[IC] OGR - Retro 65XT

[Alchemist Keyboards]

GB THREAD LIVE HERE:




Links:

INTEREST CHECK FORM

AKB Website
AKB Discord
AKB Instagram


Background Info:

The OGR was originally designed as an entry for the OG Summer competition on r/customkeyboards in 2019, which it won. It was originally inspired by various vintage keyboards, but chiefly the Cherry/NCR G81-3077 for the iconic Cherry nose, the pronounced seam and the large forehead. It also drew inspiration from the Cherry G80-0832 for the accented piece around the keycaps to give it a truly unique look. The name is a portmanteau of OG Summer and NCR, whose branding on the aforementioned G81-3077 was also the inspiration for the retro-styled AKB logo. While the PCB is USB-C compatible, the port is enclosed deep inside the case and the case parts gently clamp the cable down to give the aesthetic of a hard-wired cable.

Also, for those who are interested, there will be a numpad (OGR-N) available either as an optional extra or separately.


Specs/features:

• Inspired by Cherry G81-3077/G80-0832
• 10° typing angle
• Full 6063 aluminium construction
• Bead-blasted and anodised finish
• Top mounted plate
• 21.5mm effective front height (with bumpons)
• QMK and VIA/VIAL-compatible USB-C PCBs
• LED indicators on caps lock, numlock on numpad
• Two colourways (Dolch & Blue/grey)
• Integrated cable aesthetic
• Bold, pronounced seam
• Period-authentic product stickers
• Plate materials: 5052 Aluminium, Polycarbonate, Carbon Fibre (may change)
• Is an absolute unit
• 2.9kg (6.5lbs) / Numpad 0.9kg (2lbs) [unbuilt]

Prototype photos:

More

Kit contents:

Not including extras

• 1 x Top Case - 6063 Aluminium
• 1 x Bottom Case - 6063 Aluminium
• 1 x Accent - 6063 Aluminium
• 1 x Plate - 5052 Aluminium OR Carbon fiber leaf spring (undecided)
• 1 x Badge - 6063 Aluminium
• 1 x Solder PCB - Black FR4 with green solder mask
• 4 x AKB Bumpons - Injection molded silicone
• 1 x Bottom sticker
• 10 x Torx button screw M3 x 6mm in A2 stainless steel (plate)
• 5 x Torx button screw M3 x 6mm in A2 stainless steel (accent)
• 6 x Torx button screw M3 x 12mm in A2 stainless steel (case)
• 2 x Torx countersunk screw M3 x 5mm in A2 stainless steel (badge)
• 1 x Instruction manual

Current group buy plans/details:

Not all is set in stone yet, but:

• Will be limited to somewhere around 250 units, plus extras and F+F units.
• GB launching on Saturday April 16th. GB Delayed until further notice
• Sale will be conducted via my own website through a raffle checkout system.
• Pricing isn't yet finalised, due to the fluctuation of raw aluminium prices but I'm aiming for ≤£440 (~$575 USD) for the OGR, and ≤£200 (~$270 USD) for the OGR-N. (+VAT for UK)

Layout Support:

Two tops will be available - one for 7u bottom row with dual 0.75u blockers, and one with a single small blocker for 6.25u support.



The OGR-N PCB will have support for regular and southpaw configurations, as well as the option to have a full 1u setup. The plate available will support regular and southpaw layouts, due to its reversible design.




Special Thanks:

• Blacksimon for running the OG Summer competition, and playing a crucial part in bringing this board to life. Without that kick up the arse I may not have caught the designing bug I have today.
• Martin for his excellent work on the PCB designs.
• Flexerman (FLX) for his crucial input with the board’s design and improvement.
• Koen for his beautiful photos of the prototype.
• Lulzthax, for his great build stream.
• ThereminGoat, Hot Trout, Lewis, BK, Archetype and countless others for their support throughout.

To-do list:

• Typing test
• Sort my life out
• Confirm pricing, pencil in a new date

edit: added numpad layout support

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Responding to some questions/points raised from the IC form:

"Please consider adding a weight to this"
A this is 6.5lbs for just the case and plate the board is definitely not needing additional mass. The sticker on the bottom provides a much more authentic design detail than a weight in this instance, in my opinion.

"Will you consider a WK option?"
There will be a WK option available in GB. Shown in this render kindly provided by Snurrebassen https://i.imgur.com/fpGHNm8.jpg

"Why only 150 units?"
Because this is such a passion project for me I don't feel entirely comfortable leaving its fate with other vendors. I've been full-time in keyboards since April 2021 and AKB is a registered business, and I will soon have a proper workspace available to handle a public GB too. Given that we often see people crumble under the weight of responsibility with GBs I would rather walk before I can run, and once I have the process dialled down I will scale up subsequent sales if the people demand it. I have increased the max quantity to 250 units.

"$610/$270 is too much"
Given the design and the quantity I believe it is reasonable compared to various other offerings we've seen. However like noted in the post above, I am aiming at those prices or less, so the listed prices are the absolute maximum. A few components to the GB are still conservatively estimated and awaiting confirmation so if there's room to bring down the price between now and GB, I will absolutely do that. Current pricing for the OGR has been updated to (est) $575. Further updates to follow before launch.

"Will you sell the numpad only?"
If a large number of people ask for this between now and the GB I will consider this, but so far the plan has been to run that as an optional extra. The numpad will be now be offered as a standalone purchase and will be fully open (no raffle)


Typing test video from Koen:

Typing test clips from the build stream from Lulzthax (cf leaf spring plate, oil kings w/stock springs, deskeys films & 205g0):

https://clips.twitch.tv/FineColorfulPelicanKreygasm-BVstEvlt9y3nAY3I (plate foam only)

https://clips.twitch.tv/BlitheWiseClintmullinsYouDontSay-FEZvuzIMNHEE2XUL (plate foam only)

https://clips.twitch.tv/DreamyAltruisticPeachNerfRedBlaster-nMRmeJKy2IvacGnJ (plate and case foam)

Full stream here:

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1474475487

[ilikerustoo]

Hot

[Bleddyn]

Have watched this from the very beginning until now, looks awesome and glad you pursued it to the end.

[of_sam]

Super well done. Very good ic, good luck with this project!

[MSA_Vision]

Nice!

[robrobro]

Really, really nice!

[Supersnicks]

This is HOT!

[Pyroo]

Amazing

[Moods]

This looks really smart, great work. It is a bit out of my price range but GLWIC x

[Bub]

i like it

[dmatx1]

Oh, finally it's happening

[daintySPLASH]

If you end up winning a raffle for the board will you be given priority when it comes to the macro pad?

[Peathyyy]

Can't wait for this but wow my wallet is going to hurt

[Zeelobby]

So cool to finally see this in IC. Looks great

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[Alessio]

Absolutely stunning, as a Cherry simp this board ticks of all boxes for me. Unfortunately the 65 XT layout is one thing that's holding me back personally. Beautifully presented IC  Best of luck!

[snurrebassen]

following 

[Aiwanei]

So excited to see the IC for this posted. Can't wait for GB, take my money.

[Alchemist Keyboards]

If you end up winning a raffle for the board will you be given priority when it comes to the macro pad?

The current format I have in mind is that if you win a spot in the raffle you have the option to add the numpad to your order.

I've had a couple people already mention that they just want a numpad though, so I may reconsider this if the majority lean that way.

[uhugo]

Beautiful! Take my money

[whirlwind]

If you told me this board was from the 80's, I would have believed you, looks stunning. Good luck with IC! 

[Jo_hannes]

So great to see this finally happening. I've been following this board in Discord for quite a while now - really hope I can snag one. It scratches all of my old school itches, sweet! /Johannes

[7empest]

So cool to finally see the IC for this! Love this project. The retro look of this board is awesome, I really dig the look! Certainly interested in getting one.

[Visionaire]

FINALLY! Really love the vibe of this board.

[mcmcmc]

great work. i really hope i can get one.

[hottrout]

Incredible job James, possible end game for me.

[jshufelt]

I've been following this one for a while - excellent design and vintage vibe.  Good luck with the GB!

[Screen.jing]

Good ass job! GLWIC

[Enemy]

Been waiting over 2 years for this. So excited this is finally happening.

[paulgali]

YES

[Pontus]

I love it, I’ll definitely be going for one when it runs

[Seoulcialite]

Interested!

[snicket]

so cool

[Laur]

finally, nice.

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Updated the top comment addressing some questions so far

[MoarCoffeePlzzz]

koen with the goat photos

[Belled]

Let's gooo

[hottrout]

This has the potential to make 2022 the best keeb year ever. Thanks for the shout out, but honestly this amazing board is all you. Whatever the price ends up at, it will be acceptable as this is a level above many so called 'big name' boards that have cost more and delivered less.

[JackPikatea]

I'm way more excited for this then I thought I would. Best of luck!

[darthcapn]

I love how this looks! Glwgb! Hopefully I can buy in!

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[Rik.caffeinated]

This is so so good.

Can we get a side shot of that seam?

[severin]

This is beautiful.

[gotgoodiez]

Good looking board, hope I get a chance to have one!

[unusuaL_]

dig the layout, glwic 

[andromache]

I love this board. Red/gray colorway is <3

[Alchemist Keyboards]

This is so so good.

Can we get a side shot of that seam?

There's one in the Prototype Photos section  2nd image after clicking "more"

[Ensaum]

Not usually into 65% but this is hawt, damn

[treeleaf64]

Waited 2 year for this 
very worth it and I love the  singular Jame and all of his fellow James

Happy time Happy time!

[Ustinj]

simply amazing

[Meowsaur]

[Photekq]

yes lad

[Capsy]

Been following this since forever and glad its happening finally. Good luck, you mong  )

[Rob27shred]

Even if this ends up hitting the upper echelon of the proposed pricing I'm still trying for one. Given the design complexity, overall mass of this beast, & cap of 150 units I think $610 is not way over the top or cash grab territory at all. Not ideal but reasonable to ensure the GB is a success IMO. Anyways hopefully I can manage a spot when this goes live cause this hits my Cherry simp button HARD! GL with this project moving forward!

[parlojama]

Really nice looking, I didn't think I would love it but I do.

[derpter]

I love it so much, hope to get one.

[herbologist]

holy **** yes. incredibly well done. pricing is a little rough but there's a lot of material here and you've clearly done your homework. I will be trying.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

[Alchemist Keyboards]

added numpad pcb support in the post

[jimboytacos]

Hell yes. All the way. I've been waiting.

[plag]

cherry lips that look like genuine cherry lips make me tingle inside. this board is fantastic and i will most likely be purchasing one. glwic!

[pixelpusher]

Beautiful board.  I've been patiently waiting for it to show up here.

10 degree angle is a bit too steep for me.  However, this might work well with DCS profile, which could look awesome. 

[marici22]

looks gorgeous.

[Nurseh]

That numpad is hawt

[gautema]

So hot. Dream board in the making.

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Updated spec/features to note that the PCB will have a caps lock indicator LED and the numpad will have an LED for num lock

[blur410]

Well I replied on the IC but I think a beige option should be available.

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Typing test video from Koen:

[Slayer77]

Can I...get the numpad only?

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Can I...get the numpad only?

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

If a considerable number of people ask for this between now and the GB I will consider this, but so far the plan has been to run that as an optional extra.

[rmendis]

Love this with matching numpad.

[Slayer77]

Can I...get the numpad only?

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

If a considerable number of people ask for this between now and the GB I will consider this, but so far the plan has been to run that as an optional extra.

Thanks! I'll be the first one to ask for a numpad

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Added pictures the cable enclosure (credit to Koen)

[hottrout]

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░╚═══██╗██╔══╝░░░██╔██╗░░░╚██╔╝░░
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╚═════╝░╚══════╝╚═╝░░╚═╝░░░╚═╝░░░

[Alchemist Keyboards]

• The GB will be launching on Saturday 16th April, mark it in your calendars!
• Increased the available quantity to 250 units - pricing will be finalised a week or two before launch but due to the increased quantity I am now hoping to set the price around or below $575.
• Due to demand, the OGRN will be available separately with an unlimited quantity. More details to follow soon.

[pixelpusher]

Can you show us a shot of the keyboard from the user's angle?  I curious if the switches are more visible than usual on the front row, since the bend in the lip is right there.

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Can you show us a shot of the keyboard from the user's angle?  I curious if the switches are more visible than usual on the front row, since the bend in the lip is right there.

I can take one tomorrow when there's some natural lighting. It's a valid question though, as there is a marginally larger gap than usual at the front. Just to see if it would be better with the angle moved forward slightly, I have a new prototype coming in hopefully a week or so with that moved forward by roughly 1.5mm. Will show before/after and will see which I prefer. 

[pixelpusher]

Can you show us a shot of the keyboard from the user's angle?  I curious if the switches are more visible than usual on the front row, since the bend in the lip is right there.

I can take one tomorrow when there's some natural lighting. It's a valid question though, as there is a marginally larger gap than usual at the front. Just to see if it would be better with the angle moved forward slightly, I have a new prototype coming in hopefully a week or so with that moved forward by roughly 1.5mm. Will show before/after and will see which I prefer. 

Oh, nice.   I'll probably buy whichever one you go with 

[DuellM]

Really loving the blue/grey from the ic form, hopefully it gets chosen as a color option


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Can you show us a shot of the keyboard from the user's angle?  I curious if the switches are more visible than usual on the front row, since the bend in the lip is right there.

I can take one tomorrow when there's some natural lighting. It's a valid question though, as there is a marginally larger gap than usual at the front. Just to see if it would be better with the angle moved forward slightly, I have a new prototype coming in hopefully a week or so with that moved forward by roughly 1.5mm. Will show before/after and will see which I prefer. 

Oh, nice.   I'll probably buy whichever one you go with 

Apologies for the poor-quality image: https://i.imgur.com/osh5Q5y.jpg

A little more of the plate is visible due to the angle change but the switches are not

[azhdar]

Following this

[drunken0monkey]

Responding to some questions/points raised from the IC form:

"Why only 150 units?"
Because this is such a passion project for me I don't feel entirely comfortable leaving its fate with other vendors. I've been full-time in keyboards since April 2021 and AKB is a registered business, and I will soon have a proper workspace available to handle a public GB too. Given that we often see people crumble under the weight of responsibility with GBs I would rather walk before I can run, and once I have the process dialled down I will scale up subsequent sales if the people demand it.

I may not be people, but I DEMAND more of these. Seriously, I will try for one of the few available, but want more since no keyboard luck and slow fingers.

[2QT2BSTR8]

I may not be people, but I DEMAND more of these. Seriously, I will try for one of the few available, but want more since no keyboard luck and slow fingers.

• The GB will be launching on Saturday 16th April, mark it in your calendars!
• Increased the available quantity to 250 units - pricing will be finalised a week or two before launch but due to the increased quantity I am now hoping to set the price around or below $575.
• Due to demand, the OGRN will be available separately with an unlimited quantity. More details to follow soon.

[LumiP]

Gorgeous board, thoughtful design. The combo is looking out of my price range, but it doesn't seem unreasonable to me at all.

GLWIC!

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Update time:

For those who don't want to read the whole thing:
OGR raffle delayed - can't set a date yet but hoping for beginning of May. This is due to the COVID lockdowns in China and also DHL deciding they can't deliver the prototype showing second colourway to me before the 16th.

More context:
While the group-buy date was set with the best of intentions, a combination of the delays due to COVID outbreaks and subsequent lockdowns in certain areas of China meant that the prototype I had ordered a couple of months ago isn't going to arrive when planned.

DHL have actually had the shipment in hand for a few days now, but while the shipment was initially quoted as 2-3 days to me, they're now quoting over 3 weeks so the estimated delivery date is after the 16th.

Being totally honest, while I'm not comfortable delaying the group buy like this I can't show off the second colour choice (chosen by IC responses btw) until I have it in hand. I was also planning to have someone build it on stream, but depending on when the prototype lands with me I'll have to explore my possibilities at that time. Worst case scenario is that you guys have to deal with some phone pics taken in my garden.

As for dates, I don't think it would be wise to make the same mistake again and set a date without having everything in hand, so I'll cautiously estimate the beginning of May for now and then set it in stone as soon as I have the board.

To leave this on a good note, the second choice as chosen by IC responses is blue/grey. Check a photo from the factory below (obligatory disclaimer regarding lighting etc). More colour-accurate photos to come.

Apologies for the unfortunate news - I hope to see you all in the next month or so!

[treeleaf64]

Yes Mr Jame. The best Englishman
You count as Englishman right : )

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Yes Mr Jame. The best Englishman
You count as Englishman right : )

Yeah I'm English/Polish 

[hottrout]

All good things come to those that wait ....

[Slayer77]

A dark green finish for ogr n, pretty please?

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

[neoknob]

Prototype looks amazing

[Diggidy]

,

[zekth]

I'd be in for a numpad definitely.

[Versaknight]

! Looks so good

[EdgeOfInfinity]

combo is super hot! i'll prob be too poor this time around to consider this but excellent design

[J_Arno]

Beautiful board. I am a graphic design artist, and the pencil tray looks like a great place to my stylus.
Could you provide dimensions of that tray?

Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk

[^prince]

I like it, picasso

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Beautiful board. I am a graphic design artist, and the pencil tray looks like a great place to my stylus.
Could you provide dimensions of that tray?

Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk

Roughly 290mm x 9.5mm 

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Lulzthax will be building a blue/grey OGR prototype over on his Twitch on May 3rd, 18:30 PT! (02:30 GMT). See you there!

Will sort out a new launch date in the next few days. 

https://www.twitch.tv/lulzthax

[Alchemist Keyboards]

Typing test clips from the build stream from Lulzthax (cf leaf spring plate, oil kings w/stock springs, deskeys films & 205g0):

https://clips.twitch.tv/FineColorfulPelicanKreygasm-BVstEvlt9y3nAY3I (plate foam only)

https://clips.twitch.tv/BlitheWiseClintmullinsYouDontSay-FEZvuzIMNHEE2XUL (plate foam only)

https://clips.twitch.tv/DreamyAltruisticPeachNerfRedBlaster-nMRmeJKy2IvacGnJ (plate and case foam)

Full stream here:

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1474475487

[Alchemist Keyboards]

A couple phone pics of the blue/grey colourway:

[pixelpusher]

 Ooh. I like the bottom bezel sloping from there 

[Alchemist Keyboards]

GB THREAD NOW LIVE

[darthcapn]

I somehow am not able to see the link to the gb thread

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk