Post by: upas on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:08:27
Hey guys,
I have an update! And a group buy date.
We will be running Balance on CannonKeys only starting July 30th.
We'll keep the group buy open for 2 weeks, and there is a very high cap which we don't think we will reach.
The Balance will be available on our normal storefront.
In terms of decisions that have been made:
The PCB will NOT support split right shift, but will have LED indicators on Caps Lock and Num Lock.
The price will be $465 for each kit.
Each kit will include:
Keyboard top, bottom, top left accent, top right accent, bottom accent piece
Black aluminum plate
Balance PCB (USB-C, ESD Production)
Unified C3 Daughterboard and JST Cable
ALPS Encoder
CannonKeys Logo Knob
Poron Gaskets
Rubber feet (bumpon compatible)
Foam Carrying Case
Microfiber Cloth
The colors available will be:
Navy/Silver + Silver Aluminum CannonKeys Knob
Black/Silver + Silver Aluminum CannonKeys Knob
Grey/Lilac + Silver Aluminum CannonKeys Knob
E White/Gold w/ Brass Top Accents + Gold PVD Brass CannonKeys Knob - $20 upcharge
We will also offer the following add-ons:
Black, Gold, and Multicolored PVD Brass CannonKeys Knob - $45
Silver, Gold, and Black Aluminum CannonKeys Knob - $18
FR4 Plates - $30
Brass Plates - $60
Polycarbon Plates - $50
Black Aluminum Plates - $50
Extra PCBs - $60
Extra Gaskets - $6
Top accent pieces in Black, Lilac, Navy, Silver, Grey, and Brass - $50, $55 for Brass
Bottom accent pieces in Black, Lilac, Navy, Silver, Grey, and Brass - $15, $20 for Brass
Pricing on extras to follow in the next couple days.
We'll be sending out emails with these details to those who opted in to email notifications once add-on pricing is set.
============================================
Hey everyone,
I’m back with a new design that is ready for an interest check! This is the Balance - an 1800 keyboard without an F-row and with a Knob.
>> GIVE US FEEDBACK << (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvAKnRoyxvEup3eA_sarVbxR9Zg3-LdSEQRTWdiL1gPAWHIg/viewform?usp=sf_link)
(https://i.imgur.com/Zaay2Yr.jpg)
One of my favorite keyboards to use is the Cypher - but when I use it, I really do miss having a knob to control volume and media. For that reason, even when doing tasks that are better suited for a numpad, I find myself using my Satisfaction75 quite frequently. This board was meant to fill that gap for me, while also playing with a new interesting side profile, considering two-tone color as a first-class design element, and integrating gasket mounting.
Why is it called Balance?
There is a little accent piece on the back of the board, and when looking at the board from behind, to me, it looks like the whole width of the board is balancing on the accent piece.
(https://i.imgur.com/KiZSCDg.jpg)
Supported Layouts:
PCB Support:
(https://i.imgur.com/FGRWIvH.png)
Most notable here is the exclusion of split right shift. On the PCB, we put the MCU there… so it would be a significant change to add split right shift support. I personally don’t think it’s necessary given this board has lots of keys, but also understand that some people might like having it. We’ll potentially add it based on the feedback we receive. Please only ask for it if you think you would actually buy this keyboard, and it would be a dealbreaker for you!
My preferred layout:
(https://i.imgur.com/WjyDQDi.png)
This is my personal favorite layout and I have designed fixed layout plates for this one. We'll likely take this layout and add Split BS and Stepped Caps support for the GB.
Universal ANSI plate:
(https://i.imgur.com/sgKTsbe.png)
A plate featuring support for all of these layouts will also be offered.
NE Iso Avail?
We have not designed an ISO plate yet, but our plate files will be made publicly available as the GB comes close to ship time. We may offer ISO plates at a low MOQ for an extra fee.
Things I personally really Like about this Design:
Accent piece on top - this is not a functional pen rail, just an accent piece
Accent piece on the back - this is where the “Balance” name comes from
Knob - enough said
Side Profile - It looks great in 2 tones, and is kinda a “seamless” design
(https://i.imgur.com/HyATayQ.jpg)
Design Features:
- QMK and VIA Compatible PCB (Designed by Upas, assisted/routed by Ender)
- ESD Protection
- Centered USB-C C3 Unified Daughterboard
- STM32 ARM Processor
- No backlight LEDs, no hotswap
- Poron Gasket Isolation Sandwich Mount
- Custom soft rubber feet - these are bumpon compatible, so if you prefer bumpons, you can source and use those instead
- ALPS Encoder and Cannon Logo Knob in Aluminum
- 6 case parts (not including knob)
- Two tone design with really cool side profile (this is one of my favorites)
- No extra weight - imo, the keyboard is heavy enough as-is, and sounds good
- 5.5 degree typing angle
- About 15.7mm Front Height
- About 29.7mm Back Height
- Fits in an approximate 407mm x 121mm x 30mm bounding box (releasing this info so you can figure out how to make an appropriate wrist rest or etc.)
- Brass plate by default, FR4 and CF options likely
Internals:
(https://i.imgur.com/g8J7Bsc.png)
Gasket strips are not shown, but it should be pretty clear where they go.
No case foam / plate foam necessary.
Colors:
We’re currently planning on running at least 4 of the following colors, if not all 5:
Navy/Silver (Silver Alu accent)
Red/Gold (Brass Accent)
Black/Purple (Purple Alu Accent)
Grey/Lilac (Lilac Alu Accent)
E-White/Teal (Teal Alu Accent)
We hope to also offer extra top accent pieces and potentially bottom accent pieces if there seems to be demand. Brass pieces will be an addon (except for red/gold).
Current Status:
The case geometry and general design is locked in - we don’t intend to make any changes at this point. We may take feedback on layouts and plate materials. We are working on some special knobs with the CannonKeys logo on them - prototypes should arrive soon.
Can you change X, Y, or Z?
At this point, most of the design decisions have been made, but if there is very strong feedback in the IC form, we will consider making more changes. We already have 5 production prototypes on hand. The images you see in this thread are not renders. They are photos.
Expected Price/Qty:
Given there are no large brass parts involved in this keyboard (no brass weight) - we think we can hit a price point of $465 including an anodized aluminum knob.
This GB will run with at least 500 units. We do not expect them all to sell out. Unsure on international vendors / proxies at the moment. We will likely handle the Western markets (USA, Canada, UK, EU) and potentially loop in other vendors for Asia.
>> GIVE US FEEDBACK << (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvAKnRoyxvEup3eA_sarVbxR9Zg3-LdSEQRTWdiL1gPAWHIg/viewform?usp=sf_link)
More content:
Minterly built a Balance on stream and made a sound test available here:
One thing of note - this early prototype did not have spacebar acoustic cuts, so the production spacebar will not be as loud. Do you like loud spacebars? Let us know in the feedback form and we can run a plate without the cuts!
More Photos:
(https://i.imgur.com/GoNq9Ds.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zYQuzDe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/q5b94I9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nfXvZJa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5CCXvP4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pH94RIo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/j4CKo4i.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qF6A2lO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zrsuPd9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8tolB6y.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iDlwE8w.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/t88o4ry.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JwPnmLm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/T50lOY7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KiZSCDg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QcuGL7q.jpg)
Post by: lalostad98 on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:10:32
Post by: upas on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:12:35
Post by: Zeelobby on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:13:04
Post by: 7empest on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:13:22
Post by: KurtKurtson on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:15:23
Post by: Robert.Lussier5 on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:24:02
Looks great though.
Post by: Neely_12 on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:24:18
Post by: Hern on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:33:48
I am sure when it comes down to it myself and everyone else will be clenching to the desk during that CK queue system hoping to get the purchase. Excited to see renders of all the final color options and get my hands on one since I do not have a 1800 keyboard to add to my collection!
Post by: thecyangiant on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:37:29
Southpaw option would make it must have, but I can see why it wouldn't translate.
Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk
Post by: mawli on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:41:08
Post by: upas on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:44:40
"We do not expect them all to sell out"
I am sure when it comes down to it myself and everyone else will be clenching to the desk during that CK queue system hoping to get the purchase. Excited to see renders of all the final color options and get my hands on one since I do not have a 1800 keyboard to add to my collection!
We have photos of all the color options - they are under the "More Photos" section. You have to click on "More"
EDIT: I'm gonna remove the "More" part to make them easier to find
Post by: Okonomiyaki#2832 on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:47:36
Post by: mr_fro2000 on Wed, 09 June 2021, 08:54:24
Post by: clik_clak on Wed, 09 June 2021, 09:08:17
Would prefer a brass weight myself, but I'll be trying to grab one regardless. Makes me happy that I won't have to keep checking MM for Cyphers.
Good job, Upas!
Post by: clik_clak on Wed, 09 June 2021, 09:11:02
Will your Satisfaction75 Rama knobs fit this as well? Any chance for custom knobs?
Post by: nubbinator on Wed, 09 June 2021, 09:38:51
I would have preferred a split right shift option, but that bottom row more than makes up for.
There one thing I'd do is ditch the PgUp/PgDn keys since you already have them on the numpad. A small LCD or even LED strip, would be awesome to have there instead.
Post by: Chippy on Wed, 09 June 2021, 09:54:56
Honestly, this is pretty much a dream layout. I had something similar drawn up. Love the split keys at backspace for a little HHKB style top row and backspace/ delete instead of |\.
I would have preferred a split right shift option, but that bottom row more than makes up for.
There one thing I'd do is ditch the PgUp/PgDn keys since you already have them on the numpad. A small LCD or even LED strip, would be awesome to have there instead.
This could potentially be achieved by putting an oled header there, on top of the switch cutouts, allowing for an oled to be implemented if people want one. There would have to be end user configuration to get it to work, but might be cool.
Post by: quantumlocke on Wed, 09 June 2021, 10:16:39
Honestly, this is pretty much a dream layout. I had something similar drawn up. Love the split keys at backspace for a little HHKB style top row and backspace/ delete instead of |\.
I would have preferred a split right shift option, but that bottom row more than makes up for.
There one thing I'd do is ditch the PgUp/PgDn keys since you already have them on the numpad. A small LCD or even LED strip, would be awesome to have there instead.
Those two keys are what make it a dream layout for me. I need a dedicated delete button approximately where it is “supposed to be” and 1800s/96% boards almost never have that. My actual ideal board would be a 65% plus keypad, and that’s basically what this is.
Post by: Kokaloo on Wed, 09 June 2021, 10:20:17
Thinking about it more I would really like to see the PCB redesigned for split rshift.
I don't want to believe this is a decision strongarmed by you, so redesigning for a more viable and customizable PCB would hopefully be the route you choose to take.
Post by: rooski15 on Wed, 09 June 2021, 11:03:38
Edit: would like the option for split right shift.
Post by: Jyll on Wed, 09 June 2021, 11:30:13
Post by: Ustinj on Wed, 09 June 2021, 13:06:49
Post by: NoteMakoti on Wed, 09 June 2021, 16:18:06
Post by: Bl4ck on Thu, 10 June 2021, 05:41:42
Would u also look into better solutions for EU customers? (like getting a EU vendor, or charging the VAT yourself)
Post by: upas on Thu, 10 June 2021, 16:43:13
black/brass or black/white would be 2 amazing combos :)
Would u also look into better solutions for EU customers? (like getting a EU vendor, or charging the VAT yourself)
We're looking into self-charging VAT.
For colors - one of the primary pieces of feedback that has really resonated with us is the ask for more neutral colors that can match many keysets.
I wouldn't be surprised if we ended up going with a black/silver or white/gold colorway (or both)
Post by: kiileyy32 on Thu, 10 June 2021, 20:51:24
We're looking into self-charging VAT.
For colors - one of the primary pieces of feedback that has really resonated with us is the ask for more neutral colors that can match many keysets.
I wouldn't be surprised if we ended up going with a black/silver or white/gold colorway (or both)
I think the current colors are all great, I didn't look at any of them and think "dang that's bad". I will say however I really hope you guys are able to sell the accents as well, would love to be able to mix and match different colors. I did state that in my feedback as well :P Super excited for this board and pray that I am able to get one!! Been super interested in it since I first saw you tease it a few months back!
Post by: ManoliVisuals on Thu, 10 June 2021, 21:16:43
Post by: adi on Thu, 10 June 2021, 22:10:30
Post by: Hi !! on Sun, 13 June 2021, 07:08:45
Left-side numpad Version (Southpaw?) Unit also a very welcome addition.
Post by: Route6x on Mon, 21 June 2021, 04:54:52
Post by: ksus on Fri, 02 July 2021, 18:53:56
Like once I saw it, I cannot unsee.
Post by: hkf on Thu, 08 July 2021, 19:03:30
Overall an awesome board. I will definitely be trying to grab one at the suggested price.
Things I like:
- top "weight"/accent design. This is crazy nice especially with the knob creating the natural separation. Kudos
- No bottom weight. Again as above.
- Typing angle. Hard to find a low profile 1800
- Layout
Things I LOVE:
- Red/brass
Things I want to see:
- More knob options/collabs?
- Polycarb/other plastic plate tests?
Post by: Keeblet_257 on Fri, 09 July 2021, 07:05:25
Post by: irateeducator on Wed, 14 July 2021, 21:15:00
Post by: upas on Thu, 22 July 2021, 21:06:08
Hey guys,
I have an update! And a group buy date.
We will be running Balance on CannonKeys starting July 30th.
We'll keep the group buy open for 2 weeks, and there is a very high cap which we don't think we will reach.
The Balance will be available on our normal storefront.
In terms of decisions that have been made:
The PCB will NOT support split right shift, but will have LED indicators on Caps Lock and Num Lock.
The price will be $465 for each kit.
Each kit will include:
Keyboard top, bottom, top left accent, top right accent, bottom accent piece
Black aluminum plate
Balance PCB (USB-C, ESD Production)
Unified C3 Daughterboard and JST Cable
ALPS Encoder
CannonKeys Logo Knob
Poron Gaskets
Rubber feet (bumpon compatible)
Foam Carrying Case
Microfiber Cloth
The colors available will be:
Navy/Silver + Silver Aluminum CannonKeys Knob
Black/Silver + Silver Aluminum CannonKeys Knob
Grey/Lilac + Silver Aluminum CannonKeys Knob
E White/Gold w/ Brass Top Accents + Gold PVD Brass CannonKeys Knob - $20 upcharge
We will also offer the following add-ons:
Black, Gold, and Multicolored PVD Brass CannonKeys Knob
Silver, Gold, and Black Aluminum CannonKeys Knob
FR4 Plates
Brass Plates
Polycarbon Plates
Black Aluminum Plates
Extra PCBs
Extra Gaskets
Top accent pieces in Black, Lilac, Navy, Silver, Grey, and Brass
Bottom accent pieces in Black, Lilac, Navy, Silver, Grey, and Brass
Pricing on extras to follow in the next couple days.
We'll be sending out emails with these details to those who opted in to email notifications once add-on pricing is set.
I have an update! And a group buy date.
We will be running Balance on CannonKeys starting July 30th.
We'll keep the group buy open for 2 weeks, and there is a very high cap which we don't think we will reach.
The Balance will be available on our normal storefront.
In terms of decisions that have been made:
The PCB will NOT support split right shift, but will have LED indicators on Caps Lock and Num Lock.
The price will be $465 for each kit.
Each kit will include:
Keyboard top, bottom, top left accent, top right accent, bottom accent piece
Black aluminum plate
Balance PCB (USB-C, ESD Production)
Unified C3 Daughterboard and JST Cable
ALPS Encoder
CannonKeys Logo Knob
Poron Gaskets
Rubber feet (bumpon compatible)
Foam Carrying Case
Microfiber Cloth
The colors available will be:
Navy/Silver + Silver Aluminum CannonKeys Knob
Black/Silver + Silver Aluminum CannonKeys Knob
Grey/Lilac + Silver Aluminum CannonKeys Knob
E White/Gold w/ Brass Top Accents + Gold PVD Brass CannonKeys Knob - $20 upcharge
We will also offer the following add-ons:
Black, Gold, and Multicolored PVD Brass CannonKeys Knob
Silver, Gold, and Black Aluminum CannonKeys Knob
FR4 Plates
Brass Plates
Polycarbon Plates
Black Aluminum Plates
Extra PCBs
Extra Gaskets
Top accent pieces in Black, Lilac, Navy, Silver, Grey, and Brass
Bottom accent pieces in Black, Lilac, Navy, Silver, Grey, and Brass
Pricing on extras to follow in the next couple days.
We'll be sending out emails with these details to those who opted in to email notifications once add-on pricing is set.
Edits:
Made ciarfications to the e-white variant. The top will be e-white. The bottom will be gold anodized aluminum. The bottom accent will be e-white. The top accent pieces will be BRASS. The knob will be PVD Gold Brass.
Post by: kiileyy32 on Thu, 22 July 2021, 21:37:29
Post by: namidettje on Thu, 22 July 2021, 21:43:57
Apologies if it was already answered but is there going to be any EU vendor (The tax / VAT is going to be a hit)? And most importantly, plate with ISO layout?
Regardless, GLWS
Post by: Route6x on Fri, 23 July 2021, 02:01:57
Post by: sneekypoo on Fri, 23 July 2021, 10:33:36
Post by: ZavaZ86 on Fri, 23 July 2021, 19:24:52
Post by: hottrout on Sat, 24 July 2021, 04:27:53
Post by: DuellM on Mon, 26 July 2021, 19:28:42
Post by: upas on Mon, 26 July 2021, 22:24:26
Dang, sad to see the purple got nixed :( Still super excited and planning on getting one though!! Thanks for the update upas!! Can't wait!!
Sad to see purple gone as well. Was looking to get that combination. I would definitely still get the board; deciding between the Black/Silver & Grey/Lilac to go with GMK Symbiote.
I'm also quite sad but the Red/Gold and Black/Purple colorways were the least popular :(
Any soft/vague est on how long production time would be?
We're looking at a Q3 2022 timeframe. Given the current state of global supply chains, we think this is a realistic estimate.
This in White & Gold would look awesome!! Any chance for a Copper or Rose Rama Knob ^-^
Unfortunately no RAMA Knobs this time around!
Would like to see renders of the white/gold colorway
They are on their way!
Please add a UK or EU vendor to this.
As told in the IC, absolutely love the layout. Was having a hard time looking for something like this.
Apologies if it was already answered but is there going to be any EU vendor (The tax / VAT is going to be a hit)? And most importantly, plate with ISO layout?
Regardless, GLWS
We're planning on vending this globally. We will release plate files shortly prior to the GB shipping so that folks can make their own including ISO layouts.
We probably won't sell ISO layout plates with the buy, though.
Post by: upas on Wed, 28 July 2021, 08:53:16
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=113997.0
So I'm gonna lock this one