Author Topic: [IC] Alpine65: 65% Gasket | Revamped Thread | PCBs Soon!  (Read 158529 times)

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Offline Bitmxp

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[IC] Alpine65: 65% Gasket | Revamped Thread | PCBs Soon!
« on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 01:28:41 »


Alpine65
"Men Wanted: For hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success."


For Updates:
Discord (Updates will always be posted here first.): https://discord.gg/2w5ukHV
Instagram (Exclusive Renders, occasionally.): https://www.instagram.com/bitmap.studio/

For UPDATES, please check comments.

Prototype Photos
Hi all, protos are complete! There are some blemishes in the photos, however this is because some parts of proto production were done by hand, therefore there is less precision.


---------------------------------------------------

Renders:


The Alpine65 Features a Top and Bottom case milled from 6063 Aluminum, with a large brass weight.


The layout of this keyboard is a modified 65% layout.


The Alpine65 in a smokey black polycarbonate. (Keycap Set: GMK Avanguardia  - https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=105981.0


Polycarbonate Alpine in a desk environment, with the GMK Avanguardia Deskmat.

The E-White Alpine65, with Avanguardia Keyset and Deskmat.

Technical Renderings:




Note: The Brass Badge present in this rendering has since been deprecated and removed.

Exploded View of the Alpine65, in E-White


The Alpine65 Features:
Case Material: Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Plate Material: TBD; Brass and PC Plate Confirmed.
Typing Angle: 6.5 Degrees
PCB: QMK Compatible, Per-Switch RGB, Hotswap. Designed and Programmed by Gondolindrim
Colors: Black, Red, E-White, Dark Navy, Smokey Black PC
Price: $299 + Shipping + Fees + Surcharge for E-White
Dampening: Foam Between PCB and Plate, Case Foam.
GB Cap: Around 500 Units
Timeline: Prototypes expected in-hand this month, release still pending.
GB Location: This will be hosted on my own storefront (bitmapstudio.xyz).

Timeline
More
- Build Stream - Right after received
- Streamers - About 1 week after completed protos (depending on distance from California)
- GB Begins! (More info below) - CURRENT ETA: Early October
- Production!
- Assuming 200 boards sold, Production completes in 1.5-2 months.
- QC - 1-2 week(s) (depending on boards sold)
-----------------------------------------
Alpine Deskmats Confirmed!
https://imgur.com/a/4E58ckv

I would like to extend a special thanks to:
More
u/ihavachiken for helping me and being patient along the whole way, and helping me in every single step of the way. He was the person that brought me into this hobby (Though I don't know if my wallet is thanking me), and sold me my first set of Gateron Yellows. Thank you so much.
Raz on Geekhack for the Gorgeous renders - and encouraging me to use blender (Still learning haha)
The IKKI68 Team (Wuque, CKeeb and SirTimmyTimBit), supporting me and teaching me a huge amount of knowledge, as well as providing invaluable feedback.
Any so many more people, I definetly could not have done it without you guys![/b]
« Last Edit: Sun, 29 November 2020, 13:41:21 by Bitmxp »

Offline mindpalace

  • Posts: 2
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 01:33:22 »
look awesome!! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

Offline baobaozi

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 01:34:09 »
I am interested in a hot swap version (or assembly service?)

Offline FunBox

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 01:34:43 »
That weight is stunning. Im really interested in this

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Offline Bitmxp

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 01:35:36 »
UPDATES:
6/15/20
More
- Added Hotswap Support! (COMPLETE)
6/16/20
- Adding a softer/more flexible material. (COMPLETE - PC Plate Option Confirmed)
- Adding an option without the top logo at all for minimalists. (COMPLETE)
- The logo will now be recessed instead of extruding, due to manufacturing constraints.
- A Hard Carrying Case will be included with all orders

6/17/20
More
Colors that have been set in stone (regardless of any changes)
- Marinas (Deep Navy)
- K2 (Black)
- Blanc (E-White)
- Mons (Red)
-Smokey Black PC
My apologies to those who did not get the color you wanted. Cerakote is always a great option (and super smooth!)

Smaller Updates
- PC Plate will be 4mm thick, with 1.5mm mounts for the gaskets. Pricing still TBD.
- Smokey Black PC
- Will be sending protos to TaeKeyboards for review!
- Prototypes lead time about 2 weeks - completion by end of June. Prototypes in-hand by Early July. These protos will not include a PCB, as I still need to confirm the dimensions of the case and layout before the PCB is produced.
- Prototypes will include Deep Navy, White and Red. Plate Protos include: PC Plate, Alu Plate and Brass Plate. The weight will be sandblasted, and use the legacy design. Logos on the case will not be color-filled.

6/19/20
More
Prototype Updates
- Prototypes will begin production 6/22/19 China Time, there will be videos of production in-action, posted along the way!
- Protos slated to be done by July 1-3, shipping to the US, protos in-hand on July 10th.
- Initial protos will not include the PCB, because I need to confirm dimensions of the case and overall looks in-person before a PCB can be designed, this way the PCB design does not have to change.
- PCB is also slated for Mid July to arrive to me.

Timeline has been updated, please check below.

Group Buy Info
- Will be hosted on my shopify-powered storefront, www.bitmapstudio.xyz 9OPEN!)
- Shopify will be offered as the main payment method - if you really need to use Paypal and have a valid reason for it, contact me to validate.
- Group Buy slated for Late August!

Shipping Info
- Shipping is very tentative right now, and obviously no quote or estimate is accurate, but most likely, we will be using DHL express or UPS, both of which are extremely fast methods of shipping :grin: Cost is too volatile right now, cannot give an accurate estimate.

6/20/20
More
The site for the Alpine65 (Which is also the site that the Group Buy will happen on) is live!
The Product Page shows as sold out, it's because the GB hasn't started yet, not because it's sold out haha
https://bitmapstudio.xyz/

6/28/20
More
Hi all! Due to the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) the shipment of raw materials are delayed, and therefore the protos have been delayed to around July 14-15th. The timeline has been updated accordingly.

6/29/20
More
- New Renders of the PC version!

PROTO PRODUCTION VIDEOS (6/28/20)
More
It has been a long time since an update was posted! Proto Videos are Released:
Please turn down your volume if you are wearing headphones!
https://imgur.com/a/9BVYk1L

More
7/18/20
More
- Unfortunately, the carrying case was delayed, so we will be able to ship out the package Monday. I will update the tracking here once it's shipped, on Monday, my apologies!

- The PCB will be designed by Gondo, who has designed many PCBs. Check out his work here: http://acheronproject.com/
Expect about 1 week production time, and 10 days manufacturing, give or take a few days.

- Proto photos! See below.

8/7/20
- Unfortunately, the PCB design has been delayed, ETA currently around next week, with a production time of 10 days.

- Deskmat protos have shipped! I expect them next week.

- Thank you all for your continued support. Over the past months, I have received much more interest than I initially planned for. Fear not! We will be following a new Group Buy format, (near) unlimited for the first day, and I may close the GB at any time after that, depending on the amount of orders that we get. I will only take the amount of orders I can comfortably handle (around 500).

9/1/20
More
Update, 9/1/2020
---
- Case Prototypes R2 are starting
- PCB is still under review
- Prototypes should finish by end of September
- You know what that means!
- Group Buy has been pushed back to October 2020

We have released a September Prototype Document outlining the various changes and prototypes that are being made.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lgU4I1Ex2rp2zlgtCzj41mdomXhPyyL7owrbpn6fO_4/edit?usp=sharing

Alpine Deskmats
- Alpine Deskmats are still awaiting ordering. We will update when that is done.

9/13/20

Alpine65
- PCB Protos have begun production! I am extremely happy.
- We have made no changes so far, to the overall design.
- We will order 3 more prototypes of the case, scheduled for production after the PCB.
- We will post a repoll in #voting about the format of shipping. Please vote!

Alpine Deskmats
- Deskmats are ordered, and we are currently ON TIME for the deskmats, and they will arrive as planned
-  No further updates

Socials
- We have made 2 new socials! Please follow them, as we may post exclusive content on each.
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/bitmxp
Twitter: https://twitter.com/studiobitmap
Instagram: https://instagram.com/bitmap.studio

10/23/20

UPDATE POSTED!
https://bitmapstudio.xyz/blogs/news/bitmap-studios-10-23-updates
« Last Edit: Tue, 03 November 2020, 23:17:43 by Bitmxp »

Offline NotYeMK

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #5 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 01:37:42 »
I have a huge want for this.

Offline dededecline

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #6 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 01:43:07 »
This looks really nice, I hope that price point is attainable for this board! A question and a suggestion:



Can you clarify what the layers are? Above the bottom half of the case it looks like an internal weight and then a piece of foam, but I don't see mention of foam and I assume one of these two is supposed to represent the not-yet-rendered PCB.

Quote
GB Location: Most likely on my own site, but may fall back to Paypal Invoicing

This is an easy way to get your PayPal account frozen with all your customers' money in it due to "suspicious activity." Don't fall back to PayPal.

Offline Tailslol

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #7 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 01:57:05 »
wow the renders looks cool
i cant wait to see this ;3

Offline Vaiur

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #8 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 01:58:58 »
Watching this for sure, very interesting.
CB87:Sakabato Black/Red/Brass | Think6.5v2 Deep Ocean 1u | Alpine65 eWhite | Vega Grey | RAMA u80a SEQ2 Sage | Iron165 r2 Graphite | Mode80 Lotus | Geon Frog F12 Black | Keycult 2/65 Purple Unfinish | Geon F2-84 Black | JJW Cloudline Navy/Silver | Iron165 r2 PC Atomic Purple

Offline jannso

  • Posts: 5
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #9 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 02:00:11 »
What's the typing angle on this? It looks great btw.

Offline SxM Designs

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #10 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 02:11:43 »
Looks good!

Offline Bitmxp

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #11 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 02:19:37 »

Can you clarify what the layers are? Above the bottom half of the case it looks like an internal weight and then a piece of foam, but I don't see mention of foam and I assume one of these two is supposed to represent the not-yet-rendered PCB.
This is an easy way to get your PayPal account frozen with all your customers' money in it due to "suspicious activity." Don't fall back to PayPal.
[/quote]

Yep. I will definitely work hard to make the site, and the layers are top case, gasket, plate, gasket, pcb, foam, bottom case, brass weight. I will edit the post tommrow :)

Offline Lenux

  • Posts: 102
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #12 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 02:55:10 »
The backplate is just amazing, im really looking forward to see it in real.

Good luck !

Offline Sabin

  • Posts: 74
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #13 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 03:11:02 »
I would also like a hot swap option
« Last Edit: Tue, 16 June 2020, 08:46:42 by Sabin »

Offline youreyesonly

  • Posts: 29
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #14 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 03:31:14 »
Arrow keys and right 3 keys should really be lined with with the rest. Does not look right with it being offset than the rest. I get why it is but maybe you could extend the board a bit to make enough room to have it flush.

Offline JoltFX

  • Posts: 112
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #15 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 03:38:12 »
This is just so nice looking, as my first GB and mech build I will be patiently waiting for this!!


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Offline paulgali

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #16 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 03:49:10 »
Nice looking! Are you going for 6063 alu though? At this price the grade of alu will be good to know, since it is a very compelling pricepoint.

Offline Sabin

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #17 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 04:23:39 »
Looks really nice, I like the logo and back weight. pricing seems good. I would allow us to choose from aluminium and brass plate. Looks like your including foam to put between pcb and plate? The only thing I would change about the back weight is get rid of the sun rays, just keep the mountain logo, much much cleaner look.

What is the typing angle and approximate weight? I would prefer the arrow key cluster to be flush with the rest of the keys rather than a separate island (My personal preference both aesthetically and functionally).

The bezel size is nice, not too thin or thick but is very similar to many other 65% have you thought about making it a little different? Like maybe having an angle to it? Would match the mountain theme nicely? Something similar to the Fjell (https://i.imgur.com/sWiD32b.jpg).
« Last Edit: Tue, 16 June 2020, 04:27:58 by Sabin »

Offline Kenny20x2

  • Posts: 17
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #18 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 04:28:24 »
Beautiful board. I'm definitely gonna be in for this gb. Any idea when?

Offline raz

  • Posts: 65
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #19 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 04:30:30 »
Looks sleek and the model is a pleasure to work with! Good luck with the IC!




Offline Hangos

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #20 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 04:32:46 »
Hope for ISO support in the PCB

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Offline roguesystem087

  • Posts: 133
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #21 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 05:36:30 »
very nice, not into 65s but if ya make it to GB, i'm down for sure :) nice price too

Offline fabijolo

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #22 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 05:41:30 »
Yoo, I really love the way you positioned the arrow/pg up... Keys, the perfect bezel in between is so incredibly satisfying to look at👀

Offline Blehhh

  • Posts: 15
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #23 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 05:51:50 »
will there be a hotswap version of this? would love a hotswap version of this :)

Offline villagepillage

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #24 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 06:02:45 »
Those renders look professionally done. I like it. I submitted feedback to the IC. I'd definitely be interested in pricing and what not. Will you be adding any customization for RGB? Possibly for the polycarb version.

Offline lovidore

  • Posts: 56
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #25 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 06:53:19 »
The design seems nice but some important information if missing.

What's the weight?
What's the typing angle?
Is the layout fixed? Will it support ISO? Split BS? Split LS? Bottom Row options?
Where's the port cutout? Will it use a daughterboard?
How will the badge attach to the case?


Offline Julia

  • Posts: 16
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #26 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 07:59:24 »
It could be the renders but the red looks kind of dull. It gives me that feeling like how a navy blue is compared to a regular blue. Is this the case with your red case too?

Offline Ckeeb

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #27 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 08:54:58 »
Really cool design, good luck with the IC :thumb: :thumb:

Offline kenneth00_22

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #28 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 11:40:24 »
Following this! GLWIC

Offline juice_pouch

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #29 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 11:52:56 »
Looks amazing!

Offline Vidhur100

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #30 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 12:03:53 »
I'm def interested just please try and bring the price down.

Offline LolChocotaco

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #31 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 12:10:24 »
This looks beautiful. Definitely following!

Offline Vidhur100

  • Posts: 24
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #32 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 12:12:28 »
The edges look kinda thick could you take like 3-4mm each side. Other than that I love it  :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

Offline UwU.Danny

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #33 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 12:13:38 »
Hey man, probably seems like I am blowing you up but I have a couple hard hitting questions. Are you dead set on not seeking vendor support? They already have in place infrastructure to help what seems like it will be trouble on your first group buy. If you are dead set on doing it all on your own, with no maximum order quality how do you plan on quality checking all of our boards? Is this something you are going to seek outside help on? And finally would you consider forgoing the badge for rotary encoder support?

Offline $W4GK!NG

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #34 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 12:16:02 »
Hey man, probably seems like I am blowing you up but I have a couple hard hitting questions. Are you dead set on not seeking vendor support? They already have in place infrastructure to help what seems like it will be trouble on your first group buy. If you are dead set on doing it all on your own, with no maximum order quality how do you plan on quality checking all of our boards? Is this something you are going to seek outside help on? And finally would you consider forgoing the badge for rotary encoder support?

Actually, that's a pretty sick idea, Rotary Encoder is cool

Offline Key_Capt

  • Posts: 18
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #35 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 12:25:14 »
This looks really nice, i like what you have done with the cluster separation.

Offline Bitmxp

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #36 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 12:25:54 »
Hey man, probably seems like I am blowing you up but I have a couple hard hitting questions. Are you dead set on not seeking vendor support? They already have in place infrastructure to help what seems like it will be trouble on your first group buy. If you are dead set on doing it all on your own, with no maximum order quality how do you plan on quality checking all of our boards? Is this something you are going to seek outside help on? And finally would you consider forgoing the badge for rotary encoder support?

The factory owner is my friend, and all boards will be manually checked, if not over 300 boards are made. Otherwise, if over 300, all boards will go through an automatic QC Process, where a photo will be taken and emailed to the buyer as well as me to confirm. More details incoming :)

Offline SirTimmyTimbit

  • Posts: 49
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #37 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 13:12:41 »
Looks fantastic man!

Offline MrFurrior

  • Posts: 63
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #38 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 14:00:59 »
The back plate design it very nice  :D Definitely interested to see how this IC goes.

Offline Ptaty

  • Posts: 22
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #39 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 14:06:13 »
As mountain hiking is another hobby of mine, this is literally the perfect keyboard for me. Bringing together two of my most passionate hobbies. Im so excited, I really hope I can get one.

Offline mrpetrov

  • Posts: 641
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #40 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 14:25:19 »
I think the design is cool and I like the innovation of the right hand side separated arrows/macro column.

That said, can you please give us a little more background about yourself and your ability to handle a large GB like this (financial buffer to handle snafus, administrative process, payments, QC, etc). Have you done anything like this before - I understand this is your first GB, but what other relevant experience do you have?

Many thanks!
« Last Edit: Tue, 16 June 2020, 14:27:02 by mrpetrov »

Offline Hangos

  • Posts: 9
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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #41 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 14:40:36 »
Is the PCB ISO compatible?

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Offline Rob27shred

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #42 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 15:43:56 »
I think the design is cool and I like the innovation of the right hand side separated arrows/macro column.

That said, can you please give us a little more background about yourself and your ability to handle a large GB like this (financial buffer to handle snafus, administrative process, payments, QC, etc). Have you done anything like this before - I understand this is your first GB, but what other relevant experience do you have?

Many thanks!

 I am absolutely in love with the design, but would like to get some answers to these questions as well. The fact you're going unlimited for your first GB with no vendor support does make backing this project a harder decision than it would be otherwise. I did see you said you are friends with the factory owner, but that is kinda disconcerting as well. I'd like to know if you're having your friend produce the boards as a straight up customer of his/hers or if this is a situation where they are doing you some favors to help get this project done. Anyways please don't feel like we are trying to grill you or are not being trusting towards you, a lot of projects have gotten terribly off track or even never delivered from people who bit off more than can chew for their first GB. We're just doing our due diligence because we are genuinely interested in this board!

Anyways I really hope this is something that gets brought to life with hopefully as little problems as possible for you. I really love the design & would definitely join the GB if you can give us some reassurances that this a project you can pull off. GL with everything moving forward man, I'll be keeping an eye on this for sure!
« Last Edit: Tue, 16 June 2020, 15:49:15 by Rob27shred »

Offline Shiro

  • Posts: 64
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #43 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 16:11:35 »
looks really cool, but could the pcb also have via support? 👀

Offline Kinesiologist

  • Posts: 224
  • Location: Canada
Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #44 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 17:21:13 »
Looking good, can you please elaborate on the following and perhaps add to the original post:

- is it USB-C connector on the PCB?
- does the PCB have full ESD protection?
- please allow the option for a solder PCB
- option to buy extra PCB for backup?

thank you, will keep an eye on this project.

Offline UwU.Danny

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  • Location: Iowa
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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #45 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 20:30:26 »
I think the design is cool and I like the innovation of the right hand side separated arrows/macro column.

That said, can you please give us a little more background about yourself and your ability to handle a large GB like this (financial buffer to handle snafus, administrative process, payments, QC, etc). Have you done anything like this before - I understand this is your first GB, but what other relevant experience do you have?

Many thanks!

 I am absolutely in love with the design, but would like to get some answers to these questions as well. The fact you're going unlimited for your first GB with no vendor support does make backing this project a harder decision than it would be otherwise. I did see you said you are friends with the factory owner, but that is kinda disconcerting as well. I'd like to know if you're having your friend produce the boards as a straight up customer of his/hers or if this is a situation where they are doing you some favors to help get this project done. Anyways please don't feel like we are trying to grill you or are not being trusting towards you, a lot of projects have gotten terribly off track or even never delivered from people who bit off more than can chew for their first GB. We're just doing our due diligence because we are genuinely interested in this board!

Anyways I really hope this is something that gets brought to life with hopefully as little problems as possible for you. I really love the design & would definitely join the GB if you can give us some reassurances that this a project you can pull off. GL with everything moving forward man, I'll be keeping an eye on this for sure!

This so much. I am absolutely amazed by how beautiful the design is. I would love to have it. But you are asking me to trust you with 300 dollars and giving me every reason in the world not to.

Offline Bitmxp

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #46 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 23:03:49 »


 I am absolutely in love with the design, but would like to get some answers to these questions as well. The fact you're going unlimited for your first GB with no vendor support does make backing this project a harder decision than it would be otherwise. I did see you said you are friends with the factory owner, but that is kinda disconcerting as well. I'd like to know if you're having your friend produce the boards as a straight up customer of his/hers or if this is a situation where they are doing you some favors to help get this project done. Anyways please don't feel like we are trying to grill you or are not being trusting towards you, a lot of projects have gotten terribly off track or even never delivered from people who bit off more than can chew for their first GB. We're just doing our due diligence because we are genuinely interested in this board!

Anyways I really hope this is something that gets brought to life with hopefully as little problems as possible for you. I really love the design & would definitely join the GB if you can give us some reassurances that this a project you can pull off. GL with everything moving forward man, I'll be keeping an eye on this for sure!
[/quote]

I totally understand. I am running this GB with the manufacturer solely as a consumer; and nothing else. He does not owe me anything, nor do I owe him. You would get the same experience if you approached him with your offer for a keyboard. To reassure you, there will be prototypes of this keyboard, and ample sound tests and build stream(s). You will be able to see first-hand what the keyboard is like before you commit to the group buy. I will also say that my manufacturer owns a keyboard-centered factory, and has catered to many industrial and corporate customers in the past, and has no problem handling a small group buy with ample quality control. A board that I can disclose is the IKKI68, which is also made by this manufacturer, and I can say that the Group Buy is going very well. Videos will also be made of machining and the QC Process. Rest assured I understand your position on this, and I totally understand what you feel, spending $300 on a custom keyboard from a first-time GB-Hoster. From a customer's point of view, I understand completely. I just want you know that both me and the manufacturer have more than enough capacity to handle this group buy with minimal hiccups. And thanks for your support.

Offline Bitmxp

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #47 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 23:04:38 »
Quote
This so much. I am absolutely amazed by how beautiful the design is. I would love to have it. But you are asking me to trust you with 300 dollars and giving me every reason in the world not to.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I've written a response to you as well above. I hope you understand.

Offline jjoejimmy

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #48 on: Tue, 16 June 2020, 23:49:26 »
Will the group buy begin after the Ikki68 units have been shipped? It would be great if it was after, so people can see the quality of this relatively new manufacturer

Offline Bitmxp

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Re: [IC] Alpine65 - Gasket Mounted 65%
« Reply #49 on: Wed, 17 June 2020, 08:04:24 »
Will the group buy begin after the Ikki68 units have been shipped? It would be great if it was after, so people can see the quality of this relatively new manufacturer
Most likely, yes