Author Topic: [IC] Kepler (GB date: May 10)  (Read 27832 times)

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Offline onefivenine

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[IC] Kepler (GB date: May 10)
« on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 15:24:18 »
Group buy date: May 10 (opening time announced during Top Clack build stream)

Form: https://forms.gle/MKHR93vqmhz9pqwf9

Hi All,

This is an IC for a TKL: Kepler.

Discord: https://discord.gg/VMfTUsN





Specifications:
  • Top: Aluminum 6063 (Anodized RAL 9006 or E-Black)
  • Bottom: Brass (PVD Black for Black tops / PVD Silver for Silver tops)
  • Plate: Brass (PVD Finish) / Optional: CF, FR4, POM, and PC
  • Layout: WK and WKL
  • Mounting Style: Isolation Mount, 3-piece gasket (included)
  • Typing Angle:
  • Front Height: 19mm
  • Connector: Integrated B-Series LEMO Socket (EGG.1B.305) (included)
  • Cable: USB A or C with a B-Series LEMO Plug (FGG.1B.305) (included)
  • PCB: H87a or new PCB with USB breakout support (pending prototype) (included)
  • Packaging: Pelican V300 Vault Case (included)
  • Price: $850
  • MOQ: none
  • Units: 50 (max) + 20% extra for contingency



Expanded View:









Renders:











Updates:
04/23: Pricing and parts included in kit

« Last Edit: Tue, 07 May 2019, 21:54:48 by onefivenine »

Offline onefivenine

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 15:24:49 »
Reserved.

Prototype:



























« Last Edit: Tue, 07 May 2019, 21:50:32 by onefivenine »

Offline click clack jack

  • Posts: 76
Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 15:32:20 »
Dear lord a prototype already? This thing is T H I C C. I freaking love it. I am so in, can't wait to see you build it with some keycaps and what not!

Offline Puddsy

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 15:32:30 »
second account not working out, huh
QFR | MJ2 TKL | "Bulgogiboard" (Keycon 104) | ctrl.alt x GON 60% | TGR Alice | Mira SE #29 | Mira SE #34 | Revo One | z | Keycult No. 1 | AIS65 | First CW87 prototype | Mech27v1 | Camp C225 | Duck Orion V1 | LZ CLS sxh | Geon Frog TKL | Hiney TKL One | Geon Glare TKL



"Everything is worse, but in a barely perceptible and indefinable way" -dollartacos, after I came back from a break | "Is Linkshine our Nixon?" -NAV | "Puddsy is the Puddsy of keebs" -ns90

Offline o3okevin

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #4 on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 15:33:10 »
we back

Offline vonswoopington

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #5 on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 15:37:12 »
thanks for updating with the side profile pics!  can't wait to see fully built pics
TGR 910 Polycarb | TGR Alice | TGR Unikorn | Lyn EM-7 | VE.A | Kyuu | E7-V1

Offline PotatoTM

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  • ...
Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #6 on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 15:49:11 »
Nice prototype!
.

Offline mrpetrov

  • Posts: 641
Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 15:52:46 »
Looks even better than I hoped! Love it.

Offline MajorKoos

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #8 on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 18:53:05 »
That bezel is unashamedly THICC.
I love it.

Offline Solotov

  • Posts: 366
Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #9 on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 18:56:06 »
Unique af. Love it!
Flex is love, flex is life.

Offline p_blaze

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #10 on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 18:57:12 »
GODDAM THATS THICC

Offline Solotov

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #11 on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 19:07:11 »
Btw, what are the dimensions of bezel on sides and bottom? I'm wondering how thick they are.
Flex is love, flex is life.

Offline Jkush463

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #12 on: Mon, 22 April 2019, 22:56:44 »
this has my interest. very nice and i like the lines

Offline regionfree

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #13 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 01:02:07 »
watching this. definitely interested!

Offline audax989

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #14 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 01:08:38 »
watching this. definitely interested!

you and me both bud.

Offline rondg

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #15 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 01:14:30 »
Not really into TKLs but this looks nice!

Offline catamscott

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #16 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 01:43:01 »
that proto  :eek:
will undoubtedly be too broke for this but it looks super nice

Offline iammeuru

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #17 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 03:11:05 »
This thing is amazing! Great work, and I can't wait to see what you do with this man... I'm pretty interested, for sure!

Offline Captain Shwah

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #18 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 10:34:30 »
That bottom is unreal, such a cool board.

Offline MajorKoos

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #19 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 12:13:43 »
I must have the black WKL version.

Offline bthezebra

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #20 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 13:21:59 »
Wow that proto looks nice!

Offline onefivenine

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #21 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 13:59:44 »
Close enough


Offline Aznakh

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #22 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 14:20:47 »
Consider me interested!

Also, please forgive my ignorance as I'm a little new to this branch of DIY-keyboards, but does anyone have any tips for non-group buy PCB that would fit this board? Would the KBD8X work? Or should I wait for another group but for something else?
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Offline KorbenDallas

  • Posts: 52
Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #23 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 14:41:21 »
Are you going for that kind of rainbow coloration on the black PVD coating or was that just a result of the process?

Offline onefivenine

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: prototype photos)
« Reply #24 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 15:01:34 »
Consider me interested!

Also, please forgive my ignorance as I'm a little new to this branch of DIY-keyboards, but does anyone have any tips for non-group buy PCB that would fit this board? Would the KBD8X work? Or should I wait for another group but for something else?
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!
PCBs will be offered during the group buy, but if you're looking for a currently available PCB with usb breakout support I would check out Hiney's h87a.

Are you going for that kind of rainbow coloration on the black PVD coating or was that just a result of the process?

Finish for the base exterior will be a full PVD black, the interior will have the rainbow pvd finish like the prototype.
« Last Edit: Tue, 23 April 2019, 15:03:55 by onefivenine »

Offline Lormania

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #25 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 21:35:36 »
I'm tempted

Offline mrpetrov

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #26 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 21:36:30 »
I think this is where I was expecting it to come out - count me in as a definite if I'm lucky enough to snag a spot. This is an iconic design. For me, I would (and will) pay this price over a #2, let alone a stainless steel #2.
« Last Edit: Tue, 23 April 2019, 21:42:14 by mrpetrov »

Offline ptiede

  • Posts: 267
Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #27 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 21:48:17 »
100% in. I love this. Just hope I am lucky enough to get a spot. Any idea when the GB will go live?

Offline Zacharius

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #28 on: Tue, 23 April 2019, 23:43:29 »
So freaking up for this if I can get a spot

Offline AlcoholEnthusiast

  • Posts: 456
Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #29 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 00:11:03 »
It's probably a bit above the amount I'll spend on a keyboard. That being said based on what you get I think it's definitely worth it. This is shaping up to be a beautiful board.

Offline japanesehorrorwriter

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #30 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 00:57:48 »
This is remarkable. You need bezels that big to pick up a board that heavy. This is a well thought out, killer design. Lets do this. As is......!

Offline Kerasan

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #31 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 01:32:05 »
I was interested but unfortunately it is outside the budget

KMK Labs.

Offline bthezebra

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #32 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 02:09:38 »
Black excellence and Mr 159, So in.

Offline audax989

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #33 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 03:10:15 »
as much as I love the overall design. I think the price is a bit too much for me. not sure where much of the cost is going to. I would imagine the PVD finish. or maybe the custom gasket. or the machine time to create those curves?

Offline Anakey

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #34 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 03:36:11 »
as much as I love the overall design. I think the price is a bit too much for me. not sure where much of the cost is going to. I would imagine the PVD finish. or maybe the custom gasket. or the machine time to create those curves?

The Pelican case and Lemo connector will make a good $150 of the price and that is before you get to the machining required on such a large piece of brass plus recouping prototype costs way outside my price point but those with a larger bank balance would probably like this.

Offline jshufelt

  • Posts: 18
Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #35 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 07:27:43 »
Option to pick up an extra cable during the GB?  At this price point, might as well have both USB-A and USB-C...

Offline spyruf

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #36 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 07:52:39 »
The silver seems to be more of a darker silver / light grey. Am I correct in assuming this will not resemble an "Apple Silver".

Offline onefivenine

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #37 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 09:14:25 »
100% in. I love this. Just hope I am lucky enough to get a spot. Any idea when the GB will go live?
Relatively soon, but will get prototypes in the hands of a couple content creators prior to.

Option to pick up an extra cable during the GB?  At this price point, might as well have both USB-A and USB-C...
I will reach out to my supplier and will get back to you.
UPDATE: extra cable will be available during GB.


The silver seems to be more of a darker silver / light grey. Am I correct in assuming this will not resemble an "Apple Silver".
Correct. The prototypes were anodized to match RAL 9006.
However, I am not opposed to the idea of choosing a different tone of silver/gray if there's interest.

Update: "Apple Silver" is Pantone 429C which is fairly close to RAL 7040
« Last Edit: Wed, 24 April 2019, 12:43:47 by onefivenine »

Offline EnjoyMyInSec

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #38 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 10:21:47 »
It's a beautifull board for sure, a very prenium one, that is probably above keycult. That being said the price is justified considering all No.2 sold in less than 30 seconds.
that Lemo cable is beautifull though. :thumb:

Offline g_mr_p

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #39 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 10:46:03 »
Wow, that swooping curved bottom is such a bold statement.  Don't know how I feel about the price point, but certainly hoping to see where this goes.

Offline Xynerorias

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #40 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 12:33:49 »
OOF for the board

Roblox OOF for the price

Offline Puddsy

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #41 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 12:50:57 »
850

bye
QFR | MJ2 TKL | "Bulgogiboard" (Keycon 104) | ctrl.alt x GON 60% | TGR Alice | Mira SE #29 | Mira SE #34 | Revo One | z | Keycult No. 1 | AIS65 | First CW87 prototype | Mech27v1 | Camp C225 | Duck Orion V1 | LZ CLS sxh | Geon Frog TKL | Hiney TKL One | Geon Glare TKL



"Everything is worse, but in a barely perceptible and indefinable way" -dollartacos, after I came back from a break | "Is Linkshine our Nixon?" -NAV | "Puddsy is the Puddsy of keebs" -ns90

Offline Hawkfriend

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #42 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 13:52:02 »
No bumpons?

Offline Jkush463

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #43 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 14:02:40 »
well, give me another week ill be ready,

Offline onefivenine

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #44 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 14:04:05 »
No bumpons?

Not needed but I can throw some in if you need

Offline spyruf

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #45 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 16:52:12 »
Correct. The prototypes were anodized to match RAL 9006.
However, I am not opposed to the idea of choosing a different tone of silver/gray if there's interest.

Update: "Apple Silver" is Pantone 429C which is fairly close to RAL 7040

Thanks, however on second thought I don’t think a lighter grey will look good with the PVD black bottom. If I join, I will be going for the e coat black.

With regard to the price for the board:
1. Is shipping included?
2. Could the pelican carrying case be made optional?

Offline sl70309

  • Posts: 118
Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #46 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 23:19:27 »
what makes this worth $300-400 more than those $400-500 keyboards? no offense, just want to know if there is difference in material used or other stuffs. thanks

Offline fireworm

  • Posts: 466
Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #47 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 23:22:04 »
what makes this worth $300-400 more than those $400-500 keyboards? no offense, just want to know if there is difference in material used or other stuffs. thanks
PVD brass bottom. Lots of machining for the curves, I think. A few nice included peripherals (case) too.

Offline onefivenine

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #48 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 23:29:00 »
Correct. The prototypes were anodized to match RAL 9006.
However, I am not opposed to the idea of choosing a different tone of silver/gray if there's interest.

Update: "Apple Silver" is Pantone 429C which is fairly close to RAL 7040

Thanks, however on second thought I don’t think a lighter grey will look good with the PVD black bottom. If I join, I will be going for the e coat black.

With regard to the price for the board:
1. Is shipping included?
2. Could the pelican carrying case be made optional?

1. No, shipping will be calculated during checkout, which is integrated with USPS discounted rates.
2. Sorry, these cases are priced at bulk quantity rates. I've decided to skip the custom packaging and use that expense to ship these boards to you in a protective case instead.

Offline onefivenine

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Re: [IC] Kepler (Update: pricing and kit details)
« Reply #49 on: Wed, 24 April 2019, 23:38:42 »
what makes this worth $300-400 more than those $400-500 keyboards? no offense, just want to know if there is difference in material used or other stuffs. thanks
PVD brass bottom. Lots of machining for the curves, I think. A few nice included peripherals (case) too.

This.

Yes, brass is a relatively cheap material. However.. machining, hand polishing, and PVD finishing such a large piece of brass is not cheap. The cabled connectors and pelican case are included at bulk per unit pricing.