[IC] Block-67: The budget 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard - GB 12/9

[ENG Studio]

Block-67: The budget 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard



Hi. This is ENG STUDIO back with a new project – the Block-67 - a 65% gasket mount keyboard, with a case CNC milled out of a solid block of aluminum, priced at 144 USD.

A 65% gasket mount keyboard with a price comparable to your average 60% tray mount has been possible for years now, but it was never realized. The Block-67 is here to change that.

We plan to maximize functionality and minimize price while not compromising on looks. The blocky design with uniform bezels creates a sleek aesthetic, while also making it recognizable among other 65% keyboards.

Features and specifications:
- 65% Layout with arrow blocker
- Gummy worm O-ring gasket mount
- Screw in stabilizer support (inc. Durock V2)
- VIA Compatible PCB
- USB-C daughterboard
- Bakeneko65 based – Compatible open-source plate file available
- Seamless case design
- 7 Degree typing angle
- <17mm low front height
- Universal 8mm diameter rubber feet
- Plate cutouts for easy disassembly with your standard wired keycap puller
- Optional foam kit available for purchase

IC form: https://forms.gle/qEMGNDBPPu6kV7Fi8



Round 1 sale details:
- 200 A-stock units
- Small number of B-stock units available after A-stock sale
- Anodized Black and E-White case color options
- FR4 plate – see “layouts” section below
- Hot swap PCB not available (available from round 2 onwards)
- Bakeneko65 soldered PCB only
- Group buy runs from 12/9 to 25/9
- Lead time of 3 months
- Group buy website: ENGstudio.co

Round 1 Layouts:

More

Solder PCB:
Standard or Split Backspace
Standard or Stepped Caps Lock
ANSI support only
Standard 6.2u or Tsangan 7u bottom row
FR4 Plate:
Standard or Split Backspace
Standard or Stepped Caps Lock
ANSI and ISO support
Standard 6.25u bottom row only

Round 2 (tentative):
-Starts soon after round 1 concludes
-Much larger quantity or unlimited
-Hotswap PCB available
-More plate and color options

Prototype pictures: (Full Album)



Shipping costs:
Around 15 USD to CONUS
For Europe, costs range from 8 USD (Western Europe) to 18 USD

Follow the project:
Discord Instagram IC form Newsletter
Credits:
Thanks to kkatano for the Bakeneko65.
And ai03 for the Unified Duaghterboard standard.

[ENG Studio]

Reserved

[_rubik]

How are you keeping prices low aside from "fewer CNC passes"? Who is handling manu?

[JoltFX]

Well I’m interested, will be following. GLWIC

[FredNeverDead]

bakaneko65, but with an ano case. will keep an eye out for it

[Evasive]

at that price point, I might be in for 1.

[ENG Studio]

How are you keeping prices low aside from "fewer CNC passes"? Who is handling manu?

Thanks for the great question. While the board is going to be manufactured by a lower cost manufacturer, the finish quality of the five prototypes they made have been amazing.

With that said, this board is optimized for cost. If finish quality is a major concern, this is probably not the board for you.

[darthcapn]

I love the price tag

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[Willtato]

If you don't mind, where are you based? The estimated shipping costs seem quite nice

Sent from my HD1913 using Tapatalk

[homerowco]

good job!

[ENG Studio]

If you don't mind, where are you based? The estimated shipping costs seem quite nice

Sent from my HD1913 using Tapatalk

The keyboards ship out from the UK, but we got lucky with finding a shipping provider which offers USPS shipping. It takes about a week to ship to the US. The same provider was used in our previous group buy.

If we use proxies for the EU and US instead of shipping directly, the cost to the customers will go up surprisingly.

[_rubik]

How are you keeping prices low aside from "fewer CNC passes"? Who is handling manu?

Thanks for the great question. While the board is going to be manufactured by a lower cost manufacturer, the finish quality of the five prototypes they made have been amazing.

With that said, this board is optimized for cost. If finish quality is a major concern, this is probably not the board for you.

Are you trying to keep the manufacturer under wraps? Or is it just someone we haven't heard of yet?

[Ryohka]

The price tag is really attracting.
It looks pretty similar to some other boards due to the blocky design, but its simple design is what I always like. Personally I would like wait for a hotswap PCB since I like using different switches, though I'm a little bit hasitate on LED support...I use LEDs to indicator which layer I'm on if I accidently forgot lol

[Demagine]

Any picks of the back of the keyboard? Do you have any info on what colors will be offered?

[pool]

If you can stay this price point, I am definitely getting one. Really like the simple minimalist design.

[stoffelduss]

cool! interested?

[elisyan]

Are plate files for other layouts going to be available?

[conternecticus]

Hoping purple/navy will be one of the chosen colors. GLWIC!

[Rumblethumps]

I'm gonna have to wait until R2 for a hotswap option, but this looks really slick for the price point. GLWIC!

[Fraaaan]

What's the point of supporting ISO on the plate if the PCB is ANSI only? IMO it's pretty disappointing to see a European maker not support ISO on their keyboard.

[violeaf]

What's the point of supporting ISO on the plate if the PCB is ANSI only? IMO it's pretty disappointing to see a European maker not support ISO on their keyboard.

Agree

Hopefully we get there for round 2

[J_Noes]

How are you keeping prices low aside from "fewer CNC passes"? Who is handling manu?

Thanks for the great question. While the board is going to be manufactured by a lower cost manufacturer, the finish quality of the five prototypes they made have been amazing.

With that said, this board is optimized for cost. If finish quality is a major concern, this is probably not the board for you.

If he found a manu that allows him to hit that price point without taking a hit, I would be very surprised if he shares it.
Would make no sense to in any industry.

Are you trying to keep the manufacturer under wraps? Or is it just someone we haven't heard of yet?

[ENG Studio]

What's the point of supporting ISO on the plate if the PCB is ANSI only? IMO it's pretty disappointing to see a European maker not support ISO on their keyboard.

We plan to offer ISO in round 2. Keeping round 1 to ANSI only reduces complexity.

[TeacherGeek]

Is shipping to Oceania really going to be $50 usd?

[ampp33]

Nice!  Count me in for round 2 and that sweet hotswapability.  Had hotswap been there round 1 I would have already reserved one before posting

Keep up the good work!  This is my favorite style of case and it’s wonderful to see it being realized as a gasket mount.

[ENG Studio]

Is shipping to Oceania really going to be $50 usd?

To New Zealand, yes.

To Australia, no.  It's 32 USD.

[chungsteroonie]

How is clearance accounted for on the screw-in stabilizers?  Are the thinned areas on the plate strong enough to survive long-term?  Do you have a detail photo of the stabilizer area with O-ring installed?

FWIW, I'm in at this price and am very happy that you decided to do the soldered PCB first.  The idea of constant edge pressure on hot-swap switches has never sat well with me on the other retail versions of the Bakeneko, and there were no soldered options available.

[kameron]

will there be a sound test of the proto or will any units be sent out to streamers?

[chungsteroonie]

will there be a sound test of the proto or will any units be sent out to streamers?

I found this when researching last night. . .

[aicyborg]

Just found out about this via word of mouth, but this seems perfect to me especially at the price point. In for R2 'cos I'm an ISO enjoyer.

[sammyyuhhh]

any update on r2? just found out as r1 gb ended rip

[oilpapers]

Watching with interest for R2!

[nilokillian]

Waiting for R2 as I can't stand soldered PCBs