[IC] Atom68 Alu | preorder page is online

[Nizkeyboard]

Atom68 Alu: A custom housing for Niz Atom68 Electro-Capacitive keyboard






Atom68 is an Electro-Capacitive keyboard developed by Niz (formally Plum).
It's using the latest Niz firmware, the 2019 new versions of sliders and switch housings, and the popular 65% form factor.
The versions available include EC-S (wired non-backlit), EC-Ble (wired and Bluetooth dual-mode, non-backlit), and EC-Ble RGB (wired and Bluetooth dual-mode, RGB backlit).





Atom68 Alu is a keyboard housing designed by Niz in collaboration with several keyboard enthusiasts. The minimalist design originated from two basic features: 1) seamless and 2) vertical front&back. In order to implement these two features, we've met many challenges in both designing and manufacturing. Now the design is almost finished and we are very proud of how it turns out.



Specs:

• Typing angle: 7
• Colors: TBD
• Mounting method: sandwich mounting with thin rubber pads
• Weight: 1.5kg fully built without keycaps
• Price: TBD

Sliders and switch housings

Niz is improving the sliders and switches housings continuously. The sliders and switch housings on Atom68 are made from Polyplastics's POM material imported from Japan. The newest 2019 versions are much smoother than before. The sliders come with silencing rings by default. As a side note, the sliders can also benefit a lot from lubing in terms of sound.




Stabilizers

The original Atom68 uses Costar stabs. It's not possible to add regular PCB-mount Cherry stabs on it because there's no room.
We designed new plate-mount Cherry-style stabilizers that can fit the plate perfectly. The sound and feel of the stabs are on-par with PCB-mount stabs.





Dome compatibility

• Niz domes: Best for compatibility. There are 35g, 45g, and 50g versions. For the 50g version, you need to cut an 80% sheet to fit the 65% layout.
• BKE Redux domes: Good for compatibility. You may need to adjust the positioning of the domes several times to make them work perfectly. The RGB backlit won't go through the domes.
• Topre domes: Compatible but not really good. You may need to adjust the positioning of the domes MANY times to make them work perfectly. The RGB backlit won't go through the domes.
• Topre domes + housing + springs: Compatible with the Atom68 PCB but you need to make a custom plate.

Bluetooth

In order to make the full aluminum case compatible with the BLE version controller, we added an external antenna on the controller and led it to the rubber feet. The Bluetooth signals can pass the case through the rubber feet holes at the bottom of the case. This solution has been tested to be very well.
In the Bluetooth+business mode, the battery life of Atom68 is around 126 hours with continuous use. In the Bluetooth+gaming mode, the battery life of Atom68 is around 78 hours with continuous use.


Firmware

Atom68 is fully programmable with a Windows OS software.
The actuation travel can be changed. We developed this function before Topre's APC.



Front Badge

The prototype badge is engraved and bead-blasted brass. It doesn't look as good as we expected.
We plan to make it PVD coated with laser-engraved legends in the final products.
The legends are TBD.



MX version

We really like the design of the case so we plan to provide an MX PCB for this case as well.
Even the switch cutouts are almost the same, a separate MX plate will also be provided to support PCB-mount stabs.

Shoutouts
Thanks to Fox-lab for providing general guidance on the design.
Thanks to Ramiel for providing feedback.
Thanks to Pitta key for designing the MX PCB and the daughterboard.


The preorder page is online now. https://www.nizkeyboard.com/collections/groups-1

[Nizkeyboard]

Q&A

Q: Is it possible to use other layouts?
A: No.

Q: I don't have an Atom68 but I want to buy this case. Can I purchase all the separate parts needed for this case from you?
A: Yes, we can provide domes,  sliders, switch housings, and PCBs.

Q: Atom68's English manual sucks. Can you compile a better version?
A: Yes.

Q: Can it support QMK?
A: No

Q: What's your experiences on CNC milling and anodizing?
A: We outsourced the CNC milling and anodizing service from two other companies. They are both professional large companies. We had collaboration with them for some drone products before so we know their abilities well.

Q: What's the quality we can expect?
A: Top notch.


List of decisions to make

• Plate material options
• Case and plate finishes/colors
• Changes based on other feedback

TODO list

• Typing video in comparison with other EC keyboards.
• Prototyping the MX PCB

[KeebsAndTrees]

Woah, I was not expecting this. Very interesting work you've done and I look forward to hearing more about it.

Colorado Mech Meets

[piit79]

Looks great! But no QMK? That's just lazy.

[myyrddraal]

Are you serious or just joking? This is capacitive keyboard! An integration into qmk would be a heroic feat. Anyone doing this, would get money from me directly.

[myyrddraal]

This is very interesting project with one big no go for me. 68 is just not what I am looking for. What an irony that the vast majority of other case ICs are either TKL or 60%. I would throw money on you for 66 version.

[tunadesu]

This looks sweet. I miss my old Plum board

[equalunique]

This looks great. QMK would make it better, but I'm still interested.

Sent from my Ono-Sendai Cyberspace 7 using Tapatalk

[Nizkeyboard]

The current logic of the firmware/software on Atom68 is highly dependent on the hardware, which is totally different from QMK. We've been using this solution for many years and been improving it for many years. It's technically not possible to just port the firmware to QMK. The only way to use QMK is to write the codes from scratch. Implementing EC firmware in QMK is not the purpose of this IC. We hope there can be more constructive suggestions other than this one.

[Rob27shred]

This is awesome, stepping up where Topre won't! Count me as highly interested in this project, gonna be keeping an eye on this thread for sure. QMK or TMK compatibility would be a big plus, but I think I'll be down either way. We can always grab a Hasu USB to USB convertor for programmability.

[pixelpusher]

Absolutely interested. 

[pixelpusher]

Also interested in seeing comparison of Bluetooth in this vs. the plastic case.  Does the aluminum case cause issues with the bluetooth signal?  Is it the same hardware implementation?  Meaning, can we expect the same battery life?

[Tekilashot]

Interested.
I also love my niz plum micro 82 and I would totally buy a custom case for it.

[Nizkeyboard]

Also interested in seeing comparison of Bluetooth in this vs. the plastic case.  Does the aluminum case cause issues with the bluetooth signal?  Is it the same hardware implementation?  Meaning, can we expect the same battery life?

As mentioned in OP, there's an external antenna reaching out the case inside the rubber feet. The rubber feet go in to the case from the bottom, and the antenna sticks in the rubber feet. The Bluetooth signals are not affected by the aluminum case at all. Yes, you can expect the same battery life.

The external antenna can be soldered on existing Atom68-Ble controllers. It requires skill of course. You can also buy a pre-modified controller as well.

[cekagekh]

Nice

[kmfmppl]

nice

[sozo]

i dig this, i'm in! What size is the spacebar?

[exitfire401]

I'd probably come out of board purchasing retirement for one of these. Looks pretty good and sounds like you guys really want to provide a quality board on this one!

[.rgaindwal]

Looks great! Definitely interested.

Try experimenting with the badge? Maybe use "ATOM" instead of NIZ.
It'll make it more striking in my opinion.

[DasGnome]

Definitely want to support this. I hope it's easier to get BKE domes right than other Niz boards lol.

[suparnemo]

If we can buy all the parts from you I'd definitely be interested. I also have some spare topre domes, I wonder if they would work with this.

[online]

Q&A

Q: I don't have an Atom68 but I want to buy this case. Can I purchase all the separate parts needed for this case from you?
A: Yes, we can provide domes,  sliders, switch housings, and PCBs.

How does it work? I want a split spacebar capacitive keyboard, would you able to provide the PCB with custom layout?

I'm very interested, not sure about the badge tho, prefer not to have branding in easy to see places.

[Nizkeyboard]

i dig this, i'm in! What size is the spacebar?

It's a regular 6.25u spacebar.

[Nizkeyboard]

Looks great! Definitely interested.

Try experimenting with the badge? Maybe use "ATOM" instead of NIZ.
It'll make it more striking in my opinion.

Yes, "ATOM" might be a better option!

[suparnemo]

Looks great! Definitely interested.

Try experimenting with the badge? Maybe use "ATOM" instead of NIZ.
It'll make it more striking in my opinion.

Yes, "ATOM" might be a better option!

+1 for ATOM

[Oni74]

+1 Very interested!

A few questions and suggestions:
- Thanks for replacing the stabilizers. Is the new plate mount stabilizers compatible with Micro 82? If so, can you make it available to purchase separately? I love my Micro 82, but hate the costar stabilizers!!! 
- The little round hole covered by black rubber on the left side - why is it needed? When i was replacing domes on my Micro 82, I did not know why it's there as it does not seem to serve a function
- Does the Atom68 use standard layout for full compatibility with 3rd party keycap sets?
- Badge - no branding please; consider something meaningful such as what we see on Leopold fc660c instead
- It would be great if this can be sold with Micro68 PCB and optimize the cost - how much will it be in USD?
- When will it be made available to purchase?

[CF73]

Nice. Will you guys provide the plate files?

Also interested in seeing comparison of Bluetooth in this vs. the plastic case.  Does the aluminum case cause issues with the bluetooth signal?  Is it the same hardware implementation?  Meaning, can we expect the same battery life?

+1 for a comparison.

[thelaughingman]

very nice! I'm interested 

[Nizkeyboard]

Q&A

Q: I don't have an Atom68 but I want to buy this case. Can I purchase all the separate parts needed for this case from you?
A: Yes, we can provide domes,  sliders, switch housings, and PCBs.

How does it work? I want a split spacebar capacitive keyboard, would you able to provide the PCB with custom layout?

I'm very interested, not sure about the badge tho, prefer not to have branding in easy to see places.

Sure, we're able to. I don't think the interests are high enough to make a new EC PCB though. The current plan is to use the Atom68 PCB or a MX PCB for this case.

[Nizkeyboard]

+1 Very interested!

A few questions and suggestions:
- Thanks for replacing the stabilizers. Is the new plate mount stabilizers compatible with Micro 82? If so, can you make it available to purchase separately? I love my Micro 82, but hate the costar stabilizers!!! 
- The little round hole covered by black rubber on the left side - why is it needed? When i was replacing domes on my Micro 82, I did not know why it's there as it does not seem to serve a function
- Does the Atom68 use standard layout for full compatibility with 3rd party keycap sets?
- Badge - no branding please; consider something meaningful such as what we see on Leopold fc660c instead
- It would be great if this can be sold with Micro68 PCB and optimize the cost - how much will it be in USD?
- When will it be made available to purchase?

- The stabs are not compatible with Micro82's plate.
- Yes, the spacebar is 6.25u. All the stems are in the correct positions you expect them to be.
- We can change the legends on the badge so it's not intrusive. PVD + Laser engraving instead of CNC engraving will make it look better. The legends will be changed to "Atom".
- That's our plan. We don't have the estimation for the price now. It's still under development.
- TBD

[Nizkeyboard]

Nice. Will you guys provide the plate files?

Also interested in seeing comparison of Bluetooth in this vs. the plastic case.  Does the aluminum case cause issues with the bluetooth signal?  Is it the same hardware implementation?  Meaning, can we expect the same battery life?

+1 for a comparison.

Yes, we can share the plate file.
I've already answered this question here https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103669.msg2840704#msg2840704

[Sup]

Very interested in this! Also nice move with the standard sized spacebar

[Nizkeyboard]

The MX PCB prototype has been finished. The case supports MX switches now.
The final version MX PCB will support PCB mount stabilizers.

[regionfree]

Wow, so Niz is going all out with this. Standard spacebar size (finally), and MX pcb availability.

Wait, if you'll be launching a new PCB for MX support, can't you create an EC pcb that has plate mount stabs?

[ray160]

Not a huge fan of the badge placement. Very interested in this though

[pixelpusher]

Show Image

The MX PCB prototype has been finished. The case supports MX switches now.
The final version MX PCB will support PCB mount stabilizers.

This is really cool.  I understand the EC board has totally different firmware, but any chance that the MX version will be QMK compatible?  Again, really exciting to see this project and have you here on Geekhack

[MatthewPham]

I'll probably buy this, but a WKL tkl would be pog too

[Nizkeyboard]

Wow, so Niz is going all out with this. Standard spacebar size (finally), and MX pcb availability.

Wait, if you'll be launching a new PCB for MX support, can't you create an EC pcb that has plate mount stabs?

It's not the problem of the EC PCB. The switch housings are too large and occupy the space of regular PCB mount stabs. That's why we made the special plate mount stabs that can fit in the position perfectly.

[Nizkeyboard]

Show Image

The MX PCB prototype has been finished. The case supports MX switches now.
The final version MX PCB will support PCB mount stabilizers.

This is really cool.  I understand the EC board has totally different firmware, but any chance that the MX version will be QMK compatible?  Again, really exciting to see this project and have you here on Geekhack

Yes, the MX PCB will be QMK compatible. If you don't care about EC and only want to use this case, it's fine to choose the MX version.

[anatworkaccount]

Super interested in this. Looking forward to watching this come to fruition.

[The Equals D]

This is a pretty neat. Assuming the price is right, I'm definitely looking to pick one of these up. I miss having an ec board.

[asdds22]

Awesome, fan of niz keyboard.
Is it provided with pre-built?(pre-built without keycaps)
Don't want to custom my own cause I love ec of Niz.
Even though, want to see several color rendering and changeable Legend logo kits

[swedishpiehole]

Count me in! I love my Atom68 and this case would take it to the next level.

[Nizkeyboard]

The prototype PVD MX plate has been finished. The factory is also able to offer the real gold plated finish.

[Rayndalf]

Good call with the MX support in addition to the Niz support, it would be really funny if it let people rebuild their old Niz case as a Cherry board.

[equalunique]

I don't have any Niz EC keyboard yet, but with this IC here, I know I have to get this one!

Sent from my Ono-Sendai Cyberspace 7 using Tapatalk

[cicy1030]

Can you add version in PC material to keep the keyboard light-weighted


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kungpaogao]

- The stabs are not compatible with Micro82's plate.
- Yes, the spacebar is 6.25u. All the stems are in the correct positions you expect them to be.
- We can change the legends on the badge so it's not intrusive. PVD + Laser engraving instead of CNC engraving will make it look better. The legends will be changed to "Atom".
- That's our plan. We don't have the estimation for the price now. It's still under development.
- TBD

Are the stabs compatible with any of the other EC keyboard plates, more specifically the 87-key keyboards?

[Nizkeyboard]

Can you add version in PC material to keep the keyboard light-weighted


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, unfortunately the structure of the case is not suitable for PC material.

[Nizkeyboard]

- The stabs are not compatible with Micro82's plate.
- Yes, the spacebar is 6.25u. All the stems are in the correct positions you expect them to be.
- We can change the legends on the badge so it's not intrusive. PVD + Laser engraving instead of CNC engraving will make it look better. The legends will be changed to "Atom".
- That's our plan. We don't have the estimation for the price now. It's still under development.
- TBD

Are the stabs compatible with any of the other EC keyboard plates, more specifically the 87-key keyboards?

No, most NIZ EC keyboard plates support only costar stabs.

[Nizkeyboard]

The preorder page is online now. https://www.nizkeyboard.com/collections/groups-1

[gminso]

what should I buy if I want to build a cherry keyboard with this case? I assume it supports pcb mounted stabs? (also bluetooth supported for mx?)

Also, the badge stands out alot. I would much prefer NIZ branding or at least the look of it from the old render.. I guess its fixed by now?

[mrkantz]

The preorder page is online now. https://www.nizkeyboard.com/collections/groups-1

Will the 35g domes be available for the pre-order?

[suparnemo]

What do we need to get exactly if we  need all the parts?

What comes in the Atom 68 EC-BLE RGB supplement bundle

[Nizkeyboard]

what should I buy if I want to build a cherry keyboard with this case? I assume it supports pcb mounted stabs? (also bluetooth supported for mx?)

Also, the badge stands out alot. I would much prefer NIZ branding or at least the look of it from the old render.. I guess its fixed by now?

What you need include:

• Case
• MX plate
• MX PCB bundle, which includes the swtich PCB and USB C daughter board.

Yes, you should use PCB mount stabs. No Bluetooth support on the MX PCB.
The legends on the badge will be Atom in a regular sans serif font.

[Nizkeyboard]

The preorder page is online now. https://www.nizkeyboard.com/collections/groups-1

Will the 35g domes be available for the pre-order?

It's not listed because I thought no one wants it. Yes it's available. PM me if you want it.

[mrkantz]

Ok great, I will as soon as I get back home. Thanks!

[pixelpusher]

Is there a detail view of the new "Atom" badge or maybe a prototype we can see at some point.  The font looks pretty basic.  Not sure it's doing the design any favors

[Nizkeyboard]

What do we need to get exactly if we  need all the parts?

What comes in the Atom 68 EC-BLE RGB supplement bundle

• Case
• EC plate
• EC-BLE RGBPCB bundle. This includes the EC PCB, controller board, Li-ion battery, and the USB C daughter board
• capacitive switch bundle. This includes the switch sliders, housings, silencing rings, and capacitive sensing springs.
• Rubber sheet

Then you have everything except the USB cable and keycaps.

[pixelpusher]

Sorry for all the questions, but what is the supplement bundle?

[jymv]

Really interesting project. Will be picking some of this up.

Please consider updating both the store and this IC to show what we need to buy to get it going.

It's unclear what I'll need if I'm coming from a Atom68 vs from scratch vs MX configuration.

[Nizkeyboard]

Sorry for all the questions, but what is the supplement bundle?

That's the extra parts you need for your build if you already have one Atom68. For example, if you already have an Atom68 EC-S, the supplement bundle is just the USB daughter board. If you already own an Atom68 EC-BLE, the bundle also includes a pre-modded controller board which includes an external antenna. The external antenna will enable great Bluetooth signal strength even with the aluminum case.

[Nizkeyboard]

Really interesting project. Will be picking some of this up.

Please consider updating both the store and this IC to show what we need to buy to get it going.

It's unclear what I'll need if I'm coming from a Atom68 vs from scratch vs MX configuration.

The information is on the case's page.

More

If you already have an Atom68 EC keyboard, you still need to order the Atom68 Alu EC plateand the corresponding supplement bundles.
If you don’t own an Atom68 yet and want to build a fully functional capacitive keyboard, you need to order the case, EC plate, one of the three EC PCB bundles, capacitive switch bundle, and rubber sheet.
If you don’t own an Atom68 yet and want to build a fully functional keyboard with MX switches, you need to order the case, MX plate, and Atom68 MX PCB bundle. Switches, stabilizers, and keycaps are not included.

It's a straightforward guide to me but I know I'm biased. Let me know what's not clear.
I didn't explain it to details such like what exactly is a switch bundle because I don't want to make people more confusing, especially those who don't know much about capacitive keyboards. The description just tells you what to buy for the condition you're in.

[gordonderp]

Is there no chance of a change in the font on the case? I'd much prefer to orignal niz with the chinese characters than the really plain looking atom badge.

[suparnemo]

I have the following in my cart:

Atom68 45g rubber dome sheet
Atom68 Alu plate - Aluminum anodizing black / EC version
Atom 68 EC PCB bundle (RGB backlit & USB and Bluetooth dual mode version)
Atom68 Alu case - Anodizing black

Do I need anything else?

What's the difference between the PCB bundle and the supplement bundle?

[DasGnome]

I have the following in my cart:

Atom68 45g rubber dome sheet
Atom68 Alu plate - Aluminum anodizing black / EC version
Atom 68 EC PCB bundle (RGB backlit & USB and Bluetooth dual mode version)
Atom68 Alu case - Anodizing black

Do I need anything else?

What's the difference between the PCB bundle and the supplement bundle?

This was answerred literally two posts up and is on the case preorder page. You need the capacitive switch bundle. The supplement bundles are only needed when transplanting an existing Atom68 to the aluminum case.

[Nizkeyboard]

Is there no chance of a change in the font on the case? I'd much prefer to orignal niz with the chinese characters than the really plain looking atom badge.

Yes. Please PM or email me your order id.

[Nizkeyboard]

I have the following in my cart:

Atom68 45g rubber dome sheet
Atom68 Alu plate - Aluminum anodizing black / EC version
Atom 68 EC PCB bundle (RGB backlit & USB and Bluetooth dual mode version)
Atom68 Alu case - Anodizing black

Do I need anything else?

What's the difference between the PCB bundle and the supplement bundle?

You still need the EC switch bundle.

So the PCB bundle + switch bundle is for those who don't own an Atom68.
The supplement bundles are for those who already own an Atom68. They can harvest the sliders, housings, and PCBs for their build. They still need some extra parts. That's what supplement bundles for.

[kawhi]

Hi, really interested in this. The badge stands out too much for my taste, though.. is there any possibility at all of a no-badge option?

[pixelpusher]

Hi, really interested in this. The badge stands out too much for my taste, though.. is there any possibility at all of a no-badge option?

Good question.  I would be interested in a no badge option if possible.  If not, I would definitely prefer the original NIZ logo over the one in the renders that says Atom

[utilitytech]

There is no option for purchasing the stabs to assemble an EC board.

[DasGnome]

There is no option for purchasing the stabs to assemble an EC board.

"Plate mount stabilizers are included for EC version mounting plates. "
https://www.nizkeyboard.com/collections/groups-1/products/atom68-alu-plate

[jooobe]

Is this the correct complete build? http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5e08f1c49791f/cart.pdf

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

[Nizkeyboard]

Is this the correct complete build? http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5e08f1c49791f/cart.pdf

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

Looks good to me except the EC switches. The one you chose will work but is $10 more expensive than the "capacitive switch bundle" option in the "Atom68 Alu accessories" page. They are basically the same thing. The price is lower if you buy the switches with the case and select that bundle option.

[jooobe]

Is this the correct complete build? http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5e08f1c49791f/cart.pdf

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

Looks good to me except the EC switches. The one you chose will work but is $10 more expensive than the "capacitive switch bundle" option in the "Atom68 Alu accessories" page. They are basically the same thing. The price is lower if you buy the switches with the case and select that bundle option.

Ok thank you

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

[Mr.Elli0t]

This is great to see, it looks really good. I know it's kind of early, but will there be any plans in the future to make a premium case such as this one for the Plum Mini 84 Pro? 

[gordonderp]

Is there no chance of a change in the font on the case? I'd much prefer to orignal niz with the chinese characters than the really plain looking atom badge.

Yes. Please PM or email me your order id.

I DMd you, also does the bluetooth bundle come with a battery?

[Nizkeyboard]

Is there no chance of a change in the font on the case? I'd much prefer to orignal niz with the chinese characters than the really plain looking atom badge.

Yes. Please PM or email me your order id.

I DMd you, also does the bluetooth bundle come with a battery?

Yes.

[asdds22]

I want to buy E-white case, is there prototype pic for E-white model?

[bunanapeel]

How long will the preorder be open for?  And could you explain what the supplementary options mean in the store page for the accessories?

[mrkantz]

Supplementary is for people that already own a plastic Atom68. It allows them to harvest the parts.

Also, on the pre-order page it says how long the GB is open for. 1/9

[bunanapeel]

Supplementary is for people that already own a plastic Atom68. It allows them to harvest the parts.

Also, on the pre-order page it says how long the GB is open for. 1/9

Ahh thank you, I was on mobile and couldn't find the date.

[Oni74]

Glad to have a non-plastic EC board available, but I feel this is overpriced by about $60-80. First to market, competitive advantage, pent-up demand not considered, of course. I'm going to skip and hope that the price comes down to earth at some point.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

[pixelpusher]

Glad to have a non-plastic EC board available, but I feel this is overpriced by about $60-80. First to market, competitive advantage, pent-up demand not considered, of course. I'm going to skip and hope that the price comes down to earth at some point.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

I hear you.  I'm considering this board simply b/c 65% is my favorite layout.  As far as i know, the only other soon planned custom EC boards (if they ever happen) are going to be TKL and HHKB. this is my best bet for at least the next year.

[Nizkeyboard]

Glad to have a non-plastic EC board available, but I feel this is overpriced by about $60-80. First to market, competitive advantage, pent-up demand not considered, of course. I'm going to skip and hope that the price comes down to earth at some point.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

There are always cheaper options. There are more expensive ones as well (Norbatouch, Noxary XRF). The price tag of Atom68-Alu was determined by the made cost and the investment we've already made. What's your calculation that it's overpriced by about $ 60-80?

To achieve the seamless side that we want, we didn't use the regular and cheap solution that just adding a flat bottom plate. In that way, the case will be light and hollow. Instead, the bottom case is also milled from a large thick aluminum block and is crafted to just the inner space we need.
To achieve the vertical front and back walls that we want, the aluminum bars need to be re-adjusted for more times during the CNC milling, which significantly adds the costs.
To make Bluetooth possible in an aluminum case, we made new molds for the rubber feet.
To optimize the typing experience and sound, we made new molds for stabilizers.

You can't even find the features I mentioned in more expensive cases.

In fact, we've invested much more money than what we expect to earn in this Group buy. We are a for-profit company but we're willing to invest in advance. This keyboard is the first attempt for a new market from a capacitive keyboard company. If it cannot be supported, there won't be a time that "price comes down to earth at some point" at least from us.

Good luck with your hope.

[pixelpusher]

Will the button (not sure what it is) on the side be white for the e-white case?

[kawhi]

thanks for the reply OP. I really want to like the case - heck, I might still jump regardless - but the only sticking point is the badge for me, it just doesn't look great in those renders. Will there be pictures of a prototype? Can you clarify if the original badge is an option?

[Oni74]

Glad to have a non-plastic EC board available, but I feel this is overpriced by about $60-80. First to market, competitive advantage, pent-up demand not considered, of course. I'm going to skip and hope that the price comes down to earth at some point.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

There are always cheaper options. There are more expensive ones as well (Norbatouch, Noxary XRF). The price tag of Atom68-Alu was determined by the made cost and the investment we've already made. What's your calculation that it's overpriced by about $ 60-80?

To achieve the seamless side that we want, we didn't use the regular and cheap solution that just adding a flat bottom plate. In that way, the case will be light and hollow. Instead, the bottom case is also milled from a large thick aluminum block and is crafted to just the inner space we need.
To achieve the vertical front and back walls that we want, the aluminum bars need to be re-adjusted for more times during the CNC milling, which significantly adds the costs.
To make Bluetooth possible in an aluminum case, we made new molds for the rubber feet.
To optimize the typing experience and sound, we made new molds for stabilizers.

You can't even find the features I mentioned in more expensive cases.

In fact, we've invested much more money than what we expect to earn in this Group buy. We are a for-profit company but we're willing to invest in advance. This keyboard is the first attempt for a new market from a capacitive keyboard company. If it cannot be supported, there won't be a time that "price comes down to earth at some point" at least from us.

Good luck with your hope.

Thanks for the clarifications. I do not mean to marginalize the amount of effort and investment gone into developing this product at all. I also acknowledge that Niz is a for-profit organization and I believe businesses that create great products should profit from them.

In my opinion, I believe there's a healthy amount of profit margin baked into current pricing and feel that the pricing associated with the case is a bit high. Given the non-BT plastic Atom 68 board is $129, I was anticipating the aluminum build would be approximately $260-$300 range, but was quite surprised to see that it would be $360.

I've seen plenty of smaller group buys by smaller teams with amazing build quality offered with highly competitive pricing. I understand that significant amount of materials and labor goes into the Atom 68 aluminum case, but I can't help but think that the case should be at about $200 price level, hence my assertion that I believe the pricing is high. Perhaps mass manufacturing would bring the costs down in the future? I certainly hope so!

I love my Niz Micro 82 and would like to own an aluminum Atom 68 in the future, but it will need to wait until pricing meets my expectations and/or reviews from veteran community members demonstrate that the product is of exceptional quality.

[DasGnome]

I recognize that we are definitely paying a bit of a premium here but imo it's not a big deal. They are bringing something new and interesting to the market by providing a full DIY EC experience. For an established company like Niz, this is probably a risk they didn't really have to take, and it might pave the way for other products. PFUs new HHKB is laughable compared to this.

Sure it would be nice if it was cheaper, but the price doesn't seem unreasonable to me either.
The premium seems worth it, especially when coming from an established entity rather than a random small team (RIP Lumina)

[tunadesu]

Any possibility of a sound test?