[GB] Unagi | SS WKL 60% | GB Shipping

[geohammy]

Unagi

IC: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=118361.0





GB GOOGLE FORM: https://forms.gle/WjrJLGy15M1iTgUH9

BACKGROUND

Hi, I am geo and this is the Unagi by YVKB.
I have always appreciated the look of sanded stainless steel, however I rarely see it implemented in keyboard designs.
With Unagi, my intentions are to embrace the subtle roughness of the sanded steel bottom rather than fight it with sandblasting.
After many months of development and two prototypes, I feel ready to release this to the public.

A more expansive photo album, along with an assembly video and sound test,
will be uploaded to the reserved reply over the coming weeks.


BOARD FEATURES

-356mini-esque o-ring mount (w/ optional 1mm foam pads available to adjust sound profile, if desired).
-6063 sandblasted alu top, anodized in gray, pink or burgundy.
-Sanded and clear-coated 304 SS bottom.
-Typing angle: 5deg
-Actual front height (EKH): ~21.5mm
-Built weight: ~2kg
-Connection: USB-C Daughterboard

CHANGES FROM PROTOTYPE

-SS bottom is now clear coated to provide protection and a smoother feel.
-Final gray color has been changed to Pantone 11C (different from gray seen on proto #1) .
The other finalized colors are burgundy (Pantone 1817c) and pink (Pantone 1895u-ish), and I am targeting 10 units of each color.
This link: https://bit.ly/3VB5GC9 contains pictures of color samples and other general information.




GB DETAILS

Kit includes…
-Top case - Anodized in selected color
-Bottom case - Sanded & coated 304 SS
-70A O-ring
-1mm top case pads
-6x M3 case screws
-4x M2 DB screws
-4 bumpons
-Assembly tools
-If I am feeling generous, maybe a sticker…
-Plate and H60 PCB (OPTIONAL - READ BELOW)

PRICING
$400 (Barebones - NO PLATE OR PCB)
$30 for H60 PCB w/ JST + DB
$25 for custom color upgrade
$20 for 1.5mm FR4 full plate
$20 for 1.5mm 5052 Alu half plate
(Final plate offerings TBD)

Expected Shipment: Early Q4 2023
minOQ: 15
maxOQ: 30

Orders will be placed on a google form, and payments will be collected through Stripe invoice.
GB will start on June 17th and run until June 31st, or until maximum order quantity has been met. (SUBJECT TO CHANGE - will announce here and on Discord)


FAQ

Why the low unit count?
This is my first GB, I want it to be manageable.

Can it be cheaper?
A full stainless steel bottom adds significant cost. My original (over)estimation was
$550/per for 50 units, but I have gotten it down to ~$450/per for 30 units.

Why should I buy Unagi? It seems too simple / too expensive / etc.
I admit, Unagi is a very simple board; much more so than many other boards in
IC / GB stage recently. However, I see no reason in adding a random weight or
meaningless engraving just to make the board more ‘expensive-looking’. I set out
to make a no frills, heavy 60% that maintains a low profile design, comfortable angle,
and firm typing feel, matching my preferences.

Why is the sale structured with barebones as default?
Many individuals already have an H60 PCB or may prefer to source one from a different
vendor (such as Novelkeys) ahead of time. Additionally, while I will be providing FR4
and Alu plate options, many individuals may want to use the plate files to order plates
in different materials,  thicknesses or layouts.
(Note: I am not responsible if a plate you order doesn’t work.)

I want more options!
Refer to the answer for questions 1 and 2. Less options = easier for me and cheaper for you.



(original gray - now changed to 11c, picture of sample available above)

(original prototype, disassembled - jst routing channel has been changed for GB)


LIGHTNINGXI BUILD STREAM AND SOUND TESTS
 

Note on acoustics - Bottom case is 1mm thicker on GB version to
provide a "fuller" sound and allow for more room under PCB.

Proto 2 Gallery: https://imgur.com/gallery/fdkgAQm
Proto 1 Gallery: https://imgur.com/gallery/6I5M81p

Links: https://www.linktr.ee/yvkb

Join the discord for updates! https://discord.gg/AdvnjhWGbQ

[geohammy]

6/17/23: Group buy is live!

Kit options:
Barebones kit: includes WKL top case, bottom case, screws (hex or torx), assembly tools, 70A o-ring, feet, optional foam gaskets. $400 FOR DEFAULT COLOR; + $25 FOR CUSTOM COLOR (MORE INFO ON NEXT PAGE)
ADD PCB: Black H60 JST PCB, including cable and USB-C daughterboard. + $30
ADD PLATE: FR4 Full Plate OR 5052 Aluminum Half Plate (1.5mm thick). + $20

GB Info:
Estimated lead time: ~4 months from GB close
Minimum Order Quantity: 15 units
Maximum Order Quantity: 30 units

Format: Google Form to fill out kit preferences, followed by Stripe invoice via email for payment. Group buy will be opened June 17th-June 30th or until 30 kits are purchased.

GB FORM: https://forms.gle/WjrJLGy15M1iTgUH9
DISCORD: https://discord.com/invite/6U2pZMGwDy

[Captain Shwah]

I dig this, simple but stylish design and a firm typing experience.

[geohammy]

Hi everyone, the group buy has been pushed forward to Saturday, June 17th!




(^ final burgundy and gray top colors)

[geohammy]

I am happy to announce that, in addition to the three default colors (gray, pink, burgundy), I will be offering any of the color choices seen below for $25 USD additional! I will be limiting this option to the first 10 orders to request it.

[geohammy]

We are 1 week away from the group buy! 

[treeleaf64]

Unagi Yay! and Nice job The Geo with additional color options
Do you think it will look nice with other colors of cats

[geohammy]

Unagi Yay! and Nice job The Geo with additional color options
Do you think it will look nice with other colors of cats

I think Unagi will look good with all sorts of cats Treeleaf 

[geohammy]

We are 1 DAY away from the group buy! The form will open here and on discord tomorrow (6/17) at 2PM EST. In the mean time, I put together a final sound test for your enjoyment:

[geohammy]

GB IS LIVE!
https://forms.gle/WjrJLGy15M1iTgUH9

[geohammy]

We're 4 days in and already close to MOQ! However there are still some slots available, including a very limited number custom color slots. Don't miss your chance to join in on a competitively priced full stainless steel 60%, in whatever color you want - Closing June 30th!

[geohammy]

We are in the final days of the Unagi group buy! I’m happy to announce that the group buy will proceed, thanks to all of the people who have already joined in. There are still slots open, including a very limited number of custom color spots.

$450 for a full stainless steel bottom 60% at this MOQ is a rarity-almost an impossibility-so don’t miss your chance!

[geohammy]

The group buy for Unagi has now closed! I am currently on my way back home and will proceed with the next steps, such as ordering the boards, starting tomorrow. Please reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or last-minute order requests.

[geohammy]

7.5.23 Update

Ordered:

-Cases
-Plates
-PCBs
-Hex keys
-O-rings
-Foam strips (upgraded to 2mm thick for extra thocc)
-Bumpons
-Boxes

Not Ordered:

-Stickers
-Belly band packaging

Pretty much all of the essentials have been taken care of. Non-essentials such as stickers, bellybands and other packaging goodies will be ordered over the next week or two whenever I feel like it. Please reach out with any questions or concerns, any order changes must be made now and will most likely not be honored later in the group buy. Thank you guys again 🙂

[geohammy]

Unagi is now shipping! Join the Discord if you are interested in purchasing an extra or would like to check out my next project, XTAL...