Author Topic: [IC] Pearl 40% - Premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps  (Read 67847 times)

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Offline Koobaczech

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[IC] Pearl 40% - Premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps
« on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 21:23:13 »
10/30/17 Some info might be outdated or has changed - refer to website or GB thread for latest info please - TY
GB Thread - https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=92259.0
GB Website - www.pearlboards.com

About me and the Pearl
Hello I'm Kooba, this boards sole designer, and I'm here to tell you the modern day 40% board has arrived! Ive loved 40% boards and decided to fuse my three favorites together into one. Mechminis RGB, Mininvans Cherry/Alps compatibility and JD45s thick case and blocked style. I then added some modern features like side indicators, usb-c and a better layout. Initially it was just a project for myself, but the community received it well so I'm going to decide if i can sell it to you all! Ive invested over 2k into it so far and countless hours. Hope you enjoy the board and support this project! - Koobaczech

Elephant in the room
All should be done in a few months with a fixed price between $250-$300. Shipping is free in CONUS, and $40-$70 International via USPS. Min and Max order quantity tentatively planned at 50-100. Not set in stone. As it is my first ever project, I have signed countless NDA's. I kindly ask that you don't ask me for design files/quotes/contacts.

Main features
  • 40% form factor for portability and aesthetics
  • ALU 6061/General Brass/Polycarbonate
  • 6 degree incline
  • Top mounted plate with cherrystab support in polished brass or anodized alu and switch top removal support
  • Sandblasted brass weight with custom engraving on both sides
  • Bootmapper client (u/jetpacktuxedo working on porting to QMK)
  • Corner indicator lights (Num, Caps, Scroll)
  • RGB under-glow/NON-RGB top led support
  • Cherry/Alps switch compatibility
  • USB-C to USB-A - Not USB-C to USB-C
  • Split-space, Split-Rshift, Split-backspace
  • Close to normal stagger layout (no need for 40% modifier keyset kits). The small stagger is almost insignificant, and the keyset compatibility/ aesthetic gain is well worth the change

Secondary features
  • Many anodization color options - Black, gray, silver, cyan, blue, red, pink, purple, yellow, green, rose gold, orange
  • Slightly sunken in design so keys hide more
  • Tight fit design, inner bezels hug keycaps
  • Case bottom can be built 4 ways (with rgb diffuser, without it, with rgb diffuser as bot base or with diffuser and feet)
  • Diamond engraving in rear corner

Definite NO's in this project
  • Ortholinear
  • MATIAS/COSTAR Stabilizer support, im sorry, wont fit on plate for 2.75 RSHIFT
  • Stepped caps key (hits side traces)
  • Any sort of different layout
  • Included keycaps
  • Included switches

What a purchase should include
  • Full keyboard kit (bottom case, weight, rgb diffuser, pcb, specific switch plate, top case)
  • Screws
  • Tiny clear rubber bump pads (feet)
  • Ability to purchase an extra PCB/Plate/Diffuser
  • Regular USB-C to USB-A cable (INTEREST CHECK FORM)
  • Custom 40% wrist rest $30 (MAYBE)
  • Custom premium sleeve $30 (MAYBE)

Pictures of my real working prototypes in cyan/red/purple/titanium


No RGB diffuser

Cyan USB-C

Cyan vs JD45

Cyan Side

Cyan matrix

Red Kit

Red top down

Red Alps

Red done

Top of weight

Bottom of weight


QMK/Cherry keys









PCB

Indicator lights

RGB Diffuser





Misc.



LAYOUT

LAYOUT EXAMPLES





TRADITIONAL JD45 LAYOUT NOT THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED

Renders done by me, closely related to actual colors












Parts



More about me

Current state of project/other important notes
  • Building website to sell boards on - www.pearlboards.com
  • Have not figure out packaging
  • Most likely will use PayPal as form of payment. On that note, someone said my account will freeze for a month if a lot of money comes in at once. So expecting that

Special thanks to
  • Dave from mechkeys.ca for support, advice, mentoring and help planning
  • William_S_Jones for forcing me to do split spacebar layout
  • Homerow Co. for helping me get started with CAD
  • R0b0ticalfor helping me try on a ton of 1337 GMK keysets
  • pabloescobyte, Komatoz, Chachal, Jolimon, Mito, Phatskin(dailyclack) for support and any kit addons
  • TopClack for features
« Last Edit: Mon, 30 October 2017, 10:36:05 by Koobaczech »

Offline Koobaczech

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Re: [IC] Pearl 40% -Premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps - GB 1 MONTH
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 21:23:27 »
INTEREST CHECK FORM

UPDATES
GB will be run on the first week of NOV at www.pearlboards.com. Shipping costs will be added to base price. Free shipping CONUS, $40-$70 International via USPS. You can purchase additional components there as well. Estimated completion near January.

Follow me on IG for more pics = Koobaczech
« Last Edit: Thu, 19 October 2017, 16:17:55 by Koobaczech »

Offline Koobaczech

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #2 on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 21:23:43 »
Reserved - Just want to take a moment to thank anyone and everyone showing interest and helping me collect data via the interest check. Appreciate your time, comments and opinions above all!
« Last Edit: Fri, 01 September 2017, 23:12:39 by Koobaczech »

Offline scwoopz

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 21:37:31 »
Wow. Beautiful. I'm definitely interested.
ortho or shmortho

Offline kmba

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #4 on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 21:39:33 »
This is beautiful and I love it, but what's the reasoning behind the incorrect stagger? If you made the tab 1.25 and enter 1.75 you'd correct stagger and be in line with more standard 40/45% keycaps. That one change would put me in 100%.

Edit: I see you posted that the current layout allows for use of regular caps without the need for 40/45 kits. I personally would prefer to scour for caps and maintain proper stagger.
« Last Edit: Fri, 01 September 2017, 21:46:37 by tameone »
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Offline Koobaczech

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 21:48:19 »
Thanks a lot guys! :) The stagger is because i was sick and tired of the existing 40% layouts. That old layout is really dumb imo and you need to find modifier kits which is a real pita. If you took the keycaps off and aligned them to my layout, you will find that the tiny stagger is almost insignificant, and the keyset compatibility/aesthetic gain is well worth the change. Its not like its a full tilted layout you see on some ergodoxes, its just a tiny shift for a large gain.
« Last Edit: Fri, 01 September 2017, 21:52:47 by Koobaczech »

Offline kmba

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 21:54:16 »
Thanks a lot guys! :) The stagger is because i was sick and tired of the existing 40% layouts. It is really dumb and you need to find modifier kits. If you took the keycaps off and aligned them to my layout, you will find that the tiny stagger is insignificant, and the keyset compatibility/ aesthetic gain is well worth the change. Its not like its a full tilted layout you see on some ergodoxes, its a tiny shift for a large gain.

Welp, it's too cool for me not to give it a shot. Very happy it has full R4 punctuation, as I immediately disregard any 40% without it  :thumb:
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Offline Koobaczech

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 22:03:45 »
Ha! Thanks bud, won't disappoint!

Offline ullr

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 22:24:53 »
The case looks great, but I’m not sold on that staggering.

And it’s a shame you had to limit the stock.

Offline kmba

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 22:34:39 »
The case looks great, but I’m not sold on that staggering.

And it’s a shame you had to limit the stock.

Limited stock isn't necessarily a bad thing.. we've seen instances where gb runners and manufacturers bite off more than they can chew which leads to production and logistics issues. 


Koobaczech, can you post some top down shots of the prototypes with keycaps on?
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Offline Koobaczech

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 22:39:15 »
Hey there! Sure, let get those for you. And I'm not limiting stock, just want to be able to fulfill on my first GB :]

Offline ipreferpie

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #11 on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 22:42:59 »
For the ALPS plate, will there be MX stab cutouts to allow for SP DSA key compatibility?

Offline Koobaczech

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #12 on: Fri, 01 September 2017, 23:05:37 »
Limited stock isn't necessarily a bad thing.. we've seen instances where gb runners and manufacturers bite off more than they can chew which leads to production and logistics issues. 

Koobaczech, can you post some top down shots of the prototypes with keycaps on?
Pictures updated for you sir, under layout.


For the ALPS plate, will there be MX stab cutouts to allow for SP DSA key compatibility?

Hey there bud. Im currently working on the alps plate, and am a bit unsure as to what you mean. Mind clarifying? Ty so much!

Offline Sent

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #13 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 01:02:07 »
Glad to see this on GH.  Saw it on Reddit the other day and was very interested.  Will the plates only be offered in alu?

Offline MikeTheTiger

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #14 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 01:24:50 »
I want it just for the diamond!!  :cool:

Offline Manticzeus

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #15 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 02:21:53 »
My wallet is ready, I can't wait for this to happen.

Offline Damonskv

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #16 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 02:27:29 »
Hell, ideal 40% keyboard!!! The first time I regret that I mainly use Cyrillic layout and I need a little more keys  :(

Offline consolelog

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #17 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 02:36:29 »
As a fellow blocked JD45 owner...Im super pumped for this! Love the design, and that cyan is to die for. Hope i can get my hands on one


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Offline sundin

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #18 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 03:15:06 »
Interested.

Offline tobsn

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #19 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 06:35:09 »
Good to see your dream case becoming reality! Great work! :D

Offline squeakypizza

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #20 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 08:48:20 »
This is beautiful!  IC form filled! 

Offline potatobot

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #21 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 09:08:26 »
ill take one purple case please.

Offline ipreferpie

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #22 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 09:34:22 »
Hey there bud. Im currently working on the alps plate, and am a bit unsure as to what you mean. Mind clarifying? Ty so much!


No worries -- if you look at this photo by SP here:



You can see that they use Cherry MX style stabilizers. Granted, you can use Matias style stabs, but they are terrible, rattly, and lifts the caps up (especially for 2.75u and spacebar caps). If you offer cutouts for Cherry MX stabs on the ALPS plates, you can solve all the issues. Here are some photos showing Costar MX stabs for ALPS:


But for the best, I'd suggest larger Cherry MX cutouts. Basically, Cherry > Costar >>>> ALPS in terms of stab stability.

Offline Koobaczech

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #23 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 09:47:19 »
Glad to see this on GH.  Saw it on Reddit the other day and was very interested.  Will the plates only be offered in alu?
Thank you :] I am exploring other finishes and materials at this time, but i might keep the plate at alu. Were you thinking about maybe brass or stainless steel?

As a fellow blocked JD45 owner...Im super pumped for this! Love the design, and that cyan is to die for. Hope i can get my hands on one
You and me both dude, too long since they were remade. Thanks for the love!

You can see that they use Cherry MX style stabilizers. Granted, you can use Matias style stabs, but they are terrible, rattly, and lifts the caps up (especially for 2.75u and spacebar caps). If you offer cutouts for Cherry MX stabs on the ALPS plates, you can solve all the issues. Here are some photos showing Costar MX stabs for ALPS:
But for the best, I'd suggest larger Cherry MX cutouts. Basically, Cherry > Costar >>>> ALPS in terms of stab stability.
So thats very interesting that you mentioned this, because my ALPS keyset is the same way. Im thinking that to accommodate both ALPS styles i need to make a small square cutout for the MX stem, but still have the latches for the costar style stabs, right? Its definitely going to get messy, i hope i can make an all in one plate lol.

Offline ipreferpie

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #24 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 09:57:00 »
I am exploring other finishes and materials at this time, but i might keep the plate at alu. Were you thinking about maybe brass or stainless steel?

So thats very interesting that you mentioned this, because my ALPS keyset is the same way. Im thinking that to accommodate both ALPS styles i need to make a small square cutout for the MX stem, but still have the latches for the costar style stabs, right? Its definitely going to get messy, i hope i can make an all in one plate lol.


I'm down for a brass plate and SS myself for extras :) As for the stabs, yes, you can definitely do both costar and Cherry as a combo. You can see it here:




Offline pixelpusher

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #25 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 10:59:07 »
Yes this cutout is what you want.  Unless Matias comes out with some decent keycaps, SP is going to be our only option for new alps caps.  The cruciforms they (SP) use are lined up with OEM style costar (the one pictured above).  Alps style stabilizers take quite a bit of hacking to make them work with those new keycaps.  I've done it, and I'm not sure I would want to go that route again.

It's still not all fun and games with SP alps caps.  They require hours of careful stem shaving if you want to ever remove them.  I hope with the new datacomp switches coming out we will see some more attention for keycaps and standard stabilizer placement

The board looks quite fantastic, by the way. 

Offline DreLLin

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #26 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 11:04:59 »
This board looks amazing. Brass plate and extra PCB would be a nice addition.

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #27 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 11:36:32 »
Glad to see this on GH.  Saw it on Reddit the other day and was very interested.  Will the plates only be offered in alu?
Thank you :] I am exploring other finishes and materials at this time, but i might keep the plate at alu. Were you thinking about maybe brass or stainless steel?

Yup, brass is what I would prefer and I know ss seems to be rather popular, as well.  It wouldn't be a deal breaker but if it's offered... :thumb:

Offline kmba

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #28 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 12:53:42 »
I've been thinking about your comments on the layout choice/stagger, and I can understand the motivation to be able to use standard caps without needing to source 40/45 kits, but I still can't convince myself it's the better choice.  I'm a big stickler for proper profile on each row and proper legends, and this layout won't provide the ability to do either with a sculpted set.  Despite that, the case is amazing looking, so I'm dismissing the kit, or the thought or hand wiring with a custom plate  :thumb:
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Offline Koobaczech

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #29 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 13:23:26 »
Thanks for the comments guys. Will ask about brass and design the plates accordingly.

I've been thinking about your comments on the layout choice/stagger, and I can understand the motivation to be able to use standard caps without needing to source 40/45 kits, but I still can't convince myself it's the better choice.  I'm a big stickler for proper profile on each row and proper legends, and this layout won't provide the ability to do either with a sculpted set.  Despite that, the case is amazing looking, so I'm dismissing the kit, or the thought or hand wiring with a custom plate  :thumb:
Sorry to hear tameone. I don't think the proper 40/45 layout will ever be made due to the tiny form factor. But if i ever knew anything about 40%'s, its that this solution is a godsend to us all. For a 4.7mm give or take stagger to the right on a single row, two huge problems are tackled and fixed. Those problems being wacky aesthetics and the ever crippling need to source a proper 40 kit, especially for legendary keysets like SA Calm Depths that are on the cyan board. As for the proper profiles, The tab and |\ are R3 for my SA set, as well as that whole row. It all depends on your keyset. If you ever reconsider, this project will welcome you with open arms!
More
« Last Edit: Sat, 02 September 2017, 13:25:15 by Koobaczech »

Offline xondat

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #30 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 13:41:22 »
Why not something like a GON Mobik which uses standard caps?



Unless I'm missing something, there will still be incorrect profiles here, especially with OEM/Cherry.

Offline Koobaczech

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #31 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 14:03:04 »
Hey Xondat! Great seeing you on here. That being said, there will always be inconsistencies on the layouts and profiles for 40% boards. All i can do is offer my version of it. Some will understand, others won't. Cant make everyone happy unfortunately, and can't make an all in one solution here either  :D

Offline Rumblehotep

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #32 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 15:12:11 »
Filled out, can't wait to see what this would look like in purple.
I kind of love the idea of a 40% that doesn't need 40% keys seeing as I didn't buy every kit available of past sets I like because I didn't have x or y layout at the time.

Offline kmba

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #33 on: Sat, 02 September 2017, 16:29:47 »
Why not something like a GON Mobik which uses standard caps?

Show Image


Unless I'm missing something, there will still be incorrect profiles here, especially with OEM/Cherry.

Yes, there will be on cherry/oem.  But, The Mobik isn't a good solution for many of us due to the lack of punctuation.  Full sized mod keys take up a lot of room, and not having comma, period, and question mark on the default layer infuriates me..  And if you added back in the punctuation, you'd basically have just a 60% with no num row, which half way defeats the purpose of 40/45% in the first place (being very small).  I guess as Koobaczech said, this layout won't be for everyone, but it's his take and it will surely please a lot of people.
0
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Offline homerowco

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #34 on: Sun, 03 September 2017, 08:01:10 »
@Koob you are very welcome! Sorry I didn’t have more time than making you the switch plate starter for your custom layout but it looks like this turned out to be a good thing ;)

For everyone else - I made a 60% starter kit for Fusion 360 (free for hobby use, runs on windows/mac):

https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/homerow-co-open-source-parts-t17020.html

Koob started with a similar kit and nothing else! It’s easy to learn and has making you cases in no time!

Good luck!

Offline MrTq

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #35 on: Sun, 03 September 2017, 09:36:22 »
@Koob you are very welcome! Sorry I didn’t have more time than making you the switch plate starter for your custom layout but it looks like this turned out to be a good thing ;)

For everyone else - I made a 60% starter kit for Fusion 360 (free for hobby use, runs on windows/mac):

https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/homerow-co-open-source-parts-t17020.html

Koob started with a similar kit and nothing else! It’s easy to learn and has making you cases in no time!

Good luck!
Love it. Thank you


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Offline Koobaczech

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #36 on: Mon, 04 September 2017, 12:21:06 »
Update1: Factory said i can do polished brass plates, but they are really expensive! Will try to get some made. And plates have been fixed to support cherry and costar stabs. But not Matias style stabs, they don't fit.

Update 2:

Offline lordgiblite

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #37 on: Mon, 04 September 2017, 12:48:19 »
Oh boy! Excited as all get out for this one, time to start saving big time!



Offline smithyithy

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #38 on: Mon, 04 September 2017, 13:03:08 »
Just when I thought I didn't need another 40% board, you come along with this... Seriously nice design dude, Alps support is awesome too  :thumb:
KBD75; Alps64 trio; some other stuff

Offline Draic

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #39 on: Mon, 04 September 2017, 16:15:27 »
please make sure that the PCB works with USB-C to USB-C cables and not only USB-C to USB-A. Thanks

Offline Rawrsor

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #40 on: Mon, 04 September 2017, 20:03:28 »
as a current jd45 owner more blocked corner 40%s are definitely welcome! Time to prepare my wallet.... :)
TINA-C | Gat Blacks /// JD45 | Jailhouse Greens /// JD40 | 65g Zealios /// Minivan | Fosen Aquamarines /// JJ50 | Kailh Box Blacks /// KC60 | Cherry Clears

Offline widdlekitty

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #41 on: Mon, 04 September 2017, 21:49:54 »
Count me in!

Offline MikeTheTiger

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Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #42 on: Mon, 04 September 2017, 22:26:22 »
I'm so down for this!!

Offline Koobaczech

  • Thread Starter
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  • Location: Florida, USA
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    • Pearlboards
Re: [IC] Pearl - A premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps 40% keyboard
« Reply #43 on: Tue, 05 September 2017, 15:14:53 »
Thanks for all the support everyone. I'm getting R2 prototypes made to address several issues. Purple and Dark gray case colors, and 2 very expensive polished brass plates.

The following things were addressed in R2 case protos
  • Slightly rounder corners
  • Slightly rounder brass weight
  • Tighter bezels around keycaps
  • Alps/Cherry stab compatible plates
  • Notch for usb so PCB can slide in from under the case without having to tilt it
  • Enclosure under right corner where led indicators sit so light doesn't leak through to the RGB diffuser

The following things are still being explored but are not promised
  • Different indicator light placement
  • QMK support in separate pcb model
  • Other layout possibilities
  • Other case finishes besides anodization

Offline MikeTheTiger

  • Posts: 824
  • Location: 29.9511° N, 90.0715° W
Re: [IC] Pearl 40% - Premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps
« Reply #44 on: Tue, 05 September 2017, 16:26:53 »
Thanks for all the support everyone. I'm getting R2 prototypes made to address several issues. Purple and Dark gray case colors, and 2 very expensive polished brass plates.

The following things were addressed in R2 case protos
  • Slightly rounder corners
  • Slightly rounder brass weight
  • Tighter bezels around keycaps
  • Alps/Cherry stab compatible plates
  • Notch for usb so PCB can slide in from under the case without having to tilt it
  • Enclosure under right corner where led indicators sit so light doesn't leak through to the RGB diffuser

The following things are still being explored but are not promised
  • Different indicator light placement
  • QMK support in separate pcb model
  • Other layout possibilities
  • Other case finishes besides anodization

Thanks for the update info.  :thumb: You can put me down for one!!  ;)

Offline MMKB

  • Posts: 483
  • Location: norcal
Re: [IC] Pearl 40% - Premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps
« Reply #45 on: Wed, 06 September 2017, 00:02:04 »
How much lower/thinner can it be? Looking fantastic!
        

Offline kmba

  • Formerly tameone
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  • Location: Indiana, USA
Re: [IC] Pearl 40% - Premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps
« Reply #46 on: Wed, 06 September 2017, 07:32:13 »
Great looking updates.  Alternate layout possibilities is obviously something I would like.  Just that small tweak to R3 to move it to the left 0.25 would be great.   I suspect the PCBs could be updated to accommodate both layouts, and you could offer two choices of plate layouts.
keyboards.

Offline RSC

  • Posts: 101
  • Location: Portugal
Re: [IC] Pearl 40% - Premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps
« Reply #47 on: Wed, 06 September 2017, 14:57:42 »
What keycaps are you using on this picture?


Offline odd

  • Posts: 321
Re: [IC] Pearl 40% - Premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps
« Reply #48 on: Wed, 06 September 2017, 17:13:34 »
Oh hell yes!!!! count me in for sure.

Offline kmba

  • Formerly tameone
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  • Location: Indiana, USA
Re: [IC] Pearl 40% - Premium, HHKB, weighted, rgb, usbc, cherry/alps
« Reply #49 on: Wed, 06 September 2017, 17:41:23 »
What keycaps are you using on this picture?

Show Image


looks like Alps profile, which is very close to OEM.. but I have no idea what the actual caps are.
keyboards.