[IC] "Wraith" - Matias TKL (optional backlight, aluminum case)

[Wack3n]

I agree with c137, option 2) is the best IMO. Let the Spacebar blank while printing on "D" and "F".

[Matias]

@Matias: optically and based on my own hands, I could live with option 4, but I wouldnd't like 5.
2 is pretty neat. However I'd like to have the Fn layer functions printed on F and D, while the space bar is left blank.

Okay, I also asked a few people offline.  They liked 1 and 2.  If you want to go ahead and present those as the shortlist on the German boards, perhaps we don't need to worry about the others.

[Matias]

Direly need a DS ABS keycap set for Alps.

Already in progress...


      http://geekhack.org/?topic=62274.new;topicseen#new

[Matias]

I agree with c137, option 2) is the best IMO. Let the Spacebar blank while printing on "D" and "F".

Okay, that option is below...

[c137]

Yeah, I like that.
Also, I just have put up the "shortlist" on the German boards.

[Nuum]

Concerning Fn-Layer: I'd like to be able to access the media functions with one hand, e.g. with Fn on the right, as it is now, and all the media functions (including forwards/backwards and play) on the right cluster, where PgUp adn PgDn, etc. is. That way you could press Fn with your thumb and the media keys with the other fingers.
Concerning Layout: I like x88-DE__F1-above-2 aka 88b_c137/Jesterfox the most, but ISO is a must for me.
Backlight would be very nice, but is not absolutely necessary.

[c137]

Well, sorry to say that: as much as I would love an ISO version, it's rather not probable.

Btw Matias is getting on a graphic sort of representing the general direction of external design this project is going to (case etc.), based on the F1-above-Q design.

[Squall]

I'd be very interested in a ISO backlit matias quiet keyboard. Just out of curiosity, if it ever happens, where will it ship from? I'm asking this because I live in Europe and anything out of EE I have to pay custom taxes.

[c137]

Canada is my best guess
Well, certainly not from within the EU, so we will have to add VAT at the customs office.

[dante]

Matias, will this be as thin/low profile as your 60%?  How will the depth of the keyboard be affected (if at all) between polycarbonate and aluminum?

[c137]

It will have the same general styling for the case as the 60% you spoke of. They are working on a mock-up/sketch that shows the direction the design is going to take.
I think the difference is terms of size concerning polycarbonate and aluminum will be negligible.

[dante]

It will have the same general styling for the case as the 60% you spoke of. They are working on a mock-up/sketch that shows the direction the design is going to take.
I think the difference is terms of size concerning polycarbonate and aluminum will be negligible.

Nonetheless - I still want to know what the actual differences will be as I will want the thinner version even if it's only off by .05".

[c137]

And you shall

However, I cannot answer this and I do think that it can't be pinned down to 1.3mm yet.

[Matias]

It will have the same general styling for the case as the 60% you spoke of. They are working on a mock-up/sketch that shows the direction the design is going to take.
I think the difference is terms of size concerning polycarbonate and aluminum will be negligible.

Nonetheless - I still want to know what the actual differences will be as I will want the thinner version even if it's only off by .05".

Yes, the TKL case will be as low-profile as we can make it.  It follows the same design language as the 60%.

Also, now that we've confirmed that 6.25u spacebar tooling is available for ALPS, we don't need to use 4.5u spacebar + 1.5u mods.  Instead, we can use the more popular 6.25u spacebar + 1.25u mods, as shown below...

[dante]

[Matias]

Yes, the TKL case will be as low-profile as we can make it.  It follows the same design language as the 60%.

Also, now that we've confirmed that 6.25u spacebar tooling is available for ALPS, we don't need to use 4.5u spacebar + 1.5u mods.  Instead, we can use the more popular 6.25u spacebar + 1.25u mods, as shown below...



(Attachment Link)



(Attachment Link)

BTW, if we made this to support dual-mount ALPS and Cherry, would there be greater interest?

All the keycaps in the layout follow the standard sets for Cherry, so replacing caps would be a no-brainer for Cherry switches.

[CommonCurt]

Yes, the TKL case will be as low-profile as we can make it.  It follows the same design language as the 60%.

Also, now that we've confirmed that 6.25u spacebar tooling is available for ALPS, we don't need to use 4.5u spacebar + 1.5u mods.  Instead, we can use the more popular 6.25u spacebar + 1.25u mods, as shown below...



(Attachment Link)



(Attachment Link)

BTW, if we made this to support dual-mount ALPS and Cherry, would there be greater interest?

All the keycaps in the layout follow the standard sets for Cherry, so replacing caps would be a no-brainer for Cherry switches.

Matias,

I sent you a PM.    Sorry to get off topic.

[c137]

Also, now that we've confirmed that 6.25u spacebar tooling is available for ALPS, we don't need to use 4.5u spacebar + 1.5u mods.  Instead, we can use the more popular 6.25u spacebar + 1.25u mods, as shown below...

That's great!

[dusan]

Matias,

Any chance that there's a version with non-staggered layout? I mean something like this (attached figure).

Many people told me that Matias clicky switch is the best of best. But I don't think I would go for a new keyboard just to try a new type of switch. Like many people here, I already own many keyboards.

[c137]

Having gaps increases production cost by a lot, please be aware of that.

Also, you can order single Matias switches online - they aren't really expensive.

That said, a non-staggered layout wouldn't be for me

[Matias]

Matias,

Any chance that there's a version with non-staggered layout? I mean something like this (attached figure).

Many people told me that Matias clicky switch is the best of best. But I don't think I would go for a new keyboard just to try a new type of switch. Like many people here, I already own many keyboards.

I suggest doing an interest check (in a separate thread) to see how many other people would buy a non-staggered layout.

Your best chance at achieving MOQs would be to have it support both Cherry and ALPS.

[c137]

I have updated the initial post to reflect the recent layout changes.
Btw. the 1.25U mods + 6.25U space bar are also well received on Computerbase.de.

[CommonCurt]

Sorry if this has been answered, but would the polycarb case only come in glossy, or will there be matte/frosted options?

[Matias]

I have updated the initial post to reflect the recent layout changes.
Btw. the 1.25U mods + 6.25U space bar are also well received on Computerbase.de.

Great!

Sorry if this has been answered, but would the polycarb case only come in glossy, or will there be matte/frosted options?

The polycarb case would be matte black.  Most seem to prefer that.

[CommonCurt]

Sorry if this has been answered, but would the polycarb case only come in glossy, or will there be matte/frosted options?

The polycarb case would be matte black.  Most seem to prefer that.

Okay 

[Heliosphere]

Matias,

Any chance that there's a version with non-staggered layout? I mean something like this (attached figure).

Many people told me that Matias clicky switch is the best of best. But I don't think I would go for a new keyboard just to try a new type of switch. Like many people here, I already own many keyboards.

I suggest doing an interest check (in a separate thread) to see how many other people would buy a non-staggered layout.

Your best chance at achieving MOQs would be to have it support both Cherry and ALPS.

Hey Matias, is it possible to have some sort of group buy sending out one of each switch (clicky, silent, linear) for us to try out before buying a keyboard with a full set?

[dante]

Sorry if this has been answered, but would the polycarb case only come in glossy, or will there be matte/frosted options?

The polycarb case would be matte black.  Most seem to prefer that.

Okay 

It's a pipe dream - would be completely awesome if you did a see through clear plastic case and transparent keycaps so all the electronics/switches are exposed.

[dante]

If you are worried about MOQ - consider having Matias contact MassDrop; they sold over 400 KBC Poker II's w/ MX Clears a few weeks ago.

[c137]

That is a brilliant idea, thank you very much indeed!


As for the case: the MOQ for each version would be at around >100. So, additional color --> much higher MOQ. Unfortunately.

[dante]

If you are worried about MOQ - consider having Matias contact MassDrop; they sold over 400 KBC Poker II's w/ MX Clears a few weeks ago.

Correction:  With the new GroupBuy (now into Round 3) MassDrop should be pushing over 1,000 Poker II's w/ MX Clears so far this year; surely they could find enough buyers for several hundred Wraiths.

[nuclearsandwich]

I'd probably get one polycarb and an aluminum one but only if the PCB is programmable. I'm really sick of relying on autohotkey and company for stock boards that don't allow control -> caps lock.

EDIT: Who am I kidding. I'd get one to support the Alps revival no matter what. 

[c137]

You will probably be able to put in a programmable controller yourself if you like.
Great that you are on board!

MassDrop

Yes, I contacted Matias Corp on this idea and Steve is looking into it, but thinks it definitely is a possibility to cooperate with Massdrop.
Currently, they are working on the case design, so not too much to report

[c137]

Well, that says it all:

I think the interest expressed in the project is too low to move to the next stage. I think the probability of success is low.

I am not exactly happy about this, but it's just the truth.