[IC] CA66 Custom Keyboard (1/5 updated, GB sub form opened)

[packman86]

That price is pretty much irresistible - is the international buy actually going to be a thing or do we need to go through taobao?

I'd pay a few extra dollars for the convenience of dealing with an English seller.

[ipreferpie]

Just checked out the Taobao site using translate. Does anyone the the difference between CA66 key and "Front door" version? And what the color kit does? Thanks!

[Vigrith]

Just checked out the Taobao site using translate. Does anyone the the difference between CA66 key and "Front door" version? And what the color kit does? Thanks!

I assume "front door" means assembled since the opposing option is "kit", I'm just not sure how you pick the options (colour and then stabs/switches/etc if they are not included).

[BerserkZz]

Just checked out the Taobao site using translate. Does anyone the the difference between CA66 key and "Front door" version? And what the color kit does? Thanks!

I assume "front door" means assembled since the opposing option is "kit", I'm just not sure how you pick the options (colour and then stabs/switches/etc if they are not included).

No, the front door is another version with a dedicated left ctrl. But that version won't come with the ca66 logo.

[Vigrith]

No, the front door is another version with a dedicated left ctrl. But that version won't come with the ca66 logo.

Ah I see, thank you for clarifying that. Taobao is just too complicated as a foreigner, if no international GB happens I'll just pay superbuy to handle the transaction for me I guess.

[BerserkZz]

No, the front door is another version with a dedicated left ctrl. But that version won't come with the ca66 logo.

Ah I see, thank you for clarifying that. Taobao is just too complicated as a foreigner, if no international GB happens I'll just pay superbuy to handle the transaction for me I guess.

Well, hope it will happen some day soon. Since lots of people are waiting for this.

[DALExSNAIL]

I hope that price estimation can come down a little more, that's just a tad more than I'd like to spend.

In SC I can believe it  ), but i may spring for this.

I'd like to see it come down to at least $250, honestly.

300 is really not bad at all.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[PlayKeyboardTW]

I hope that price estimation can come down a little more, that's just a tad more than I'd like to spend.

In SC I can believe it  ), but i may spring for this.

I'd like to see it come down to at least $250, honestly.

$250 is the price on Taobao right now.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.22.16eac8aU4m4e7&id=554507757989&ns=1&abbucket=17#detail

This GB is available for China and Taiwan now.
I think anyone can buy it, but you'll have to understand full description written in Chinese.

This Round added some new options:
1. Brass plate
2. Titanium logo
3. Red and blue case as default colors

We are planning to set GB in GH as the final one, and the abundance of GH GB will be the most. (at least equal to round 2)
Those new three options addition is a test for a cost estimation. Like we don't even know what a brass plate cost currently.
So thanks for you guys keeping an eye on this IC. We are looking forward to do a good final version GB for GH.

[ptiede]

I hope that price estimation can come down a little more, that's just a tad more than I'd like to spend.

In SC I can believe it  ), but i may spring for this.

I'd like to see it come down to at least $250, honestly.

$250 is the price on Taobao right now.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.22.16eac8aU4m4e7&id=554507757989&ns=1&abbucket=17#detail

This GB is available for China and Taiwan now.
I think anyone can buy it, but you'll have to understand full description written in Chinese.

This Round added some new options:
1. Brass plate
2. Titanium logo
3. Red and blue case as default colors

We are planning to set GB in GH as the final one, and the abundance of GH GB will be the most. (at least equal to round 2)
Those new three options addition is a test for a cost estimation. Like we don't even know what a brass plate cost currently.
So thanks for you guys keeping an eye on this IC. We are looking forward to do a good final version GB for GH.

How long until the GH GB?

[ipreferpie]

I hope that price estimation can come down a little more, that's just a tad more than I'd like to spend.

In SC I can believe it  ) , but i may spring for this.

I'd like to see it come down to at least $250, honestly.

$250 is the price on Taobao right now.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.22.16eac8aU4m4e7&id=554507757989&ns=1&abbucket=17#detail

This GB is available for China and Taiwan now.
I think anyone can buy it, but you'll have to understand full description written in Chinese.

This Round added some new options:
1. Brass plate
2. Titanium logo
3. Red and blue case as default colors

We are planning to set GB in GH as the final one, and the abundance of GH GB will be the most. (at least equal to round 2)
Those new three options addition is a test for a cost estimation. Like we don't even know what a brass plate cost currently.
So thanks for you guys keeping an eye on this IC. We are looking forward to do a good final version GB for GH.

Thanks for the info! And for the case if I want dark grey, do I have to select the "[size=78%]颜色自选[/size][/size][size=78%]" option?[/size]

[Calza]

Can we get this without going through TaoBao?

[kmba]

I'm in if you offer blue in the gh gb.

[pixelpusher]

Can we get this without going through TaoBao?

At this time, no.  They are hopefully planning to run a group buy here on GH after this one on Taobao

[Vigrith]

We are planning to set GB in GH as the final one, and the abundance of GH GB will be the most. (at least equal to round 2)
Those new three options addition is a test for a cost estimation. Like we don't even know what a brass plate cost currently.
So thanks for you guys keeping an eye on this IC. We are looking forward to do a good final version GB for GH.

Awesome! Let us know when it is near launch if you could, it'd be nice to know a little bit in advance - I assume the plan is to have it start after the taobao China GB finishes?

[the pokemon kid]

I got shown this earlier by Calza, I am so down for this as long as I dont have to buy through Taobao...

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Can we get this without going through TaoBao?

At this time, no.  They are hopefully planning to run a group buy here on GH after this one on Taobao

Thanks for the help.

I hope that price estimation can come down a little more, that's just a tad more than I'd like to spend.

In SC I can believe it  ) , but i may spring for this.

I'd like to see it come down to at least $250, honestly.

$250 is the price on Taobao right now.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.22.16eac8aU4m4e7&id=554507757989&ns=1&abbucket=17#detail

This GB is available for China and Taiwan now.
I think anyone can buy it, but you'll have to understand full description written in Chinese.

This Round added some new options:
1. Brass plate
2. Titanium logo
3. Red and blue case as default colors

We are planning to set GB in GH as the final one, and the abundance of GH GB will be the most. (at least equal to round 2)
Those new three options addition is a test for a cost estimation. Like we don't even know what a brass plate cost currently.
So thanks for you guys keeping an eye on this IC. We are looking forward to do a good final version GB for GH.

Thanks for the info! And for the case if I want dark grey, do I have to select the "[size=78%]颜色自选[/size][/size][size=78%]" option?[/size]

No you don't need to. Dark grey is a default color.

I hope that price estimation can come down a little more, that's just a tad more than I'd like to spend.

In SC I can believe it  ), but i may spring for this.

I'd like to see it come down to at least $250, honestly.

$250 is the price on Taobao right now.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.22.16eac8aU4m4e7&id=554507757989&ns=1&abbucket=17#detail

This GB is available for China and Taiwan now.
I think anyone can buy it, but you'll have to understand full description written in Chinese.

This Round added some new options:
1. Brass plate
2. Titanium logo
3. Red and blue case as default colors

We are planning to set GB in GH as the final one, and the abundance of GH GB will be the most. (at least equal to round 2)
Those new three options addition is a test for a cost estimation. Like we don't even know what a brass plate cost currently.
So thanks for you guys keeping an eye on this IC. We are looking forward to do a good final version GB for GH.

How long until the GH GB?

We are planning to set GB in GH as the final one, and the abundance of GH GB will be the most. (at least equal to round 2)
Those new three options addition is a test for a cost estimation. Like we don't even know what a brass plate cost currently.
So thanks for you guys keeping an eye on this IC. We are looking forward to do a good final version GB for GH.

Awesome! Let us know when it is near launch if you could, it'd be nice to know a little bit in advance - I assume the plan is to have it start after the taobao China GB finishes?

We are going to make an interest check form right after R2 in Taobao ends.

It will be focusing on:

1. price check
2. default case color options check
3. logo material options check
4. aluminum plate color options and brass plate option check
5. others if it's not mentioned above

After we clarify all the stuff, GB will start soon!

[nu_types]

I really dig this board. Any chance we'll have cerakote options?

[PlayKeyboardTW]

I really dig this board. Any chance we'll have cerakote options?

Probably not. Since it's our first keyboard kit and we haven't find a good factory to make it.
We'll continue to design some great stuff and might going to let it be an option.

[nu_types]

I really dig this board. Any chance we'll have cerakote options?

Probably not. Since it's our first keyboard kit and we haven't find a good factory to make it.
We'll continue to design some great stuff and might going to let it be an option.

Ah, okay, definitely still in for this. Looking forward to your future designs already!

[Marutks]

Switches are "upside down" on your PCB (south facing LEDs).  They are not compatible with thick cherry profile (GMK) keycaps.

[MeloDet]

Switches are "upside down" on your PCB (south facing LEDs).  They are not compatible with thick cherry profile (GMK) keycaps.

Well ****. Though one of their pictures has gmk carbon, so maybe it's not as it seems?

[pixelpusher]

Switches are "upside down" on your PCB (south facing LEDs).  They are not compatible with thick cherry profile (GMK) keycaps.

What you say here is a confusing.  The leds face north or towards the top of the board. But yes, this is indeed upside down.  I personally cannot stand GMK caps on upside down switches, but that’s just one man’s opinion.  And I still may try to get one and use a different profile keycap bc the board is unique

[MeloDet]

So inverted switches still work with gmk they just feel different/wrong? Either way it would probably be best to change this if possible.

[pixelpusher]

So inverted switches still work with gmk they just feel different/wrong? Either way it would probably be best to change this if possible.

This is a touchy topic and some people have firm opinions.  I firmly believe that upside down switches have issues with all cherry profile keycaps.  (SA, DSA, OEM have no such issue)

I have many keyboards with upside down switches and can tell you that every GMK set and ePBT set I have (7 in total) does not bottom out properly on the QWERTY and home rows.  The keycaps make contact with the switch before it bottoms out completely.  It has nothing to do with LEDs, it is the switch housing that makes contact.  The proper bottom of the switch falls off quickly.  However, the proper top plateaus out for longer.  When you turn that switch upside down, the keycap hits slightly.

It is much more noticeable with linear switches.  They do work, yes.  They will allow you to actuate the key.  And if you are not too picky about switch evenness across the board it will not bother you much.

Some people will deny this is a thing.  In my eyes, they are either numb in the fingers and hard of hearing, or there is some sort of cherry profile from before my sets were made that doesn't have the issue. 

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Switches are "upside down" on your PCB (south facing LEDs).  They are not compatible with thick cherry profile (GMK) keycaps.

Actually LEDs are north facing, as you can see the pic below.

So inverted switches still work with gmk they just feel different/wrong? Either way it would probably be best to change this if possible.

So inverted switches still work with gmk they just feel different/wrong? Either way it would probably be best to change this if possible.

This is a touchy topic and some people have firm opinions.  I firmly believe that upside down switches have issues with all cherry profile keycaps.  (SA, DSA, OEM have no such issue)

I have many keyboards with upside down switches and can tell you that every GMK set and ePBT set I have (7 in total) does not bottom out properly on the QWERTY and home rows.  The keycaps make contact with the switch before it bottoms out completely.  It has nothing to do with LEDs, it is the switch housing that makes contact.  The proper bottom of the switch falls off quickly.  However, the proper top plateaus out for longer.  When you turn that switch upside down, the keycap hits slightly.

It is much more noticeable with linear switches.  They do work, yes.  They will allow you to actuate the key.  And if you are not too picky about switch evenness across the board it will not bother you much.

Some people will deny this is a thing.  In my eyes, they are either numb in the fingers and hard of hearing, or there is some sort of cherry profile from before my sets were made that doesn't have the issue. 

Thanks reececonrad for clearing things out, you are absolutely right.

When you use Cherry profile keysets, you will have feeling of hitting the housing typing on QWER row.
You can get that touch especially when using an Enjoypbt set. Here is a pic for reference.

GMK will be smoother, but still have a slightly feeling.

[energyd]

Dark blue/navy color pls

[MeloDet]

Switches are "upside down" on your PCB (south facing LEDs).  They are not compatible with thick cherry profile (GMK) keycaps.

Actually LEDs are north facing, as you can see the pic below.
(Attachment Link)

So inverted switches still work with gmk they just feel different/wrong? Either way it would probably be best to change this if possible.

So inverted switches still work with gmk they just feel different/wrong? Either way it would probably be best to change this if possible.

This is a touchy topic and some people have firm opinions.  I firmly believe that upside down switches have issues with all cherry profile keycaps.  (SA, DSA, OEM have no such issue)

I have many keyboards with upside down switches and can tell you that every GMK set and ePBT set I have (7 in total) does not bottom out properly on the QWERTY and home rows.  The keycaps make contact with the switch before it bottoms out completely.  It has nothing to do with LEDs, it is the switch housing that makes contact.  The proper bottom of the switch falls off quickly.  However, the proper top plateaus out for longer.  When you turn that switch upside down, the keycap hits slightly.

It is much more noticeable with linear switches.  They do work, yes.  They will allow you to actuate the key.  And if you are not too picky about switch evenness across the board it will not bother you much.

Some people will deny this is a thing.  In my eyes, they are either numb in the fingers and hard of hearing, or there is some sort of cherry profile from before my sets were made that doesn't have the issue. 

Thanks reececonrad for clearing things out, you are absolutely right.

When you use Cherry profile keysets, you will have feeling of hitting the housing typing on QWER row.
You can get that touch especially when using an Enjoypbt set. Here is a pic for reference.
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]
GMK will be smoother, but still have a slightly feeling.

Is there a particular reason it was done this way? And is there any possibility of getting it changed for the gh groupbuy?

[Vigrith]

Is there a particular reason it was done this way? And is there any possibility of getting it changed for the gh groupbuy?

If I'm understanding the situation correctly the LEDs in this will be North facing as seen in the picture posted by PlayKeyboardTW - the issues with cherry profile sets are experienced with South facing LEDs, the confusion was because someone thought that's the way they are on the CA66 but, as per the picture posted, that is not the case.

[MeloDet]

Is there a particular reason it was done this way? And is there any possibility of getting it changed for the gh groupbuy?

If I'm understanding the situation correctly the LEDs in this will be North facing as seen in the picture posted by PlayKeyboardTW - the issues with cherry profile sets are experienced with South facing LEDs, the confusion was because someone thought that's the way they are on the CA66 but, as per the picture posted, that is not the case.

I think he just used to wrong direction originally. South facing leds is the normal way, so that wouldn't be the orientation that causes the problems. Issues arise when they're facing north (though it's apparently not the leds, but the housing that causes to problem)

[Vigrith]

I think he just used to wrong direction originally. South facing leds is the normal way, so that wouldn't be the orientation that causes the problems. Issues arise when they're facing north (though it's apparently not the leds, but the housing that causes to problem)

Oh yea, my bad then, confusing subject for me since I've hardly ever even considered this kind of thing (I don't do LEDs on any of my builds). Unfortunate if that does limit certain users though despite me not having a problem with it.

[kmba]

When switches are oriented with the led hole to the north/top, thick cherry profile caps can contact the switch housing. Unfortunately for me it's pretty much a deal breaker as I solely use thick cherry profile caps. No SA or uniform profiles for me.

[Vigrith]

When switches are oriented with the led hole to the north/top, thick cherry profile caps can contact the switch housing. Unfortunately for me it's pretty much a deal breaker as I solely use thick cherry profile caps. No SA or uniform profiles for me.

Oh so even without the LEDs installed there are still clearance issues - live and learn I guess, thanks for bringing that to light (hurrhurr); shame, I'm weird and a DSA/XDA fan so not using GMK on this board is hardly a deal breaker but it does feel a little silly to sacrifice a whole profile like that.

[MeloDet]

When switches are oriented with the led hole to the north/top, thick cherry profile caps can contact the switch housing. Unfortunately for me it's pretty much a deal breaker as I solely use thick cherry profile caps. No SA or uniform profiles for me.

Oh so even without the LEDs installed there are still clearance issues - live and learn I guess, thanks for bringing that to light (hurrhurr); shame, I'm weird and a DSA/XDA fan so not using GMK on this board is hardly a deal breaker but it does feel a little silly to sacrifice a whole profile like that.

My thoughts exactly. I was originally planning on putting SA Lime on this, but I would still like the freedom change it up. Especially if there isn't really any reason to have it the other way.

[ideus]

When switches are oriented with the led hole to the north/top, thick cherry profile caps can contact the switch housing. Unfortunately for me it's pretty much a deal breaker as I solely use thick cherry profile caps. No SA or uniform profiles for me.

Oh so even without the LEDs installed there are still clearance issues - live and learn I guess, thanks for bringing that to light (hurrhurr); shame, I'm weird and a DSA/XDA fan so not using GMK on this board is hardly a deal breaker but it does feel a little silly to sacrifice a whole profile like that.

Why on earth switches have to be turned down?

[xondat]

When switches are oriented with the led hole to the north/top, thick cherry profile caps can contact the switch housing. Unfortunately for me it's pretty much a deal breaker as I solely use thick cherry profile caps. No SA or uniform profiles for me.

Oh so even without the LEDs installed there are still clearance issues - live and learn I guess, thanks for bringing that to light (hurrhurr); shame, I'm weird and a DSA/XDA fan so not using GMK on this board is hardly a deal breaker but it does feel a little silly to sacrifice a whole profile like that.

Why on earth switches have to be turned down?

Would love to know this too. Can't think of a decent reason.

[pixelpusher]

When switches are oriented with the led hole to the north/top, thick cherry profile caps can contact the switch housing. Unfortunately for me it's pretty much a deal breaker as I solely use thick cherry profile caps. No SA or uniform profiles for me.

Oh so even without the LEDs installed there are still clearance issues - live and learn I guess, thanks for bringing that to light (hurrhurr); shame, I'm weird and a DSA/XDA fan so not using GMK on this board is hardly a deal breaker but it does feel a little silly to sacrifice a whole profile like that.

Why on earth switches have to be turned down?

Would love to know this too. Can't think of a decent reason.

well, i mean the main reason people started doing this was for shine through legends, I'm sure you know that.  But obviously close to no one buying this board is going to use such keycaps.

[mudcakehoney]

I’m a little confused, can I confirm that with this pcb you have to orientate your switches with the Led facing north that will interfere with GMK and cherry profile caps, even if you don’t solder in the led? And there is no alternative or fix for this. Sorry for the noob question.

[pixelpusher]

I’m a little confused, can I confirm that with this pcb you have to orientate your switches with the Led facing north that will interfere with GMK and cherry profile caps, even if you don’t solder in the led? And there is no alternative or fix for this. Sorry for the noob question.

If the photo with switches installed is accurate.  This the only thing we don't know for sure, but it seems very likely this is the case.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Thanks guys for comments.
I am designing an IC form to figure out what options will meet the taste of most people.

To my knowledge, if the PCB has south LED holes, you will have chance hitting LEDs typing on Cherry profile keycaps.
Both 3mm LEDs and 2x3x4 LEDs will be hit. 1.8mm LEDs seem to be the solution for avoiding that.

Anyway, we will do a investigation for CA66. Cheers.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

[OracleKev]

Thanks guys for comments.
I am designing an IC form to figure out what options will meet the taste of most people.

To my knowledge, if the PCB has south LED holes, you will have chance hitting LEDs typing on Cherry profile keycaps.
Both 3mm LEDs and 2x3x4 LEDs will be hit. 1.8mm LEDs seem to be the solution for avoiding that.

Anyway, we will do a investigation for CA66. Cheers.

You shave off LEDs so they don't interfere.
http://kbdlab.co.kr/index.php?document_srl=1941

PCBs with inverted switches are almost never done with customs.

[pixelpusher]

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

Thank you for considering our comments.  I appreciate it.  Normally turned switches would make
This board much more appealing to me.

[ptiede]

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

Filled in! Really looking forward to this! I want the hhkb style layout so much!

[Marutks]

I’m a little confused, can I confirm that with this pcb you have to orientate your switches with the Led facing north that will interfere with GMK and cherry profile caps, even if you don’t solder in the led? And there is no alternative or fix for this. Sorry for the noob question.

yes, correct.  The only alternative is to use different keycaps.

[koduh]

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

If you are looking at changing the PCB are you willing to add ALPS support?

[ipreferpie]

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

If you are looking at changing the PCB are you willing to add ALPS support?

Yes plssssssss! And would like to have option to buy PCB only

[Vigrith]

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

Filled, thanks so much!

[the pokemon kid]

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

Filled it in! I am so hyped for this!

[kmba]

Alps support also means new plate. And hopefully separate plates as cutouts that support both MX and alps switches are absolutely horrible.

[PlayKeyboardTW]

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

Thank you for considering our comments.  I appreciate it.  Normally turned switches would make
This board much more appealing to me.

I myself prefer LED south facing PCB too. 

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

Filled in! Really looking forward to this! I want the hhkb style layout so much!

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

Filled, thanks so much!

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

Filled it in! I am so hyped for this!

Thanks guys! 

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

If you are looking at changing the PCB are you willing to add ALPS support?

I am sorry to say no. 

Hi guys. IC form is created.
Link: https://goo.gl/forms/8Q0VLU0ir1xoDgTa2


Please help us to confirm details! 

If you are looking at changing the PCB are you willing to add ALPS support?

Yes plssssssss! And would like to have option to buy PCB only

That might be available.