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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: ENG Studio on Mon, 16 August 2021, 20:13:34

Title: [IC] Block-67: The budget 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard - GB 12/9
Post by: ENG Studio on Mon, 16 August 2021, 20:13:34

Block-67: The budget 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard

(https://i.imgur.com/SRR1UwL.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/EcKMjoM.jpg)

Hi. This is ENG STUDIO back with a new project – the Block-67 - a 65% gasket mount keyboard, with a case CNC milled out of a solid block of aluminum, priced at 144 USD.

A 65% gasket mount keyboard with a price comparable to your average 60% tray mount has been possible for years now, but it was never realized. The Block-67 is here to change that.

We plan to maximize functionality and minimize price while not compromising on looks. The blocky design with uniform bezels creates a sleek aesthetic, while also making it recognizable among other 65% keyboards.

Features and specifications:
- 65% Layout with arrow blocker
- Gummy worm O-ring gasket mount
- Screw in stabilizer support (inc. Durock V2)
- VIA Compatible PCB
- USB-C daughterboard
- Bakeneko65 based – Compatible open-source plate file available
- Seamless case design
- 7 Degree typing angle
- <17mm low front height
- Universal 8mm diameter rubber feet
- Plate cutouts for easy disassembly with your standard wired keycap puller
- Optional foam kit available for purchase

IC form: https://forms.gle/qEMGNDBPPu6kV7Fi8

(https://i.imgur.com/hsDaTrU.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/qoR9t4b.jpg)

Round 1 sale details:
- 200 A-stock units
- Small number of B-stock units available after A-stock sale
- Anodized Black and E-White case color options
- FR4 plate – see “layouts” section below
- Hot swap PCB not available (available from round 2 onwards)
- Bakeneko65 soldered PCB only
- Group buy runs from 12/9 to 25/9
- Lead time of 3 months
- Group buy website: ENGstudio.co (https://engstudio.co)

Round 1 Layouts:

More

Solder PCB:
Standard or Split Backspace
Standard or Stepped Caps Lock
ANSI support only
Standard 6.2u or Tsangan 7u bottom row
FR4 Plate:
Standard or Split Backspace
Standard or Stepped Caps Lock
ANSI and ISO support
Standard 6.25u bottom row only

Round 2 (tentative):
-Starts soon after round 1 concludes
-Much larger quantity or unlimited
-Hotswap PCB available
-More plate and color options

Prototype pictures: (Full Album) (https://imgur.com/a/n9LJBf4)

(https://imgur.com/Vn5zX7O.jpg)(https://imgur.com/MEvTYIW.jpg)

Shipping costs:
Around 15 USD to CONUS
For Europe, costs range from 8 USD (Western Europe) to 18 USD

Follow the project:
Discord (https://discord.gg/Dv9Nvxbq6w) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/engstudiokeyboards/) IC form (https://forms.gle/qEMGNDBPPu6kV7Fi8) Newsletter (https://engstudio.co/)
Credits:
Thanks to kkatano for the Bakeneko65.
And ai03 for the Unified Duaghterboard standard.

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: ENG Studio on Mon, 16 August 2021, 20:14:12

Reserved

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: _rubik on Mon, 16 August 2021, 20:21:48

How are you keeping prices low aside from "fewer CNC passes"? Who is handling manu?

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: JoltFX on Mon, 16 August 2021, 21:24:08

Well I’m interested, will be following. GLWIC

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: FredNeverDead on Mon, 16 August 2021, 22:25:52

bakaneko65, but with an ano case. will keep an eye out for it :D

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: Evasive on Mon, 16 August 2021, 23:34:23

at that price point, I might be in for 1.

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: ENG Studio on Tue, 17 August 2021, 02:06:34

Quote from: _rubik on Mon, 16 August 2021, 20:21:48

How are you keeping prices low aside from "fewer CNC passes"? Who is handling manu?

Thanks for the great question. While the board is going to be manufactured by a lower cost manufacturer, the finish quality of the five prototypes they made have been amazing.

With that said, this board is optimized for cost. If finish quality is a major concern, this is probably not the board for you.

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: darthcapn on Tue, 17 August 2021, 02:15:08

I love the price tag

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: Willtato on Tue, 17 August 2021, 09:36:44

If you don't mind, where are you based? The estimated shipping costs seem quite nice

Sent from my HD1913 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: homerowco on Tue, 17 August 2021, 12:07:35

good job!

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: ENG Studio on Tue, 17 August 2021, 13:39:32

Quote from: Willtato on Tue, 17 August 2021, 09:36:44

If you don't mind, where are you based? The estimated shipping costs seem quite nice

Sent from my HD1913 using Tapatalk

The keyboards ship out from the UK, but we got lucky with finding a shipping provider which offers USPS shipping. It takes about a week to ship to the US. The same provider was used in our previous group buy.

If we use proxies for the EU and US instead of shipping directly, the cost to the customers will go up surprisingly.

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: _rubik on Tue, 17 August 2021, 15:15:12

Quote from: ENG Studio on Tue, 17 August 2021, 02:06:34

Quote from: _rubik on Mon, 16 August 2021, 20:21:48

How are you keeping prices low aside from "fewer CNC passes"? Who is handling manu?

Thanks for the great question. While the board is going to be manufactured by a lower cost manufacturer, the finish quality of the five prototypes they made have been amazing.

With that said, this board is optimized for cost. If finish quality is a major concern, this is probably not the board for you.

Are you trying to keep the manufacturer under wraps? Or is it just someone we haven't heard of yet?

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: Ryohka on Wed, 25 August 2021, 14:51:25

The price tag is really attracting.
It looks pretty similar to some other boards due to the blocky design, but its simple design is what I always like. Personally I would like wait for a hotswap PCB since I like using different switches, though I'm a little bit hasitate on LED support...I use LEDs to indicator which layer I'm on if I accidently forgot lol

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: Demagine on Wed, 25 August 2021, 15:01:22

Any picks of the back of the keyboard? Do you have any info on what colors will be offered?

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: pool on Wed, 25 August 2021, 17:14:19

If you can stay this price point, I am definitely getting one. Really like the simple minimalist design.

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: stoffelduss on Wed, 25 August 2021, 18:09:39

cool! interested?

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: elisyan on Thu, 26 August 2021, 02:21:41

Are plate files for other layouts going to be available?

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: conternecticus on Thu, 26 August 2021, 05:58:19

Hoping purple/navy will be one of the chosen colors. GLWIC!

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: Rumblethumps on Thu, 26 August 2021, 10:08:44

I'm gonna have to wait until R2 for a hotswap option, but this looks really slick for the price point. GLWIC!

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: Fraaaan on Fri, 27 August 2021, 03:56:47

What's the point of supporting ISO on the plate if the PCB is ANSI only? IMO it's pretty disappointing to see a European maker not support ISO on their keyboard.

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: violeaf on Fri, 27 August 2021, 04:36:10

Quote from: Fraaaan on Fri, 27 August 2021, 03:56:47

What's the point of supporting ISO on the plate if the PCB is ANSI only? IMO it's pretty disappointing to see a European maker not support ISO on their keyboard.

Agree

Hopefully we get there for round 2

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: J_Noes on Fri, 27 August 2021, 21:18:56

Quote from: _rubik on Tue, 17 August 2021, 15:15:12

Quote from: ENG Studio on Tue, 17 August 2021, 02:06:34

Quote from: _rubik on Mon, 16 August 2021, 20:21:48

How are you keeping prices low aside from "fewer CNC passes"? Who is handling manu?

Thanks for the great question. While the board is going to be manufactured by a lower cost manufacturer, the finish quality of the five prototypes they made have been amazing.

With that said, this board is optimized for cost. If finish quality is a major concern, this is probably not the board for you.

If he found a manu that allows him to hit that price point without taking a hit, I would be very surprised if he shares it.
Would make no sense to in any industry.

Are you trying to keep the manufacturer under wraps? Or is it just someone we haven't heard of yet?

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard
Post by: ENG Studio on Thu, 02 September 2021, 11:16:34

Quote from: Fraaaan on Fri, 27 August 2021, 03:56:47

What's the point of supporting ISO on the plate if the PCB is ANSI only? IMO it's pretty disappointing to see a European maker not support ISO on their keyboard.

We plan to offer ISO in round 2. Keeping round 1 to ANSI only reduces complexity.

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard - GB 12/9
Post by: TeacherGeek on Sun, 12 September 2021, 06:33:56

Is shipping to Oceania really going to be $50 usd?

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard - GB 12/9
Post by: ampp33 on Sun, 12 September 2021, 12:57:05

Nice!  Count me in for round 2 and that sweet hotswapability.  Had hotswap been there round 1 I would have already reserved one before posting :)

Keep up the good work!  This is my favorite style of case and it’s wonderful to see it being realized as a gasket mount.

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard - GB 12/9
Post by: ENG Studio on Mon, 13 September 2021, 05:30:06

Quote from: TeacherGeek on Sun, 12 September 2021, 06:33:56

Is shipping to Oceania really going to be $50 usd?

To New Zealand, yes.

To Australia, no.  It's 32 USD.

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard - GB 12/9
Post by: chungsteroonie on Fri, 17 September 2021, 08:55:44

How is clearance accounted for on the screw-in stabilizers?  Are the thinned areas on the plate strong enough to survive long-term?  Do you have a detail photo of the stabilizer area with O-ring installed?

FWIW, I'm in at this price and am very happy that you decided to do the soldered PCB first.  The idea of constant edge pressure on hot-swap switches has never sat well with me on the other retail versions of the Bakeneko, and there were no soldered options available.

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard - GB 12/9
Post by: kameron on Fri, 17 September 2021, 11:12:15

will there be a sound test of the proto or will any units be sent out to streamers?

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard - GB 12/9
Post by: chungsteroonie on Fri, 17 September 2021, 13:50:37

Quote from: kameron on Fri, 17 September 2021, 11:12:15

will there be a sound test of the proto or will any units be sent out to streamers?

I found this when researching last night. . .

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard - GB 12/9
Post by: aicyborg on Tue, 21 September 2021, 18:54:44

Just found out about this via word of mouth, but this seems perfect to me especially at the price point. In for R2 'cos I'm an ISO enjoyer.

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard - GB 12/9
Post by: sammyyuhhh on Sat, 06 November 2021, 00:38:12

any update on r2? just found out as r1 gb ended rip

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard - GB 12/9
Post by: oilpapers on Sat, 06 November 2021, 06:20:55

Watching with interest for R2!

Title: Re: [IC] Block-67: The 144 USD 65% Gasket Mount Full CNC Aluminum Keyboard - GB 12/9
Post by: nilokillian on Thu, 23 December 2021, 21:48:22

Waiting for R2 as I can't stand soldered PCBs