[IC] Austin r2 (Compact Full Size) - HUGE UPDATES!

[driftingbunnies]

Rollout Update!

Hi everyone! Thank you for your interest and support for Austin R2. I’d like to provide an update for the schedule of what you can expect in the next few weeks.

For those who missed the stream, please check out the VOD for the changes between R1 and R2. https://www.twitch.tv/videos/608622670


Build streams

Next week, we will have streamers 0siris from MechsOnDeck building a prototype on Tuesday (5/5), ~8PM CT on twitch. Be sure to check out the first build at https://www.twitch.tv/mechsondeck.

On Friday of that week, we’ll also be having Quakemz from TopClack build the second prototype on Friday (5/8) on twitch as long as he receives the board on time. Check him out at https://www.twitch.tv/topclack

I’ll try to be available during these streams but I can’t promise I’ll be around the entire stream. If you have any questions about the board, feel free to ask in the beginning or drop by the discord. https://discord.gg/X6XhE6B


Polycarb Austin Auction

To celebrate the start of R2, I will be auctioning a 1 of 1 production polycarbonate Austin based on the R1 design. The google form will open up on the 9th and will close Monday morning (whenever I wake up) on the 11th. This polycarb case is the only one of its kind since it was based on the production files from R1 and not the prototype. The case and weight will be sold “as-is” since there are no extras to replace it. I have not taken apart the case in order to reduce the risk of stripping the threaded holes and will provide additional fasteners if you choose to replace them. Invoice will be sent via Square and payment will be required within 24 hours. If payment is not made, the case will go to the next highest bidder.

https://forms.gle/i64P2na5QHTE2K658






Round 2 details:

Base kit (includes brass plate, PCB, fasteners, bumpons) - $525
Extra PCB (Limit 2) - $60 (compatible with R1/R2)
Extra Plate (Limit 2) Polycarb or Carbon Fiber - $45 (Only compatible with R2)
Available colors: E-White, Charcoal Gray, Cabernet Red


US/CAN Buyers - US/CAN buyers will be able to purchase on https://www.driftmechanics.com. These orders will only be available for US/CAN buyers and products will be available at 10AM CT on May 16th. There will be 75 units, FCFS.

International Buyers - Anyone outside of the US will be able to purchase through ilumkb (https://www.ilumkb.com). A product page will be available the day before and a google form will be in the description. GB starts at 3PM SGT on May 16th. Hopefully this time should work for those in EU and Asia. There will be 75 units, FCFS.

For those who might not be able to join during the FCFS, there will be extras available after the GB units are delivered.

Due to the increase in the number of units for this round, the GB is expected to complete in 5-6 months. However, delays are always a possibility when it comes to GB. No cancellations for GB orders. Please read the Group buy/pre order terms and conditions.

Disclaimer on colors - Many of you have asked about the Charcoal gray. The chip that was provided to me doesn’t seem to match the prototype received by ilumkb so I will defer to his pictures for a more accurate color representation of the Charcoal gray. There is no guarantee that the production colors will be a 100% match to the prototype but should be very close. The manufacturer will generally match up to 90% of the pantone color and because anodization happens in batches, it is possible that not all grays or reds will turn out exactly the same. Please understand that there can be a lot of variances when it comes to which monitor you use to see the pictures or videos as well. The goal for the Charcoal gray is to be darker than the R1’s gray but not as dark as black.

For more information about the board, please check out https://driftmechanics.com/pages/austin-info











Note: Bumpons for the prototypes are just samples from the factory. I plan to use black bumpons.


Original Post:

Hey everyone! I wanted to post this IC so that people who aren't in my discord are able to fill out the IC form so that we can get a better idea of which colors and plate materials we should offer this time around. Round 2 will be very similar to round 1. The main difference will be the colors.

Please check out the GB thread and IC thread for more information about the keyboard.

IC Form

GB Thread
IC Thread

Austin Pictures

Layout



Specs:

• Full size numpad
• Full aluminum top and bottom case
• 5.5 6.5 degree slope
• Sandblasted raw brass weight
• PCB is QMK compatible
• USB C (centered)
• Top mounted

Colors: E-White, Charcoal Gray, Cabernet Red
Price: $525


Be sure to join our discord and follow us on instagram for more updates!
Discord
Instagram


Build streams

MechsOnDeck build stream

Iammeuru build stream

MrKeebs build stream

Driftingbunnies build stream

A great write up of the Austin Jshuf's Build log


3/11/20 - Prototypes have been ordered. I'm hoping to receive them by the end of April and get the GB started in May if everything moves according to plan. Once protos are received, I will stream a build and provide one to a streamer to build as well to make sure everything looks good before moving forward with the GB. I'm also in talks with an asian vendor to provide more spots for r2.

4/7/20 - Protoypes are currently being polished and will start the finishing process soon.  Probably a week or so left before they'll be shipped out

4/19/20 - Prototypes are finished. Should be shipped out to me today or tomorrow

4/29/20 - Prototypes have been received. Quick stream on Friday to highlight differences between R1 and R2. More details about the GB will be announced this weekend.

[noodleman]

definitely interested!  hopefully my wallet can cooperate!

[lac29]

Nice! Any updates to the the design, case, or pcb?

[mrpetrov]

Definitely in on r2, I stupidly missed r1. Thanks for running it so soon too mate.

[hkiri]

Count me in!

[driftingbunnies]

Nice! Any updates to the the design, case, or pcb?

The idea for a quick R2 is to keep the PCB compatible with R1 so we wouldn't have to re-proto everything. Case and design should be largely unchanged as well.

[bobdenard]

Is ISO an option?

[driftingbunnies]

Is ISO an option?

ISO compatibility is available on the PCB. However, last round only 1 person who purchased the board planned to use ISO so I sent them the plate file. If you choose ISO, you will have to get your own plate produced because I don't anticipate enough demand to get ISO plates made.

[Capsy]

Yes.

[hkiri]

Is ISO an option?

ISO compatibility is available on the PCB. However, last round only 1 person who purchased the board planned to use ISO so I sent them the plate file. If you choose ISO, you will have to get your own plate produced because I don't anticipate enough demand to get ISO plates made.

So, there is not a single chance to have an ISO plate option?
What would be the MOQ for an ISO plate to be produced?

[Capsy]

Is ISO an option?

ISO compatibility is available on the PCB. However, last round only 1 person who purchased the board planned to use ISO so I sent them the plate file. If you choose ISO, you will have to get your own plate produced because I don't anticipate enough demand to get ISO plates made.

So, there is not a single chance to have an ISO plate option?
What would be the MOQ for an ISO plate to be produced?

It was 10 in the previous round.

[Gondolindrim]

Is ISO an option?

ISO compatibility is available on the PCB. However, last round only 1 person who purchased the board planned to use ISO so I sent them the plate file. If you choose ISO, you will have to get your own plate produced because I don't anticipate enough demand to get ISO plates made.

So, there is not a single chance to have an ISO plate option?
What would be the MOQ for an ISO plate to be produced?

In the R1, we had some people complaining that originally there was no ISO support and we tried to argue it really is detrimental to the PCB integrity by adding so much holes and pads. It also sophisticates the building process.

Having a PCB full of holes, however, is not that big of a deal inasmuch as it does not change sound signature of the keyboard nor makes it more expensive. Hence we gave in and added ISO support on the PCB.

Plates however are a whole different story. Trifling with plate cuts is essentially removing material from the plate and that can significantly alter the sound profile of the keyboard for the worst. In some cases, the extra space around switces makes them wobblier, directly affecting keyboard feel and effectiveness as a high-end product. Plates are not meant to be multi-layout support (ask out there how many people like those universal plates) and, as you can see from the KLE, we kept them to a minimum. I had people ask me to add full-grid numpad support, mirrored numpad and whatnot.

In face of this, we decided to offer two plate options, an ANSI and an ISO, so that whichever layout you use the sound and feel are pristine. Then again, offering another plate means another laser cutting drawing that the fab has to do, more logistics, more possible defects.

Truth of the matter is ISO users are a minority in the hobby --- and that's fine, I'm not one to layout-shame anyone --- but from a feasibility standpoint that makes things so much harder. Just see the amount of ISO kits that are not being made in keysets, and how many keysets are removing ISO from base kits because it significantly makes kits more expensive. Bunnies said that he could offer ISO plates if 10 or more people wanted, and only one guy manifested interest, so plate files were sent.

I think that having that same approach for R2 would be nice --- if we get 10+ ISO users we can offer ISO plates down the road. It's up to Bunnies though.

[norb]

i've had a quick chat with driftingbunnies in the discord and he said that he would most likely send me or anyone who wants to build an ISO layout the plate files.
the plate should be easily done by laserboost which i personally don't have any experience with, but it looks pretty good.

[hkiri]

Is ISO an option?

ISO compatibility is available on the PCB. However, last round only 1 person who purchased the board planned to use ISO so I sent them the plate file. If you choose ISO, you will have to get your own plate produced because I don't anticipate enough demand to get ISO plates made.

So, there is not a single chance to have an ISO plate option?
What would be the MOQ for an ISO plate to be produced?

In the R1, we had some people complaining that originally there was no ISO support and we tried to argue it really is detrimental to the PCB integrity by adding so much holes and pads. It also sophisticates the building process.

Having a PCB full of holes, however, is not that big of a deal inasmuch as it does not change sound signature of the keyboard nor makes it more expensive. Hence we gave in and added ISO support on the PCB.

Plates however are a whole different story. Trifling with plate cuts is essentially removing material from the plate and that can significantly alter the sound profile of the keyboard for the worst. In some cases, the extra space around switces makes them wobblier, directly affecting keyboard feel and effectiveness as a high-end product. Plates are not meant to be multi-layout support (ask out there how many people like those universal plates) and, as you can see from the KLE, we kept them to a minimum. I had people ask me to add full-grid numpad support, mirrored numpad and whatnot.

In face of this, we decided to offer two plate options, an ANSI and an ISO, so that whichever layout you use the sound and feel are pristine. Then again, offering another plate means another laser cutting drawing that the fab has to do, more logistics, more possible defects.

Truth of the matter is ISO users are a minority in the hobby --- and that's fine, I'm not one to layout-shame anyone --- but from a feasibility standpoint that makes things so much harder. Just see the amount of ISO kits that are not being made in keysets, and how many keysets are removing ISO from base kits because it significantly makes kits more expensive. Bunnies said that he could offer ISO plates if 10 or more people wanted, and only one guy manifested interest, so plate files were sent.

I think that having that same approach for R2 would be nice --- if we get 10+ ISO users we can offer ISO plates down the road. It's up to Bunnies though.

I'm aware of the pro and cons of dedicated plates for specific layouts, no need for such a lengthy post.
I just wanted to know what the requirements are in R2 for the chance of an ISO plate.

i've had a quick chat with driftingbunnies in the discord and he said that he would most likely send me or anyone who wants to build an ISO layout the plate files.
the plate should be easily done by laserboost which i personally don't have any experience with, but it looks pretty good.

What a bummer.

[norb]

getting the plate file sounds pretty good to me tho', and makes it worth for me to try to grab one

[Gondolindrim]

Is ISO an option?

ISO compatibility is available on the PCB. However, last round only 1 person who purchased the board planned to use ISO so I sent them the plate file. If you choose ISO, you will have to get your own plate produced because I don't anticipate enough demand to get ISO plates made.

So, there is not a single chance to have an ISO plate option?
What would be the MOQ for an ISO plate to be produced?

In the R1, we had some people complaining that originally there was no ISO support and we tried to argue it really is detrimental to the PCB integrity by adding so much holes and pads. It also sophisticates the building process.

Having a PCB full of holes, however, is not that big of a deal inasmuch as it does not change sound signature of the keyboard nor makes it more expensive. Hence we gave in and added ISO support on the PCB.

Plates however are a whole different story. Trifling with plate cuts is essentially removing material from the plate and that can significantly alter the sound profile of the keyboard for the worst. In some cases, the extra space around switces makes them wobblier, directly affecting keyboard feel and effectiveness as a high-end product. Plates are not meant to be multi-layout support (ask out there how many people like those universal plates) and, as you can see from the KLE, we kept them to a minimum. I had people ask me to add full-grid numpad support, mirrored numpad and whatnot.

In face of this, we decided to offer two plate options, an ANSI and an ISO, so that whichever layout you use the sound and feel are pristine. Then again, offering another plate means another laser cutting drawing that the fab has to do, more logistics, more possible defects.

Truth of the matter is ISO users are a minority in the hobby --- and that's fine, I'm not one to layout-shame anyone --- but from a feasibility standpoint that makes things so much harder. Just see the amount of ISO kits that are not being made in keysets, and how many keysets are removing ISO from base kits because it significantly makes kits more expensive. Bunnies said that he could offer ISO plates if 10 or more people wanted, and only one guy manifested interest, so plate files were sent.

I think that having that same approach for R2 would be nice --- if we get 10+ ISO users we can offer ISO plates down the road. It's up to Bunnies though.

I'm aware of the pro and cons of dedicated plates for specific layouts, no need for such a lengthy post.
I just wanted to know what the requirements are in R2 for the chance of an ISO plate.

Austin was -- surprisingly -- a first board for a lot of people. You would think a newcomer would not spend 500 dollars in a high-end product made for experienced members, but you can't imagine how many PMs in Discord I got from people saying they bought an Austin, but they are first timers and don't have soldering irons so they want recommendations. So I try to make comprehensive responses, also for future reference. I think this makes our community healthier.

Second, I think that the multi-layout support question needs a thorough response because the last time around people thought we were "ditching ISO simply because it's easier for us and we can safely fill the spots with ANSI users", as if we were here to make a quick buck. We just want to deliver a nice product. I'm not saying that you particularly are accusing us of that, just reiterating we are not making it harder on ISO people because we are sadists, it's a technical design decision. As a brazilian I am also user of an endemic layout -- the ABNT --- and I know how bad it is not to have your preferred layout contemplated.

Third, as designers and GB runners we want to make our design and business decisions crystal clear, so as to make the process easier and safer for everyone and also to respect the consumers, the people who are paying for this. They are entitled to know what they are getting into and why it was made in this or that manner.

[lac29]

Thanks for the info. I'm sure if someone really wants ISO they can PM you for some custom order at an appropriate price for a one off.

[Kinesiologist]

Is the PCB solder or hotswap?

[Rexcramer]

Thanks for the info. I'm sure if someone really wants ISO they can PM you for some custom order at an appropriate price for a one off.

Would definitely be interested in ordering a fixed ISO plate together with the board even if it will cost more then the standard ANSI plates due to lower demand.
Maybe the ISO users can band together so it doesn't break the bank 

[Gondolindrim]

Is the PCB solder or hotswap?

Solderable. It's also open-source. Check the documentation https://gondolindrim.github.io/AcheronDocs/austin/intro.html and the GitHub page https://github.com/Gondolindrim/Austin

[hkiri]

Second, I think that the multi-layout support question needs a thorough response because the last time around people thought we were ditching ISO simply because it's easier for us and we can safely fill the spots with ANSI users, as if we were here to make a quick buck. We just want to deliver a nice product. I'm not saying that you particularly are accusing us of that, just reiterating we are not making it harder on ISO people because we are sadists, it's a technical design decision.

!?!?

Dude, chill. You are interpreting too much into a two sentence forum post.

[Gondolindrim]

Second, I think that the multi-layout support question needs a thorough response because the last time around people thought we were ditching ISO simply because it's easier for us and we can safely fill the spots with ANSI users, as if we were here to make a quick buck. We just want to deliver a nice product. I'm not saying that you particularly are accusing us of that, just reiterating we are not making it harder on ISO people because we are sadists, it's a technical design decision.

!?!?

Dude, chill. You are interpreting too much into a two sentence forum post.

Yeah I think I did. Sorry about that. I just don't want to have the same kind of reaction we had in the R1 GB post.

[hkiri]

Second, I think that the multi-layout support question needs a thorough response because the last time around people thought we were ditching ISO simply because it's easier for us and we can safely fill the spots with ANSI users, as if we were here to make a quick buck. We just want to deliver a nice product. I'm not saying that you particularly are accusing us of that, just reiterating we are not making it harder on ISO people because we are sadists, it's a technical design decision.

!?!?

Dude, chill. You are interpreting too much into a two sentence forum post.

Yeah I think I did. Sorry about that. I just don't want to have the same kind of reaction we had in the R1 GB post.

I don't know what happened exactly during R1, but probably understandable to try to diminish any false assumptions.

There are so many ICs/GBs for boards without any ISO-support at all (neither plate, nor pcb) and it's totally understandable. The ANSI community is so much bigger and a lot of EU people have adopted ANSI for easier access to basically everything regarding keyboards. Those GBs aren't meant for me and my preference of ISO - I'm fine with it. Everybody can run their projects how they please. Still I'll ask for the chance of ISO if I'm interested in a project. Doesn't hurt anybody (normally)

[Iksion]

Good news! New colours?

[honoka]

Declare your interest with the IC-form.
I filled it in and added that I'm an ISO-user and would like a plate made.
If people are more vocal in the forms its easier to gauge the interest.

Also, everyone interested in ISO plates. Make sure you want the brass ones

[roguesystem087]

i really hope the gb starts asap for this... what a dope board

[andymer]

Yes plssss

[Ajchauvet]

i really hope the gb starts asap for this... what a dope board

Yes plssss

Everyone please read the whole post. GB ended last year and all the boards + extras have already been shipped.

[Kinesiologist]

[/quote]


Everyone please read the whole post. GB ended last year and all the boards + extras have already been shipped.
[/quote]

This is the R2 though and this IC thread is posted just today.

[Ajchauvet]

This is the R2 though and this IC thread is posted just today.

My bad, that’s just on me. I thought it was odd that there was the link to the GB page with the most recent update for shipping being last thursday.

[Kinesiologist]

This is the R2 though and this IC thread is posted just today.

My bad, that’s just on me. I thought it was odd that there was the link to the GB page with the most recent update for shipping being last thursday.

yea no worries, we all slip occasionally

[Preußens Gloria]

How many slots will this round have?

[driftingbunnies]

How many slots will this round have?

The number hasn't been determined yet but I'm thinking around the same as last time. I'm planning to order more extras though in order to ensure higher QC for the GB participants so the total number of units will be higher for r2.

[NathanielGoodtimes]

Any chance of a hotswap option?

[roguesystem087]

How many slots will this round have?

The number hasn't been determined yet but I'm thinking around the same as last time. I'm planning to order more extras though in order to ensure higher QC for the GB participants so the total number of units will be higher for r2.

Out of curiosity, do you think the group buy will run like... in march or april? would u happen to have like a timeline plan for the r2?

[deathwalker113]

 FR4 plate or BOM plate for r2 ?

[vector88]

How will this group buy work? Is there some page where oneself can preorder one? I never bought keyboard in GB, but this looks amazing.

[AaronR]

Any chance of getting one in e-white?

[Moridin]

E-Yellow and/or grey, for Lunar!

[chits]

Can anyone educate me on the difference in appearance between anodized black and e-black?

[Zeelobby]

Can anyone educate me on the difference in appearance between anodized black and e-black?

E-coating is paint applied over the metal. Anodizing is modifying the the chemical structure of the surface to create a color. E-coating creates a smooth and glossy black. Anodization keeps the texture of the aluminum underneath and tends to be flatter. Here's an example image (e-coat on left).

[chits]

Can anyone educate me on the difference in appearance between anodized black and e-black?

E-coating is paint applied over the metal. Anodizing is modifying the the chemical structure of the surface to create a color. E-coating creates a smooth and glossy black. Anodization keeps the texture of the aluminum underneath and tends to be flatter. Here's an example image (e-coat on left).

Thanks. Seems like e coat is analogous to a clear coat while anodized appears more like a primer.
IC form filled out. Hope this round goes smooth!

[Gondolindrim]

Any chance of getting one in e-white?

The IC did show e-White is a champion color. It has a big change of making it into the GB

[Gondolindrim]

E-Yellow and/or grey, for Lunar!

(Attachment Link)

Gray was an R1 color and is probably going into R2 GB too.

[Gondolindrim]

Any chance of a hotswap option?

Unfortunately there are no current plans for a hotwswap PCB at this moment

[Zeelobby]

Any chance of a hotswap option?

Unfortunately there are no current plans for a hotwswap PCB at this moment

Will it fit mill max? That's good enough for me.

[driftingbunnies]

FR4 plate or BOM plate for r2 ?

Probably not. I like to keep it down to 1-2 choices.

How many slots will this round have?

The number hasn't been determined yet but I'm thinking around the same as last time. I'm planning to order more extras though in order to ensure higher QC for the GB participants so the total number of units will be higher for r2.

Out of curiosity, do you think the group buy will run like... in march or april? would u happen to have like a timeline plan for the r2?

I will want to get a few prototypes with the new colors to make sure everything is good before going into GB. This will depend on how quickly China can get back into full production.

How will this group buy work? Is there some page where oneself can preorder one? I never bought keyboard in GB, but this looks amazing.

There will most likely be a google form that you fill out and I will send out an invoice to you through Square.

[Gondolindrim]

Any chance of a hotswap option?

Unfortunately there are no current plans for a hotwswap PCB at this moment

Will it fit mill max? That's good enough for me.

Yes, the switch footprints do fit millmax sockets.

[rmendis]

Looking forward to this GB. Nice design and layout.

[newgen90]

Very interested in this board. Can't wait for it to reach GB stage. My only change request would be for an option for 3 keys to the right of the spacebar instead of 2.

[Gondolindrim]

Very interested in this board. Can't wait for it to reach GB stage. My only change request would be for an option for 3 keys to the right of the spacebar instead of 2.

Final word is bunnies', but I'm pretty sure we are not looking into adding or removing layout options right now

[hottrout]

I missed out on R1 but I think that I will not miss out this time, hopefully.  Looking forward to the start of this GB.

[ddrfraser1]

Didn't see it on the IC form but I would want gold or rose gold

[DALExSNAIL]

Team olive or dark dark army green checking in 

I doubt it's popular enough though tbh, so I was hoping for a raw option to have Cerakoted at a local place if this ends up not being a choice 

Recently came into some job responsibilities that require a numpad so this is perfect!

[Fuzon]

A few questions. Would it be possible to have no logo on the brass weight or maybe substitute Austin with the same triangle from the front?

Second i haven't used a board lower than  7 degrees how much more different is this?

Its a beautiful board for sure, while i can't tell if the acoustics are up with the best of them, i can appreciate a nice full size layout without the space.

[Shikada]

Will it be FCFS or random raffle? Asking because FCFS kinda nonsense at unholy times is a hard no for me

[driftingbunnies]

A few questions. Would it be possible to have no logo on the brass weight or maybe substitute Austin with the same triangle from the front?

Second i haven't used a board lower than  7 degrees how much more different is this?

Its a beautiful board for sure, while i can't tell if the acoustics are up with the best of them, i can appreciate a nice full size layout without the space.

If I were to remove the logo from the brass weight for one person, I would have to do it for everyone. I'd like to keep down the number of variations as possible to keep QC high. Once you have your keyboard on your desk, I promise you won't notice the Austin on the weight.

5.5 vs 7 degrees is a 1.5 degree difference. There is a difference but it depends on how you type. I find 5.5 pretty comfortable but you can ask people in the discord how they like it.

Team olive or dark dark army green checking in 

I doubt it's popular enough though tbh, so I was hoping for a raw option to have Cerakoted at a local place if this ends up not being a choice 

Recently came into some job responsibilities that require a numpad so this is perfect!

I'll have to ask my manufacturer but if I offer a raw option, that takes away a colored option for others.

Will it be FCFS or random raffle? Asking because FCFS kinda nonsense at unholy times is a hard no for me

For the GB, I plan to do FCFS again. It was set to 9AM CST last time which should be fairly reasonable for most people in the world except for hawaii. I did the random raffle for extras but I think it unfairly favors those who stumble upon the board vs those who have been waiting for it for a long time.

[cnbrauns30]

Please let me in on this R2! Hoping for e-white

[cnbrauns30]

Speaking of FCFS, will you have more total available boards to sell this time around?
Thanks

[PheonixStarr]

austin r2 when

[Gondolindrim]

austin r2 when

Austin R2 when

[godofdeath]

I need this if I take up the accounting jobs

[lazyfart]

Quick question, what is a CF plate?

[J3ff_Leopard]

Quick question, what is a CF plate?

Carbon Fiber

[Gondolindrim]

Quick question, what is a CF plate?

Carbon Fiber

Child free

[depletedvespene]

Quick question, what is a CF plate?

Carbon Fiber

Child free

Compact Flash

[absit]

I chose to pass the first time around. I'm going to have a really hard time maintaining that discipline a second time...

Sent from my H8314 using Tapatalk

[driftingbunnies]

Quick update - Protos have been paid for. I'm hoping to receive them by the end of April if there are no delays. I've decided to order an E-white one and Red one.

Currently the E-White, Black, and Gray are the most popular colors so I'll offer E-white and dark gray in order to split the difference between Black and Gray. I'll order color chips for the Gray, a blue gray, and light purple. Based on how those turn out, I'll announce the third color to go with E-white and Gray.

If everything goes smoothly, we can probably start the GB sometime in May.

[godofdeath]

Are there pics of the dark gray?

[driftingbunnies]

Are there pics of the dark gray?

Nope, should get a chip of it once the prototypes arrive.

[Jupark]

Missed r1 and was bummed out as Austin was End game material for me. Definitely will be waiting with my eyes peeled this time.

Also, super interested in seeing the “blue gray” option to see if it’d go with the KAT Atlantis I just joined..

Best of luck, and thanks for running another run!

[justin-]

Very interested in picking one up. Hope there will be more available boards.

Thanks for running this! 

[ITjanitor]

Just checking in here...  Looks like R2 going to be announced soon?

[J3ff_Leopard]

Just checking in here...  Looks like R2 going to be announced soon?

Quick update - Protos have been paid for. I'm hoping to receive them by the end of April if there are no delays....If everything goes smoothly, we can probably start the GB sometime in May.

Fifth comment above yours, summarized.

[ITjanitor]

My bad...  Missed it completely...

[Spiftacu1ar]

Really want an orange case, but that might be a pipe dream

[amarotea]

Beyond interested. Hope everything works out—looking forward to May

[toxic_munkii]

Absolutely gorgeous board DB. Counting the days until GB 

[fantasyrunner]

I am so in for a R2!!! Been wanting this board for so long, was so sad I missed the initial GB. Would love anything Oynx Black for me!

[datAintFalc0]

this is so dope - filled out the IC form a while back, still excited

[Whale_algorithm]

In. Would anyone be willing to offer assembly service for this (for a fee of course)?

[thornkin]

Lots of people out there who will build it for you. Check out Apiary Keyboards.

[jkychan00]

looking forward to this drop. missed r1 

[MechKeys122]

Would it be possible to add the option to turn the LEDs under Caps, Scroll and Num into either indicator lights or regular backlights? I think the KBD8X MKII for example has physical switches on the pcb for changing those LEDs between indicator or backlight mode. I know there are indicator lights in that triangle area as well.

I had some other questions about the board as well. For the backlight LEDs, is it just all lights on or all lights off? Can brightness or anything else be controlled? Is there enough room in the case to fit some sound dampening foam under the pcb if i wanted to? Like some sorbothane maybe?

[driftingbunnies]

Would it be possible to add the option to turn the LEDs under Caps, Scroll and Num into either indicator lights or regular backlights? I think the KBD8X MKII for example has physical switches on the pcb for changing those LEDs between indicator or backlight mode. I know there are indicator lights in that triangle area as well.

I had some other questions about the board as well. For the backlight LEDs, is it just all lights on or all lights off? Can brightness or anything else be controlled? Is there enough room in the case to fit some sound dampening foam under the pcb if i wanted to? Like some sorbothane maybe?

We don't have a switch to change Caps, Scroll, and Num to be indicator or backlights. I believe they're currently just on the backlight pin and I'm not sure if QMK is able to pick out that key for the indicators. Out of all the boards out there, I think I've seen one person actually install backlights on the PCB. All backlight modes will based on what QMK can do. R2 will have less space between the PCB and the bottom piece but there is always space, just depends on how thick of a foam you want to use.

[tekneeqz]

interested in these !

[whykayallday]

Never cared for full size until this. So in.

Will Polycarb be an option?

[driftingbunnies]

Never cared for full size until this. So in.

Will Polycarb be an option?

Polycarb will not be available for R2. We're looking into it for future rounds...


Side note - I plan to do a short stream on Friday to highlight the differences between R1 and R2. More details about the GB and rollout plan will be announced this weekend!

[Whale_algorithm]

Are we allowed to sign up for 2 or is there a limit of 1 per customer?

[driftingbunnies]

Are we allowed to sign up for 2 or is there a limit of 1 per customer?

It will be limit 1 per order.

[silverstreakz]

International Buyers - Anyone outside of the US will be able to purchase through ilumkb (https://www.ilumkb.com). A product page will be available the day before and a google form will be in the description. GB starts at 3PM SGT on May 16th. Hopefully this time should work for those in EU and Asia. There will be 75 units, FCFS. For those who miss out on the US

I'm a little confused by the last sentence. 3PM SGT on May 16th is actually earlier than 10am CT on May 16th (the US/CAN gb date and time). So how are those who miss out on the US gb getting onboard the international gb? Or am I converting times incorrectly?

Also, are international folks permitted to join the US/CAN gb, just as how US/CAN folks can participate in the international gb?

[driftingbunnies]

International Buyers - Anyone outside of the US will be able to purchase through ilumkb (https://www.ilumkb.com). A product page will be available the day before and a google form will be in the description. GB starts at 3PM SGT on May 16th. Hopefully this time should work for those in EU and Asia. There will be 75 units, FCFS. For those who miss out on the US

I'm a little confused by the last sentence. 3PM SGT on May 16th is actually earlier than 10am CT on May 16th (the US/CAN gb date and time). So how are those who miss out on the US gb getting onboard the international gb? Or am I converting times incorrectly?

Also, are international folks permitted to join the US/CAN gb, just as how US/CAN folks can participate in the international gb?

Haha woops, you're right. That is earlier than the US one. International folks won't be able to join mine because I will be disabling any international shipping. I can't stop US people from entering the international one but hopefully the early time will deter them.

I've taken away that part of the sentence on the OP.

[mrpetrov]

looking fabulous mate, the cabernet red is stunning!

[Rejeckted]

Stalking this. Need a full size custom, and this be it

[Fuzon]

will the bump on only come in white? They really stand out on the red.. a subtle black or color match would be a nice option

[driftingbunnies]

will the bump on only come in white? They really stand out on the red.. a subtle black or color match would be a nice option

The bumpon for the prototypes are just a sample from the plastic company. I was planning on using black ones.

[Radium]

Does the PCB support Bluetooth bro?

[driftingbunnies]

Does the PCB support Bluetooth bro?

It does not, sorry.

[Radium]

Does the PCB support Bluetooth bro?

It does not, sorry.

Thank you a lot. It is sad to hear this

[Whale_algorithm]

Sorry if this is a dumb question. What all stabs are required for the second layout with three keys on the bottom left? I’m guessing 6x2u and 1x6.25. Thanks

[driftingbunnies]

Sorry if this is a dumb question. What all stabs are required for the second layout with three keys on the bottom left? I’m guessing 6x2u and 1x6.25. Thanks

Yes, that's correct

[driftingbunnies]

GB Thread is up!

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=106139.0