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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: Alchemist Keyboards on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:21:27

Title: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:21:27
GB THREAD LIVE (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=113615.0)

(https://i.imgur.com/1GfR3Tv.png)(https://i.imgur.com/Z0LvSjH.jpg)

AKB Website (https://www.alchemistkeyboards.com)
AKB Discord (https://discord.gg/yPkfGGC)
AKB Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/alchemist_keyboards/)

Contents:

1. SPIEL
2. TECHNICAL SPECS/FEATURES
3. LAYOUT SUPPORT
4. V1 PROTOTYPE PHOTOS
5. ADDITIONAL RENDERS
6. VENDOR/PRICE INFORMATION
7. SPECIAL THANKS
8. IC FORM/UPDATES (1ST COMMENT)


1. SPIEL:

I’m James aka Alchemist Keyboards (AKB), and I have been designing keyboards since the end of 2018. As well as working on my own boards such as the OGR and Petrichor (both also coming soon) I’ve been working as the lead designer for Proto[typist] for which I helped bring boards like the J-02, J-01 Rev.1, Argyle, Allison and many others to reality.

Now I'm back with the Aella, a 75% “seamless/screwless” board that adopts a beautiful and unique side profile with clean, smooth curves and a compact design with a staggered F-row. In my opinion this is the optimal 75% layout aesthetically, while not compromising on function. I decided to go with a ‘screwless’ design to focus all attention on the sweeping curves of the side profile, as that is the real star of the show here.

It also has a pretty name so it has that going for it too.


2. TECHNICAL SPECS/FEATURES:

Typing angle: 7°
Case Material: 6063 Aluminium
Mounting system: Top/burger mount
Front height: 18mm (without feet)
PCB: Designed by Upas, with a centered flex cut. Paired with the ai03 unified daughterboard. QMK & VIA compatible PCB.
Plates: 5052 Aluminium as standard, with FR4, PC and brass as optional extras.
Weight: 1.5kg built (est.)


3. LAYOUT SUPPORT

(https://i.imgur.com/ULmAjrE.png)


4. V1 PROTOTYPE PHOTOS

A second round of prototypes are currently on order and I will add pics here when I have them!

(https://i.imgur.com/FqE73sA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/LVq0lAJ.jpg)
This v-shaped tray was initially designed to allow more room for flex, but on the first prototype I wasn't happy with how it altered the sound so this was dropped on the later revision.

(https://i.imgur.com/J7DeMWO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JH2AwU2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/1PnjWLB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/V3tbG0z.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8tksOC1.jpg)
Yeah it's a cursed layout, sue me.


5. ADDITIONAL RENDERS:

Following renders by Pikku-Allu

(https://i.imgur.com/FQUHB16.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/i7Qgs32.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/g90nG1c.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/f8DBshD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/WedLsfs.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Z0LvSjH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/6uBslCh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/FvMcHNA.jpg)

Following renders by FLX

(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f63c5e9c4d7e62832c4b017/1621544479101-WL1XL9FWGMIIBWMH6F6E/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kKmw982fUOZVIQXHUCR1F55Zw-zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZUJFbgE-7XRK3dMEBRBhUpyd4Y7UZK2xeLnx1ebgr6RQsJXMVu21YAFsC8v7yP4SzpC9M16ov_6v_os-bsIuXDE/AellaGif1.gif)

(https://i.imgur.com/QurAju5.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/H6liT9e.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/tAWokNs.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/C1Es4Ij.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/JOfj1Ql.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/5Dqe6d3.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/5TX4WfI.jpg)


6. VENDOR/PRICE INFORMATION:

                   


7. SPECIAL THANKS:


Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:22:12
8. UPDATES (1ST COMMENT)


UPDATES:

Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Rafa_n on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:22:59
Prototypist is not really and EU proxy anymore
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Nyeezy on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:25:17
Pls


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:26:11
Quote from: Rafa_n on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:22:59
Prototypist is not really and EU proxy anymore

I didn't specify EU, just Europe
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: damagepoint on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:27:36
Yes.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: ilikerustoo on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:27:45
I'll take it
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: MIGHTY CHICKEN on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:28:25
segsy
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Full on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:28:30
YES.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Laur on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:29:46
I hate 75% but this is hot.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: KeebOnMe on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:32:21
Looks amazing! Can't wait for more information!
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: singabore on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:32:55
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Visionaire on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:33:24
Looking awesome!
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Bl4ck on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:35:43
Quote from: Alchemist Keyboards on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:26:11
Quote from: Rafa_n on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:22:59
Prototypist is not really and EU proxy anymore

I didn't specify EU, just Europe

I mean... for EU people buying from any of the vendors will get expensive.

In fact for some countries getting it from the US would be cheaper.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: mvkb on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:41:23
Paella without the P!

Need my 3 mods bottom left, but this looks sweet. GL!
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Ustinj on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:42:39
Renders are lovely, GLWIC!
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: paperassgasket on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:45:15
Been following this for a while now. Not my preferred layout but it's a pretty design.
GLWIC
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: bthezebra on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:45:35
Love symmetrical blockers so pleasing to the eye
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: NovaRMK on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:49:54
This is one of the hottest boards I've ever seen
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: DERBS on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:56:07
N E 3-1-3 Bar support avail?
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Fri, 21 May 2021, 15:00:38
Quote from: DERBS on Fri, 21 May 2021, 14:56:07
N E 3-1-3 Bar support avail?

Not currently! Throw your suggestions in the IC and I'll chat to Flex about it  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: azzipa on Fri, 21 May 2021, 15:02:56
that rotating render by flx kinda blows my mind  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Flexerman on Fri, 21 May 2021, 15:20:37
Hey here it is, finally :)


Great looking board James, can’t wait to see the new prototypes.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Convergence on Fri, 21 May 2021, 15:54:07
This is something special.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: koenoe on Fri, 21 May 2021, 17:26:35
OOF
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Flybeck on Fri, 21 May 2021, 17:29:06
Clean, hotswap?
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Fri, 21 May 2021, 17:37:53
Quote from: Flybeck on Fri, 21 May 2021, 17:29:06
Clean, hotswap?

I'm only planning on a solderable pcb at the moment :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: lewisflude on Fri, 21 May 2021, 17:49:56
Looks beautiful!
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: IMZO on Fri, 21 May 2021, 19:37:12
LOoks good!
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: justinhigley on Fri, 21 May 2021, 20:19:04
TIL I'm a vampire.

Layout isn't for me but I like the lines.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: brodiegrizz on Fri, 21 May 2021, 22:44:57
Wouldn't the PCB flex cut between R3 and R4 be better placed above and below the alphas?
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sat, 22 May 2021, 00:55:11
Quote from: brodiegrizz on Fri, 21 May 2021, 22:44:57
Wouldn't the PCB flex cut between R3 and R4 be better placed above and below the alphas?

If I was to aim for a lot of flex that would be ideal but this way I've found provides a subtle flex when using a half plate
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Chippy on Sat, 22 May 2021, 01:08:13
stunning renders by pikku. Looking forward to seeing more from this. great job guys.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: hottrout on Sat, 22 May 2021, 04:22:03
Truly beautiful, simple, clean but classic.  Really love the design but also the quality of the build suggested.  Good luck with this but I imagine it will sell out in minutes.   I will be in line for mine.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: brodiegrizz on Sat, 22 May 2021, 11:16:42
Quote from: Alchemist Keyboards on Sat, 22 May 2021, 00:55:11
Quote from: brodiegrizz on Fri, 21 May 2021, 22:44:57
Wouldn't the PCB flex cut between R3 and R4 be better placed above and below the alphas?

If I was to aim for a lot of flex that would be ideal but this way I've found provides a subtle flex when using a half plate

I'm talking more along the lines of sound consistency between the alphas
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sat, 22 May 2021, 13:29:41
Quote from: brodiegrizz on Sat, 22 May 2021, 11:16:42
Quote from: Alchemist Keyboards on Sat, 22 May 2021, 00:55:11
Quote from: brodiegrizz on Fri, 21 May 2021, 22:44:57
Wouldn't the PCB flex cut between R3 and R4 be better placed above and below the alphas?

If I was to aim for a lot of flex that would be ideal but this way I've found provides a subtle flex when using a half plate

I'm talking more along the lines of sound consistency between the alphas

Well a half plate wouldn't provide sound consistency regardless as it's primarily for a softer feel on the alphas, and with a full plate (which has no cut) the difference in sound is minimal.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: FishyKeebs on Sat, 22 May 2021, 14:17:29
I hate 75%s but that side profile is nice
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Kinesiologist on Sat, 22 May 2021, 16:54:57
That rotating render tho. Love the side profile and hope to see more color options
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Voaraq on Sun, 23 May 2021, 05:16:53
I love it.

Can't stand 75% boards with the function row keys lined up exactly above the number row (ala Tofu84/KBD75). That slight offset is all kinds of yes
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: yui_ on Sun, 23 May 2021, 12:27:22
Really nice design, great work. Glwic!
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: treeleaf64 on Sun, 23 May 2021, 13:56:59
I n t e r e s t e d
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: SDKCAMPING on Sun, 23 May 2021, 16:24:45
Quote from: treeleaf64 on Sun, 23 May 2021, 13:56:59
I n t e r e s t e d

why i thought u said 75 should not exist since TKL and 65 are better in sound and looks haha
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Wed, 26 May 2021, 08:44:03
Quote from: treeleaf64 on Sun, 23 May 2021, 13:56:59
I n t e r e s t e d

t h a n k   y o u  : )
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: El_Jackador on Wed, 26 May 2021, 10:46:01
Extremely INTERESTED
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: El_Jackador on Wed, 26 May 2021, 11:15:42
Btw, please do a space grey colour!
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Sainity on Wed, 26 May 2021, 15:41:03
Not having an EU vendor really hurts. Any chance an EU vendor could still happen?
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 27 May 2021, 08:15:27
Quote from: Sainity on Wed, 26 May 2021, 15:41:03
Not having an EU vendor really hurts. Any chance an EU vendor could still happen?

Not at all likely unfortunately, I had an agreement in place long before Brexit came into effect and I plan on staying with it.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 27 May 2021, 08:16:15
UPDATE:
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: treeleaf64 on Fri, 28 May 2021, 09:03:20
Quote from: SDKCAMPING on Sun, 23 May 2021, 16:24:45
Quote from: treeleaf64 on Sun, 23 May 2021, 13:56:59
I n t e r e s t e d

why i thought u said 75 should not exist since TKL and 65 are better in sound and looks haha

Pikku allu render
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Lazesummerstone on Mon, 31 May 2021, 14:53:07
Yeah  really interested to see what the color options are because tbh this is a really beautiful board. I hope you decide to throw in a uncommon color though, I feel like it's always black/white/grey/navy/purple. A green possibly?
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Wed, 02 June 2021, 05:52:18
Quote from: Lazesummerstone on Mon, 31 May 2021, 14:53:07
Yeah  really interested to see what the color options are because tbh this is a really beautiful board. I hope you decide to throw in a uncommon color though, I feel like it's always black/white/grey/navy/purple. A green possibly?

I feel the same way. I'm carefully considering colour options at the moment but I definitely want to throw in a curve ball on this one!
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: jiyoonjang on Fri, 04 June 2021, 12:48:32
Very interested. I need 3 mods in the bottom left and it will be super comfortable if a chamfering to the bottom of the case like Frog TKL. Any chance to change the angle to 5 or 6 degree?

Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: clik_clak on Fri, 04 June 2021, 13:55:35
Quote from: jiyoonjang on Fri, 04 June 2021, 12:48:32
Very interested. I need 3 mods in the bottom left and it will be super comfortable if a chamfering to the bottom of the case like Frog TKL. Any chance to change the angle to 5 or 6 degree?


ROFL...Please completely re-design the case/pcb for me.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Gavzers on Fri, 04 June 2021, 20:36:22
Quote from: clik_clak on Fri, 04 June 2021, 13:55:35
Quote from: jiyoonjang on Fri, 04 June 2021, 12:48:32
Very interested. I need 3 mods in the bottom left and it will be super comfortable if a chamfering to the bottom of the case like Frog TKL. Any chance to change the angle to 5 or 6 degree?


ROFL...Please completely re-design the case/pcb for me.

Yeah, I'm super interested. Can it please be 11 degrees though, and I'm not a fan of 75% so maybe we could do a 65% instead. Also, could you chamfer the whole board so it's basically a sphere? And can you add a few function rows or something in there, and maybe a pen rail or some light show or something, you know? Can't wait!
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: jiyoonjang on Fri, 04 June 2021, 21:25:17
I didn't mean to be rude. i'm sorry guys.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Gavzers on Fri, 04 June 2021, 21:41:52
Quote from: jiyoonjang on Fri, 04 June 2021, 21:25:17
I didn't mean to be rude. i'm sorry guys.

No worries, it's all just in good fun. A lot of designer's usually do go into ic's with most design elements solidified though, so after the ic is posted there usually aren't angle changes, large chamfer/fillet changes, or layout changes (unless applicable). It seems like Aella likely won't have an option in the future for three mod bottom left, but there are plenty of other boards out there that might cater to your interest a bit more.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Mon, 07 June 2021, 17:17:53
Quote from: Gavzers on Fri, 04 June 2021, 21:41:52
Quote from: jiyoonjang on Fri, 04 June 2021, 21:25:17
I didn't mean to be rude. i'm sorry guys.

No worries, it's all just in good fun. A lot of designer's usually do go into ic's with most design elements solidified though, so after the ic is posted there usually aren't angle changes, large chamfer/fillet changes, or layout changes (unless applicable). It seems like Aella likely won't have an option in the future for three mod bottom left, but there are plenty of other boards out there that might cater to your interest a bit more.

Quote from: jiyoonjang on Fri, 04 June 2021, 12:48:32
Very interested. I need 3 mods in the bottom left and it will be super comfortable if a chamfering to the bottom of the case like Frog TKL. Any chance to change the angle to 5 or 6 degree?


No harm, no foul!

These changes won't be possible with this particular board I'm afraid. The angle is certainly locked in as per my personal preference, and while I've looked into the possibility of a winkey version due to a handful of requests the screw placement prohibits that from being a possibility.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sun, 13 June 2021, 09:03:22
Update time!



These colours were the overwhelming favourites based on the interest check form results and I have to say I agree.

(https://i.imgur.com/Dw4YdcA.png)
Purple/Lilac

(https://i.imgur.com/hIVArLB.png)
Deep Blue/Silver

(https://i.imgur.com/yEMp6Lf.png)
Silver/Silver

(https://i.imgur.com/k9ooN1p.png)
E-White

(https://i.imgur.com/Whzwm4E.png)
E-Black
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: hottrout on Sun, 13 June 2021, 09:27:15
Deep Blue or Black for me.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: D3vs on Sun, 13 June 2021, 10:40:48
Same for me...deep blue or black :)
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: IMZO on Sun, 13 June 2021, 12:03:13
that SS butt looks hot !
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Tue, 29 June 2021, 14:34:57
Quote from: IMZO on Sun, 13 June 2021, 12:03:13
that SS butt looks hot !

Thanks! It was meant to be polished aluminium as that was on the cards very early on in the project, but due to the cost/potential QC worries we've since had to drop the idea. The renders still look super cool though!
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Diggidy on Tue, 29 June 2021, 14:39:06
.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Tue, 29 June 2021, 14:58:36
Quote from: Diggidy on Tue, 29 June 2021, 14:39:06
Maybe I missed it, but do you have a price estimate yet? I would assume since you have prototypes as well as vendors you have a rough idea of what your price is going to be?

Coming in the next day or two hopefully! Big update coming.
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: bigdonnerz on Wed, 30 June 2021, 14:04:09
Why no EU vendor?
Title: Re: [IC] Aella - a 75% keyboard from AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 01 July 2021, 06:31:34
The Aella GB will be going live on July 15th!


Price will be $450 on CannonKeys, £385 inc VAT with Proto[Typist] and iLumkbs price will be confirmed shortly.


Default plate material with the kit will be 5052 aluminium, with the option to purchase FR4, PC and brass as extras.


GB thread now posted and is pending approval.