[IC] TKC CandyBar - Super affordable compact board with full size features

[TheKeyCompany]

TKC Blog Post

INTEREST CHECK FORM

Introducing the TKC CandyBar. This Click-O-Stick is brought to you by TKC to satisfy the need for a compact board with full size features and an incredibly attractive price-point!

Honch0 here (Jason). Ill level with you. I like my arrow keys. I also like my numpad. This has kept me away from using my compact boards. I still collect them, but they are show-pieces more than battle station wares. I recently sold my Minivan to a really nice guy in Australia. I thought to myself, "why cant there be a 40 with a numpad? And arrows.." I drove straight home and drew up the keymap. I got u/blindassassin111 on the horn and said "LETS DO THIS!". 3 weeks later, we have prototypes in hand and were testing. u/terrymathews is working on the firmware and we will have some solid numbers in the coming weeks. We plan to have a group buy going in October.

So heres the details. There are 2 versions and 2 kits. You can get either PCB with in either kit.

The PCBs

• Kaihl hot swap sockets

• LEFT AND RIGHT HAND VERSIONS AVAILABLE

[/b]

• Options for spacebar, 6.25u or split
• MX compatible

*Both PCBs use QMK firmware, Mini-USB and will have all SMD components factory installed.

THE KITS:

CANDYBAR STANDARD

• Switchplate, PCB, and bottom plate all made of PCB material
• Includes switches, stabilizers, bolts, and standoffs
• Price $85 depending on options

CANDYBAR PREMIUM

• CNC machined anodized 6063 aluminum in a variety of colors
• Tray mount
• Includes PCB of choice, plate, case, bolts, switches and stabs.
• Price TBD

Renders by Oblotzky





DSA KITS

• DSA PBT Dye Sub
• Font will appear as in the renders from oblotzky, not the KLE mockups
• Fits most 40% boards on the market
• Available in 2 colorways
• Price TBD

FAQ:


Will I be able to buy just a PCB?
Yes

Can I get a kit with no switches?
Yes

Is there backlighting?
We are considering a backlit strip under the PCB. There will be no in switch lighting on this PCB. Perhaps a future board will offer in-switch RGB but there are no official plans as of yet.

Can you make one with the numpad on the left side?
Were working on it but because the PCB is so tight, we have to start from scratch. Stay tuned.

Can you guys stop decimating my bank account?
Were trying. This one is going to be nice and affordable, so your wallet shouldn't turn into meme fodder.

Sign up for updates on this project here.

[Corgiattackkk]

Ok. Gimme. This fixes my issues with vortex vibe.

Edit: Oh shoot, just read the possible left numpad config, definitely in for one when you can make that possible.

Also, is there anyway you can have standard backspace sizing with hotswap?

[BlindAssassin111]

Ok. Gimme. This fixes my issues with vortex vibe.

Edit: Oh shoot, just read the possible left numpad config, definitely in for one when you can make that possible.

Also, is there anyway you can have standard backspace sizing with hotswap?

It is a hard maybe on standard backspace for hotswap, I am going to look into it when I start doing the revisions but atm not sure.

Added standard backspace and moved the USB port to accommodate this change and by doing so makes doing a left side numpad much easier.

[Corgiattackkk]

Ok. Gimme. This fixes my issues with vortex vibe.

Edit: Oh shoot, just read the possible left numpad config, definitely in for one when you can make that possible.

Also, is there anyway you can have standard backspace sizing with hotswap?

It is a hard maybe on standard backspace for hotswap, I am going to look into it when I start doing the revisions but atm not sure.

Added standard backspace and moved the USB port to accommodate this change and by doing so makes doing a left side numpad much easier.

That was amazingly fast! Thank you so much for not only replying but taking my question seriously. I am definitely 100% in. 

[BlindAssassin111]

That was amazingly fast! Thank you so much for not only replying but taking my question seriously. I am definitely 100% in. 

I make the most headway with designs late at night lol. And I don't stop working at anytime of day, I work when I feel like it or if something needs to be done. I want this to meet as many peoples needs as possible while maintaining the purpose of the board.

Tomorrow I will work on left numpad and hopefully finish, if not nearly finish that update.

I should be able to make the hotswap board even better before the GB launch, so keep watch!

[chuckdee]

I'm in for the standard PCB... maybe the premium, depending on the price.

[SomePunkassKid]

I'm excited to see the left handed numpad version. I'm in for sure.

Also, is there any consideration for black pcb/pcb case pieces?

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[BlindAssassin111]

I'm excited to see the left handed numpad version. I'm in for sure.

Also, is there any consideration for black pcb/pcb case pieces?

Sent from my Potato using Tapatalk

That is the plan from what I can remember, green was just for the proto because it was much cheaper.

[Giorgio]

Very difficult to accept.

[bobdenard]

This looks amazing! Great layout. Do you think you could switch from mini usb to usb c?


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[Macflag]

In for premium! *depending on price


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[otanishock]

I would personally love to see a left side numpad. Otherwise great design!

[TheKeyCompany]

This looks amazing! Great layout. Do you think you could switch from mini usb to usb c?


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Sorry, not on this one. Changing to C adds cost / complexity and adds no real benefit to this design. If you’re using a computer that only has USB-C ports (MacBook) you can consider a cable from ZapCables. They make really nice wares and offer mini to C.

[TheKeyCompany]

I would personally love to see a left side numpad. Otherwise great design!

Its official. Left side numpad is happening. :-)

[catamscott]

so is it safe to call this a 4800 layout? ) depending on the price i'll grab one, looks like a fun little board!

[TheKeyCompany]

so is it safe to call this a 4800 layout? ) depending on the price i'll grab one, looks like a fun little board!

Only if it’s pronounced “four-eight-double-oh”

[Corgiattackkk]

I would personally love to see a left side numpad. Otherwise great design!

Its official. Left side numpad is happening. :-)

10% of the population is celebrating now  )

[Starius]

I would personally love to see a left side numpad. Otherwise great design!

Its official. Left side numpad is happening. :-)

10% of the population is celebrating now  )

I'm a right handed person, but I've wanted a keyboard with the numpad on the left side too.
I don't like having to take my right hand off the mouse when I use it, in many circumstances.

[Corgiattackkk]

I would personally love to see a left side numpad. Otherwise great design!

Its official. Left side numpad is happening. :-)

10% of the population is celebrating now  )

I'm a right handed person, but I've wanted a keyboard with the numpad on the left side too.
I don't like having to take my right hand off the mouse when I use it, in many circumstances.

It was definitely a joke and I agree about how it makes more sense to use the numpad on left if you are using the mouse in your right hand! I'm part of the 10% population, so I was just excited about the support of the left numpad since it was originally a "maybe". There's also a lot of excitement in their IC check on r/mechmarket
https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/995ter/ic_tkc_candybar_a_super_affordable_compact_board/

[odd]

Another keeb from the KeyCompany? Oh hell yes ill take a preminum version plz.

fake edit: and a standard for backup

[TheKeyCompany]

Another keeb from the KeyCompany? Oh hell yes ill take a preminum version plz.

fake edit: and a standard for backup

Hell yes! Stay tuned, were working hard and fast on this one.

[Keebmeupscotty]

Left numpad and arrows has gotten me very interested. Been looking for something like this since I missed out on southpaw 65 due to funds. Will definitely be in for regular and possibly premium. Good work!

[Combonaut]

This looks fantastic!
I'll struggle to cover that 1.25x Tab key with  my current sets, but it makes perfect sense for this layout.
Any ideas on what colours will be offered for the alu case?

[BlindAssassin111]

This looks fantastic!
I'll struggle to cover that 1.25x Tab key with  my current sets, but it makes perfect sense for this layout.
Any ideas on what colours will be offered for the alu case?

For now the only colors we have talked about are the Mint Chocolate shown, there will most likely be other options but that hasn't been ironed out yet.

[EightDiagram]

I would personally love to see a left side numpad. Otherwise great design!

Its official. Left side numpad is happening. :-)

Can we see the layout for candybar with left-side numpad?

Excited for this!

[BlindAssassin111]

Can we see the layout for candybar with left-side numpad?

Excited for this!

We will make another announcement soon that will have that in there, so keep a look out for that.

[brooklynlou]

Would love a had plastic case ala the Kumo. Make it look like a candy wrapper ...

https://thevankeyboards.com/products/slideback

[dimo]

I'm in for premium (:

[dimo]

Updates?

[Corgiattackkk]

Updates?

From their Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/9firta/vendor_thekeydotcompany_updates_gmk_terminal_tkc/?ref=share&ref_source=link
TKC CandyBar
Expect a BIG update early next week
Lefthand version added
Custom Dyesub DSA kit added
Group buy will start in the next few weeks!

This was from a week ago, so it should have an update soon.

[BlindAssassin111]

Updates?

This was from a week ago, so it should have an update soon.

Don't worry, We have been working on everything non-stop for a while and are trying to get everything sorted, nearly there.

[speaktobrett]

Cannot wait for this groupbuy!!!

[RivieraS]

I can wait，because I have no money

[BlindAssassin111]

I can wait，because I have no money

Cannot wait for this groupbuy!!!

Well the wait won't be long, so get the money prepared sooner rather than later.

[XG-L]

I would like to have one more column between (/ ; .) and (* Enter Shift), so that the key [" '] and [? /] can be added. I use these two key quite often. It's a deal-break option for me. 

[TheKeyCompany]

Entire post rewritten and brought up to date. Please check it out!

[Starius]

This is great. I'm more excited for this than ever now!

I do have one n00b question though:
You can have a split spacebar options AND have hot swap sockets? Why did I think this wasn't possible? Do all the stabilizer placements work out?  Don't get me wrong, I think this is great. I just thought this has caused trouble for other designs previously.

[TheKeyCompany]

This is great. I'm more excited for this than ever now!

I do have one n00b question though:
You can have a split spacebar options AND have hot swap sockets? Why did I think this wasn't possible? Do all the stabilizer placements work out?  Don't get me wrong, I think this is great. I just thought this has caused trouble for other designs previously.

blindassassin111 figured it out!

[Parva Ovis]

Slightly disappointed that the numpad enter isn't 2u anymore, but the hotswap split spacebar more than makes up for it! I'll buy a PCB kit and a premium kit!

[BlindAssassin111]

Slightly disappointed that the numpad enter isn't 2u anymore, but the hotswap split spacebar more than makes up for it! I'll buy a PCB kit and a premium kit!

It was done to make the left and right numpad versions use the same layout, just moved, and sadly it is impossible to have both on the hotswap PCB because the stab holes are in the same location as the solder pad for the socket, so it wouldn't be possible to get a connection.

[byoliven]

Any chance to swap the ">" and "Rshift" keys to make it as a straight arrow cluster position?
Its just 0.25u to make it as a dream layout for me. So close

[TheKeyCompany]

Any chance to swap the ">" and "Rshift" keys to make it as a straight arrow cluster position?
Its just 0.25u to make it as a dream layout for me. So close

That was the original design. We opted to swap those keys to maintain a standard position for the “/ ?” Key.

[Starius]

This is great. I'm more excited for this than ever now!

I do have one n00b question though:
You can have a split spacebar options AND have hot swap sockets? Why did I think this wasn't possible? Do all the stabilizer placements work out?  Don't get me wrong, I think this is great. I just thought this has caused trouble for other designs previously.

blindassassin111 figured it out!

[Corgiattackkk]

Just to make sure, for the DSA Graydient, it's going to match the font from the DSA KITS renders and not the full keyboard renders, correct? Looks great and I'm excited for the changes! Count me in for a left-handed premium <3

[William_S_Jones]

Good day, I’ve been interested in the Candy Bar premium since your RMK post. I hope I can get both options (right & left) & at least the candy keyset. BTW, w/ the hot swap kailh (I love speed & pros) PCB, will it require PCB or plate mount switches (sorry, but I don’t know much about hot swap PCBs)? Upon, reviewing your website, I see this GB has been moved from October to December to now 2019, I hope everything is going well this candy set (MKBs & keysets). BTW, sorry for being off topic, but does the key company have plans to sell more tangerine switches in the future b/c I really some. Well, look forward to hearing from you and hope that all continues to go well for you.


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[BlindAssassin111]

Good day, I’ve been interested in the Candy Bar premium since your RMK post. I hope I can get both options (right & left) & at least the candy keyset. BTW, w/ the hot swap kailh (I love speed & pros) PCB, will it require PCB or plate mount switches (sorry, but I don’t know much about hot swap PCBs)? Upon, reviewing your website, I see this GB has been moved from October to December to now 2019, I hope everything is going well this candy set (MKBs & keysets). BTW, sorry for being off topic, but does the key company have plans to sell more tangerine switches in the future b/c I really some. Well, look forward to hearing from you and hope that all continues to go well for you.


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You can use either plate or pcb mount, both will work fine, just know that PCB mount will fit tighter and be a bit harder to hotswap, but that is the only real difference.

Everything is going fine, the issue was the first proto PCB had an issue due to a documentation error, and that snowballed and right now we are doing a 2nd proto to see if that whole issue is now resolved 100% like it should be. Wasn't the plan but can't control others documentation accuracy...

As for the tangerines, I will leave that to Jason to answer as he would be the only one that knows that.

[William_S_Jones]

Good day, I’ve been interested in the Candy Bar premium since your RMK post. I hope I can get both options (right & left) & at least the candy keyset. BTW, w/ the hot swap kailh (I love speed & pros) PCB, will it require PCB or plate mount switches (sorry, but I don’t know much about hot swap PCBs)? Upon, reviewing your website, I see this GB has been moved from October to December to now 2019, I hope everything is going well this candy set (MKBs & keysets). BTW, sorry for being off topic, but does the key company have plans to sell more tangerine switches in the future b/c I really some. Well, look forward to hearing from you and hope that all continues to go well for you.


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You can use either plate or pcb mount, both will work fine, just know that PCB mount will fit tighter and be a bit harder to hotswap, but that is the only real difference.

Everything is going fine, the issue was the first proto PCB had an issue due to a documentation error, and that snowballed and right now we are doing a 2nd proto to see if that whole issue is now resolved 100% like it should be. Wasn't the plan but can't control others documentation accuracy...

As for the tangerines, I will leave that to Jason to answer as he would be the only one that knows that.

Thanks for your quick response, I appreciate it. Well, time to stock up on some plate mount kailh speeds & pros! As far as the tangerines, My fingers are& hope Jason has good tangerine MX news for me.


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[Koatl]

Hope I didn't miss this and it ends up happening.

Would love to see a simpler, smaller premium case. And pics with GMK DMG (maybe XDA 8 Bit if possible).

[vikipedeer]

This would be the perfect travel piece!
Looking forward to it

[_ODIN_]

Is tray mounting the only possible option to implement the plate? I would love to get this as a top mounted board. 😏