Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:35:46
(https://i.imgur.com/rv0JogM.png)
Links:
INTEREST CHECK FORM (https://forms.gle/hApzJa1cDHeWRbuA7)
AKB Website (https://www.alchemistkeyboards.com)
AKB Discord (https://discord.gg/yPkfGGC)
AKB Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/alchemist_keyboards/)
Background Info:
The OGR was originally designed as an entry for the OG Summer competition on r/customkeyboards in 2019, which it won. It was originally inspired by various vintage keyboards, but chiefly the Cherry/NCR G81-3077 for the iconic Cherry nose, the pronounced seam and the large forehead. It also drew inspiration from the Cherry G80-0832 for the accented piece around the keycaps to give it a truly unique look. The name is a portmanteau of OG Summer and NCR, whose branding on the aforementioned G81-3077 was also the inspiration for the retro-styled AKB logo. While the PCB is USB-C compatible, the port is enclosed deep inside the case and the case parts gently clamp the cable down to give the aesthetic of a hard-wired cable.
Also, for those who are interested, there will be a numpad (OGR-N) available either as an optional extra or separately.
Specs/features:
- Inspired by Cherry G81-3077/G80-0832
- 10° typing angle
- Full 6063 aluminium construction
- Bead-blasted and anodised finish
- Top mounted plate
- 21.5mm effective front height (with bumpons)
- QMK and VIA/VIAL-compatible USB-C PCBs
- LED indicators on caps lock, numlock on numpad
- Two colourways (Dolch & Blue/grey)
- Integrated cable aesthetic
- Bold, pronounced seam
- Period-authentic product stickers
- Plate materials: 5052 Aluminium, Polycarbonate, Carbon Fibre (may change)
- Is an absolute unit
- 2.9kg (6.5lbs) / Numpad 0.9kg (2lbs) [unbuilt]
(https://i.imgur.com/pPvkJdT.png)
Prototype photos:
(https://i.imgur.com/wLpASQd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/a0gf2Sr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lQlqnPd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZFgnbYA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MM8UAVp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/toGzl5D.jpg)
More
(https://i.imgur.com/ofRmlJ7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6RI3nQy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/88BoZx7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Xze3ajE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/V8Wo1cZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lWdwODa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Zdi2sbm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zgSatar.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fniqCdU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XUY8trk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/A4pos7I.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FpHbvS5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UosT7me.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MVANPTF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6RI3nQy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/88BoZx7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Xze3ajE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/V8Wo1cZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lWdwODa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Zdi2sbm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zgSatar.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fniqCdU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XUY8trk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/A4pos7I.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FpHbvS5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UosT7me.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MVANPTF.jpg)
Kit contents:
Not including extras
- 1 x Top Case - 6063 Aluminium
- 1 x Bottom Case - 6063 Aluminium
- 1 x Accent - 6063 Aluminium
- 1 x Plate - 5052 Aluminium OR Carbon fiber leaf spring (undecided)
- 1 x Badge - 6063 Aluminium
- 1 x Solder PCB - Black FR4 with green solder mask
- 4 x AKB Bumpons - Injection molded silicone
- 1 x Bottom sticker
- 10 x Torx button screw M3 x 6mm in A2 stainless steel (plate)
- 5 x Torx button screw M3 x 6mm in A2 stainless steel (accent)
- 6 x Torx button screw M3 x 12mm in A2 stainless steel (case)
- 2 x Torx countersunk screw M3 x 5mm in A2 stainless steel (badge)
- 1 x Instruction manual
Current group buy plans/details:
Not all is set in stone yet, but:
- Will be limited to somewhere around 250 units, plus extras and F+F units.
GB launching on Saturday April 16th.GB Delayed until further notice- Sale will be conducted via my own website through a raffle checkout system.
- Pricing isn't yet finalised, due to the fluctuation of raw aluminium prices but I'm aiming for ≤£440 (~$575 USD) for the OGR, and ≤£200 (~$270 USD) for the OGR-N. (+VAT for UK)
Layout Support:
Two tops will be available - one for 7u bottom row with dual 0.75u blockers, and one with a single small blocker for 6.25u support.
(https://i.imgur.com/aDzhzgC.png)
The OGR-N PCB will have support for regular and southpaw configurations, as well as the option to have a full 1u setup. The plate available will support regular and southpaw layouts, due to its reversible design.
(https://i.imgur.com/li1ORcu.png)
Special Thanks:
- Blacksimon for running the OG Summer competition, and playing a crucial part in bringing this board to life. Without that kick up the arse I may not have caught the designing bug I have today.
- Martin for his excellent work on the PCB designs.
- Flexerman (FLX) for his crucial input with the board’s design and improvement.
- Koen for his beautiful photos of the prototype.
- Lulzthax, for his great build stream.
- ThereminGoat, Hot Trout, Lewis, BK, Archetype and countless others for their support throughout.
To-do list:
Typing test- Sort my life out
- Confirm pricing, pencil in a new date
(https://i.imgur.com/KUq054J.png)
edit: added numpad layout support
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:36:07
"Please consider adding a weight to this"
A this is 6.5lbs for just the case and plate the board is definitely not needing additional mass. The sticker on the bottom provides a much more authentic design detail than a weight in this instance, in my opinion.
"Will you consider a WK option?"
There will be a WK option available in GB. Shown in this render kindly provided by Snurrebassen https://i.imgur.com/fpGHNm8.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/fpGHNm8.jpg)
"Why only 150 units?"
"$610/$270 is too much"
"Will you sell the numpad only?"
Typing test video from Koen:
Typing test clips from the build stream from Lulzthax (cf leaf spring plate, oil kings w/stock springs, deskeys films & 205g0):
https://clips.twitch.tv/FineColorfulPelicanKreygasm-BVstEvlt9y3nAY3I (https://clips.twitch.tv/FineColorfulPelicanKreygasm-BVstEvlt9y3nAY3I) (plate foam only)
https://clips.twitch.tv/BlitheWiseClintmullinsYouDontSay-FEZvuzIMNHEE2XUL (https://clips.twitch.tv/BlitheWiseClintmullinsYouDontSay-FEZvuzIMNHEE2XUL) (plate foam only)
https://clips.twitch.tv/DreamyAltruisticPeachNerfRedBlaster-nMRmeJKy2IvacGnJ (https://clips.twitch.tv/DreamyAltruisticPeachNerfRedBlaster-nMRmeJKy2IvacGnJ) (plate and case foam)
Full stream here:
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1474475487 (https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1474475487)
Post by: ilikerustoo on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:38:42
Post by: Bleddyn on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:39:22
Post by: of_sam on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:39:51
Post by: MSA_Vision on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:40:22
Post by: robrobro on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:41:04
Post by: Supersnicks on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:45:58
Post by: Pyroo on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:46:24
Post by: Moods on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:47:18
Post by: Bub on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:47:50
Post by: dmatx1 on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:49:03
Post by: daintySPLASH on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:53:20
Post by: Peathyyy on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:54:54
Post by: Zeelobby on Thu, 17 February 2022, 07:59:59
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
Post by: Alessio on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:00:35
Post by: snurrebassen on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:04:28
Post by: Aiwanei on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:04:42
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:04:46
If you end up winning a raffle for the board will you be given priority when it comes to the macro pad?
The current format I have in mind is that if you win a spot in the raffle you have the option to add the numpad to your order.
I've had a couple people already mention that they just want a numpad though, so I may reconsider this if the majority lean that way.
Post by: uhugo on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:05:46
Post by: whirlwind on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:06:12
Post by: Jo_hannes on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:07:17
Post by: 7empest on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:07:26
Post by: Visionaire on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:15:27
Post by: mcmcmc on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:22:47
Post by: hottrout on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:25:39
Post by: jshufelt on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:26:54
Post by: Screen.jing on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:28:18
Post by: Enemy on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:30:24
Post by: paulgali on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:32:24
Post by: Pontus on Thu, 17 February 2022, 08:45:49
Post by: Seoulcialite on Thu, 17 February 2022, 09:21:51
Post by: snicket on Thu, 17 February 2022, 09:42:19
Post by: Laur on Thu, 17 February 2022, 10:02:49
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 17 February 2022, 10:19:33
Post by: MoarCoffeePlzzz on Thu, 17 February 2022, 11:17:09
Post by: Belled on Thu, 17 February 2022, 11:31:09
Post by: hottrout on Thu, 17 February 2022, 12:37:11
Post by: JackPikatea on Thu, 17 February 2022, 12:41:59
Post by: darthcapn on Thu, 17 February 2022, 13:28:51
Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
Post by: Rik.caffeinated on Thu, 17 February 2022, 13:45:12
Can we get a side shot of that seam?
Post by: severin on Thu, 17 February 2022, 14:09:26
Post by: gotgoodiez on Thu, 17 February 2022, 14:44:27
Post by: unusuaL_ on Thu, 17 February 2022, 14:45:54
Post by: andromache on Thu, 17 February 2022, 15:04:13
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 17 February 2022, 15:05:04
This is so so good.
Can we get a side shot of that seam?
There's one in the Prototype Photos section ;) 2nd image after clicking "more"
Post by: Ensaum on Thu, 17 February 2022, 15:05:19
Post by: treeleaf64 on Thu, 17 February 2022, 16:21:55
very worth it and I love the singular Jame and all of his fellow James
Happy time Happy time!
Post by: Ustinj on Thu, 17 February 2022, 16:24:13
Post by: Meowsaur on Thu, 17 February 2022, 16:29:21
Post by: Photekq on Thu, 17 February 2022, 16:44:52
Post by: Capsy on Thu, 17 February 2022, 17:00:20
Post by: Rob27shred on Thu, 17 February 2022, 17:26:01
Post by: parlojama on Thu, 17 February 2022, 17:52:19
Post by: derpter on Thu, 17 February 2022, 18:03:59
Post by: herbologist on Thu, 17 February 2022, 18:49:33
Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 17 February 2022, 19:05:28
Post by: jimboytacos on Thu, 17 February 2022, 19:09:22
Post by: plag on Thu, 17 February 2022, 21:27:40
Post by: pixelpusher on Thu, 17 February 2022, 22:29:05
10 degree angle is a bit too steep for me. However, this might work well with DCS profile, which could look awesome.
Post by: marici22 on Thu, 17 February 2022, 23:53:06
Post by: Nurseh on Fri, 18 February 2022, 00:44:50
Post by: gautema on Fri, 18 February 2022, 03:26:55
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sat, 19 February 2022, 06:12:34
Post by: blur410 on Sat, 19 February 2022, 07:28:59
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sat, 19 February 2022, 10:13:17
Post by: Slayer77 on Sat, 19 February 2022, 10:45:45
Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sat, 19 February 2022, 11:34:48
Can I...get the numpad only?
Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk
If a considerable number of people ask for this between now and the GB I will consider this, but so far the plan has been to run that as an optional extra.
Post by: rmendis on Sat, 19 February 2022, 11:41:48
Post by: Slayer77 on Sat, 19 February 2022, 13:34:30
Thanks! I'll be the first one to ask for a numpadCan I...get the numpad only?
Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk
If a considerable number of people ask for this between now and the GB I will consider this, but so far the plan has been to run that as an optional extra.
Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sun, 20 February 2022, 11:23:06
(https://i.imgur.com/UosT7me.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MVANPTF.jpg)
Post by: hottrout on Tue, 22 February 2022, 10:24:45
██╔════╝██╔════╝╚██╗██╔╝╚██╗░██╔╝
╚█████╗░█████╗░░░╚███╔╝░░╚████╔╝░
░╚═══██╗██╔══╝░░░██╔██╗░░░╚██╔╝░░
██████╔╝███████╗██╔╝╚██╗░░░██║░░░
╚═════╝░╚══════╝╚═╝░░╚═╝░░░╚═╝░░░
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sun, 13 March 2022, 12:26:04
- The GB will be launching on Saturday 16th April, mark it in your calendars!
- Increased the available quantity to 250 units - pricing will be finalised a week or two before launch but due to the increased quantity I am now hoping to set the price around or below $575.
- Due to demand, the OGRN will be available separately with an unlimited quantity. More details to follow soon.
Post by: pixelpusher on Sun, 13 March 2022, 13:38:20
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sun, 13 March 2022, 13:59:30
Can you show us a shot of the keyboard from the user's angle? I curious if the switches are more visible than usual on the front row, since the bend in the lip is right there.
I can take one tomorrow when there's some natural lighting. It's a valid question though, as there is a marginally larger gap than usual at the front. Just to see if it would be better with the angle moved forward slightly, I have a new prototype coming in hopefully a week or so with that moved forward by roughly 1.5mm. Will show before/after and will see which I prefer. :thumb:
Post by: pixelpusher on Sun, 13 March 2022, 14:41:55
Can you show us a shot of the keyboard from the user's angle? I curious if the switches are more visible than usual on the front row, since the bend in the lip is right there.
I can take one tomorrow when there's some natural lighting. It's a valid question though, as there is a marginally larger gap than usual at the front. Just to see if it would be better with the angle moved forward slightly, I have a new prototype coming in hopefully a week or so with that moved forward by roughly 1.5mm. Will show before/after and will see which I prefer. :thumb:
Oh, nice. I'll probably buy whichever one you go with ;D
Post by: DuellM on Sun, 13 March 2022, 18:05:18
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Mon, 14 March 2022, 06:05:39
Can you show us a shot of the keyboard from the user's angle? I curious if the switches are more visible than usual on the front row, since the bend in the lip is right there.
I can take one tomorrow when there's some natural lighting. It's a valid question though, as there is a marginally larger gap than usual at the front. Just to see if it would be better with the angle moved forward slightly, I have a new prototype coming in hopefully a week or so with that moved forward by roughly 1.5mm. Will show before/after and will see which I prefer. :thumb:
Oh, nice. I'll probably buy whichever one you go with ;D
Apologies for the poor-quality image: https://i.imgur.com/osh5Q5y.jpg
A little more of the plate is visible due to the angle change but the switches are not
Post by: azhdar on Mon, 14 March 2022, 08:06:34
Post by: drunken0monkey on Mon, 14 March 2022, 23:19:58
Responding to some questions/points raised from the IC form:
"Why only 150 units?"
Because this is such a passion project for me I don't feel entirely comfortable leaving its fate with other vendors. I've been full-time in keyboards since April 2021 and AKB is a registered business, and I will soon have a proper workspace available to handle a public GB too. Given that we often see people crumble under the weight of responsibility with GBs I would rather walk before I can run, and once I have the process dialled down I will scale up subsequent sales if the people demand it.
I may not be people, but I DEMAND more of these. Seriously, I will try for one of the few available, but want more since no keyboard luck and slow fingers.
Post by: 2QT2BSTR8 on Tue, 15 March 2022, 02:22:15
I may not be people, but I DEMAND more of these. Seriously, I will try for one of the few available, but want more since no keyboard luck and slow fingers.
- The GB will be launching on Saturday 16th April, mark it in your calendars!
- Increased the available quantity to 250 units - pricing will be finalised a week or two before launch but due to the increased quantity I am now hoping to set the price around or below $575.
- Due to demand, the OGRN will be available separately with an unlimited quantity. More details to follow soon.
Post by: LumiP on Tue, 15 March 2022, 05:08:39
GLWIC!
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sun, 03 April 2022, 12:30:25
For those who don't want to read the whole thing:
OGR raffle delayed - can't set a date yet but hoping for beginning of May. This is due to the COVID lockdowns in China and also DHL deciding they can't deliver the prototype showing second colourway to me before the 16th.
More context:
While the group-buy date was set with the best of intentions, a combination of the delays due to COVID outbreaks and subsequent lockdowns in certain areas of China meant that the prototype I had ordered a couple of months ago isn't going to arrive when planned.
DHL have actually had the shipment in hand for a few days now, but while the shipment was initially quoted as 2-3 days to me, they're now quoting over 3 weeks so the estimated delivery date is after the 16th.
Being totally honest, while I'm not comfortable delaying the group buy like this I can't show off the second colour choice (chosen by IC responses btw) until I have it in hand. I was also planning to have someone build it on stream, but depending on when the prototype lands with me I'll have to explore my possibilities at that time. Worst case scenario is that you guys have to deal with some phone pics taken in my garden.
As for dates, I don't think it would be wise to make the same mistake again and set a date without having everything in hand, so I'll cautiously estimate the beginning of May for now and then set it in stone as soon as I have the board.
To leave this on a good note, the second choice as chosen by IC responses is blue/grey. Check a photo from the factory below (obligatory disclaimer regarding lighting etc). More colour-accurate photos to come.
Apologies for the unfortunate news - I hope to see you all in the next month or so!
(https://i.imgur.com/6iKo3b3.jpg)
Post by: treeleaf64 on Sun, 03 April 2022, 14:32:21
You count as Englishman right : )
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sun, 03 April 2022, 16:34:17
Yes Mr Jame. The best Englishman
You count as Englishman right : )
Yeah I'm English/Polish :thumb:
Post by: hottrout on Mon, 04 April 2022, 04:12:27
Post by: Slayer77 on Mon, 04 April 2022, 05:38:24
Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk
Post by: neoknob on Sun, 10 April 2022, 07:59:43
Post by: Diggidy on Sun, 10 April 2022, 12:11:35
Post by: zekth on Sun, 10 April 2022, 12:51:21
Post by: Versaknight on Mon, 11 April 2022, 11:14:31
Post by: EdgeOfInfinity on Mon, 11 April 2022, 18:40:38
Post by: J_Arno on Fri, 15 April 2022, 16:09:55
Could you provide dimensions of that tray?
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk
Post by: ^prince on Sat, 16 April 2022, 04:30:22
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Sat, 23 April 2022, 12:44:50
Beautiful board. I am a graphic design artist, and the pencil tray looks like a great place to my stylus.
Could you provide dimensions of that tray?
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk
Roughly 290mm x 9.5mm :thumb:
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Fri, 29 April 2022, 08:47:28
Will sort out a new launch date in the next few days. :thumb:
https://www.twitch.tv/lulzthax
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Wed, 04 May 2022, 01:31:50
https://clips.twitch.tv/FineColorfulPelicanKreygasm-BVstEvlt9y3nAY3I (https://clips.twitch.tv/FineColorfulPelicanKreygasm-BVstEvlt9y3nAY3I) (plate foam only)
https://clips.twitch.tv/BlitheWiseClintmullinsYouDontSay-FEZvuzIMNHEE2XUL (https://clips.twitch.tv/BlitheWiseClintmullinsYouDontSay-FEZvuzIMNHEE2XUL) (plate foam only)
https://clips.twitch.tv/DreamyAltruisticPeachNerfRedBlaster-nMRmeJKy2IvacGnJ (https://clips.twitch.tv/DreamyAltruisticPeachNerfRedBlaster-nMRmeJKy2IvacGnJ) (plate and case foam)
Full stream here:
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1474475487 (https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1474475487)
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Wed, 04 May 2022, 01:46:11
(https://i.imgur.com/ZFgnbYA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MM8UAVp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/toGzl5D.jpg)
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 04 May 2022, 07:48:20
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Fri, 06 May 2022, 13:48:43
Post by: darthcapn on Sat, 07 May 2022, 02:39:46
Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk