Austin R2 - A compact keyboard for your full size needs.
(https://imgur.com/3gPvLFe.png)
Specs
- Full aluminum top and bottom case
- 6.5 degree typing angle
- Sandblasted raw brass weight
- Sandblasted raw brass plate
- PCB is QMK/VIA compatible
- USB C
- Top mounted
For more information about the board, please check out https://driftmechanics.com/pages/austin-info
Color Options
- E-White
- Charcoal Gray
- Cabernet Red
Price
- Base kit (includes brass plate, PCB, fasteners, bumpons) - $525
- Extra PCB (Limit 2) - $60 (compatible with R1/R2)
- Extra Plate (Limit 2) Brass, Polycarb, or Carbon Fiber - $45 (Only compatible with R2)
Layout
(https://imgur.com/jVTNKkH.png)
Where to purchase
US/CAN Buyers - US/CAN buyers will be able to purchase on https://www.driftmechanics.com. These orders will only be available for US/CAN buyers and products will be available at 10AM CT on May 16th. There will be 75 units, FCFS. Extra PCBs and plates will be available 30 mins before so you can add them to your cart ahead of time.
International Buyers - Anyone outside of the US will be able to purchase through ilumkb (https://www.ilumkb.com). A product page will be available the day before and a google form will be in the description. GB starts at 3PM SGT on May 16th. Hopefully this time should work for those in EU and Asia. There will be 75 units, FCFS. ISO plate options should be available on the form.
For those who might not be able to join during the FCFS, there will be extras available after the GB units are delivered. Please do not ask until then.
Leadtime
5-6 months
Disclaimer on colors
Many of you have asked about the Charcoal gray. The chip that was provided to me doesn’t seem to match the prototype received by ilumkb so I will defer to his pictures for a more accurate color representation of the Charcoal gray. There is no guarantee that the production colors will be a 100% match to the prototype but should be very close. The manufacturer will generally match up to 90% of the pantone color and because anodization happens in batches, it is possible that not all grays or reds will turn out exactly the same. Please understand that there can be a lot of variances when it comes to which monitor you use to see the pictures or videos as well. The goal for the Charcoal gray is to be darker than the R1’s gray but not as dark as black.
Quality disclosure
A-stock is considered a board that does not have visible marks on the exterior parts of the board when the case is assembled. Small anodization variations might be visible in harsh lighting. Our goal is to order enough extras so that each GB participant should receive an A-stock board.
Updates
Updates will be provided whenever they are available. Normally during the first month or two during production, there will not be any updates besides the boards being in production. Once we are getting closer to the end of the lead time, I will provide as many updates as the manufacturer will provide me. I will update the GB post for all relevant updates
Additional pictures
(https://imgur.com/rU7ZEO0.png)
(https://imgur.com/GawnE1K.png)
(https://imgur.com/tjv39DT.png)
(https://imgur.com/yQgnjfd.png)
(https://imgur.com/JqtlLCf.png)
(https://imgur.com/doyi7Nn.png)
(https://imgur.com/vYFEnDJ.png)
For those who missed the stream, please check out the VOD for the changes between R1 and R2. https://www.twitch.tv/videos/608622670
IC Thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=104669.0)
Differences between R1 and R2
- 6.5 degree angle in R2 vs 5.5 degree angle in R1
- Small plate changes to improve sound
- Brass weight does not cut into the case anymore
- Cavity between PCB and bottom piece has been reduced
- Different bumpons
Build streams
I'll post a link to the youtube videos once they're up. If you want to check out the build streams, it should also be on the twitch VODs.
TopClack - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VywXmktbXkw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VywXmktbXkw)
MechsOnDeck - https://youtu.be/ps0zO3Cc4XE (https://youtu.be/ps0zO3Cc4XE)
More
Next week, we will have streamers 0siris from MechsOnDeck building a prototype on Tuesday (5/5), ~8PM CT on twitch. Be sure to check out the first build at https://www.twitch.tv/mechsondeck.
On Friday of that week, we’ll also be having Quakemz from TopClack build the second prototype on Friday (5/8) on twitch as long as he receives the board on time. Check him out at https://www.twitch.tv/topclack
I’ll try to be available during these streams but I can’t promise I’ll be around the entire stream. If you have any questions about the board, feel free to ask in the beginning or drop by the discord. https://discord.gg/X6XhE6B
More
Polycarb Austin Auction
To celebrate the start of R2, I will be auctioning a 1 of 1 production polycarbonate Austin based on the R1 design. The google form will open up on the 9th and will close Monday morning (whenever I wake up) on the 11th. This polycarb case is the only one of its kind since it was based on the production files from R1 and not the prototype. The case and weight will be sold “as-is” since there are no extras to replace it. I have not taken apart the case in order to reduce the risk of stripping the threaded holes and will provide additional fasteners if you choose to replace them. Invoice will be sent via Square and payment will be required within 24 hours. If payment is not made, the case will go to the next highest bidder.
https://forms.gle/i64P2na5QHTE2K658
(https://imgur.com/qeqzXox.png)
(https://imgur.com/exHURIr.png)