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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: h40 on Wed, 15 September 2021, 17:56:31

Title: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Wed, 15 September 2021, 17:56:31
hi. My name is h40 and I will be offering for in-stock purchase an Alice case I’ve named Amano that I have been working on. This is the second run, and it will include some design and material option changes from round one. The sale will go live 24/12/2022 at 9PM GMT.

Round 2 Production Pictures
(https://imgur.com/n9JQDvj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rXXNhIW.jpg)

Round 2 Prototype Pictures
(https://i.imgur.com/gcr7Z1X.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GgV7Hqh.jpg)



Round 1 Pictures
(https://i.imgur.com/mqGPnHY.jpg)
(https://imgur.com/6GRl8Gy.jpg)



xinxinwong Sound Test

[size]14pt]MechMerlin Sound Test[/size]

Carrying Case Demo Foam Demo


Features
  • Top mount
  • Stainless Steel or Brass Weight
  • Solderable RGB underglow PCB
  • Matching wrist wrest (Optional)
  • Protective Carrying case with Wrist Rest Support

Specification
  • 7 degree angle
  • Case colors: Flower, Citrus, Smoke, and Frost
  • Weight Materials: Brass, or Stainless Steel (Depending on case option)
  • Plate Material: Clear Ano Aluminum (Default). White POM available as extras.
  • Solderable RGB Underglow PCB (Mechlovin’ Adelais)

Options and Pricing
All cases will come with a clear ano included, an extra set of nylon screws, and a custom form fitting carrying case.

Flower ~$545 (~30x)
Top: Purple Alu
Bottom: Sandblasted PC
Weight: Brushed Stainless Steel
PCB: Pink

Citrus ~$525 (~30x)
Top: Orange Sandblasted PC
Bottom: Orange Sandblasted PC
Weight: Brushed Stainless Steel
PCB: Orange

Smoke ~$525 (~80x)
Top: Gray Sandblasted PC
Bottom: Gray Sandblasted PC
Weight: Brushed Stainless Steel
PCB: Black

Frost ~$500 (~60x)
Top: Sandblasted PC
Bottom: Sandblasted PC
Weight: Sandblasted Brass
PCB: White

Add-ons?
Extra PCB: $55 USD
Extra Plate: $40 USD/($50 for Brass)
Matching Wrist Rest: $95 USD
Carrying Case: $35

All add-ons will be available but not in great quantity. I am trying to keep stock to a minimum.

What’s in the box?
  • Keyboard Enclosure, Plate, PCB
  • Wrist Rest (Optional)
  • Carrying Case with Wrist Rest Support
  • Case Screws
  • 3 modifier LEDs

More Info
https://h40.io
https://discord.gg/FVnwNzdKyS
https://github.com/h40io/Amano

Credits
yuksti of TGR for being the original inspiration for this project, having made the Alice.

23/12/2022 Edit: Updated sale date, price, and media.
5/3/2022 Edit: Updated in stock sale options
29/12/2021 Edit: Updated post to reflect timing, pricing, options
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: dededecline on Wed, 15 September 2021, 18:00:50
It's hard for pictures and renders to do this board justice, it's truly gorgeous in person. Good luck on round 2, and thanks for continuing to support EJI. Such a great thing to see.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: Rob27shred on Wed, 15 September 2021, 18:02:25
Well I got a Rukia sized hole to fill in my collection & at a quick glance this looks like it could fill that spot pretty well!
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: Zetina on Wed, 15 September 2021, 18:03:58
I think renders could be improved, but it looks very nice  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: Sicowa on Wed, 15 September 2021, 18:28:32
took the L on Rukia.
This board looks like it will help me with that.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: zea on Wed, 15 September 2021, 18:50:15
any chance to buy a plateless version if I don't care for SS or brass? or maybe even offer other materials for the plates
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: Rafa_n on Wed, 15 September 2021, 18:59:58
Quote from: zea on Wed, 15 September 2021, 18:50:15
any chance to buy a plateless version if I don't care for SS or brass? or maybe even offer other materials for the plates

Plate Material Options: Aluminum, Brass, or Matching Smoke Polycarbonate
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Wed, 15 September 2021, 19:02:00
Quote from: Zetina on Wed, 15 September 2021, 18:03:58
I think renders could be improved, but it looks very nice  :thumb:
I'll follow up with prototype pictures. I've done a bunch of renders but they all suck compared to R1 photos. Just check those out if renders don't suit your fancy.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: ina on Wed, 15 September 2021, 19:35:43
looks great i also love that the files will be open source
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: asciisii on Wed, 15 September 2021, 21:15:40
watching this
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: Sh1zaru on Thu, 16 September 2021, 01:33:59
Looks great and nice that you're open sourcing it.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: Senpai_deezy on Sat, 18 September 2021, 11:07:58
hot damn this looks nice  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: whirlwind on Sat, 18 September 2021, 11:37:59
Excited for r2 :)
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: _rubik on Sat, 18 September 2021, 14:58:12
"In-stock" is the key-word here. All the Rukia folks will be relieved :)

This looks seriously interesting; I'm pretty tempted to pick one up. Have you thought of offering a non-smoked PC version as well?

Also, is there room in the top mount for o-rings?
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Sat, 18 September 2021, 16:03:50
Quote from: _rubik on Sat, 18 September 2021, 14:58:12
"In-stock" is the key-word here. All the Rukia folks will be relieved :)

This looks seriously interesting; I'm pretty tempted to pick one up. Have you thought of offering a non-smoked PC version as well?

Also, is there room in the top mount for o-rings?

How much room do you need for o-rings? I can measure.

Also, I am indeed planning on non-smoked PC version, but will not disclose option(s) until sale.

For those that want pictures there are plenty of R1 pics out in the wild, as well as sound tests.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: _rubik on Sat, 18 September 2021, 17:03:47
Quote from: h40 on Sat, 18 September 2021, 16:03:50
Quote from: _rubik on Sat, 18 September 2021, 14:58:12
Also, is there room in the top mount for o-rings?

How much room do you need for o-rings? I can measure.

I think 4mm x 1mm x 1.5mm is a pretty common o-ring size. Folks can correct me if I'm wrong
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: Hdjekso on Sat, 18 September 2021, 17:22:38
Quote from: zea on Wed, 15 September 2021, 18:50:15
any chance to buy a plateless version if I don't care for SS or brass? or maybe even offer other materials for the plates

plateless is not possible, this board is top mount
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Sat, 18 September 2021, 18:07:21
Quote from: _rubik on Sat, 18 September 2021, 17:03:47
Quote from: h40 on Sat, 18 September 2021, 16:03:50
Quote from: _rubik on Sat, 18 September 2021, 14:58:12
Also, is there room in the top mount for o-rings?

How much room do you need for o-rings? I can measure.

I think 4mm x 1mm x 1.5mm is a pretty common o-ring size. Folks can correct me if I'm wrong
Assuming you are referring to o-rings between plate and top case, no.

Without modifying the top case plate mounting and/or bottom case cavity there wouldn't be enough clearance for PCB, and the keycaps would be much too recessed.

I could design the case to support o-rings but it would then require them. Not sure I want to.

You could with an accurate drill press modify.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: alspdx on Sat, 18 September 2021, 23:01:09
Quote from: Hdjekso on Sat, 18 September 2021, 17:22:38
Quote from: zea on Wed, 15 September 2021, 18:50:15
any chance to buy a plateless version if I don't care for SS or brass? or maybe even offer other materials for the plates

plateless is not possible, this board is top mount

Pretty sure they were asking if they can buy Amano without a plate because they would like to use a different material.

That said, I absolutely love the PC plate that came with my R1 Amano, it's one of the best typing experiences I've had.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Sat, 18 September 2021, 23:04:34
Quote from: zea on Wed, 15 September 2021, 18:50:15
any chance to buy a plateless version if I don't care for SS or brass? or maybe even offer other materials for the plates
what plate material would prefer?

keep in mind the plate (along with all other) files are open, and it also supports any standard alice plate.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: hottrout on Sun, 19 September 2021, 03:29:09
A good looking Alice with a matching wrist rest.  Nice work.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: _rubik on Sun, 19 September 2021, 13:15:04
Quote from: h40 on Sat, 18 September 2021, 18:07:21
Quote from: _rubik on Sat, 18 September 2021, 17:03:47
Quote from: h40 on Sat, 18 September 2021, 16:03:50
Quote from: _rubik on Sat, 18 September 2021, 14:58:12
Also, is there room in the top mount for o-rings?

How much room do you need for o-rings? I can measure.

I think 4mm x 1mm x 1.5mm is a pretty common o-ring size. Folks can correct me if I'm wrong
Assuming you are referring to o-rings between plate and top case, no.

Without modifying the top case plate mounting and/or bottom case cavity there wouldn't be enough clearance for PCB, and the keycaps would be much too recessed.

I could design the case to support o-rings but it would then require them. Not sure I want to.

No worries! Carry on as intended, I wouldn't want to force a redesign and more protos -- more of curiosity than anything
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Tue, 21 September 2021, 09:13:28
I will be prototyping support in top case for o rings.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210921/83a514539bfbe7de0f1797270b86cedd.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Tue, 21 September 2021, 09:17:14
I will remove mention of finances in sale but please know the charity is one I like and still plan on donating half of profits to. Finances will be open sourced just as they were in R1.

The intention isn't to "build donation into the price" but mostly to substantiate this is more of a passion project and a way to give to both this community and a charity I support and respect.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: RaiKami on Sun, 26 September 2021, 22:23:39
This looks amazing, very intersted.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: bigapplepietart on Mon, 27 September 2021, 11:50:27
Looks rad.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: zea on Mon, 27 September 2021, 12:00:54
Quote from: h40 on Sat, 18 September 2021, 23:04:34
Quote from: zea on Wed, 15 September 2021, 18:50:15
any chance to buy a plateless version if I don't care for SS or brass? or maybe even offer other materials for the plates
what plate material would prefer?

keep in mind the plate (along with all other) files are open, and it also supports any standard alice plate.

lmao yeah as people have pointed out I somehow missed the part where the other materials were listed, they're pretty much perfect and I'll be going for pc myself  :D
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: vicious7 on Tue, 28 September 2021, 12:39:39
I would buy this in a heartbeat. When does this go in stock?
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: Full on Tue, 28 September 2021, 13:17:13
Wow, beautiful!
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: Mechalomania on Tue, 28 September 2021, 15:37:23
Saw the thread of personal builds on discord and they all look fantastic. In for one!
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Tue, 19 October 2021, 14:06:47
Super quick update...

(https://imgur.com/ZcC9noR.png)

I should have prototypes in hand soon and will do a few builds and soundtests. I have narrowed it to 3 PC color options. Render above, actual prototype pictures from manu are in discord. They match quite well actually.

S - Smoke
SD - Orange
C - Frosted

Carrying case, hardware, PCB, etc orders are ready to rock, just waiting for final prototype fitment.

I have basically two decisions left before submitting Round 2 order to manufacturers assuming fitment is okay with prototypes.

1. How many of each color PC to purchase.
2. Whether to use standard or O-ring burger mount.

Aiming for in-stock availability before CNY 2022 conservatively.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: alwaysbless on Wed, 20 October 2021, 22:03:11
The orange color is kinda meh. Frosted / clear will be a nice 2nd option though.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: zea on Thu, 21 October 2021, 00:21:38
i would like to see atomic purple colored pc instead of the orange tbh
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: milka158 on Thu, 21 October 2021, 05:36:31
What's the front height? Couldn't find it anywhere. Very interested in this!
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: CookieFlow on Thu, 21 October 2021, 07:52:25
Can't go wrong with Frosted

But the orange one also not a big fan. I just don't think it will go with many keycaps.

+1 for a atomic purple, good retro gameboy vibes and there are many purple sets.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Fri, 22 October 2021, 12:32:18
Quote from: milka158 on Thu, 21 October 2021, 05:36:31
What's the front height? Couldn't find it anywhere. Very interested in this!
Front height is 18.75mm. This and all other dimensions are available in open sourced material should you want to know any more details.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: NintendoNoNo on Fri, 22 October 2021, 20:33:22
Love it! Really hope to see an arisu layout version in the future
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: vicious7 on Sun, 31 October 2021, 17:00:52
I can't wait for this one to drop.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: TomatoMan on Sun, 31 October 2021, 17:03:44
goated!!! Amano > Rukia  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: XUR on Thu, 04 November 2021, 23:01:01
In for a Frosted PC version with Brass plate!! This is what Rukia should have been, 2 years ago.

What's the RGB like on the PCB and is it USB-C? Will you have an option for a Rotary Encoder?
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: flying1911 on Thu, 04 November 2021, 23:05:42
Quote from: XUR on Thu, 04 November 2021, 23:01:01
In for a Frosted PC version with Brass plate!! This is what Rukia should have been, 2 years ago.

What's the RGB like on the PCB and is it USB-C? Will you have an option for a Rotary Encoder?

USB-C, Underglow RGB and Rotary Encoder support on all 3 keys on left cluster  ;D
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Mon, 29 November 2021, 10:40:53
I've done some thorough testing of both burger and normal top mount and while the typing feel is slightly softer with an aluminum plate I'm not sure I prefer it considering the additional complexity (logistically and for assembly).

Final (fairly confident) prototypes will arrive to me in about a week. I'm testing a number of things. Including but not limited to: weight design, alternative case material and finishing, inner case dimension tolerances, and their various impact on feel and sound.

I've secured an additional alternative carrying case prototype which I am very pleased with as well. It's slightly bigger but ultimately cheaper for me.

Thank you for any and all attention and support here. I am very much looking forward to submitting final order soon after next week.

As always discord is the best place for most recent up-to-date journal and stream of conscience.

Also, here's a video I took of some more recent tests. https://youtu.be/xTJM1KPCYwc (https://youtu.be/xTJM1KPCYwc)
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Tue, 28 December 2021, 13:10:44
hi and happy holidays folks. prototyping is complete and production has either begun or been arranged for all necessary components. i expect to have in stock approximately 200 Amano R2 boards for folks in early spring 2022. as many of you are probably already aware, material and labor costs have skyrocketed, and this is no exception. this means estimated price will increase.

here are some prototype photos. more are available for a better look at finish at https://h40.io:

disclaimer: some materials shown are raw and therefore not reflective of final production finish (PC and brass on bottom of Flower case)

(https://i.imgur.com/gcr7Z1X.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GgV7Hqh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jQRditK.jpg)

all cases will come with a plate included (clear aluminum, black pom, clear pc, or brass (extra $), nylon screws, and a custom form fitting carrying case.

frost wrist rest (~40 available), extra PCBs, and extra plates will be available but likely not in great quantity. i am trying to keep stock to a minimum.

a small amount of extra carrying cases for R1 boards will be available for purchase as well.

case options and availability:

Flower ~$500 (~30x)
Top: Purple Alu
Bottom: Sandblasted PC
Weight: Brushed Stainless Steel
PCB: Pink

Citrus ~$500 (~30x)
Top: Orange 1495C Sandblasted PC
Bottom: Orange 1495C Sandblasted PC
Weight: Brushed Stainless Steel
PCB: Orange

Smoke ~$500 (~80x)
Top: Gray Sandblasted PC
Bottom: Gray Sandblasted PC
Weight: Brushed Stainless Steel
PCB: Black

Frost ~$475 (~60x)
Top: Sandblasted PC
Bottom: Sandblasted PC
Weight: Sandblasted Brass
PCB: White





Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: C_L | Soup on Tue, 28 December 2021, 13:23:16
Love seeing more of Amano! The pics are soooo good. Also can certify his shipping boxes are USPS handling proof
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: Tyson on Tue, 28 December 2021, 15:48:34
Man I definitely have to try to get one of the smoked ones when you get them in! Would love to put Ashes on it! Your pics with Ashes look amazing!
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Tue, 28 December 2021, 19:14:37
Quote from: Tyson on Tue, 28 December 2021, 15:48:34
Man I definitely have to try to get one of the smoked ones when you get them in! Would love to put Ashes on it! Your pics with Ashes look amazing!
It would make me very happy to see that happen, as I obviously also love Ashes on smoke.

Thanks for putting out such a great set.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: long_qt_pie on Thu, 13 January 2022, 11:50:55
I love the citrus!
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Sat, 08 October 2022, 10:08:22
hi.

long time no see. as evidenced by lack of updates, i have been extremely busy outside of Amano project.

manufacturing is complete and all boards are currently on ocean freighter. will be QA'ing and prepping for in stock sale on h40.io hopefully in the next month or so. i'll be fulfilling myself once again. i know for sure there will be at least a couple B stock Flower editions.

managed to arrange for build services with a couple folks and have a special collaboration with a fantastic maker to announce soon.

take care.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: Scriba on Sun, 23 October 2022, 16:09:07
Nice one! How is the blasted SS weight looking?
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: caughtquick on Tue, 25 October 2022, 23:56:39
More Alice/Arisu boards are always nice, especially those that are more open to newcomers to the hobby.
Title: Re: [IC] Amano - A Smoke Polycarbonate Alice
Post by: h40 on Fri, 23 December 2022, 23:49:09
Hi folks. I will be unlocking https://h40.io and opening the in-stock sale of Amano R2 at 2PM MST (9PM GMT) tomorrow 24/12/2022. I've updated OP with new pictures and videos, prices, and collaboration details.

I have a collaboration with an amazing artisan keycap maker here local to the area https://www.macherstudio.com/, specifically with the Flower Amano R2 colorway. Purchasers of this colorway will get extra entries into a special raffle for a color matching floral artisan keycap.