[IC] Chalice - Cheap Alice inspired Keyboard

[customKBD]

Introducing the Chalice

IC Form



A cheap Alice/Arisu inspired keyboard (Cheap-Alice or Chalice), powered by a pro-micro.
This keyboard is for those looking at a cheap entry into the Alice/Arisu layout, without the difficulties of a fully through-hole kit. Inspiration came from the basketweave and the Revuing 41/39 kits.
The keyboard features a fixed layout (shown below), limited by the number of output pins on the pro-micro. I’d love to have an OLED sit over the top of the pro-micro but unfortunately some sacrifices had to be made.


 
The PCB is supported by a low-profile stacked acrylic case, in a similar style to the Revuing 41/39 series of boards.

Features
-   Powered by a single Pro-Micro (Or pro-micro compatible clone)
-   Through-hole Diode design
-   RGB LED under-glow
-   Stacked acrylic case
-   68 switch positions
-   QMK and VIA compatible firmware



What is included in the kit?
-   PCB
-   6 x WS2814 LEDs
-   1.5mm acrylic top plate
-   2 x 3mm acrylic mid-plates
-   1 x 3mm acrylic bottom plate
-   1 x acrylic Pro-Micro cover
-   12 x 7mm brass stand-offs
-   3 x 12mm brass stand-offs
-   30 x 6mm M2 screws

What is required to complete the kit?
-   Pro-micro or compatible clone
-   5 x 2U screw-in stabilizers

How much?
Target price is 95 AUD/75 USD

Timeline
This IC was created to source feedback/improvements to the initial prototype. I aim to provide the kits in-stock in approx. 2 months’ time, but if there is overwhelming demand, I will organise a group buy.



About us
I run and operate customkbd.com.au. We sell a range of DIY kits and keyboard components, and this product will be our first IC. For those lucky enough to be in Melbourne, we will have this available to play with at our warehouse when that is ready. If you would like regular updates you can join our discord here.

More Pictures

[Kokaloo]

I believe this name was already used for an Alice derivative lmao
But otherwise gl always nice to see skelly kits for peeps who wanna try out layouts

[Entity.]

Looks good 

[Pyroo]

Looks nice 

[hali]

Great to see something PM compatible in IC again. GLWIC

[WQ]

ooo, very interested! can't wait to see how this project turns out

[Magnificent Bureaucrat]

I believe this name was already used for an Alice derivative lmao

Charisu it is then

[customKBD]

Thanks for the feedback so far guys!
Noted regarding the name - Will look further into it - it's not set in stone.

Regarding the pro-micro - there have been concerns regarding no USB-C functionality. This is not the case if you adopt something like the sea-micro or elite-C. This can be provided as an option when purchasing.

Graphics are to be finalized - we can definitely provide some garnishes to the back case and pro-micro cover. (Maybe even fully personalized?)

Cheers.

[Qwertle]

Can't wait for this! What a price point to get into Alice's, keep up the good work

[PickleTickle]

Holy **** that is a banger of a price gl with IC

[autocast]

Sick one! Love the look of the board in the first image



What does the scouter say?

[customKBD]

Maybe I should use the graphics in his visor... over 9000 of course...

[Hi !!]

Lookin hella good! 

[hottrout]

I love the fact that you are trying to bring the Alice layout to the masses.  Great work.  I also quite like the sound signature that a PCB + Plate with no case at all can make, particularly with SA profile on it so I am going to try and buy one of these to that end.  Good luck with this and I am in for at least one of them.

[Cosmizu]

im liking this

[Mr Chrome]

Oh wow, it’s you Aussie guys! Not enough keebs on this desert island. I am 100% onboard with accessible kits, and it’s nice to see you do this with a less common layout. Big fan of the barebones design.

[hayasaka]

definitely interesting 

[Mecxs]

If I hadn't just bought a Basketweave and Ristretto, I'd be down for this. Keen to see more skeleton kits and interesting projects from CustomKBD.

GLWIC.

[napostrophe]

Been wanting to try out Alice-like layouts for a while but the prices+wait times are too eye-watering for me to be willing to throw at an experiment. Really interested in trying this out! Good luck with the IC!

[Timber Mech]

Interested, my typing sucks and maybe an ergo board will be the magic bullet.

Any chance of bundling the pro micro or sea micro since you sell those anyway?

[TheWonderBubble]

Interested, my typing sucks and maybe an ergo board will be the magic bullet.

It won't. Keybr and monkeytype (time or words, focus on accuracy not speed) will be the not-so-magic bullet.


But it'll make typing a lot more comfortable. And it's just...look at it. It's freaking awesome.

[hottrout]

No magic bullet but, the natural separation of left and right with an Alice layout will help you train your hands and brain to be more accurate.  Personally I type more relaxed and more accurate when using Alice layout.  It is my preference when I have a lot of work to do.

[Leo66]

Reserved

[acidbern]

Hi!
I’m super new in this keyboard community.
So keen on exploring a Alice styled board, especially with the dragonball designs you have on the back.
I’m wondering if the PCB is soldered version only?
Haven’t tried soldering and I’ve only built a hotswap tofu60 so far.
And I’m hoping the USB port comes soldered to the PCB if possible!
Thanks for listening. And hope this comes to fruition soon! All the best!

[Timber Mech]

No magic bullet but, the natural separation of left and right with an Alice layout will help you train your hands and brain to be more accurate.  Personally I type more relaxed and more accurate when using Alice layout.  It is my preference when I have a lot of work to do.

Interested, my typing sucks and maybe an ergo board will be the magic bullet.

It won't. Keybr and monkeytype (time or words, focus on accuracy not speed) will be the not-so-magic bullet.


But it'll make typing a lot more comfortable. And it's just...look at it. It's freaking awesome.

My comment was a bit tongue in cheek, but going from a full sized keyboard to a 75% and now 60% has been much better for my neck/back issues. The whole design of a full sized keyboard with the numpad on the right only serves to build tension on the right side - so I'm keen to try something that puts my hands in a more natural position.

[TheWonderBubble]

My comment was a bit tongue in cheek, but going from a full sized keyboard to a 75% and now 60% has been much better for my neck/back issues. The whole design of a full sized keyboard with the numpad on the right only serves to build tension on the right side - so I'm keen to try something that puts my hands in a more natural position.

Ah, that makes sense! Same reason I'm here at all, to go from a fullsize down to a 60% or more likely a split setup - having to bring my right arm so far over to use the keyboard past the numpad is just a mess.

[forehead]

Can't wait for my first budget board!

[clickpig]

this looks mint Ant, very keen for this to hit the store <3

[k4jtek]

This looks like a good board for my budget. It looks very good for the price. Interested so much.

Sent from my Nokia 3310 using Taptalak

[vanda]

Alice always best

[zawia]

Super saiyan！GO GO GO

[crystal]

Loving it!

[customKBD]

Just a small update guys:
We have Revised the PCB to allow SMD or Through-hold diodes, added some LEDs for even under glow, adjusted the mounting points for a high case option.
We also have ZMK Nice!nano support for a fully wireless experience!

Will provide some pictures when the next prototype is in.

[Keyboard Cartel]

damn, the dbz, DB graphics on the acrylic back actually looks sick

[kbdcat]

heard they are trying to implement bluetooth and that its coming out in a month, def very very hyped for this, just a more budget arisu than the basketweave and others (missing the knob though ;-;)
im going to cop anyway kekw

[customKBD]

Hi All,
Thanks for all the feedback - I have taken into account all the comments and pushed them through a redesign.

Main changes include:
- Adding some feet to the bottom
- Allowance for a high case
- Even lighting of LED's

Other things we have worked on:
- VIA Implementation
- ZMK Implementation (Bluetooth support with Nice!nano)

This project will move into pre-order - I am happy with the new design and have sent a few units out to some streamers for review.
I will run be running an initial batch of 100 units for this pre-order phase.

To keep costs low, we will initially only be offering Frosted Ice, and Matte Black as colour options.
A slight bump in price to allow for the additional high case pieces (More acrylic and cutting time) but I think the these pieces really do make the keyboard more complete.
The target will be 90 USD as a bare kit.

[Surostu]

Yessss!!!! Looking good Ant.

[hottrout]

Looks great and I love your approach.  GOod luck, I hope I can snag one of these.

[customKBD]

The Chalice will move to a Pre-order phase - I will create another post in the GB/Pre-Order section on geekhack.
Pre-Orders to open 20th October. See you in the other thread!

[hottrout]

Good news, please remember to link to the GB from here.

[customKBD]

The Chalice enters Pre-order at 9AM AEST.
Please find the product here: https://customkbd.com/products/chalice-pre-order
There will be limited units for our first run - FCFS.
Thanks all for the feedback - it was much appreciated!

[SwitchKeys]

Good luck Ant! You'll smash it.

[hottrout]

Ordered the keyboard, wrist rest and all other associated parts.  Well done with this and I am looking forward to this build some time in the future.