[IC] TX87 - New Korean TKL Custom Keyboard

[yuiop]

There's a new custom keyboard being developed in Korea @ kbdlab (what new?)

It's at the prototyping stage.  I'll try to post the actual photos as they become available.

I spoke with one of the developers and it sounds like they are willing to make it available to GHers as long as there's enough interest

It will be affordable, relatively speaking
I don't have the exact pricing but I was told to expect around 200USD including the PCB.  But that's before shipping and other fees etc.


Some bullet points....
- KMAC2/Orion like structure.  Top/Plate/Bottom, bottom is angled
- Top : anodized aluminum with many color options available
- Plate : stainless steel (heavier) or anodized aluminum
- Bottom : CNC'd Polycarbonate.  It's designed to allow the LED light through
- There's a 2mm stainless steel plate mounted on the bottom to add weight
- PCB : programmable of course. supports Winkey/Winkeyless/ISO/etc.
- Supports in-switch LEDs & RGB LED underneath the PCB (like this)


So if you're interested, show your interest in this thread

Does the plate allow switch top removal?

Yes, you can remove switch tops without desoldering.

yuiop, is this a87 or b87 compatible?
or in other words, is the usb header on the right (between F12 and PrtScn) or on the left (between Esc and F1)?

This is A87 compatible housing.

I'm new to the custom korean keyboard scene. Would full assembly (e.g. switch/led soldering) services be offered as part of this possible GB?

Assembly will be offered.

Any chance the maker can do Alps?

MX only

I don't know the exact angle but I think these will be flatter than the Orion/Lightsaver which is 11 degree slanted.  I'll ask.

This keyboard is 7.5 degrees tilted.
In comparison, KMAC2 is 7 degrees.  Orion/Lightsaver/Eagle/Viper are 11 degrees.

If you prefer to use it at a higher angle, you can just use taller bumpons in the back.

I don't think assembly service will be offered as part of GB.

how about the resistors? are they presodered like Duck's pcb?

Resistors and Diodes are all pre-soldered. 
There will be spots for 22 surface mounted RGB LEDs.  They will likely come pre-soldered as well. 

Prototypes

More

[Photekq]

If the price really is $200 I'm sure you'll have tonnes of interest in this.

[yuiop]

If the price really is $200 I'm sure you'll have tonnes of interest in this.

That's what I told him as well.

[Zeal]

Interesting, I wonder how a SS bottom plate would look like with a PC bottom layer with the bottom mounted LEDs.

[yicaoyimu]

I'm interested.

[jdcarpe]

Would buy.

[MythicalWagyu]

$200 for a Korean custom? Sign me up!

[cphead]

This looks awesome. And that ridiculous price point?! (::::

[Lastpilot]

Very interested, especially if it's less than $300 with shipping. Although I would definitely want to see a prototype before deciding. I am trying to imagine how the polycarbonate housing would show things like screws, screw holes and how even LED diffusion can be.

[Battou62]

I really wish we could move away from the angled bottoms. They just make the keyboard unnecessarily heavy(cost more to ship, but feels great), and having adjustable feet seems like a muck better option.

[rainb1ood]

Looking forward to acquire my first korean custom keyboard

[Fnzzy]

Man, I was waiting for another TKL with a natural angle since I dislike feet but I really don't like the look of this one. Too many edges and angles. But I'm sure for $200 a lot of people will have fun with this!

[LechnerDE]

Would definitely buy this if it is in the ~200$ price range plus shipping.

Does the plate allow switch top removal?

[yuiop]

I really wish we could move away from the angled bottoms. They just make the keyboard unnecessarily heavy(cost more to ship, but feels great), and having adjustable feet seems like a muck better option.

I personally think there's more pros than cons with angled housing.  Also those feet are rarely 'adjustable' unless you get another set with different height.

[yuiop]

Would definitely buy this if it is in the ~200$ price range plus shipping.

Does the plate allow switch top removal?

I'm not sure.  I'll ask.

Edited: Yes, you can remove switch tops without desoldering.

[Photekq]

Going by the pics.. It does allow switch top removal.

[cphead]

Would definitely buy this if it is in the ~200$ price range plus shipping.

Does the plate allow switch top removal?

I'm not sure.  I'll ask.

Edited: Yes, you can remove switch tops without desoldering.

ABOUT TIME this became a thing -_-

[Data]

Nice.  Interested.

[Battou62]

I really wish we could move away from the angled bottoms. They just make the keyboard unnecessarily heavy(cost more to ship, but feels great), and having adjustable feet seems like a muck better option.

I personally think there's more pros than cons with angled housing.  Also those feet are rarely 'adjustable' unless you get another set with different height.

My Kmac has feet that have removable "washer" layers for adjustability. I am glad you think there are more pros with angled bottoms, please list them here for us. I would much rather have to buy separate feet, or be able to remove them all together instead of being forced into having an angled board.

[Photekq]

Biggest pro in my mind is : Angled boards look a thousand times nicer.

[strict]

I really wish we could move away from the angled bottoms. They just make the keyboard unnecessarily heavy(cost more to ship, but feels great), and having adjustable feet seems like a muck better option.

I personally think there's more pros than cons with angled housing.  Also those feet are rarely 'adjustable' unless you get another set with different height.

My Kmac has feet that have removable "washer" layers for adjustability. I am glad you think there are more pros with angled bottoms, please list them here for us. I would much rather have to buy separate feet, or be able to remove them all together instead of being forced into having an angled board.

+1

That permanent angle is enough to keep me from buying into this regardless of price. I actually got into the mechanical keyboard hobby because I was given a Dell rubber dome keyboard at work that had a permanent angle and I hated it so much I started researching for a quality replacement.

[yuiop]

I really wish we could move away from the angled bottoms. They just make the keyboard unnecessarily heavy(cost more to ship, but feels great), and having adjustable feet seems like a muck better option.

I personally think there's more pros than cons with angled housing.  Also those feet are rarely 'adjustable' unless you get another set with different height.

My Kmac has feet that have removable "washer" layers for adjustability. I am glad you think there are more pros with angled bottoms, please list them here for us. I would much rather have to buy separate feet, or be able to remove them all together instead of being forced into having an angled board.

First of all, I'm not trying to convince anyone to like angled keyboard.  If you don't like it, that's fine.  Then this keyboard is not for you.

I personally don't care about having adjustable feet.  I'd much rather have the extras weight and stability of angled keyboards.  If I need to raise it up a little, I'd use taller bumpons in the back.  Problem solved.  I have KMAC2 and KMAC 1.2.  Both have same the PCB, same mx clear stems, same spring weight etc.   Only difference is KMAC2 is angled and weighs about twice as much.   To ME, KMAC2 feels and types much better.

[ComradeSniper]

At that price I'm definitely interested, but I'd want to see some pics of the real thing first.

[cphead]

I really wish we could move away from the angled bottoms. They just make the keyboard unnecessarily heavy(cost more to ship, but feels great), and having adjustable feet seems like a muck better option.

I personally think there's more pros than cons with angled housing.  Also those feet are rarely 'adjustable' unless you get another set with different height.

My Kmac has feet that have removable "washer" layers for adjustability. I am glad you think there are more pros with angled bottoms, please list them here for us. I would much rather have to buy separate feet, or be able to remove them all together instead of being forced into having an angled board.

First of all, I'm not trying to convince anyone to like angled keyboard.  If you don't like it, that's fine.  Then this keyboard is not for you.

I personally don't care about having adjustable feet.  I'd much rather have the extras weight and stability of angled keyboards.  If I need to raise it up a little, I'd use taller bumpons in the back.  Problem solved.  I have KMAC2 and KMAC 1.2.  Both have same the PCB, same mx clear stems, same spring weight etc.   Only difference is KMAC2 is angled and weighs about twice as much.   To ME, KMAC2 feels and types much better.

IMO KMAC2 angle is perfect, not too much and not too little. Do we know what kind of angle this board will have?

[yuiop]

I don't know the exact angle but I think these will be flatter than the Orion/Lightsaver which is 11 degree slanted.  I'll ask.

[Patchwrks]

Absolutely interested

[bazemk1979]

interested, price is good and is expected since bottom is going to be plastic or whatever u call it. If it looks good im in, but not 100% sure since I like all aluminum boards.

[Sent]

Not normally a fan of TKL but for that price, I'm probably in.

[Puddsy]

200 with PCB is pretty good, I might try and get in on this one

[feizor]

I'm definitely interested

[kitsun8]

+1 for me

[Vintage]

 

As someone who recently bought a Duck Eagle..... This makes me a bit sad

[Elrick]

A new Korean TKL, put me down for one.  I can't ignore a new keyboard being designed and made in South Korea  .

Just let us know when this Group Buy will start and you'll get half of Geekhack rolling in for this.

[Den441]

I have been wanting a b.87 winkeyless.kr board with the rgb underlighting like OP mentioned for awhile now. However, I have no idea how I would get one as I don't know any Korean proxies that deal with this sort of thing.

If the RGBs look as good on this board, I am definitely in. How do the leds shine through? Is there going to be a clear acrylic center layer?

Anyway, It is great that this is being made available to us here. Can't wait to see more pics!

[Synjin]

I would totally purchase this board 100% for that price point. Besides, I have no tkl boards anyways so I don't mind owning my first Korean TKL

[captvizcenzo]

I'm totally in for $200

[exitfire401]

I have been wanting a b.87 winkeyless.kr board with the rgb underlighting like OP mentioned for awhile now. However, I have no idea how I would get one as I don't know any Korean proxies that deal with this sort of thing.

If the RGBs look as good on this board, I am definitely in. How do the leds shine through? Is there going to be a clear acrylic center layer?

Anyway, It is great that this is being made available to us here. Can't wait to see more pics!

I believe the bottom layer is CNC'd acrylic. Just going by what he says in the OP. Guessing what we see in the renderings is a separate metal piece which is added for weight in the center of the acrylic bottom.

[Synjin]

As someone who recently bought a Duck Eagle..... This makes me a bit sad

Don't be sad, I ordered the Duck eagle and viper together and I'm still not unhappy about my purchase =)

[Cottonsox]

My Wallet!! Interested in this.

[shawn24]

I'm in

[inoxify]

I would be interested in this.

[hoggy]

I'm in!

[LechnerDE]

Will there be other color options for the top cover?

Together with the white bottom part a light blue / cyan cover would look nice

[feizor]

I have been wanting a b.87 winkeyless.kr board with the rgb underlighting like OP mentioned for awhile now. However, I have no idea how I would get one as I don't know any Korean proxies that deal with this sort of thing.

If the RGBs look as good on this board, I am definitely in. How do the leds shine through? Is there going to be a clear acrylic center layer?

Anyway, It is great that this is being made available to us here. Can't wait to see more pics!

I believe the bottom layer is CNC'd acrylic. Just going by what he says in the OP. Guessing what we see in the renderings is a separate metal piece which is added for weight in the center of the acrylic bottom.

Cnc'ed polycarbonate. Like the middle layer of gon boards. This probably why the price is cheaper than full ALU boards. Makes for night lighting effects too.

[feizor]

Will there be other color options for the top cover?

Together with the white bottom part a light blue / cyan cover would look nice

OP mentioned there's different color options for the top plate.

[ApocalypseMaow]

sure, why not

[Den441]

I have been wanting a b.87 winkeyless.kr board with the rgb underlighting like OP mentioned for awhile now. However, I have no idea how I would get one as I don't know any Korean proxies that deal with this sort of thing.

If the RGBs look as good on this board, I am definitely in. How do the leds shine through? Is there going to be a clear acrylic center layer?

Anyway, It is great that this is being made available to us here. Can't wait to see more pics!

I believe the bottom layer is CNC'd acrylic. Just going by what he says in the OP. Guessing what we see in the renderings is a separate metal piece which is added for weight in the center of the acrylic bottom.

Cnc'ed polycarbonate. Like the middle layer of gon boards. This probably why the price is cheaper than full ALU boards. Makes for night lighting effects too.

Awesome, sounds like it will difuse the leds nicely then. I'm definitely in.

[justnits]

yuiop, is this a87 or b87 compatible?
or in other words, is the usb header on the right (between F12 and PrtScn) or on the left (between Esc and F1)?

[tuantruong]

I'm in! Oh my, duck 75% and this, my wallet is gonna kill me. 

[gotofbi]

yuiop, is this a87 or b87 compatible?
or in other words, is the usb header on the right (between F12 and PrtScn) or on the left (between Esc and F1)?

This is A87 compatible housing.