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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: thibaud on Sat, 13 December 2025, 14:50:46

Title: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard - CANCEL
Post by: thibaud on Sat, 13 December 2025, 14:50:46
(https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hlbbanniere-2.jpg)

Hi, HLB team Here!

In 2024 we ran our first public group-buy with the PoorKoi 1, an acrylic stacked keyboard. 30 happy users were very surprised by the clack of this simple 60% made with love. This was our first project, mistakes were made, but we learned a lot and we got confident that we could push even further: having the same thing in a cnc'd alu/polycarbonate version!
We are aiming for the same clack and feeling with the alu/polycarbonate version – with an affordable price. No brass weight or copper that are expensive if you don't sell 200 units. Simple design with references of the v1.

We had to make a stand between affordability and customization with a trusty and high-quality manufacturer – DDS while upgrading our game: laser cut Poron gaskets, custom carrying case, in house hotswap pcb (as well as new solder one) !


You can find us on Discord (https://discord.gg/ZV8Ysf6buB)


(https://github.com/H3lli0n/PoorKoi2/raw/main/img/commercial.jpg)
(https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/HLB_PoorKoi2_Proto-2-scaled.jpg)
(https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/HLB_PoorKoi2_Proto-6-scaled.jpg)
(https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC00832-scaled.jpg)
(https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC00822-scaled.jpg)
(https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PoorKoiv2_copper_like_by_Mugencillo-5-scaled.jpg)


Specifications
•   60% Poron gasket mount
•   7° typing angle
•   WK/WKL/HHKB
•   Polycarbonate bottom with central aluminium part
•   Brass plate
•   Geon feet D7
•   1.6mm HS/Solder PCB
•   RGB underglow
•   Capslock / layers indicator
•   Unified DB C5
•   Compatibility with venom HE PCB (7U only)
•   Compatibility with Cupilot EC60x PCB and Dynacap

Without feet:

•   18mm front height
•   23mm EKH
•   Weight full built (aluminium top)= 950gr
(https://github.com/H3lli0n/PoorKoi2/raw/main/img/techdraw.png)

Compatibility

Hotswap Layouts
(https://github.com/H3lli0n/PoorKoi2/raw/main/img/hlb60-h_visual.svg)

Solder Layouts
(https://github.com/H3lli0n/PoorKoi2/raw/main/img/hlb60-s_visual.svg)



Project's status
First renders => done
Keyboard prototypes => done
PCB prototypes => done

UPDATE 08 06 2026:
Since DDS stopped keyboard factory we had to find a new manu that requires moq50. A new price is also available !

Where
EU: Deltakeyco (https://deltakeyco.com)
US: Unikey (https://unikeyboards.com/)
SEA: ktechs.store (https://ktechs.store/)
CN: Unikey (https://unikeyboards.com/)

Estimated commercial targets, not final - we aim between 295€ to 250€ VAT excluded depending on MOQ.
=> estimated around $310 (no VAT included) for a 50 MOQ project


Please fill up our NEW IC (https://forms.gle/nscSZA5doKgNNRDh7)



All informations on the project : https://github.com/H3lli0n/PoorKoi2/
More pictures : https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/2025/12/07/hlb-poorkoi-2/


Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 15 December 2025, 14:41:12
Approval :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: tavapataor on Mon, 15 December 2025, 15:35:14
I love seeing a split-spacebar 60.
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: WiBla on Tue, 16 December 2025, 01:45:53
Proud owner of a prototype here ✋
I can't wait for you guys to put your hand on it; DDS did not disappoint, it's a real collection piece!
GLWIC!
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: h3lli0n on Tue, 16 December 2025, 07:44:48
Hello I'm the keyboard designer and proud owner as well. Feel free to ask questions if we missed some details  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: MartinThePolarBear on Wed, 17 December 2025, 12:42:19
Looks good. Hopefully you pick a good US vendor based in the US
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: h3lli0n on Thu, 18 December 2025, 03:58:29
Quote from: MartinThePolarBear on Wed, 17 December 2025, 12:42:19
Looks good. Hopefully you pick a good US vendor based in the US

Thank you ! We are working on vendors and on the price (all options on the table) that is currently a blocking point of this IC. We added the MOQ 100 price on the form and thibaud will update the first topic post later with that.
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: FallonKeaton on Thu, 18 December 2025, 07:49:23
Quote from: thibaud on Sat, 13 December 2025, 14:50:46
Show Image
(https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hlbbanniere-2.jpg)


Hi, HLB team Here!

In 2024 we ran our first public group-buy with the PoorKoi 1, an acrylic stacked keyboard. 30 happy users were very surprised by the clack of this simple 60% made with love. This was our first project, mistakes were made, but we learned a lot and we got confident that we could push even further: having the same thing in a cnc'd alu/polycarbonate version! Interesting discussion with plenty of useful insights from the community. It's always helpful to see different opinions and firsthand experiences, especially when comparing hardware or troubleshooting specific issues. Forums like this are a great resource for learning from others. Consistent preparation and practice are valuable in any field, just as working through a TBAS Practice Test (https://practicetestgeeks.com/tbas-practice-test) helps build confidence before an important assessment.
We are aiming for the same clack and feeling with the alu/polycarbonate version – with an affordable price. No brass weight or copper that are expensive if you don't sell 200 units. Simple design with references of the v1.


We had to make a stand between affordability and customization with a trusty and high-quality manufacturer – DDS while upgrading our game: laser cut Poron gaskets, custom carrying case, in house hotswap pcb (as well as new solder one) !


You can find us on Discord (https://discord.gg/ZV8Ysf6buB)


Show Image
(https://github.com/H3lli0n/PoorKoi2/raw/main/img/commercial.jpg)

Show Image
(https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/HLB_PoorKoi2_Proto-2-scaled.jpg)

Show Image
(https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/HLB_PoorKoi2_Proto-6-scaled.jpg)

Show Image
(https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC00832-scaled.jpg)

Show Image
(https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC00822-scaled.jpg)

Show Image
(https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PoorKoiv2_copper_like_by_Mugencillo-5-scaled.jpg)



Specifications
•   60% Poron gasket mount
•   7° typing angle
•   WK/WKL/HHKB
•   Polycarbonate bottom with central aluminium part
•   Brass plate
•   Geon feet D7
•   1.6mm HS/Solder PCB
•   RGB underglow
•   Capslock / layers indicator
•   Unified DB C5
•   Compatibility with venom HE PCB (7U only)
•   Compatibility with Cupilot EC60x PCB and Dynacap

Without feet:

•   18mm front height
•   23mm EKH
•   Weight full built (aluminium top)= 950gr
Show Image
(https://github.com/H3lli0n/PoorKoi2/raw/main/img/techdraw.png)


Compatibility

Hotswap Layouts
Show Image
(https://github.com/H3lli0n/PoorKoi2/raw/main/img/hlb60-h_visual.svg)


Solder Layouts
Show Image
(https://github.com/H3lli0n/PoorKoi2/raw/main/img/hlb60-s_visual.svg)




Project's status
First renders => done
Keyboard prototypes => done
PCB prototypes => done

UPDATE 08 06 2026:
Since DDS stopped keyboard factory we had to find a new manu that requires moq50. A new price is also available !

Where
EU: Deltakeyco (https://deltakeyco.com)
US: Unikey (https://unikeyboards.com/)
SEA: ktechs.store (https://ktechs.store/)
CN: Unikey (https://unikeyboards.com/)

Estimated commercial targets, not final - we aim between 295€ to 250€ VAT excluded depending on MOQ.
=> estimated around $310 (no VAT included) for a 50 MOQ project


Please fill up our NEW IC (https://forms.gle/nscSZA5doKgNNRDh7)



All informations on the project : https://github.com/H3lli0n/PoorKoi2/
More pictures : https://www.oliversphotoblog.com/2025/12/07/hlb-poorkoi-2/
Wow, I love it. I wish I can have one. hehe
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: Zahul on Thu, 18 December 2025, 09:46:26
Full poly build is perfect
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: AerosolFNTM on Sun, 21 December 2025, 12:23:52
This is a simple, yet awesome project! Hopefully you guys are able to make this happen.
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: h3lli0n on Mon, 22 December 2025, 06:31:49
Quote from: AerosolFNTM on Sun, 21 December 2025, 12:23:52
This is a simple, yet awesome project! Hopefully you guys are able to make this happen.
Thanks ! Yeah we really tried to balance between cost and features. With this weight it's also easy to go to work with  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: h3lli0n on Sat, 27 December 2025, 14:33:08
It was reported Bitdefender was blocking pictures from my blog. After digging it was a react-js script version matching a blocked url pattern... I fixed my theme and pictures should now be displayed correctly here. Sorry for the inconvenience I wasn't aware of.
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: thibaud on Wed, 07 January 2026, 12:58:19
Hello, so far we have positif feedback to make this project happen. To be fully transparent we are confident to have 60% of sales needed for the MOQ 30.
Main interest comes from :
EU – Vendor added - DKC
US – still looking for vendor
We keep working on our side to make the poorkoi v2 happen !
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: thibaud on Sun, 18 January 2026, 09:47:43
Last update :
Venom PCB HE compatibility -> check
Unikey is willing to help us with the project as US and CN vendor
We communicate on MOQ 50 and MOQ 100 and have renegociate our quotation. Still waiting for other manu quotation
As we need to reach at least 50 MOQ -> we are working on Zfrontier IC to gain visibility
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: Randomlosername on Tue, 20 January 2026, 08:05:23
Really really cool project. I love the hotswap layout options and the overall aesthetic of the board. I do hope you could potentially offer more than just a brass plate for GB tho as that is a major turn off for me personally. Would love to see CF, PP, Alu added as plate choices if possible.
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: h3lli0n on Tue, 20 January 2026, 11:19:56
Hello,

CF, PC, Alu will be possible to buy in extra yes  :thumb:
I tested the CF plate with HMX Valorian and it's pretty nice  :D
PC with foam is not bad either a bit muted for my taste
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard
Post by: thibaud on Sat, 07 February 2026, 08:19:53
We add compatible with Cupilot EC60x PCB and Dynacap
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard - NEW MANU - NEW IC
Post by: thibaud on Mon, 08 June 2026, 14:03:52
UPDATE 08 06 2026:
Since DDS stopped keyboard factory we had to find a new manu that requires moq50. A new price is also available !
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard - NEW MANU - NEW IC
Post by: h3lli0n on Thu, 11 June 2026, 06:21:47
Hey guys don't miss this video made by our french streamer d3smo !


If you haven't answered to this new IC please consider as it's important for our vendors regarding the targetted moq
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard - NEW MANU - NEW IC
Post by: Celty on Fri, 12 June 2026, 08:35:12
Amazing keeb, amazing sound, amazing bottom design.

I hope the IC will be completed.
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard - NEW MANU - NEW IC
Post by: thibaud on Tue, 16 June 2026, 11:55:38
New vendor added -> SEA: ktechs.store
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard - NEW MANU - NEW IC
Post by: MartinThePolarBear on Sat, 20 June 2026, 13:27:46
Do we know which month this starts?
Title: Re: [IC] HLB - Poorkoi V2 - A 60% Bottom polycarbonate Keyboard - CANCEL
Post by: thibaud on Sun, 21 June 2026, 13:46:28
Hello everyone ! First thing first we are very grateful for the love on this project by our small community as well as the vendors that responded yes for hosting us.

This project, with a new moq, requires a new prototype more expensive than the first one and as so the results of the new ic was to confirm if we commit or not on this expense.
Moq50 is also the number of sales to project several months from now so being confident was necessary for all those previous points.

As of today after spamming on websites, discord and even having a re-review yesterday here are the numbers : 56 answers with only 8 people sure to buy.
By common sense we would have need ~ 80-100 answers with a bit more "sure to buy" to be really confident. Yes we can let the ic opened a month but statistically the path is set; with the audience it's impossible to gain more "secured sales".

As you already guessed by reading the previous lines, HLB will not run this project on public GB and with all happening with the econony and the hobby we will focus and more niche private GB for now.

Thanks again for having supported this project, even if PoorKoi v2 is not public future will have another 60% full alu someday