Author Topic: [IC] CU80 - Aluminium Prototype Images added! GB Launches 06-09-2019!  (Read 32474 times)

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Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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CU80


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The CU80 is a tenkeyless (TKL/80%) mechanical keyboard that can be purchased either as a kit, or as a fully assembled keyboard with Cherry MX switches and keycaps.

This keyboard features an anodised aluminium case that is made of two parts; the base and the top case. The kit is only available in grey. The kit features a hotswappable PCB that available with either the ANSI layout, or the ISO layout. The PCB supports QMK and features SMD RGB LEDs under each switch. The software can be heavily customised meaning that you can change key locations, have multiple Fn layers and more! You really can make this keyboard your keyboard. The inclusion of a hotswappable PCB means that there is no soldering. Want to change switches or have different switches in different locations? No problem, all you need to do is take out the current switches and place the new ones. This PCB is available with either the ANSI or ISO layout. The PCB supports screw-in stabilisers and PCB mounted switches.The PCB supports USB-C.

Why did we design the CU80?


When we started designing the CU80 we had a few criteria; it had to be high-quality, feature-rich and be affordable. We feel that this mechanical keyboard fulfills those criteria and is a great option for those looking to get a custom mechanical keyboard but can’t accommodate a $300+ budget.





Renders:


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1st Printed Prototype Images:


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2nd Printed Prototype Images:

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Aluminium Prototype Images:

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« Last Edit: Fri, 30 August 2019, 08:03:49 by CAPS UNLOCKED »

Offline demonahz

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 27 May 2019, 09:25:14 »
Is it possible to see more of the internals?

Offline b4d_tR1p

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 27 May 2019, 09:54:39 »
unibody?plate?!!!?

-----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK-----
Version: 3.1
GCS/CC d-(--)>---x s:-(--)>--- a C++++(++++)>++ UBLC++++(+++)$>++ P++ L+++++(+++++)>+++++ E---(---)>--- W+++(+++)>+++ N+++ o++ K-- w O M++ !V- PS+++(+++)>+++ PE+++(+++)>+++ Y+++(+++)>+++ PGP++ t+ 5 X+ R tv- b++ DI++++ D+++ G++++ e+++ h- r++ y+++
------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 27 May 2019, 10:21:54 »
unibody?plate?!!!?

The plate is integrated into to top case. There are only two pieces, the base and the top case.

Offline Techno Trousers

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #4 on: Mon, 27 May 2019, 10:44:15 »
Completely flat? Interesting. Will it come with risers to get it to 5 or 6 degrees of slope?

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #5 on: Mon, 27 May 2019, 11:10:31 »
Completely flat? Interesting. Will it come with risers to get it to 5 or 6 degrees of slope?

A pair of these will be included with the kit: https://kbdfans.cn/products/anodized-cnc-aluminum-feet-1pair

Offline Jackorias

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #6 on: Mon, 27 May 2019, 12:10:43 »
I've just bought a KBD67 but with the GB for this being in a couple of months, I'll be in for it!

Offline Nagato

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 27 May 2019, 12:54:40 »
Hotswap tkl for that price? I'm definitely interested!

Offline Xitir

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #8 on: Mon, 27 May 2019, 14:44:23 »
Definitely interested! I'm in for a sub $300 hotswap TKL. Possibly two.

Offline equalunique

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #9 on: Mon, 27 May 2019, 16:05:33 »
Ne split spacebar (2.25u+1.25u+2.75u) support? Would be the first hot swap keeb to ever support it.

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk

Offline zekth

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #10 on: Mon, 27 May 2019, 17:10:58 »
Completely flat? Interesting. Will it come with risers to get it to 5 or 6 degrees of slope?

Risers would be the perfect addition to this.

Thumbs up!

Offline slxdegrees

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #11 on: Mon, 27 May 2019, 20:36:58 »
from the design of the cutout, seems that users will only be able to use the pcb provided?

Offline Xitir

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #12 on: Tue, 28 May 2019, 12:35:14 »
Is there the possibility of more color options being added at some point?

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #13 on: Wed, 29 May 2019, 08:43:05 »
from the design of the cutout, seems that users will only be able to use the pcb provided?

Yes, you will only be able to use the CU80 PCB. This kit is not compatible with any other PCBs.

Is there the possibility of more color options being added at some point?

If this is well received then we can certainly look into adding new colours for the next round.

Offline woodruff

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #14 on: Thu, 30 May 2019, 08:38:06 »
This is interesting, but I don't really understand why in the TKL world everyone needs to reinvent the wheel. Look at the 60% keyboards.... they are intherchangable, why doesn't this work in the tkl segment?

Please make it compatible with other cases, pcbs, make a choice :-) you could make it compatible with TX87KIN, or with the recent h87??

Is this a skeleton - like case? Normal cases are a little better because the border of the keycaps is not exposed, it is protected and you don't accidentally touch hit, break it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GpM--fKeDw_tIDZj4m2jmbMavSyXeOu3QHzfTJwz-IM/edit#gid=0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=96123.0
« Last Edit: Thu, 30 May 2019, 08:39:59 by woodruff »

Offline LXVRGS

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #15 on: Sun, 02 June 2019, 20:20:01 »
This is growing on me I dig the flatness.

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #16 on: Tue, 11 June 2019, 09:36:29 »
This is growing on me I dig the flatness.

Thanks!

We are currently working on refining the design and we aim to release more info/renders within the coming days!

Offline Xitir

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #17 on: Mon, 24 June 2019, 07:20:26 »
We are currently working on refining the design and we aim to release more info/renders within the coming days!

Any updates on the renders/info? Looking forward to the GB  :)

Offline Zylkan

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #18 on: Mon, 24 June 2019, 07:34:51 »
This is interesting, but I don't really understand why in the TKL world everyone needs to reinvent the wheel. Look at the 60% keyboards.... they are intherchangable, why doesn't this work in the tkl segment?

Please make it compatible with other cases, pcbs, make a choice :-) you could make it compatible with TX87KIN, or with the recent h87??

Is this a skeleton - like case? Normal cases are a little better because the border of the keycaps is not exposed, it is protected and you don't accidentally touch hit, break it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GpM--fKeDw_tIDZj4m2jmbMavSyXeOu3QHzfTJwz-IM/edit#gid=0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=96123.0

Agreed

TKL developers keep running away from interchangeability like the plague

Offline break

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #19 on: Mon, 24 June 2019, 23:29:30 »
An assembled hotswappable TKL for ~$130 USD without VAT?? Wow!

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #20 on: Thu, 27 June 2019, 08:42:53 »
We are currently working on refining the design and we aim to release more info/renders within the coming days!

Any updates on the renders/info? Looking forward to the GB  :)


Final model has been confirmed, new renders and GB info coming soon!

3D Printed Prototypes will arrive next week and then if everything is ok then we will order the Aluminium prototypes. :)
« Last Edit: Thu, 27 June 2019, 08:44:40 by CAPS UNLOCKED »

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - An affordable custom TKL mechanical keyboard.
« Reply #21 on: Thu, 27 June 2019, 08:46:44 »
If there is anyone who want to stay updated but doesn't visit GeekHack often, please join the CU80 mailing list:


http://eepurl.com/gtiY5z



Offline courtcodes

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Custom 80% starting at £108.32(exVAT) (ISO/ANSI)
« Reply #22 on: Wed, 03 July 2019, 05:12:34 »
Wow! Really like the simple design of this, and that price point  :eek:

If you can nail the material quality and finish, this is gonna be an awesome entry-level custom.

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - New Renders!
« Reply #23 on: Wed, 03 July 2019, 11:38:02 »
Wow! Really like the simple design of this, and that price point  :o

If you can nail the material quality and finish, this is gonna be an awesome entry-level custom.


Thanks! 

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - New Renders!
« Reply #24 on: Wed, 03 July 2019, 11:40:50 »
Hey Everyone!

We have uploaded some new renders of the modified design.


After a few weeks we have designed a custom footbar that will be included in the kit!


We are still working on getting prototypes as soon as possible, sorry for the delay.


If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask!


Thanks for the support! :)

Offline EMC Labs

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Re: [IC] CU80 - New Renders!
« Reply #25 on: Sat, 06 July 2019, 05:32:52 »
I looked over this but I've return to say it's very interesting and a fantastic idea. Will be following this now. Also, like the idea of having hotswap.

Offline EMC Labs

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Re: [IC] CU80 - New Renders!
« Reply #26 on: Sat, 06 July 2019, 05:35:42 »
Hey Everyone!

We have uploaded some new renders of the modified design.


After a few weeks we have designed a custom footbar that will be included in the kit!


We are still working on getting prototypes as soon as possible, sorry for the delay.


If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask!


Thanks for the support! :)

Great to hear about the footbar! Will the groupbuy go through your website?

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - New Renders!
« Reply #27 on: Tue, 09 July 2019, 10:55:56 »
I looked over this but I've return to say it's very interesting and a fantastic idea. Will be following this now. Also, like the idea of having hotswap.


Hey Everyone!

We have uploaded some new renders of the modified design.


After a few weeks we have designed a custom footbar that will be included in the kit!


We are still working on getting prototypes as soon as possible, sorry for the delay.


If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask!


Thanks for the support! :)

Great to hear about the footbar! Will the groupbuy go through your website?
   




Thanks, I am glad you like the idea/keyboard! Yes, the group buy will be through the capsunlocked store!  :)

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - New Renders!
« Reply #28 on: Tue, 09 July 2019, 11:02:14 »
Here are some images of the 3D printed CU80 with the Tai-Hao keycaps that will be available:


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Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Images of 3D Printed Prototype Added!
« Reply #29 on: Wed, 10 July 2019, 14:27:50 »
Here is an infographic that we created!


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Offline vi0till

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Images of 3D Printed Prototype Added!
« Reply #30 on: Fri, 12 July 2019, 19:10:21 »
I read somewhere you will offer numpad as well. Mind share the details?

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Images of 3D Printed Prototype Added!
« Reply #31 on: Sat, 13 July 2019, 03:41:21 »
I read somewhere you will offer numpad as well. Mind share the details?


Hi! I am not sure where you read that, but we haven't designed a numpad and one won't be offered in this groupbuy.   

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Images of 3D Printed Prototype Added!
« Reply #32 on: Thu, 25 July 2019, 09:53:47 »
2nd Prototype arrived today! More images comign soon!


GB date will be between 15th-31st August.

Offline juusu

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Images of 3D Printed Prototype Added!
« Reply #33 on: Thu, 25 July 2019, 23:41:26 »
Is this compatible with PCB mount switches (without cutting the pegs) ?

Offline Hachanie

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Images of 3D Printed Prototype Added!
« Reply #34 on: Fri, 26 July 2019, 01:04:08 »
Can wait for this product :D . Hopefully it can be more colour for the case :D

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Images of 3D Printed Prototype Added!
« Reply #35 on: Fri, 26 July 2019, 09:59:25 »
Is this compatible with PCB mount switches (without cutting the pegs) ?


Yes, the PCB supports PCB mounted switches and screw-in stabs!

Can wait for this product :D . Hopefully it can be more colour for the case :D




Thanks for the support! We are only focusing on grey for this first round but hopefully we can add more in the future! 

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Images of 2nd Prototype added!
« Reply #36 on: Thu, 01 August 2019, 09:30:32 »
Here is an image without the keycaps:


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Offline equalunique

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Images of 2nd Prototype added!
« Reply #37 on: Sat, 03 August 2019, 12:13:51 »
What color will the kit PCB be? I have been looking for a white hotswap 87-key TKL PCB for another project. Might go with the CU80 just for the PCB

Sent from my Ono-Sendai Cyberspace 7 using Tapatalk


Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Images of 2nd Prototype added!
« Reply #38 on: Sun, 04 August 2019, 07:00:39 »
What color will the kit PCB be? I have been looking for a white hotswap 87-key TKL PCB for another project. Might go with the CU80 just for the PCB

Sent from my Ono-Sendai Cyberspace 7 using Tapatalk


Green.

Offline EvaoftheIvy

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Images of 2nd Prototype added!
« Reply #39 on: Tue, 20 August 2019, 22:26:34 »
Sounds interesting like the idea of cheaper and hotswappable


Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Aluminium Prototype Images added!
« Reply #40 on: Fri, 30 August 2019, 07:28:39 »
Sounds interesting like the idea of cheaper and hotswappable


Thanks for the support! :) 

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Aluminium Prototype Images added!
« Reply #41 on: Fri, 30 August 2019, 07:29:44 »
Aluminium Prototype w/ Cherry MX Speed Silver Switches!


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Offline Dissitesuxba11s

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Aluminium Prototype Images added!
« Reply #42 on: Fri, 30 August 2019, 07:59:16 »
GB date will be between 15th-31st August.

Did this ever go on GB? I can't seem to find a GB page on this.

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Aluminium Prototype Images added!
« Reply #43 on: Fri, 30 August 2019, 08:01:01 »
GB date will be between 15th-31st August.

Did this ever go on GB? I can't seem to find a GB page on this.


GB launches on 06-09-2019.   

Offline Tekilashot

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Aluminium Prototype Images added!
« Reply #44 on: Fri, 30 August 2019, 08:02:38 »
GB date will be between 15th-31st August.

Did this ever go on GB? I can't seem to find a GB page on this.

Not yet. The BG launches on September 6th.

Offline Dissitesuxba11s

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Aluminium Prototype Images added!
« Reply #45 on: Fri, 30 August 2019, 08:03:40 »
GB launches on 06-09-2019.   

Copy that. Thanks for the info. I look forward to it. Good job on the aluminium prototype  :thumb:

Offline Benitone

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Aluminium Prototype Images added! GB Launches 06-09-2019!
« Reply #46 on: Fri, 30 August 2019, 09:21:27 »
Why are all 60% cases compatible with all the PCBs, while generally no tkl case is compatible with any of the existing PCBs? This is crazy.

Why should I purchase this over a gmmk keyboard that costs a third of the price of this one?

Why is the usb port on the left, while all the existing tkl have the port on the right?

Why are you using an usb c cable which is by definition much much much more dangerous than micro and mini usb?

Sorry for the number of questions and thanks for your effort.

The colour that you chose is probably meant to look fine with most sets, but a nice and brilliant and shiny aluminium case would probably be a nicer option.

The top "plate"/part could probably be thicker, with recesses on each switch to allow the hot swap.
« Last Edit: Fri, 30 August 2019, 09:26:52 by Benitone »

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Aluminium Prototype Images added! GB Launches 06-09-2019!
« Reply #47 on: Fri, 30 August 2019, 09:38:53 »
Why are all 60% cases compatible with all the PCBs, while generally no tkl case is compatible with any of the existing PCBs? This is crazy.

Why should I purchase this over a gmmk keyboard that costs a third of the price of this one?

Why is the usb port on the left, while all the existing tkl have the port on the right?

Why are you using an usb c cable which is by definition much much much more dangerous than micro and mini usb?

Sorry for the number of questions and thanks for your effort.

The colour that you chose is probably meant to look fine with most sets, but a nice and brilliant and shiny aluminium case would probably be a nicer option.


Thanks for the feedback!


At the time of writing, the CU80 is the only TKL keyboard that has an Aluminium case and also supports SMD RGB LEDs, USB C, hot-swap sockets and both ANSI and ISO PCBs. The reason we didn't design the case around other PCBs is because we had to design the ISO PCB anyway. We primarily designed this with ISO users in mind first and then we designed the ANSI PCB. In regards to the price it was announced with a cheaper price, but due to the weak £ we were forced to increase it. I honestly believe that htis is a great option for those want a custom TKL keyboard that has ISO support.


I do not think it matters which side the port is on - even if it was on the right, you still wouldn't be able to use any other PCB.


USB-C is now being used on several keyboards and we, alongside others, believe that it is a better option. If USB-C was so dangerous, then we wouldn't have included it in the design and I don't think large tech companies would use it either. 


When we asked users which colour cases most they are most interested in, Dark Grey, Black and Silver where the clear winners. If this first round is successful then we will happily add more colours.


I appreciate your questions and feedback.  :)

Offline Benitone

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Aluminium Prototype Images added! GB Launches 06-09-2019!
« Reply #48 on: Fri, 30 August 2019, 11:39:59 »
What I meant is something linke this, but in aluminium. Can be thought as a case that encloses your a case, just in case.

https://drop.com/buy/aopo-ap87-wooden-mechanical-keyboard-kit

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225415-1

225417-2

225419-3
« Last Edit: Fri, 30 August 2019, 11:41:51 by Benitone »

Offline CAPS UNLOCKED

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Re: [IC] CU80 - Aluminium Prototype Images added! GB Launches 06-09-2019!
« Reply #49 on: Fri, 30 August 2019, 12:01:14 »
What I meant is something linke this, but in aluminium. Can be thought as a case that encloses your a case, just in case.

https://drop.com/buy/aopo-ap87-wooden-mechanical-keyboard-kit

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)


I can't access that link at the moment, but I will take a look later!


The reason we didn't design a high profile case is because we wanted to keep the price low.