Author Topic: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard [Launching]  (Read 94963 times)

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Offline 27

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[IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard [Launching]
« on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 20:28:34 »
The Mech27-TKL

More pictures: http://imgur.com/a/GrXVy

Specs
  • 6061 Anodized Aluminum Top, Bottom, and Plate.
  • 3mm Thick Acrylic Spacer.
  • Polished Brass Weight.
  • Leeku TX87 PCB with RGB underlight.
  • Anodized in gold, light pink, cyan, silver, or black.
  • Shipped in custom cut foam and a stamped box.
Supported layouts



Price@100: $295 + PP Fees + Shipping
Price@50: $300 + PP Fees + Shipping
Shipping: Canada ($20), CONUS ($30), Europe ($60), Asia ($63), Australia ($63).  These rates may be more or less depending on the current exchange rate at the time of the GB.

In order to raise money for a prototype I will collect $35 deposits, this will secure your spot in the groupbuy and give your choice of number (GB will launch in mid-September)


Deposit Form: https://goo.gl/forms/LzY9nWimApKm5sUE2





Old Post
More
Introducing my new project, Mech27! This is the Mech27-TKL.

The Mech27 project is something that I've been wanting to do for a while and I've already had some great preliminary feedback.


More renders

So What's It Made Of?

Good question!  The Mech27-TKL is made of CNC milled aluminum and anodized in a selection of colours, with a 2mm thick acrylic mid-piece in a frosted colour to show off the beautiful side/case lighting on the PCB.  The plate, also anodized aluminum, is waterjet cut.

Gimme Some Deets


Angle: 8°
Material: Aluminum, Acrylic, and Brass
PCB: A.87 Compatible - I'll be using the Leeku TX87
Layouts supported:


ISO, split left and right shifts, and stepped capslock are supported as well as the standards.
Colours: See below
Price: Working on a new estimate.


Parts I'll Be Supplying
Case, plate, PCB, PCB mount Cherry stabilizers, and a maple candy.

Parts You Need to Supply
Switches, switch leds, a cable, and keycaps.


Extra Info and Thanks
Orders will be limited to 100 boards

I'm raising some money for a prototype, and the factory I've been in contact with is currently flooded with orders so I may have to wait a month or two before placing an order for it.  I have an outdated design on the way, which will be an indicator of quality and colour.

Big thanks to Yuksti for the TGR Jane files the Mech27-TKL is based on, Photekq, Rama, and Joey for their awesome feedback, and everyone else who has been involved with this in some way.  Files will be open sourced and free for use after the group buy concludes.

If there are any questions feel free to ask and I'll try my best to answer.
« Last Edit: Thu, 15 September 2016, 21:45:38 by 27 »
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Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 20:28:43 »
Update 1: Colours
More
POLL CLOSED.  Results below





With my powers of authority, I declare that the Mech27-TKL will be made in Black, Silver, Grey, Brass, and Cyan colours.

Grey is a medium grey, possibly Battleship Grey(?)
Black is black.
Silver is silver.
Brass is a darker gold colour. (Champagne gold)
Cyan is straight up cyan.


Update (Old Renders)
More
I have an aluminum prototype of an old, outdated design on the way, but it should be a good indicator of quality and anodization.  I'll try to take some really nice pictures once it arrives.


Update
More

Added a brass weight, let me know what you all think.
http://imgur.com/a/rtfjo

Update: More more renders in the OP

Update 2: Partial Plate
More


Update 3: Renders and Colour Representations
http://imgur.com/a/EMh1M  Also posted below

Update 4: Finalization, MOQ and Price
More
Sadly I won't be able to make the partial plate due to worries about meeting price breaks on both it and then standard plate.
Info about deposits and pricing have been posted below and will be updated. I will revamp the OP once I receive the final pricing.

Update 5: Deposits
Deposit form is open!
« Last Edit: Sun, 07 August 2016, 16:34:13 by 27 »
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Offline popkorn62

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #2 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 20:30:00 »
As long as it's TKL, I'll grab one <3


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Offline KingRama

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #3 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 20:33:31 »
Amazing work 27, all the hard work and effort that you put into learning the software and producing the CAD has paid off - 100% know that you'll be able to pull it off and deliver a solid product! Keep up the great work mate, and can't wait to see what the future holds with your creations!
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Offline UsualSuspectXXX

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 20:39:48 »
Lookin really nice. I might have to pick one of these up!

Offline Patchwrks

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 20:56:16 »
I'm in
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Offline NoahNHP

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 20:58:17 »
beautifull!!! i'm in  ;D
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Offline kiwi99

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #7 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:00:19 »
Looks nice! any pics of the assembly blown up? is it going to be unmarked completely on the outside or plan on putting a logo?

Offline logomachy

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #8 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:00:32 »
Will there be enough height to assemble the board without the diffuser? LEDs are fun for about five seconds.

Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #9 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:03:15 »
Looks nice! any pics of the assembly blown up? is it going to be unmarked completely on the outside or plan on putting a logo?
No pics of it blown up sorry, and no logos or branding except for the hidden "27" on the plate.

Will there be enough height to assemble the board without the diffuser? LEDs are fun for about five seconds.

No there won't be, but I've been considering offering an opaque option of acrylic in a few colours.
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Offline braidn

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #10 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:07:38 »
Is it basically bring your own PCB? love the idea, and basically my favorite layout so very likely down for one

Offline loud_asian

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #11 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:10:21 »
Been waiting for this, count me in for one!
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Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #12 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:10:37 »
Is it basically bring your own PCB? love the idea, and basically my favorite layout so very likely down for one

PCB being used is mentioned in the "Gimme the deets" section of the OP.

It's the GON NerD TKL, so fully programmable.
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Offline cmd

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #13 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:16:32 »
Sexy, feelsgoodman.

Offline braidn

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #14 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:20:49 »
Is it basically bring your own PCB? love the idea, and basically my favorite layout so very likely down for one

PCB being used is mentioned in the "Gimme the deets" section of the OP.

It's the GON NerD TKL, so fully programmable.

Completely bypassed it on Mobile. Totally down.

Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #15 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:30:16 »
Poll for color choice is up
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Offline Butter

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #16 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:48:15 »
Do I have to use GON PCB? will Winkeyless PCB work as well?

Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #17 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:50:23 »
Do I have to use GON PCB? will Winkeyless PCB work as well?

If it's the A.87 version with the usb between F12 and Printscreen it should.
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Offline FrostyToast

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #18 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:51:27 »
I'm in. Thank God I won't have to pay shipping.
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Offline o3okevin

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #19 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:55:44 »
I'm in. Thank God I won't have to pay shipping.
$$$$$  so rich

nice keyboard!

Offline FrostyToast

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #20 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:56:36 »
I'm in. Thank God I won't have to pay shipping.
$$$$$  so rich

nice keyboard!

I honestly have no need for this but I'm supporting a local.
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Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #21 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:57:23 »
I'm in. Thank God I won't have to pay shipping.
$$$$$  so rich

nice keyboard!

I honestly have no need for this but I'm supporting a local.
<3
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Offline Butter

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #22 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 21:59:16 »
Do I have to use GON PCB? will Winkeyless PCB work as well?

If it's the A.87 version with the usb between F12 and Printscreen it should.

Just check Winkeyless website. The usb is between ESC and F1  :(

Offline LunarisDream

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #23 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 22:19:18 »
Only WKL layout available?

Can't say I'm a fan of that :(

Offline aznairjordan

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #24 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 22:53:01 »
Will there be a logo of any sort on it? I guess I'm looking for some unique features other than the acrylic mid piece that says that this board is a Mech27 and not a generic aluminum board. Definitely a cool project and I can't wait to see it! Seems like you got a lot of support already  :thumb:
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Offline mrkevint

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #25 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 23:12:23 »
This looks awesome... I'm interested! :thumb:

Offline jonathanyu

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #26 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 23:22:41 »
really hope this would made in color other than black, grey, or silver.

Offline Geekmie

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #27 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 23:24:01 »
Looks great. Wonder if winkey will be supported?

Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #28 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 23:25:46 »
really hope this would made in color other than black, grey, or silver.

I'm going to do the top 4, and the one of my choice :)
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Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #29 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 23:26:01 »
Looks great. Wonder if winkey will be supported?

No winkey, sorry.
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Offline kurtle107

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #30 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 23:31:52 »
is this got RGB led at the side

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #31 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 23:36:34 »
Where are you getting this manufactured and anodized for 350 per kit at a production run of 50?

Offline kiwi99

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #32 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 23:37:41 »
Looks great. Wonder if winkey will be supported?

No winkey, sorry.

winkey option :

Offline Goon

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #33 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 23:48:30 »
would we be able to buy just the case? or would we have to buy case and pcb?

Offline KingRama

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #34 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 23:57:27 »
really hope this would made in color other than black, grey, or silver.

Those are the top three I picked  :))
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Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #35 on: Thu, 14 April 2016, 23:58:14 »
Where are you getting this manufactured and anodized for 350 per kit at a production run of 50?

Found a very cooperative factory in China.  Prototypes are a must, and if they're horrible, I'll find somewhere else.
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Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #36 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 00:00:35 »
is this got RGB led at the side

No RGB on this pcb, only single colours.
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Offline logomachy

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #37 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 00:05:12 »
Looks great. Wonder if winkey will be supported?

No winkey, sorry.

Good to see a designer protect superior aesthetics.

If there is an option for an opaque or unfrosted clear acrylic insert - count me in.

And if you don't mind sharing, what was the color you had in mind for yours?

Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #38 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 00:08:00 »
Looks great. Wonder if winkey will be supported?

No winkey, sorry.

Good to see a designer protect superior aesthetics.

If there is an option for an opaque or unfrosted clear acrylic insert - count me in.

And if you don't mind sharing, what was the color you had in mind for yours?

I've been thinking either the brass colour, so I can have a board identical to the render, or pink, because pink.
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Offline AgentZen

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #39 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 01:51:41 »
Will be keeping a close eye here. Like I said on reddit, I need dis. Aluminum TKL is my next purchase, need something to replace the 'ole KUL es87.
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Offline switchnollie

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #40 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 02:26:56 »
Won't be joining because TKL but it's nice to see this move along finally :)

GL.


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Offline ntitco1

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #41 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 04:30:35 »
It looks great!  :thumb: Will there be a weight piece?

Offline mathiasn

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #42 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 06:15:00 »
Just what I was looking for: TKL + WKL.

I'll try and be IN - if I don't miss the starting gun (again).

Offline Geekmie

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #43 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 07:08:29 »
Looks great. Wonder if winkey will be supported?

No winkey, sorry.

winkey option :
Show Image

Lol, that might work.

Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #44 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 13:16:51 »
It looks great!  :thumb: Will there be a weight piece?

No brass weight this time.
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Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #45 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 14:49:03 »
Posted colour poll results.  May reopen the poll after I receive the prototype.
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Offline guy12

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #46 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 15:16:51 »
Do you have an estimate of how long until the group buy stage? Also will diodes and resistors be soldered in?


Looks great :D

Offline boost

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #47 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 15:18:52 »
I'm in
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Offline manofinterests

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #48 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 15:24:48 »
Looks great! I'd definitely try to get in on the GB :)

Offline 27

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Re: [IC] Mech27-TKL | Custom Aluminum Keyboard
« Reply #49 on: Fri, 15 April 2016, 16:18:20 »
Do you have an estimate of how long until the group buy stage? Also will diodes and resistors be soldered in?


Looks great :D

Need to get a prototype first, and that could be 1-3 months since the factory is backed up, then I'll need to figure out packaging and how to collect money.  I really can't give a solid time yet.

And yes diodes and resistors will be assembled.
« Last Edit: Fri, 15 April 2016, 16:44:16 by 27 »
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