Print Page - [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps

geekhack Marketplace => Group Buys and Preorders => Topic started by: necromanx on Mon, 13 April 2020, 12:41:05

Title: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: necromanx on Mon, 13 April 2020, 12:41:05

Hello everyone and welcome to the Groupbuy for the Borsdorf, the first custom keyboard for Apple M3501 ISO Keycaps.

(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/431112542882889741/617038871309582356/DSCF1868_edited.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/YaQDzzw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NPne3sK.jpg)
(Founder's Edition engraving )
Thanks to Egla and Kwerdenker for the photos

(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/431112542882889741/617038871372496909/DSCF1872_edited.png)
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/431112542882889741/617038867891224581/DSCF1873_edited.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ewRfItZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aBjMp3z.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/b9QTEpB.jpg)
(Apple Sticker not included)

Typing Test:

Some time ago Westfoxtrot of Cablecardesigns created the Cyclops PCB to solve the unique predicament of using the ISO keycaps from Apple's M3501 keyboard, more commonly known as the AEKII, in a modern layout. From there on I designed a custom case to better accomodate the inherently curved caps. After a small initial private round I have partnered with mykeyboard.eu to deliver a full fledged GB for this board.

Specs:

Anodized Aluminium Case made in Belgium by Salvun
8-Point topmount with plastic washers
PCB by Cutie Club, STM32 based, USB C, QMK compatible, Capslock LED for those with SKCLs who fancy it
Carbon Fiber Plate
5° typing angle
comes with a high quality Swisstools Torx tool
66% Layout
More
(https://i.imgur.com/bpg9pc9.png)

Groupbuy figures:

unlimited quantity
runs until May 3rd
estimated delivery around October (Normally I'd go with a more agressive timeline but alas, we have a global pandemic happening right now. The boards may well arrive earlier but better safe than sorry)
300€ kit cost with VAT
Anodizing available in Titanium Grey, Navy and Bordeaux
More
(https://i.imgur.com/Hh82v2m.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mHSAM1G.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/liPHLfC.jpg)
Cerakoting in standard colors available per request for a 60€ premium

Borsdorf product page link (https://mykeyboard.eu/catalogue/borsdorf_2022/)
Google form - color selection (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vQUgcBHV9Ei0AHZRtUKK_3QyX6pm7WGGNBJhLSdS32U)

FAQ:

Which switches can I use with this? Any Alps Style switch will work, this means ALPS SKCM/SKCL, SKBM/SKBL and Matias switches (also Tai-Hao APCs but I cannot recommend that)
Where can I source caps? In my experience the M3501 is the most common Alps board on the European market by a decent margin, eBay and your local craigslist equivalents will cover you, please consider shooting for defect ones so functional boards don't need to be gutted
ne ANSI avail? Not for the time being, no. There may well be an ANSI round further down the line but no concrete plans as of writing
Will this work for [Alps Keyset that is not M3501 ISO]? No, Alps don't let you play fast and loose with layouts, this only works for M3501s
Will this work for MX? Hard no, the PCB will sit lower, things will NOT fit. Also it'll look goofy, trust me
Will the OG Cyclops PCBs with mini-USB fit this case? Unfortunately no, the second iteration is explicitly designed for USB-C
This is cool does anyone make AEK profile artisan caps? You're in luck, Gabbzan of Gabcaps does just that and has done so already
Can I buy this keyboard kit outside of Europe? Yes just contact me, NecromanX here or through Discord to help you out.
I have a question that's not listed here. You can reach everyone involved with the project on mykeyboard's discord at https://discord.gg/m6nggAv, the channel is in the "Keyboard Projects" category

Buildstreams:

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Tue, 14 April 2020, 14:27:18

Approved! :thumb:

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: pngu on Tue, 14 April 2020, 14:33:10

Pineapplepiepen

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: nu_types on Tue, 14 April 2020, 14:40:58

No ANSI makes me die inside... But this is the pain my ISO brethren must feel often... so I can't really complain. Does the PCB support ANSI at all? I wouldn't mind ordering a custom plate for it. If not, I'll just patiently wait for an ANSI option.

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: jani80k on Tue, 14 April 2020, 14:44:20

Good luck with the group buy!!
Awesome board!!

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: hkiri on Tue, 14 April 2020, 14:46:50

Not sure if I'm ready to step in the Alps hole

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: gminso on Tue, 14 April 2020, 14:52:24

i wish somebody would run a matching keyset GB. I think adjusting to this layout is easier than 60%. its just hard to source the keyset..

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: nu_types on Tue, 14 April 2020, 14:56:42

Quote from: gminso on Tue, 14 April 2020, 14:52:24

i wish somebody would run a matching keyset GB. I think adjusting to this layout is easier than 60%. its just hard to source the keyset..

Problem is that it would require new molds. I think these caps were made by Alps themselves, and I seriously doubt the molds are still in existence. I would totally join an AEK keycap replica GB.

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: Jampot_298 on Tue, 14 April 2020, 14:59:52

pog
let's gooo

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: gminso on Tue, 14 April 2020, 15:19:31

can I get an extra plate + pcb? I always get them tho :eek:

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: Darth WTF on Tue, 14 April 2020, 15:40:54

Quote from: gminso on Tue, 14 April 2020, 15:19:31

can I get an extra plate + pcb? I always get them tho :eek:

Yes those are available.

Quote from: Iredeus on Tue, 14 April 2020, 14:40:58

Does the PCB support ANSI at all? I wouldn't mind ordering a custom plate for it. If not, I'll just patiently wait for an ANSI option.

Sadly not, ANSI support would literally need a whole second set of footprints, the only reusable ones would be the bottom row.

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: Vigrith on Wed, 15 April 2020, 08:24:17

Best board. Buy it.

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: Darknight00z on Thu, 16 April 2020, 17:25:40

Glad to see alps getting some love

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: Darth WTF on Wed, 22 April 2020, 13:11:30

I took some photos of my anodization sample board earlier this week, other pictures have been the Slate Cerakote from the initial private round.

(https://i.imgur.com/jJzfMML.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mD6c3H6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tXW55N2.jpg)

Color is Titanium Grey.

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: Kallus on Sat, 20 June 2020, 14:03:10

y'all got any updates so far?

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: Darth WTF on Sat, 04 July 2020, 16:12:30

Quote from: Kallus on Sat, 20 June 2020, 14:03:10

y'all got any updates so far?

Nothing major, protos of the new PCBs are done, one should be with me shortly.

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: Darth WTF on Sat, 11 July 2020, 10:46:31

(https://i.imgur.com/0enJlfz.jpg)

Prototype PCB has arrived, production will be matte black of course.

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: Kallus on Fri, 17 July 2020, 16:03:10

Looking good, whats the timeline look like now?

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: tex_live_utility on Wed, 24 March 2021, 22:32:01

Any update?

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: igooo33333 on Thu, 25 March 2021, 18:25:04

Why does the product page say out of stock when this is unlimited?

edit:
Nevermind, I'm an idiot and forgot it's March.

Title: Re: [GB] Borsdorf: a 66% keyboard for Alps switches and Apple M3501 ISO keycaps
Post by: nu_types on Fri, 26 March 2021, 10:32:11

Quote from: igooo33333 on Thu, 25 March 2021, 18:25:04

Why does the product page say out of stock when this is unlimited?

edit:
Nevermind, I'm an idiot and forgot it's March.

This GB also happened last year.