[IC] Kingfisher r2 - Budget 50% | Updates Soon^tm

[snevok]

Ran a GB for this board a while back, but I thought that I'd see if there's any interest for a round 2. 




When I was on my compact keyboard journey, I always felt that a 40% was missing too many keys, sacrificing portability for usability.  Because of this, I designed a 50% PCB which adds two extra columns vs. a standard 40%.   The layout supports a standard keyset, with the only the red key in KLE being the wrong profile.

PCB is programmable with QMK, has per key backlight through a matrix, RGB underglow via. pinouts, and Mini-USB.  All components are pre-soldered SMD.


Expand for layout compatibility and r1 pics:

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Target price is looking to be around $125 a sandwich acrylic case, and $225 for a sandwich aluminum case.  Prices aren't yet finalized, I'm hoping to bring them down a bit more. 

Aluminum cases would have the option to be either raw aluminum or powder coated, I'm undecided whether or not an acrylic diffuser will be included. Color options will be shown later if I decide to go the aluminum case route.

PCB color is undecided, input wanted in survey.

GB would be unlimited with a turnaround time of about two months MAX after the GB closes if all goes smoothly.  Limited extras will be available. 


If you wouldn't mind filling out the following short Google form for some feedback, that would be extremely helpful!  Thanks y'all (:

https://forms.gle/BzSBjAnsLsov36zo9

[snevok]

Update: 11/12/19

Design finalized.  Materials finalized.  Prototypes en route.  Prices 84% finalized.  GB incoming.

Final design:

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Finalized layouts:

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Standard:


HHKB:


WKL:

Materials:  Metal parts will be powder coated steel.  Plastic parts can either be acrylic or polycarbonate (for a higher price).  Colors TBD, but will most likely be basic with a single fun color, probably mustard or pale blue. 

Old powder coating job of my computer (all white parts):

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Prototype should be arriving within the next week or two, will post pictures when it comes. 

Final prices coming soon.

[KingOfMemes]

Been trying to up my game in the sub 60%'s. I agree with you about standard 40's missing columns. Unless you go ortho, pretty much all 40's treat the semicolon character as second class, meaning colemak users are boned.  I'm interested in the aluminum with the pricing as is. If you get the price to ~200 or less, you can consider this an instant buy from me.

[gminso]

I am interested!

if I choose 1,1,1.25,7,1.25,1,1 bottom row, there will be blockers for those 0.25 spaces at each ends?

[snevok]

I am interested!

if I choose 1,1,1.25,7,1.25,1,1 bottom row, there will be blockers for those 0.25 spaces at each ends?

Correct!  Without those blockers it'd look super awkward.  Other blocker configurations will also likely be available, like WKL or larger corner blockers.

[nguyenhimself]

Yes please!
I love tiny keyboards too! Have two 40% myself. But it's just rather silly, hiding the apostrophe ' key under another layer while also regularly typing English.
(Yes yes I know some of you put it in the Right Shift location, but still, quite an unproductive change).

[growler]

Hmmmm, me likey.

growler

[d.caminero]

Also interested in this, I filled your form.
Would you be keen to make a regular CNC aluminium case?

[snevok]

Also interested in this, I filled your form.
Would you be keen to make a regular CNC aluminium case?

Looking to keep the kit relatively cheap, sadly that'd bring the price way up. Closest I could do for this round is 3d print some metal infused cases and polish them to look nice, but that'd be on a small scale.

[funderburker]

This is a wonderful board!

[d.caminero]

Looking to keep the kit relatively cheap, sadly that'd bring the price way up. Closest I could do for this round is 3d print some metal infused cases and polish them to look nice, but that'd be on a small scale.

Fair enough, I am interested anyway.
Also, would you consider supporting ALPS switches?

[snevok]

Looking to keep the kit relatively cheap, sadly that'd bring the price way up. Closest I could do for this round is 3d print some metal infused cases and polish them to look nice, but that'd be on a small scale.

Fair enough, I am interested anyway.
Also, would you consider supporting ALPS switches?

Yep, plate will support both Alps and MX!

[growler]

Looking to keep the kit relatively cheap, sadly that'd bring the price way up. Closest I could do for this round is 3d print some metal infused cases and polish them to look nice, but that'd be on a small scale.

Fair enough, I am interested anyway.
Also, would you consider supporting ALPS switches?

Yep, plate will support both Alps and MX!

Awesome

growler

[Lormania]

Super excited for this! Love that it also has alps compatibility.

[d.caminero]

Yep, plate will support both Alps and MX!

I assume that the PCB will as well. If that's the case, I am definitely in for one, either acrylic or aluminium 

[SynkRz]

What color options do we have for acrylic cases?
Really happy to see a R2 for this

[snevok]

What color options do we have for acrylic cases?
Really happy to see a R2 for this

Likely just basic colors to keep things easy for me.  Black, white, clear, and maybe purple or pink to spice things up.

Yep, plate will support both Alps and MX!

I assume that the PCB will as well. If that's the case, I am definitely in for one, either acrylic or aluminium 

Of course (;

[kmfmppl]

Interested for sure.

[EMC Labs]

im in 

[d.caminero]

Of course (;

Show Image

Lovely pcb. When do you think this GB will be open? I'm in for one for sure

[snevok]

Of course (;

Show Image

Lovely pcb. When do you think this GB will be open? I'm in for one for sure

Hopefully sometime in November, currently playing around with different case designs to see what's most cost effective to produce. After that, it's find a manufacturer, prototype, then start GB.

More accurate prices will come soon. Stay tuned.

[VXQN]

Will be watching this, this is a lovely layout!

[snevok]

Sorry about the lack of updates, it's been a wild past few weeks and I've barely had any time to even think about this project.

Final pricing will be coming soon, with the GB coming not long after that.  More specific details below:


As for the case, the base and plate will be aluminum, and the mid and top sections will be acrylic.  Will be able to upgrade the mid and top to aluminum.   More details regarding the case itself will come soon.  Any interest in steel?

Unsure about what kind of finishing the manufacturer has, will inquire within the next few days. 

Color options for acrylic will be limited to keep prices down and things easier for both me and the manufacturer.  Thinking clear, dark grey, cream, and something fun like pink, yellow or purple. 

Still expecting the GB to not take longer than 2 months from end to ship.  The case is designed to be very easy to manufacture and should not have any trouble in manufacturing.

I made a prototype case this weekend, and everything looks great!  I would post pictures, but I dropped it like a dumbass.  Let's just say it doesn't really resemble a keyboard anymore lmao.


In the coming week, I will be working more with the manufacturer.  More updates to come.  Keep your eyes peeled, it'll be coming soon^tm. 

[beekey]

Would love to see a HHKB layout case top.

[snevok]

Would love to see a HHKB layout case top.

It'll definitely be an option (:

[snevok]

Design has been finalized.

[pixelpusher]

Do the screws really stick up like that?

[snevok]

I'll be messing with countersinking, but it'll most likely end up with the screws sticking up like that.  The screws heads are only 2mm high, it just looks way taller in those pics.  Luckily they don't get in the way; if they do, you should probably fix how you type lol. 

[cigs_coffee]

What color options do we have for acrylic cases?
Really happy to see a R2 for this

Likely just basic colors to keep things easy for me.  Black, white, clear, and maybe purple or pink to spice things up.

something yellowish / goldish would be nice (like in those pics posted above). Enough purple already

[Joebot_9000]

I know it's unlikely, but just want to put in a vote for bluetooth on the PCB. A board like this is fantastic for portable workflow.

[PocketAces]

This design is really pretty. I have a couple questions.

1) any chance for hotswap PCB?

2) You mentioned powder coated aluminum. What color options will be available in that case?

3) If we go for the aluminum sandwich, does that mean the middle section is just clear/frosted acrylic to allow LEDs to shine through?

4) I like my custom cables, and I prefer USB Type C if there’s a chance for supporting that on the PCB. However, like the previous comment said, it would be SO COOL to also support Bluetooth or wireless on this keyboard, so I can bring it with me to take notes on my laptop seamlessly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chesebro]

This board looks great. We need more options for budget boards like this. I am interested for sure.

[hentaimen]

It would be great if the pcb support bluetooth or wireless.
Will split space an option?

[snevok]

This design is really pretty. I have a couple questions.

1) any chance for hotswap PCB?

2) You mentioned powder coated aluminum. What color options will be available in that case?

3) If we go for the aluminum sandwich, does that mean the middle section is just clear/frosted acrylic to allow LEDs to shine through?

4) I like my custom cables, and I prefer USB Type C if there’s a chance for supporting that on the PCB. However, like the previous comment said, it would be SO COOL to also support Bluetooth or wireless on this keyboard, so I can bring it with me to take notes on my laptop seamlessly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

1. Sadly, the PCB is final (for this round at least).  I'm using the same PCB as the last round in order to keep prototyping costs down.  My goal is to use the profits from this round to get a kick start on funding for future prototypes, which includes CNC cases and redesigned PCBs.

2. At this moment, unsure.  Steel will most likely end up being used instead of aluminum, and basic colors with an accent or two will be most likely. 

3. No, the entire case would be steel.  There will be an option to purchase a second case in the color and material of your choice though, so you can mix and match the two to your hearts content.

4. See number 1.

It would be great if the pcb support bluetooth or wireless.
Will split space an option?

Split space is supported!  All supported layouts are in the OP, but I'll link them here:

[snevok]

Got some acrylic cut from a local place.  Not the Kingfisher, but uses the same dimensions and tolerances.  Fit and cuts look great, will make sure to check up on the steel prototypes. 

[NitPik]

wow this looks sweet. count me in!

[NitPik]

Hey i was just wondering if there were any updates on this as well as having a couple questions...
the first of which is whether or not the case files will be open source, im thinking of maybe prototyping a custom gasketmount design with this.
and the second of which is, will there be an option to purchase the PCB by itself?

[snevok]

Hey i was just wondering if there were any updates on this as well as having a couple questions...
the first of which is whether or not the case files will be open source, im thinking of maybe prototyping a custom gasketmount design with this.
and the second of which is, will there be an option to purchase the PCB by itself?

Most likely will be open source since it's a pretty simple case. 

PCBs will also be available individually.  It's a fun PCB to mess around with. 

[NitPik]

awesome! ill definitely pick up at least one PCB when this drops!

[rpiguy9907]

Hey i was just wondering if there were any updates on this as well as having a couple questions...
the first of which is whether or not the case files will be open source, im thinking of maybe prototyping a custom gasketmount design with this.
and the second of which is, will there be an option to purchase the PCB by itself?

Most likely will be open source since it's a pretty simple case. 

PCBs will also be available individually.  It's a fun PCB to mess around with.

Any updates on when the GB will be?

[Serious salamander]

Hey i was just wondering if there were any updates on this as well as having a couple questions...
the first of which is whether or not the case files will be open source, im thinking of maybe prototyping a custom gasketmount design with this.
and the second of which is, will there be an option to purchase the PCB by itself?

Most likely will be open source since it's a pretty simple case. 

PCBs will also be available individually.  It's a fun PCB to mess around with.

Any updates on when the GB will be?

Would also be very interested, hopefully it didn't already run.

[rpiguy9907]

Sign me up for at least a PCB!

[DrHigsby]

I’m 100% in for a PCB!

[growler]

Am ready to buy, when's the GB happenin'?

growler

[snevok]

Aluminum sample in (:

Have a few things to adjust (later thicknesses and tolerances), then it'll be perfect.  Right now the thickness is way overkill at .87", hoping it'll be .75" thick for the final version. 

Am ready to buy, when's the GB happenin'?

growler

Currently finishing up fulfilling orders for a small acrylic Alice GB.  Once that's done (mid Feburary), I'll finish working on logistics for the Kingfisher.  I feel bad that it's been up in the air for so long, but I'll finally have some time to get it done soon.  Stay patient (:

[Serious salamander]

Show Image

Aluminum sample in (:

Have a few things to adjust (later thicknesses and tolerances), then it'll be perfect.  Right now the thickness is way overkill at .87", hoping it'll be .75" thick for the final version. 

Am ready to buy, when's the GB happenin'?

growler

Currently finishing up fulfilling orders for a small acrylic Alice GB.  Once that's done (mid Feburary), I'll finish working on logistics for the Kingfisher.  I feel bad that it's been up in the air for so long, but I'll finally have some time to get it done soon.  Stay patient (:

Awesome, thanks for the update. Looking forward to it.

[fleur-de-pomme]

Super excited for this one--fingers crossed for more news (or pics!) soon!