Presenting Alter
Alter features a sleek design without any complicated curves or cutouts. The goal of this case is to be cheaper than previous GBs of Alice clones.
(https://i.imgur.com/Xq7xm0E.jpg)
This kit will be sold through kbdfans as an in-stock item. After selling the pre-made units, we plan to run a group buy.
Details about the case:
- 3 piece design (top case, top mount plate, bottom cover)
- Top piece is anodized 6063 aluminum (Tentative)
- Wedge shaped bottom cover with brass weight
- PCB included
- Compatible with top mount usb port ONLY
- Top/Burger mount. Uses the same plate as the original Alice + regular caps lock support (not reflected on renders but will be edited)
- 7 degree typing angle
- 18.5mm front lip height (not including the height of bump-ons)
Tentative Price: 300$ or less for kit with PCB
Colors: TBD
Renders (Bottom case design render is outdated) :More
(https://i.imgur.com/ZHzAdnE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dNkFRFD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5sDdxWa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nOsjEps.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DRlq8Zx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UozkMYW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dMxfo70.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/92MCtja.jpg)
IC Form: https://forms.gle/sKfatv4w195uzqoW8
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/hMtt7BU
May 14,2020 Update
Just a small update, there's a potential partnership with KBDfans. This means that the keyboard will be an in-stock item and will not be offered via GB. This ensures that it will be sold at the lowest price possible and with minimal logistical issues. At this point, the quantity is to be determined but it will be based on the demand during the IC phase.
With regards to the design, I already have a 3D printed prototype as well as a pcb. So far, the plate and pcb fits. An aluminum proto will be produced by KBDfans in the following months. I have a few changes on the case but it's just some small details. Overall look will still be the same.
Since it's an in-stock item, we're planning to just offer one material for the plate and bottom piece. For the plate, it will be brass. Other plate material might be offered as an add-on. For the bottom cover, we're choosing between thick angled aluminum or standard 3mm flat brass. We plan to make a proto of the two types of bottom cover to compare.
Prototype pcb
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/704909341475733574/708222369193394176/image0.jpg)
3D Printed Case
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/704909341475733574/706027290462519336/image0.jpg)
FINALLY! Been waiting for a board with this layout.
Relax with the sarcasm there buddy, I think this is actually the first Alice IC/GB to pop up this week.
This is a rather interesting concept...
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/xWwHaBJ.jpg)
I was gonna say. Not to knock the rest of the project, but this is (unintentionally?) the coolest thing here.
A little update:
Case revisions:
- It now only supports top mount usb ports (USB-C and USB Mini)
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/f9ae0vm.png)
- Added a logo on the bottom cover (let me know what you think!)
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/N8Se4m8.png)
- Created an alternate bottom cover that is thicker. This is still tentative since this will cost more
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/G8jzTnb.png)
PCB Details:
- top mount usb-c
- no in-switch leds
- support for rgb underglow
I will post a major update once I finalize the case design and material options for plate and bottom cover
Wait so you've done away with the cool double-wide hole in the back, added a giant brass weight that needs to be machined, as well as an engraving on that weight? I feel as though that doesn't bode well for trying to keep the board affordable.
I feel like the real win here would be doing a 0° full aluminum board.
A little update:
Case revisions:
- It now only supports top mount usb ports (USB-C and USB Mini)
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/f9ae0vm.png)
- Added a logo on the bottom cover (let me know what you think!)
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/N8Se4m8.png)
- Created an alternate bottom cover that is thicker. This is still tentative since this will cost more
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/G8jzTnb.png)
PCB Details:
- top mount usb-c
- no in-switch leds
- support for rgb underglow
I will post a major update once I finalize the case design and material options for plate and bottom cover
That thicker bottom will definitely help with better acoustics!! How much more are will talking about?
A little update:
Case revisions:
- It now only supports top mount usb ports (USB-C and USB Mini)
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/f9ae0vm.png)
- Added a logo on the bottom cover (let me know what you think!)
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/N8Se4m8.png)
- Created an alternate bottom cover that is thicker. This is still tentative since this will cost more
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/G8jzTnb.png)
PCB Details:
- top mount usb-c
- no in-switch leds
- support for rgb underglow
I will post a major update once I finalize the case design and material options for plate and bottom cover
The wedge case bottom and usb cutout looks clean! Nice job. I noticed the case screw placement. Any reason why you’re not just placing 4 screws evenly on the top an bottom?
A little update:
Case revisions:
- It now only supports top mount usb ports (USB-C and USB Mini)
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/f9ae0vm.png)
- Added a logo on the bottom cover (let me know what you think!)
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/N8Se4m8.png)
- Created an alternate bottom cover that is thicker. This is still tentative since this will cost more
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/G8jzTnb.png)
PCB Details:
- top mount usb-c
- no in-switch leds
- support for rgb underglow
I will post a major update once I finalize the case design and material options for plate and bottom cover
Just a tip, those bumpons look kinda weird, I would use rubber strips instead
I have received the prototype from kbdfans
Show Image
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/704909341475733574/729371814999883776/image0.jpg)
Show Image
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/704909341475733574/729371815771635752/image1.jpg)
does it have internal slope?
I have received the prototype from kbdfans
Show Image
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/704909341475733574/729371814999883776/image0.jpg)
Show Image
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/704909341475733574/729371815771635752/image1.jpg)
Nice. Any comments?
This is a rather interesting concept...
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/xWwHaBJ.jpg)
I would love to see that on a board