[GB] The Monarch: Alps 60%+LHTK (Shipped)

[inanis]

I am amazed that there aren't more orders for this thing. Maybe you're right, and the combination of LHTK and Alps is too obscure. But this is one of the most well-done sub-$300 customs I've seen.

I can speak for myself that if this board gets made and I don't get one, I'm going to regret that decision every time I see one.

I feel the same way. I'm constantly checking this thread. I want this so bad, but I'm just not sure if I can swing it right now. My heart will hurt evertime I see one of these. How are more people not in on this?!? The design and options are amazing.

[njbair]

I am amazed that there aren't more orders for this thing. Maybe you're right, and the combination of LHTK and Alps is too obscure. But this is one of the most well-done sub-$300 customs I've seen.

I can speak for myself that if this board gets made and I don't get one, I'm going to regret that decision every time I see one.

I feel the same way. I'm constantly checking this thread. I want this so bad, but I'm just not sure if I can swing it right now. My heart will hurt evertime I see one of these. How are more people not in on this?!? The design and options are amazing.

There are probably 16 of us out there, all keeping this buy from happening due to our inner struggles.

Maybe I'll try to sell some stuff so I can get in on this after all.

[Muffinbottoms]

Is this thing programmable :O? So for the LHTK could I set some keys as arrow keys kinda like on a regular 104 numpad?

I'm absolutely tempted by this, but like everyone else, it's either this or rent haha and I don't think my landlord would approve of skipping rent for a keyboard

[njbair]

Is this thing programmable :O? So for the LHTK could I set some keys as arrow keys kinda like on a regular 104 numpad?

I'm absolutely tempted by this, but like everyone else, it's either this or rent haha and I don't think my landlord would approve of skipping rent for a keyboard

Yep, fully programmable. It will run TMK so you can do lots of cool things with it like function layers and macros.

I'm sure your landlord will understand once he tries the keyboard.

[romevi]

I haven't joined yet 'cause I'm short a few, but I hope to join shortly before closure. I know I'll kick myself if I don't join.

[stoic-lemon]

I'm also following this thread and am still really interested. This one will go down to the wire, I think.

[koalapear]

I don't think I've shared this here yet...

 It's the loudest board I have 

[theginginator]

I'm definitely in, my only problem is choosing a color, I'm down to bright purple or safety orange, they both will look awesome just can't decide!!!

[KaminKevCrew]

I'm definitely in, my only problem is choosing a color, I'm down to bright purple or safety orange, they both will look awesome just can't decide!!!

Both! It could be a Halloween keyboard!

[stoic-lemon]

I don't think I've shared this here yet...

 It's the loudest board I have 

Glorious! What switches do you have on there? Salmon? Also, will sub to your channel for more Monarch goodness.

[E3E]

I don't think I've shared this here yet...

 It's the loudest board I have 

Glorious! What switches do you have on there? Salmon? Also, will sub to your channel for more Monarch goodness.

I'm thinking they are Matias Clicks since that what was on his prototype board and sound similar imo.

[stoic-lemon]

I don't think I've shared this here yet...

 It's the loudest board I have 

Glorious! What switches do you have on there? Salmon? Also, will sub to your channel for more Monarch goodness.

I'm thinking they are Matias Clicks since that what was on his prototype board and sound similar imo.

Ah, thanks. Well they certainly are clicky. 

[Muffinbottoms]

Is this thing programmable :O? So for the LHTK could I set some keys as arrow keys kinda like on a regular 104 numpad?

I'm absolutely tempted by this, but like everyone else, it's either this or rent haha and I don't think my landlord would approve of skipping rent for a keyboard

Yep, fully programmable. It will run TMK so you can do lots of cool things with it like function layers and macros.

I'm sure your landlord will understand once he tries the keyboard.

Oh my god....that raises my wants for this beautiful custom even more!! 

HAHA I'll just loan it out to him as collateral until I could pay off my rent

[sean]

Money is the reason for me not joining. I absolutely want one but it's out of my price range.

[koalapear]

Just a reminder, if you want to get the Alpine Winter numpad with your Monarch then be sure to submit your order before this Saturday, October 24th! That's the day Alpine Winter orders close! 

[njbair]

I'm finally in. I decided I can't bear the thought of not getting in on this.

Everyone else, you know you want this board. Throw caution to the wind and join us!

[koalapear]

I'm finally in. I decided I can't bear the thought of not getting in on this.

Everyone else, you know you want this board. Throw caution to the wind and join us!

 

[tofgerl]

It's not caution, it's rent!

[Muffinbottoms]

It's not caution, it's rent!

Tofgerl knows what's up 

njbair, let us crash at your place and we'll totally hop on this buy

[Pikly]

Can we get an update on the order count near the end of the buy? I could swing a couple more orders if it means the buy goes through.

[njbair]

Can we get an update on the order count near the end of the buy? I could swing a couple more orders if it means the buy goes through.

That is simultaneously super generous of you and a good investment. No doubt you'll be able to sell them later at or above the purchase price if you decide.

[koalapear]

Can we get an update on the order count near the end of the buy? I could swing a couple more orders if it means the buy goes through.

That's quite the generous offer and is very much appreciated! 

The order count is currently at 10. I'll update the OP with current order count to keep everyone up to date on how many orders to go.

[Sockets]

How can I resist this? I can't... Order submitted. 

I would have ordered a few days ago but I'm having so much trouble deciding on the colour.  With so many options, how is everyone else deciding?  Do you choose a colour that goes with a specific keyset or something more neutral that will go with a variety of different keysets?

[njbair]

I went with blue titanium. It's blue enough without being overdone. I honestly didn't even think that hard about it. But I think it will work with either the stock gray caps or Alpine Winter.

[stoic-lemon]

Ordered. Went for SOCOM Blue and some kind of silver titanium thing. This just got real.

[njbair]

Seeing everyone's color combinations is going to be awesome! I'm so glad I finally decided to join this buy.

I have no doubt this is going to be one of the most impressive boards in my collection for a long time. And not just looks-wise, with the LHTK, custom colors and under-lighting options, but in terms of design and build quality. I have never seen another case with such a thick solid metal top plate made possible by recessed cutouts. This kind of attention to detail is unsurpassed. This will no doubt be the most solid sandwich-style custom I own.

And the best part of all is, it's Alps. There is nothing like this in the MX world. The name "Monarch" is apt because this board is king. This will become the flagship Alps custom. The "Post Your Alps" media threads will be filled with the lamentations of those who missed this buy for years to come.

[sean]

Seeing everyone's color combinations is going to be awesome! I'm so glad I finally decided to join this buy.

I have no doubt this is going to be one of the most impressive boards in my collection for a long time. And not just looks-wise, with the LHTK, custom colors and under-lighting options, but in terms of design and build quality. I have never seen another case with such a thick solid metal top plate made possible by recessed cutouts. This kind of attention to detail is unsurpassed. This will no doubt be the most solid sandwich-style custom I own.

And the best part of all is, it's Alps. There is nothing like this in the MX world. The name "Monarch" is apt because this board is king. This will become the flagship Alps custom. The "Post Your Alps" media threads will be filled with the lamentations of those who missed this buy for years to come.

Why must you tempt me uuugh!

[njbair]

Seeing everyone's color combinations is going to be awesome! I'm so glad I finally decided to join this buy.

I have no doubt this is going to be one of the most impressive boards in my collection for a long time. And not just looks-wise, with the LHTK, custom colors and under-lighting options, but in terms of design and build quality. I have never seen another case with such a thick solid metal top plate made possible by recessed cutouts. This kind of attention to detail is unsurpassed. This will no doubt be the most solid sandwich-style custom I own.

And the best part of all is, it's Alps. There is nothing like this in the MX world. The name "Monarch" is apt because this board is king. This will become the flagship Alps custom. The "Post Your Alps" media threads will be filled with the lamentations of those who missed this buy for years to come.

Why must you tempt me uuugh!

Because Alpine Winter already tipped and I need to spew hype somewhere.

[E3E]

It's nice that AEK (II)s are so common and also provide some really solid caps too. It's hard to imagine anything else that could would fit better as the basis for this build than that. They aren't terribly expensive to source or hard to find, provide fantastic caps and all the stabs needed. It might not have everyone's favorite switch variety, but it works! This probably seems way out of context, but I just wanted to think out loud, haha.

[Saimeidae]

It's nice that AEK (II)s are so common and also provide some really solid caps too. It's hard to imagine anything else that could would fit better as the basis for this build than that. They aren't terribly expensive to source or hard to find, provide fantastic caps and all the stabs needed. It might not have everyone's favorite switch variety, but it works! This probably seems way out of context, but I just wanted to think out loud, haha.

You can even salvage switches if you want (or pick up Matias) and an Alpine Winter monarch spacebar fits in quite nicely for full-pbt (which may be over at this point, as it's 10/25 for me).

[bjb39]

I love this board and would totally be in, but can't afford it right now. Can't throw my rent to the wind 

[braidn]

where are folks sourcing the AEKs so easily? I rarely find one without totally yellowed keycaps

[Kola93]

This is a very cool keyboard, but I'm not sure if I will be able to afford it.

Is it possible to use bigger aluminum feet with it for a steeper angle?

[KaminKevCrew]

where are folks sourcing the AEKs so easily? I rarely find one without totally yellowed keycaps

The caps whiten right up if you soak them in hydrogen peroxide for a day or so   (like, literally back to factory whiteness)

[koalapear]

where are folks sourcing the AEKs so easily? I rarely find one without totally yellowed keycaps

I've found a couple really clean AEKIIs on eBay by looking for ones that have a rubber dust cover on them.

This is a very cool keyboard, but I'm not sure if I will be able to afford it.

Is it possible to use bigger aluminum feet with it for a steeper angle?

The case has mounting holes that support GON/Tex alu feet.

[Kola93]

The case has mounting holes that support GON/Tex alu feet.

This is good news to me. I will try my best to afford one!

Which Cerakote is the better black between Graphite Black and Armor Black? Not sure how the two differ.

I hope this would be a good choice to use with AEK2 caps.

[koalapear]

The case has mounting holes that support GON/Tex alu feet.

This is good news to me. I will try my best to afford one!

Which Cerakote is the better black between Graphite Black and Armor Black? Not sure how the two differ.

I hope this would be a good choice to use with AEK2 caps.

It looks to me like Graphite Black is a "deeper" black but it's up to you which you like best looks-wise. I recommend looking up examples of colors your interested in as they can look quite different from the swatch on the color chart. 

[njbair]

Oh man, now that Alpine Winter is closed and invoiced, I've got nothing to do but come here and stare at the Monarch.

I went with Blue Titanium, which I think should go pretty well with Alpine Winter:

[vivalarevolución]

The combination of Alps and left hand numberpad probably makes it too weird for most people.  Two niches combined into one. 

[Delirious]

The combination of Alps and left hand numberpad probably makes it too weird for most people.  Two niches combined into one. 

I beg to differ since I'm right handed. I don't have to let go of the mouse to use the numpad is a huge plus hence this is the keyboard I gotta have.

[KaminKevCrew]

The combination of Alps and left hand numberpad probably makes it too weird for most people.  Two niches combined into one. 

I beg to differ since I'm right handed. I don't have to let go of the mouse to use the numpad is a huge plus hence this is the keyboard I gotta have.

I'm a lefty, but I mouse with my right, which I would argue makes this board even better, since my left hand will naturally be better at numpad duties than my right.

[vivalarevolución]

The combination of Alps and left hand numberpad probably makes it too weird for most people.  Two niches combined into one. 

I beg to differ since I'm right handed. I don't have to let go of the mouse to use the numpad is a huge plus hence this is the keyboard I gotta have.

That is a good point, but most consumers will not be attracted to doing something different than they are used to do, even among niche hobbies like this one.   It's about what people will buy, not our personal preferences.

I'm ambidextrous with my computer usage, if that counts for anything.

[E3E]

The combination of Alps and left hand numberpad probably makes it too weird for most people.  Two niches combined into one. 

I beg to differ since I'm right handed. I don't have to let go of the mouse to use the numpad is a huge plus hence this is the keyboard I gotta have.

While I really dig this custom and all the work done for it. Koala is way cool and so is his boss uncle, haha. I personally prefer standalone numberpads since they can be repositioned wherever and completely excluded if need be. This concept is nice though, plus the number pad allows for tons of extra keys to be mapped on a separate layer, so you could gain back the function layer, use it as a number pad, arrows, etc.

[theginginator]

Was down to bright purple or safety orange but i think im going to go with safety orange as i already have a zealios build with purple LeandreN plate in the works. Should i do both plates orange or top plate orange and bottom black? Both would have black screws either way. Decisions decisions...

Has anybody that have ordered done any crazy color combos?

[njbair]

Was down to bright purple or safety orange but i think im going to go with safety orange as i already have a zealios build with purple LeandreN plate in the works. Should i do both plates orange or top plate orange and bottom black? Both would have black screws either way. Decisions decisions...

Has anybody that have ordered done any crazy color combos?

I've always valued subtlety so I just went with both the same.

[sean]

Ok so... I'm contemplating getting in on the buy... I think it'll have to come down to how much money is in my account at the end of the buy 
If there ends up not being enough orders I think I would still be interested in a housing CNC'd by no other than the finest Uncle Koalapear (If you're down for that) so I can Teensy it up.

[KaminKevCrew]

Was down to bright purple or safety orange but i think im going to go with safety orange as i already have a zealios build with purple LeandreN plate in the works. Should i do both plates orange or top plate orange and bottom black? Both would have black screws either way. Decisions decisions...

Has anybody that have ordered done any crazy color combos?

I asked for purple and bronze. But that's what my 60% build was, so I'm thinking about asking to change it. (I used a purple Leandren plate for my zealio build  too!)

[E3E]

Was down to bright purple or safety orange but i think im going to go with safety orange as i already have a zealios build with purple LeandreN plate in the works. Should i do both plates orange or top plate orange and bottom black? Both would have black screws either way. Decisions decisions...

Has anybody that have ordered done any crazy color combos?

You could make it work, I think. But it could easily look terrible too. It's kind of how I feel with the red Octagon I have. Not many things look as good with it as more standard colors like black or silver and grey. An all black or black and orange key set could look nice. Considering the middle layer can be lit up, you can definitely coordinate LED colors with the dual tone choice.

[romevi]

Was down to bright purple or safety orange but i think im going to go with safety orange as i already have a zealios build with purple LeandreN plate in the works. Should i do both plates orange or top plate orange and bottom black? Both would have black screws either way. Decisions decisions...

Has anybody that have ordered done any crazy color combos?

I don't have anything crazy. Just blue titanium on top and shimmer gold on the bottom. For some reason the colors "pale blue" and "light gold" scream Alps.

Here's hoping I'll have the funds by the GB deadline.

[theginginator]

Was down to bright purple or safety orange but i think im going to go with safety orange as i already have a zealios build with purple LeandreN plate in the works. Should i do both plates orange or top plate orange and bottom black? Both would have black screws either way. Decisions decisions...

Has anybody that have ordered done any crazy color combos?

You could make it work, I think. But it could easily look terrible too. It's kind of how I feel with the red Octagon I have. Not many things look as good with it as more standard colors like black or silver and grey. An all black or black and orange key set could look nice. Considering the middle layer can be lit up, you can definitely coordinate LED colors with the dual tone choice.

Yeah im leaning more towards uniformity and going all orange for the plates with with orange LEDS that will light up the middle piece. I already have an AEKII in great condition for the caps.
Already ordered an Alps party 60% board with Alpine winter so i have the blue taken care of