(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/renders/metanoia-banner-image2.png)
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Labe/Metanoia_AltaLabe_11.jpg)
AKB Website (https://alchemistkeyboards.com)
AKB Discord (https://discord.gg/yPkfGGC)
IC FORM (https://forms.gle/m9wiHdeXq5CDFjkCA) | Intro (#post_intro) | Colourways (#post_colors) | Pics (#post_pics) | Specs (#post_specs) | Compatibility (#post_compat) | IC Info (#post_availability) | Thanks (#post_misc) | FAQ (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=126637.msg3215842#msg3215842)
Intro:
Between AKB projects, client work, and collaborations with teams like Glarses and CannonKeys, I’ve had the chance to bring over 120 keyboards to production over the past 7 years. As rewarding as that’s been, starting each new project with a completely blank slate has become increasingly difficult, and organic inspiration harder to come by.
Metanoia began differently. What started as a conversation with Kevin from Kezewa (who provided the initial layout based on the JER-mini), shifted my usual process from concept-first to something more reactive. Instead of building everything in isolation, I made a conscious effort to open the design up, checking decisions along the way and allowing external input to shape the outcome. While the bulk of the design is still my own, that collaborative back-and-forth led to more organic compromises and a result that feels distinct from my previous work.
The name “Metanoia” reflects that shift. After years of approaching projects in a very self-contained way, this board represents a change in perspective both in how I design and how I want to approach future projects. Maybe that means bringing more people into the process, maybe it means sharing ideas earlier than I usually would. I’m not entirely sure yet, but this feels like the first step in that change.
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Colourways:
Alta Dolch
Black-grey 6063 aluminium top and badge, warm grey 6063 aluminium bottom, dark grey PVD steel accents.
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/renders/Metanoia_Alta_Dolch.png)
Alta Luna
Silver 6063 aluminium top and badge, dark grey 6063 aluminium bottom, brushed stainless steel and PVD steel accents.
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/renders/Metanoia_Alta_Luna.png)
Alta Corde
Wine red 6063 aluminium top, bottom and badge, red patina brass accents.
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/renders/Metanoia_Alta_Corde.png)
Alta Labe
Dark teal 6063 aluminium top, blue patina brass bottom and badge, silver 6063 aluminium accents.
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/renders/Metanoia_Alta_Labe.png)
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Prototype Photos:
Alta Dolch
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Dolch/Metanoia_AltaDolch_13.jpg)
More
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Dolch/Metanoia_AltaDolch_12.jpg)
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Dolch/Metanoia_AltaDolch_10.jpg)
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Dolch/Metanoia_AltaDolch_3.jpg)
Alta Luna
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Luna/Metanoia_AltaLuna_2.jpg)
More
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Luna/Metanoia_AltaLuna_5.jpg)
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Luna/Metanoia_AltaLuna_11.jpg)
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Luna/Metanoia_AltaLuna_9.jpg)
Alta Corde
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Corde/Metanoia_AltaCorde_7.jpg)
More
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Corde/Metanoia_AltaCorde_3.jpg)
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Corde/Metanoia_AltaCorde_8.jpg)
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Corde/Metanoia_AltaCorde_10.jpg)
Alta Labe
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Labe/Metanoia_AltaLabe_11.jpg)
More
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Labe/Metanoia_AltaLabe_3.jpg)
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Labe/Metanoia_AltaLabe_7.jpg)
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/Photos/Alta%20Labe/Metanoia_AltaLabe_10.jpg)
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Specs:
- Layout: 65% w/single macro column
- Mounting style: Top mount
- Typing angle: 7°
- Front height: 17.1mm (22.3mm EKH)
- PCB: 1.6mm Solder or Hotswap + Fly DB
- Built weight: 1710g-2210g
- Plate options: Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC), Carbon Fibre (CF), Aluminium (Aluminium)
Features
- Top-mounted Fly-daughterboard, for easy build assembly
- Semi-screwless design (2 internal case screws, 5 external)
- QMK/VIA compatible PCBs
- Optional badge if you prefer an extra key (badge is included)
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/renders/Exploded.png)
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Compatibility
Both solder and hotswap PCBs will have the full compatibility shown below:
(https://i.ibb.co/xtNpy8w2/Metanoia-KLE.png)
The plate is also universal:
(https://pub-29ecb0375d0e43c0bb815b6c59720e66.r2.dev/renders/Metanoia%20KLE.png)
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IC Details / Timeline
Group Buy planned for June 2026 (exact launch date TBD)
Target Pricing: (Pricing is estimated, as material costs are fluctuating daily. Final pricing will be confirmed just before launch)
- Alta Dolch - ~$460
- Alta Luna - ~$460
- Alta Corde - ~$460
- Alta Labe - ~$630
Vendors:
- UK: AKB
- US: CannonKeys
- OCE: KeebzNCables
- CN: Kezewa
- SEA: ktechs
- EU: Coffeekeys
- CA: Mech.land
(Maybe) more vendors to be announced.
Feedback is appreciated. Feel free to share thoughts here or via Discord!
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Thanks
- Beesley (https://www.instagram.com/bees.keys_/) for the colourway renders.
- gvb. for the lovely photos.
- Kevin (Kezewa) for his input, collaboration and endless patience.
- TR (https://ktechs.store/) for the support from the start, and the early build stream.
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IC FORM (https://forms.gle/m9wiHdeXq5CDFjkCA)