Post by: brazen on Wed, 26 May 2021, 11:49:47
Hi guys, I'm Ian Fong, founder of Brazen Studio and this is the official Interest Check for our engineered-stone, terrazzo-style keyboard case, the Mason60!
The Mason60 is a 60% tray-mount keyboard case that should fit standard GH60-style pcbs. Note that this is just the case- you will need to provide your own 60% pcb, plate, switches etc.
Contents:
Gallery
Tech specs
Design & materials
Surface finish and mechanical properties
Sound
IC Form https://forms.gle/1ePufJ6Zo6M8XPQ6A (https://forms.gle/1ePufJ6Zo6M8XPQ6A)
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brazenstudio/ (https://www.instagram.com/brazenstudio/)
Gallery https://imgur.com/a/Jbc2g39 (https://imgur.com/a/Jbc2g39)
Discord https://discord.gg/V5m9fHjMcJ (https://discord.gg/V5m9fHjMcJ)
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Tech specs:
60% keyboard case
Material- Made of cast gypsum composite, optional silicone dampener
Mounting- Tray mounted (two stand offs on left and right, option to install middle stand offs as well)
Weight- approx 1.4kg
Typing angle- 5deg
Design and materials:
I was inspired to create this keyboard case while researching interior design trends, with terrazzo being one of the most prominent- terrazzo being the generic term for surfaces made with colored stone chips in a cement base.
I found out that I could make my own terrazzo items using a composite material called Jesmonite. It consists of a gypsum powder and a resin binder, that you can pigment and then pour into a mold. After it sets, it feels like engineered stone- think Corian or similar materials used in kitchen counter tops.
I thought this material would make an awesome keyboard case because (1) its heavy (2) you can make almost any color (3) I have lots of flexibility with regards to shape
I designed the Mason60 from scratch. I created a model of it using foam, then created a mold from that, then started casting prototypes. I chose 60% boards as a starting point as its the most standardized format. In the future, I will definitely look into other sizes (feel free to suggest a format with many people looking or aftermarket cases!).
In terms of design philosophy- I designed the shape of Mason60 to highlight the uniqueness of the material. I wanted a fat top bezel to show off the surface pattern and a chunky profile with very round edges which fit the "heavy" and "smooth" feel of stone or marble.
Surface finish and mechanical properties:
After casting, the case needs to be sanded down to reveal the chips inside. This is quite a laborious process, which I do with power tools for the rough pass, then finish by hand up to 2000 grit. The case is then sealed with a special wax, to provide water and stain resistance. The resulting finish is smooth enough to see reflections, like polished marble. Due to the casting process there may be some small air bubbles on the surface, the largest of which will be filled in, but small ones may remain. In my opinion the small bubbles add some character to the piece and makes it feel more stone like.
Bear in mind the hand-made nature of this case means it will not be dimensionally perfect like CNC aluminum, but this is part of the charm!
This material is fairly strong and tough, and shouldn't shatter should you drop it on the floor(!). It will dent or scratch if dropped though, but not through normal usage. The finish can be repaired by sanding it down and re-applying the wax (I will include a small amount with each order). The final finish is water and stain resistant (water will bead on the surface, but shouldnt be left standing).
Sound test
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPSICwDHUc6/
Initial pricing, colorways, timing
US$180 for case (shipping approx US$50 to USA and EU via courier)
US$20 for silicone dampener
US$40 for 60% wrist rest ($30 if purchased with the case)
Round 1 volume: 50pcs total (between all colorways)
Target 4 colorways (please vote for your favorite or suggest one that you think would be popular)
Lead time: start shipping 2 months from end of GB
About Braven Studio:
Currently a husband and wife team based out of Hong Kong
Ian
○ Spent 6 years in the coffee industry
○ Started and ran for 8 years my own custom clothing brand CUFFS in Hong Kong, featured in Forbes, CNN, Newsweek etc, nominated for Best retail concept by WGSN
Wife
Architect with 10 years experience
Post by: PixelBoba on Wed, 26 May 2021, 11:52:36
Nice stuff!
Post by: MIGHTY CHICKEN on Wed, 26 May 2021, 11:54:42
Post by: dededecline on Wed, 26 May 2021, 11:56:51
Post by: ergusto on Wed, 26 May 2021, 12:00:21
Post by: brazen on Wed, 26 May 2021, 12:08:50
Post by: fakedSkill on Wed, 26 May 2021, 12:11:43
Post by: ENG Studio on Wed, 26 May 2021, 12:12:34
Post by: brazen on Wed, 26 May 2021, 12:15:16
Really cool concept, honestly just wish it wasn't tray mounted
Have a listen! see what you think....
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPSICwDHUc6/
Im also going to have customizable stand offs so you can pick which ones to install yourself
Here is a pic of the standoffs
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I will be embedding inserts to allow the standoffs to be removed and installed easily
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Post by: Alejo1707 on Wed, 26 May 2021, 12:30:41
Also, beautiful results on your prototypes mate
Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk
Post by: brazen on Wed, 26 May 2021, 12:51:38
My wife is an architect, and I am looking a keeb for her to pair with KAM Bouquet, so count me in as well!
Also, beautiful results on your prototypes mate
Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk
Just looked up KAM Bouquet, I made an earlier prototype in pink/cream....i think it would go well! Maybe i need to include this in my GB
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/mdjw2x/prototype_60_case_cast_from_terrazzo_material/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/mdjw2x/prototype_60_case_cast_from_terrazzo_material/)
Post by: zombiecheetah on Wed, 26 May 2021, 12:55:06
Post by: darthcapn on Wed, 26 May 2021, 13:51:34
Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
Post by: darthcapn on Wed, 26 May 2021, 13:52:21
Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
Post by: brazen on Wed, 26 May 2021, 14:01:20
The teal pink ofcourse looks fire and would look bomb with gmk bento revival.
Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
Good to know... im starting simple with tray mount so that more people can make use of it with the standard GH60 layout.
In the future if there is enough interest I could try my hand at designing the PCB as well, Im pretty sure I could design an alternative mount
Post by: Alejo1707 on Wed, 26 May 2021, 15:08:33
My wife is an architect, and I am looking a keeb for her to pair with KAM Bouquet, so count me in as well!
Also, beautiful results on your prototypes mate
Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk
Just looked up KAM Bouquet, I made an earlier prototype in pink/cream....i think it would go well! Maybe i need to include this in my GB
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/mdjw2x/prototype_60_case_cast_from_terrazzo_material/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/mdjw2x/prototype_60_case_cast_from_terrazzo_material/)
Please do! Showed it to her, and we both though it will compliment the aesthetic wonderfully. Also, it will be pretty much a planter :))
Post by: brazen on Wed, 26 May 2021, 23:07:12
It looks like a black or dark grey would be popular, as well as some kind of pink model.
Now the great thing about this material and manufacturing process is I can make everything myself, really quickly. I don't need to wait for a factory to respond, and to go back and forth for weeks to get a new colorway.
So what Im going to do is make some kind of black or dark grey model, as well as a pink. I might also try to play around with non-terrazzo chip styles to see what you think (maybe solid color etc).
So stay tuned, should have something to look at in the next few days!! Exciting stuff guys, keep the feedback coming.
Post by: Lazesummerstone on Wed, 26 May 2021, 23:29:19
Post by: brazen on Thu, 27 May 2021, 03:07:57
This was my attempt at a black and anthracite... this is the kind of shine i can get with this material, and Ive been lazy with the number of grits of sanding I do.
Yay or nay? More blue tone the grey?
Post by: brazen on Thu, 27 May 2021, 04:50:29
Post by: itsazly on Thu, 27 May 2021, 08:29:23
OK guys, as promised, new colorways can be made super quick. This one was ready in less than an hour.
This was my attempt at a black and anthracite... this is the kind of shine i can get with this material, and Ive been lazy with the number of grits of sanding I do.
Yay or nay? More blue tone the grey?
I believe I threw my IC before seeing this new option. I like it as a darker option over the purple/pink. If the purple was more lilac or lavender toned, I think I would prefer that. I also think a BOW would be sick as well.
Post by: norb on Thu, 27 May 2021, 09:25:17
are you planning fcfs or raffle? i can imagine that 50 spots will be taken fast.
funfetti with cool kids might be the goat :thumb:
Post by: Krolyk on Thu, 27 May 2021, 13:40:26
Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
Post by: brazen on Mon, 31 May 2021, 03:35:49
One of the top requests was something to match with a BoW or WoB... so I whipped up another prototype over the weekend...
Post by: TibtibThePrincess on Mon, 31 May 2021, 03:54:04
Post by: Faehriss on Tue, 01 June 2021, 11:53:18
Post by: brazen on Wed, 02 June 2021, 03:33:00
I'd love to see the teal and pink with a more neutral background - it's hard to envision it properly when its backed with yellow :thumb:
good point! i will take a few more photos before finalizing which ones will make it to the GB
Post by: Myrkwood on Wed, 02 June 2021, 22:29:49
Post by: brazen on Fri, 04 June 2021, 01:51:36
I wonder what the acoustics will be like. glwgb
Hi check out the a sound test over here.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPSICwDHUc6/
Im planning to try modding with O-rings and see how it sounds.
Post by: Faehriss on Fri, 04 June 2021, 13:51:54
Post by: RicWatt on Sat, 05 June 2021, 08:18:08
Post by: brazen on Sun, 06 June 2021, 12:26:12
hey, just wanted to point out that your discord link is expired - you may want to update it with a non-expiring link!
really i thought I did... thanks for pointing it out, ill fix it
Post by: brazen on Tue, 08 June 2021, 03:50:58
Post by: brazen on Tue, 08 June 2021, 03:54:23
Here is a black marble with anthracite (blue tinted grey) and a pink on black, a la Oliva... Im really digging the pink!
Though an understated black marble like that is something that will fit more keycap colors and might be more office appropriate.
Which do you guys want in the GB??
Post by: brazen on Thu, 10 June 2021, 12:45:31
Post by: Alejo1707 on Thu, 10 June 2021, 14:19:32
Post by: verity on Thu, 10 June 2021, 14:28:30
Brah! I have no idea where your Discord link sent me, but sure it is fun!
discord wild
Post by: ReverbSlush on Thu, 10 June 2021, 14:36:56
Post by: Alejo1707 on Thu, 10 June 2021, 14:57:24
Brah! I have no idea where your Discord link sent me, but sure it is fun!
discord wild
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Yep, the mayhem going on in the server resumed in one pic ;D
P.D.: I don't mind the pic, but please remove my Discord number.
Post by: Faehriss on Thu, 10 June 2021, 17:11:08
Post by: Havattack on Thu, 10 June 2021, 19:13:49
Terracotta colorway
I wasn't really digging the ones with confetti, but that is DOPE.
I'd prefer a gray, concrete like one.
And a built in wrist wrest like the Hatchet and those wood keebs, would be sick.
Post by: brazen on Thu, 10 June 2021, 23:12:55
Link is still showing up as invalid everytime I click it..
really... what the.... updated it before to be permanent!!! dang it. let me try again
Post by: brazen on Thu, 10 June 2021, 23:18:24
With how much flexibility you have doing this in house I could see this being a worthwhile endeavor to color match keysets and do limited releases/raffles, just like the artisan keycap makers do. Nice work!
hey thanks! yeah custom commissions definitely on the cards... and I'm getting pretty good at color matching. I have a huge list of ideas to explore once I launch this first round of GB.
Post by: Faehriss on Fri, 11 June 2021, 11:02:02
EDIT: Upon further looking your hyperlink is broken (missing a square bracket) so clicking the link takes you to the vanity URL "discord.gg/url" - the current link itself is valid
Post by: brazen on Fri, 11 June 2021, 13:47:46
Well your new discord link works but uh it takes you to an interesting place that I'm assuming isn't the intended location so you might want to check that out before you send folks to somewhere that doesn't reflect your business ;)
EDIT: Upon further looking your hyperlink is broken (missing a square bracket) so clicking the link takes you to the vanity URL "discord.gg/url" - the current link itself is valid
dang it, ok i think it fixed it now... hope thats the last of the discord fumbling lol
Post by: switchnollie on Fri, 11 June 2021, 18:19:24
Post by: brazen on Fri, 13 August 2021, 06:30:29
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Post by: brazen on Fri, 13 August 2021, 06:31:01