Author Topic: [IC] Polaris - GB has begun  (Read 226299 times)

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Offline ai03

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[IC] Polaris - GB has begun
« on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:07:19 »
Polaris
by ai03 and Kevinplus

Gaskets. Seamless. 60%. $265 shipped.

Polaris official webpage
Discord for faster update notifications

Current status: GB begun @ KBDfans. Purchase here.
Latest photos here.



Offering a quality typing experience without the high price tag, Polaris redefines the expectations from custom keyboards.
With proper gasket plate mounting, flex-slotted 1.2mm thin PCB, sleek seamless aesthetic, and accessible pricing, experience a top-tier 60% keyboard for a mid-range price.



Features
  • Refined seamless aesthetic that borrows from KBD8X MKII, with a rear-extended weight for a premium look
  • Plate held in place by a total of 18 gaskets. No metal-to-metal contact between the plate and case
  • 1.2mm thick, flex-slotted PCB that extends the gasket comfort further
  • Two foam filler sheets that remove open space within the keyboard while suppressing vibrations



Options

Tops:
  • Regular/Full
  • HHKB
  • WKL

Case colors:
  • Black
  • Space gray
  • Blue grey
  • Burgundy red
  • Olive Forest green
  • Rose gold
  • Purple
  • E-White (Extra cost)
  • E-Yellow (Extra cost)
  • Polycarbonate (Extra cost)

Plate options:
  • Material: Brass, Polycarbonate, FR4
  • Layout: WKL or Universal
  • Style: Half or Full

Brass finish options:
  • Simple clear matte PVD
  • Matte black PVD


More Info
Once prototype is confirmed functional, the board will run through KBDfans as an unlimited quantity group buy.

The Polaris webpage includes more details, eyecandy, and a FAQ.
Please visit for more details.

Polaris official webpage

If you would like push notifications when there is progress, please join my Discord server and run the command ".iam Polaris" to receive direct updates whenever they happen.

Discord invite


Extra Eyecandy




















« Last Edit: Tue, 06 August 2019, 11:17:33 by ai03 »

Offline nickysan92

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:09:18 »
100% in for this.

Also, great price!

Offline cijanzen

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:10:12 »
You’re just on a roll!

Offline Puddsy

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:11:03 »
i am intrigued

awaiting proto
QFR | MJ2 TKL | "Bulgogiboard" (Keycon 104) | ctrl.alt x GON 60% | TGR Alice | Mira SE #29 | Mira SE #34 | Revo One | z | Keycult No. 1 | AIS65 | First CW87 prototype | Mech27v1 | Camp C225 | Duck Orion V1 | LZ CLS sxh | Geon Frog TKL | Hiney TKL One | Geon Glare TKL



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Offline finalarcadia

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:12:04 »
Buying. Who's selling it?

Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:12:50 »
Buying. Who's selling it?

KBDfans will be running the buy.

Offline mrpetrov

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:13:00 »
Yes pls!

- Precut foam
- Real gasket
- Rose gold case, plethora of other colors
- Classy weight design and foam
- Well under $300?!


Offline snelltrail

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:13:12 »
This is stunning, so excited for this!

Black PVD as an option would be nice, especially if the weight is going to extend out the back.

Offline trg1234

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:15:08 »
OOF

Offline HPE1000

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #9 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:16:01 »
This is crazy

Offline gabbbe

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:20:43 »
Nice!


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Offline bthezebra

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:21:35 »
That’s a really great price and great value


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Offline lolafineday

  • Posts: 314
Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #12 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:21:53 »
Oof this is soooo great! What is the plate thickness? Estimated weight?
Love the price and design, you could honestly sell this for 400 around it would still sell well...




Offline shinz0

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #13 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:24:34 »
oh yeah bb

Offline itsundone

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #14 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:29:08 »
itsundone threw money at the screen.... nothing happened

itsundone used harden.... its very effective




good luck with the project

Offline jaang

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #15 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:29:16 »
Loving this!

Offline Jinnnxxu

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #16 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:32:16 »
Nice one!
Ins: Jinnnxxu     Discord:Jinnnxxu#9644    
Exclusive: E8V1 | E7V1 x14 | E7-VX | E6V2 x1 | E6V2 PE x7 | E6.5 x9 | E7SE x3 | E8.5 x5
Matrix: 1.0RE | 1.2RE | Abel | Abel+ | Cain | 2.0 x8 | 2.2 x8 | Abel-x x4 | M6 x2 | 1.2OG x15 | Project F x2 | 2.0AD x15 | Noah x3 | Mr. Hat x3 | 2.0VK x1
Rama: M60-A x4 | M65-A x2 | M6-A 88edition | M6-B | KOYU x3 | M60-A SEQ2 X4 | M6-C x2 | U80 x5 | M10-C | M6-C | M60 LNY x2 | M60 Olivia x2 | M65-B x5
FOX: Leaf 80 x4 | Leaf 60 x4 | Key65 x5      TGR:Jane V2 | 910RE | Jane V2 CE x2     Percent: Canoe x3 | Maze x2 | Skog lite | Canoe FE x2
Others: Mira SE x2 | Jermini | C225 x2 | INETT Cross x2 | Kira 80 | Kira 60 | Zephyr 65 R2 | Space 65 x2 | Volcano 660 x3 | INETT Square80 x4 | INETT Square68 x6 | FMJ 80 x2 | Keycult No.2 x1 | Thermal x2

Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #17 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:32:43 »
Oof this is soooo great! What is the plate thickness? Estimated weight?
Love the price and design, you could honestly sell this for 400 around it would still sell well...

The plate thickness is typical 1.5mm. Projected weight is roughly 1.3kg, although it will vary depending on plate material, plate style, and top blockers.

Offline superdoedoe

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #18 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:34:13 »
Bruh Ai. Outdone yourself on this one!

Offline haingo1094

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #19 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:35:19 »
Do we have a chance for 5mm PC plate ?

Offline slxdegrees

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #20 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:36:17 »
wow a great looking board and concepts at a price that won't hurt the wallet too much? sign me up!

do you have a timeline of when this will be expected to run?

Offline ilouis_07

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #21 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:37:31 »
What a price $265 shipped!!!
This price is unbeatable, the designed is incredible! I’m in for one!


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Offline snelltrail

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #22 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:45:44 »
Will extra plates be available to purchase separately? Think I might want to be able to switch out between brass and polycarb :D

Offline lolafineday

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #23 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:47:12 »
Any chance for a 65% in the future?




Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #24 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:55:11 »
do you have a timeline of when this will be expected to run?

The prototype is currently in production; the GB will begin once that arrives and if it is confirmed functional.

Will extra plates be available to purchase separately? Think I might want to be able to switch out between brass and polycarb :D

Most likely yes.

Any chance for a 65% in the future?

Possibly, but it will likely be in the distant future, at least after Polaris ships. I also have a few other designs that I may run beforehand.

Offline lolafineday

  • Posts: 314
Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #25 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 20:59:13 »
do you have a timeline of when this will be expected to run?

The prototype is currently in production; the GB will begin once that arrives and if it is confirmed functional.

Will extra plates be available to purchase separately? Think I might want to be able to switch out between brass and polycarb :D

Most likely yes.

Any chance for a 65% in the future?

Possibly, but it will likely be in the distant future, at least after Polaris ships. I also have a few other designs that I may run beforehand.
Could you say what layouts? 60, 65, 75? Etc?




Offline thearctican

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #26 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:00:11 »
Interested but I want to get my Leaf60 first before deciding if I want to try something else.

Looks great and the price point is VERY attractive. I love the flow of the brass weight.

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Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #27 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:04:10 »
Could you say what layouts? 60, 65, 75? Etc?

I will say that I haven't designed any beyond the 60 at this point with the Polaris-style design.
I do have a 65 design in line, along with another 60. I don't have a 75.

Offline oldcat

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #28 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:06:22 »
Great design!!

In for one for sure, but do stick to a high standard for manufacturing from kbdfans.

I am really hoping for a premium board for this great design (even at a premium price), but if quality can be top-notch who doesn't want to save the $$$!

Offline gok_nz

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #29 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:07:31 »
Best value board for sure. Even without the insane pricing, it's very very nice.
Great job!

Offline click clack jack

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #30 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:30:25 »
So in its not even funny

Offline teh_pengers

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #31 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:34:37 »
Is there any concern with strain on the port since it looks like it'll have the same angle as the board versus parallel with the desk?

Looking awesome!

Offline callmenox

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #32 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:36:33 »
Think this'll be the one to pop my custom keyboard cherry. Looks amazing, and that price is hard to beat.

Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #33 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:37:46 »
Is there any concern with strain on the port since it looks like it'll have the same angle as the board versus parallel with the desk?

There should be no issues.

Offline Chimera

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #34 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:38:10 »
Wow. The pricing for what you get is excellent. I don't really like 60% boards but man, really tempted to grab one anyways.

Offline nickaster1

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #35 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:40:47 »
Will there be Alps support?

Offline Rogue_Jellybean

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #36 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:42:25 »
Is it going to be ~$30+ for a plate as well like the KBD8X buy, or is the $265 shipped including the plate?


Offline Sifo

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #37 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:42:50 »
such good colour variety but none that suits me :( gl man this looks promising.
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Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #38 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:53:32 »
Will there be Alps support?

Not stock; however, I plan to release the plate files and possibly some things related to PCB (Either source or dimensions), which should allow for aftermarket modding to add support.

Is it going to be ~$30+ for a plate as well like the KBD8X buy, or is the $265 shipped including the plate?

It is 265 including plate and all parts necessary to build the board. Extra plates will be an extra fee.

Offline CactusSpace

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #39 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:54:47 »
wew. sick pricing and design.
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Offline ywcsam

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #40 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 21:58:05 »
Love the design!! Any chance for it to support the 60% layout with arrow cluster?

Offline ai03

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #41 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 22:05:33 »
Love the design!! Any chance for it to support the 60% layout with arrow cluster?

Unfortunately no. Here are the supported layouts for the universal plates: (Also on the webpage):



The WKL plate options reduce compat to the following:


Offline Lormania

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #42 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 22:20:03 »
Yes please!

Offline SixtyLife

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #43 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 22:25:37 »
phenomenal design and price  :eek:
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Offline chive_

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #44 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 23:15:56 »
I am so ready for this, price and everything is solid. Only thing that could make it better would be hot-swap, but I understand why that's not possible.

Does anyone know if there's a way to make a PCB like this hot-swappable? Not exactly the most experienced solderer :D

Offline xondat

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #45 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 23:21:16 »
I am so ready for this, price and everything is solid. Only thing that could make it better would be hot-swap, but I understand why that's not possible.

Does anyone know if there's a way to make a PCB like this hot-swappable? Not exactly the most experienced solderer :D

You could install Holtites, which involves more intense soldering.

Honestly just practice on a cheaper board, solder MX switches is probably the easiest thing to do with the right settings and a decent iron/solder.

Offline victorpre

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #46 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 23:31:06 »
Just tell me when. Love it

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Offline PaultheSloth

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #47 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 23:31:32 »
Can't wait.
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Offline Justin_aka_OsP_SSJ4

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #48 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 23:33:43 »
Pretty amazing board.

I gotta say I am impressed by the level of engineering and design in this. Well done.

What material are the foam dampeners going to be made out of?
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Offline fireworm

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Re: [IC] Polaris - Gasket 60% for $265
« Reply #49 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 23:43:10 »
This doesn't support a standard universal 60% right? Because they are a little thicker than your pcb?

Could you design the pcb with alps-mx holes?