[IC] VIENDI 8L - Elegant. Southpaw 60. Knob | GB lives until Nov 14 2021

[NTN]

Groupbuy lives now until the end of [14 November 2021]
Groupbuy thread:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=115158.0

Hi mechanical keyboard enthusiasts,
Welcome to the first Interest check for VIENDI 8L – a custom mechanical keyboard kit.

Firstly, please take a look at this video, remember to turn on audio and fullscreen ;-)

I am working in the architectural field, using numpad a lot, but can not use it and my mouse at the same time with my right hand. This is the reason for the left numpad.
I am obsessed with minimalism and elegant yet practical. That is the reason for the layout, as less as possible without compromising with practical usage.
This is my first keyboard project, so the goal is to fulfill my passion, gaining trust of the community, not profit at all. That is why I offer an affordable price, yet it has to have something nice to worth what you pay for. Nice things are the showing-off brass plate, rotary encoder and sleek design.
*** Every design lines put in has been carefully considered in terms of aesthetic, functions, comfortable usage.
 
⚫ MAIN SPECIFICATIONS:
- Case size: W390mm x H116mm, front height: 20mm, made of CNC 6061 aluminium. 6* tilt angle.
- Sandwich mount.
- Exposed brass plate with surface treated to prevent tarnishing and oxidizing.
- PCB and Rotary Encoder can be fully programable by QMK via VIA Configurator.
- USB Type C port.
- 2 Colors: Dark gray (named Shadow), Silver (named Mist) and limited color options.
- Kit includes: Case, plate, PCB, screws, silicon bumpons. Under considering: includes the rotary encoder (EC11) and sound dampener foam.

⚫ Construction diagram:


⚫ Full features:


⚫ Layout supported:


⚫ Key ?/ issue:


⚫ Detail renderings:

More

⚫ Mixes with keycaps:

Credits: GMK Nines by Emir, GMK Phantom by briano1905, Gmk Samurai by RedSuns, GMK Wild by T.D Lemon 1900, GMK Oblivion by Oblotzky, JTK Suited Assassin by JTKeycaps.


Credits: GMK Modern Dolch Light by janglad, GMK Sandstorm by Zambumon, GMK Sixes by Xynerorias, GMK Olivia by olivia.


Full renderings album

Please help me conclude some consideration to finalize the design and sign up the mailing list in this IC FORM
For now, I will try to answer anything posted here or this DISCORD SERVER or this REDDIT POST.
 
⚫ STATUS:
- Dealt with PCB designer, he has a lot of experiences on designing and mass pcb production.
- Dealt with CNC factory, anodizing factory.
- I will make the first prototype right after you guys help me conclude some big considerations on the IC Form. Refined and finalized all design details.
- Received v01 prototype. Please check photos below.
- Ordered prototype v02.
- PCB designing nearly finished.

⚫ PROTOTYPE V01: *Note: this is only raw CNC machined, not yet anodized.









⚫ SCHEDULE:

More

⚫ COLLABORATIONS:

More

- With JTKeycaps: buyers on Viendi 8L GB will have chance to buy both 8L and JTK Suited Assassin (SA) at discount price when 8L GB launches. Which means you only need to pay for both at that time, no need to pay now. And even if discount slots run out, you can still buy JTK SA at full price.
I am welcome and still looking for collaboration, please PM me or email to viendistudio@gmail.com

⚫ PRICE ESTIMATES:
Price range: 200$ - 300$ 388 usd excludes VAT and shipping fee.

⚫ QUANTITY:

More

To be determined. But will be limited for the first round, since I want to carefully control the quality and shipping schedule.

⚫ THANK YOU AND CREDITS:

More

Thank you friends around the world for paying attention, unconditional helping and advising, making me realize some unseen difficulties and cost.
Special thanks to: VNMK community, JTKeycaps, Hoang Nguyen, Nguyen Thanh, Tom Kazansky, Truyen Nguyen, Chau Ngoc Hieu, u/Eroviaa, u/exdigguser147, remitairakawa.

This is a long journey to finally have the VIENDI 8L on your desk, fully function and shine. Let’s make this come true with me!

If you want to support this project, please consider putting this in your signature. Thank you!

Code: [Select]

[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107608.0][img width=400 height=100]https://i.imgur.com/TA4GDER.jpg[/img][/url]
From Saigon, Viet Nam, with love.
Sincerely,
Nguyen Truong Ngan - NTN.

[Dazon]

yes please!! im very interested

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[nu_types]

Neat board! I recognized this from the JTK Suited Assassin renders. Really digging the bezel design.

[KeebOnMe]

Looks great! I'm in the boat of adding one column to the board, but I understand where you are coming from.

Can't wait till the group buy!

[mahpsirhc]

I love how minimalistic the keyboard looks. The left-hand number pad rocks! I hope there is an US vendor because I am definitely interested. Is the bezel (plate) going to be gold no matter what or will there be options for different color combinations (based on material)? Also, go Vietnamese designers! This and Ori are awesome from Vietnam.

EDIT: I filled out the IC form - ignore my question above!

[buianhthang]

Great. Waiting for a board without numpad

[zoo]

The exposed plate accent is a nice feature.

Will the top case be flush around the knob like in the video? Or an option interchangeable with a switch like in the photo renders?

[NTN]

The exposed plate accent is a nice feature.

Will the top case be flush around the knob like in the video? Or an option interchangeable with a switch like in the photo renders?

Show Image

The top frame is fixed for the knob, normal switch is not supported.

[Nyeezy]

I’m in!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[KaosJ]

In 
Hopefully i don't miss it. 

[SxM Designs]

Looks beautiful. Are you considering EU vendors?

[jAngeles]

damn that looks great! very very interested

[NTN]

Looks beautiful. Are you considering EU vendors?

I am considering. I don't know what is the difference between choosing a vendor at my country that can ship worldwide and choosing multiple vendors at different regions like america, EU,...?

[thanhquang1988]

Sign me in 

[parablol]

Beautiful design

[quinnx]

Cannot wait to see the prototype!!!!

[d4vid4f]

Really loving this design.

Only suggestion is that I am against the mirrored numpad. I prefer the standard numpad layout while still being on the left.

Other than that, it is a great concept and I am excited to support this project.

Thanks,

[GaNeBaL]

any possibility of a 7u bottom row?

[SupportGG__]

a few questions about the knob.  Will you be able to push it as well (like a button)?  How smooth/tactile with the rotation be?

[NTN]

Really loving this design.

Only suggestion is that I am against the mirrored numpad. I prefer the standard numpad layout while still being on the left.

Other than that, it is a great concept and I am excited to support this project.

Thanks,

It is mentioned in the IC form, I would follow the most voted.

any possibility of a 7u bottom row?

Maybe no, 7u is not enough different to 6.25u for me. Supporting it leads to big cutting off the plate.

[neutralstate]

this looks absolutely stunning.

[thecyangiant]

Well that is a form factor I could really get behind.
Very nice, I'll be following this closely

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[xsaav]

How do I stay updated? Is there a mailing list?

[xEdifice]

Love the design and the numpad placement. Looks amazing.

[Oddstag]

At that price you definitely have my interest. Will be following closely.

[Shiro]

i will never use a numpad, but man what a clean board. Hope this goes well!

[ahsangah]

That exploded 3D animation gave me architecture school flashbacks. Looks awesome! Will be watching~ ^^

[NTN]

How do I stay updated? Is there a mailing list?

Fill in the IC form to sign up the mailling list or join Discord server for faster updates.

Really loving this design.

Only suggestion is that I am against the mirrored numpad. I prefer the standard numpad layout while still being on the left.

Other than that, it is a great concept and I am excited to support this project.

Thanks,

Thanks. I may support both. This issue is mentioned in the IC form, I would follow the most voted.

[hottrout]

Beautiful design but I would prefer right handed numpad.

[JSaintS]

I've only ever used right-handed numpad up until now, and honestly, when I saw the board I told myself "f*ck it, I'll switch to a left-handed one". It does make more sense imo than a right-handed numpad, just gives more room for the mouse to be moved.

[Key_Capt]

Looking real nice!

[eyeon]

It looks good, left numpad is a big plus as is the smaller form factor.  The big problem is the location of the "?" key that is a very commonly used key moving it is not really an option in my eyes.  The arrow keys on the other hand are completely unnecessary, a person can just as easily use arrows in the numpad section if they actually need them.  Ideal would be a standard 60% layout with the added left section.

[Lenux]

Good looking / elegant and classy 60% keyboard i love it.

Good luck !

[MdotMaxson]

I’d slob that knob

[chanceofthat]

Wow this looks incredible, I’d kill for just a 60% without the numpad. Hopefully in the future you might consider it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[-Jerry-]

This is absolutely beautiful and so up my street - I'm running a 60% with a macropad on the left with encoders on, so this would have all the features in one stunning piece!

[EMC Labs]

Hi, what is the approx. weight?

[GraffitiDecos]

It looks good, left numpad is a big plus as is the smaller form factor.  The big problem is the location of the "?" key that is a very commonly used key moving it is not really an option in my eyes.  The arrow keys on the other hand are completely unnecessary, a person can just as easily use arrows in the numpad section if they actually need them.  Ideal would be a standard 60% layout with the added left section.

The great thing about QMK is that you can remap.
Right shift, for me anyways, is almost never used, so in my eyes I would remap to "? /".
As a heavy excel user, I disagree with your NAV cluster statement. I would like to be able to enter data and navigate simultaneously without having to change layers. And further to that, I would probably remap the current "?" To tab to even further increase productivity. Everyone has their own use cases, so you can't generalize.
I for one will cop this board for the ergonomics and size factor.

Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk

[NTN]

a few questions about the knob.  Will you be able to push it as well (like a button)?  How smooth/tactile with the rotation be?

The component technical name is EC11. It can be rotated unlimited and continuously with tactile feeling (imaging it feels like a angle snap every 5 degrees), and can be clicked, you can map these 2 inputs freely.

Hi, what is the approx. weight?

Wait for my protoype.

Really loving this design.

Only suggestion is that I am against the mirrored numpad. I prefer the standard numpad layout while still being on the left.

Other than that, it is a great concept and I am excited to support this project.

Thanks,

We are working to support both standard and mirrored numpad

It looks good, left numpad is a big plus as is the smaller form factor.  The big problem is the location of the "?" key that is a very commonly used key moving it is not really an option in my eyes.  The arrow keys on the other hand are completely unnecessary, a person can just as easily use arrows in the numpad section if they actually need them.  Ideal would be a standard 60% layout with the added left section.

Same as below.

It looks good, left numpad is a big plus as is the smaller form factor.  The big problem is the location of the "?" key that is a very commonly used key moving it is not really an option in my eyes.  The arrow keys on the other hand are completely unnecessary, a person can just as easily use arrows in the numpad section if they actually need them.  Ideal would be a standard 60% layout with the added left section.

The great thing about QMK is that you can remap.
Right shift, for me anyways, is almost never used, so in my eyes I would remap to "? /".
As a heavy excel user, I disagree with your NAV cluster statement. I would like to be able to enter data and navigate simultaneously without having to change layers. And further to that, I would probably remap the current "?" To tab to even further increase productivity. Everyone has their own use cases, so you can't generalize.
I for one will cop this board for the ergonomics and size factor.

Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk

This kit support both initial layout in the rendering and ANSI standard.

[SxM Designs]

Looks beautiful. Are you considering EU vendors?

I am considering. For now I don't what is the different between choosing a vendor at my country that can ship worldwide and choosing multiple vendors at different regions like america, EU,...?

Its mainly about the absurd taxes and hassle Eu buyers go through. Although a vendor charges taxes, the hassle is eliminated. On the other hand sometimes a vendor abroad would undervalue the package as well. But thats a rare occasion!
Vendors in EU mainly make sure we can get the stuff without much hassle!Thats about it tbh.

[nguyenhimself]

EDIT: OK nevermind. I saw the question in the IC form.

This looks great. Love the brass "lip"
Any chance of split spacebar support? Something like this should work for your PCB's layout:

[nguyenhimself]

<Duplicate post. Sorry.>

[klexoslethal]

I've been waiting for this board since I first saw the renders on Reddit, I'm so excited for this!!

[aiwa501]

Yeah.  Absolutely love this layout.  Good luck.

[Hyphen]

This is gorgeous! Best of luck. I'll keep an eye out for this. If I have room in the budget when the international GB comes around, I'm definitely in!

[justinhigley]

Love a good southpaw numpad. On the question of the bottom right of the board I prefer the layout below.

[NTN]

Yeah.  Absolutely love this layout.  Good luck.

I've been waiting for this board since I first saw the renders on Reddit, I'm so excited for this!!

This is gorgeous! Best of luck. I'll keep an eye out for this. If I have room in the budget when the international GB comes around, I'm definitely in!

Thanks all

Love a good southpaw numpad. On the question of the bottom right of the board I prefer the layout below.

(Attachment Link)

Good news: this kit supports that.

[justinhigley]

Good news: this kit supports that.

Awesome! I'm in.

[toumatakeshi]

Can I just say that this baby is the sexiest (no joke) thing I've seen all month?
Fantastic job and fantastic price. I'm in (if I can get in).

[ideus]

Joining, maybe, depending on actual pricing.


Note: I´d like to support your project but the banner is not working - Check my signature.

[The.Ryan.Gamer]

This might be the only southpaw numpad i'll get.... Until i saw that it does not have arrow key blocker 

[GraffitiDecos]

This might be the only southpaw numpad i'll get.... Until i saw that it does not have arrow key blocker 

https://pimpmykeyboard.com/switch-blocker-pack-of-10/

Problem solved!

Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk

[NTN]

Joining, maybe, depending on actual pricing.


Note: I´d like to support your project but the banner is not working - Check my signature.

I just double checked. Can you check again? Thank you by the way.

Can I just say that this baby is the sexiest (no joke) thing I've seen all month?
Fantastic job and fantastic price. I'm in (if I can get in).

Thank you!

This might be the only southpaw numpad i'll get.... Until i saw that it does not have arrow key blocker 

https://pimpmykeyboard.com/switch-blocker-pack-of-10/

Problem solved!

Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk

Oh I don't even know this is available.

[ideus]

The banner works! Yey!

[ideus]

The banner works! Yey!


Is the main render 6u space bar? I'd love to get one like it. But it is not represented in the layout diagram.

[NTN]

concluded layout support standard 6.25u spacebar

[KaosJ]

Looks beautiful. Are you considering EU vendors?

I am considering. For now I don't what is the different between choosing a vendor at my country that can ship worldwide and choosing multiple vendors at different regions like america, EU,...?

Totally agree, it's just too much easier for EU fellas to buy with a proxy (also cheaper)

[3yatt]

Man I wish there were more colors. This board his great!

[NTN]

Looks beautiful. Are you considering EU vendors?

I am considering. For now I don't what is the different between choosing a vendor at my country that can ship worldwide and choosing multiple vendors at different regions like america, EU,...?

Totally agree, it's just too much easier for EU fellas to buy with a proxy (also cheaper)

What is best EU vendor in your opinion?

Man I wish there were more colors. This board his great!

For now, I can not offer many colors for the first batch because of the limited quantity (I want to control the quality and shipping schedule). Support me on the first batch, surely more dope colors will come ;-)

[thecyangiant]

Honestly, I really think the two colors offered (and the variants) are very classy and suit the board well.  I am very excited and hope to get my hands on this (heh).

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[KaosJ]

Looks beautiful. Are you considering EU vendors?

I am considering. For now I don't what is the different between choosing a vendor at my country that can ship worldwide and choosing multiple vendors at different regions like america, EU,...?

Totally agree, it's just too much easier for EU fellas to buy with a proxy (also cheaper)

What is best EU vendor in your opinion?

There are two mainly, mykeyboard and candykeys.
Mykeyboard is probably more popular but i wouldn't say there is a best one. They are both ok

[marineking]

this looks really good. I'm in for sure. the price is appealing.

[Mattacanton]

Count me in!

[kwerty]

Very nice!

[hiddensong]

Maybe add some angle somehow? Too far in design? Add some footses! I need some sort of an angle just for looks if nothing else.

[Hesi]

I'm def. in on this!

[Nonnegaard]

I've never tried southpaw because I fear my muscle memory from my right hand would make my left hand feel sluggish, but this is far to beautiful to pass on. Worst case scenario, it'll make for a nice macropad, I suppose Also, having vendors in different regions will be better, as they will take care of import and such.

[NTN]

I've never tried southpaw because I fear my muscle memory from my right hand would make my left hand feel sluggish, but this is far to beautiful to pass on. Worst case scenario, it'll make for a nice macropad, I suppose Also, having vendors in different regions will be better, as they will take care of import and such.

Thanks. Futher info is that with left numpad will not be for numbers input only, imagine to keymap the Caps lock as Fn, your left hand can do unlimited inputs, and free your right hand for the mouse.

I'm def. in on this!

Thanks

Maybe add some angle somehow? Too far in design? Add some footses! I need some sort of an angle just for looks if nothing else.

You mean more angle? Actually I adjusted the design. Now the feet and the bottom case is in 1 single block, tilting angle changed into 6 degree. Just wait for my official updates.

[TeacherGeek]

No Tsangan Layout?

[Xonuss]

Can't decide which I like the most, white or black, but either way, it looks amazing and I need it!

[hobbes72]

This looks great, count me in!

[tinypies]

Love it! I'm interested!

[tkgamer62]

Interested will keep an eye on this

[champagnepaki]

Yup, I will buy this.

[Surefoot]

I like it, nice southpaw with a different and classy design. I'm in.

[AlcoholEnthusiast]

Not a fan of the layout personally, but the design language is fantastic.

[zoo]

Any changes to the “biggest challenge”? Are you considering an alternative payment method that won’t hold the funds for manufacturing?

[FootFingers]

definitely interested

[NateDaBear]

Watching this with hopes that this becomes a reality and that I happen to be on time to get in on the GB. Looks absolutely amazing.

[Kookiekurls]

I love the design, and as a former architect major in college I Stan. But, just so confused why the most common 60% layout is not supported.

[douggie]

Love the design!

I was wondering - and maybe a stupid question - but what is the difference between the normal GB and the international GB?

[NTN]

[qu

Watching this with hopes that this becomes a reality and that I happen to be on time to get in on the GB. Looks absolutely amazing.

Thank you.

I love the design, and as a former architect major in college I Stan. But, just so confused why the most common 60% layout is not supported.

The common 60% is supported. I will update the official supported layout.

Any changes to the “biggest challenge”? Are you considering an alternative payment method that won’t hold the funds for manufacturing?

Yes correct.

Love the design!

I was wondering - and maybe a stupid question - but what is the difference between the normal GB and the international GB?

No any question is stupid at all bro. The first GB will be in limited quantity and colors. The international GB will have bigger quantity and more colors available as well as collaborations.

[alecks29]

I'm in

[KaosJ]

Any idea on when the INTL gb?

[K-Capist]

Count me in +1

[NTN]

12 OCTOBER 2020 BIG UPDATES:

- Finalized and refined all detail design:
+ Tilt angle changed from 5 degrees into 6 degrees.
+ Bottom case and feet now in one single monolithic piece.
+ Plate is carefully designed to reduce the stiffness of sandwich mounting.

- Kit will include 2 sound dampening foams: plate – PCB and PCB – bottom case.
- PCB designing nearly finished. PCB and Rotary Encoder can be fully programable by QMK via VIA Configurator.
- Received v01 prototype. Please check pictures below.
- Ordered prototype v02.

PROTOTYPE V01 PICTURES: *NOTE: just raw CNC machined, not yet be anodized.













Thank you for still be patient on this project.
Hope you all stay strong and safe!

[StrangPrisoner]

Looking good! I'm liking all the changes. Can't  wait for GB.

[sneekypoo]

Very interested. Form filled!

[fooddoof]

Protos look great!

[phxrbn]

waiting waiting...

[asciisii]

nice proto

[Techichi]

Has a final decision been made about the mirrored number pad? Sorry I missed this in the comments.

[dtywill]

Silver and brass, GMK civilizations, Ghost Silent linears. That’s my new build right there!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[hottrout]

I don't need this, I am not left handed, I have lots of boards.  I must have this.

[mellowcake]

reserved!

[Cubic // esc lab]

Nice video :thumbs up:

[NTN]

Has a final decision been made about the mirrored number pad? Sorry I missed this in the comments.

Yes. The kit support both standard numpad and mirrored numpad. Please check supported layout in the 1st post more detail.

I don't need this, I am not left handed, I have lots of boards.  I must have this.

Thanks. The mindset for this layout is to let you use the numpad without having to release your mouse on right hand, not only for left-handed.
Edit: just check your signature. I see you have quite a warehouse of custom keyboards O.O

[Techichi]

Has a final decision been made about the mirrored number pad? Sorry I missed this in the comments.

Yes. The kit support both standard numpad and mirrored numpad. Please check supported layout in the 1st post more detail.

Excellent! I'm definitely in.

[hottrout]

I will retrain my brain and learn to love this layout.  I am in.

[NTN]

waiting waiting...

Thank you for the signature!

I will retrain my brain and learn to love this layout.  I am in.

Thank you bro!

[noctoornal]

I love it!
As a left-handed person this would perfectly fit my perfect keyboard although If I could suggest a black-based accent plate? (maybe an fr4 plate)

[Diggidy]

Are you going to make different colored plates? As personal preference I really don't love the look of brass - the silver SS weight you have in a few of the renders would be sweet

[SirKhamenman]

It looks so beautiful. Definitely watching this thread. Any idea when the GB will start?

[Digmo]

very interesting designe!

[SolidmetalAce]

looks awesome, have there been any updates since?

[Ireris]

Is the PCB hotswappable

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[frostykoala]

this still going on?

[CyCo]

Any updates?

[the_dark_dark_1]

Any updates?

this still going on?

Join the discord for updates.

[Xury46]

This is so elegant, I love it.

[mgh112]

Whats the point of starting these threads if "join the discord for updates" is gonna be the standard response?  Not everyone wants to join another platform

[hottrout]

Whats the point of starting these threads if "join the discord for updates" is gonna be the standard response?  Not everyone wants to join another platform

I agree, forums like this one helped create the hobby we enjoy.

[GraffitiDecos]

Any updates?

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWuvOKlhKyhCdS40ZP0_J6gbA4JHjll4b6fTp6Rpo-ofG05Q/viewform

Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk

[UGunaLOSE]

Looks lovely. Best of luck with getting this out!

[Rumblethumps]

I'm hoping for a version with no numpad, but honestly it wouldn't make much of a difference for me whether it's there or not, and the left-handed placement makes it stand out, so I'm down either way!

I'm curious if it'll be hot swappable/have a hot swappable option, but honestly this looks so clean that I'd be down with learning how to solder just for this board, lol

[GraffitiDecos]

You have some users on geekhack, some on Reddit, international buyers on other platforms. It get tedious I would imagine as a runner to have to update everywhere all the time. Discord is fast and flexible. And this will probay get updates at some point.
The runners are from Vietnam, not sure what platform they use most there.

Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk

[Timception]

Whats the point of starting these threads if "join the discord for updates" is gonna be the standard response?  Not everyone wants to join another platform

I agree, forums like this one helped create the hobby we enjoy.

yep, just unwatched, seems like a low effort to talk to potential people with interest.

[MrBingo]

pretty cool 

[blondie]

I am interested, but I am not interested in communicating via Discord. Please provide an update here.

[Galdom]

I am interested, but I am not interested in communicating via Discord. Please provide an update here.

https://viendi.co/

[blondie]

Thanks for the link. I tried to buy it, but the link to proxy doesn't do anything.

[GraffitiDecos]

Thanks for the link. I tried to buy it, but the link to proxy doesn't do anything.

That's because the GB isn't live. Pandemic is slowing things down..last official update was that his city was in lockdown and he couldn't go to register his business.

Sent from my SM-G991W using Tapatalk

[HappyB0T]

Nice to see something a little different! Looks fantastic

[NTN]

Thank you all that paying interest in this project.
The main reason I did not update for a long time on this thread is that I did not know the exact date of launching GB. I am afraid to kill your hype of the board.
Now, it has been more than a year of development. I am so happy to announce the official GB launch date:
22 October 2021 until the end of 7 November 2021

But firstly, I want to show you the tiers of prototypes we went through. Detail GB information in the next post.
Prototype V01 - September 06 2020
This time we were looking for local CNC factory in Viet Nam, the milling process is good but turned out the anodizing partner was not good to meet our expectation.
What showing below are raw CNC case, not yet anodize.


Prototype V02 - December 12 2020
This time we sought high quality CNC service from China. It was quite hard. But we did it.
The anodizing quality was stunning. We decided to stick with the China factory but there was still improvement to be made.

Prototype V02 - Shadow colorway




Prototype V02 - Mist colorway




Here is the anodizing surface in comparison with iPad pro, the left is 8L in Shadow colorway:


In this prototype tier, we also add many details to the design. Classy product is all about detail, isn't it?
Take a closer look, you can see the outer edge of the plate is a 1mm milled radius fillet, which has never been done on any other board before.
The brass plate does not actually touch the top case, which gives the appearance that the top case is floating above the plate.


Prototype V03 - June 10 2021
This time we refined internal design, added colowar Nero, which is black aluminium anodizing case with black nickel plated plate.
Improved the surface treatment of the plate, looks more like mirror, giving luxury feeling.
Did all studio photoshoot. Finish the website https://VIENDI.CO
The result is kinda nice:

Prototype V03 - Nero colorway





Prototype V03 - Shadow colorway




Prototype V03 - Mist colorway




All three colorway

[NTN]

Here is the build stream of the final prototype, Nero colorway
by Long Tran, an active member of my local community.

Long typing session:

***Please note: there will a review from a decent youtube chanel, will post before the launching.

Groupbuy launchs on [22 October 2021] until the end of [7 November 2021]

★ Group buy detail:
- FCFS. Maximum purchase per entry: 2 base kits.
- Extra and accessories: unlimited.

★ Price, quantity and vendors:
- Price: from 388 usd excluded VAT and local shipping.
- Vendor:

- Detail price: announce later, before the GB launch.
 
★ Estimated Date of Delivery: Q2 2022

★ For the JTK Suited Assassin: we have 11 full sets including all kits in stock. Will be available for purchase separately after the 8L GB close (to ensure only valid for the 8L confirmed purchase).
Can be shipped right after if you accept high international shipping cost.
 
All detailed information regarding specifications, supported layout, colorways, extra and accessories,... please find at http://www.viendi.co/ or more frequent updates at our DISCORD SERVER.

Thank you for all the support and encouragement throughout the journey.
See you in 3 more weeks.
Sincerely,
NTN

[hottrout]

This is one very special keyboard and a highlight of this year so far.  Looking forward to this one.

[akingcool]

I was so close to joining this GB until I noticed the mess in the bottom right of the keyboard with the arrow keys and question mark location. Any reason why you didn't just use the 65% format? It would have allowed for proper arrow key location without moving the question mark keycap and also provided space for the delete and home/end keys.

That would have been the perfect layout then with the left numpad...

[NTN]

Why not 65% format? Because we want to make the layout as minimal as possible.
The PCB supports many of options on the arrow cluster, feel fee to choose your own.


Personally, I use this option for daily driver:
Everything is normal, just use Mod tap on the Right Shift: single tap for arrow up, hold with another key for Shift. For holding arrow input, double-tap Shift and hold.


In return, you have such a minimal layout yet being balance on the functions.

[akingcool]

What about the delete, home, end buttons? A numpad indicates this is a productivity keyboard and those are pretty important buttons? It would still be minimal as its only one extra column of keys

[blondie]

I have a Happy Hacking keyboard and there are legends on the side of the keys for all of the buttons on a normal TKL keyboard: delete, home, end, page up, page down, etc. So just hold an Fn key, and press one of those keys.

Actually this layout is better than the latest HHKB layout that I see. Here, we have room for an Fn key reachable by either pinky finger, necessary similar to having shift keys on either side, but HHKB got rid of the Fn key on the bottom left next to alt, so hitting functions on the right side of that keyboard requires a dexterous dance of the right hand.

[Surefoot]

What about the delete, home, end buttons? A numpad indicates this is a productivity keyboard and those are pretty important buttons? It would still be minimal as its only one extra column of keys

You can see the delete, home, end on the numpad section. Might need a layer (Fn key) or Num Lock.

[akingcool]

I know you can put home, end, etc on another layer but most keycaps don't have legends for another layer and if it did it would ruin the design anesthetic which this keyboard is going for. For a lot of people as well the 65% layout is more anesthetically pleasing with the arrow keys in their correct locations hence their popularity in GBs, too bad none of them have a numpad as well.

[Daim]

You also work in the Architectural field, I love to hear that! I almost wish you left in the function row on this one since I use it all too often to quickly turn on and off things in AutoCAD and other programs. I might just have to pick this up since I've been looking for a left handed numpad board. Might also skip out and wait to get a 75% and a separate numpad, I guess I have until the GB ends to decide! Love the look and the idea behind the board. Hope this goes well for you, cheers! And shoutout to all the Architects and aspiring Architects in the keyboard hobby!

[NTN]

What about the delete, home, end buttons? A numpad indicates this is a productivity keyboard and those are pretty important buttons? It would still be minimal as its only one extra column of keys

As the others explained, you can use layer for those key. It is like a trade-off I have to choose to have this compact layout.

[NTN]

Dear everyone,
There were problems with dealing with US and AU vendors at the very last minute before the launch. We were unable to find a solution for both parties.
Cannonkeys and DailyClack are not our vendors for the group buy.
Luckily, we found other vendors and had to push back the international GB launch day for 1 week. Local Viet Nam group buy still started on October 22.
We apologize for this inconvenience.
New vendor list:


New group buy date - already launched: October 29 to November 14 (Keebsforall.com ends on November 21)

[NTN]

This is one very special keyboard and a highlight of this year so far.  Looking forward to this one.

Thank you. We are happy to have you join the group buy.

[Luna]

Well, I couldn't decide on Mist or Shadow so I ordered both with Candykeys.
Ordered a set of SA Maestro for the Mist and GMK Samurai for the Shadow.

These will look gorgeous imo and I find the functionality great.
The "?" "problem" has only given me new ideas.

Time to sell some of my other boards!


@NTN 4 questions if I may:
- Does the keyboard support LEDs? No RGB of course, would put in a warm white on low brightness.
- Can I use Caps Lock as a function key both with and without it locking?
- Do you have a template for www.keyboard-layout-editor.com or some application we can use for editing?
  Something like the layout from your site below?
- Is the keyboard not listed in VIA yet?

[Luna]

This is what I would like to achieve, is that possible in the VIA software?

Configure right shift as:
- hold = shift
- tap = up arrow
- double tap hold = scrolling up arrow

Configure caps lock as:
- hold = function
- double tap = function lock


This would be the main layout:

[NTN]

Well, I couldn't decide on Mist or Shadow so I ordered both with Candykeys.
Ordered a set of SA Maestro for the Mist and GMK Samurai for the Shadow.

These will look gorgeous imo and I find the functionality great.
The "?" "problem" has only given me new ideas.

Time to sell some of my other boards!


@NTN 4 questions if I may:
- Does the keyboard support LEDs? No RGB of course, would put in a warm white on low brightness.
- Can I use Caps Lock as a function key both with and without it locking?
- Do you have a template for www.keyboard-layout-editor.com or some application we can use for editing?
  Something like the layout from your site below?
- Is the keyboard not listed in VIA yet?

Show Image

- Does the keyboard support LEDs? No RGB of course, would put in a warm white on low brightness.
> per-switches LED and RGB under-glowing LEDs is not supported.
- Can I use Caps Lock as a function key both with and without it locking?
> yes you can. It is one of the default supported features of QMK and actually it is in the default firmware that will be shipped with the PCB.
- Do you have a template for www.keyboard-layout-editor.com or some application we can use for editing?
  Something like the layout from your site below?
>Please check the attachment.
- Is the keyboard not listed in VIA yet?
> yes it is not listed yet. But works perfectly by importing the VIA json file.
- For your concern in the later post, it actually mostly matches our default firmware. Agree with you, this is one of the most balanced layouts in terms of aesthetics and functions.
Check this:

[Luna]

Thanks for this NTN!

[Luna]

Does anyone know of a 60% keyboard that support this specific layout?
Most boards/plates I find don't support the split 2 keys in thew right of the top row, 1 U on the bottom row, split shift/fn on the second row.




I'd love to buy one now to get used to the layout by the time the Viendi comes out.

[wt1155]

saw the review video by taekeyboards, looking good and GLWIC

[SmitH1y]

Loving the contrast of gold and black!

[CyCo]

Amazing stuff