • Dark gray(same with prototype)
    • Dark purple(more darker than prototype)   

Plate Specifications :
   • Brass plate: Polished and hairline finish
   • Anodized aluminum plate: Red and Sliver

Pcb Specifications :
   • Bface 60% balck pcb
   • Fully Programmable by Bootmapper
   • Full Backlighting support and bottom RGB leds

Weight Specifications :
   • Brass with yan/positive engraving
   • Mixed with polished, sand blast and hairline finish

Price+pp fees
   • Alu case, Alu plate, brass weight $290
   • Alu case, brass plate, brass weight $300

   • + one bface underglow rgb pcb $25
   • + one extra Alu plate $15
   • + one extra brass plate $25

Every case will have a solid keyboard bag

shipping+pp fees
   • $40/one case by DHL to anyplace
   • and if you order 2+ cases, it will be shipped by EMS
   • If you are a chinese buyer, it will be shipped by SF Express (paid by receiver when receive)

Delivery time
   • It might be 4-5 months after placing order to factory

Any comments or ideas please feel free to tell, Thanks 

[Myan]

I can feel the author's intentions, this is definitely one of the most anticipated keyboard of the year!

I am looking forward to having a purple keyboard that can not wait to have it!

Awwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[wanewang]

Awweeee , I love you Ken!!!

No!!! Ken is mine!!!

Ares looks najssss

[ppg77889]

The third.

[VereChi]

Buy me an Ares papa!!

[PlayKeyboardTW]

I am in!

[spiritjeon]

leave one for me.

[wpnada]

Oh!!I love this one!!

[carsten1kimo]

I want this !! It's beautiful !!

[maybebabe]

Looks great!
Wait for more information.

[DarKou]

Looks really great!

Nice job guy 

[kmba]

Looks nice. What's the height on the front of the case?

[icyskyz]

That is a beautiful piece of work! Looking forward to the final product!
That anodizing looks fantastic man! 

Any other color options for the plate?

[oatmicro]

awww looks so nice   

[Unforgivable]

I loved the first sample sides.

The sides for the second picture looks similar to the recent LZ boards CLS, CLSM (He’s making his 60% version at the end of the year) so I would probably suggest going with the first prototype side style you made. (It looks amazing!)

But I totally understand if you go with the second design, since it’s to your liking. 

Will the bottom of the board also have indents for rubber feet?

Great choices on the colors. Red, Dark Purple and Dark Grey are amazing! Maybe Cyan can be another color option?

Edit: Have to say, your creation looks amazing!

[s3vv4]

I imagine the view from the back of the case will not be that pretty because of the cutout 

[pixelpusher]

The design is very nice.  I'm not a fan of the bottom though.  It just needs a tweak of some sort.  I think it's too much.  Maybe if the bottom cutout wasn't there, and only the top cutout/recess was there to accent the weight.  And the weight.  I am really never a fan of all caps, especially when the kerning is so high.  I assume this was done to fill the space, but it makes the letters look more like an acronym or something.  Maybe choose a different font with large Y values so you don't have to spread them out so much?  Oh well, you probably won't change it based on my feedback, but that's my two cents.

[kmba]

Sides like that have been done on numerous cases.. wouldn't worry about the design. Go with whatever you prefer as the creator.

[kenlee]

That is a beautiful piece of work! Looking forward to the final product!
That anodizing looks fantastic man! 

Any other color options for the plate?

I'll set the plate colors to two options and the reason is that i want to simplify the gb process. This's my first gb and more options might make the gb be more complicated.   

I'm sorry about it But i'm willing to open the swap of plate color "silver" if a sufficient proportion prefer some specific color. 

[kenlee]

I loved the first sample sides.

The sides for the second picture looks similar to the recent LZ boards CLS, CLSM (He’s making his 60% version at the end of the year) so I would probably suggest going with the first prototype side style you made. (It looks amazing!)

But I totally understand if you go with the second design, since it’s to your liking. 

Will the bottom of the board also have indents for rubber feet?

Great choices on the colors. Red, Dark Purple and Dark Grey are amazing! Maybe Cyan can be another color option?

Edit: Have to say, your creation looks amazing!

1. The bottom of the board will have indents for rubber feet like the update Ares shows.

2. I'm open to the 4th color discussion here so fell free to leave your preferences here.

[kenlee]

I imagine the view from the back of the case will not be that pretty because of the cutout 

It definitely will be not so pretty compared to the original design when you face right to the back.

I make this change because i feel the sides appears a little simple and boring and  i think most time we can easily see the other places more than back 

[kenlee]

Looks nice. What's the height on the front of the case?

It's 23mm and i'm trying to lower it but i still suggest using a wrist rest. It definitely not a low profile case

[HardcoreDesk]

I think silver would be a good option for the 4th color choice, since it's definitely really popular, and that way you can have 2 "crazy" colors (red and purple) and two "normal" colors (grey and silver).

[Puddsy]

I think silver would be a good option for the 4th color choice, since it's definitely really popular, and that way you can have 2 "crazy" colors (red and purple) and two "normal" colors (grey and silver).

seconded

silver/black/grey/red/purple is a good lineup

[Sissy]

"Purple"
Well that is me sold.
I've been wanting to add a HHKB layout to my collection for awhile no.

[kenlee]

I think silver would be a good option for the 4th color choice, since it's definitely really popular, and that way you can have 2 "crazy" colors (red and purple) and two "normal" colors (grey and silver).

Same with my idea 

We have 3 dark colorways options so far, so tbh i'd like to choose the "light" color to the 4th option.

But according to my observations of several group buys's data it seems the sliver didn't take major percentage.

So I'm considering about the white-sliver to the 4th color option and the in fact white-sliver looks like white 

I think silver would be a good option for the 4th color choice, since it's definitely really popular, and that way you can have 2 "crazy" colors (red and purple) and two "normal" colors (grey and silver).

seconded

silver/black/grey/red/purple is a good lineup

I know there are still have fans for black color and if there are have sufficient people join or express their strong desires for this color i'd like to take it into consideration.   

[Trente]

This looks quite interesting, the bottom reminds about the KBP V60 Matias QC I have

[kenlee]

The design is very nice.  I'm not a fan of the bottom though.  It just needs a tweak of some sort.  I think it's too much.  Maybe if the bottom cutout wasn't there, and only the top cutout/recess was there to accent the weight.  And the weight.  I am really never a fan of all caps, especially when the kerning is so high.  I assume this was done to fill the space, but it makes the letters look more like an acronym or something.  Maybe choose a different font with large Y values so you don't have to spread them out so much?  Oh well, you probably won't change it based on my feedback, but that's my two cents.

No worries and thanks for your comments 

As a result of two cutouts design so the weight can't have big space on the bottom, and that's why i enlarge the letters to make the weight look like large but tbh it's not. If i smaller the letters then the weight will look like a data/name plate rather than weight.   

[kenlee]

This looks quite interesting, the bottom reminds about the KBP V60 Matias QC I have

Ya..after checking it's really somewhat similar to it by chance.

[ideus]

How come? There is no real six unit space asymmetric bottom row option? No way.

[kenlee]

How come? There is no real six unit space asymmetric bottom row option? No way.

It might come if i run 60% standard board but not in this GB, Sorry dude...  

[ferviditypow]

I wanna stick the battery to the bottom!!!

[m1raz]

Luckily got a chance to see this beautiful case in person, the anodizing finish is great and has a smooth touch feeling, especially love the the bottom weight, shiny!

[kivx]

My little universe is going to explode.

[kenlee]

I wanna stick the battery to the bottom!!!

No comment lol.........

My little universe is going to explode.

Just do it, pls....

Luckily got a chance to see this beautiful case in person, the anodizing finish is great and has a smooth touch feeling, especially love the the bottom weight, shiny!

Thanks, the prototype came out perfectly and I have faith the finish products will be same as well or even better.

[Vadurr]

I really dig this. I'd suggest holes for bumpons to stay put though :]

[odd]

Coumt me in for one for sure

[kmba]

Looks nice. What's the height on the front of the case?

?

[ayumi971235111]

look so amazing!!
can't wait to have one!!

[xondat]

Looks nice. What's the height on the front of the case?

?

Looks nice. What's the height on the front of the case?

It's 23mm and i'm trying to lower it but i still suggest using a wrist rest. It definitely not a low profile case

 

[ideus]

This is closer to an Apple M0110 keyboard than to a HHKB.

[avid]

I love the bottom part so much. It has a very rugged military feel to it. I hope there is a military green version available.

[xondat]

This is closer to an Apple M0110 keyboard than to a HHKB.

Show Image

...how on earth did you come to that conclusion?

[ideus]

This is closer to an Apple M0110 keyboard than to a HHKB.

Show Image

...how on earth did you come to that conclusion?

How on earth a symmetric bottom row can match the asymmetric one in the real thing?

[xondat]

This is closer to an Apple M0110 keyboard than to a HHKB.

Show Image

...how on earth did you come to that conclusion?

How on earth a symmetric bottom row can match the asymmetric one in the real thing?

If we're being that thorough, at least the HHKB is 15x5 whereas the M0110 is 14.5x5 (overall length & width).

[ideus]

This is closer to an Apple M0110 keyboard than to a HHKB.

Show Image

...how on earth did you come to that conclusion?

How on earth a symmetric bottom row can match the asymmetric one in the real thing?

If we're being that thorough, at least the HHKB is 15x5 whereas the M0110 is 14.5x5 (overall length & width).

Not that it were bad or anything, just that the layout is more similar to that old guy than to the HHKB. In my humble opinion, both have the cool factor.

[kmba]

Looks nice. What's the height on the front of the case?

?

Looks nice. What's the height on the front of the case?

It's 23mm and i'm trying to lower it but i still suggest using a wrist rest. It definitely not a low profile case

 

Oops I looked through the posts but missed the response. Thanks

[kenlee]

look so amazing!!
can't wait to have one!!

One? Didn't you say you are going to take 4 different colors boards

[foxlive]

This look amazing ! I'm in!! 

[pvd]

With a name like Ares, I think it should have a much more badass weight design. I wish the front corners of the case had a more aggressive angle, like the X60, rather than the curve they have know. Bottom of the board looks great though.

[kenlee]

With a name like Ares, I think it should have a much more badass weight design. I wish the front corners of the case had a more aggressive angle, like the X60, rather than the curve they have know. Bottom of the board looks great though.

Thanks for your comments 

I have shrunk the angles of 4 corners on top case to make it be more consistent with whole style and they all will be shown in update Ares. So it will be more aggressive than the prototype.   

I know it's a masculine style board but i don't want it looks too solid or rigid. If you can look into the details of the board in my imgur you can find i use many tiny angel of chamfer and Radius on top and bottom case. You cant hardly find pure right angel in Ares and it truly moderate the feeling of the board and even you touch the lines of the board you will also feel comfortable rather than the feeling of cutting hands.





     

[kenlee]

changes :

    • redesign two sides of the bottom case
    • shrink angles of 4 corners on top case
    • Lower the front height of the case
    • add 4 indents for rubber feet on the bottom 

 Also update in IC Content

[amnesia0287]

I also agree the weight design / font should change. It’s not that bad or anything, but when I see it all I think of is:

[Marutks]

2. I'm open to the 4th color discussion here so fell free to leave your preferences here.

I would love to get this case in Black color!  And Brass plate, please

[Yeols]

when will its drop start?rt? 
shut up and take my money

[kenlee]

2. I'm open to the 4th color discussion here so fell free to leave your preferences here.

I would love to get this case in Black color!  And Brass plate, please

I might add black color to the options

when will its drop start?rt? 
shut up and take my money

If the update prototype is done without any problem of compatibility or specification, I'll run a group buy ASAP.   

[kwyryn]

i would like to see silver as one of the color options, but otherwise cool looking board

[lanyusea]

count me in!

[Puddsy]

2. I'm open to the 4th color discussion here so fell free to leave your preferences here.

I would love to get this case in Black color!  And Brass plate, please

I might add black color to the options

Black and silver are staples. I recommend adding them both.

[Unforgivable]

2. I'm open to the 4th color discussion here so fell free to leave your preferences here.

I would love to get this case in Black color!  And Brass plate, please

I might add black color to the options

when will its drop start?rt? 
shut up and take my money

If the update prototype is done without any problem of compatibility or specification, I'll run a group buy ASAP. 

Is the new prototype of the second picture in the original post, or of the changes you’re making (from a few posts up).

[gutsack]

Very interested.

[kenlee]

Is the new prototype of the second picture in the original post, or of the changes you’re making (from a few posts up).

Hi guys

Sorry for the late response cuz i'm busy and reworked on this case till i figure it out

Here are some pics for ur reference and i'll explain what changed







More pics: https://imgur.com/a/A46jV

1. Add 4 indents for rubber feets
2. Lower the front height from 23.xmm to 20.xmm
3. Shrink angles of 4 corners on top case from 5.80mm radius to 3.00mm, so it has a more aggressive angle than original. 
4. Redesign two sides of the bottom case

As for the color options i'll open Black, Drak Gray, Drak Purple, Red, and white

I'm going to order a dark purple prototype and once i get it and if without any problems i'll run gb soon. 


 

[pixelpusher]

 Nice work on this.  I actually preferred the original radius, but this is still a great looking case. Will you have plates that color match?  If not, please offer a black plate

[Myan]

Is the new prototype of the second picture in the original post, or of the changes you’re making (from a few posts up).

Hi guys

Sorry for the late response cuz i'm busy and reworked on this case till i figure it out

Here are some pics for ur reference and i'll explain what changed

Show Image

Show Image

More pics: https://imgur.com/a/A46jV

1. Add 4 indents for rubber feets
2. Lower the front height from 23.xmm to 20.xmm
3. Shrink angles of 4 corners on top case from 5.80mm radius to 3.00mm, so it has a more aggressive angle than original. 
4. Redesign two sides of the bottom case

As for the color options i'll open Black, Drak Gray, Drak Purple, Red, and white

I'm going to order a dark purple prototype and once i get it and if without any problems i'll run gb soon. 


 

I really like the feeling of the side, shut up and take my money!

[lanyusea]

Is the new prototype of the second picture in the original post, or of the changes you’re making (from a few posts up).

Hi guys

Sorry for the late response cuz i'm busy and reworked on this case till i figure it out

Here are some pics for ur reference and i'll explain what changed

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

More pics: https://imgur.com/a/A46jV

1. Add 4 indents for rubber feets
2. Lower the front height from 23.xmm to 20.xmm
3. Shrink angles of 4 corners on top case from 5.80mm radius to 3.00mm, so it has a more aggressive angle than original. 
4. Redesign two sides of the bottom case

As for the color options i'll open Black, Drak Gray, Drak Purple, Red, and white

I'm going to order a dark purple prototype and once i get it and if without any problems i'll run gb soon. 


 

any option for a usb port in middle position?

[Unforgivable]

Is the new prototype of the second picture in the original post, or of the changes you’re making (from a few posts up).

Hi guys

Sorry for the late response cuz i'm busy and reworked on this case till i figure it out

Here are some pics for ur reference and i'll explain what changed

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

More pics: https://imgur.com/a/A46jV

1. Add 4 indents for rubber feets
2. Lower the front height from 23.xmm to 20.xmm
3. Shrink angles of 4 corners on top case from 5.80mm radius to 3.00mm, so it has a more aggressive angle than original. 
4. Redesign two sides of the bottom case

As for the color options i'll open Black, Drak Gray, Drak Purple, Red, and white

I'm going to order a dark purple prototype and once i get it and if without any problems i'll run gb soon. 


 

Nice, you made the plate changes! Good stuff, Ken! I can’t wait to see the Dark Purple. I’m sure it’ll be beautiful.

19mm at the front might be the sweet spot, IMO. If you can achieve that, it would be awesome. ;)

[ayumi971235111]

After Adjustment parameters
I am getting more certain on my choice.
I really want to buy Ares !!

[kenlee]

Nice work on this.  I actually preferred the original radius, but this is still a great looking case. Will you have plates that color match?  If not, please offer a black plate

Thanks for ur comment. There are many line shapes around the bottom and sides and in order to get consistency of the board so i change the top corner radius to match it.

[kenlee]

I really like the feeling of the side, shut up and take my money!

After Adjustment parameters
I am getting more certain on my choice.
I really want to buy Ares !!

Many thanks to you both and i'll apply myself to this project and give you all the best quality. 

[kenlee]

any option for a usb port in middle position?

Sorry the middle usb port cant allow many 60% pcbs to use unless we adopt a custom pcb for it. 

[kenlee]

Nice, you made the plate changes! Good stuff, Ken! I can’t wait to see the Dark Purple. I’m sure it’ll be beautiful.

19mm at the front might be the sweet spot, IMO. If you can achieve that, it would be awesome.

Thanks a lots for reminding the issues of plate might happen and hope it can be compatible with more 60% pcbs.

As for the dark purple here is a pic for ur reference- the marking purple 



And the front height of the case I've tried my best to lower and if with more lower height there will have problems of structure although i've put a ditch design one the bottom

[Yklee]

This is very nice!! I'm in!!! 

[pvd]

Corners on the new renders are looking much better! I like it!

[hitlu]

cool board, in

[DJSwayde]

This looks great!

[kmba]

20.x mm front is pretty good. Thanks for lowering

[wanewang]

can't wait to see the new prototype coming out!!!

but my wallet need to wait...

[lanyusea]

Thanks Ken for sending me the prototype of ARES!



I compare it with Duck Viper / Kmac Happy / ALF X2

The surface is quite smooth like a baby face, much better than Duck/Kmac, even same as the MAO surface.



Then I use the light to check the surface and be sure it is anodizing. (MAO will not reflect light since its surface is full of tiny holes).

Ken told me the factory polish all surface and use tiny sands to do the process of sandblast.

The surface feels better than any other other custom keebs I have. I will join the GB once it open! 

[Puddsy]

Thanks Ken for sending me the prototype of ARES!

(Attachment Link)

I compare it with Duck Viper / Kmac Happy / ALF X2

The surface is quite smooth like a baby face, much better than Duck/Kmac, even same as the MAO surface.

(Attachment Link)

Then I use the light to check the surface and be sure it is anodizing. (MAO will not reflect light since its surface is full of tiny holes).

Ken told me the factory polish all surface and use tiny sands to do the process of sandblast.

The surface feels better than any other other custom keebs I have. I will join the GB once it open! 

Looks GREAT

[pixelpusher]

It looks quite stunning.  I want one! 

[kenlee]

Thanks Ken for sending me the prototype of ARES!

(Attachment Link)

I compare it with Duck Viper / Kmac Happy / ALF X2

The surface is quite smooth like a baby face, much better than Duck/Kmac, even same as the MAO surface.

(Attachment Link)

Then I use the light to check the surface and be sure it is anodizing. (MAO will not reflect light since its surface is full of tiny holes).

Ken told me the factory polish all surface and use tiny sands to do the process of sandblast.

The surface feels better than any other other custom keebs I have. I will join the GB once it open! 

Big thank to your sharing 

I know you collect many boards so it would be better or be subjective for you to compare

I will upload some pics of purple prototype later and update some gb news include price, delivery, and so on

[Vadurr]

There are so many Custom HHKB IC's up right now x__x I totally forgot about this beaut. It seems to be the lowest profile of all the other choices with the 20mm front as well...

Would the second purple underneath the dark purple be considered "midnight purple"? That'd be interesting and original!

[kenlee]

Alright sorry for the long waiting

I got purple prototype last week and assembled it soon

Prototype are done well by the update file i forwarded to except one place

Factory miss input the 4 indents for rubber feet of the bottom on their cnc computer But they promise it wont happen again in gb

Here we go...









More pics here: https://imgur.com/a/gV8cz

[Vadurr]

Alright sorry for the long waiting

I got purple prototype last week and assembled it soon

Prototype are done well by the update file i forwarded to except one place

Factory miss input the 4 indents for rubber feet of the bottom on their cnc computer But they promise it wont happen again in gb

Here we go...

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

More pics here: https://imgur.com/a/gV8cz

Well this is an Instabuy forsure now... BRAVO KENLEE!!!

[Marutks]

looks awesome        

[kenlee]

Tbh the purple prototype is lighter than color card i assigned so i'll ask factory to make it more accurate in gb

BTW, anyone interested in this army green color   

[lanyusea]

Tbh the purple prototype is lighter than color card i assigned so i'll ask factory to make it more right in gb

BTW, anyone interested in this army green color   

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

wow I like this one!

[_rubik]

This is too pretty. Totally in for it if the price is reasonable.

[ideus]

This is too pretty. Totally in for it if the price is reasonable.

A machined case out of a full block of aluminum cannot have a "reasonable" price, at all.

[Marutks]

real keyboard enthusiasts don't mind to pay whetever they want for a nice case  :-)

[_rubik]

This is too pretty. Totally in for it if the price is reasonable.

A machined case out of a full block of aluminum cannot have a "reasonable" price, at all.

On GH, reasonable means sub-400 bucks for 60 alu case.

[fractl]

The purple is very beautiful, even if it is not quite as dark as intended.   

Do you have any idea if the PCBs will be holtite-friendly?  The mounting hole diameter for the commonly used holtites is 0.058" (1.47mm).

I would like to make my next build hot-swappable.  If the pcb isn't holtite-friendly, I assume I could use a universal 60% pcb that has been proven to work with holtites in this, correct?

[luismonterieart]

Been waiting for something like this for a while now - definitely can count me in!
 

[DJSwayde]

You said that there will be underglow support. Will the case have an acrylic diffuser?

[Vadurr]

Hot damn that army green is awesome as well...

[pvd]

New prototype looks fantastic. The army green color also looks wonderful.

I hope that this doesn't end up running at the same time as the LZ s x h though.

[kenlee]

Been waiting for something like this for a while now - definitely can count me in!
 

Thanks for ur support 

You said that there will be underglow support. Will the case have an acrylic diffuser?

Nah, no acrylic diffuser design for the case

The reason i adopt pcb with underglow rgb is this pcb is supplier's common model and tiny cost difference between none rgb.

Hot damn that army green is awesome as well...

wow I like this one!

New prototype looks fantastic. The army green color also looks wonderful.

I hope that this doesn't end up running at the same time as the LZ s x h though.

Army green will be added to the color options of gb.       

and i know it might not be a good time to run the gb before christmas cuz it seems most people are running out their budget of gifts 

Any suggestion about when will be comfortable for you to join the gb? 

[Vadurr]

Been waiting for something like this for a while now - definitely can count me in!
 

Thanks for ur support 

You said that there will be underglow support. Will the case have an acrylic diffuser?

Nah, no acrylic diffuser design for the case

The reason i adopt pcb with underglow rgb is this pcb is supplier's common model and tiny cost difference between none rgb.

Hot damn that army green is awesome as well...

wow I like this one!

New prototype looks fantastic. The army green color also looks wonderful.

I hope that this doesn't end up running at the same time as the LZ s x h though.

Army green will be added to the color options of gb.       

and i know it might not be a good time to run the gb before christmas cuz it seems most people are running out their budget of gifts 

Any suggestion about when will be comfortable for you to join the gb?

I'm going to be an oddball and say ASAP.

[lanyusea]

Been waiting for something like this for a while now - definitely can count me in!
 

Thanks for ur support 

You said that there will be underglow support. Will the case have an acrylic diffuser?

Nah, no acrylic diffuser design for the case

The reason i adopt pcb with underglow rgb is this pcb is supplier's common model and tiny cost difference between none rgb.

Hot damn that army green is awesome as well...

wow I like this one!

New prototype looks fantastic. The army green color also looks wonderful.

I hope that this doesn't end up running at the same time as the LZ s x h though.

Army green will be added to the color options of gb.       

and i know it might not be a good time to run the gb before christmas cuz it seems most people are running out their budget of gifts 

Any suggestion about when will be comfortable for you to join the gb?

This is my Christmas gift

[amnesia0287]

Been waiting for something like this for a while now - definitely can count me in!
 

Thanks for ur support 

You said that there will be underglow support. Will the case have an acrylic diffuser?

Nah, no acrylic diffuser design for the case

The reason i adopt pcb with underglow rgb is this pcb is supplier's common model and tiny cost difference between none rgb.

Hot damn that army green is awesome as well...

wow I like this one!

New prototype looks fantastic. The army green color also looks wonderful.

I hope that this doesn't end up running at the same time as the LZ s x h though.

Army green will be added to the color options of gb.       

and i know it might not be a good time to run the gb before christmas cuz it seems most people are running out their budget of gifts 

Any suggestion about when will be comfortable for you to join the gb?

I really REALLY hope you wait. I'd say at least mid-January, but might make sense to wait until feb since there are a few big GB that will land in Jan timeframe I think. Mid Jan gives everyone at least 1-2 paychecks after Christmas for recuperation tho. Given lots of people pay rent on the 1st, early Jan could be tight.

I really really like that green though, so as long as I am not tied up in too many other things I do plan to try and get one of these.

I'd also say pricing is important in determining how important timing is. If you launched this now, but the entire kit was SOMEHOW (I KNOW it won't be this cheap) $200, I'd join tomorrow, but if it's on the high side might have to pass or at least need more time.

[kenlee]

Okay i have price and some info for you


Price+pp fees
   • Alu case, Alu plate, brass weight $290
   • Alu case, brass plate, brass weight $300

   • + one bface underglow rgb pcb $25
   • + one exta Alu plate $15
   • + one exta brass plate $25

Every case will have a solid keyboard bag

shipping+pp fees
   • $40/one case by DHL to anyplace
   • and if you order 2+ cases, it will be shipped by EMS
   • If you are a chinese buyer, it will be shipped by SF Express (paid by receiver when receive)

Delivery time
   • It might be 4-5 months after placing order to factory

As for when to open gb i haven't decided but i'll let you know ASAP. Thank you for all your support 

[fractl]

Okay i have price and some info for you


Price+pp fees
   • Alu top and bottom case, Alu plate, brass weight $290
   • Alu top and bottom case, brass plate, brass weight $300

   • + one bface underglow rgb pcb $25
   • + one exta Alu plate $15
   • + one exta brass plate $25

Every case will have a solid keyboard bag

shipping
   • $40/one case by DHL to anyplace
   • and if you order 2+ cases, it will be shipped by EMS
   • If you are chinese buyer, it will be shipped by SF Express (paid by receiver when receive)

Delivery time
   • It might be 4-5 months after placing order to factory

As for when to open gb i haven't decided but i'll let you know ASAP. Thank you for all your support 

Is that an actual Winkeyless b.face pcb?  If so, that's a very good price for it.  But I need to confirm that it is, because I'd like to make my next build hot-swappable, and the b.face pcbs are compatible with holtite sockets.  So, it's important that I know if it's the real b.face that the sockets will fit into.

[kenlee]

Okay i have price and some info for you


Price+pp fees
   • Alu top and bottom case, Alu plate, brass weight $290
   • Alu top and bottom case, brass plate, brass weight $300

   • + one bface underglow rgb pcb $25
   • + one exta Alu plate $15
   • + one exta brass plate $25

Every case will have a solid keyboard bag

shipping
   • $40/one case by DHL to anyplace
   • and if you order 2+ cases, it will be shipped by EMS
   • If you are chinese buyer, it will be shipped by SF Express (paid by receiver when receive)

Delivery time
   • It might be 4-5 months after placing order to factory

As for when to open gb i haven't decided but i'll let you know ASAP. Thank you for all your support 

Is that an actual Winkeyless b.face pcb?  If so, that's a very good price for it.  But I need to confirm that it is, because I'd like to make my next build hot-swappable, and the b.face pcbs are compatible with holtite sockets.  So, it's important that I know if it's the real b.face that the sockets will fit into.

Sorry i dot have enough information of pcb you asked by now

But I have asked for a pcb form supplier and once i get i'll post it immediately.

[wanewang]

dark purple photo looks so great!

can't make a decision between purple and army green yet...

maybe I should get two...(my wallet...

[amnesia0287]

Is the usb in standard location? Would any normal pcb fit? Or is it a custom size? I like QMK.

[Puddsy]

Is the usb in standard location? Would any normal pcb fit? Or is it a custom size? I like QMK.

you can see in the pictures that it's in the standard location

[amnesia0287]

Is the usb in standard location? Would any normal pcb fit? Or is it a custom size? I like QMK.

you can see in the pictures that it's in the standard location

No, I can see it’s on the left side. Differences of mm matter for pcb fitment lol.

Thanks for the assistance tho.

[Puddsy]

Is the usb in standard location? Would any normal pcb fit? Or is it a custom size? I like QMK.

you can see in the pictures that it's in the standard location

No, I can see it’s on the left side. Differences of mm matter for pcb fitment lol.

Thanks for the assistance tho.

maybe i should elaborate

you can see that the USB port is in the slot between the two leftmost keys on the top row, which is the same place that it is on standard PCBs

and he says above that it comes with a bface, which is a pretty good indicator

[pvd]

Since the LZ s x h appears to be running in January, I would suggest to either run this as soon as possible or to wait a few months.

[amnesia0287]

Any chance your anode shop can do navy blue? Lol

SOMEONE needs to make a navy blue hhkb style case.

[kenlee]

Is the usb in standard location? Would any normal pcb fit? Or is it a custom size? I like QMK.

It's a standard location and normal pcb can fit

I've widened the usb port so it will allow more pcbs to use on this case

[kenlee]

Any chance your anode shop can do navy blue? Lol

SOMEONE needs to make a navy blue hhkb style case.

I'm sorry for not open more color options in this gb

There are many requests asking for some colors like cyan, pink or blue

But in order to simple the sorting and make sure every color is accurate i have to limit the color options

[kmba]

is "silver white" just an ordinary silver, or a very light almost white silver?

[kenmai9]

this is really cool ken!

[Vadurr]

is "silver white" just an ordinary silver, or a very light almost white silver?

Any chance we can get an example of what the white would look like?

[kenlee]

is "silver white" just an ordinary silver, or a very light almost white silver?

Any chance we can get an example of what the white would look like?

Not the common silver and it looks like ceramic white

This is render for reference but the gb will run a matte white



I might need to change the name of "white silver" to "ceramic white" 

[kenlee]

this is really cool ken!

Thanks and nice to see you seeing around here 

[DJSwayde]

is "silver white" just an ordinary silver, or a very light almost white silver?

Not the common silver and it looks like ceramic white

This is render for reference but the gb will run a matte white

Show Image

I might need to change the name of "white silver" to "ceramic white" 

Do you have a mockup in this color for the top as well?

[amnesia0287]

The main reason I mention navy blue is it’s perfect for Yuri and Nautilus and NO ONE has made a navy blue HHKB yet. People have been asking here, TX60/65 and LZ.

There are several people who would likely buy the case JUST for something blue.

I love the green, but I think a dark navy blue would still sell better.

But I totally get limiting the colors. I will just say I’d pay extra for navy blue lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kmba]

I'll instantly buy any top mount hhkb case that looks moderately nice and comes in a dark/navy blue.  Best option might be lz no anno, then get it custom cerakoted.  With that said, I'm still planning on getting an Ares too, just in another color.

[Niahi]

Got an estimation for when the GB opens?

[kmba]

Will you have anodizing samples before the gb starts?

[kenlee]

Got an estimation for when the GB opens?

might run on mid/end-Jan

Will you have anodizing samples before the gb starts?

There is no plan for samples or more prototypes before GB

[OfTheWild]

This looks fantastic.

[TeHao]

Army green looks great.
Please take my money.

[kenlee]

is "silver white" just an ordinary silver, or a very light almost white silver?

Any chance we can get an example of what the white would look like?

Not the common silver and it looks like ceramic white

This is render for reference but the gb will run a matte white

Show Image

I might need to change the name of "white silver" to "ceramic white"

I have to correct the previous description about color "cream white".

After talking with factory it's silver and as a result of matte process so it would be look like more white than sliver

So pls ignore silver white render and sorry about the misunderstanding for you.

[lanyusea]

is "silver white" just an ordinary silver, or a very light almost white silver?

Any chance we can get an example of what the white would look like?

Not the common silver and it looks like ceramic white

This is render for reference but the gb will run a matte white

Show Image

I might need to change the name of "white silver" to "ceramic white"

I have to correct the previous description about color "cream white".

After talking with factory it's silver and as a result of matte process so it would be look like more white than sliver

So pls ignore silver white render and sorry about the misunderstanding for you.

Yes, EVE can do it more white.

[Puddsy]

Will you have anodizing samples before the gb starts?

if it's manufactured by EVE, there's not much to worry about in terms of color matching

EVE is a perfectionist about this sort of thing

[lanyusea]

Will you have anodizing samples before the gb starts?

if it's manufactured by EVE, there's not much to worry about in terms of color matching

EVE is a perfectionist about this sort of thing

Yes it is by EVE.

Ares is in the showcase of EVE. http://www.zfrontier.com/post/detail/3609

[kenlee]

Yes, EVE will handle all the process of manufacture and he give me a rough delivery time on May if everything go well. And I'm going to run the GB on mid-Jan, thanks for ur supports and comments.

[Strontaap]

Any idea yet on which kind of sale it'll be? Raffle, FCFS?

[lanyusea]

Any idea yet on which kind of sale it'll be? Raffle, FCFS?

why limited

[kenlee]

Any idea yet on which kind of sale it'll be? Raffle, FCFS?

FCFS and I've submit an application of opening gb on 1/10/2018 

[Unforgivable]

Okay i have price and some info for you


Price+pp fees
   • Alu case, Alu plate, brass weight $290
   • Alu case, brass plate, brass weight $300

   • + one bface underglow rgb pcb $25
   • + one exta Alu plate $15
   • + one exta brass plate $25

Every case will have a solid keyboard bag

shipping+pp fees
   • $40/one case by DHL to anyplace
   • and if you order 2+ cases, it will be shipped by EMS
   • If you are a chinese buyer, it will be shipped by SF Express (paid by receiver when receive)

Delivery time
   • It might be 4-5 months after placing order to factory

As for when to open gb i haven't decided but i'll let you know ASAP. Thank you for all your support 

The free keyboard bag makes me giddy. I love having a solid case for a custom!

So excited for this. Great job, Ken!

[Rafa_n]

Which one of these will be the final design?

[icyskyz]

Which one of these will be the final design?

The bottom one. 

[Mousy]

FCFS and I've submit an application of opening gb on 1/10/2018

Love the design and am really excited for this! With the FCFS aspect of this is there a specific time that the GB will be opened and I'm sorry if this is somewhere but I couldn't find it but how many items will be available? Hoping I can snag one!

[Puddsy]

FCFS and I've submit an application of opening gb on 1/10/2018

Love the design and am really excited for this! With the FCFS aspect of this is there a specific time that the GB will be opened and I'm sorry if this is somewhere but I couldn't find it but how many items will be available? Hoping I can snag one!

there's no limit (or at least nothing has been said about one), so that's kinda moot

[Mousy]

there's no limit (or at least nothing has been said about one), so that's kinda moot

Ah okay I just assumed there would be a limit as it was listed as FCFS.

[kenlee]

there's no limit (or at least nothing has been said about one), so that's kinda moot

Ah okay I just assumed there would be a limit as it was listed as FCFS.

I'm planning to open the gb on 1/10 and Max 85 sets / FCFS

I think 85 sets should satisfy the need so no need to worry about the limit.

Mod Edit: Group Buy thread is now open here