MUST READ: We can’t thank you enough for all the love and support you’ve given us with our Vanguard65 keyboard midi 🙏The amount of pre-orders/GB have exceeded MOQ expectations and beyond.🚀Much ❤️ to all of the keyboard content creators/hobbyists who helped us with photos, reels, and in-depth product reviews.
Vanguard65 (VG65)
GB CLOSED (https://www.keebfront.com/product/vanguard65)
Gallery
(https://i.imgur.com/to7cFW8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EYzo6WE.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Mut3StA.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/bYM93Sy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ywVBtbU.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/jqggBT5.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/zNooX35.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tLz0faZ.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/IcVN5w4.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/tScCwAP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Rew0kJY.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/eCwow8W.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/uvyr8Nc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/K3NuQcf.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/PL2v39E.png) (https://i.imgur.com/iFgOtLn.png)
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(https://i.imgur.com/St79474.jpg)
Specifications
Plate Materials
Plateless or Full Aluminum, FR4, PC, POM, Carbon Fiber, Brass
Typing Angle
6.5 degrees
Front Height
19.2mm
Weight
Brass, sandblasted CC
Mount
Gasket Sock PCB Mount
Case Materials
Top - Aluminum 6063 (top)
Bottom - Polycarbonate White Frosted or Black Aluminum 6063
PCB
- Custom designed hotswap with underglow
- ANSI/ISO hotswap support
- QMK/VIA compatible
- Split backspace support
- Kailh hotswap sockets
- Universal USB-C daughterboard
What does that slider do?
(https://i.imgur.com/dbMAFDi.gif)
Prioritizing User experience first, we built an extension within VIA for a seamless user experience to switch the slider on-the-fly with ease.
- Layers Shift: Switch between keyboard layers by allowing slider to to easily transition between your different key bindings set within VIA.
- MIDI encoding: Let the slider act as a MIDI CC, meaning you can program it to pass values to supported software in order to make adjustments on the fly beyond music and photo/video production. We will provide more details of a recommended list of DAW software and open-source apps that you can download free in the builders guide.
- RGB Brightness Control: Set the brightness levels of the case underglow.
- Volume Control: Command your system volume with MIDI companion programs
Colorways
Primary
- Forest Green
- White
- Black
- Ruby Star Purple
Limited Edition
- Ethereal Pearl Oil Slick (available via raffles)
- MVKB Terminal x Keebfront (available via raffles and Keebfront website)
(https://i.imgur.com/iw5K2jG.png) (https://i.imgur.com/3G3ke1l.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/zftVbDY.png) (https://i.imgur.com/19x6yjl.png)
Etheral Pearl Oil Slick Limited Edition
Prior to the official GB, we created an exclusive limited edition colorshift cerakoted finish case.
Most went through a private GB but the remaining kits will be available via raffles.
Less then 25 kits of this version will be available and shipped immediately, early access before anyone else.
(https://i.imgur.com/GA3Nta0.png) (https://i.imgur.com/c5hEBpz.png)
Collabs
VoxelMods x VG65 Artisan Cables
Optional, premium hand-made straight cables that you'll be able to purchase to compliment the Vanguard65 keyboard color you choose.
This will be available during the duration of the group buy. Note: This collaboration is an exclusive to US customers only.
(https://i.imgur.com/r1rhvUq.png)
Terminal x VG65 Limited Edition
I'm excited to announce that a limited edition collaboration with MVKB (https://mvkb.com/) is underway. Limited kits of this version will be arriving once GB ends.
- Pricing: From $550+ (https://www.keebfront.com/product/vg65-terminal-kit)
If you don't live in the 🇺🇸 but are interested in picking this kit up, then Keebfront (https://keebfront.com)
The kit will include:
- Custom Color: 9-5 Beige on black
- Terminal R2 keycaps (Optional)
- Custom knob
- Custom slider
- VoxelMods custom straight cable (Optional)
(https://i.imgur.com/CvwLbdN.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/SGE1NFQ.jpg)
Layout Options
Default
- 65% hotswap pcb
- ANSI/ISO support
- Split backspace support
(https://i.imgur.com/sRIdpzy.png)
What is VG65 about?
It’s been a long dream of mine to design a custom board that provides something truly personalized to add to the keyboard collection. The Vanguard65 (VG65), is a keyboard kit that serves both aesthetic beauty and function while incorporating a slider and knob. The case design is inspired by the Porsche Cayman, which is a perfect representation of a timeless masterpiece.
(https://i.imgur.com/YmZvukF.jpg)
Why the name Vanguard?
Noun. “A group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas”.
IMO - The word, Vanguard, is representative of what I have been able to design, build, and achieve in 2022. Starting with the creation of DOOM switches, which is the 1st of its kind to introduce a new PE material called HDPE into the hobby. Following that, I designed and mass-produced BIGWIG switches which is the 1st switch to introduce and use PBT material as a housing in the Western market. BIGWIG is also the first and only switch to use HDPE/PBT for top and bottom housing combination. Additionally, I introduced a new small switch manufacturer named Meirun. Lastly, the word Vanguard is just f**king cool.;D :D
Group Buy Information
Note: Prices will vary for each region.
Base Kit: $274.99
- Plate: PC 1x
- Hotswap PCB 1x
- Weight: Brass, sandblasted CC 1x
- Foam dampening kit (case and plate)
- Choice of PC or Aluminum bottom
- Option to engrave slider notches +$10
- All needed items to build kit such as screws, building guide QR card, gasket socks, daughter board for USB, rubber case feet, rotary encoder, rotary knob, fader encoder, fader handle.
Extras
- Plate: Aluminum
- Plate: FR4
- Plate: POM
- Plate: PC
- Plate: Carbon Fiber
- Plate: Brass
- Hotswap PCB
- Aluminum bottom
- PC bottom
- VoxelMods Straight Cable: Forest Green
- VoxelMods Straight Cable: Black
- VoxelMods Straight Cable: White
- VoxelMods Straight Cable: Ruby Star Purple
- VoxelMods Straight Cable: Terminal LE
Timeline:
NOTE: Time will vary depending on your region. We suggest you contact the vendor for your region.
- GB Start Date: May 24, 2023 at 7:00 PM-CST (USA)
- GB End Date: June 24, 2023
- Delivery Date: Q4 2023
Main Vendors:
- USA: Keebfront (https://keebfront.com)
- CA: Desk Hero (https://deskhero.ca)
- SEA/PH: Zion Studios (https://zionstudios.ph/)
- OCE/AUS: MtnKbd (https://mtnkbd.com/)
- EUROPE: Candy Keys (https://candykeys.com/)
- UK: MechMods (https://www.mechmods.co.uk/)
- MEXICO: Switch Club (https://switchclub.com.mx/)
- ARGENTINA: Latam Keys (http://latamkeys.com/)
- CHILE: Fancy Customs (https://fancycustoms.com/)
- MALAYSIA: Rebult Keyboards (https://www.rebultkeyboards.com/)
- INDONESIA: KeebsMark.id (https://www.instagram.com/keebsmark.id/?hl=en)
Socials
DISCORD (https://discord.com/invite/vdGXW4XwKj) - INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/keebfront/)
Show your support
Add this to your signature to show your support
(https://i.imgur.com/UffSI7e.png)
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Update
It's been a minute since I've provided an update. Almost forgot about this GH post as it's been quite busy.
We'll be getting the first batch before the end of the year (US for now)! :p Pending any QC issues, we may be able to fulfill units as they come in.
To the lucky few that were able to get their hands on the Colorshift version, the supplier is building the crates in order to ensure added protection before sending off to freight forwarder. :cool:
Lastly, please follow us on Discord (https://discord.gg/vdGXW4XwKj)or Instagram (http://instagram.com/keebfront) for the latest updates, photos and more.
Update
We can’t thank you enough for all the love and support you’ve given us with our Vanguard65 keyboard midi 🙏The amount of pre-orders have exceeded our MOQ expectations and beyond.🚀 Much ❤️ to all of the keyboard content creators/hobbyists who helped us with photos, reels, and in-depth product reviews.
If you still haven’t ordered your Vanguard65, it’s not too late - KEEBFRONT.COM
Updates
The Terminal x Vanguard65 collab is ready to pre-order.
Since we had mentioned exceeding MOQ numbers for the group buy, we will be opening up pre-orders for the MVKB Terminal x VG65 collab kit. 👀
It will be setup as fcfs on our website. However, if you don't live in the US but are interested in buying this kit up then contact Keebfront (https://keebfront.com).
Update
New sound test is out now by Hi Keebs. See Sound Test & Overview section of main post.
Update
To address improvements regarding the PC bottom for VG65. This is a MUCH improved version then the samples sent out to Content Creators.
We heard some of the feedback regarding underglow "hotspot" concerns and have been working on a better solution to combat this.
As you can also see (in the 2 images below), I've increased the "frost" finish to help diffuse more the PCB underglow for an even spread in the front lip area where the hotspots are more identifiable.
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/ExIgbjz.png)
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/wZrGNeb.png)
Update
New sound test is out now by Preston's Thoughts. See Sound Test & Overview section of main post.
Update
Photo uploaded showcasing Aluminum bottom and forest green top frame from Alexotos. See Gallery section of main post.
Update
Video uploaded showcasing Aluminum bottom and forest green top frame from Alexotos. See Sound Test & Overview section of main post.
Update
Short reel added showcasing product overview and sound test using PC plate and case foam (no plate foam) by Captain Sterling. See Sound Test section of main post.
Update
GROUP BUY IS LIVE!!! :eek: :p
All the time spent designing, working with other partners, and listening to the community feedback - the wait is finally over!
Thank you for embarking on this journey. Without you, we wouldn't be where we are today.
Update
Overview video released on YouTube by Captain Sterling. See Sound Test section of main post.
Update
More photos added of E-White with PC bottom using Mode Tomorrow keycaps.
Update
Additional photos added of E-White with PC bottom. ;D
Also added photos of plate extras.
Update
Twitch streamer friend, Captain Sterling is doing a live build E-White with PC bottom :eek:
When: Today at 2:00 PM-CST
Where: Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/thecaptainsterling)
Update
Added new sound test using Plateless with no foam config. See [Sound Test] section of main post.
Update
Added a new vendor for Chile region.
Update
Twitch streamer friend, nainaigogo will be doing a live build of Vanguard65 on Twitch! :eek:
When: May 15th at 6:30 PM-CST
Where: Twitch (https://twitch.tv/nainaigogo)