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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: CleverKeebs on Sun, 18 August 2024, 22:58:49

Title: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (friction-fit mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB) | Vendors!
Post by: CleverKeebs on Sun, 18 August 2024, 22:58:49
(https://i.imgur.com/FCgcD1F.jpeg)

Blue Ridge

Electro-capacitive (EC) ‧ HHKB ‧ O-ring Mounted ‧ Integrated Housings

Designed by Clever Keebs

Target price for standard kit: $450 USD.
Target price for premium kit (stainless steel dual finish weight): $485

Interest Form (https://forms.gle/e83cz6GmnZQV6rV29)
Discord (https://discord.gg/MvQ2ezyXe3)


Current Status and Next Steps


January 18, 2025
Another vendor added! Prototypist is on board now and will be covering the UK and EU. I also posted some plate redesign changes in the comments. TLDR: new friction tab system, tighter tolerances for the EC plate, and improved design around MX keycap compatibility. Check the comments for more details and a render of the new EC plate redesign!


January 15, 2025
A lot has happened since I last posted an update! The production run has been ordered and is expected to be completed in March. The Blue Ridge will be available via in stock purchase and/or preorder through CannonKeys, ktechs, and my own site (cleverkeebs.com). Alexotos took some amazing photos of the Blue Ridge and I posted them here on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/DE1zGMdR-kg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) if you'd like to check them out. Five color-ways will be available at launch:

- Blue Mist (blue)
- Autumn Amber (amber)
- Pine Green (green)
- Smoke Grey (dark grey)
- Valley Fog (translucent/clear)

I'm so excited to see this project come to life and receive all of the positive feedback thus far. I still have loads more to share, which I'll do later this week.

November 13, 2024
Alexotos will be streaming the Blue Ridge tonight! We'll also be offering a preorder tonight following the stream for a limited edition aluminum version, produced in the US. There will be 10 units available and 100% of the profits will be donated to DirectRelief.org to help provide relief from the damage that Hurricane Helene caused in and around the Blue Ridge mountains recently. These 10 units are expected to ship in February, 2025.


October 24, 2024
(https://i.imgur.com/0IRKFmP.jpeg)

If you didn't notice the title, MX is now officially supported! The Blue Ridge will sport the first (that I'm aware of anyway) hybrid MX/EC PCB in a custom keyboard kit. Scared of EC but curious to try it without committing to it? Done. But be warned - if you do try it you may not go back ;)

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

I also have some fun extras to announce. If you look closely at the photos below, you'll see a custom carrying case and a custom dust cloth. All units will come with both. I also photographed the custom silicone press-fit feet in all colorways. Cases will come with their matching feet but all colors are designed to be paired together so if you'd like to order an alternate color, extras will be available for purchase at launch.

(https://i.imgur.com/0IRKFmP.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/N96EEvz.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6Di6HlO.jpeg)

Last but not least, here's an updated sound test that shows off both EC and MX variants. Enjoy!


October 6, 2024
Some preview images of the green version with custom feet and two of the pill weight options that go on the back (topo design). More info to follow :)

(https://i.imgur.com/Pbmub9y.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RQFVJqN.jpeg)

October 2, 2024
Lots of update since I last posted in September. I received an earlier prototype in the production blue I plan to use from the manufacturer I plan to order from. The back weight is using the old text design, but the production run will have the newer topographical design. After some feedback, I am considering offering the two-tone stainless steel weight on the back as an upgrade option. You can see it below. The manufacturer also finished the green variant with the latest revision changes and it's currently on a plane to me now. I expect this to be the last version before placing the first production order. Two vendors have expressed their interest: Deskhero and ktechs.store, and I'll be talking with them further about potentially offering more quantities of the Blue Ridge. Alexotos will be reviewing the board on stream in November. I'll post a date in my update this weekend. Anyway, enjoy the photos below. One is of the blue color variant that I took myself, and the other photos are from the manufacturer (if you couldn't already tell by their quality).

(https://i.imgur.com/iFEfBZ8.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZVkbT5f.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ao9oYvg.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vlTPoMh.jpeg)

September 8, 2024
This past week I placed another sample order for the final color I'm considering for the first launch: Smoky Grey. The theme for this color is "Dusk" and will include a warm dark grey color for the translucent polycarbonate case, a sunset copper-like color for the pill weight, and a dark blue for the hex weight for the dark blue skies at sunset. I'm also placing a second round of orders for the silicone feet this week in various colors to match each of the themes I'll be offering. Here's a quick render of the silicone feet in two colors.

(https://i.imgur.com/kluQHRJ.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/bQeoXkS.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/upKaOIb.png)

In fact, I liked it so much, I'm going to get it made into a camera shutter soft release button :)

(https://i.imgur.com/0e76o9n.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/5euJexX.png)

August 31, 2024
This past week I've been looking at options for the first run that's happening end of year. The good news is I will be able to offer a few color options without a significant price increase (for me, not you). The colors I'm considering for the translucent polycarbonate case include a mountain green, blue mist, autumn amber, and smoky grey. There's been more interest than originally anticipated so I'm considering increasing the order quantity for the first run. If I do, I'll offer all four colors. If I stick with ~25, I'll probably choose 2-3 colors for the initial run. I'm also looking at finish options for the weight parts and whether or not I can offer various anodization options. While I really wanted to do a two-tone (sandblast+polish) finish for the pill weight on the bottom (larger of the two), it just isn't cost effective for a first run. I'm considering a more expensive option that would be $550 instead of $485 which would include it and might run a separate poll in my discord to gauge interest. The standard option would be sandblasted + anodized aluminum. This version would be sandblasted + polished (edges) stainless steel. I ordered samples for both and will post photos when I receive them. Last but not least, Cipulot and I finalized the mounting points for the PCB and plate. I'll have prototypes and new videos/photos in ~30 days or so.

August 25, 2024
I sent off for the last round of prototypes prior to the first edition launch of 25-30 in-stock sets. The latest round of updates includes a new muted green PC case color (Pantone 5477C), the updated weight topo design mentioned below, a reduced front height (will update specs later this afternoon with exact numbers), custom silicone feet (press-fit, translucent silicone with a bottom dogwood flower design), and a new material/color option for the weight assembly. For the first low quantity order, I can use aluminum for the bottom two weight parts and reduce cost significantly while only shaving off ~0.14kg. This also allows for more surface finish options like anodization. The inner weight retainer will still be stainless steel and will also have a new laser-etched topo engraving on it that complements the new design on the bottom weight. With all this, the target price for the first edition will be $485. I will also be offering a super limited edition bundle for $600 that includes some extra handcrafted goodies: a custom designed wooden box that doubles as a display stand, a resin + wood wrist rest, and some other knick knacks. There will only be 5 of these available at launch later this year. Designs to follow in a future update :)

(https://i.imgur.com/N35v0l5.png)

August 20, 2024
After some feedback and careful considering, I've decided to offer either a replacement or alternate weight design option for the large "pill" weight on the back. I spent the evening tracing a topographical map of one of my favorites spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway and then incorporated it into the design. My goal was to keep it relevant to the inspiration while also making it appeal to those of you who don't care about the Blue Ridge Mountains but perhaps love mountains! This was a great compromise. I'm getting quotes now for a follow-up prototype that also includes some other minor design changes and material/color options you'll see later. Here's a screenshot from Fusion:

(https://i.imgur.com/OLcQvk5.png)

Let me know what you think! Do you like the "Blue Ridge" text or this?
[/size]



I'm currently nearing the end of the prototyping phase and have been ordering the same parts from various vendors in different materials, surface finishes, and colors. The prototype photographed here is the first of 3 variants I'll be receiving over the next few weeks. This project has not been picked up yet by a vendor, so if you're interested in my design, feel free to contact me on Discord :)

With or without a vendor, I'm planning a preorder or in-stock sale, limited to 25 units, by end of year. If there's enough interest, I'll plan a group buy for further units with various material/color options.


Description
The Blue Ridge is a premium EC keyboard with an OG HHKB layout (6u spacebar). This project started off as a love letter to the Topre/EC community. I wanted to create something new that wasn't a conversion or aftermarket case for an existing board. I also felt there was a gap in new designs that featured that slightly scratchy, classic Topre feel. Most custom EC boards today feature a metal plate with snap-in aftermarket housings, and while those are equally amazing to type on, I wanted to reprise the feel and sound of the HHKB Pro boards (with a twist of course). A first of its kind, the Blue Ridge is equipped with an o-ring mounted, CNC’d POM plate with integrated EC housings. Why? Because people said it couldn't be done and I wanted to :) In all honesty though, designing and machining my own EC plates would allow for an array of new possibilities: better compatibility with popular keycap profiles, a new-to-EC mounting style that didn't require snipping aftermarket housings, and a familiar but unique sound and feel.

Inspired by the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, the board takes cues from its rolling hills and mountain ranges throughout: an ergonomic front-lip palm rest, mountain range cutouts above the USB-C port and the JST cable channel, a side profile reminiscent of the rolling hills of North Carolina, and unique mountain range stepped engravings on both the right-side HHKB blocker and bottom weight assembly. The PCB is designed by Cipulot and includes RGB for it to shine through the frosted polycarbonate case.

Curious or skeptical? Here's me installing the o-ring.


Prototype Gallery
There are a few changes that will be made between the prototype you see here and the first-run production version(s).

And without further adieu, I present actual photos of the Blue Ridge prototype...

(https://i.imgur.com/gdwsAiG.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/FCgcD1F.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8QIbCPk.jpeg)(https://i.imgur.com/sQuTuPR.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OPqkYQx.jpeg)(https://i.imgur.com/7k6I4GH.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0Vl293H.jpeg)(https://i.imgur.com/P84oc5J.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2OC8pES.jpeg)(https://i.imgur.com/SpeBTcd.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RC0dBWt.jpeg)(https://i.imgur.com/3yWGPvf.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/McxBWS7.jpeg)(https://i.imgur.com/GT1QqOj.jpeg)

Typing Test

Current Specs

The following layout is the only offered support for the first, in-stock run. If there's enough interest in other layout variations (unified backspace, unified right shift, stepped caps, split space, etc), then I'll consider creating various plate designs to support popular requests for the group buy.

(https://i.imgur.com/ELPo9eF.png)

What's Included

Variants
PartMaterialSurface Treatment
CasePolycarbonateSandblasted, dyed a "steel blue" (similar to Pantone 646 C)
Sandblasted, dyed a "mountain green" (similar to Pantone 5477 C)
Sandblasted, clear
AluminumSandblasted, anodized "Steel Blue" to match Pantone 2148 C
Sandblasted, anodized "Smoke Grey" to match Pantone 425 C
PlatePOM (milled)White or Black
Hexagonal weight (mountain view)AluminumSandblasted, anodized in several color options (TBD)
Larger pill weightAluminumSandblasted with top surface mirror polished (border, font, and sun)
Internal weight retainerStainless SteelSandblasted



One more thing...
If you made it this far, here's a little treat of my son doing his own typing test on the Blue Ridge. This is and always will be the only typing test that matters. :) Cheers! And thanks for stopping by and learning about my design.

Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: theasian on Mon, 19 August 2024, 13:39:06
I am in!
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: xjack312 on Mon, 19 August 2024, 19:57:52
Seeing this in person at the NK meetup was awesome, front lip is super nice. GLWIC!
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: CleverKeebs on Tue, 20 August 2024, 02:36:20
New weight design added - Check the post for the update and to see what it looks like! Let me know what you think :)
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: lastkey on Tue, 20 August 2024, 14:08:31
Quote from: CleverKeebs on Tue, 20 August 2024, 02:36:20
New weight design added - Check the post for the update and to see what it looks like! Let me know what you think :)
Love the alternate weight. The text was a bit much for me before.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: vhaarr on Wed, 21 August 2024, 01:11:51
I also prefer the alternative weight :-) Great work on the IC and board!

And I'm very pleased to see the design flair on the HHKB blocker. Too few boards take advantage of that area.
I'd love it if the blocker area was just a rectangular inlay where we could place a copper/polished ss plate akin to the weight, just with the ridge symbols that are there now.

Hope that makes sense, and yes I realise it would add a lot to the cost :P

EDIT: That said, I think you should limit the blocker flair to the rightmost edge of the keycap - and not extend it towards the right edge like it is now?
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: CleverKeebs on Wed, 21 August 2024, 01:17:20
Quote from: vhaarr on Wed, 21 August 2024, 01:11:51
I also prefer the alternative weight :-) Great work on the IC and board!

And I'm very pleased to see the design flair on the HHKB blocker. Too few boards take advantage of that area.
I'd love it if the blocker area was just a rectangular inlay where we could place a copper/polished ss plate akin to the weight, just with the ridge symbols that are there now.

Hope that makes sense, and yes I realise it would add a lot to the cost :P

EDIT: That said, I think you should limit the blocker flair to the rightmost edge of the keycap - and not extend it towards the right edge like it is now?

Thank you for the feedback! I was actually talking with Cipulot today regarding the blocker and the idea of creating a detachable badge. I actually really like the idea but one of my design goals was to make the sides completely see-thru...but I am considering this for sure. It might be neat to swap them out for other designs as well, allowing users to personalize it. The other issue is I'm not sure how it would look with the front lip curve (palm rest as I call it). Anyway, let me ponder and think about it :)
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: audax989 on Wed, 21 August 2024, 06:50:47
neat plate! glwic!
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: RozenKristal on Wed, 21 August 2024, 12:53:57
Wow I currently have the type S and loving the hhkb layout a lot. Gonna follow this.
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: CleverKeebs on Sun, 25 August 2024, 08:32:16
Update added! Pricing info, new color option, some material updates, new custom designed silicone press-fit feet (didn’t want to see adhesive residue and wanted to reduce the front height a bit), and a few other things. Last round of prototypes ordered prior to the first edition launch!
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: vhaarr on Sun, 25 August 2024, 11:44:26
ooooh green! Which materials/colors will we get to see in your next prototypes? :D
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: CleverKeebs on Mon, 26 August 2024, 00:25:55
Quote from: vhaarr on Sun, 25 August 2024, 11:44:26
ooooh green! Which materials/colors will we get to see in your next prototypes? :D

The first run will only include polycarbonate, and I'm considering three colors at the moment. I'll be receiving prototypes in all three, although the steel blue prototype will be based off the previous version seen above. The color will be accurate though and there aren't any differences from the top between versions so it should be accurate enough. I'm currently undecided on how many color variants I'll be offering initially, but I will have that answer within a week's time.

The next round of protos will include the following:
1. Mountain Green PC case - stainless steel, sandblasted and polished (dual-tone finish) pill weight with topo design - aluminum, sandblasted hex weight, anodized pantone 137C (orange/yellow) - sandblasted stainless steel weight retainer with topo engraving, infilled with matte paint matching pantone 137c
2. Clear ("Frosted") PC case - stainless steel, sandblasted and polished (dual-tone finish) pill weight with topo design - sandblasted brass hex weight - sandblasted stainless steel weight retainer with topo engraving, infilled green
3. Steel Blue PC Case - stainless steel, sandblasted and polished (dual-tone finish) pill weight with text ("Blue Ridge") design - sandblasted copper hex weight - sandblasted stainless steel weight retainer

I'm also going to be getting white and black POM plate samples, but will most likely be going with white for the first edition (allows light to reflect more when using RGB). Here's a quick screen grab for the first version (which I'm most excited about)
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: JIO on Tue, 27 August 2024, 02:23:29
Discord's invite shows invalid, how do I join?
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: CleverKeebs on Tue, 27 August 2024, 03:12:13
Quote from: JIO on Tue, 27 August 2024, 02:23:29
Discord's invite shows invalid, how do I join?

Sorry! Invite link expired. I just created a new one and edited the post.

https://discord.gg/MvQ2ezyXe3
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: CleverKeebs on Sat, 31 August 2024, 16:28:09
Update added! A new color option (Autumn Amber), some details about the weight materials, and a few other items.
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: CleverKeebs on Sun, 08 September 2024, 14:01:31
* Modified foot design
* Final color samples ordered
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: CleverKeebs on Wed, 02 October 2024, 02:57:35
Updated with a few photos of the latest prototypes! Alexotos stream in November :)
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: CleverKeebs on Sun, 06 October 2024, 15:24:35
New feet, a preview of the green prototype, and some weight options!
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: vhaarr on Tue, 08 October 2024, 05:35:25
Oh man your updates make me hangry for the blue ridge! Can't wait to see the amber :-D
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB - EC O-ring
Post by: EdgeOfInfinity on Wed, 23 October 2024, 16:30:39
that green one looks amazing!
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (o-ring mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB)
Post by: CleverKeebs on Thu, 24 October 2024, 02:07:30
Juicy updates!

- MX support officially announced via a brand new hybrid EC/MX PCB designed by Cipulot
- New carrying case revealed
- New custom dust cloth revealed
- Feet pics!

Alexotos stream coming in November
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (o-ring mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB)
Post by: KenGuru on Thu, 24 October 2024, 08:24:15
This is cool, I like the board!
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (o-ring mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB)
Post by: vhaarr on Fri, 15 November 2024, 05:41:10
Ooooh my I just watched the stream and the autumn variant is STUNNING!
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (o-ring mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB)
Post by: vhaarr on Fri, 15 November 2024, 05:51:38
I just sent a request to kool-keys if they can make a matching cable for the PC autumn (orange) color along with MW Calico. Fingers crossed! :-D
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (o-ring mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB)
Post by: xjack312 on Fri, 15 November 2024, 13:42:56
Awesome to see the sick progress on this project!
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (o-ring mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB)
Post by: vhaarr on Mon, 25 November 2024, 05:54:23
For anyone that needs sliders and such to complete a Blue Ridge, remember there's 30% off on deskeys now :-)
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (o-ring mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB)
Post by: nathanchere on Mon, 25 November 2024, 06:31:42
Quote from: CleverKeebs on Sun, 18 August 2024, 22:58:49
The following layout is the only offered support for the first, in-stock run. If there's enough interest in other layout variations (unified backspace, unified right shift, stepped caps, split space, etc), then I'll consider creating various plate designs to support popular requests for the group buy.

Please DO NOT add split spacebar support! NEVER! Aside from being a major groundbreaker in the EC keyboard space which would be devastating to the status quo, I don't know if my bank account would ever recover from such a truly endgame-worthy release.
 
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (o-ring mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB)
Post by: KenGuru on Thu, 28 November 2024, 08:26:56
Love this!
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (o-ring mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB)
Post by: fmtowns on Thu, 28 November 2024, 18:48:51
Add split space bar, rgb, the end!
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (o-ring mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB)
Post by: oscdawg on Fri, 29 November 2024, 12:02:03
Love all the attention to detail on this board. I'm looking forward to the release.
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (o-ring mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB)
Post by: CleverKeebs on Fri, 29 November 2024, 16:28:53
Production run ordered! I’m traveling in Japan this week but will update the main post with more details and news by next weekend. In the meantime, check out the Alexotos video on YouTube!

Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (friction-fit mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB) | Vendors!
Post by: CleverKeebs on Wed, 15 January 2025, 03:26:21
New vendor announcement!!

CannonKeys and ktechs will be picking up the Blue Ridge, which will be in-stock and/or available for preorder later this year. Production has already begun and there will be 100 units available worldwide in five different color-ways. The plate design has been revamped following some testing and feedback. The EC POM and 4.5mm MX PC plates incorporate custom silicone molded friction fit tabs that slot into the plate and allow it to be mounted to the board via friction fit, similar to a gummy o-ring style. Zero interference with stabilizers and significantly easier to install. The plate has also been further optimized to safely say that it will have zero interference/compatibility issues with MX keycaps, a first in the EC world without significant modding. I'm excited to share more details later this week/weekend along with some renders.
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (friction-fit mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB) | Vendors!
Post by: Serenn on Thu, 16 January 2025, 13:25:11
100% in either way but is there no chance of am eu (or prototypist) vendor? Understandable with just 100 units but I figured I may as well ask
Overall really fun and interesting project, really looking forward to it! The whole design is just lovely
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (friction-fit mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB) | Vendors!
Post by: ingenyeur on Thu, 16 January 2025, 16:11:26
Would love a german/european vendor (oblotzky, keygem) aswell
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (friction-fit mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB) | Vendors!
Post by: CleverKeebs on Sat, 18 January 2025, 09:55:08
Great news! Prototypist will be our last vendor and is covering UK and EU. Thanks for the interest, feedback, and suggestions :)

More details to come later on whether we'll do a pre-order or in-stock drop as production progresses. Machining is about half-way finished currently and is expected to conclude in March. Again, 100 units worldwide (~25 with each vendor). Vendor list below:

1. Clever Keebs - cleverkeebs.com (USA)
2. Cannon Keys (USA)
3. ktechs (SEA)
4. Prototypist (UK, EU)

I also wanted to share the latest update on what design changes were made for the production run. The case design has been largely unchanged, but the EC and 4.5mm MX plates were redesigned. Here are the highlights:


(https://i.imgur.com/J1HhnIB.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Niem2PF.png)
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (friction-fit mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB) | Vendors!
Post by: mr_foggy on Sun, 19 January 2025, 04:11:50
Quote from: CleverKeebs on Sat, 18 January 2025, 09:55:08
Great news! Prototypist will be our last vendor and is covering UK and EU

brexit happened in 2020
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (friction-fit mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB) | Vendors!
Post by: Serenn on Sun, 19 January 2025, 10:06:26
Yea pT is not *ideal* so to speak, but you get a close-ish trusted vendor and pre-paid VAT, so I'm happy with that.
Thanks for adding it!
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (friction-fit mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB) | Vendors!
Post by: tactilesbad on Mon, 20 January 2025, 07:35:59
Quote from: Serenn on Sun, 19 January 2025, 10:06:26
you get a close-ish trusted vendor and pre-paid VAT
and international shipping and DHL tax and customs fees

pT is an excellent vendor but EU is still cucked
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (friction-fit mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB) | Vendors!
Post by: Ammonite on Sun, 26 January 2025, 03:03:17
Quote
and international shipping and DHL tax and customs fees

What is “DHL tax”? You shouldn’t have any additional fees to pay for orders from pT. They’re a registered EU trader and charge VAT and any duties needed for the relevant EU country at checkout so there are no additional fees collected before delivery. You will need to pay a higher shipping rate but that was going to be true for everyone not located in the specific European country that got chosen. Unless every country offers a gb that’s unavoidable.
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (friction-fit mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB) | Vendors!
Post by: vhaarr on Mon, 27 January 2025, 09:22:13
Quote from: Ammonite on Sun, 26 January 2025, 03:03:17
Quote
and international shipping and DHL tax and customs fees

What is “DHL tax”? You shouldn’t have any additional fees to pay for orders from pT. They’re a registered EU trader and charge VAT and any duties needed for the relevant EU country at checkout so there are no additional fees collected before delivery. You will need to pay a higher shipping rate but that was going to be true for everyone not located in the specific European country that got chosen. Unless every country offers a gb that’s unavoidable.

DHL charges me at least $25 to "facilitate customs" or whatever, regardless of the package value.

EDIT: In case it wasn't clear, this is in addition to the actual customs toll charge. Other carriers charge much less than DHL - I can't even remember what the others charge.
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (friction-fit mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB) | Vendors!
Post by: nathanchere on Thu, 27 February 2025, 04:59:47
Even though I'm not interested in the first release, I'm still following this eagerly hoping it's considered successful enough to follow through on the split space version. First split space HHKB EC board would be something special.
Title: Re: [IC] Blue Ridge HHKB (friction-fit mounted, with a hybrid MX/EC PCB) | Vendors!
Post by: logaboga on Sun, 02 March 2025, 11:17:14
Would love to see more hybrid PCB boards out there.