[IC] CA66 Custom Keyboard Round 2 (follow lastest quote for updates!)

[befbef]

How is ALF doing their white cases (for example the dc60 currently in the gb)? That would be really nice.

Or the matte silver version of ca66: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=93542.msg2549102#msg2549102

[roymt76]

If one only wants to get the BT PCB, would a plate be included? It was mentioned the plate would be improved to allow better wireless BT transmission.

Bumping this question since I've joined the previous round.

As a Graphic designer. I prefer one keyboard with Ctrl,shift,alt in the left hand and full arrow in the right hand
I love this keyboard but the blocker made me think too much
https://imgur.com/a/upFduQA

Show Image

That's a 660 layout, it already exists. Leopold, Clueboard and KBDfans are simple sources.

yeah i know leopold, clueboard and KBDfans
But i like to have CA66 with this kind of layout :(

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Will the colors be different to the last gb?
How are the chances for white?

White anodization is impossible due to the white pigment being larger than the pores of aluminium

He probably means Microarc Oxidation, which is a different type of converting the top layer of aluminum to an oxide and is silver-white in color.  A fair number of recent group buys have used MAO for the "white" color finish.

How is ALF doing their white cases (for example the dc60 currently in the gb)? That would be really nice.

Or the matte silver version of ca66: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=93542.msg2549102#msg2549102

White color is always a pin in the ass. We don't know how ALF do it, but it surly needs a factory with high technique to achieve it.
We'll probably stick to the silver color of last round, and try to make it as white as possible.
New colors still pending, we have to make sure they are available.

[gregoryturtle]

Any date estimates on when this will become a group buy?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Any date estimates on when this will become a group buy?

Hi guys, it's been a while since last update.

We are close to setting options up, but colors options still pending right now.
They will be decided after we discuss with the factory.

Appreciate you guys for being so patient.

Here's the answer.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Sent a failed CA66 case to test white color first for Doppio by electrophoresis. What do you guys think?

[superiorgorg30]

Sent a failed CA66 case to test white color first for Doppio by electrophoresis. What do you guys think?
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

That white looks stunning. Super super clean


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[befbef]

What do you guys think?

I'm in!

[dr_unconscionable]

Probably would prefer something coloured, personally, but that white finish does look very nice!

[bcbishop]

Sent a failed CA66 case to test white color first for Doppio by electrophoresis. What do you guys think?

Very nice! Is that a glossy finish?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Sent a failed CA66 case to test white color first for Doppio by electrophoresis. What do you guys think?
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

That white looks stunning. Super super clean

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What do you guys think?

I'm in!

Probably would prefer something coloured, personally, but that white finish does look very nice!

Glad you guys liked it.

Sent a failed CA66 case to test white color first for Doppio by electrophoresis. What do you guys think?

Very nice! Is that a glossy finish?

Yes. I am thinking about to make it a matte surface, but need to discuss with the factory to see if it's available.

[mute]

Oh Man, I didn't know I wanted a white case.

[Haaaaaandrew]

Sent a failed CA66 case to test white color first for Doppio by electrophoresis. What do you guys think?
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Oh boy, I thought I wanted silver this time around, but this white case looks amazing!

[vonswoopington]

Oh yeah I'm in for the white one!

[Lyle88]

Sent a failed CA66 case to test white color first for Doppio by electrophoresis. What do you guys think?
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

What kind of material is used to coat the case with this technique? Ceramic, metal or polymer?

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[gregoryturtle]

Any date estimates on when this will become a group buy?

Hi guys, it's been a while since last update.

We are close to setting options up, but colors options still pending right now.
They will be decided after we discuss with the factory.

Appreciate you guys for being so patient.

Here's the answer.

Apologies, obviously I can't read! Thanks for the reply! Looking forward to it! And the white looks amazing as well!

[atk80]

I'm in too!

[opioid]

first time getting in for an IC, can't wait.

[Meowsaur]

Yes.
Just yes.

Been sold on the CA66 ever since I saw a photo of one rocking SA Cyan Dolch.

[ganymede]

I am definitely in when this is available. Very handsome.

[coffeeshopcoder]

Any ETA on when the GB will start ?

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[KoalaKaiser]

Please let this happen in September when I can buy in for all the things. 

[dr_unconscionable]

Very very interested but also hoping for September or so because there's a lot of stuff coming up in August already 

[ThomasTH]

I am in, love the white, the sooner the better!

[redjarojam]

I am in for brown. I need it!

[MeloDet]

Well I hadn't been planning to join this since I was in r1, but now I've gotta join for the alps supported pcb and plate. Can't wait!

[Rumblehotep]

Oh thank god this is still in IC, I still have time left to money

[sgtpopwell]

Sent a failed CA66 case to test white color first for Doppio by electrophoresis. What do you guys think?
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

looks fantastic, I want one!

[PlayKeyboardTW]

RGB leds section now raise a bit with a small daughter board. For avoiding light leaking that happened in past rounds.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

I'm in too!

first time getting in for an IC, can't wait.

Yes.
Just yes.

Been sold on the CA66 ever since I saw a photo of one rocking SA Cyan Dolch.

I am definitely in when this is available. Very handsome.

I am in, love the white, the sooner the better!

I am in for brown. I need it!

Oh thank god this is still in IC, I still have time left to money

Thanks for the love guys.

Any ETA on when the GB will start ?

No, until whole things are set up.

Please let this happen in September when I can buy in for all the things. 

There will be quite a period for joining. Don't worry.

Well I hadn't been planning to join this since I was in r1, but now I've gotta join for the alps supported pcb and plate. Can't wait!

We'll try to come up with some renders for modded plate and ALPS plate.

[Photoelectric]

Any word on Bright Dip Anodizing option, like some Korean boards use (such as those by LZ, Duck, etc.)?  Even if it costs extra?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Any word on Bright Dip Anodizing option, like some Korean boards use (such as those by LZ, Duck, etc.)?  Even if it costs extra?

Any reference pic for me to check what it really is?
Not sure if it's what I think after reading the description. 

[Photoelectric]

The bright dip is a pre-treatment before anodizing: a dip into a mixture of nitric + phosphoric acids to smooth out the sandblasted surface on the microscale, right before the actual anodizing bath.  The difference is that the finish becomes smoother to touch and glossier, more shimmery vs. original sandblasted finish anodized as is. 

For examples of bright dip anodizing, you can see LZ boards or Duck boards.  You can disregard the texture/grain--that's subject to sandblasting and can be fine or very textured. You can do bright dip on brushed finish too.

Duck Orion v2:




(image source: http://duck0113.tistory.com/category/ORION%20v2)


(image source: http://duck0113.tistory.com/category/SAVER)

LZ Iron

(image source: http://lzlife.tistory.com/313)

And look at the 4th picture of the gold here:  http://lzlife.tistory.com/316?category=621101

I think TX keyboards are also done with bright dip anodizing as well, based on the pictures of the older TX-84, TX-CP, etc.  Basically it so far it seems common with Korean keyboards.

etc.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

The bright dip is a pre-treatment before anodizing: a dip into a mixture of nitric + phosphoric acids to smooth out the sandblasted surface on the microscale, right before the actual anodizing bath.  The difference is that the finish becomes smoother to touch and glossier, more shimmery vs. original sandblasted finish anodized as is. 

For examples of bright dip anodizing, you can see LZ boards or Duck boards.  You can disregard the texture/grain--that's subject to sandblasting and can be fine or very textured. You can do bright dip on brushed finish too.

Duck Orion v2:

Show Image

Show Image

(image source: http://duck0113.tistory.com/category/ORION%20v2)

Show Image

(image source: http://duck0113.tistory.com/category/SAVER)

LZ Iron

Show Image

(image source: http://lzlife.tistory.com/313)

And look at the 4th picture of the gold here:  http://lzlife.tistory.com/316?category=621101

I think TX keyboards are also done with bright dip anodizing as well, based on the pictures of the older TX-84, TX-CP, etc.  Basically it so far it seems common with Korean keyboards.

etc.

Thanks for explanation. Actually we did consider doing this treatment before.

There's two points why we gave CA66 a matte surface finish:
1. CA66 has a retro look. It's not that suitable with glossy surface in our opinion.
2. We don't want the case to grab spotlight of keysets.

Surly everyone has it's own test. Just explaining why we had these conclusion.

We might can do bright dip finish for some orders, if there's not too many inquires.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Just want to ask.
Is it easy to find alps keycaps to use for CA66's layout?
We know it's cool to have alps as an opion, but wanting to clarify the availability and how many interests in it.

[parityb1t]

Just want to ask.
Is it easy to find alps keycaps to use for CA66's layout?
We know it's cool to have alps as an opion, but wanting to clarify the availability and how many interests in it.

I think its easy enough. Most keys are easy to find. Hardest probably 1.75u right shift.

Pmk sells some 1.75u, think one of the AEK boards have 1.75u. I also know a collaborator from Lunar is casting 1.75u so could buy extra maybe they will open up to bigger market.

Biggest selling point for me rn in this buy is Alps compatibility tbh 

[dondongler]

Just want to ask.
Is it easy to find alps keycaps to use for CA66's layout?
We know it's cool to have alps as an opion, but wanting to clarify the availability and how many interests in it.

I think its easy enough. Most keys are easy to find. Hardest probably 1.75u right shift.

Pmk sells some 1.75u, think one of the AEK boards have 1.75u. I also know a collaborator from Lunar is casting 1.75u so could buy extra maybe they will open up to bigger market.

Biggest selling point for me rn in this buy is Alps compatibility tbh 

Really stoked for the alps compatibility as well! Will probably buy an extra plate and PCB for an alps build. Sourcing a keyset does worry me a bit though. I have 2 aek sets I could use but I feel like the profile on the caps would have them 'float' out of the case towards the back.

[cijanzen]

No interest for alps from me but if it’s easy enough to support it then I’d say why not?

[Lormania]

I am also excited for the alps pcb. I don't have keycaps but they pop up on r/mm a fair amount. I wish I got in on those during the m0110 group buy

[Photoelectric]

We might can do bright dip finish for some orders, if there's not too many inquires.

That would be most excellent if it could be an optional selection!

[Rumblehotep]

I think I figured out why I like this so much, it's like a HHKB 1800.

[kokoon]

So is the white variant happening now? I was vaguely interested in this board but if there's that white option, it'll be my first 64% for sure.

[jrfhoutx]

Just want to ask.
Is it easy to find alps keycaps to use for CA66's layout?
We know it's cool to have alps as an opion, but wanting to clarify the availability and how many interests in it.

yeah, definitely interested in the alps option. there may not be a huge amount of alps caps options, but most alps fans are used to not having many keycap options.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Thanks for feedbacks guys.

The alps option will only be in Bluetooth PCB. If you guys are okay with the layout it provided, we'll stick to this pic below.

[parityb1t]

Thanks for feedbacks guys.

The alps option will only be in Bluetooth PCB. If you guys are okay with the layout it provided, we'll stick to this pic below.
(Attachment Link)

Looks good

as good as it can get without too much extra effort anyway 

[cijanzen]

I saw that the led strip is going to be raised up a bit higher from the pcb to prevent light bleeding. I wonder if a more frosted strip will be necessary on the case to prevent led hotspots and to keep a more gradient look.

[japanitrat]

Thanks for feedbacks guys.

The alps option will only be in Bluetooth PCB. If you guys are okay with the layout it provided, we'll stick to this pic below.
(Attachment Link)

Will there be a non-ALPS option? I'd like to solder on Holtites but the ALPS slots will make that rather difficult

[PlayKeyboardTW]

I saw that the led strip is going to be raised up a bit higher from the pcb to prevent light bleeding. I wonder if a more frosted strip will be necessary on the case to prevent led hotspots and to keep a more gradient look.

The part you were saying was already frosted.

Thanks for feedbacks guys.

The alps option will only be in Bluetooth PCB. If you guys are okay with the layout it provided, we'll stick to this pic below.
(Attachment Link)

Will there be a non-ALPS option? I'd like to solder on Holtites but the ALPS slots will make that rather difficult

No sorry. But the truth is that you can't mount PCB to top case unless you solder switches in it.

[cijanzen]

I saw that the led strip is going to be raised up a bit higher from the pcb to prevent light bleeding. I wonder if a more frosted strip will be necessary on the case to prevent led hotspots and to keep a more gradient look.

The part you were saying was already frosted.

Oh, I know that but I’m wondering if it’ll be made thicker to account for the fact that the leds will be closer to the surface and might cause led hotspots instead of a nice ambient light. Perhaps it’s negligible in terms of how much it’s raised. Have you tried one of the new pcbs in the case with the leds on? Does it look fine still?

[japanitrat]

I saw that the led strip is going to be raised up a bit higher from the pcb to prevent light bleeding. I wonder if a more frosted strip will be necessary on the case to prevent led hotspots and to keep a more gradient look.

The part you were saying was already frosted.

Thanks for feedbacks guys.

The alps option will only be in Bluetooth PCB. If you guys are okay with the layout it provided, we'll stick to this pic below.
(Attachment Link)

Will there be a non-ALPS option? I'd like to solder on Holtites but the ALPS slots will make that rather difficult

No sorry. But the truth is that you can't mount PCB to top case unless you solder switches in it.

I beg to differ

I have several top mounts with Holtites. Even though I can't swap switches without opening the case to support the PCB from below when putting new switches in, the Holtites will hold on to the switches enough to keep the PCB floating.