[IC] Dolores - GB Cancelled - Commissions Open

[Current Keyboards]

Discord (where most updates are)

-> Group Buy is Now Live <-

-> Color Configurator <-

Named for the Dolores river in Utah and Colorado, this board is a two piece aluminum case with a new type of gasket system that creates a much more even flex across keys and transmits much less vibration to the case.

                - 6061 Aluminum
                - Custom 65% hotswap PCB compatible with VIA in ANSI layout
                - Custom 65% soldered PCB compatible with VIA with ISO, split spacebar, split backspace, stepped caps, and 7u spacebar
                - 13 Cerakote colors to choose for both top and bottom.
                - Completely hidden screws internal to case
                - 6 degree typing angle
                - Top plate is available in aluminum, FR4, and POM
                - Delivery in late Q3 2022
                - GB starts January 20th at 9am PST
                - First come, first serve to 300 500 units
                - Price is $585. High due to machining complexity and two Cerakote applications per board.
                - Switching to commissions only. Reach out directly on Discord or currentkeyboards.com if interested.
                - Will be available worldwide directly through my website currentkeyboards.com, I use Stripe as a payment system on my GBs without issue.

          

          

          

          

   

Being a consumer product mechanical engineer, I spent a lot of time in finite element analysis testing different ideas for the top plate gasket system. I quickly found that many of the traditional 6 gasket systems were much too stiff to damp out vibrations and the center alphas were much stiffer than the corners. Some six gasket variations I tested saw the alphas only flexing 20-30% of what the corners flexed. Using the plate to integrate flex like many do seemed to be flawed. To solve both these issues, I've moved to a much smaller gasket with stiffer lever arms at the corners. The smaller gasket allows more of the vibration energy to be dissipated into it (as counter-intuitive as that sounds). I found that with four gaskets in the prototype the center did vibrate a little (which wouldn't have shown up in FEA) and moved to an 8 gasket system but with softer gaskets. The concept is even better now as the plate is stiffer and translates more of the energy into the gaskets.

Discord (where most updates are)

-> Interest Form and Email Signup <-

-> Group Buy is Now Live <-

Signature Code:

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[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=109127.0][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50499302692_3ba67cf2c7_o.png[/img][/url]

[Current Keyboards]

Reserved

[dandruff]

I like the new design, but I think you should just have 3-4 set colors and have a lower price. One of the factors that drove buyers away from your first board was the pricing was simply not worth it.

This board aesthetically looks much better though!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Current Keyboards]

I like the new design, but I think you should just have 3-4 set colors and have a lower price. One of the factors that drove buyers away from your first board was the pricing was simply not worth it.

This board aesthetically looks much better though!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The high number of colors actually doesn't add much more to the cost and really helps justify the really intricate design. You can get some nice and interesting color combos. The wild CNC paths are the main cost driver.

[treeleaf64]

Given the color options I can see this as a good board for a lot of people. if they can deal with the unorthodox design

[Current Keyboards]

Given the color options I can see this as a good board for a lot of people. if they can deal with the unorthodox design

Honestly kinda getting tired of all the very similar looking boards is why I started doing GBs. Hence the Hatchet-01 and this haha. This is definitely more mainstream though.

[SantiGo]

I find it very strange that 80% of those who sell with a piece of rubber under the plate call it a gasket mount.... You have leaf spring plate with Isolation - botom maunt but not Gasket mount

[azzipa]

Keebs will eventually be outdated and replaced by a new input mechanism. Until then I love keebs. The clackier the better. This is so cool in a Clockwork Orange, 1970s retro-futuristic kinda way that it’s irresistible. Kudos on the design. Kudos on cerakote. Kudos on wild colors. Black, gray, and white have their place. But 2020 is almost over and we need to look ahead. We need color. And we need new ideas. Thank you.

[Ustinj]

unique design! the mounting is basically the keycult isolation leaf-spring, with only corner mounting points (nothing wrong w/ that).

[Puddsy]

you say 30+ colors, i hear qc nightmare

gl

[rc42]

Kudos, very nice design, really stands out! This would match my office chair perfectly


https://www.interstuhl.com/silver/en/enjoy-silver#1

Two questions:
- have you thought about making the sides plain and remove the rim for a clean, minimalist look?
- can i hope for a ortho (4x12, 5x12) option in the future?

[powwu]

Not a big fan of the multicolored ones, but solid color looks cleeeean. GLWIC

[Kokaloo]

Ambitious!

[Current Keyboards]

Kudos, very nice design, really stands out! This would match my office chair perfectly

Show Image

Show Image

https://www.interstuhl.com/silver/en/enjoy-silver#1

Two questions:
- have you thought about making the sides plain and remove the rim for a clean, minimalist look?
- can i hope for a ortho (4x12, 5x12) option in the future?

I have, personally I like the lip a bit more but I added it as a form question above as I've heard multiple people say this.
If it does well, may do some other layouts.

[JoltFX]

Some people don’t like the design? I really like the look ! GLWIC


“𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙞𝙢.”

[lys.nordique]

I'm always skeptical about the necessity of FEA but hey, good job the keyboard looks really great.

[SuddenlyDonkey]

Nice looking board; I look forward to builds and typing tests.

[soloplayer]

really good-looking board
would uou consider redesigning the plate? i'm a bit afraif that it would create inconsistent typing feel
pls add solderable pcb, and esd protection
thanks, and glwic

[Nonnegaard]

Looks like a rounder One 2 Mini. Not for me.

[Alga]

Looks very nice, I'm interested and awaiting price.

Is it in consideration to support ISO?

[audax989]

Nice Skeletor Render

[Current Keyboards]

Looks very nice, I'm interested and awaiting price.

Is it in consideration to support ISO?

Nope. I had a bunch of requests for ISO on my last board but when it came time to order literally nobody requested ISO.

[Alga]

Looks very nice, I'm interested and awaiting price.

Is it in consideration to support ISO?

Nope. I had a bunch of requests for ISO on my last board but when it came time to order literally nobody requested ISO.

O well, that sucks. That's life half the times...

[azzipa]

Design can be a lasting statement. Eames chair ca. 1956 and Avanti ca. 1962. Design similarities with the Dolores?

 

[Current Keyboards]

Looks very nice, I'm interested and awaiting price.

Is it in consideration to support ISO?

Nope. I had a bunch of requests for ISO on my last board but when it came time to order literally nobody requested ISO.

O well, that sucks. That's life half the times...

Yeah, actually like the way ISO looks more too. If it was soldered PCB I'd offer it but too hard with hotswap to have two PCBs for a small number of orders.

[fluxlab]

Curvy 😍

[Alga]

Looks very nice, I'm interested and awaiting price.

Is it in consideration to support ISO?

Nope. I had a bunch of requests for ISO on my last board but when it came time to order literally nobody requested ISO.

O well, that sucks. That's life half the times...

Yeah, actually like the way ISO looks more too. If it was soldered PCB I'd offer it but too hard with hotswap to have two PCBs for a small number of orders.

Well. I'll definitely need to go to sodering school   )

[Current Keyboards]

I will be releasing plate files with a blank pcb outline as well. I would love to see some different layouts!

[Sandy]

How is the hatchet going? Are you planning on waiting for that to finish production and shipping before running this?

[akyp11]

Like the design and filled out IC form. Good luck!

[ainet]

I really like the design, the price I must admit scares me to know

[Datastream]

Looks very interesting

[Current Keyboards]

How is the hatchet going? Are you planning on waiting for that to finish production and shipping before running this?

Going well. Once I get all the hatchet parts in and start shipping those I'll launch this.

[Current Keyboards]

I really like the design, the price I must admit scares me to know

It will be Keycult levels for sure but the level of QC/packaging/etc will also be that high of quality.

[santela]

Hmm, I don't know why but I'm having a hard time deciding whether I really like the design or don't like it at all. It's got this 80's take on modern design vibe going on, so kinda modern and retro at the same time, or at least that's how I feel.
I would have imagined the corner mounting points would create a more stiff and inconsistent typing feel in the corners, but curious to see how it actually feels and sounds if you get a prototype. On the fence for this one

[Clay333]

I'll be honest, I love it! I would not have imagined I would like this style but it's great. I like that it is different and unique without just having big bezels or a completely outlandish design. Good job. I will definitely keep an eye on this and try to prepare my wallet. The only thing I would like is an o-ring style mounting system (like the Unikorn), but that is really just me wanting to try that mounting method and nothing at all wrong with the design of this board.

[Sabin]

Design is lovely, refreshing change from the standard bezels a lot of boards have

[Current Keyboards]

Hmm, I don't know why but I'm having a hard time deciding whether I really like the design or don't like it at all. It's got this 80's take on modern design vibe going on, so kinda modern and retro at the same time, or at least that's how I feel.
I would have imagined the corner mounting points would create a more stiff and inconsistent typing feel in the corners, but curious to see how it actually feels and sounds if you get a prototype. On the fence for this one

The standard 6-mount system like Keycult and others use is actually much stiffer in the center. This one maintains about the same corner stiffness but makes the center of the board much closer to the flex and response of the corners. It's due to the fact you have a lot of material surrounding say, the "G" key causing it to have a stiff feel. The "Q" key has less material but is located closer to the mount so it's similar in stiffness. If you have mounts in the center, you have both material and springs which over stiffens the center. It sounds counter-intuitive but that's why I spent a lot of time in FEA getting it right. Want to create something that feels much better than current designs. This is also probably why a lot of tray mounts feel/sound better with the center posts removed IMO. I also don't want this to sound like a harsh criticism of the 6-mount. I think those boards are still extremely good.

[Rotwitt]

Dolores looks gorgeous! I'm definitely interested in owning one. Hope to see the project prosper!

[Rayndalf]

Cute

[JvMil]

This is a gorgeous design. I am very interested and if the price is not too high I will be joining the GB 

[Rebral]

Following!

[tiamo123654]

looks adorable cute! Will you release the hand rest for it?
There is no hand rest will fit it on the market...

[Current Keyboards]

looks adorable cute! Will you release the hand rest for it?
There is no hand rest will fit it on the market...

Most 65% rests should work ok. The front is slightly angled but this shouldn't be an issue. I have had quite a few requests for a matching rest though which would be a fun future project.

[FaIIen]

Interesting... Will have to wait and see pricing.

[Owl]

Very nice design. You explained that you wanted to break the status quo and you're definitely doing it. It's got really nice balance. Gentle curves and slopes that make it really easy to look at while also having interesting geometry. Not too distracting but not too plain. It just blends in with everything. You could take this anywhere and it won't turn heads but closer inspection would reveal the quality of it which I like a lot. Color options looks great as well and will be a compelling selling point for a lot of people who want to match their favorite keycap set. Yeah I think it's great. It breaks the mold without being over engineered and it combines "classy" with "fun". I think the community sentiment is still fixated on the utilitarian geometry and overly engineered functionality of keyboards right now but this kind of design will catch on. gwlic!

[santela]

Hmm, I don't know why but I'm having a hard time deciding whether I really like the design or don't like it at all. It's got this 80's take on modern design vibe going on, so kinda modern and retro at the same time, or at least that's how I feel.
I would have imagined the corner mounting points would create a more stiff and inconsistent typing feel in the corners, but curious to see how it actually feels and sounds if you get a prototype. On the fence for this one

The standard 6-mount system like Keycult and others use is actually much stiffer in the center. This one maintains about the same corner stiffness but makes the center of the board much closer to the flex and response of the corners. It's due to the fact you have a lot of material surrounding say, the "G" key causing it to have a stiff feel. The "Q" key has less material but is located closer to the mount so it's similar in stiffness. If you have mounts in the center, you have both material and springs which over stiffens the center. It sounds counter-intuitive but that's why I spent a lot of time in FEA getting it right. Want to create something that feels much better than current designs. This is also probably why a lot of tray mounts feel/sound better with the center posts removed IMO. I also don't want this to sound like a harsh criticism of the 6-mount. I think those boards are still extremely good.

Thanks for the explanation. Yes it sounds counter intuitive but your explanation makes sense.

[Current Keyboards]

Very nice design. You explained that you wanted to break the status quo and you're definitely doing it. It's got really nice balance. Gentle curves and slopes that make it really easy to look at while also having interesting geometry. Not too distracting but not too plain. It just blends in with everything. You could take this anywhere and it won't turn heads but closer inspection would reveal the quality of it which I like a lot. Color options looks great as well and will be a compelling selling point for a lot of people who want to match their favorite keycap set. Yeah I think it's great. It breaks the mold without being over engineered and it combines "classy" with "fun". I think the community sentiment is still fixated on the utilitarian geometry and overly engineered functionality of keyboards right now but this kind of design will catch on. gwlic!

Thanks for the kind words. That's my hope. I like the minimalist/utilitarian look as well (and those do a better job of showing off the caps in some cases) but I think it's a bit over done at this point. Andromeda is another cool departure from the norm and I hope more boards like these catch on. Designs like these are hard to machine and take a ton of CAD time though which is why I suspect there aren't more of them.

[ianmvs]

I really like the design, I am hoping to join in the group buy when it becomes available and hopefully I won't have to take out a second mortgage

[stimuz]

I find it harder and harder to be excited for sub 500 FCFS, lol.

[Current Keyboards]

I find it harder and harder to be excited for sub 500 FCFS, lol.

I am thinking of upping it. This seems to have a lot more interest than my previous GB.

[guill3m]

Really nice looking piece. Any chance for split backspace support? glwic!

[Current Keyboards]

Really nice looking piece. Any chance for split backspace support? glwic!

Split backspace unfortunately isn't going to happen, just too tight with sockets but split spacebar is likely to happen. Will release plate files though if anybody want's to build their own.

Split backspace is going to be on the soldered board option.

[ainet]

Very good design! I like it

[Current Keyboards]

Packaging is coming along nicely. Should have some updates on the full prototype in a handful of weeks. Discord has a video of packaging showing inside as well.

[konstantin]

I like this, but I'm sad to hear that split backspace support is out of the question. That kills it for me, unfortunately.

[Current Keyboards]

Yeah, if it was soldered I would definitely support more layouts like split backspace. Unfortunate it's so hard to do with hotswap. There's definitely a market in my opinion for a new type of hotswap socket that's more compact. I've seen some new stuff out there but nothing I'd trust yet.

[iluvdylan123]

I really like this design! I probably won't be able to get it but I'd love to see how they turn out

[azzipa]

Dang, Current. I managed to ignore this board for almost 3 months. Then I made the mistake of looking at the Noire example on your Discord. The sculpting is

 

[Current Keyboards]

I finally have a Dolores prototype in hand! Sending it off to get Cerakoted with some of the Hatchet-01s that are coming in for production.

Put a handful of switches in, and it feels absolutely incredible. Once PCBs are in, I'll be able to test whether my FEA efforts were worthwhile.

In other news, I am considering offering custom Pantone matching with enamel paint. This option would be an almost commission level of effort per board and be much higher priced than the Cerakote. That said, I would like to offer the service during a GB run to keep costs outside the stratosphere compared to standard commissions. Let me know your thoughts!

[pixelpusher]

Do you have any higher res photos of the prototype?  These are kinda small, hard to make out details.

I see them in discord 

[Current Keyboards]

Really nice looking piece. Any chance for split backspace support? glwic!

So we are now going to have two different PCB options. One hotswap with a standard ANSI layout and plate. The second will be a soldered board with split backspace, split spacebar, ISO, etc below:


 

[SekaiJutsu]

Really great work so far! Really excited for GB!

[hottrout]

It is a very good looking little board.  Nice work.  The cream and black has a retro feeling that would suit GMK Noire very well.

[Arila]

EEEEEK all the colours!!! <3 Love it!

[azzipa]

Just when I think I can ignore this board, or more accurately my wallet can, there's something to pull me in. This time it's the split space bar. 

So we are now going to have two different PCB options. One hotswap with a standard ANSI layout and plate. The second will be a soldered board with split backspace, split spacebar, ISO, etc below:

FWIW, my interest is in Cerakote. The Pantone matching sounds amazing but I choose to unleash my OCD tendencies in other ways. 

[Firebear31]

Very cool design! Looking forward to this!

[__init__]

Very interested! Like others have said, it's good to see some variation in design and not like all the other similar looking custom boards out. Is there a rough GB date at all? Good luck with the IC!

[WillyWortel]

Interested.

The color combinations shown in the renders are so nice, it is hard to decide which to choose.

Can you add the cerakote color names next to the renders?

[Current Keyboards]

Very interested! Like others have said, it's good to see some variation in design and not like all the other similar looking custom boards out. Is there a rough GB date at all? Good luck with the IC!

Still working on the final date. Waiting on some quality checks and to get my previous GB fully shipped.

Interested.

The color combinations shown in the renders are so nice, it is hard to decide which to choose.

Can you add the cerakote color names next to the renders?

So a lot of the renders have custom colors. I may offer that as an option but am testing the painting method/supplier and durability now.

I will have a color configurator for the standard Cerakote options on currentkeyboards.com within the week though.

[WillyWortel]

Is there a way to match pantone colors with the cerakote colors? Close enough is close enough

[Current Keyboards]

Is there a way to match pantone colors with the cerakote colors? Close enough is close enough

Not with Cerakote. I'm working with a paint supplier that does Pantone matching though and trying the durability out this week vs Cerakote. It would also be an expensive option over the Cerakote.

[Ranger_Trivette]

innovative design! 

[0xtanja]

YES

[HappyB0T]

It's been a bit since I looked at this IC. The style of the board is excellent. Colors are an added bonus. Good design and great color options. What more could you ask for?

[Current Keyboards]

Color configurator for Dolores is live.
https://currentkeyboards.com/configurator

[WillyWortel]

Very nice.

In an earlier post you mentioned you are testing with a different coating for Pantone matching. Do you already have any results?

[Current Keyboards]

Very nice.

In an earlier post you mentioned you are testing with a different coating for Pantone matching. Do you already have any results?

Been testing with an aluminum etch primer and getting good results. It's durable enough but the application is pretty tough to get perfect. I may offer it on a commission basis for now since they will require a lot of attention.

[MelonBred]

wow that proto is looking really good! Color configurator is great too.

[SDKCAMPING]

watching.. is there any hint on expected price yet??

[Current Keyboards]

wow that proto is looking really good! Color configurator is great too.

Thanks.

watching.. is there any hint on expected price yet??

It will be pricey. Lots of curves means an unhappy CNC machine.

[HappyB0T]

Dang, Current. I managed to ignore this board for almost 3 months. Then I made the mistake of looking at the Noire example on your Discord. The sculpting is

Show Image

 

Show Image

This colorway and similar Grey/Black look really fantastic.

[FlaminFingers]

Is there a chance for ALPs support on the pcb? I would instantly buy this if that is the case.
Great job on the design, looks super classy and modern. Love it!

[Current Keyboards]

Is there a chance for ALPs support on the pcb? I would instantly buy this if that is the case.
Great job on the design, looks super classy and modern. Love it!

Unfortunately no Alps support on this PCB.

[Current Keyboards]

Hi all, quick updates. Things will be moving faster now.

My previous GB took longer than expected to work out Cerakoting and getting that process down. Looking good now.

Soldered PCB is done and tested. Works fantastically. Hotswap is in progress.

I have had a lot of requests to offer a beige similar to the Noire render I have. Debating a couple of colors and will announce soon. Find me on our Discord if you have strong opinions on which beige.

More to come soon! Please follow the Discord and/or our email list at currentkeyboards.com as these will have the first heads up for the GB launch.

Thanks for everybody's support. Been really fun developing this board.

[Current Keyboards]

Hi all,

We will be giving away a custom-built prototype matched to GMK Pulse. Comes with a soldered PCB, AL and FR4 plates, Durock stabs, Cream switches and, GMK pulse keycaps.

More photos coming of the new prototypes we just got back from the Cerakoter as well. Should have a launch date soon!

Details will be announced via Discord and will be the first place to hear about this raffle and get a jump on the Dolores Groupbuy:
https://discord.gg/waX25Nf5qw

[AshF]

This design is amazing - black top plate with a brushed SS bottom!!  Just wow!

[Raul-7]

Gorgeous design! Only thing I'd add is windows for LED bleedthrough.

[WillyWortel]

Can you update the topic start with general dimensions of the board? I want to order a keyboard bag from a group buy which runs about the same period which I don't want to miss out on. 

[Current Keyboards]

Can you update the topic start with general dimensions of the board? I want to order a keyboard bag from a group buy which runs about the same period which I don't want to miss out on.

Board with a GMK keyset is 32.0 x 12.2 x 2.9cm. Height with SA changes to 4.5cm. Any standard 65% case will probably work great.

[Current Keyboards]

Hi all, Dolores is finally launching! The GB will go live on January 20th.

The price is $585 for the full kit. Additional add-ons like extra tops/bottoms in different colors will also be available.

The configurator is updated with all available colors:
https://currentkeyboards.com/configurator

[Jinho]

fixed 6.25u layout and no stepped caps, yet there's iso support and split spacebar support? it feels extremely lazy to sell a board at this high of a price, without the stock plates and pcb able to accommodate some of the most common layout preferences.

the 500 unit cap is extremely ambitious if you're doing this alone (though i don't doubt that it's possible), but my qualm is that you have an extremely high unit cap at a very very high price. i understand that the unique aesthetic will play into a higher machining cost, but $585 seems far too high with that unit cap, even with machining costs and material costs going up.

i like the aesthetic, it's interesting and fresh for a 65%, but it's disappointing to see such simple things missing like stepped caps and 7u support. the price point is enough to drive me away as well, unfortunately.

as you do have a proto as well, it would be really nice to get a decent sound test and more pictures.

glwgb

[Current Keyboards]

fixed 6.25u layout and no stepped caps, yet there's iso support and split spacebar support? it feels extremely lazy to sell a board at this high of a price, without the stock plates and pcb able to accommodate some of the most common layout preferences.

the 500 unit cap is extremely ambitious if you're doing this alone (though i don't doubt that it's possible), but my qualm is that you have an extremely high unit cap at a very very high price. i understand that the unique aesthetic will play into a higher machining cost, but $585 seems far too high with that unit cap, even with machining costs and material costs going up.

i like the aesthetic, it's interesting and fresh for a 65%, but it's disappointing to see such simple things missing like stepped caps and 7u support. the price point is enough to drive me away as well, unfortunately.

as you do have a proto as well, it would be really nice to get a decent sound test and more pictures.

glwgb

We’ve added support for stepped caps and a 7u spacebar on the soldered board.

There is a typing test on our Discord https://discord.gg/VfH9dgpcer.

Full support on soldered board:

[Current Keyboards]

Hi all,

With a heavy heart, we are going to cancel and fully refund the Dolores GB. Currently, sales are going well and we are on pace to sell the MOQ of ~100 units. While I can get this done, the cost of the parts, Cerakote QC difficulty, and risk in producing the complicated geometry makes it riskier at these lower-end volumes. If anything goes majorly wrong, even at $585, we may be coming out of pocket to get the GB done. For these reasons and the general instability of the manufacturing and shipping this year, we’ve decided to cancel and refund with no plans to restart.

If you have preordered a Dolores you will receive a “canceled order” email Monday and a full refund for the GB and shipping. It will take at least a few days for Stripe to post to your bank account. Please let me know if it hasn’t by February 5th. I apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused. We want to call it early to avoid tying up your money for too long.

Current as a whole will continue. We’d like to produce much smaller numbers of far more unique boards. My theory with Dolores and Hatchet was that very unique designs and customization might sustain the higher manufacturing costs. Unfortunately, it isn’t at a volume to build a stable business. For future boards, we would like to sell maybe dozens of units just to cover our own costs of making these new designs. Giving our Discord and email list the first chance to buy. This started out as purely a fun hobby, and we’d like to go back there.

If your heart was truly set on a Dolores. I may (big emphasis on may) be running a few commission boards. Please reach out if you have an interest. They will be quite expensive (think $1800+). Will only be available with soldered PCBs.

Thank you all for the support over the last two years! We’ll be back with something interesting! Please reach out if you have any questions.

- Current Keyboards