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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: Alchemist Keyboards on Wed, 27 March 2024, 15:30:02

Title: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Wed, 27 March 2024, 15:30:02
Petrichor   by AKB
FRL 1800

GB to run from Friday, 14th June to Monday, 15th July.
Starting from $230 (+$10 for e-coat, +$5 for hotswap)
more details below

(https://i.imgur.com/XzS87i3.jpeg)

The idea with Petrichor was always to keep it simple. Simple mounting, implemented well. Simple design, but enough
to retain its own identity. No external weight, but the board still has weight to it. Every feature serves a purpose.

There isn’t too much of a story to tell for this board, but this to me is everything I need and want in a keyboard, and
I’ve been using a Petrichor as my daily driver since 2020. Hopefully that is enough to convince you that it’s worth
your consideration.


Links:

AKB Website (https://alchemistkeyboards.com)
AKB Discord (https://discord.gg/yPkfGGC)

CannonKeys coming soon page (https://cannonkeys.com/products/petrichor)

Lightning's build stream VOD (https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2139248306)
Alexotos' build stream VOD (https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2140858236)


Specs:

(https://i.imgur.com/SflhSRL.jpeg)

Key Features:

(https://i.imgur.com/jtU5gn3.jpeg)


Some details, in detail:

Default universal plate:

(https://i.imgur.com/hHoga75.png)

The gasket implementation:

I have a personal preference for a firm, but cushioned type feel. My chosen way to achieve this is to use a firm plate material
(I lean towards carbon fibre) and then dampen it with soft grade gaskets. I am also a fan of offering choice and allowing the
user to tweak the formula to their own preference. Pictured is the “default” gasket implementation used to achieve my desired effect:

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

To make things easier, I have engraved small indicators in the gasket slots to show the default gasket placement. There are slots
above and below for every tab so you can see what works best for you. Various plate materials will be offered during the GB so
there’s a lot of space to really make this your own.

(https://i.imgur.com/cej2du8.png)



Prototype photos:

Note: two of the screw holes on the internal weight are misaligned on the prototypes, which have since been rectified along with some
minor other changes. Also the JST connectors were hand-soldered for the prototype dbs.

(https://i.imgur.com/xuRicrf.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GVlFLYy.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wrsx9Ts.jpeg)
More
(https://i.imgur.com/8v0yqZG.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Q7TxUzF.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZbRERfQ.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Gs05ypW.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xhnpm1K.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/odjFNuv.jpeg)


Renders:

I've chosen the final colourways now - thanks to everyone who filled in the IC form.

Onyx
(https://i.imgur.com/K8hG8zB.jpeg)

Verdant
(https://i.imgur.com/o5WWAUC.jpeg)

Woad
(https://i.imgur.com/KelnQpH.jpeg)

Fool's Gold
(https://i.imgur.com/ij4XkZ2.jpeg)

E-Beige
(https://i.imgur.com/bbczDvr.jpeg)

Rubedo
(https://i.imgur.com/s5XMAxt.jpeg)

Luna
(https://i.imgur.com/JOjsDZK.jpeg)

Dolch
(https://i.imgur.com/mZar1MK.jpeg)

Dolch side view
(https://i.imgur.com/6aRL5jQ.jpeg)


Case Layout Support:

Two tops will be available - one regular and one “HHKB” which covers the corner 1.25u keys.

Regular case compatibility:
(https://i.imgur.com/lNnnA3c.png)

HHKB case compatibility:
(https://i.imgur.com/9WET8xw.png)


PCB Layout Support:

Solder PCB compatibility: (same as regular case)
(https://i.imgur.com/lNnnA3c.png)

Hotswap PCB compatibility
(https://i.imgur.com/3bQPKDJ.png)


Group buy plans/details:


Plate addons available:

PCB addons available:

Other addons available:


Vendors:


Special Thanks:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Wed, 27 March 2024, 15:30:23
Updates:

Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: unusuaL_ on Wed, 27 March 2024, 15:33:08
glwic, support james  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: BeesKeys on Wed, 27 March 2024, 15:34:16
I neeeeeed this
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: spikedsynapse on Wed, 27 March 2024, 15:34:50
Ive always wanted a waterproof keyboard....

Seriously tho this is awesome.
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 27 March 2024, 15:36:01
I think there is a permission issue with the form
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Wed, 27 March 2024, 15:39:14
Quote from: pixelpusher on Wed, 27 March 2024, 15:36:01
I think there is a permission issue with the form

all fixed thanks!  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: paulgali on Wed, 27 March 2024, 15:45:32
Having used an earlier proto, I can say without any doubt - BUY THIS! Awesome work James!
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: ilikerustoo on Wed, 27 March 2024, 15:46:35
Sweet
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: IBMweMissU on Wed, 27 March 2024, 15:47:51
Finally! can't wait ! Great price
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: HubertThemad on Wed, 27 March 2024, 16:05:05
Around $250???? GLWIC James! This is hawt
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: KaiHG on Wed, 27 March 2024, 16:07:15
Love the target price, love the layout, love AKB.

GLWIC
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: halfling_barista on Wed, 27 March 2024, 16:10:51
Looks excellent with a great price target. Nice tweaks to the design.
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Wed, 27 March 2024, 16:14:38
This checks quite a few boxes, very cool! :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: TyPo.mk on Wed, 27 March 2024, 16:19:12
So in at that price
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Rob27shred on Wed, 27 March 2024, 16:19:23
Hyped for this! Love everything about this board, GLWIC! :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Adqam64 on Wed, 27 March 2024, 18:20:47
Both colours look great, and I love the inclusion of the USB passthrough.  It's a great layout.
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Wise Donkey on Wed, 27 March 2024, 18:33:47
Since there is no left right function position in this HHKB layout, how are you accessing layers?
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Chippy on Wed, 27 March 2024, 20:11:24
Quote from: Wise Donkey on Wed, 27 March 2024, 18:33:47
Since there is no left function position in this HHKB layout, how are you accessing layers?
This keyboard will be QMK and VIA compatible meaning you can rebind any key to whatever you want. You could even have 3 left function keys if you desire by using the two keys to the left of the spacebar and where capslock is located.
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: LMarci on Wed, 27 March 2024, 21:09:48
Looks great, will heavily consider it in beige :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: caap on Wed, 27 March 2024, 21:44:00
 :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Woovie on Wed, 27 March 2024, 22:09:19
Your website link doesn't work, you have an infinite redirect loop on www. but https://alchemistkeyboards.com/ works fine.

Also cool board, I'll take one please  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Something_Magical on Wed, 27 March 2024, 22:15:34
James you already know I need this
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: vhaarr on Thu, 28 March 2024, 02:34:13
This is precisely the kind of layout the world needs more of, and as a hhkb lover I loved this instantly :-)
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 28 March 2024, 05:02:06
Quote from: Woovie on Wed, 27 March 2024, 22:09:19
Your website link doesn't work, you have an infinite redirect loop on www. but https://alchemistkeyboards.com/ works fine.

Also cool board, I'll take one please  :thumb:

Thanks for the heads up! :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: buchanan on Thu, 28 March 2024, 09:13:33
so so hyped for this! excited to see what other colors may come about :-)
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: JQ27 on Thu, 28 March 2024, 16:23:22
Universal plate? 6u? Aiming for a solid price? Oh go on then
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: funderburker on Fri, 29 March 2024, 07:58:36
Hubba hubba!!!  :eek: :eek:

That E-beige, the old school sticker, the USB hub! Good luck, mate!
Will do my best to convince all "I need a keyboard with a numpad" people to get a Petrichor! :p
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Alvi on Fri, 29 March 2024, 08:28:06
I love projects that keep it well-made and simple. Nice layout support, and if that target price is anywhere close to the final price, then it's a bargain!
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Warrenified on Fri, 29 March 2024, 12:37:13
Been a long time coming - will be following!
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Arithmetics on Fri, 29 March 2024, 13:46:53
looks cool ill recomend to some friends looking for 1800
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Deru on Wed, 10 April 2024, 19:55:37
Looking forward to the GB hope it comes sooner than later
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: LASERman Projects on Thu, 11 April 2024, 04:27:39
Would love to see split spacebar (https://i.imgur.com/7ica1Da.png) instead of 6u.
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: voati on Tue, 16 April 2024, 12:07:57
This in green is going to be a killer board for botanical
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Fri, 19 April 2024, 10:00:21
Updated the KLEs to show split/full numpad support  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: BeesKeys on Mon, 22 April 2024, 05:10:26
Quote from: Morgan8 on Mon, 22 April 2024, 05:04:53
How does the Petrichor keyboard address the needs of individuals who prefer a keyboard with a Numpad, and what updates have been made to the KLEs to showcase its split/full Numpad support?
dinosaur game (https://dinosaurgame3d.com)

The KLEs show split enter and split + compatibility now,  previously it was missed by mistake.
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Mon, 22 April 2024, 07:22:55
Quote from: Morgan8 on Mon, 22 April 2024, 05:04:53
How does the Petrichor keyboard address the needs of individuals who prefer a keyboard with a Numpad, and what updates have been made to the KLEs to showcase its split/full Numpad support?
dinosaur game (https://dinosaurgame3d.com)

It addresses the needs of individuals who prefer a keyboard with a numpad by including a numpad :thumb:

Also RE: the KLEs, as Beesley said above they didn't include that support in the images before but I have amended those now to reflect the full support.
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Adqam64 on Tue, 23 April 2024, 07:45:23
What size is the right shift?
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Tue, 23 April 2024, 08:07:15
Quote from: Adqam64 on Tue, 23 April 2024, 07:45:23
What size is the right shift?

1.75u  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 25 April 2024, 12:43:40
Updated the render section to show the finalised colour choices. Also added a note in the GB plans/details section to mention available plate materials :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB
Post by: pixelpusher on Thu, 25 April 2024, 14:49:36
Fool's Gold is so lovely.   :-*
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Wed, 08 May 2024, 11:07:01
MSRP is now starting from $230!

GB is scheduled to run from June 14th - July 15th.

Added some regional vendors too, more TBD!  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Tue, 14 May 2024, 08:23:37
Final vendor list confirmed:


Plate addons available:

PCB addons available:

Other addons available:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: Fraaaan on Tue, 21 May 2024, 13:12:05
Awesome to see Oblotzky on board for this project. Can't wait to pick one up!  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: juniper37559 on Thu, 30 May 2024, 08:24:51
Manufactured by Hongtu but no CN vendor, what a shame
paying extra shipping from other vendor doesn't feel right for me :'(
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: POCO Estudio on Thu, 30 May 2024, 11:38:13
this style is special
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: Ceyx on Tue, 04 June 2024, 09:58:32
If you plan to sell a board on EU market too, include ISO layout option with hot swap PCB goddamnit.
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: Adqam64 on Wed, 05 June 2024, 18:21:05
Learn to solder, it's worth it.  Hotswap ISO is rare since so few people use ISO.
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: Ceyx on Thu, 06 June 2024, 02:17:41
Alright, will do. Want me to send you a PM for financial details? For the gear and materials one will need to practice on and such. 🤡
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: Ceyx on Thu, 06 June 2024, 02:22:08
By the way, if one goes through the efforts to bring a board to EU, but not offering ISO hot swap, is laziness.
And do not come with the “ISO is much used”. Guess what, in the EU it is.
Grab as much money with the least effort……..
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 06 June 2024, 03:54:38
Quote from: Ceyx on Thu, 06 June 2024, 02:22:08
By the way, if one goes through the efforts to bring a board to EU, but not offering ISO hot swap, is laziness.
And do not come with the “ISO is much used”. Guess what, in the EU it is.
Grab as much money with the least effort……..

It's sad to see that you're so upset over the omission of an ISO hotswap PCB, but I guess it's flattering that you're interested in the project otherwise (so thanks!)

As pointed out above, the choice to omit that was due to historic sales data that we (AKB/CannonKeys) refer to when making these decisions. As much as I'd love to support every option possible on this, the demand isn't there. It isn't possible to properly implement ISO on the same hotswap PCB and it would be much more expensive to offer a standalone hotswap option given the inevitable low sales.

I did still ensure that ISO users are catered for on the solderable PCB however so I'm not completely shutting the door on my neighbours  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: LASERman Projects on Thu, 06 June 2024, 09:26:23
Quote from: Ceyx on Thu, 06 June 2024, 02:22:08
By the way, if one goes through the efforts to bring a board to EU, but not offering ISO hot swap, is laziness.
And do not come with the “ISO is much used”. Guess what, in the EU it is.
Grab as much money with the least effort……..

BTW: the usual hot-swap implementation in typical keyboard PCB sucks hard - thrust me I repair them every week.

I was about to write how much i despise laziness of building keeb with the least effort (avoiding soldering) but I can do better:
Send me your solder PCB from this GB and I'll make it hot-swap for you. It will be ten times better than typical hot-swap PCB - I promise.
My credentials are here (https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/zjwnn3/service_pcb_repair_soldering_and_full_build_uk/).
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: Ceyx on Thu, 06 June 2024, 09:42:24
Quote from: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 06 June 2024, 03:54:38
Quote from: Ceyx on Thu, 06 June 2024, 02:22:08
By the way, if one goes through the efforts to bring a board to EU, but not offering ISO hot swap, is laziness.
And do not come with the “ISO is much used”. Guess what, in the EU it is.
Grab as much money with the least effort……..

It's sad to see that you're so upset over the omission of an ISO hotswap PCB, but I guess it's flattering that you're interested in the project otherwise (so thanks!)

As pointed out above, the choice to omit that was due to historic sales data that we (AKB/CannonKeys) refer to when making these decisions. As much as I'd love to support every option possible on this, the demand isn't there. It isn't possible to properly implement ISO on the same hotswap PCB and it would be much more expensive to offer a standalone hotswap option given the inevitable low sales.

I did still ensure that ISO users are catered for on the solderable PCB however so I'm not completely shutting the door on my neighbours  :thumb:

You‘re rightfully flattered, it‘s beautiful board. I even considered finding someone to do the soldering for me, but.. nah. By the way, we wouldn‘t even have this convo if it wasn‘t sold in EU at all. Then I‘d go „Yeah beautiful, but it‘s not meant for me.“

Regarding sales history/demand, it‘s pretty obvious that ISO isn‘t in demand at CannonKeys.
Have you specifically asked the people in the EU about what they‘d want when planning to sell 100+ boards there, or is your historic data based just on general IC?

Regarding „isn't possible to properly implement ISO on the same hotswap PCB and it would be much more expensive“, I call bull **** on that take. More expensive than to expect EU customers to invest in and learning to use solder gear? Hell nah.
The only point I‘m willing to give you there is maybe low total number of boards. I have no experience about how much one can push pcb prices down. So how about a compromise?
Do you think it would benefit customers/be more customer friendly to determine how many orders would be with ISO option and produce that amount of PCBs with said option?
I mean.. it‘s damn difficult to just „accept things as they are“, when I have a 139 bucks board in front of me that offers everything except right split-shift on the PCB (LK65).

I guess, this here is a opinion/mindset against opinion/mindset thing.
To put in to an end, I would kindly ask if it would be possible to get new quotes for PCB prices if they were done with ISO option.
You‘re not required to, you have no obligation to, and I‘d have to accept it. Just.. would be nice to have some actual numbers than just words.
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: Ceyx on Thu, 06 June 2024, 09:51:20
Quote from: LASERman Projects on Thu, 06 June 2024, 09:26:23
Quote from: Ceyx on Thu, 06 June 2024, 02:22:08
By the way, if one goes through the efforts to bring a board to EU, but not offering ISO hot swap, is laziness.
And do not come with the “ISO is much used”. Guess what, in the EU it is.
Grab as much money with the least effort……..

BTW: the usual hot-swap implementation in typical keyboard PCB sucks hard - thrust me I repair them every week.

I was about to write how much i despise laziness of building keeb with the least effort (avoiding soldering) but I can do better:
Send me your solder PCB from this GB and I'll make it hot-swap for you. It will be ten times better than typical hot-swap PCB - I promise.
My credentials are here (https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/zjwnn3/service_pcb_repair_soldering_and_full_build_uk/).

I‘ve already heard good things about you. Hmm, maybe your offer will turn my „nah“ into a „yeah“.
I would have to purchase both PCBs, the hot swap for determining which switches I‘d want to permanently couple with the board.
I just wish I, as a non-solder-guy, wouldn‘t have to jump through all these hoops, which non-ISO users don‘t have to, to enjoy such a beautiful piece of hardware.
Title: Re: [IC] Petrichor by AKB (updated with price/GB details)
Post by: Alchemist Keyboards on Thu, 06 June 2024, 11:04:04
Quote
Regarding sales history/demand, it‘s pretty obvious that ISO isn‘t in demand at CannonKeys.
Have you specifically asked the people in the EU about what they‘d want when planning to sell 100+ boards there, or is your historic data based just on general IC?

I work as a project manager for CannonKeys and have handled many keyboard group buys since September 2022. Most of these sales had vendors in various regions all over the world, including the EU and the UK, so the sales data that I refer to isn't specific to the US. People vote with their wallets, and I'm just catering to the voters here. I wish things were different but the data speaks for itself.

Quote
Regarding „isn't possible to properly implement ISO on the same hotswap PCB and it would be much more expensive“, I call bull **** on that take. More expensive than to expect EU customers to invest in and learning to use solder gear? Hell nah.

I think you've misunderstood my point here. the issue with properly implementing ISO onto the same hotswap PCB isn't down to cost - it's down to physical part clearance. The only way I've seen this be achieved on other PCBs in the past is rotating the switch orientation in such a way that causes further issues. The size and shape of hotswap sockets doesn't allow for it all to fit properly unfortunately.

As for the cost side of things, the economy of scale just isn't there. Parts get cheaper when ordered at higher quantities so if I were to sell ISO hotswap PCBs, I'd have to base the sale price on a low order quantity and that's where the cost would be silly. Imagine asking customers to pay an additional "tax" for using an ISO PCB over an ANSI one, because the raw part cost is 2-3x the cost. That to me is more insulting to the customer than simply omitting it altogether, and instead we've ensured that they're still catered to on the solder side of things.