【IC】IKKI68 - A 68 key compact keyboard kit -[GB Opened-Prototypes UPdated]

[Ckeeb]

Hi,

Edited On June 3.
Edited on June 16th: Due to delay of Twilight (blue gold) prototype, we extend GB to 21th, June.

GB form is live at https://forms.gle/3sxS1GMGJNDd6HZp8
Prototype Albums: https://imgur.com/a/wC0SdnA
Type Test:

Official website: https://www.ikki68.com/

GH GB thread at https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=106771.0

GB Opens: June 3, 2020 - June 18, 2020


This is Ckeeb team, after running GB for Artisan keycaps and palm rests in the community for a while, we can finally bring up an IC for our keyboard kit after a long-time preparation. It’s a kit we work together with WUQUE Studio.

Introducing IKKI68 from WUQUE Studio...
The studio has been working several months on this kit for continuous improvement, from the first version to the finalization, it has experienced countless small revisions, 11 finalization versions. And now we are very closed to GB and would love to share it with the community.
In Saint Seiya, IKKI becomes stronger after each fire rebirth, so with this belief, we named the latest product IKKI68 coz it becomes stronger and stronger after so much adjustments![/size]

Images: https://imgur.com/a/aptLTzK












Pure white version, black gold verison and more will be added to this album in hours :https://imgur.com/a/wC0SdnA

Factory videos:
https://i.imgur.com/cvYQsnp.mp4
https://i.imgur.com/DJduWRT.mp4
https://i.imgur.com/kvjOvJZ.mp4
Factory Videos UPdated on May 25th: https://imgur.com/a/aptLTzK

This kit has 2 versions. Please check details below:

IKKI68 Kit
Hotswap QMK Wired Mode, no backlighting
No Bluetooth support
Estimated price US$269 (Not including 4.5% paypal fee)

IKKI68 PRO Kit
Bluetooth wired and Bluetooth mode, RGB.
No QMK support but a software
Estimated price US$289 (Not including 4.5% paypal fee)

1. USB supports up to 1000HZ polling rate, supports C to C interface
2. Both USB and Bluetooth modes support N-key rollover
3. Can run on Win, Android, Linux, MAC and other operating systems
4. Flash memory backlight mode. Every switch light can be controlled: brightness increases and decrease, speed.
5. Bluetooth 5.0, OTA upgraded
6. All keys programmable (need to operate and set under WIN system with our software, not QMK)
7. Can wake up PC/Mac in sleep mode [Tested, when restarting a Mac, you can use it to enter password instead of using MacBook’s own keyboard]
8. Connects up to 5 Bluetooth devices

Other Spec:
Case color: Coronation (Platinum - e-white + gold color), Rebirth (Pink Purple), Seclusion (Fog Blue), Stars (Blue Gold), Forest (Green Orange)
Case material: anodized aluminum (except for the platinum color version, it's upper case is electrophoresis white)
Plate material: carbon fiber
Plate color: carbon fiber black
Brass weight: add US$12 with the kit
Nameplate material: aluminum
Construction: TFM
Number of keys: 68 keys
Angle: 6.5 °

Highlights: Laser micro-hole LOGO on the front, with RGB light shining out, it just looks like a normal metal piece when the light is off, and turns to a bright light after the light is on.

The kit includes:
Case, PCB (for soldered switches), plate, battery (2300mAH, only available for PRO version), necessary screws, additional tools, etc.

Additional Typewriter Case
How to use: you can put IKKI68 pro in it, insert iPad there to type.
Material: Aluminum alloy
Color: silver gray
Estimated price US$190 (Not including 4.5% paypal fee)

Shipping fee: TBD, will contact you before shipping.

When to start GB: in 1-2 weeks.
Estimated delivery: Middle August to Early Sep. 2020

To stay with our regular update:
Please fill in our IC form at https://forms.gle/j2M5LF7Rh1wEJ2zf8

To discuss with us about the kit:
Join our discord server at https://discord.gg/HYhmjac

Feel free to comment here too!
Thank you!

[fcoury]

Really like this. My ask would be to offer the wireless PCB as an add-on for people like myself who wants both.

[Ckeeb]

Really like this. My ask would be to offer the wireless PCB as an add-on for people like myself who wants both.

There is a wireless version too

[Kinesiologist]

Does the PCB have ESD protection and can we buy extra PCB for backup?

[SxM Designs]

hotswap?

[Ckeeb]

Does the PCB have ESD protection and can we buy extra PCB for backup?

will let you know this later

[CrazyAssMonkey]

woah you got me with the Ikki reference. this looks real neat! 

[huey]

I'm concerned that the bluetooth PCB might have connectivity issues if the entire case is solid aluminum. Is there something I'm missing in here?

[Ckeeb]

I'm concerned that the bluetooth PCB might have connectivity issues if the entire case is solid aluminum. Is there something I'm missing in here?

Hmm, will discuss with the team and let you know more details!

[noorejji]

ISO support?

[Tree_]

At this price point it would be an instant cop for me if the case was badgeless.

I could also do without the "since 2020" tagline on the back.

[marshskitow]

ISO support?

I feel it's not.

[Ckeeb]

ISO support?

Hi, only supports the layout in this image https://i.imgur.com/VTLtySr.jpg

[Ckeeb]

ISO support?

I feel it's not.

not...

[mudcakehoney]

An all aluminium case will have issues with BT, if you provide a PC version for the BT then that should fix is. Also please consider the battery size and placement in the case if you haven't already. A cutout or enough clearance between the pcb and case is essential.Apart from that I am very interested

[Ckeeb]

Does the PCB have ESD protection and can we buy extra PCB for backup?

will let you know this later

YES for both!

[Ckeeb]

I'm concerned that the bluetooth PCB might have connectivity issues if the entire case is solid aluminum. Is there something I'm missing in here?

Hmm, will discuss with the team and let you know more details!

We have tested this, and will share video soon. Please feel free to join our discord for regular update!

[CrazyAssMonkey]

I'm concerned that the bluetooth PCB might have connectivity issues if the entire case is solid aluminum. Is there something I'm missing in here?

Hmm, will discuss with the team and let you know more details!

We have tested this, and will share video soon. Please feel free to join our discord for regular update!

woah that's fast. Nice

[SxM Designs]

I like the design except for the logo above the right arrow key. Can it be placed somewhere else?

[Ckeeb]

I like the design except for the logo above the right arrow key. Can it be placed somewhere else?

I am afraid not....

[Abdullah]

that lead time

[Ckeeb]

I'm concerned that the bluetooth PCB might have connectivity issues if the entire case is solid aluminum. Is there something I'm missing in here?

Hmm, will discuss with the team and let you know more details!

We have tested this, and will share video soon. Please feel free to join our discord for regular update!

woah that's fast. Nice

Yup, did this in the past prototyp tests, waiting for sample to come next week!

[Ckeeb]

that lead time

Any questions?

[PixelOps]

I think QMK or VIA is a must for some people, sofware support is meh (in my opinion), maybe if it were supported by QMK or VIA will be a super interesting keyboad considering price and functions.

[beekey]

Nice design, but way too much branding. Would remove all of them on the top and on the back, keep the logo on the weight. Would look much cleaner.

[Seoulcialite]

Nice design, but way too much branding. Would remove all of them on the top and on the back, keep the logo on the weight. Would look much cleaner.

Same! I pretty much wrote that in the IC form. Take out back and side engravings. Pick either the badge or logo on the nav area. Both of them there looks too busy.

[bobaboy]

I like the design except for the logo above the right arrow key. Can it be placed somewhere else?

I am afraid not....

That's a shame. Was going to buy 3 of these but I won't because of the Phoenix badge thing.

[the_onlyhope]

Logo without the badge would be great! I am really praying for strong BT connectivity. Can there be some DEMO for this? PC case would be great as well because it will be lighter and easier to carry around!

[Ckeeb]

I think QMK or VIA is a must for some people, sofware support is meh (in my opinion), maybe if it were supported by QMK or VIA will be a super interesting keyboad considering price and functions.

Sure noted this down for the team!

[Ckeeb]

I like the design except for the logo above the right arrow key. Can it be placed somewhere else?

we are very likely to take it away. Please feel free to sign up or join our discord for the update.

[Ckeeb]

woah you got me with the Ikki reference. this looks real neat! 

lol thank you!

[Ckeeb]

At this price point it would be an instant cop for me if the case was badgeless.

I could also do without the "since 2020" tagline on the back.

Hey, we are having a vote for the name badge at discord. Feel free to join at https://discord.gg/HYhmjac

[Hua.wuque]

It seems that many people don't like badges and need hot plug. We will consider these

[IBMweMissU]

Any chance the PCB will support split backspace / stepped caps?
Also, what are the options for CapsLock LED in the BT software?

[Ckeeb]

Any chance the PCB will support split backspace / stepped caps?
Also, what are the options for CapsLock LED in the BT software?

Hi, thank you or dropping by, we will confirm you later.

[Ckeeb]

Any chance the PCB will support split backspace / stepped caps?
Also, what are the options for CapsLock LED in the BT software?

Any chance the PCB will support split backspace / stepped caps?   -- Yes, it supports.
what are the options for CapsLock LED in the BT software?  -- There LED light will be locked like normal keyboard, do you mean this?

[SxM Designs]

any chance for a hotswap version and without the logos in the  top ?

[lz2019]

it would be great if there can be different color choices for that gold badge above the arrows, or a blank badge, or no badge

Update: sorry just noticed in discord the badge has changed to be optional, great.

[IBMweMissU]

Any chance the PCB will support split backspace / stepped caps?
Also, what are the options for CapsLock LED in the BT software?

Any chance the PCB will support split backspace / stepped caps?   -- Yes, it supports.
what are the options for CapsLock LED in the BT software?  -- There LED light will be locked like normal keyboard, do you mean this?

Great. My question about CapsLock was whether there was an LED, and what programming options there were e.g. colour, all LEDs ON when CapsLocked.

[Rizzelet]

Just curious - what is the height of the case at its front?

[shodid]

Interested in the standard kit.

[Ckeeb]

Just curious - what is the height of the case at its front?

21mm

[Ckeeb]

Interested in the standard kit.

Feel free to join our dicord discusstion, we are still discussing some changes

[Ckeeb]

it would be great if there can be different color choices for that gold badge above the arrows, or a blank badge, or no badge

Update: sorry just noticed in discord the badge has changed to be optional, great.

  thank you for following!

[Ckeeb]

Nice design, but way too much branding. Would remove all of them on the top and on the back, keep the logo on the weight. Would look much cleaner.

Name badge is optional now, other letters were taken away.

[Serious salamander]

Thanks so much for hotswap, I know it's not everyones cup of tea, but since I don't have any easy access to soldering, I love it.

[Ckeeb]

Thanks so much for hotswap, I know it's not everyones cup of tea, but since I don't have any easy access to soldering, I love it.

Most welcome. we made this adjustment after we ran a survey so you are one of the many people want it.

[Ckeeb]

any chance for a hotswap version and without the logos in the  top ?

We updated hotswap for IKKI68, and name badge is optional, you can choose to have it or not.

[Ckeeb]

Logo without the badge would be great! I am really praying for strong BT connectivity. Can there be some DEMO for this? PC case would be great as well because it will be lighter and easier to carry around!

We will share BT test video soon. Pls feel free to sign up or join our discord server for regular update.

[SxM Designs]

any chance for a hotswap version and without the logos in the  top ?

We updated hotswap for IKKI68, and name badge is optional, you can choose to have it or not.

So if there is no badge, it will just be empty space? any renders for this?

[Hua.wuque]

any chance for a hotswap version and without the logos in the  top ?

We updated hotswap for IKKI68, and name badge is optional, you can choose to have it or not.

So if there is no badge, it will just be empty space? any renders for this?

Yes, no badge. That place is blank

[Ckeeb]

any chance for a hotswap version and without the logos in the  top ?

We updated hotswap for IKKI68, and name badge is optional, you can choose to have it or not.

So if there is no badge, it will just be empty space? any renders for this?

will be empty, we will receive prototype next week, will update again. feel free to join our discord or sign up for 1st hand update.

[GreenUranium]

Looking forward to the GB

[reaLFX]

Not sure about the branding near the keys. Who are the proxies?

[Ckeeb]

Looking forward to the GB

After getting our prototypes next week

[Ckeeb]

Not sure about the branding near the keys. Who are the proxies?

Do you mean the name bages or the "W"? Name badge is optional, and the small w can be seen only when lights up. We are not using proxy.

[reaLFX]

The W.

[Ckeeb]

The W.

You can see it when turning on its light (not the backlight but lighting speacially for it). Will share video of it like next week

[Ckeeb]

Looking forward to the GB

After getting our prototypes next week

Polished cases today! Ready to color cases, finally! Facroty video at https://imgur.com/JlBOstR

[Ckeeb]

I like the design except for the logo above the right arrow key. Can it be placed somewhere else?

I am afraid not....

Edited: you can only see it when its light is on. You can turn off its light seperately.

[FZ]

The platinum in the coronation render looks more like gold than it does platinum.

I think e-white with gold would be awesome. What finish will the platinum in coronation look like? Will it be grayish-whitish-silver or will it be closer to gold?

[Ckeeb]

The platinum in the coronation render looks more like gold than it does platinum.

I think e-white with gold would be awesome. What finish will the platinum in coronation look like? Will it be grayish-whitish-silver or will it be closer to gold?

It's e white+ gold actually. Sorry for misleading. We will share prototype images and videos in a few days.

[Ckeeb]

any chance for a hotswap version and without the logos in the  top ?

We updated hotswap for IKKI68, and name badge is optional, you can choose to have it or not.

So if there is no badge, it will just be empty space? any renders for this?

will be empty, we will receive prototype next week, will update again. feel free to join our discord or sign up for 1st hand update.

Prototypes coming in 2-3 days

[Ckeeb]

any chance for a hotswap version and without the logos in the  top ?

We updated hotswap for IKKI68, and name badge is optional, you can choose to have it or not.

So if there is no badge, it will just be empty space? any renders for this?

will be empty, we will receive prototype next week, will update again. feel free to join our discord or sign up for 1st hand update.

Prototypes coming in 2-3 days

Polished bottom case see it at https://imgur.com/kvjOvJZ

[Ckeeb]

any chance for a hotswap version and without the logos in the  top ?

We updated hotswap for IKKI68, and name badge is optional, you can choose to have it or not.

So if there is no badge, it will just be empty space? any renders for this?

will be empty, we will receive prototype next week, will update again. feel free to join our discord or sign up for 1st hand update.

Prototypes coming in 2-3 days

Polished bottom case see it at https://imgur.com/kvjOvJZ

Latest prototype case for forest at https://i.imgur.com/fhazgRg.jpg
More prototypes coming in 2-3 days.

[Sabin]

any chance for a hotswap version and without the logos in the  top ?

We updated hotswap for IKKI68, and name badge is optional, you can choose to have it or not.

So if there is no badge, it will just be empty space? any renders for this?

will be empty, we will receive prototype next week, will update again. feel free to join our discord or sign up for 1st hand update.

Prototypes coming in 2-3 days

Polished bottom case see it at https://imgur.com/kvjOvJZ

Latest prototype case for forest at https://i.imgur.com/fhazgRg.jpg
More prototypes coming in 2-3 days.

I really like the design. I'll definitely want to get a hotswap wired version.
do you know the approximate weight of the keyboard? Is there any option for other plate material? Or just carbon fibre. Thanks

[Ckeeb]

any chance for a hotswap version and without the logos in the  top ?

We updated hotswap for IKKI68, and name badge is optional, you can choose to have it or not.

So if there is no badge, it will just be empty space? any renders for this?

You will see it from the green orange one.
Prototypes updated at https://imgur.com/a/wC0SdnA

[Ckeeb]

Looking forward to the GB

GB form is live at https://forms.gle/3sxS1GMGJNDd6HZp8
Prototype Albums: https://imgur.com/a/wC0SdnA
Type Test:

Official website: https://ikki68.com/

GH GB thread will update very soon.

[Hua.wuque]

It's finally finished. I'm looking forward to your approval

[Ckeeb]

Nice design, but way too much branding. Would remove all of them on the top and on the back, keep the logo on the weight. Would look much cleaner.

Name badge is optional now, other letters were taken away.

Check out the no name badge version from the Forest protptype in this albums https://imgur.com/a/wC0SdnA

[Ckeeb]

The platinum in the coronation render looks more like gold than it does platinum.

I think e-white with gold would be awesome. What finish will the platinum in coronation look like? Will it be grayish-whitish-silver or will it be closer to gold?

Video of Coronation already updated in our discord, feel free to check:)

[SirTimmyTimbit]

Where's the group buy thread?

[Ckeeb]

Where's the group buy thread?

Waiting for approval, hope the mod team approve very soon!

[Ckeeb]

I'm concerned that the bluetooth PCB might have connectivity issues if the entire case is solid aluminum. Is there something I'm missing in here?

Hmm, will discuss with the team and let you know more details!

Bluetooth test video at

[Ckeeb]

I'm concerned that the bluetooth PCB might have connectivity issues if the entire case is solid aluminum. Is there something I'm missing in here?

Hmm, will discuss with the team and let you know more details!

Bluetooth test video at

[it99]

does this support alps? i mean i could cnc a plate if necessary and use another pcb that fits if necessary but if i don't need to buy anything else that'd be great

[Ckeeb]

Recently we host a giveaway for the kit on reddit https://old.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/gzxhp9/giveaway_ikki68_a_top_mount_qmk_hot_swap_or/. Do not miss it

[Ckeeb]

does this support alps? i mean i could cnc a plate if necessary and use another pcb that fits if necessary but if i don't need to buy anything else that'd be great

I am afraid not.

[neutralstate]

how much would shipping to Singapore cost?

[Ckeeb]

how much would shipping to Singapore cost?

Usually a keyboard like 87% there is less than USD30, so I guess it will be more or less in Aug or Sep. for a 2 kg kit.

[Ckeeb]

any chance for a hotswap version and without the logos in the  top ?

We updated hotswap for IKKI68, and name badge is optional, you can choose to have it or not.

So if there is no badge, it will just be empty space? any renders for this?

We update the badge to a barcode name badge. Check latest one at https://ikki68.com/

[neutralstate]

how is the battery life like? it recharges when i connect it back to the computer?

[Ckeeb]

how is the battery life like? it recharges when i connect it back to the computer?

If you do not use backlit, it can last for about 3 months. You can plug in a type-c cable to recharge it.