[IC] Prophet - 60% Keyboard

[noorejji]

Oh, Ok. Nevermind then. Thanks for the clarification.

[sortofsleepy]

As we draw closer to March, I was curious if there are any US vendors lined up / in talks with? EU shipping isn't a dealbreaker for me but cheaper is always better of course.

I'm excited!

[noorejji]

I'm curious wether colors has been decided. Would it make sense to offer more than 3 colors if case tops can be ordered as extra?

[westfoxtrot]

As we draw closer to March, I was curious if there are any US vendors lined up / in talks with? EU shipping isn't a dealbreaker for me but cheaper is always better of course.

I'm excited!

I have a US, EU and SEA vendor. In talks with an AU vendor but not confirmed yet. It's likely to be delayed a little due to the current situation in China as I'm unable to get firm numbers from the factory at the moment.

I'm curious wether colors has been decided. Would it make sense to offer more than 3 colors if case tops can be ordered as extra?

Colours are still undecided, It makes sense as a buyer for that but unfortunately I think it adds way too many more SKUs into the buy to be a reasonable task for this buy. Any additional unit just adds more complications and I'd like for this buy to be as smooth as possible.

[Zeelobby]

Really interested in swappable tops to have options for WKL/HHKB/STD. And if I can get each one in a different color, that's cool enough for me. Disappointed that I didn't find this before I bought some other boards. Planned on doing 3 60 builds this year, and this could have been my all-in-one. Haha. Now it'll just have to be my cool number 2.

[lush_bunny]

As we draw closer to March, I was curious if there are any US vendors lined up / in talks with? EU shipping isn't a dealbreaker for me but cheaper is always better of course.

I'm excited!

I have a US, EU and SEA vendor. In talks with an AU vendor but not confirmed yet. It's likely to be delayed a little due to the current situation in China as I'm unable to get firm numbers from the factory at the moment.

I'm curious wether colors has been decided. Would it make sense to offer more than 3 colors if case tops can be ordered as extra?

Colours are still undecided, It makes sense as a buyer for that but unfortunately I think it adds way too many more SKUs into the buy to be a reasonable task for this buy. Any additional unit just adds more complications and I'd like for this buy to be as smooth as possible.

Fingers crossed for red. The photos of Red Prophets are just beautiful.

[Zeelobby]

As we draw closer to March, I was curious if there are any US vendors lined up / in talks with? EU shipping isn't a dealbreaker for me but cheaper is always better of course.

I'm excited!

I have a US, EU and SEA vendor. In talks with an AU vendor but not confirmed yet. It's likely to be delayed a little due to the current situation in China as I'm unable to get firm numbers from the factory at the moment.

I'm curious wether colors has been decided. Would it make sense to offer more than 3 colors if case tops can be ordered as extra?

Colours are still undecided, It makes sense as a buyer for that but unfortunately I think it adds way too many more SKUs into the buy to be a reasonable task for this buy. Any additional unit just adds more complications and I'd like for this buy to be as smooth as possible.

Fingers crossed for red. The photos of Red Prophets are just beautiful.

Make sure you vote for it in the IC.

As an aside, I wish there was a priority for color in the IC form. I know personally the red is my first pick, but I, I'm sure like many others, chose more default colors for my second/third. Hope there's at least one splash of color and it's not all white, grey and black. Especially since tops are swappable.

[noorejji]

I'm curious wether colors has been decided. Would it make sense to offer more than 3 colors if case tops can be ordered as extra?

Colours are still undecided, It makes sense as a buyer for that but unfortunately I think it adds way too many more SKUs into the buy to be a reasonable task for this buy. Any additional unit just adds more complications and I'd like for this buy to be as smooth as possible.

Understandable.

Hope there's at least one splash of color and it's not all white, grey and black. Especially since tops are swappable.

I hope so as well. Personally I always vote for unique colors, but I understand most people would want to safe it. People might have voted differently if they knew swappable tops would be a thing. Or maybe not - who knows.

[hkiri]

Extras for tops would be really appreciated!
This way I could get 3 pcbs + plates, 1 base and the 3 different tops.
Almost a 3 in 1 board 👀

[Zeelobby]

And even better you can go out and get other PCBs that for those layouts, since any 60 will do.

[dantambok]

Extras for tops would be really appreciated!
This way I could get 3 pcbs + plates, 1 base and the 3 different tops.
Almost a 3 in 1 board 👀

Mad lad

[lush_bunny]

Extras for tops would be really appreciated!
This way I could get 3 pcbs + plates, 1 base and the 3 different tops.
Almost a 3 in 1 board 👀

Switches from a pcb full of lubed healios to one full of box navies
I feel like annoying the office today.

[hkiri]

And even better you can go out and get other PCBs that for those layouts, since any 60 will do.

I would rather get more of the Prophet PCBs with those flex cuts(?) than just some generic 60% PCB.

Extras for tops would be really appreciated!
This way I could get 3 pcbs + plates, 1 base and the 3 different tops.
Almost a 3 in 1 board 👀

Mad lad

Big brain move.

Extras for tops would be really appreciated!
This way I could get 3 pcbs + plates, 1 base and the 3 different tops.
Almost a 3 in 1 board 👀

Switches from a pcb full of lubed healios to one full of box navies
I feel like annoying the office today.

My colleagues can count themselves lucky since I'm part of team linear.

[Iksion]

Interested!

[westfoxtrot]

As we draw closer to March, I was curious if there are any US vendors lined up / in talks with? EU shipping isn't a dealbreaker for me but cheaper is always better of course.

I'm excited!

I have a US, EU and SEA vendor. In talks with an AU vendor but not confirmed yet. It's likely to be delayed a little due to the current situation in China as I'm unable to get firm numbers from the factory at the moment.

I'm curious wether colors has been decided. Would it make sense to offer more than 3 colors if case tops can be ordered as extra?

Colours are still undecided, It makes sense as a buyer for that but unfortunately I think it adds way too many more SKUs into the buy to be a reasonable task for this buy. Any additional unit just adds more complications and I'd like for this buy to be as smooth as possible.

Fingers crossed for red. The photos of Red Prophets are just beautiful.

Make sure you vote for it in the IC.

As an aside, I wish there was a priority for color in the IC form. I know personally the red is my first pick, but I, I'm sure like many others, chose more default colors for my second/third. Hope there's at least one splash of color and it's not all white, grey and black. Especially since tops are swappable.

I have done something like this before - if I'd have known how divisive the voting was I would have planned something a little better. Big fan of the red myself!

And even better you can go out and get other PCBs that for those layouts, since any 60 will do.

I would rather get more of the Prophet PCBs with those flex cuts(?) than just some generic 60% PCB.

Extras for tops would be really appreciated!
This way I could get 3 pcbs + plates, 1 base and the 3 different tops.
Almost a 3 in 1 board 👀

Mad lad

Big brain move.

Extras for tops would be really appreciated!
This way I could get 3 pcbs + plates, 1 base and the 3 different tops.
Almost a 3 in 1 board 👀

Switches from a pcb full of lubed healios to one full of box navies
I feel like annoying the office today.

My colleagues can count themselves lucky since I'm part of team linear.

 

enough people want the different tops that I want to make it happen, just waiting on the factory to come back to work to finalise the details.

I prefer the term relief cuts :-)

[westfoxtrot]

Updated first post with details of a giveaway  )

[Zeelobby]

Updated first post with details of a giveaway  )

Man, this community is the best. Was looking at that keyset anyway, if it wins me a free Prophet that's even better! Then all the money I spent will just have to go to extra case tops and PCBs .

[alanskiii]

Updated first post with details of a giveaway  )

Looks like I want my prophet to be red now


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[YungDaff]

Really excited for this board. How does the pin mount system work in terms of bottoming out feel? Is it on the softer side like a gasket mount, or more stiff like some sandwich mount boards?

[westfoxtrot]

Really excited for this board. How does the pin mount system work in terms of bottoming out feel? Is it on the softer side like a gasket mount, or more stiff like some sandwich mount boards?

It's very soft, the whole assembly can move together and especially with the softer plates I am running this with you get a very soft bottom out

[hkiri]

Will the GB still start on March 1st?

[lush_bunny]

Red Gang reporting. I too am anxious for a GB date

[westfoxtrot]

Red Gang reporting. I too am anxious for a GB date

Made a note in the first post about it: TBD depending on when my factory returns to work

[Zeelobby]

Yeah, unfortunate delay, but understandable. Really excited for this board to be made available.

[SmackinJ]

This group buy still set to open March 1st?

[lush_bunny]

This group buy still set to open March 1st?

From the OP:

PLEASE NOTE
Due to the current situation in China my factory has not returned to work and it's very possible (looking likely) that we will have to push the start of this back slightly so we are able to fully finalise details with them (was in the process of final quotes when CNY started) I really hope I don't have to do this and we can get it going on time.

GB will be delayed until the factory is able to confirm: timeline/prices. Sorry for the delay - very much out of my hands

[_PixelNinja]

Westfoxtrot,

While the opening of the GB is dependent on the situation in China, do you plan to reveal the available component color options beforehand or will we have to wait for the GB to find those out?

[lunr]

wondering how does it compare between half plates and full plates? i assume the full plate will be a bit stiffer than the half plate in terms of feel.

[yhs]

Following for updates. In for at least 1 lol

[westfoxtrot]

wondering how does it compare between half plates and full plates? i assume the full plate will be a bit stiffer than the half plate in terms of feel.

Half plate has a lot more flex and variation across the board I wouldn't say it feels stiffer necessarily as the relief cuts in the PCB really adjust the way the board feels with a full plate but it's more consistent with the full compared to the half

Westfoxtrot,

While the opening of the GB is dependent on the situation in China, do you plan to reveal the available component color options beforehand or will we have to wait for the GB to find those out?

I will release that as soon as the factory gets back to me with a quote - they are now back and I am waiting on confirmation of what can/cannot be done for the colours before I confirm them.

[Zeelobby]

yeah, this is actually a board where i might choose full over half. Usually full reduces flex to the point where i don't like it, but with these plates, i think the consistent feel will be nice.

[_PixelNinja]

I will release that as soon as the factory gets back to me with a quote - they are now back and I am waiting on confirmation of what can/cannot be done for the colours before I confirm them.

Gotcha! Thanks.

[westway]

So glad to see an open group buy for this keyboard. I'm in for two tops if they are going to be available. I ask for a suggestion regarding the plate. Since I have experience only with aluminum and brass, I ask how these 3 soft plates compare with each other and which of them is more suitable for Cherry MX Retooled Blacks. And also I ask which are the differences in terms of feel between half and full plate. I heard a lot of typing sounds online and I think Cherry MX Blacks sound great with PC, but I also never listened to them in a nylon plate build.

[catamscott]

So glad to see an open group buy for this keyboard. I'm in for two tops if they are going to be available. I ask for a suggestion regarding the plate. Since I have experience only with aluminum and brass, I ask how these 3 soft plates compare with each other and which of them is more suitable for Cherry MX Retooled Blacks. And also I ask which are the differences in terms of feel between half and full plate. I heard a lot of typing sounds online and I think Cherry MX Blacks sound great with PC, but I also never listened to them in a nylon plate build.

see:

I'm kinda new so sorry for the dumb question. What're the traits of nylon and polypropylene for the plate and how do they compare to polycarbonate?

you can see what I said on discord about it here:

Both are softer than acrylic and PC. PP has a much lower rating in terms of hardness which gives it a really soft bottom out and a lighter note. Nylon has a slightly deeper note than that and is also slightly firmer. The advantage in both is they are soft enough to dampen vibrations from hitting switches
Fwiw nylon is my preferred material in this case

half plate will provide a softer, more flexible typing experience than full plate, and full plate will feel firmer and more uniform. as far as plate and switch pairings, that's going to boil down to personal preference. luckily plates will likely be inexpensive, so experimentation won't cost you too much extra.

[Zeelobby]

Yeah. I'll def be picking up a couple different. Plates.

[Zeelobby]

Any update on colors? Did red spike? Is it in???!!!

[pchoi]

So sorry if this has been addressed anywhere up there ^, but is a polycarbonate case option going to be available?

[Tekko]

If comparing Prophet to recent boards like Polaris (250usd), what is the difference? I wonder since the price is about 100usd difference between both boards?
The Polaris has an included brass weight and included sound dampening foam.

Prophet GB
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=101904.0

[ddnomad]

If comparing Prophet to recent boards like Polaris (250usd), what is the difference? I wonder since the price is about 100usd difference between both boards?
The Polaris has an included brass weight and included sound dampening foam.

Prophet GB
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=101904.0

Well, for me the price is the biggest reservation right now. Given that only black aluminum base will be offered, together with 3? color options it seems like the set price point is a bit too steep.

That’s being said, I think designers and vendors are free to choose whatever price point for their boards as it’s all subjective. The actual design and mount style is quite interesting and the board does sound nice.

[garbo]

If comparing Prophet to recent boards like Polaris (250usd), what is the difference? I wonder since the price is about 100usd difference between both boards?
The Polaris has an included brass weight and included sound dampening foam.

Prophet GB
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=101904.0

Comparisons like this don't work too well for these sort of low quantity items, where the difference in the individual manufacturing deals/the runners' development costs and risk tolerance/etc proportionally take up more of the cost.

The Polaris had a particular combination of higher end features/design and large scale production that's going to make most keyboard GBs look low value-for-money in comparison.

As for how the keyboards compare directly, I can say that in my experience the difference in construction does makes a difference in the typing feel and sound, which is quite distinctive between them (with the caveat that the plate styles and materials I've used for the two, brass and POM Vs PP and CF half plate, are all quite different).

[Zeelobby]

Also, although it is unknown, it is widely assumed that ai03 made almost nothing on that GB (if he didn't lose money), as he had to pay for and spend time QC-ing supposedly around 3K boards. It clearly helped with recognition of his brand, but it's something very few people would be willing to do. Personally I'd like to see this board drop at more around $300 than $350, but so far everything about it looks and sounds amazing. The PCB is a work of art as well. In the end the designer runs a GB at what he values his work at. And it's up to us to join or not. Just the way it goes. There will be more cheap and more expensive options in the future.

[Tekko]

I hope there is another run for Polaris eventually then. Cause he really did show off how good a keyboard can be to a reasonable price.

[Rafa_n]

The PCB is a work of art as well.

It's a 60% percent pcb with some flex cuts?

Seems a bit much to call it a work of art, unless there is some feature that i'm not familiar with.

[Zeelobby]

I hope there is another run for Polaris eventually then. Cause he really did show off how good a keyboard can be to a reasonable price.

If he does it'll guaranteed cost more than $300.

[Zeelobby]

The PCB is a work of art as well.

It's a 60% percent pcb with some flex cuts?

Seems a bit much to call it a work of art, unless there is some feature that i'm not familiar with.

Personally, it's one of the first I've seen with both horizontal and vertical flex cuts (most seem to only include horizontal). And when combined with the cuts in the plate, should (and has been said to) offer a consistent typing feel that's pretty awesome to use. Add to this the sound people have got out of it, and it's actually quite a rarity.

So while yes, this case is cool in that you can drop any 60pcb in it and go to town, the original has been optimized for the plate combinations and unique mount solution.

There are plenty of examples of boards with flex cuts in either the PCB/plate or both which do a pretty poor job of creating consistent feel. There's also many that do a good job with feel, but create very inconsistent sound quality, especially in different regions of the board. Boards that mange to do both with PCB/plate design are few and far between.

[PeenixStarr]

If comparing Prophet to recent boards like Polaris (250usd), what is the difference? I wonder since the price is about 100usd difference between both boards?
The Polaris has an included brass weight and included sound dampening foam.

Prophet GB
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=101904.0

If you care about $100 price differences this is the wrong hobby for you, and if you don't understand the relevance of scale in economy you should not be debating prices at all. Thanks and have a nice day.

[Tekko]

If comparing Prophet to recent boards like Polaris (250usd), what is the difference? I wonder since the price is about 100usd difference between both boards?
The Polaris has an included brass weight and included sound dampening foam.

Prophet GB
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=101904.0

If you care about $100 price differences this is the wrong hobby for you, and if you don't understand the relevance of scale in economy you should not be debating prices at all. Thanks and have a nice day.

What are you even talking about?
Obviously price has an impact on the value. Or do you go around buying everything that is on GB disregarding the price?
I didn't mock the price and the designer has every right to put whichever price he wants on the product. I literally asked if there is anything that justifies for the difference in price since the keyboard is on pair with other keyboards that has been sold for 100usd less.
If you don't care about money then that is your problem. And being ignorant doesn't really make anything good for this community, neither is mocking other people for their questions.

Good day sir

[Poesjuh]

You can’t compare a 1000 kits sold keyboard to a 50-100 boards of whatever it’s going to run buy though. The lower the numbers, the higher the cost.


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[Zeelobby]

You can’t compare a 1000 kits sold keyboard to a 50-100 boards of whatever it’s going to run buy though. The lower the numbers, the higher the cost.


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Especially not a 3000 kits sold. I imagine if he had profits, they were razor thin, and probably didn't come close to covering what he should have been paid for QC time spent.

[hughtrue]

Very nice, waiting for the GB.

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