[IC] Chapter 1 - Exploded 65% | US Vendor Confirmed

[Rooke-Design]

Chapter 1

Rooke Design







Chapter 1 was inspired by material and finding a way to display those materials in a simple yet sophisticated way.



IC Form (CLOSED)





0. Contents

1. Details
2. Status
3. Photos and Renders
4. Deskmat and Comic
5. Vendors and Pricing
6. Contact and Socials
7. FAQ



     


1. Details

- 65%
- Isolation gasket mount with leaf spring plate
- 6.5° typing angle
- 18mm front height (excluding front chamfer)
- Footprint = 340mm wide x 136.5mm deep
- Weight is between 1.8kg and 2.5kg depending on configuration
- Arrow cluster
- Rotary encoder
- ANSI and ISO plate options (6.25u and 7u)
- USB-C daughter board
- Aluminium and Polycarbonate Case Options
- Various Weight Options
- Custom Knob
- Expected Q3 Group Buy Date







2. Status

Update 16.05.2021: Lot's of great feedback from the first IC form so far! I am currently working on other layouts for the PCB, as well as the plate design. Flex cuts are next on the agenda!

R1 prototypes have been received and are in the process of testing. I am happy with the Polycarbonate, Black and E-white but the teal didn't come out as expected and will, therefore, be replaced with a Dark Navy. Some dimensions needing minor adjustments, this will be done in the coming days. This includes adjusting leaf plate design slightly and fixing the gap between keycaps and the case.

R2 prototypes will then be ordered to confirm that I am happy with fitment and with the colour outcome. R1 custom knobs will be ordered at this time too, along with deskmat prototypes.

Update 01.06.2021: I'm very excited to announce that Mekibo is on board to be the US vendor for Chapter 1 Group Buy!

Changes for R2 prototypes are going smoothly. I have also been working on redesigning the bottom engraving, and will release it once finalized!




3. Photos and Renders

V1 Prototypes

Black and Polycarbonate Variants



     

     

More

     

     

Exploded View





Plate Design

Plate design is subject to change, the below renders are used to give you a better idea of what the plate will look like, but are not the final. I am working on adding flex cuts for a more uniform typing feel as well as adjusting the leaf spring dimensions.

Anodized Lilac Plate






See below for other plate colours (renders not accurate to real life):

More

Anodized Black
     

Anodized Green
     

Anodized Navy
     

Anodized Red
     

Brass


Copper

Knob Design






General Renders

     

     




4. Deskmat and Comic

Chapter 1 is only the beginning of the story...

The board will come with a comic illustrated by my good friend Jack Singer and will be used as a "verification" method, as well as a collectible for (future) returning customers!

Along with this, I will be offering a deskmat GB alongside Chapter 1 which is inspired by one of the many beautiful frames in the comic!

Deskmat (more to come soon)



Comic (teaser)






5. Vendors and Pricing

Exact pricing and number of units to be announced. Price estimated to start around +-430usd

Asia: Ilumkb
Australia: Daily Clack
Canada: Ashkeebs
Europe: Mykeyboard.eu
US: Mekibo
 



6. Contact and Socials

Please follow me on Instagram and come join the Discord if you want to chat!


         




7. FAQ

Q: Is the layout fixed?
A: Yes, 6.25u and 7u ANSI and ISO.

Q: Will there be RGB?
A: No.

Q: Will there be a hotswap PCB?
A: Maybe.

Q: Can I buy your prototypes?
A: They will not be for sale.

Q: How many units will be available?
A: Depends on interest, but I am aiming an MOQ of 500.

Q: How will the GB in my region run?
A: That is determined by the Vendors.

Q: Typing tests?
A: Coming soon!



Special Thanks!

A big thank you Tom Sparrow for all the help throughout the process; Mykeyboard.eu for being a huge part since the start of the project almost a year ago(!) and also to all vendors for showing their interest in my design. As well as the German community for all the love early on, and my girlfriend for the constant support!

[Rooke-Design]

16.05.2021 - Added an exploded view and plate renders to the thread. Plate is subject to change and will be updated as soon as the changes are made!

[Tom Sparrow]

You are killing it man!

I wish you all the best!

[UswordM]

This board looks pretty sweet, hope there will be a hotswap pcb

[FishyKeebs]

In for the deskmat and comic

[bthezebra]

Imma fan

[Demagine]

I've been waiting for this IC - your Insta has me impatient for this board!

[garald]

this looks amazing! +1 for hotswap PCB. GLWIC!

[ZavaZ86]

Looking forward to the gb 

[shawnlyx]

Knob!!

[Vaudevi77ain]

Looks awesome. Would love a beige or off-white aluminum color to go with the comic/paper theme

[SDKCAMPING]

overall looks solid and the IC is nice. the board design itself is clean, but that lookstoo much like  rama u80 plus an iron 165 for my taste.

[Xyzzyka]

Looking nice! Is there a view of the bottom of the board too? And what’s going on in that PCB render?

[rokon07]

Looks clean; really like the knob design. Glwic

[lush_bunny]

I thought I was sick of regular 65% rectangles and knobs, but this one looks so aesthetically pleasing!

[Lazesummerstone]

I really think that the idea to add something that expands on the project like your comic idea is gangbusters fantastic! I instantly want to know more and will be watching this project! 

[blaqbern]

Looking nice! Is there a view of the bottom of the board too?

Agreed. Very curious to see the bottom.

[elmo]

Finally! I've been waiting for this for so long

[jollyrogerxx]

This is actually a pretty balanced looking 65 with knobs. On the topic of the knobs, the ones you got from the proto and the ones in the renders seem very different, which one is reflecting what you are going with for production units? Personally I feel the ones in the proto pics are too tall (for cherry profile keycaps at least) but the render ones look okay height wise. Maybe consider offering different height knobs to compensate different keycap profiles?

[squallingmonkey]

Def +1 for hotswap as well!

Beautiful looking board, and excited to see how it continues to evolve. Love the stance and the proportions of the bezels.

On the topic of the knobs, the ones you got from the proto and the ones in the renders seem very different, which one is reflecting what you are going with for production units?

The ones in the render are the ones planned for production according to posts by Rooke in the Discord. They agreed that the knob on the proto looked too tall.

[MIGHTY CHICKEN]

Would love more weight pics

[Chippy]

please consider 2x 1.5u to the left and right of 7u as a layout...if possible.

[niorob]

An assembled picture of the bottom would be nice but overall I dig it. glwic

[Bonta]

Nice. RGB with that polycarbonate case would look so good.

[Kinesiologist]

Buy comic book and get free keyboard, great deal!

Jokes aside, I dig the layout and the backside. Any chance for more color options such as lilac, green, red, teal, or coyote brown?

[NightRye_]

Uh, what is that render on the top left under the render section? That looks sick. And also comes with a comic? 

[Rooke-Design]

Looking nice! Is there a view of the bottom of the board too? And what’s going on in that PCB render?

I was playing around with an oxidised copper plate patina! Just included it for some eye candy!

[Rooke-Design]

This is actually a pretty balanced looking 65 with knobs. On the topic of the knobs, the ones you got from the proto and the ones in the renders seem very different, which one is reflecting what you are going with for production units? Personally I feel the ones in the proto pics are too tall (for cherry profile keycaps at least) but the render ones look okay height wise. Maybe consider offering different height knobs to compensate different keycap profiles?

On the topic of the knobs, the ones you got from the proto and the ones in the renders seem very different, which one is reflecting what you are going with for production units?

The ones in the render are the ones planned for production according to posts by Rooke in the Discord. They agreed that the knob on the proto looked too tall.

Correct. Only the 2 renders under the Knob subheading are the correct ones. Other renders just used a simple placeholder, and the photos are just standard parts. They are far too high, so the custom knob will be about 2mm higher than R1 cherry profile caps.

[Rooke-Design]

Buy comic book and get free keyboard, great deal!

Jokes aside, I dig the layout and the backside. Any chance for more color options such as lilac, green, red, teal, or coyote brown?

I'm considering some more colours. Will post another IC in the coming days to see what the people want!

[Rooke-Design]

Uh, what is that render on the top left under the render section? That looks sick. And also comes with a comic? 

Thank you! Is a patina copper plate render, just for the fun of it!

The comic is only the first chapter of an artistic story that Jack and I are cooking up! I'm very excited to see where it goes!

[darthcapn]

Been following this on insta! Looks fab!

[$W4GK!NG]

Can you add a picture of the contact point where the plate sits on the gasket, it doesn't look like there's going to be any space for the leaf spring to do the leaf spring thingy

[actress]

Looks pretty cool!
Excited to hear how the aluminum version sounds.

[Rooke-Design]

Can you add a picture of the contact point where the plate sits on the gasket, it doesn't look like there's going to be any space for the leaf spring to do the leaf spring thingy

The leaf spring cut out is slightly covered by the gaskets. This will be adjusted and tested with R2 protos!

[Rooke-Design]

Buy comic book and get free keyboard, great deal!

Jokes aside, I dig the layout and the backside. Any chance for more color options such as lilac, green, red, teal, or coyote brown?

Thanks! I'm very keen to get the comic done. It is gonna be beautiful!

In terms of colours, I am considering a beige of sorts to match the comic theme. (also there are many many beige sets coming out this year)

[$W4GK!NG]

Can you add a picture of the contact point where the plate sits on the gasket, it doesn't look like there's going to be any space for the leaf spring to do the leaf spring thingy

The leaf spring cut out is slightly covered by the gaskets. This will be adjusted and tested with R2 protos!

Nice!! Thank you for addressing this, since most maker will just forget it and move on lol, waiting to see the next prototype!!

[Rooke-Design]

Jokes aside, I dig the layout and the backside. Any chance for more color options such as lilac, green, red, teal, or coyote brown?

I'm considering a beige as a possible "comic edition"

[Rooke-Design]

Changes to IC 16.5.2021:

- Added an Exploded view for a better understanding of how the board fits together
- Added plate renders with various colours. I have also showed the anodized colours with the poly top so people can see how the plate colour can change the entire feel of the board. The renders aren't 100% accurate, as the colour will show through much better IRL, but poly is a very complicated material to render.
- Adjusted layout, bring more important topics further to the top
- Added missing info to the Details

[mr_foggy]

we've been talking on IG about this and it's another yes from me
100% in for the poly. hotswap would be more than welcome.

[jaekid]

What's up Proph! Just dropping by to say hi. Thank you for the crisp renders! GLWIC! I'm going to save up for a PC variant, looking forward to Chapter 1's GB.

[migueldelrosario]

This looks amazing! I really like the different plate colour options (especially lilac). Also hoping for hotswap!

[milka158]

Looks great! Love the offset arrow keys. I would prefer a thinner bezel but that's it! Definitely keeping an eye on this one. Maybe even both

[treeleaf64]

You have to put the gasket on the outside of the leaf spring otherwise the leaf spring cannot work  And the treeleaf cannot be happy

[bert039]

Oh wow, this looks really good. Might end up being my first PC board. Also interested in the suggestion that treeleaf made above and if any changes will be made for that

[byfuryattheheart]

I really love this. Any chance that there will be a teal option like in some of your early insta posts?

[CookieFlow]

Great looking board, this is basically my favorite layout.

There isn't anything I would change, so I can't really give any comment.

Except I hope you will offer some interesting colors.
Nothing wrong with black, white, silver, navy or PC. But I like when a board has at least 1 or 2 more unusual colors.
Like a nice shade of light green, lilac or teal could be fun for example.

[Xyzzyka]

I love the wide bezel, personally. Not a huge fan of the acute angle on the back of the top (on top of the back?) of the board, but that’s definitely a me problem. I’d love some dyed polycarb options too, but all this hotswap talk is probably more practical in terms of appeal. )

I may have to pick up more than one knob, depending on what shade of navy that is.

[treeleaf64]

Wdym by  "Inspired by Material" Lol     You don't need to be inspired by them, you can just say " I wanted to make a good keyboard out of these materials"

[treeleaf64]

sorry for using tp4 color   i forgot

[Rooke-Design]

You have to put the gasket on the outside of the leaf spring otherwise the leaf spring cannot work  And the treeleaf cannot be happy

Hey! Yes, I'm aware! The plate is a work in progress, but I'm aware of all changes that need to be made!

[Rooke-Design]

I really love this. Any chance that there will be a teal option like in some of your early insta posts?

That first render was the teal that I was looking for, but didn't come out as expected at all! Teal is very difficult to get right, so it will be replaced with a navy!

[Rooke-Design]

Wdym by  "Inspired by Material" Lol     You don't need to be inspired by them, you can just say " I wanted to make a good keyboard out of these materials"

Most keyboard designs have weird and wonderful weights, but are only ever on the bottom of the board- which is never seen! I wanted to find a way to show various materials in an exciting way. For example, the weight shows on the side, the bottom piece is visible from the back and the plate can be visible through the polycarb top. A lot of what draws people to this hobby has to do with the material that is used, so I thought that displaying those materials is a great way to give appreciation to them!

Hope that answers the question a little better

[Sh1zaru]

Board looks great and love the idea of adding the comic book. Gl!

Wdym by  "Inspired by Material" Lol     You don't need to be inspired by them, you can just say " I wanted to make a good keyboard out of these materials"

Lmao

[Rooke-Design]

I really think that the idea to add something that expands on the project like your comic idea is gangbusters fantastic! I instantly want to know more and will be watching this project! 

I really appreciate your EXACT choice of words! Couldn't have said it better myself!

[0rangutan]

Absolutely love this.
Another vote for hotswap PCB here though.  This is an essential basic requirement for any commitment to a GB nowadays.

[venyv]

I am in. That PC looks amazing!!! Definitely need to have hotswap PCB though.

[HappyB0T]

Fun Design!

[Rylor.]

In if hotswap.

[Ivo_Ruiter]

Nice. RGB with that polycarbonate case would look so good.

same

[alevyish]

Props on the design, it really is a beautiful board! (PC got me drooling)
I'll be all over this if there's a hotswap version.

[bert039]

Any chance for multiple polycarb colors? Something like a smoke or darker tint?

[Shutter_Shock]

I had been kicking myself recently for passing on a different 65% polycarbonate board because I didn't love everything about it. It's like you're a mind reader, and this design is very much more my taste. This looks very promising, and I look forward to it's development. Hopefully I'll end up with a good 65% PC board after all.

[EdgeOfInfinity]

i had been waiting to see something awesome that was 1/2 PC 1/2 alum and i think this might just be it.

[RoyalOak88]

That PC version with Dualshot set is spot on

[Flazion]

Really love how balanced this board feels!

[fangirl172]

Oh gosh, yes. Love this!

[Rooke-Design]

Any chance for multiple polycarb colors? Something like a smoke or darker tint?

Right now I'm trying to keep different colour options to a minimum to reduce the cost, so this run will only have a clear sandblasted polycarb option!

[Rooke-Design]

Great looking board, this is basically my favorite layout.

There isn't anything I would change, so I can't really give any comment.

Except I hope you will offer some interesting colors.
Nothing wrong with black, white, silver, navy or PC. But I like when a board has at least 1 or 2 more unusual colors.
Like a nice shade of light green, lilac or teal could be fun for example.

The interesting colours will most likely come in the form of plates, to make the poly variant even more exciting! There may be another run in the future with brand new colours, but that is a long way off

[Rooke-Design]

I love the wide bezel, personally. Not a huge fan of the acute angle on the back of the top (on top of the back?) of the board, but that’s definitely a me problem. I’d love some dyed polycarb options too, but all this hotswap talk is probably more practical in terms of appeal. )

I may have to pick up more than one knob, depending on what shade of navy that is.

Thank you! Hotswap is definitely happening! I just need to figure out what options there are in terms of layout.

Dyed poly options may come in the future, but not for this run sadly.

[Rooke-Design]

I had been kicking myself recently for passing on a different 65% polycarbonate board because I didn't love everything about it. It's like you're a mind reader, and this design is very much more my taste. This looks very promising, and I look forward to it's development. Hopefully I'll end up with a good 65% PC board after all.

Thank you! Busy working on files for R2 prototypes, and a new weight engraving! The development is moving smoothly and I'm very excited to announce the new changes!

[lush_bunny]

The thing about I love about this the most is the PC Case.
But what if the leaf-spring plate could also be PC? Hmmm.

[Rooke-Design]

The thing about I love about this the most is the PC Case.
But what if the leaf-spring plate could also be PC? Hmmm.

Thank you! The PC plate with leaf spring will be VERY bouncy, and won't take much force to bottom out and have the bottom of the PCB touch the case. I will work on a few variations to find what I'm happiest with!

[dimmgo]

To me, all recent IC's in 65 percent keyboards seems to be absolutely similar. Yours is outstanding, hope to join GB!

[lush_bunny]

The thing about I love about this the most is the PC Case.
But what if the leaf-spring plate could also be PC? Hmmm.

Thank you! The PC plate with leaf spring will be VERY bouncy, and won't take much force to bottom out and have the bottom of the PCB touch the case. I will work on a few variations to find what I'm happiest with!

Thanks for taking the time to explain this to me, still keeping an eye on the IC.

[Rooke-Design]

To me, all recent IC's in 65 percent keyboards seems to be absolutely similar. Yours is outstanding, hope to join GB!

Thank you! It is very difficult to stand out against other 65%'s, so this means a lot!

[Poesjuh]

Streaming the build of one of the prototypes in just over an hour on https://www.Twitch.tv/p0esjuh/

20:00 CEST - Amsterdam Time

[alevyish]

Even if I've been following this project for some time now, I just realized I may have missed filling the IC. I'm really hoping for a hotswap version.

Streaming the build of one of the prototypes in just over an hour on https://www.Twitch.tv/p0esjuh/

20:00 CEST - Amsterdam Time

I'll make sure to tune in

[OscillatorSlave]

Is there an estimate for price range? I have an LW67 in my cart but would love to wait on this one, except when it's like 800 euro or something lol

nvm, just saw the estimate.. pricy 
Probably in if hotswap, Looks amazing

[HappyB0T]

Was hoping the QR code in the illustration was gonna take me somewhere - not what I was expecting.

[CloudyEyes]

A 65% pc keyboard? Im in sir thats what I want

[asciisii]

looks good

[Zyrophr]

I was kinda bored with 65%, but I dig this one! Nice work

[pool]

I **** with this a lot

[Vaudevi77ain]

Is there a color code for e-beige? Wondering how it might color match to some sets I'm interested in

[3yatt]

I never wanted a PC board more than this one. Love you and I've been excited about this for awhile.

[Distracto]

woah this is a really cool looking board - any updates - ?

[bukowski]

Stunned for this. Will the rama.works knob fit the rotary cutout?

[Rooke-Design]

woah this is a really cool looking board - any updates - ?

Thank you!

There are some updates! R2 protos are on their way, with build streams happening shortly after! GB planning to begin after I receive the protos!

[Rooke-Design]

Stunned for this. Will the rama.works knob fit the rotary cutout?

Absolutely! It will just require the standard alps encoder most commonly used in the hobby (Chapter 1 uses a shorter one)

[Rooke-Design]

Is there a color code for e-beige? Wondering how it might color match to some sets I'm interested in

Sadly the e-beige is out… the manufacturer unfortunately can’t produce this finish at the moment. But I’m looking into it for future projects

[santela]

Love it. I’m usually not a pc guy but this one works well. Still can’t see the bottom though, but I’m in.

[Rooke-Design]

Love it. I’m usually not a pc guy but this one works well. Still can’t see the bottom though, but I’m in.

Booty shots coming soon! I have finalized a weight engraving for R2 prototypes, and now I’m far more comfortable to share the bottom of the board!

[ninjacore]

Late to the party and it has likely already been asked somewhere, but was a left side, WKL blocker ever discussed?

[surplusofchairs]

hoping hotswap pcb supports split backspace so I can change out the plates. those anodised plates

[randalbolts]

Not heard any update on this lovely thing for a while, is it still something that's being worked on?

[Rexcramer]

Not heard any update on this lovely thing for a while, is it still something that's being worked on?

According to the info on the Rooke Discord and MKB.EU Discord we are close to the GB. The designer has stated that he's aiming for end of Febuary. Nothing set in stone though, afaik.

[Rooke-Design]

Still being worked on! Just moving slowly unfortunately. Waiting on some final parts to be approved before sending protos to streamers, finalizing dates and announcing editions and pricing!

Not heard any update on this lovely thing for a while, is it still something that's being worked on?

[HappyB0T]

Been liking the updates on the IC regardless of their velocity. Keep it up

[Rooke-Design]

Haha, appreciate it. Generally not the biggest fan of Geekhack, personally, so I don't often check it out. GB is coming March 31, and I will be posting the GB thread in the next day or so - with more frequent replies!

Been liking the updates on the IC regardless of their velocity. Keep it up

[thegnu]

Great looking board, this is basically my favorite layout.

There isn't anything I would change, so I can't really give any comment.

Except I hope you will offer some interesting colors.
Nothing wrong with black, white, silver, navy or PC. But I like when a board has at least 1 or 2 more unusual colors.
Like a nice shade of light green, lilac or teal could be fun for example.

especially for a polycarb top, having a loud bottom like yellow would be pretty cool

[shendoo]

This looks absolutely gorgeous!! I was wondering ; will that lilac plate be on sale (the first one shown in the general section which seem like a rusty alu with lilac). I absolutely need that !!!

[max.clacks]

This looks absolutely gorgeous!! I was wondering ; will that lilac plate be on sale (the first one shown in the general section which seem like a rusty alu with lilac). I absolutely need that !!!

Look at the GB thread https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=116726.0