Post by: paulgali on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:14:20
Hey Geekhack! baul here, finally bringing Safa to the public!
(https://imgur.com/ntJaJ1c.png)
GB link (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=116273.0)
Safa is intended to be a lightweight, simplistic take on the TKL form factor (i.e. it's just a rectangle), with my primary focus being feel and sound.
There's no real backstory here, I wanted to make a TKL and now I'm here to share it with you!
شكراً
صفاء is Safa in Arabic, meaning purity / serenity.
(https://imgur.com/ntJaJ1c.png)
GB link (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=116273.0)
Safa is intended to be a lightweight, simplistic take on the TKL form factor (i.e. it's just a rectangle), with my primary focus being feel and sound.
There's no real backstory here, I wanted to make a TKL and now I'm here to share it with you!
شكراً
صفاء is Safa in Arabic, meaning purity / serenity.
Pricing
(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/760915996725739520/941229719410589716/unknown.png)
(Extras pricing in EU is subject to updates, everything else is final)
VAT included everywhere excluding US
LIMITED TO 2 PER HOUSEHOLD
Unit allocation
MKBEU - 400 minus the below counts (255)
HEX - 100
Rectangles - 15
Basekeys - 30
Specs
- 5 degree, 88 key (F13) TKL.
- Winkey and WKL
- Adjusted front height of 18.5mm (excluding case feet - 3M 8mm bumpons)
- Primarily top mount, secondary gummy worm
- Fixed ANSI, ISO plates. Variable JIS Plate available (4.5u stabs are being worked on to possibly ship with this in time, but we still need a lot of testing. Prayge for it). Default plates will be Alu 5052 in case matching colors.
- Additional polypropylene (PP) plates will be available. Specifically chosen for its more dampening effect over PC
- Aluminum half plates are being worked on. I have tested fr4, it feels amazing but Alu will help mods. I will confirm this at a later date[/i]
- Internal brass weight only - not exposed externally. I live in sandland, its hot, humid, and I never look at the bottom of the board. If its on my desk how can I? I wanted this to change the sound of the board, no other reason.
- The weight and board overall were tuned to deliberately have reverberation throughout the case. No foam will be sold with this. If you want a quiet board, like my own preferential build, use PP plates with cherries or gat milk tops. Trust me :D
Color options
- 432c Dark Grey
- 533c Navy
- 188c Dark Red
- E-White
- Silver / clear coated ano
Raw (no ano)
The green seen below was done for protos but will not be in the GB.
Alu plates will be matched to case color by default - Red alu plates are also an option.
PP plates will be black. If you want colored PP plates, get some spray paint and mod it :D
More
(https://imgur.com/UugJSfs.png)
The PCB is a monster
Solder PCB only, but Safa will be compatible with Gondo's hotswap 88 when he releases it.
Featuring north AND south facing space stab support, ANSI, ISO, JIS (both 4.5u and 3u), I have updated the configs for VIA to include this (see here: https://imgur.com/a/jvQMewU)
(https://imgur.com/IpKw7uM.png)
Prototype Photos
432c Proto, Built in JIS 4.5u. The grey is very dark, so much that I have decided to not run a black variant of the board (at least for now).
Samples of the 533c Navy and 188c Dark Red. Please bear in mind, these are V1 protos. Read "The original Safa" for more info.
A look at the bottom, and engraving, which are not infilled stock. I recommend oil-based Acryllic paint to get a similar effect to how it looks on the JIS build This green will not be in the group buy.
A few QOL insights... Brass weight coverage - made to cover as much of the alphas as possible. Being such a low profile board has its limitations, and this was as much coverage as I could reasonably achieve (https://imgur.com/mvG6O6v.png) Alignment pillars - a simple way to assemble the case and not worry about alignment. These cover both the X and Y axis' (https://imgur.com/aUr7540.png) USB tolerance - uh...yeah...kinda obvious. Also helpful for locating the port when not looking directly at it, as the entire ledge leads to this point. (https://imgur.com/Er88wpQ.png) The original Safa More The initial design from October 2020 was intended to have a simple external profile, which has carried over to v2. Each unit had 8mm uniform bezels and were all WKL units – I tried to make it work, but I was not happy with the aesthetic result. Note the engraving changes as well, you can see in the prototype photos noted above The following changes were made from v1 to v2 - AFH reduced to 18.5-19mm from 20.5mm. Small, but significant change for comfort at such an angle - Side bezel reduction, likely what takes this from being an “okay” board to something that looks significantly sleeker - Engraving updates – rounded off, cuter font - Engraving location – moved to inner radii of Pause key - Weight rework – lower case height, therefore thinner weight. However, weight now covers more surface area in return, giving a more balanced tone across all alphas - USB rework: up 1mm on y axis. Now there is a groove on the back ledge to easily identify the location - Plate tolerances: much much tighter on north and south sides. Still room for wiggle, may tighten, but this will increase the risks of fitting Price target & availability
After listening to people in the hobby I have the utmost respect for, as well as advice provided by vendors, this is no longer an unlimited run, and will instead be capped at 400 units (+ extras for backup). Vendors
Soundtests https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pGhf0mRoGE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pGhf0mRoGE) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFWezluM5dM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFWezluM5dM) https://youtu.be/9EkjwVae_2M (https://youtu.be/9EkjwVae_2M) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y_Vnjhn_80 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y_Vnjhn_80) Credits David & Evy - awesome PCB work, as well as general guidance The entire MENA server - for having my back throughout the past year Boyos - you know who you are, thank you for the constant encouragement g1lbrt, Hueth, Lovi, Poesjuh, Simone - For your testing, building of protos, and honest feedback Bachoo - for your early render work, as always, much love Discord (https://discord.com/invite/v2sWm88) Its my house, don't smash the doors in! Support this project by adding this to your signature <3 |
Code: [Select]
[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=115520.0][img width=275 height=120]https://imgur.com/ntJaJ1c.png[/img][/url]
Post by: paulgali on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:14:30
I need to make this clear. The green seen here was done for protos but will not be in the GB option list. I am sorry.
2021/12/03: Red alu plates will be an option
2021/12/04: Asia & ISC Vendors agreed upon
2021/12/05: GB may be Feb, may be March. Will find out very shortly
2021/12/06: Layout support updated for clarity
2021/12/06: Confirmed March 1st for GB
2021/12/08: Please note the below update to unit counts
After listening to people in the hobby I have the utmost respect for, as well as advice provided by vendors, this is no longer an unlimited run, and will instead be capped at 400 units (+ extras for backup).
One (very) good outcome to this is an estimated ETA of 6/7(ish) months for board production. I would rather deliver a board faster at the same price than wait a year. I am keeping this to 400 to allow me to release a possible F12 version sooner than expected, so if you prefer an F12 variant, keep your eyes out for it (ETA Q4 2022)
ABNT2 support has been added, and ALPS plate will be an option. The PCB for safa doesnt support alps, but if you are buying hiney's h88, youll be set. Just offering plates in the GB as an optional addon since, might as well, even if you plan to not own this board, here's your chance to pick up alu alps plates.
I had a chat with Max. I do not want Safa and Pheonix to conflict, and because Max's US vendor has pushed to march, I am bringing Safa a wee bit closer.
It should avoid the pheonix, since Safa will be a 400 unit FCFS sale. Max and I have discussed this and agreed it is ok.
2022/01/17 : Raw unit option dropped
2022/02/10: Pricing added
Post by: of_sam on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:15:43
Post by: Moods on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:16:55
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Post by: kyuut on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:17:21
Post by: Baka Bot on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:17:32
Post by: Neely_12 on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:17:46
Post by: Pyroo on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:18:12
Post by: mrvpixel on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:18:30
Post by: Fraaaan on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:19:07
Post by: LordOfSarcasm on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:19:20
Post by: Fe on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:19:35
Post by: $W4GK!NG on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:19:37
-$W4GK!NG 2021
Post by: kk73715 on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:20:29
Post by: The0rigina1 on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:20:34
Post by: Sup on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:20:42
Gonna try to coop one when it goes into GB.
Post by: Maelk on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:20:51
Post by: SolidCactus on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:20:56
Post by: Pontus on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:21:09
Post by: infectedqt on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:21:36
Post by: plag on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:21:54
Post by: xalloumi on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:22:05
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Post by: hali on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:22:53
Post by: paulgali on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:23:17
JIS layout I am in for sure. Also maybe just the wire is sufficient? I was planning on just cutting a 6.25u wire and bend it to a 4.5u.
Gonna try to coop one when it goes into GB.
I really screwed up cutting my own, but i mean, it is possible :D
Post by: Chippy on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:23:25
Post by: rookb on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:23:58
Post by: cst on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:24:21
Post by: ephemeral25 on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:25:53
Incredible amount of care, work and prototyping.
Definitely in :thumb:
Post by: MK47 on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:26:02
Post by: whirlwind on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:26:14
Paul so lit
Post by: donrevult on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:27:57
Post by: AstralYT on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:29:30
Post by: nu_types on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:31:33
Post by: RA Can on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:31:43
Post by: Phractals on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:43:35
This will be the first rectangle GB I'll join and without having to think twice about it.
Post by: sagarsiddhpura on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:45:50
Post by: herfalerf on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:47:41
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Post by: of_sam on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:48:21
Not a fan of letters on top of the board where it just sits in front of you whether you like it or not. This is even more unattractive when something is written in other language and its unfamiliar. Please offer an option without it. Other than that great ic, great board. Looking forward to thisJane, Whale, and every other tkl in existence sweating rn.
Post by: Poesjuh on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:49:19
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: niicao on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:54:45
Post by: herbologist on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:55:47
Post by: goya_dechi on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:57:53
Post by: Gnome on Thu, 02 December 2021, 12:59:22
Green good, JIS interesting, Pricepoint fair.
If wallet allows for it i'll get in on it.
Post by: paulgali on Thu, 02 December 2021, 13:09:10
NE pictures of physical pcb avail?Only have the proto pcb for now but here you go. Bear in mind you can also snap off the bottom pieces but it really isn’t necessary to do so
Green good, JIS interesting, Pricepoint fair.
If wallet allows for it i'll get in on it.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211202/65a7973641ff3ab457593a3b9d0989e8.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: keeganzero on Thu, 02 December 2021, 13:14:48
Post by: Slayer77 on Thu, 02 December 2021, 13:18:45
gib green
Pls green
Post by: Klyback on Thu, 02 December 2021, 13:21:40
Post by: ZavaZ86 on Thu, 02 December 2021, 13:44:41
Post by: sagarsiddhpura on Thu, 02 December 2021, 13:45:36
Not a fan of letters on top of the board where it just sits in front of you whether you like it or not. This is even more unattractive when something is written in other language and its unfamiliar. Please offer an option without it. Other than that great ic, great board. Looking forward to thisJane, Whale, and every other tkl in existence sweating rn.
All of those atleast had something in english. This one is completely unfamiliar. IMO nothing > logos, art > letters. Please consider an option without it
Post by: elongatedmusk on Thu, 02 December 2021, 13:54:19
Anyhow, GLWIC, looking clean so far :thumb:
Post by: of_sam on Thu, 02 December 2021, 13:58:32
I forgot English is the only language!Not a fan of letters on top of the board where it just sits in front of you whether you like it or not. This is even more unattractive when something is written in other language and its unfamiliar. Please offer an option without it. Other than that great ic, great board. Looking forward to thisJane, Whale, and every other tkl in existence sweating rn.
All of those atleast had something in english. This one is completely unfamiliar. IMO nothing > logos, art > letters. Please consider an option without it
Post by: hpetrovski on Thu, 02 December 2021, 14:07:58
btw engraving good
Post by: Mdark205 on Thu, 02 December 2021, 14:17:17
Post by: Sup on Thu, 02 December 2021, 14:18:04
I forgot English is the only language!Not a fan of letters on top of the board where it just sits in front of you whether you like it or not. This is even more unattractive when something is written in other language and its unfamiliar. Please offer an option without it. Other than that great ic, great board. Looking forward to thisJane, Whale, and every other tkl in existence sweating rn.
All of those atleast had something in english. This one is completely unfamiliar. IMO nothing > logos, art > letters. Please consider an option without it
You are wrong Japanese is the only language :))
Post by: lalostad98 on Thu, 02 December 2021, 14:20:13
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/emojis/903815822559019110.png?size=96)
Post by: denibhoxha on Thu, 02 December 2021, 14:39:58
Post by: Kptburger on Thu, 02 December 2021, 14:40:44
Wish you the best always. :thumb:
Post by: caap on Thu, 02 December 2021, 14:59:43
Post by: Unlucky on Thu, 02 December 2021, 15:21:57
kinda hyped. good job baul
Post by: qats on Thu, 02 December 2021, 15:31:47
Post by: Bachoo on Thu, 02 December 2021, 15:42:05
Post by: derpter on Thu, 02 December 2021, 15:48:57
Post by: Juan. on Thu, 02 December 2021, 16:06:30
Post by: LaserCrafter on Thu, 02 December 2021, 16:22:31
Post by: 7h3of7 on Thu, 02 December 2021, 16:39:00
"safa gud"
-$W4GK!NG 2021
"safa gud" ~7h
Also engraving gud. Imagine thinking English is the only language that exists :giggle:
Post by: gilbert on Thu, 02 December 2021, 16:49:32
as a safa proto tester i can really say that this is an amazing project with an amazing person behind it.
best of luck baul
Post by: Kinesiologist on Thu, 02 December 2021, 17:37:16
Post by: Diggidy on Thu, 02 December 2021, 20:01:13
Post by: I_V_I on Thu, 02 December 2021, 20:33:27
Post by: catamscott on Thu, 02 December 2021, 22:28:01
Post by: TjarleN on Fri, 03 December 2021, 00:35:18
I really like the engraving, looks awesome with some infill. :)
Thanks for all the work you put into this, looking forward to the gb.
Post by: ALLASSYE on Fri, 03 December 2021, 01:11:34
Post by: shay350 on Fri, 03 December 2021, 01:34:46
Post by: slg1993 on Fri, 03 December 2021, 01:48:52
Post by: vanyll on Fri, 03 December 2021, 02:01:18
Post by: soundstage on Fri, 03 December 2021, 02:32:04
Post by: SRTChrisS1 on Fri, 03 December 2021, 03:12:52
Btw will you have any plans for additional plate materials in the near future?
Post by: aa212121 on Fri, 03 December 2021, 04:09:46
Any chance for ALPS compatible+1PCB/Plate so I can run my DCS 9009 ALPS plz?
Post by: gilbert on Fri, 03 December 2021, 04:12:19
Huge fan of 80+% TKL. Design is disappointing because of internal weight. I want to look at my board from different angles and enjoy it, even if it is occasional. No foam included is also a negative. Matching the plate colour to the case is ok, but not a selling point.good keyboards don’t need foam giggle
Post by: paulgali on Fri, 03 December 2021, 04:30:03
Now this seems really promising, good stuff :)Always happy to listen! I’m open to testing other materials any time really
Btw will you have any plans for additional plate materials in the near future?
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Post by: paulgali on Fri, 03 December 2021, 04:31:57
Any chance for ALPS compatible PCB/Plate so I can run my DCS 9009 ALPS plz?It is fully hiney compat so if you already have plates from him, and / or pcbs, then you’re set!
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Post by: Jampot_298 on Fri, 03 December 2021, 04:41:28
Post by: actress on Fri, 03 December 2021, 05:41:35
Huge fan of 80+% TKL. Design is disappointing because of internal weight. I want to look at my board from different angles and enjoy it, even if it is occasional. No foam included is also a negative. Matching the plate colour to the case is ok, but not a selling point.sorry but what are you talking about?
Also 188c Safa is very pogger champion. Very excited for this mr Baul<3
Post by: Bachoo on Fri, 03 December 2021, 05:53:09
Huge fan of 80+% TKL. Design is disappointing because of internal weight. I want to look at my board from different angles and enjoy it, even if it is occasional. No foam included is also a negative. Matching the plate colour to the case is ok, but not a selling point.
Oh boy I sure do love foam is my keyboards, it really makes it thocc. When my keyboard thoccs it makes me feel like it really is premium oh boy I love thocc.
Post by: treeleaf64 on Fri, 03 December 2021, 09:35:51
Huge fan of 80+% TKL. Design is disappointing because of internal weight. I want to look at my board from different angles and enjoy it, even if it is occasional. No foam included is also a negative. Matching the plate colour to the case is ok, but not a selling point.
Oh boy I sure do love foam is my keyboards, it really makes it thocc. When my keyboard thoccs it makes me feel like it really is premium oh boy I love thocc.
Hi Mr Bachoo : ) I agree with you.
Post by: Magnificent Bureaucrat on Fri, 03 December 2021, 11:05:31
Huge fan of 80+% TKL. Design is disappointing because of internal weight. I want to look at my board from different angles and enjoy it, even if it is occasional. No foam included is also a negative. Matching the plate colour to the case is ok, but not a selling point.
Oh boy I sure do love foam is my keyboards, it really makes it thocc. When my keyboard thoccs it makes me feel like it really is premium oh boy I love thocc.
Colour matched case foam when? ;)
In all seriousness I really like the design including the engraving. Bonus points to anyone brave enough to do the infill themselves.
Post by: Poesjuh on Fri, 03 December 2021, 11:58:14
Great keyboard great thocc.
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Post by: LaserCrafter on Fri, 03 December 2021, 15:08:12
Huge fan of 80+% TKL. Design is disappointing because of internal weight. I want to look at my board from different angles and enjoy it, even if it is occasional. No foam included is also a negative. Matching the plate colour to the case is ok, but not a selling point.
holy panda thocc kailh long stem thocctober pbt 3ildcat soundtest thocc
Post by: Dawnzo on Fri, 03 December 2021, 22:32:02
Post by: paulgali on Sat, 04 December 2021, 05:13:06
The keyboard looks really good! Is JIS only for win key variants? really cool to see it supported in a custom.
I should have noted this, yes, JIS is only on the winkey variant. To keep the cost down I have to keep the number of parts as little as I can. I think accommodating JIS alone was already tough but WKL JIS isn't supported by the PCB regardless. Maybe in the future though? :D
Post by: paulgali on Sat, 04 December 2021, 05:14:25
Post by: soundstage on Sat, 04 December 2021, 09:12:10
Huge fan of 80+% TKL. Design is disappointing because of internal weight. I want to look at my board from different angles and enjoy it, even if it is occasional. No foam included is also a negative. Matching the plate colour to the case is ok, but not a selling point.good keyboards don’t need foam giggle
Yeah I understood how wrong I was as I discussed with community members after leaving my comment :D
Huge fan of 80+% TKL. Design is disappointing because of internal weight. I want to look at my board from different angles and enjoy it, even if it is occasional. No foam included is also a negative. Matching the plate colour to the case is ok, but not a selling point.sorry but what are you talking about?
Also 188c Safa is very pogger champion. Very excited for this mr Baul<3
Keyboard newbie on my journey to build my first keyboard. So even I don't know exactly what I am talking about. What does 'pogger champion' mean?
Post by: treeleaf64 on Sat, 04 December 2021, 11:14:53
Quote
what does 'pogger champion' mean
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/916733662970642514/916733691861008474/unknown.png)
:llama: This one is the pogger champion
Post by: Rob27shred on Sat, 04 December 2021, 12:16:52
Post by: Rob27shred on Sat, 04 December 2021, 12:19:12
Huge fan of 80+% TKL. Design is disappointing because of internal weight. I want to look at my board from different angles and enjoy it, even if it is occasional. No foam included is also a negative. Matching the plate colour to the case is ok, but not a selling point.
Oh boy I sure do love foam is my keyboards, it really makes it thocc. When my keyboard thoccs it makes me feel like it really is premium oh boy I love thocc.
I love thocc so much I've been trying to figure out a way to add an extra c so my keebs thoccc..... :p
Post by: sagarsiddhpura on Sun, 05 December 2021, 10:14:01
I forgot English is the only language!Not a fan of letters on top of the board where it just sits in front of you whether you like it or not. This is even more unattractive when something is written in other language and its unfamiliar. Please offer an option without it. Other than that great ic, great board. Looking forward to thisJane, Whale, and every other tkl in existence sweating rn.
All of those atleast had something in english. This one is completely unfamiliar. IMO nothing > logos, art > letters. Please consider an option without it
Its not about the "Only Language" but more about if you recognize something you see every day. Understanding english does not mean I am saying english is the only language. I was trying to provide point of view of how from someone who doesnt understand arabic looks at highlighted engravings, but looks like feedback is met with snarky remarks and jabs. Sad to see please and requests are met with snide comments and person I thought was not ******* be an *******
Post by: paulgali on Sun, 05 December 2021, 10:30:13
I forgot English is the only language!Not a fan of letters on top of the board where it just sits in front of you whether you like it or not. This is even more unattractive when something is written in other language and its unfamiliar. Please offer an option without it. Other than that great ic, great board. Looking forward to thisJane, Whale, and every other tkl in existence sweating rn.
All of those atleast had something in english. This one is completely unfamiliar. IMO nothing > logos, art > letters. Please consider an option without it
Its not about the "Only Language" but more about if you recognize something you see every day. Understanding english does not mean I am saying english is the only language. I was trying to provide point of view of how from someone who doesnt understand arabic looks at highlighted engravings, but looks like feedback is met with snarky remarks and jabs. Sad to see please and requests are met with snide comments and person I thought was not ******* be an *******
I don't want drama in this thread so let me address it. You may as well ignore the comments made before and hear my thought process behind it.
صفاء = Safa in Arabic. I understand as a non arabic speaker you and many others will see this and not understand it. My counterargument is this. We see many many boards with Hirigana, Katakana, and many other languages being openly displayed on a case.
The engraving I am using was made to be discreet, is barely visible from a seating position and to be clear - is not infilled / highlighted out of the box. For me, this is my signature on the board (well, not really, but moreso an easy identifier for others). I tried many iterations, from more calligraphic designs above the arrows, to just nothing. To me, this is what I preferred, but I wanted to ensure it was discreet whilst still making the board identifiable.
I hope that clears things up a little...
Post by: thejje on Sun, 05 December 2021, 22:01:09
Post by: Jo_hannes on Mon, 06 December 2021, 04:19:17
To me, this is what I preferred, but I wanted to ensure it was discreet whilst still making the board identifiable.
For me (very much non-Arabic speaker, took me about a minute to understand what parts of Safa in the post correspond to the calligraphic version in the engraving) this is the main thing attracting me to this board. There is an abundance of TKLs both existing and coming, and if it were not for the engraving (or even worse, if it had been in latin letters), then I would not have given this much more than a glance. Because, well, rectangle, sounds like a keyboard. This really sets this board apart, and I appreciate that it is there.
Best,
Johannes
Post by: paulgali on Mon, 06 December 2021, 04:22:17
Set your keyboard to arabic in windows, then type “wthx”To me, this is what I preferred, but I wanted to ensure it was discreet whilst still making the board identifiable.
For me (very much non-Arabic speaker, took me about a minute to understand what parts of Safa in the post correspond to the calligraphic version in the engraving) this is the main thing attracting me to this board. There is an abundance of TKLs both existing and coming, and if it were not for the engraving (or even worse, if it had been in latin letters), then I would not have given this much more than a glance. Because, well, rectangle, sounds like a keyboard. This really sets this board apart, and I appreciate that it is there.
Best,
Johannes
Like I said, something small to identify it. Everything else is supposed to be as boring as it can be. Rectangle good.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: NightRye_ on Mon, 06 December 2021, 08:56:25
Post by: alwaysbless on Mon, 06 December 2021, 22:29:16
Post by: Arcoril on Mon, 06 December 2021, 22:34:25
Set your keyboard to arabic in windows, then type “wthx”To me, this is what I preferred, but I wanted to ensure it was discreet whilst still making the board identifiable.
For me (very much non-Arabic speaker, took me about a minute to understand what parts of Safa in the post correspond to the calligraphic version in the engraving) this is the main thing attracting me to this board. There is an abundance of TKLs both existing and coming, and if it were not for the engraving (or even worse, if it had been in latin letters), then I would not have given this much more than a glance. Because, well, rectangle, sounds like a keyboard. This really sets this board apart, and I appreciate that it is there.
Best,
Johannes
Like I said, something small to identify it. Everything else is supposed to be as boring as it can be. Rectangle good.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I can't read Arabic either, but I think the badge and the script look beautiful. Now I'm kicking myself for not getting Arabic alphas from the last CRP drop!
Post by: sagarsiddhpura on Tue, 07 December 2021, 08:01:42
I forgot English is the only language!Not a fan of letters on top of the board where it just sits in front of you whether you like it or not. This is even more unattractive when something is written in other language and its unfamiliar. Please offer an option without it. Other than that great ic, great board. Looking forward to thisJane, Whale, and every other tkl in existence sweating rn.
All of those atleast had something in english. This one is completely unfamiliar. IMO nothing > logos, art > letters. Please consider an option without it
Its not about the "Only Language" but more about if you recognize something you see every day. Understanding english does not mean I am saying english is the only language. I was trying to provide point of view of how from someone who doesnt understand arabic looks at highlighted engravings, but looks like feedback is met with snarky remarks and jabs. Sad to see please and requests are met with snide comments and person I thought was not ******* be an *******
I don't want drama in this thread so let me address it. You may as well ignore the comments made before and hear my thought process behind it.
صفاء = Safa in Arabic. I understand as a non arabic speaker you and many others will see this and not understand it. My counterargument is this. We see many many boards with Hirigana, Katakana, and many other languages being openly displayed on a case.
The engraving I am using was made to be discreet, is barely visible from a seating position and to be clear - is not infilled / highlighted out of the box. For me, this is my signature on the board (well, not really, but moreso an easy identifier for others). I tried many iterations, from more calligraphic designs above the arrows, to just nothing. To me, this is what I preferred, but I wanted to ensure it was discreet whilst still making the board identifiable.
I hope that clears things up a little...
I understand the choices made as a designer and I respect it. Thanks for info.
Post by: chive_ on Tue, 07 December 2021, 10:20:44
Post by: Phractals on Tue, 07 December 2021, 14:52:57
Green looks very nice. What made you decide on internal weight only? Back looks plain but I still dig. Personally think itd look nice also with a larger sized arrow cluster logo too. GLWS
The reasoning for internal weight is literally right there in the post.
Post by: paulgali on Tue, 07 December 2021, 15:14:45
Green looks very nice. What made you decide on internal weight only? Back looks plain but I still dig. Personally think itd look nice also with a larger sized arrow cluster logo too. GLWS
TLDR: Hot and humid in Dubai. I wanted a portable board that I don't have to worry about patina, don't want it to weigh much and can throw in the backpack to the office. I also type on boards, or display them with caps facing me. I don't look at the bottom. This isnt me saying I won't make other boards with external weights - I have, but the tkl was designed around my personal use case, and I wanted to share that thought process here :thumb:
Hopefully that makes sense. Over a year since I started the project, the primary focus never changed, it was always feel and sound. Aesthetic was meant to be sleek, without taking a back seat. There's elegance in simplicity :D
Post by: linell on Tue, 07 December 2021, 16:01:16
Not a fan of letters on top of the board where it just sits in front of you whether you like it or not. This is even more unattractive when something is written in other language and its unfamiliar. Please offer an option without it. Other than that great ic, great board. Looking forward to thisJane, Whale, and every other tkl in existence sweating rn.
All of those atleast had something in english. This one is completely unfamiliar. IMO nothing > logos, art > letters. Please consider an option without it
paul lives in uae
uae has kb community
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ y not use arabic
Post by: paulgali on Wed, 08 December 2021, 02:24:17
One (very) good outcome to this is an estimated ETA of 6/7(ish) months for board production. I would rather deliver a board faster at the same price than wait a year. I am keeping this to 400 to allow me to release a possible F12 version sooner than expected, so if you prefer an F12 variant, keep your eyes out for it (ETA Q4 2022)
Post by: mmayhem17 on Wed, 08 December 2021, 03:01:58
Flippers gonna love it tho, i hope i can get an unit.
Post by: paulgali on Wed, 08 December 2021, 03:24:40
Sad for the cap...but expected i guess.Flippers gonna hate it. Trust me, I have a plan
Flippers gonna love it tho, i hope i can get an unit.
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Post by: SDKCAMPING on Wed, 08 December 2021, 15:17:28
Post by: circill on Wed, 08 December 2021, 16:58:45
Post by: linell on Wed, 08 December 2021, 19:27:23
Post by: mongoose27 on Wed, 08 December 2021, 21:18:13
...that proto green so nice though. Porque no green?
Post by: circill on Thu, 09 December 2021, 09:27:13
Not a fan of letters on top of the board where it just sits in front of you whether you like it or not. This is even more unattractive when something is written in other language and its unfamiliar. Please offer an option without it. Other than that great ic, great board. Looking forward to thisJane, Whale, and every other tkl in existence sweating rn.
All of those atleast had something in english. This one is completely unfamiliar. IMO nothing > logos, art > letters. Please consider an option without it
It’s a simple tkl with arabic script at the top, the design language is pretty universal and there are so many other boards out there that are simple if you want. The world doesn’t revolve around your opinion.
Post by: KKoNaM on Thu, 09 December 2021, 13:07:51
Post by: paulgali on Sat, 11 December 2021, 05:16:32
Post by: mmayhem17 on Sat, 11 December 2021, 05:32:05
Post by: soundstage on Sat, 11 December 2021, 05:48:28
ABNT2 support has been added, and ALPS plate will be an option. The PCB for safa doesnt support alps, but if you are buying hiney's h88, youll be set. Just offering plates in the GB as an optional addon since, might as well, even if you plan to not own this board, here's your chance to pick up alu alps plates.
Can you please give link to hiney's h88?
Post by: aa212121 on Sat, 11 December 2021, 07:50:39
ABNT2 support has been added, and ALPS plate will be an option. The PCB for safa doesnt support alps, but if you are buying hiney's h88, youll be set. Just offering plates in the GB as an optional addon since, might as well, even if you plan to not own this board, here's your chance to pick up alu alps plates.Geez u are a God! very very appreciated for the alps support! <3
Can you please give link to hiney's h88?Keep an eye on Hiney's discord http://discord.hineybush.com/ (http://discord.hineybush.com/), he will announce it there. this is his website: https://hineybush.com/collections/pcbs/products/h88c-preorder?variant=39389522133094 (https://hineybush.com/collections/pcbs/products/h88c-preorder?variant=39389522133094)
Post by: mr_fro2000 on Sun, 12 December 2021, 03:12:22
Post by: noorejji on Sun, 12 December 2021, 08:51:50
Post by: Clarencehehe on Sun, 12 December 2021, 10:24:21
Post by: Diggidy on Sun, 12 December 2021, 11:40:03
Post by: paulgali on Mon, 13 December 2021, 15:38:43
Is hiney regularly offering his 87/88's w/ only JST (USB delete) and DB now?
I hope so, he just announced he's going full time. That being said - you should be able to just snap off the USB, albeit, I'm not sure if you can with all his variants.
Post by: Nonnegaard on Wed, 15 December 2021, 16:28:31
Post by: mmayhem17 on Wed, 15 December 2021, 16:47:19
i have spent hours attempting to wrap my head around why you pictured both a wk 7u bottom row and a wkl 7u bottom row on the PCB. its literally the same thing :blank:My guess is that there are people that would ask if WKL 7u is compatible :D
Post by: paulgali on Thu, 16 December 2021, 09:01:48
i have spent hours attempting to wrap my head around why you pictured both a wk 7u bottom row and a wkl 7u bottom row on the PCB. its literally the same thing :blank:It’s from the via config files I created. There are separate options for wk and wkl in the firmware. Why? It looks pretty with the blocker in via
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Post by: XCaellaX on Fri, 24 December 2021, 14:24:20
Post by: paulgali on Mon, 27 December 2021, 14:29:39
Totally hyped by the board! Will there be a way to order both Winkey and WKL tops for one bottom?In this current round and it being the first public run of mine, I won’t be able to add on specific parts like extra tops. Plates and pcbs are fine for addons.
I will double check but that’s a rather unusual request. Won’t hurt to ask though, I’ll get back to you.
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Post by: LaserCrafter on Mon, 27 December 2021, 16:04:35
Post by: paulgali on Mon, 27 December 2021, 17:38:03
If you know. You know.
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Post by: 7h3of7 on Mon, 27 December 2021, 17:39:40
ne weight avail?Show Image(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211227/caae07729304cb00bc64fcfc342eb922.jpg)
If you know. You know.
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Post by: mmayhem17 on Mon, 27 December 2021, 17:40:48
Show Image(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211227/caae07729304cb00bc64fcfc342eb922.jpg)
If you know. You know.
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nice hands.
Post by: Chippy on Tue, 28 December 2021, 00:19:33
Show Image(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211227/caae07729304cb00bc64fcfc342eb922.jpg)
If you know. You know.
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engrave this on my tombstone
Post by: Dyto69 on Tue, 28 December 2021, 01:56:37
Post by: gilbert on Tue, 28 December 2021, 06:28:40
Show Image(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211227/caae07729304cb00bc64fcfc342eb922.jpg)
If you know. You know.
ne weight avail?
Post by: Omarpixel9 on Tue, 28 December 2021, 11:18:53
Show Image(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211227/caae07729304cb00bc64fcfc342eb922.jpg)
If you know. You know.
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nice sandals
Post by: mr_fro2000 on Fri, 31 December 2021, 23:00:35
Post by: paulgali on Thu, 13 January 2022, 08:27:25
It should avoid the pheonix, since Safa will be a 400 unit FCFS sale. Max and I have discussed this and agreed it is ok.
Post by: VXQN on Thu, 13 January 2022, 10:33:15
Post by: whitewolf154 on Sat, 15 January 2022, 14:55:58
Post by: paulgali on Mon, 17 January 2022, 06:49:43
Great news about the GB! Would you consider adding Prototypist/Protozoa or someone else as a UK vendor? I'd love to pick one of these up, as the design and proportions are just perfect.
MKBEU have assured UK sales will go through without a hitch. Remember, the more vendors, the higher the variance in cost. I'd like to keep it as simple as possible
Please add a Canadian vendor for this keyboard 🙏🙏🙏
MKBEU will have a locked timeslot for US/CA. It costs less to ship from Europe in 3 days than it would to calculate all fees RE imports to the US and Canada, margins are incredibly tight on this and I did speak to vendors from the region but it was too tight for comfort. Those tariffs really are ruining things :(
Post by: TjarleN on Tue, 18 January 2022, 01:38:09
MKBEU will have a locked timeslot for US/CA.
Does this mean there is still a unit allocation for different regions (also for eu)? I would appreciate that but it sounds like a lot more work for mkbeu.
Post by: paulgali on Tue, 18 January 2022, 01:54:21
Of course, EU will also get a dedicated slot.MKBEU will have a locked timeslot for US/CA.
Does this mean there is still a unit allocation for different regions (also for eu)? I would appreciate that but it sounds like a lot more work for mkbeu.
It’s a bit more work but I’ve been told it’s not an issue.
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Post by: Scriba on Fri, 21 January 2022, 07:15:50
Post by: gotgoodiez on Fri, 21 January 2022, 22:00:38
Post by: vhwatgoes on Sun, 23 January 2022, 19:16:07
Post by: QuixoNik on Sun, 30 January 2022, 13:16:12
Post by: genevatypes on Sun, 30 January 2022, 19:04:34
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Post by: ale210 on Wed, 09 February 2022, 05:20:37
Please have limited quantity per household. Would love a fair chance at this.
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+1
Post by: FamilyJoule924 on Wed, 09 February 2022, 06:50:26
Post by: paulgali on Thu, 10 February 2022, 01:51:17
Post by: paulgali on Thu, 10 February 2022, 02:20:38
Please have limited quantity per household. Would love a fair chance at this.
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Limited at 2 / household. Good shout, thank you!
Post by: VXQN on Thu, 10 February 2022, 05:12:29
Post by: Jo_hannes on Thu, 10 February 2022, 07:07:03
Great pricing, except for MKB EU. I'm from the UK so it looks like I'd pay double VAT if I bought it (already included VAT + import VAT) Do you know if there's a way around that? I'd like to avoid purchasing from another vendor if possible, but thanks to Brexit (sigh) it looks like I may have to.
Of course, you will not pay EU + GB VAT. When/if MKB has gotten and implemented the UK VAT number, you'll just pay the price including UK VAT (which should be the same as Belgian, right?). If not, you will pay the net price and pay VAT on arrival. /J
Post by: Magnificent Bureaucrat on Thu, 10 February 2022, 07:29:41
Great pricing, except for MKB EU. I'm from the UK so it looks like I'd pay double VAT if I bought it (already included VAT + import VAT) Do you know if there's a way around that? I'd like to avoid purchasing from another vendor if possible, but thanks to Brexit (sigh) it looks like I may have to.
Of course, you will not pay EU + GB VAT. When/if MKB has gotten and implemented the UK VAT number, you'll just pay the price including UK VAT (which should be the same as Belgian, right?). If not, you will pay the net price and pay VAT on arrival. /J
This. I'm not sure exactly how they'll juggle things but there's no way should you end up paying VAT twice.
Worst case scenario you'd pay the price + EU VAT > receive a refund for the EU VAT > finally pay UK VAT once the order hits UK customs. This is how it worked on the last order I received from them.
Post by: VXQN on Thu, 10 February 2022, 07:38:37
Great pricing, except for MKB EU. I'm from the UK so it looks like I'd pay double VAT if I bought it (already included VAT + import VAT) Do you know if there's a way around that? I'd like to avoid purchasing from another vendor if possible, but thanks to Brexit (sigh) it looks like I may have to.
Of course, you will not pay EU + GB VAT. When/if MKB has gotten and implemented the UK VAT number, you'll just pay the price including UK VAT (which should be the same as Belgian, right?). If not, you will pay the net price and pay VAT on arrival. /J
This. I'm not sure exactly how they'll juggle things but there's no way should you end up paying VAT twice.
Worst case scenario you'd pay the price + EU VAT > receive a refund for the EU VAT > finally pay UK VAT once the order hits UK customs. This is how it worked on the last order I received from them.
Thank you both for your replies. I have been burnt before when purchasing from the EU (by less well established/regarded vendors), and just wanted to make sure!
Post by: paulgali on Thu, 10 February 2022, 09:24:32
When you order ships it will be converted to a UK order. We have our UK VAT number and are able to ship orders without export/import procedures. Next month new orders will automatically be UK orders (charged in pound).Great pricing, except for MKB EU. I'm from the UK so it looks like I'd pay double VAT if I bought it (already included VAT + import VAT) Do you know if there's a way around that? I'd like to avoid purchasing from another vendor if possible, but thanks to Brexit (sigh) it looks like I may have to.
Of course, you will not pay EU + GB VAT. When/if MKB has gotten and implemented the UK VAT number, you'll just pay the price including UK VAT (which should be the same as Belgian, right?). If not, you will pay the net price and pay VAT on arrival. /J
This. I'm not sure exactly how they'll juggle things but there's no way should you end up paying VAT twice.
Worst case scenario you'd pay the price + EU VAT > receive a refund for the EU VAT > finally pay UK VAT once the order hits UK customs. This is how it worked on the last order I received from them.
Thank you both for your replies. I have been burnt before when purchasing from the EU (by less well established/regarded vendors), and just wanted to make sure!
There are not going to be extra costs to be paid anymore.
Direct information from David. I asked very specifically for the details.
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Post by: cicada on Tue, 08 March 2022, 23:21:51