Update: We will no longer be running a GB for the Prelude. (See below)Hi everyone,
Apologies for the lack of update in the past few weeks, things have been quite busy on our end and there have been a few major changes with our manufacturer during the holiday period. We wanted to wait and gauge how these developments unfold before making a decision and posting an update.
Unfortunately, we will no longer be running a GB for the Prelude. To everyone who was interested in the GB, I’m sorry; this was not the outcome we wanted.
The projected price of the Prelude was already quite expensive in comparison to other boards of its size; it was difficult for the manufacturer to produce the thick plates while simultaneously maintaining a standard for the machining and UV coating (to prevent oxidation) treatment. This plate drives the production cost of the whole board up by a considerable amount. As we weren’t looking to make a profit, we were running on extremely thin margins.
In 2019, our manufacturer announced drastic pricing changes. Their prices on keyboards increased significantly in January, and they expect another price increase in February. These price increases announced by the manufacturer makes it unfeasible for us to run a GB. We did consider the option of finding an alternative manufacturer, however this would mean that we would need to produce another prototype. We decided against playing ‘manufacturer roulette’ with the exact same design. It was better to move on and produce prototypes of the other projects that we currently have in the works.
For those of you who liked the Prelude, feel free to use its design! The intention of the IC was to share its design with everyone.
Although the GB could not happen, we’re grateful for all your feedback and comments. Thank you all so much.
I have worked jointly with my friend of more than a decade, SolidSnake from the Australian Mechanical Keyboard scene. The product of our synergy is the Prelude 40%. What originated as a passion project, our collaboration gained sufficient interest in the Australian Discord to consider releasing it to the greater community. As initially a solitary custom keyboard, there is no branding engraved on our board. It is not exclusively our board. We wish to share this keyboard with you, and for it to become unequivocally yours; just like how it once belonged to us.
AboutThe Prelude 40% is our interpretation of a keyboard where the aesthetic and functional designs blend seamlessly together. The thick, 5mm brass plate has become a staple of keyboard design in the past year - its higher density affords a special sturdiness and distinct consistency that usual, thinner plates do not offer.
Coalescing the thick plate into the mounting, acoustic design and visual profile of the Prelude has resulted in a very unique and satisfying package.
The philosophical notion of ‘a prelude to…. What?’ is one that fascinates us. Perhaps a prelude to the end game? For us, ‘preludes’ represent a form of abstractionism and transcendence beyond the conventional architecture. The freeform and improvisatory nature of a ‘prelude’ along with its concision and colourful individuality ushers the reflection of evocative, rhapsodic moods; utterances which seemed to falter on the edge of the inexpressible.
What else is our life but a series of preludes to that unknown Hymn, the first and solemn note of which is intoned by Death?
Photos
Taken at the 2018 Sydney mechanical keyboard meet up:
3D Model
Layout
Features- Grade 6063 aluminum alloy, anodised in offered colour of choice
- 40% compact form factor with compatibility for most standard/base kits. Does not require additional key caps from child and modifier kits
- 4.70mm thick brass plate, finished to a 120 grit bead blast with clear coat treatment
- Thick plate, high contact sandwich mounting design
- Angled base with built in 6 degrees typing incline
- Programmable PCB powered by QMK firmware - matte black solder mask with gold traces
- USB type C connector with support for C to C and C to A connections
- True high profile
- 18.50mm height at the front
Kit Includes- Anodised aluminum case top and bottom chassis
- 4.70mm thick brass plate
- Custom made PCB
- 16 x M3 screws (12 required, 4 spares)
- 6 Rubber feet (indents for 4, 2 spares)
Interest Check FormPlease fill out this interest check form to let us know if you are interested, or if you have any thoughts or feedback to provide.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1D8cUxZ6ot-20dGDRquyMZkpnoPfxIJVXTa7YUcizYwE/Group BuyIf there is enough interest in the Prelude, we will be running a group by from Australia.
We will likely have a limit of 50 kits produced in order to ensure a high level of quality control can be sustained. The purchasing will happen on a first come first serve basis. Edit: Due to the aforementioned reasons at the start of the thread, we will no longer be running a GB for the Prelude.
I will still be answering any questions so please, feel free to ask!
