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geekhack Marketplace => Group Buys and Preorders => Topic started by: fishpod on Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:58:50

Title: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: fishpod on Tue, 21 November 2017, 23:58:50: Sorry for the lack of update:

ALF finished milling all the boards in Feb
Anodizing are done and MAO would take a bit more time. They should be ready to ship in April.

[attach=15][attach=16][attach=17]

Join now at zFrontier (https://en.zfrontier.com/products/group-buy-alf-x2-60)

ALF X2 is a 60% keyboard inspired by the beloved HHKB keyboards and seeks to add more functionalities to the board. ALF X2 has been run within China by team ALF few months ago and it was a successful run. Interested in and impressed by X2, I am here to bring it to you and hope you guys would love it. If there’s enough interest, I would make this possible.

[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=1]

ALF X2 parts:
-   Top case (normal 60% w/o blocked corners or HHKB style w/ symmetrical blocked corners)
-   Bottom case
-   Stainless steel plate: 2.25u left shift (normal 60%) or 2u left shift w/ arrow cluster
-   PCB
-   Front nameplate (mounted by screws)
-   “ALF” logo Brass weight (4 pcs)
-   PC diffuser
-   Microswitch alu buttons*2

[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
[attachimg=6]
[attachimg=7]
[attachimg=8]
[attachimg=9]

PCB features:
-   3 USB 2.0 ports (X2 can work as a passive USB hub)
-   2 presoldered programmable CHERRY microswitches
-   Multiple layout support
[attach=3]

Here's a MICRO-ARC OXIDATION White X2 w/ 2u left shift and arrow cluster.

Color Options:

4 different colors (Silver white, Black, Titanium, Red) are available and you could choose the color separately for the top and bottom case.

Micro-Arc Oxidation White is also available for the cases but will charge extra fee for handling. Micro-Arc Oxidizing only the top or bottom case will charge the same as micro-arc oxidizing both cases.

Silver white
[attach=10]
Titanium
[attach=11]
Black
[attach=12]
Red
[attach=13]
MAO white
[attach=14]

the front nameplate and microswitches can choose from Red, Black and silver white.

Regarding the weight:
2kg or 4lbs 6oz assembled w/ caps
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: ghostjuggernaut on Wed, 22 November 2017, 10:48:40: Approval bump :thumb:

As always, CAVEAT EMPTOR (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=36773.0).
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: megaforce on Wed, 22 November 2017, 11:43:44: $280 shipped for this is insane.
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: MMKB on Wed, 22 November 2017, 15:48:10: Curious about the blocked corner option and found this. Not for me but very bold! :cool: https://bbs.wstx.com/thread-706161-1-1.html
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: sanryu on Thu, 23 November 2017, 05:10:46: only zfrontier GB?
Is there any other place?
It was about $ 240 in taobao
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: kawasaki161 on Thu, 23 November 2017, 05:45:06: Quote from: sanryu on Thu, 23 November 2017, 05:10:46
only zfrontier GB?
Is there any other place?
It was about $ 240 in taobao
So you think $40 for international shipping is too much?
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: fishpod on Thu, 23 November 2017, 06:14:39: Quote from: Khylnn on Wed, 22 November 2017, 15:48:10
Curious about the blocked corner option and found this. Not for me but very bold! :cool: https://bbs.wstx.com/thread-706161-1-1.html

HHKB logo will be gone ;) for, yup, obvious reasons
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: fishpod on Thu, 23 November 2017, 06:30:34: Quote from: sanryu on Thu, 23 November 2017, 05:10:46
only zfrontier GB?
Is there any other place?
It was about $ 240 in taobao

Shipping will be super fast and be handled with top tier shipping companies like DHL, TNT and more! ;D
hope this will make it more clear
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: lanyusea on Thu, 23 November 2017, 14:36:00: share some pics of my box opening

[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=5]
[attachimg=6]
[attachimg=7]
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: sanryu on Fri, 24 November 2017, 11:22:06: Quote from: kawasaki161 on Thu, 23 November 2017, 05:45:06
Quote from: sanryu on Thu, 23 November 2017, 05:10:46
only zfrontier GB?
Is there any other place?
It was about $ 240 in taobao
So you think $40 for international shipping is too much?

In countries close to China, it is cheaper to buy.
But that is not the case with zfrontier GB.
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: iNViSiBiLiTi on Fri, 24 November 2017, 13:30:46: Quote from: sanryu on Fri, 24 November 2017, 11:22:06
Quote from: kawasaki161 on Thu, 23 November 2017, 05:45:06
Quote from: sanryu on Thu, 23 November 2017, 05:10:46
only zfrontier GB?
Is there any other place?
It was about $ 240 in taobao
So you think $40 for international shipping is too much?

In countries close to China, it is cheaper to buy.
But that is not the case with zfrontier GB.

There are people on Geekhack who live far away from China.
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: le_wraith on Fri, 24 November 2017, 15:21:39: Any pics of the other colors? Especially titanium and red?
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: fishpod on Sat, 25 November 2017, 03:35:27: Quote from: le_wraith on Fri, 24 November 2017, 15:21:39
Any pics of the other colors? Especially titanium and red?

will be there ;)
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: energyd on Sun, 26 November 2017, 09:24:20: If I want the HHKB layout, what do I choose for the plate? 60% or with arrow cluster?

BTW Is the white arc version available in the China GB earlier?
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: xondat on Sun, 26 November 2017, 10:24:41: Quote from: energyd on Sun, 26 November 2017, 09:24:20
If I want the HHKB layout, what do I choose for the plate? 60% or with arrow cluster?

BTW Is the white arc version available in the China GB earlier?

60%/2.25u left shift.
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: lanyusea on Sun, 26 November 2017, 10:43:49: Quote from: energyd on Sun, 26 November 2017, 09:24:20
If I want the HHKB layout, what do I choose for the plate? 60% or with arrow cluster?

BTW Is the white arc version available in the China GB earlier?

yes, it has options of MAO white, MAO black and MAO coffee
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: energyd on Sun, 26 November 2017, 12:58:59: Quote from: lanyusea on Sun, 26 November 2017, 10:43:49
Quote from: energyd on Sun, 26 November 2017, 09:24:20
If I want the HHKB layout, what do I choose for the plate? 60% or with arrow cluster?

BTW Is the white arc version available in the China GB earlier?

yes, it has options of MAO white, MAO black and MAO coffee

so that's 1499 rmb vs 335 dollar for the MAO options? (only one MAO option this time)
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live!
Post by: lanyusea on Sun, 26 November 2017, 23:07:47: Quote from: energyd on Sun, 26 November 2017, 12:58:59
Quote from: lanyusea on Sun, 26 November 2017, 10:43:49
Quote from: energyd on Sun, 26 November 2017, 09:24:20
If I want the HHKB layout, what do I choose for the plate? 60% or with arrow cluster?

BTW Is the white arc version available in the China GB earlier?

yes, it has options of MAO white, MAO black and MAO coffee

so that's 1499 rmb vs 335 dollar for the MAO options? (only one MAO option this time)

no, MAO option charges extra fee after color choosing
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! (Updated with color options)
Post by: fishpod on Tue, 28 November 2017, 23:14:54: Updated photos of different colors :thumb:
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! (Updated with color options)
Post by: dantambok on Fri, 01 December 2017, 10:25:55: I am really interested in getting this! But the "titanium" color sampple posted has a lot of light reflection so the color can't be seen properly. I was thinking of a titanium+black or black+red combo
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! (Updated with color options)
Post by: Darknight00z on Mon, 04 December 2017, 09:45:17: Managed to get my hands on an Alf x2 from the taobao group buy. Since I can't read chinese, couldn't really follow the documentation. How do I programme it, does it run on TMK or QMK? Thanks!
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! (Updated with color options)
Post by: fishpod on Tue, 05 December 2017, 10:52:15: Quote from: Darknight00z on Mon, 04 December 2017, 09:45:17
Managed to get my hands on an Alf x2 from the taobao group buy. Since I can't read chinese, couldn't really follow the documentation. How do I programme it, does it run on TMK or QMK? Thanks!

:thumb:It runs QMK
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! ONE WEEK LEFT!
Post by: fishpod on Tue, 05 December 2017, 11:02:26: And a little reminder :thumb:

We have 1 week left before the GB closes, dont forget to join!
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! LAST DAY TO JOIN
Post by: fishpod on Sun, 10 December 2017, 23:38:15: Bump!

:thumb:last day to join the GB!!
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! LAST DAY TO JOIN
Post by: Darknight00z on Sat, 17 February 2018, 12:12:26: Any updates?
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! LAST DAY TO JOIN
Post by: Puddsy on Sat, 17 February 2018, 17:24:50: Quote from: Darknight00z on Sat, 17 February 2018, 12:12:26
Any updates?

it's chinese new year so you might have to wait
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! LAST DAY TO JOIN
Post by: dqu22 on Thu, 08 March 2018, 19:04:51: Any updates on production?
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! LAST DAY TO JOIN
Post by: dantambok on Thu, 08 March 2018, 19:57:29: Would love an update too :)
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: fishpod on Tue, 20 March 2018, 00:51:54: update!
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: dantambok on Tue, 20 March 2018, 01:46:24: hyped!
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: trikoi00 on Thu, 22 March 2018, 19:20:00: Looking to transfer my spot of MAO HHKB layout. PM me and we can work it out with Zfrontier.
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: dqu22 on Fri, 23 March 2018, 14:14:56: Also looking to sell my spot, have a standard layout MAO white with red nametag/black microswitches. PM for details.
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: Poesjuh on Mon, 02 April 2018, 07:42:52: If anybody would like to sell a spot for a black full 60 lmk. Not interested in any other colors or HHKB layout unfortunately.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: dantambok on Thu, 12 April 2018, 20:39:19: Got my Alf but was sent the wrong plate. Can I please ask for a new one? :(
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: dwarflemur on Fri, 13 April 2018, 19:16:04: I got mine this week and realized that I ordered the grey top when I meant to order the MAO top :p Also forgot I needed stabs to build it, but should have some pics to post next week.
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: le_wraith on Tue, 17 April 2018, 17:36:07: Ordered two ALFs but only got one plate = (

This is the second Zfrontier GB I've had issues with (the first being the notorious black/brass TIME TKL). I am losing faith in Zfrontier.
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: le_wraith on Tue, 17 April 2018, 17:38:30: Quote from: dwarflemur on Fri, 13 April 2018, 19:16:04
I got mine this week and realized that I ordered the grey top when I meant to order the MAO top :p Also forgot I needed stabs to build it, but should have some pics to post next week.

Can anyone confirm what the HHKB style plate is supposed to look like? Does it have a long unbroken row on one side on the bottom?
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: Puddsy on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:09:27: Quote from: le_wraith on Tue, 17 April 2018, 17:38:30
Quote from: dwarflemur on Fri, 13 April 2018, 19:16:04
I got mine this week and realized that I ordered the grey top when I meant to order the MAO top :p Also forgot I needed stabs to build it, but should have some pics to post next week.

Can anyone confirm what the HHKB style plate is supposed to look like? Does it have a long unbroken row on one side on the bottom?

i'd be willing to bet it's the same plate
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: dwarflemur on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:16:58: Quote from: le_wraith on Tue, 17 April 2018, 17:38:30
Quote from: dwarflemur on Fri, 13 April 2018, 19:16:04
I got mine this week and realized that I ordered the grey top when I meant to order the MAO top :p Also forgot I needed stabs to build it, but should have some pics to post next week.

Can anyone confirm what the HHKB style plate is supposed to look like? Does it have a long unbroken row on one side on the bottom?

I put mine together the other day, I don't remember, can check later. Can you just try putting it together and see if it works?
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: dwarflemur on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:23:34: Quote from: le_wraith on Tue, 17 April 2018, 17:38:30
Quote from: dwarflemur on Fri, 13 April 2018, 19:16:04
I got mine this week and realized that I ordered the grey top when I meant to order the MAO top :p Also forgot I needed stabs to build it, but should have some pics to post next week.

Can anyone confirm what the HHKB style plate is supposed to look like? Does it have a long unbroken row on one side on the bottom?
I had this pic from when I built it on my phone, it looks like it's just the in the OP.
(https://i.imgur.com/d3Bawtf.jpg)
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: Puddsy on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:24:36: Quote from: dwarflemur on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:23:34
Quote from: le_wraith on Tue, 17 April 2018, 17:38:30
Quote from: dwarflemur on Fri, 13 April 2018, 19:16:04
I got mine this week and realized that I ordered the grey top when I meant to order the MAO top :p Also forgot I needed stabs to build it, but should have some pics to post next week.

Can anyone confirm what the HHKB style plate is supposed to look like? Does it have a long unbroken row on one side on the bottom?
I had this pic from when I built it on my phone, it looks like it's just the in the OP.
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/d3Bawtf.jpg)

i was wrong and i admit it
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: dwarflemur on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:26:52: Quote from: Puddsy on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:24:36
Quote from: dwarflemur on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:23:34
Quote from: le_wraith on Tue, 17 April 2018, 17:38:30
Quote from: dwarflemur on Fri, 13 April 2018, 19:16:04
I got mine this week and realized that I ordered the grey top when I meant to order the MAO top :p Also forgot I needed stabs to build it, but should have some pics to post next week.

Can anyone confirm what the HHKB style plate is supposed to look like? Does it have a long unbroken row on one side on the bottom?
I had this pic from when I built it on my phone, it looks like it's just the in the OP.
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/d3Bawtf.jpg)

i was wrong and i admit it
Wait I thought you were right and it is the same plate between the two
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: Puddsy on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:28:46: Quote from: dwarflemur on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:26:52
Quote from: Puddsy on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:24:36
Quote from: dwarflemur on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:23:34
Quote from: le_wraith on Tue, 17 April 2018, 17:38:30
Quote from: dwarflemur on Fri, 13 April 2018, 19:16:04
I got mine this week and realized that I ordered the grey top when I meant to order the MAO top :p Also forgot I needed stabs to build it, but should have some pics to post next week.

Can anyone confirm what the HHKB style plate is supposed to look like? Does it have a long unbroken row on one side on the bottom?
I had this pic from when I built it on my phone, it looks like it's just the in the OP.
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/d3Bawtf.jpg)

i was wrong and i admit it
Wait I thought you were right and it is the same plate between the two

compare with this pic

(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=92677.0;attach=182606;image)

im sure this plate would work as well, though
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: dwarflemur on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:30:52: Quote from: Puddsy on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:28:46
Quote from: dwarflemur on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:26:52
Quote from: Puddsy on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:24:36
Quote from: dwarflemur on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:23:34
Quote from: le_wraith on Tue, 17 April 2018, 17:38:30
Quote from: dwarflemur on Fri, 13 April 2018, 19:16:04
I got mine this week and realized that I ordered the grey top when I meant to order the MAO top :p Also forgot I needed stabs to build it, but should have some pics to post next week.

Can anyone confirm what the HHKB style plate is supposed to look like? Does it have a long unbroken row on one side on the bottom?
I had this pic from when I built it on my phone, it looks like it's just the in the OP.
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/d3Bawtf.jpg)

i was wrong and i admit it
Wait I thought you were right and it is the same plate between the two

compare with this pic

Show Image
(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=92677.0;attach=182606;image)

im sure this plate would work as well, though

Oh, yeah I guess it's not quite the same.
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: le_wraith on Tue, 17 April 2018, 18:43:59: Thanks for the pics guys. Looks like I got the right plate. Just missing one plate, unfortunately!
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: dantambok on Tue, 17 April 2018, 20:29:58: Uhh guys could someone help me and maybe share his/her hex file? :(
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: dwarflemur on Wed, 18 April 2018, 12:00:49: Quote from: dantambok on Tue, 17 April 2018, 20:29:58
Uhh guys could someone help me and maybe share his/her hex file? :(

I used this guy's as a starting point: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/79m7rf/photos_alf_x2_hhkb_layout_json_for_qmk_included/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/79m7rf/photos_alf_x2_hhkb_layout_json_for_qmk_included/)
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: dwarflemur on Wed, 18 April 2018, 12:03:20: Here's a pic I took of mine yesterday, my plan is to put the hidden lab gundam kit on it when it comes, but it looks really good as is right now 🤔
(https://i.imgur.com/a4ExWE7.jpg)
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: le_wraith on Wed, 18 April 2018, 12:47:34: Quote from: dwarflemur on Wed, 18 April 2018, 12:03:20
Here's a pic I took of mine yesterday, my plan is to put the hidden lab gundam kit on it when it comes, but it looks really good as is right now 🤔
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/a4ExWE7.jpg)

That looks great. I got the Titanium color as well but with silver buttons. Really happy with it. I think it needs Solarized Dark or something for me.

Now that I know about the Gundam set I might get that for my white MAO keeb. = )
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: dwarflemur on Wed, 18 April 2018, 12:49:38: Quote from: le_wraith on Wed, 18 April 2018, 12:47:34
Quote from: dwarflemur on Wed, 18 April 2018, 12:03:20
Here's a pic I took of mine yesterday, my plan is to put the hidden lab gundam kit on it when it comes, but it looks really good as is right now 🤔
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/a4ExWE7.jpg)

That looks great. I got the Titanium color as well but with silver buttons. Really happy with it. I think it needs Solarized Dark or something for me.

Now that I know about the Gundam set I might get that for my white MAO keeb. = )
I meant to order the MAO top but clicked the wrong one :P Might have to get a different keyboard for that set
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: merlin64 on Wed, 18 April 2018, 16:23:52: So how do you actually program this board? It says QMK but it's not in the official QMK repo, so how can it claim QMK? lol.
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: merlin64 on Mon, 30 April 2018, 17:24:31: We got it into QMK master last week.

It's also now in QMK Configurator

https://config.qmk.fm/#/alf_x2/LAYOUT_split_arrows

The two small switches are actually programmed via the two positions to the left and right of the spacebar.
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: fcoury on Thu, 25 April 2024, 20:39:28: I know this is a very long shot, but would anyone have a plate file for this board? Thank you!
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: Woovie on Fri, 26 April 2024, 23:30:28: Quote from: fcoury on Thu, 25 April 2024, 20:39:28
I know this is a very long shot, but would anyone have a plate file for this board? Thank you!

I'll ping merlin about it in SMK and see if he has any info/can respond in this thread.
Title: Re: [GB] ALF X2 now Live! Almost there!
Post by: fcoury on Sat, 27 April 2024, 09:34:33: Quote from: Woovie on Fri, 26 April 2024, 23:30:28
Quote from: fcoury on Thu, 25 April 2024, 20:39:28
I know this is a very long shot, but would anyone have a plate file for this board? Thank you!

I'll ping merlin about it in SMK and see if he has any info/can respond in this thread.

That would be great, thank you so much!