geekhack

geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: BrianEF on Tue, 26 August 2025, 04:19:59

Title: [IC] Marble60 - a 60% board carved out of marble
Post by: BrianEF on Tue, 26 August 2025, 04:19:59
IC form here: https://forms.gle/uwjMh6G38nqZs58FA

About the Marble 60
[attachimg=1][attachimg=5][attachimg=6]
The Marble 60 is a 60% keyboard carved entirely from real marble. It’s the result of combining traditional stone craftsmanship with modern mechanical keyboard design — a project that turns a functional tool into a piece of art.

The idea started back in 2024, when one of our team members — whose family has been in masonry for generations — suggested bringing his heritage into our shared passion for keyboards. We were optimistic at first, thinking we could launch by late 2024, and even managed to produce an early prototype that year. It wasn’t perfect, but it showed us something incredible: the sound and look of marble in a keyboard is truly one of a kind.
[attachimg=2]
From that point on, we’ve never stopped refining it. We tested multiple workshops, broke more than a few tool tips, experimented with finishes and marble types, and kept iterating until we found the right partners who could meet our vision. Every step has been about balancing the natural character of marble with the practical needs of a keyboard.

I personally keep two prototypes for every iteration — one with an MX PCB and one with a Hall Effect PCB — swapping keycaps of different profiles to test compatibility. While CAD helped guide the design, the truth is marble can’t be shaped by machines alone; every case still requires a mason’s hand for the finishing touches. That’s why I’ve spent countless visits at the workshop, working side by side with artisans to bring this project to life.

The design is simple and intentional: marble first, keyboard second. We didn’t chase trends like low front height, because reducing the case structure also reduces the resonance that makes the sound so unique. Instead, we embraced the natural density and texture of marble. For comfort, we recommend pairing it with a wrist rest.


Specifications
[attachimg=3]
Layout: 60%
Case Material: Solid Marble (polished finish)
Weight: Approx. 1000–1600g unbuilt / 1350–1950g built (variant dependent)
Typing Angle: 3°
Front Height: 22.7mm
Mounting Style: Tray Mount only for R1 (O-ring and GEON’s new Keysnap mount in development)
PCB Support: Standard GH60 post (use your own GH60 PCB or let us know what PCB you’d like to see in the IC form)

Marble Variants

We are currently preparing three confirmed finishes:
White Marble
Black Marble
Jade Marble

If there are other marble tones you’d like to see, please let us know in the IC form.

We’d love your feedback about Marble 60 here in IC form:https://forms.gle/uwjMh6G38nqZs58FA
or our Discord: https://discord.gg/HcFst6cvga

Next Steps
[attachimg=4]
The latest prototypes are the closest we’ve ever come to the vision we started with — balancing durability, machining, and the unique acoustic signature of marble. Each iteration has been tested with different PCBs and keycaps to ensure real-world compatibility.

What makes this project different is that the final stages of production can’t be done by machine alone. Every case still requires a mason’s expertise, which means each Marble 60 carries the human touch of traditional craftsmanship.

Our next step is finalize details like marble variants and PCB, plate for the kit. We are aiming for a late 2025 group buy.

Stay tuned for more photos, updates, and testing content — and please share your thoughts in the IC form to help us shape the final release.

More Pictures of Marble 60:
[attachimg=7]
[attachimg=8]
[attachimg=9]
[attachimg=10]
[attachimg=11]
Title: Re: [IC] Marble60 - a 60% board carved out of marble
Post by: BrianEF on Wed, 26 November 2025, 21:37:48
We're working on other marble variants and other structure these days, maybe in early 2026
Title: Re: [IC] Marble60 - a 60% board carved out of marble
Post by: Zababa on Thu, 27 November 2025, 05:53:27
Wow, it's so beautiful! I would probably buy one, but my budget is extremely constrained and I ordered a Keychron Q6 Max with some switches and accessories for $250 on Black Friday. I don't think I will be able to buy any other keyboard for many years.
Title: Re: [IC] Marble60 - a 60% board carved out of marble
Post by: jd on Fri, 28 November 2025, 19:20:01
This is really cool. I'm definitely interested.
Title: Re: [IC] Marble60 - a 60% board carved out of marble
Post by: BrianEF on Sat, 29 November 2025, 04:01:46
This is really cool. I'm definitely interested.
Thanks! Glad to hear you're interested!
This post actually got approved a bit later than I expected, but we've had a great run — people seem genuinely happy with it, which has been awesome to see!
We're planning to run a formal Group Buy in 2026 after we work through some of the feedback and suggestions we've received during the IC phase, and finalize a few other variants we're exploring.
Title: Re: [IC] Marble60 - a 60% board carved out of marble
Post by: horchata771 on Fri, 05 December 2025, 08:53:20
Totally in on this. Such a unique idea to use marble as a case.  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Marble60 - a 60% board carved out of marble
Post by: tavapataor on Fri, 05 December 2025, 09:37:42
Totally in on this. Such a unique idea to use marble as a case.  :thumb:

right? "you think your keyboard sounds marbly? let me show you what marbly sounds like!"
Title: Re: [IC] Marble60 - a 60% board carved out of marble
Post by: BrianEF on Fri, 12 December 2025, 03:08:39
Totally in on this. Such a unique idea to use marble as a case.  :thumb:

right? "you think your keyboard sounds marbly? let me show you what marbly sounds like!"

Exactly! One of my biggest motivations for pushing this project is how amazing marble sounds when it’s used as a keyboard case.
Title: Re: [IC] Marble60 - a 60% board carved out of marble
Post by: PianoStan on Fri, 12 December 2025, 21:31:43
Will the tray mount screws be removable? If so, I could use keysnaps as a mount, I believe. If so, I'm so in.
Title: Re: [IC] Marble60 - a 60% board carved out of marble
Post by: BrianEF on Fri, 12 December 2025, 21:41:14
Will the tray mount screws be removable? If so, I could use keysnaps as a mount, I believe. If so, I'm so in.
You can definitely use Keysnaps. That said, the tray mount screw posts aren’t removable — without them, the board loses a lot of that signature marble resonance, which is a big part of what makes it special.