[IC] KBD2600

[Dra9on]

Introducing: KBD 2600

Foreword: Some might remember the 2021 renders showcased by Carson Wright of this very keyboard. Around that time, I was asked to act as a moderator on his server. As it became clear that he was no longer interested in running this project, and would release the files (https://github.com/carson-wright/kbd2600), I promised the community that I would bring it to market should interest remain. 

KBD 2600 is a milled 6061 aluminium keyboard with aluminium plate and a stainless steel weight and coming in at roughly 2.5kg unbuilt, inspired by the venerable Atari 2600 of old. It features a Poron gasket mount, and is designed for the Wilba.tech Graphite 60% PCB, or any other PCB for using the UDB C series standard. The integrated swappable front and back panels are intended for future swappable panels to customise the appearance of the board. As of now, the board will ship only with black aluminium panels, one of which features the KBD 2600 logo. This is currently undergoing a second prototype phase, images will be shared once it is in hand. 

Minor details about the board are still subject to change from the images showcased, as lessons learned from this first prototype are applied. This applies especially to the underside of the board, where I am still working on some design changes. I am looking into carrying case options for this keyboard, which are planned to come standard with every kit. As it stands, the maximum price of this board will be under 600€ at the minimal viable MOQ of 25 units.

The group buy date is still subject to change, but expect a date around q4 2024 or q1 2025. Especially packaging and the carrying case will need prototypes, which have been held off on so far until interest can be judged. As of now there is no planned maximum limit.

I look forward to comments of all types, and especially to expressions of interest on the interest check form linked below.

Please see also the links to the discord channel.

https://discord.gg/UwmBQHDuge

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdu6e0LYgIG3oaYDvfkozqYs7l_uBCKgrOy7dOTj3cAOhLeVQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Spec TLDR

• Unbuilt weight: roughly 2.5Kg
• Materials: 6061 Aluminium and 304 Stainless Steel
• Poron Gasket Mount
• Aluminium Plate
• Initial prototype is in hand
• Expected price under 600€
• GB Date: TBD

[Dra9on]

I have to figure out the image embeds, not sure what's wrong with them yet

[pixelpusher]

I like it.  I'm curious what it looks like with a DSA or GMK keycap on it.  I seem to remember that SLK sits quite low (or has a longer keycap skirt) on the switch, hiding a lot more of the switch than most profiles.  So, with GMK or DSA or similar, would the assembly be a bit high in the case, showing too much switch?

[Dra9on]

I like it.  I'm curious what it looks like with a DSA or GMK keycap on it.  I seem to remember that SLK sits quite low (or has a longer keycap skirt) on the switch, hiding a lot more of the switch than most profiles.  So, with GMK or DSA or similar, would the assembly be a bit high in the case, showing too much switch?

Since this might be a common question, I can definitely find out, though it will probably take a couple of days

[arterlyhomete]

I like how you designed the black body to feel stealthy and make the keyboard look more compact. I think a lot of people will like this design as I do. 

[ppatches24]

I've got sketches of this, I have thought about a board like this for a while now. Love the idea of this build. I wish it was 65 personally.

Looks good so far. Nice!

[Dra9on]

I like it.  I'm curious what it looks like with a DSA or GMK keycap on it.  I seem to remember that SLK sits quite low (or has a longer keycap skirt) on the switch, hiding a lot more of the switch than most profiles.  So, with GMK or DSA or similar, would the assembly be a bit high in the case, showing too much switch?

Since this might be a common question, I can definitely find out, though it will probably take a couple of days

Here you go:


Top image is with SLK Dessau, bottom image is with GMK Aluvia. It might be slightly different due to being machined, but at most there's a difference of probably 0.1mm with Aluvia.

[pixelpusher]

Okay, that's probably a good sign, but GMK did not manufacture Aluvia, those keycaps were made in China.  Do you have a GMK set or DSA set that you could show? 

[Dra9on]

Okay, that's probably a good sign, but GMK did not manufacture Aluvia, those keycaps were made in China.  Do you have a GMK set or DSA set that you could show?

To my knowledge they are the same form factor as GMK sets, though. But they are all I had on hand. If there’s a specific set you’d like to see, I could of course see what I can do.