[GB] Polaris - GB Complete

[Brez1623]

i'm curious on the typing experience... is there any? it looks really firm from all the foam in between the plate/pcb and the bottom of the case (probably can remove the foam but not sure how it will affect the sound).

Taeha Types streamed his build and has a typing test at the end you could check out to see how the typing experience is. The vod should still be on twitch or his youtube channel

[Visionaire]

i'm curious on the typing experience... is there any? it looks really firm from all the foam in between the plate/pcb and the bottom of the case (probably can remove the foam but not sure how it will affect the sound).

Putting the foam in the case and between the plate and PCB definitely firms up the experience. It will give slightly, but if you want the experience to be more flexible, I would suggest leaving the foam out (although I LOVE the sound with the foam)

[freespam]

i'm curious on the typing experience... is there any? it looks really firm from all the foam in between the plate/pcb and the bottom of the case (probably can remove the foam but not sure how it will affect the sound).

Putting the foam in the case and between the plate and PCB definitely firms up the experience. It will give slightly, but if you want the experience to be more flexible, I would suggest leaving the foam out (although I LOVE the sound with the foam)

How much does the foam change the sound?

[Tekniqs]

How much does the foam change the sound?

watch nathan's build video. he tries it out with and without foam and without the bottom weight for some reason lol

[donkey]

How much does the foam change the sound?

IMO plate foam reduces noise and variations. Case foam reduces reverb and volume. So I use plate foam in all of my board but case foam is not used unless I need to reduce sound or switches used doesn't sound great. For example, a case foam is used in my Tealios board but not in my Cream board.

My current plan is to go with Tealios in the full-brass plate 'gentlemen' build using both foams. I also ordered an FR-4 half-plate and spare PCB for the 'flex and clacks' build with which I'll be using Black Inks and no foams.

[Novafish]

tfw people with poly plates get theirs before yours with a brass one   

[freespam]

How much does the foam change the sound?

IMO plate foam reduces noise and variations. Case foam reduces reverb and volume. So I use plate foam in all of my board but case foam is not used unless I need to reduce sound or switches used doesn't sound great. For example, a case foam is used in my Tealios board but not in my Cream board.

My current plan is to go with Tealios in the full-brass plate 'gentlemen' build using both foams. I also ordered an FR-4 half-plate and spare PCB for the 'flex and clacks' build with which I'll be using Black Inks and no foams.

That makes sense.  I'm going for an ultra quiet build so I'll probably be using both pieces of foam and zilents.

[freespam]

tfw people with poly plates get theirs before yours with a brass one   

I ordered brass and just got my shipping notification  ...I guess they're still working through it.  Hope you get yours soon.

[ai03]

Quick status update:

• FR4 ETA that the factory gave is end of this month, although I am not too sure about it being met. Likely sometime in April due to the manpower shortages going on at the factories.
• Poly plates are starting to ship out along with the brass plate units.
• Poly cases are finishing up the last bits of production that didn't complete before the chaos hit.

[xantiema]

I am a little out of the loop; is there an ETA on the european shipping ban? No stress if there isn't.

[ai03]

I am a little out of the loop; is there an ETA on the european shipping ban? No stress if there isn't.

So far I haven't heard anything from KBDfans regarding an end date; will post here if I hear of it in the future.

[xantiema]

Appreciate the update.
Going by the current build VODs, the sound dampening works wonders. Regardless of when it arrives I will be looking forward to the build:thumb:

[Emir]

Built, but a bit disappointed. I got the PC Half plate, and originally built it without foam because I dislike foaming boards. Felt and sounded great...
... Apart from the homerow and the row beneath it. It kept hitting the bottom of the case, I assume it is because the half pc plate isn't enough to support the rows.

Had to foam the bottom, it's still OK but I much prefered it without foam.

[freespam]

Appreciate the update.
Going by the current build VODs, the sound dampening works wonders. Regardless of when it arrives I will be looking forward to the build:thumb:

My wait is over

I wanted a quiet daily driver for work and built mine with both foam dampeners, polycarb plate (forgot I ordered an extra plate along with brass), and silent switches.  I love it!!!  It sounds clean without the reverb my other boards have...by far my quietest board among many silent builds.

[donkey]

... Apart from the homerow and the row beneath it. It kept hitting the bottom of the case, I assume it is because the half pc plate isn't enough to support the rows.

Had to foam the bottom, it's still OK but I much prefered it without foam.

Hmm. I guess my FR-4 half-plate will have similar problems. I'm going to:

1. Add a layer of paper to prevent shorting.
2. Covering the slit with duct tape with some toothpicks as support if needed. 
3. If nothing works, use epoxy to fill in the slit and add support columns to make up for PCB being too thin.

UPDATE: Simplest compromise solution may be to cut up the case foam so only the part that actually touches the case will have foam under it.

[Emir]

... Apart from the homerow and the row beneath it. It kept hitting the bottom of the case, I assume it is because the half pc plate isn't enough to support the rows.

Had to foam the bottom, it's still OK but I much prefered it without foam.

Hmm. I guess my FR-4 half-plate will have similar problems. I'm going to:

1. Add a layer of paper to prevent shorting.
2. Covering the slit with duct tape with some toothpicks as support if needed. 
3. If nothing works, use epoxy to fill in the slit and add support columns to make up for PCB being too thin.

UPDATE: Simplest compromise solution may be to cut up the case foam so only the part that actually touches the case will have foam under it.

It doesn't short when it hits the bottom of the case, it's just very harsh and sounds horrible. A piece of paper won't remove that.

I didn't cover anything with duct tape, I just like to enjoy boards like they are, which is also why I didn't want to foam.

Regarding FR-4, it's a lot sturdier than PC, maybe you won't have the issue at all.

[pr0ximity]

... Apart from the homerow and the row beneath it. It kept hitting the bottom of the case, I assume it is because the half pc plate isn't enough to support the rows.

Had to foam the bottom, it's still OK but I much prefered it without foam.

Hmm. I guess my FR-4 half-plate will have similar problems. I'm going to:

1. Add a layer of paper to prevent shorting.
2. Covering the slit with duct tape with some toothpicks as support if needed. 
3. If nothing works, use epoxy to fill in the slit and add support columns to make up for PCB being too thin.

UPDATE: Simplest compromise solution may be to cut up the case foam so only the part that actually touches the case will have foam under it.

You can also double-sided tape foam (or anything, a thin and dense rubber mat would be nice too I bet) to the underside of the PCB, pretty common on old Korean boards.

[donkey]

Cool. I'll try that also. Thx.

[TheMnBN]

Built, but a bit disappointed. I got the PC Half plate, and originally built it without foam because I dislike foaming boards. Felt and sounded great...
... Apart from the homerow and the row beneath it. It kept hitting the bottom of the case, I assume it is because the half pc plate isn't enough to support the rows.

Had to foam the bottom, it's still OK but I much prefered it without foam.

I built mine with a PC half plate also and don't seem to have this issue. I'd say I'm a moderately heavy typist and I bottom out quite often. Regarding the foams, I did use the mid foam but left out the bottom foam. The board is really bouncy to type on and has a lot of flex with this config. Sounds is top notch for me too. 

[ai03]

An update from KBDfans' side:


tl;dr: A majority of international shipping is being halted for the time being due to the global situation.

As for production progress:

- One batch of FR4 plates has been fully remanufactured; the rest of the variants are currently finishing up.
- I never received word about this, but PC cases seem to be shipping out now as well.

[nasp]

Thanks for the update, AI03. Glad I paid the extra for DHL now.


What's the status on boards with PC plates? I suppose those are still slowly shipping as I haven't received tracking yet.

[stroodl]

I ordered two aluminum boards with a poly full plate and haven't received any updates on it. Should I be expecting it to ship soon? I am in the US.

[zian_]

I ordered two aluminum boards with a poly full plate and haven't received any updates on it. Should I be expecting it to ship soon? I am in the US.

I wouldn't expect it anytime soon tbh.

[Mcnos]

[01saleencobra]

any available still or anyone have a case theyd like to sell? prefer white or black, thanks

[rockydbull]

any available still or anyone have a case theyd like to sell? prefer white or black, thanks

try /r/mechmarket. I have seen a few pop up already

[ai03]

What's the status on boards with PC plates? I suppose those are still slowly shipping as I haven't received tracking yet.

I believe either all or at least a significant portion is simply awaiting packing, sorting, and shipping.

I ordered two aluminum boards with a poly full plate and haven't received any updates on it. Should I be expecting it to ship soon? I am in the US.

Similarly to the above, it is simply taking a while to sort and ship out so many boards.

[AIRPOTTER]

What's the status on boards with PC plates? I suppose those are still slowly shipping as I haven't received tracking yet.

I believe either all or at least a significant portion is simply awaiting packing, sorting, and shipping.

I ordered two aluminum boards with a poly full plate and haven't received any updates on it. Should I be expecting it to ship soon? I am in the US.

Similarly to the above, it is simply taking a while to sort and ship out so many boards.

Hell of a GB! Looks great and congrats again!

[NoxNoxNox]

Is there an ETA on when Rose Gold WKL with brass plates should ship to US?

[roostrc0gburn]

looking to buy a kit if anyone is selling!

[lanyusea]

I do love the design! especially the weights 

[nasp]

Wow, I didn't realize how massive those weights were. I'm impatiently waiting for mine still.

[sevenseacat]

*twiddles thumbs waiting for shipping notification

[missalaire]

If anyone is looking to sell theirs please let me know. I'm looking for a grey WKL kit.

[neutralstate]

I just built my Polaris, and it feels and sounds so awesome.

Would like to give a shout out to ai03, kbdfans and all involved in the Polaris, it is truly an awesome product at an incredible price. Thank you!

[donkey]

Good for you.

I'm still waiting for mine. I think the extra FR4 half-plate in my order is preventing it from shipping.
Next time, I'm going to keep my order lean and simple. Less headache.

[oldcat]

I just built my Polaris, and it feels and sounds so awesome.

Would like to give a shout out to ai03, kbdfans and all involved in the Polaris, it is truly an awesome product at an incredible price. Thank you!

Truly incredible, not sure how they did it but it is very high valued board. Hope for more!

[HoodrowThrillson]

Still waiting on Polaris 

[Solotov]

Still waiting on Polaris 

Same for me 

Does it ship according to who order number?

[HoodrowThrillson]

Still waiting on Polaris 

Same for me 

Does it ship according to who order number?

Originally assumed it was by config, but someone on Discord already received (and have had) the exact combination I ordered (rose gold, clear pvd, poly full plate, wkl), so that threw that theory out the window.

[nasp]

Still waiting on Polaris 

Same for me 

Does it ship according to who order number?

Originally assumed it was by config, but someone on Discord already received (and have had) the exact combination I ordered (rose gold, clear pvd, poly full plate, wkl), so that threw that theory out the window.

Since I ordered on day 1 and still don't have mine or a shipping notification, I doubt it's by order number. I also bought expedited shipping though DHL. They are probably being sent out randomly.

[kekstee]

Show Image

Built, but a bit disappointed. I got the PC Half plate, and originally built it without foam because I dislike foaming boards. Felt and sounded great...
... Apart from the homerow and the row beneath it. It kept hitting the bottom of the case, I assume it is because the half pc plate isn't enough to support the rows.

Had to foam the bottom, it's still OK but I much prefered it without foam.

Same experience for me. I want to see if I can source some thin rubber mat stuff or might end up rebuilding it with the pc full plate.
//e2 I've been testing it with foam on and off again, and while it's rather easy to bottom out it just doesn't happen in regular use for me. So I guess I can live with the most flexy option in the end.



//e purple turned out amazing btw <3

[KFOXE]

If anyone is selling a purple version with a regular top please hit me up.

[donkey]

- One batch of FR4 plates has been fully remanufactured; the rest of the variants are currently finishing up.

It's already end of April. When you get a chance, another status update would be appreciated. I'm particularly keen on hearing that FR4 plates are all done.

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

Got my shipping notification for FR4 today, so the wait must not be long for the unlucky last ones.

[donkey]

Got my shipping notification for FR4 today, so the wait must not be long for the unlucky last ones.

That's great to hear. :-)

[koenoe]

Still waiting on Polaris 

Same for me 

Does it ship according to who order number?

Originally assumed it was by config, but someone on Discord already received (and have had) the exact combination I ordered (rose gold, clear pvd, poly full plate, wkl), so that threw that theory out the window.

Since I ordered on day 1 and still don't have mine or a shipping notification, I doubt it's by order number. I also bought expedited shipping though DHL. They are probably being sent out randomly.

Yeah same here. I don’t think KBD is handling it very well, lol.

[Solotov]

Yeah, at least an update on fulfillment percentage would be great to know.

[chaosen]

Would like to buy an HHKB if anyone is thinking of selling! Prefer Black / Silver / Rose Gold 

[zian_]

Still waiting on Polaris 

Same for me 

Does it ship according to who order number?

Originally assumed it was by config, but someone on Discord already received (and have had) the exact combination I ordered (rose gold, clear pvd, poly full plate, wkl), so that threw that theory out the window.

Since I ordered on day 1 and still don't have mine or a shipping notification, I doubt it's by order number. I also bought expedited shipping though DHL. They are probably being sent out randomly.

Yeah same here. I don’t think KBD is handling it very well, lol.

Yeah me either. Their responses seem inconsistent as well. Probably won't join another GB through KBD again.