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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 13:57:54

Title: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look [GB GOING LIVE!!]
Post by: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 13:57:54
GB IS LIVE ON https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=113303.0


(https://i.imgur.com/ehOJSno.jpg)

Aozora | 青空
The Aozora is a 65% style keyboard with an extra key!
Aozora features a clean design with a brass badge. Together with the plate, the badge and plate create a sleek two-tone design.

There are 5 finish options at the moment: Sumi (Black), Aizome (Navy), Sakura (Light Pink), Fukai(Deep Blue), and Hakushi (E-White). 

Sumi, Aizome, Faukai and Sakura will be sandblasted and anodized.

This board was designed by our new studio, SalmonCat. We are excited to join in on making great products at reasonable prices. We have some really cool boards planned for the future. So if you like this design, make sure to join our discord to see what we are working on.

(https://i.imgur.com/PmeoPB1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8YJcU1T.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ib6i1Sa.jpg)

---------------------------------------------------

Here are the main points.

Typing Angle: 6-Degree

Target Price: $200-ish for the base kit, with several optional plate & PCB extras available

The base kit will come with a top housing, plate, bottom housing, badge, screws, and PCB.

65%  69-key layout.

Sandwich mount

Full aluminum body

Plate and badge will come stock as brass, with an optional kit for aluminum hardware available

Carbon and Polycarbonate plates will be available in both ISO and ANSI, also as extras.

Uniquely shaped, Japanese cloud badge above arrow cluster.

ANSI Hot-swap, with ISO plate and PCB available.

Estimated 1.5kg without PCB, switches, and caps.

QMK Support

---------------------------------------------------

Colors:

 E-White (Hakushi)
(https://i.imgur.com/6KIbvNW.jpg)

 Black (Sumi)
(https://i.imgur.com/lQmH8ND.jpg)

 Blue (Aizome)
(https://i.imgur.com/d5QJbiQ.jpg)

 Pink (Sakura)
(https://i.imgur.com/60LzW2x.jpg)


There is one more color being added! It is an extremely dark navy. It is pictured in the topmost image of this post, but more renders will also be coming soon.

---------------------------------------------------

SOUND TEST!!!~

---------------------------------------------------

Timeline:
We are aiming to run the GB sometime within March & April 2021
Our second prototype ended up taking way too long to manufacture, and the date we were given for it to be shipped was pushed back several times. As of 5/28/21, we have received the second round of prototypes.
Our new estimated GB is June 2021.

---------------------------------------------------

Vendors/Pricing

We're going to be selling and shipping ourselves. It might result in shipping being more expensive for overseas customers, but it lowers the overall cost of the board for the entire GB. We're still working on our website, but it'll be up when we announce the GB.

We've confirmed a base kit of 199.99 USD, with either an aluminum or brass plate and badge available to chose at checkout. Extras of each component will be available, including tops and bottoms if you want to create a 2-tone keyboard!

---------------------------------------------------

Make sure to join our Discord or follow us for updates!
https://discord.gg/4fDq9QK5e2
https://www.instagram.com/salmoncat.studio/


Title: Re: Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: paulgali on Wed, 03 March 2021, 13:59:44
Did an almost identical board almost just finish GB? https://cannonkeys.com/collections/ikki68-aurora
Title: Re: Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Rayndalf on Wed, 03 March 2021, 14:07:36
Quote from: paulgali on Wed, 03 March 2021, 13:59:44
Did an almost identical board almost just finish GB? https://cannonkeys.com/collections/ikki68-aurora

I mean they're both 65% boards, but that one has an injection molded case while this one is machined aluminum with the brass plate being visible from the outside.

I guess the badge placement is similar, but it's a 65%, so that's a very logical place for a badge.

If this board is in the $200 range (with case, plate, foam and hotswap PCB) it will be a great value (as was the Aurora)... affordabe customs like these really make the Drop Alt look like a Razer Blackwidow in comparison.
Title: Re: Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: StanleyLelnats on Wed, 03 March 2021, 14:08:16
Quote from: paulgali on Wed, 03 March 2021, 13:59:44
Did an almost identical board almost just finish GB? https://cannonkeys.com/collections/ikki68-aurora

Looks like a combination of that and the Saka 68 which ran last month https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=108638.0
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 14:14:53
They are of course similar (I personally love the Saka68 and I bought it lol). There are some design changes, and overall creating a 65% in the manner can be hard to differentiate while keeping it at a good price point at the same time. The overall look is a (albeit subjectively) cleaner, as well as another key for additional functionality.
Title: Re: Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:07:46
Quote from: paulgali on Wed, 03 March 2021, 13:59:44
Did an almost identical board almost just finish GB? https://cannonkeys.com/collections/ikki68-aurora

I would definitely say they are similar but there are definitely differences. The ikki68 is very nice, however.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Shinigamii on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:23:03
I am not a huge fan of the additional key in the arrow cluster.  Other than that, the board looks great, simple design and hopefully the price is around what is expected.  Are there any renders for the side profile?  Looking forward to the protos, good luck.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:25:04
Quote from: Shinigamii on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:23:03
.  Are there any renders for the side profile? 

There are I can post them in the discord : )
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Ustinj on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:25:35
that one extra key next to the arrows that differentiates it from the saka68 feels very very off to me. feels very random and I think may be very upsetting to look at with caps on.

edit: after some thinking, I feel .. you put a blocker near the arrow keys to separate it and make the arrows easier to spot / identify.. so adding a random key jammed into the arrows kind of defeats the purpose of an arrow key blocker
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:31:25
I guess that is kinda right, it was mainly to keep the grouping of 4 and fill up the space that in my opinion looks kinda bad on the ikki68 for example. But thank you for the feedback : D
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Laur on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:44:47
You don't have permission to use my set for renders, why are you doing it? The colours are way off too, it's in the wrong profile, the legends are wrong.
Please remove it.

Edit: They removed it very willingly and I appreciate that.

Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: iinko_mk on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:50:37
yo, someone catch me if i'm tripping, but this looks exactly like an ikki68. and the name is similar to the ikki 68 aurora (aozora)
Title: Re: Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: homerowco on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:51:34
Quote from: paulgali on Wed, 03 March 2021, 13:59:44
Did an almost identical board almost just finish GB? https://cannonkeys.com/collections/ikki68-aurora

nah, that one is some plastic crap.



 :D
Title: Re: Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: iinko_mk on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:55:45
Quote from: homerowco on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:51:34
Quote from: paulgali on Wed, 03 March 2021, 13:59:44
Did an almost identical board almost just finish GB? https://cannonkeys.com/collections/ikki68-aurora

nah, that one is some plastic crap.



 :D

this wasn't https://ikki68.com/
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Rayndalf on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:10:01
Quote from: dudeship on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:44:47
You don't have permission to use my set for renders, why are you doing it? The colours are way off too, it's in the wrong profile, the legends are wrong.
Please remove it.

This is also just an Ikki Aurora clone.
Lol
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Tree_ on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:14:23
I like that there's all these budget 68-key boards releasing, but can we please finally get one that doesn't have a gaudy ass badge between the arrow cluster and mods?
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: MidnightSnek on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:23:51
Lmaoooooooooo Saka and ikki copy
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:32:27
Quote from: MidnightSnek on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:23:51
Lmaoooooooooo Saka and ikki copy
If this is a clone of those, why is saka not a clone of ikki? sure there are design similarities but I could give you a plenty long list of keyboards that look similar.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Ustinj on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:33:33
Quote from: MidnightSnek on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:23:51
Lmaoooooooooo Saka and ikki copy



ikki68 maybe. but saka68? not really lol

Quote from: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:32:27
Quote from: MidnightSnek on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:23:51
Lmaoooooooooo Saka and ikki copy
If this is a clone of those, why is saka not a clone of ikki? sure there are design similarities but I could give you a plenty long list of keyboards that look similar.

I suggest posting the side profile photos here instead of just Discord, the side profile can really differentiate this from the other boards. i don't agree with those saying it's a clone of the saka. the only reason it should be compared to the ikki68 is the badge placement imo.

edit: in hindsight, i guess i can understand why some feel this way. I looked closer at the renders and see that the side profile is the same as the saka68 and the top profile is the ikki68, so i guess posting direct side-profile shots wouldn't really change much. then again, i think most boards are just derivatives of other designs anyway so there's nothing really wrong with it
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:43:07
Quote from: Ustinj on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:33:33
I suggest posting the side profile photos here instead of just Discord, the side profile can really differentiate this from the other boards. i don't agree with those saying it's a clone of the saka. the only reason it should be compared to the ikki68 is the badge placement imo.

We will do just that, thank you for the suggestion!
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: saintnoodle on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:49:52
maybe if you had come up with a unique design of your own, i'd have liked it...
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 17:09:36
(https://i.imgur.com/A8Cd4sz.jpg)
Here is a side profile image. Much tighter chamfer. Much smaller fillet on corners. Steeper angle.

Overall it's a much more defined, cleaner shape.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 17:12:15
Saka and ikki for comparison.

(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/295073763559604224/816806484570144798/index.png)

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0403/9809/4489/t/6/assets/pf-2cc12f4a--smallmizu.jpg?v=1611910389)
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: tsoiab10 on Wed, 03 March 2021, 17:16:24
Personally not a very big fan of the layout but GLWIC OP.  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 17:40:22
Quote from: tsoiab10 on Wed, 03 March 2021, 17:16:24
Personally not a very big fan of the layout but GLWIC OP.  :thumb:

Thank you : D
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Ibme on Wed, 03 March 2021, 17:51:44
I like the design of the Layout!  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: galdrom on Wed, 03 March 2021, 18:37:13
The arrow key cluster is a little strange, but I’m definitely interested in that price point...
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 19:27:33
As a quick update, we are going to be changing the badge to be a cloud thanks to the suggestions in the IC! I hope this will free up a bit of comparisons to other boards and also fit the name to create a better theme.

Also thank you to everyone who has joined our discord and signed up for the IC so far. I am super happy that this got any traction at all and hope we can deliver the best product possible.

Thank you,
Niko
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: convoliution on Wed, 03 March 2021, 19:40:51
I *really* like how the badge is centered between between the arrow cluster and the home cluster—other similar boards look a little visually unbalanced to me because there's always an empty space around there, but your extra key with the arrows fills it perfectly.

The gold stripe does make it look similar to the Saka, though I do like the sharper corners on the Aozora.

Unfortunately I already filled the 68%-sized hole in my heart with an Ikki68, but this looks neat! Best of luck.

EDIT: My heart is conflicted.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: bigglesby on Thu, 04 March 2021, 01:07:45
Yo so like, I love this. **** the saka or ikki or w.e the more keebs for ppl to buy cuz **** is sold out in under 3 nanoseconds the better.
But i gotta ask, why do yall only pick Black, white, e white, blue, pink for every case. Can we get some burgandy, washed out cyan, beige, something other than the norm
Also is every1 a weeb on this platform? Hakushi (E-white)/Sumi (Black)? BRUUUUUH LMFAOOOO just saY THE colours my dud


-Ciao pce n luv my G :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Thu, 04 March 2021, 01:17:09
I actually completely agree but some colors are actually a bit harder than others. Hoping for our second keeb to have a lot more interesting colors when we have some more experience under our belts. Best
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: fredprinz21 on Thu, 04 March 2021, 01:19:43
Just filled out the IC form, Niko.

Overall, I love that keep creators are creating reasonably priced boards (especially people like me who has tighter budget) and I hope the trend does not stop. =)

I don't like the added key but it's not a dealbreaker for me. Joining your Discord in a few minutes. Looking forward to your collabs too with keycap, cable and deskmat creators!

GOOD LUCK, chief!
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: bigglesby on Thu, 04 March 2021, 01:32:44
Quote from: SalmonCat on Thu, 04 March 2021, 01:17:09
I actually completely agree but some colors are actually a bit harder than others. Hoping for our second keeb to have a lot more interesting colors when we have some more experience under our belts. Best

Word up makes sense, preciate you still. providing more stock to us newbies is already fire aff
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Suli on Thu, 04 March 2021, 05:16:23
don't think that this is the copy of ikki. But definitely looks too much like Saka. Almost 1 to 1 copy.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Aerizu on Thu, 04 March 2021, 09:29:57
Is the plate/pcb layout fixed? Are there plans for split backspace and right-shift support?
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Thu, 04 March 2021, 16:32:49
Quote from: Aerizu on Thu, 04 March 2021, 09:29:57
Is the plate/pcb layout fixed? Are there plans for split backspace and right-shift support?

Currently, we are going through the IC responses. At this point, it is definitely possible. It may only not happen to try to save on machining cost.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Tree_ on Thu, 04 March 2021, 17:53:49
Quote from: SalmonCat on Wed, 03 March 2021, 19:27:33
As a quick update, we are going to be changing the badge to be a cloud thanks to the suggestions in the IC! I hope this will free up a bit of comparisons to other boards and also fit the name to create a better theme.

Quote from: Tree_ on Wed, 03 March 2021, 16:14:23
I like that there's all these budget 68-key boards releasing, but can we please finally get one that doesn't have a gaudy ass badge between the arrow cluster and mods?
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: GreenLantern on Thu, 04 March 2021, 20:45:35
Quote from: bigglesby on Thu, 04 March 2021, 01:07:45
Yo so like, I love this. **** the saka or ikki or w.e the more keebs for ppl to buy cuz **** is sold out in under 3 nanoseconds the better.
But i gotta ask, why do yall only pick Black, white, e white, blue, pink for every case. Can we get some burgandy, washed out cyan, beige, something other than the norm
Also is every1 a weeb on this platform? Hakushi (E-white)/Sumi (Black)? BRUUUUUH LMFAOOOO just saY THE colours my dud


-Ciao pce n luv my G :thumb:

Crudely worded but I agree. Would also love to see a burgundy color, you can count me in the GB as well.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: UglyDuckling5 on Thu, 04 March 2021, 20:57:33
Just in here to say **** the haters, like your work and will watch out for your GB. Love the idea of the cloud badge.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Thu, 04 March 2021, 22:36:37
Quote from: UglyDuckling5 on Thu, 04 March 2021, 20:57:33
Just in here to say **** the haters, like your work and will watch out for your GB. Love the idea of the cloud badge.
At first, I was a little bummed out about the haters but hopefully, I will learn a lot from it and make an even better board!
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: fredprinz21 on Fri, 05 March 2021, 03:31:32
Looking forward to the prototype! Let's GOOOOO!!! :cool:
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Aerizu on Mon, 08 March 2021, 07:32:40
Quote from: SalmonCat on Thu, 04 March 2021, 16:32:49
Quote from: Aerizu on Thu, 04 March 2021, 09:29:57
Is the plate/pcb layout fixed? Are there plans for split backspace and right-shift support?

Currently, we are going through the IC responses. At this point, it is definitely possible. It may only not happen to try to save on machining cost.

That's good to hear! Can't wait for this to go to GB soon :)
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Fri, 12 March 2021, 20:57:20
Some more renders with the new badge and Mizu:

(https://i.imgur.com/WDKkycw.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/jPaCnT4.png)
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: npeng on Sat, 13 March 2021, 03:03:22
I'm liking this badge update.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Guns on Mon, 15 March 2021, 02:14:32
I wish there are more keebs with layout like this, 'cause I really need my regular shift and TKL is too long for me.
Title: Re: Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Jefff on Tue, 16 March 2021, 09:46:05
Quote from: paulgali on Wed, 03 March 2021, 13:59:44
Did an almost identical board almost just finish GB? https://cannonkeys.com/collections/ikki68-aurora

Identical only in layout... Are all TKLs and 60s clones?
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Raptor_N60 on Tue, 16 March 2021, 13:10:03
What's with the clone comments? First Sun68 now this board? Would you guys elaborate what is being cloned and contribute instead?

If it's about the layout, this layout existed for a long time (Varmillo Va68m and Magicforce68 etc.)

If it's about the design, try to input your ideas on how to improve.

If you are adamant that this is a "clone", get the original designers' attention and get their input.

In the end nothing beats voting with your wallet. Meaningless comments contributes nothing to the community

Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: atlanticise on Tue, 16 March 2021, 23:27:21
I dig the cloud badge so much! Got my eye on this especially with the promise of "well-priced" :)
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: mistrals on Thu, 25 March 2021, 11:51:16
Have you transitioned completely to the new cloud-shaped badge? Will it be possible for those who want a rectangular badge to opt for that instead? I know that the cloud badge is more "unique," but I may actually prefer the more classic rectangular badge shape. It really creates a nice symmetry between the 4 keys above and below it.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Tree_ on Thu, 25 March 2021, 17:04:45
Quote from: mistrals on Thu, 25 March 2021, 11:51:16
Have you transitioned completely to the new cloud-shaped badge? Will it be possible for those who want a rectangular badge to opt for that instead? I know that the cloud badge is more "unique," but I may actually prefer the more classic rectangular badge shape. It really creates a nice symmetry between the 4 keys above and below it.

Or, better yet, will there be an option for badgeless?
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: Oddstag on Thu, 25 March 2021, 18:03:14
I like this badge a lot! Nice to see something a little different.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Fri, 26 March 2021, 03:27:16
Quote from: Tree_ on Thu, 25 March 2021, 17:04:45
Quote from: mistrals on Thu, 25 March 2021, 11:51:16
Have you transitioned completely to the new cloud-shaped badge? Will it be possible for those who want a rectangular badge to opt for that instead? I know that the cloud badge is more "unique," but I may actually prefer the more classic rectangular badge shape. It really creates a nice symmetry between the 4 keys above and below it.

Or, better yet, will there be an option for badgeless?

Sadly there most likely won't be such options on round one due to unit limitations. If we were to manufacture several different versions of the top piece it could get expensive very quickly. With higher volumes, this wouldn't be an issue.

For anyone interested, the badge is most likely going to be only available with the cloud. I personally love both badges but it isn't realistic to include both at the moment. Thank you for your understanding.

Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: LASERman Projects on Sun, 28 March 2021, 06:10:09
Very good decision to go with unique cloud badge. This, and the extra key that makes this project so special among always square badge trend.

I only wish that the shape of the base would be re-considered as well, for something else that plain all around full wall that makes the keyboard difficult to lift. If you ask what I mean specifically look how it's done very well on KY-01 linked below.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: SalmonCat on Thu, 27 May 2021, 01:18:28
UPDATE 5/26/21

We apologize for the lack of updates on Geekhack. We are fairly active on Discord but we've left this thread out to dry, and we're now rapidly approaching GB-readiness so an update is needed.

The Aizome color has been tweaked to make production more affordable, but will still be a very similar navy blue.

Pricing has not been finalized, but we have a list of all the options we'll be offering:

The base kit (Keyboard itself and PCB) will come standard with an ANSI plate & PCB, wearing brass hardware. You will be able to chose your color of choice for the body at checkout.

As for extras, there will be several options available:

*ISO plates are universal plates that will fit both ISO and ANSI layouts. ISO PCB's are soldered and support phat enter, split backspace, and stepped capslock. ISO PCBs are also universal (meaning you could use it with ANSI plates).

Finally, we won't be using a third party vendor. The decision was made to lower the cost of the GB as a whole, though we understand it does make shipping more expensive for overseas customers (we are based in California).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a new render with a carbon ISO plate, pictures of the PCB, as well as a few pictures from the manufacturer (the guy put the keyboard together upside down, we know!):

(https://i.imgur.com/dsniyye.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ib6i1Sa.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AVAaw3N.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/q0ePtiG.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/RzhaUw6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QVFKPWd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/p695ltg.jpg)

Once we get the new prototypes into our hands we will take better photos.

Thanks for sticking with us!
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: RoyalOak88 on Thu, 27 May 2021, 04:27:56
Quote from: SalmonCat on Thu, 27 May 2021, 01:18:28
UPDATE 5/26/21

Finally, we won't be using a third party vendor. The decision was made to lower the cost of the GB as a whole, though we understand it does make shipping more expensive for overseas customers (we are based in California).


This is a pity.
The prototypes look nice
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look. [UPDATE 5/26/21]
Post by: Pawl on Thu, 27 May 2021, 17:31:55
Wait, are you guys based in NorCal? Would there be any option for pickup? Just saw this board today and love this style layout!
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look. [UPDATE 5/26/21]
Post by: NoThankYou on Thu, 27 May 2021, 19:49:52
This board looks great!  Can't wait for the GB!
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look. [UPDATE 5/26/21]
Post by: Tiff0 on Fri, 28 May 2021, 16:45:43
Quote from: Pawl on Thu, 27 May 2021, 17:31:55
Wait, are you guys based in NorCal? Would there be any option for pickup? Just saw this board today and love this style layout!

Plus 1 for a NorCal pick up party!
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look. [UPDATE 5/26/21]
Post by: SalmonCat on Fri, 28 May 2021, 23:11:17
Quote from: Pawl on Thu, 27 May 2021, 17:31:55
Wait, are you guys based in NorCal? Would there be any option for pickup? Just saw this board today and love this style layout!

Quote from: Tiff0 on Fri, 28 May 2021, 16:45:43
Plus 1 for a NorCal pick up party!

We aren't based in NorCal, unfortunately. There was some joking around about doing a road trip to deliver keyboards a while ago, but we'll be in school by then so it's unrealistic that would happen :(
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look. [UPDATE 5/26/21]
Post by: stoffelduss on Sat, 29 May 2021, 03:46:21
didn't read everything but is there an option for split backspace and split right shift? I'd prefer as few stabilized keys as possible :p
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look. [UPDATE 5/26/21]
Post by: SalmonCat on Sat, 29 May 2021, 18:34:00
Quote from: stoffelduss on Sat, 29 May 2021, 03:46:21
didn't read everything but is there an option for split backspace and split right shift? I'd prefer as few stabilized keys as possible :p

There will not be split RShift but split backspace will be available on the ISO/Universal plate/PCB
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look [NEW PICS! 5/30]
Post by: phoenixrage on Mon, 31 May 2021, 12:45:01
so does the extra key make this a 69% ? lol
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look [NEW PICS! 5/30]
Post by: SalmonCat on Mon, 31 May 2021, 16:31:37
Quote from: phoenixrage on Mon, 31 May 2021, 12:45:01
so does the extra key make this a 69% ? lol

Well, it makes it a 69-key, so good enough
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look [NEW PICS! 5/30]
Post by: SalmonCat on Sun, 06 June 2021, 17:36:51
The first type test can be found here.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look [1ST SOUND TEST!]
Post by: SalmonCat on Thu, 10 June 2021, 16:23:49

Here is our current Imgur album with various images of our prototypes!

https://imgur.com/a/9tQrdTl
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look [1ST SOUND TEST!]
Post by: MuadDef on Thu, 10 June 2021, 16:33:50
Hey there, nice project you have here. Do you already know by when you think you would be able to complete the production and ship the boards?
Thanks
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look [1ST SOUND TEST!]
Post by: SalmonCat on Thu, 10 June 2021, 16:37:50
Quote from: MuadDef on Thu, 10 June 2021, 16:33:50
Hey there, nice project you have here. Do you already know by when you think you would be able to complete the production and ship the boards?
Thanks

Thanks!

We're currently planning on starting shipping 3-4 months after we close the GB. This date is, of course, not certain, especially because of coronavirus.
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look [1ST SOUND TEST!]
Post by: SalmonCat on Thu, 10 June 2021, 16:47:20
The GB will be live on our site: https://salmoncat.studio/

Thanks for all your support!
Title: Re: [IC] Aozora | 青空 A well-priced 65% board with a stunning look.
Post by: HappyB0T on Thu, 10 June 2021, 23:51:25
Quote from: Shinigamii on Wed, 03 March 2021, 15:23:03
I am not a huge fan of the additional key in the arrow cluster.  Other than that, the board looks great, simple design and hopefully the price is around what is expected.  Are there any renders for the side profile?  Looking forward to the protos, good luck.

+1