geekhack
geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: NZcaps on Sat, 22 July 2023, 12:30:56
-
We are happy to announce our Crypt Macro Pad is in the final design stages.
Today we are doing a final Interest Check to gather some feedback on some final decisions.
The Form
https://www.nzcaps.com/crypt-macro-pad-ic (https://www.nzcaps.com/crypt-macro-pad-ic)
Discord
https://discord.gg/s7v8VND7 (https://discord.gg/s7v8VND7)
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aa5dd225ffd2038888cc2c1/167a9fc3-3ae1-424e-8ef2-c54727790256/P1240064.jpg?format=1500w)
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aa5dd225ffd2038888cc2c1/1690036993442-XNKPLQFK2C4MIJ22N99O/P1240059.jpg?format=1500w)
The Details
4 key macro pad
PCB designed by Yiancar
Via Compatible
Hot Swappable Switches
USB C
RGB underglow (Not used with this case design)
Millied aluminum base plate
Sculpted cast urethane case
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aa5dd225ffd2038888cc2c1/1690037002223-2TZRW6DVCUIUWKQ7IJ42/P1240084.jpg?format=1500w)
The Concept
The starting point for this project was to explore how we could use our skills a artisan keycap makers and apply them to making keyboards.
We want to bring together the passion for collecting artisan keycaps and keyboard cases. The idea for this project is to release alternative cases in the future that will be fully compatible with this base plate and PCB. The new cases will be available to purchase seperately.
We wanted to create a really tidy macro pad base that would allow us to have complete creative freedom when it came to designing the case. With the help of Yiancar we have designed the four key macro pad and a milled aluminium base plate. This gives the keyboard a nice sturdy and rigid feel.
Next comes the case. We decided to revisit an old favourite of ours, the Crypt series for the first case . The digital sculpting and 3d printing used to make the master moulds for this project have helped us to achieve some incredible details. The exciting part of sculpting an entire keyboard case was the amount of space it allowed us to work with. We have filled every millimeter of this case with jaw dropping details!
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aa5dd225ffd2038888cc2c1/1690036993442-XNKPLQFK2C4MIJ22N99O/P1240059.jpg?format=1500w)
The Process
Each case is hand cast by us in our workshop. We use a urethane plastic that is extremely tough and rigid, its perfect for this kind of application. We have cast brass hardware into the urethane, this allows the base plate and PCB to be attached using M3 machine screws.
Each case is then hand painted and sealed to insure a hard wearing finish.
The boards will arrive fully assembled and ready to use out of the box.
The Plan
We have received the first 100 PCBS and Base Plates.
Our first Group Buy is going to run next weekend. This will have 100 spots for early bird purchasers .
These Early Bird keyboards will be shipped in September.
The remainder of the keyboards will ship in November.
-
Discord Channel
https://discord.gg/s7v8VND7 (https://discord.gg/s7v8VND7)
-
Ohhh this is nice. Is there a chance for a frosted crystal skull?
-
Yes that would be sick. One of the big ideas for this project is to make the cases interchangeable. A frosted crystal skull would be a great idea for a future drop.
-
Last Day of the Intereset Check today.
Thanks for the brilliant response.
The 100 early bird spots have been claimed but if you are interested please fill out the form incase people drop out.
lWe will be launching the GB tomorrow so stay tunned!
-
Have the early birders been notified?
Never mind - found it!
:D