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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: calavera on Mon, 25 February 2013, 16:42:18

Title: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: calavera on Mon, 25 February 2013, 16:42:18
http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/news/6080025#1

(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/keyboards/c31ee22ef4b2a7fc5b2e71c11f050898_zpsf15e9eda.jpg)

(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/keyboards/5bab69d7cc4323da1bb0c5a608cb5ecc_zps3244c88b.jpg)

Full plated, aluminium case. No-plate possible if desired. Macro, full LED. Available in Titan, red, or silver.
Pricing not announced. Available mid~late March.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Xaviz on Tue, 26 February 2013, 08:21:53
neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: AKIMbO on Tue, 26 February 2013, 08:29:36
Pretty neat.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: jdcarpe on Tue, 26 February 2013, 08:36:45
Yep, this is great if you love LED backlighting, or just want to say you have a Korean board.

Otherwise, you'll be able to order the same exact thing with a GH60 and WFD's alu case. ;D
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Sai on Tue, 26 February 2013, 08:40:19
Yep, this is great if you love LED backlighting, or just want to say you have a Korean board.

Otherwise, you'll be able to order the same exact thing with a GH60 and WFD's alu case. ;D

we have more options in this one. i guess
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: OrpheusX on Tue, 26 February 2013, 09:13:12
...and the down arrow key is where? Pretty board but it's design seems thoroughly indifferent to usability. Granted I think the same of some of the GH60 layouts but...
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: alaricljs on Tue, 26 February 2013, 09:18:40
...and the down arrow key is where? Pretty board but it's design seems thoroughly indifferent to usability. Granted I think the same of some of the GH60 layouts but...

Understand that the arrow caps are likely just filler caps of the appropriate profile and do not actually designate the true function of the switch in question.  The entire keyboard is fully remappable with layers.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Reomero on Tue, 26 February 2013, 12:47:35
Lol I was also scratching my head when I saw those arrow keys.. :p
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Michael on Tue, 26 February 2013, 13:53:10
Otherwise, you'll be able to order the same exact thing with a GH60 and WFD's alu case. ;D

Pretty disappointing that full LED option was not included in the PCB.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: HannibalChew on Tue, 26 February 2013, 14:18:11
Looks pretty nice, i wonder how much they will be.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: alaricljs on Tue, 26 February 2013, 14:27:17
Otherwise, you'll be able to order the same exact thing with a GH60 and WFD's alu case. ;D

Pretty disappointing that full LED option was not included in the PCB.

So step up and design it. 
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Michael on Tue, 26 February 2013, 14:37:44
So step up and design it.

It was requested a few times in the development phase. It was disregarded.

Sure I can 'step up' and design it. But now that it's in production, how will it matter? :P
Title: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: jdcarpe on Tue, 26 February 2013, 14:43:48
So step up and design it.

It was requested a few times in the development phase. It was disregarded.

Sure I can 'step up' and design it. But now that it's in production, how will it matter? :P

It's not in production quite yet. If you have a contribution, you're welcome to submit it. The hardware was open sourced by komar, so all the Gerber files are available in his repository. Maybe we could offer LED backlighting as an option, if it really is desired. I always thought the lack of LED backlighting in GH60 was a feature, not a bug, but I know some may have different opinions.

Edit: I hate to clutter this thread with GH60 discussion, so if you want to discuss, please let's take this to the GH60 thread. :)
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: alaricljs on Tue, 26 February 2013, 14:45:29
Phantom is already through 2 PCB runs and it has no backlighting, I'm sure there are plenty of people that would get on it were it available.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Michael on Tue, 26 February 2013, 14:46:26
It's not in production quite yet. If you have a contribution, you're welcome to submit it. The hardware was open sourced by komar, so all the Gerber files are available in his repository. Maybe we could offer LED backlighting as an option, if it really is desired. I always thought the lack of LED backlighting in GH60 was a feature, not a bug, but I know some may have different opinions.

I never said it was a bug or a problem, I just said I was personally disappointed it didn't have the option.

I think the best way to settle the matter is simply offer a voting poll on it. It's your project, and you can do what you like with it. I was just merely stating my opinion.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 26 February 2013, 19:56:16
How much is that thing going to sell for?
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Glod on Tue, 26 February 2013, 20:15:58
damn it a cherry freaking mx freaking hhkb layout freaking keyboard is what i want to travel around with. i'm not meaning at all to troll topre lovers but i do not like my hhkb due to the feel of topre, i only like it due to the layout.

i was going to build a Happy Hacking GH60, but this.... backlit too.....man where do i sign up? lol
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: ekw808 on Tue, 26 February 2013, 22:36:46
I would say this kmac would run anywhere between 250-350 unassembled.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Hyde on Tue, 26 February 2013, 23:19:44
Look really nice and I really like the look with the LEDs.  Though I can't help to feel that maybe I'm better off buying HHKB for the money.  I'd assume this should run around $300 also, so in contract it feels like I might like Topre switch better.

Then again this is just assumption because I don't own a HHKB yet.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: L4yercake on Tue, 26 February 2013, 23:37:47
Interesting layout too go with, not my style but I'm sure there are going too be people who like it. Price probably isn't going to make them smile though.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Wed, 27 February 2013, 01:10:54
Not too bad, but I'm not a huge fan of super thick bezels. Don't really like that one large chamfer at the front either.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: GordonZed on Wed, 27 February 2013, 01:29:03
I think that is absolutely gorgeous, and I dig the cutout on the front, but I would never spend that much on a keyboard (although after all these group buys, I'm sure my little Filco will end up costing that much in total).
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: hashbaz on Wed, 27 February 2013, 01:31:42
The bezel is my favorite part.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: developej on Wed, 27 February 2013, 01:42:54
that caps lock should be ctrl really
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Wed, 27 February 2013, 01:44:23
The thickness of it? Or the one large chamfer at the front bezel? Personally I just think the bezel thickness looks disproportionate to the size of a 60% KB.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: GordonZed on Wed, 27 February 2013, 01:57:04
I don't see anything not to like, really. I think the large chamfer is fantastic.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: luckynet on Wed, 27 February 2013, 04:31:55
can't we have our own group buy here.. i don;t speak korean plus the point system..pffftttt
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: zoolzoo on Wed, 27 February 2013, 05:08:38
For someone who doesn't know much about Korean custom boards, whats the best way to hop on this early? Do I have to know someone on Korean forums?
Title: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Acetrak on Wed, 27 February 2013, 06:31:00
Your best bet is probably Sherryton's shop. Networking never hurts though
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: inteli722 on Wed, 27 February 2013, 15:09:03
This looks very cool, and I may not get the opportunity to get in on the GH60...so this may have to suffice...
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 27 February 2013, 17:32:50
Good thing the GH60 is open source. :D
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: sherryton on Wed, 27 February 2013, 17:38:18
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40668.0

:)
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: boost on Tue, 19 March 2013, 12:04:47
KMAC Happy GB/Order is now LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://kbdmod.com/product/detail.html?product_no=25&cate_no=24&display_group=1
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: laden3 on Tue, 19 March 2013, 12:07:30
Boost, are you getting it through a proxy or do you have plans for a fast paced group order?
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: boost on Tue, 19 March 2013, 12:26:20
Boost, are you getting it through a proxy or do you have plans for a fast paced group order?

No, I'm not getting the kmac happy :(
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Turkishrambo on Tue, 19 March 2013, 12:27:47
****... Think ill just wait for GH 60
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: guilleguillaume on Tue, 19 March 2013, 12:30:14
I don't see any reason to copy the HHKB Pro 2 layout because it lacks some keys on the last row in my opinion.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Index on Tue, 19 March 2013, 12:32:33
How do I jump on this?
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: jwaz on Tue, 19 March 2013, 12:51:04
I don't see any reason to copy the HHKB Pro 2 layout because it lacks some keys on the last row in my opinion.

It isn't even a correct copy...   ::)
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: tjcaustin on Tue, 19 March 2013, 13:04:25
I want one, but I think the next keyboard I get will be wireless.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: keymaster on Tue, 19 March 2013, 13:10:37
I want one, but I think the next keyboard I get will be wireless.

There needs to be more wireless TKL and 60% keyboards :)
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: inteli722 on Tue, 19 March 2013, 13:12:58
I want one, but I think the next keyboard I get will be wireless.

There needs to be more wireless TKL and 60% keyboards :)

+1

I've taken an interest in that Wireless GH60 project
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: ishumprod on Tue, 19 March 2013, 15:55:19
http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=330000&From=KRW&To=USD

is this the right money i used ? if yes the keyboard isn't that pricey ;)
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Glod on Tue, 19 March 2013, 16:37:58
so...

sherry planned i guess to do a group buy for this, which i imagine is a proxy for this KBD thing, is that my only option to get this?

cause after seeing how sherry's site is and observing the sanctuary group buy (these are facts. not an insult) i guess ill stick with making a HHKB-like keyboard with the GH60 this summer (hopefully not fall) instead and hope that someone makes a nice plate or plate/case combo for it. I rather rally support for the GH60 anyways i guess but having a Korean board i can brag about would be kind of cool....
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: tjcaustin on Tue, 19 March 2013, 17:03:18
so...

sherry planned i guess to do a group buy for this, which i imagine is a proxy for this KBD thing, is that my only option to get this?

cause after seeing how sherry's site is and observing the sanctuary group buy (these are facts. not an insult) i guess ill stick with making a HHKB-like keyboard with the GH60 this summer (hopefully not fall) instead and hope that someone makes a nice plate or plate/case combo for it. I rather rally support for the GH60 anyways i guess but having a Korean board i can brag about would be kind of cool....

You could just order it from kbdmod...
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: codyeatworld on Tue, 19 March 2013, 17:09:47
How do you purchase from kbdmod. I cant put in my address or phone...
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Glod on Tue, 19 March 2013, 19:09:38
so...

sherry planned i guess to do a group buy for this, which i imagine is a proxy for this KBD thing, is that my only option to get this?

cause after seeing how sherry's site is and observing the sanctuary group buy (these are facts. not an insult) i guess ill stick with making a HHKB-like keyboard with the GH60 this summer (hopefully not fall) instead and hope that someone makes a nice plate or plate/case combo for it. I rather rally support for the GH60 anyways i guess but having a Korean board i can brag about would be kind of cool....

You could just order it from kbdmod...

And just trust Google Translate for the Korean Hangul?
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: tauburn on Tue, 19 March 2013, 19:14:36
Why would anyone want a keyboard that doesnt have CTRL? wtf
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: calavera on Tue, 19 March 2013, 19:18:21
Why would anyone want a keyboard that doesnt have CTRL? wtf

Did you even bother to click the link?

KBDMOD isn't set up completely so you can't use a credit card to order yet. But it says it should be up and running within a week or two. I'm debating whether I want this or not.. need dedicated arrow keys...
Title: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: duq on Tue, 19 March 2013, 19:20:06
Why would anyone want a keyboard that doesnt have CTRL? wtf

If it is to mimic the HHKB layout, caps lock is ctrl. Then again it has the regular back space which should be split into two single unit keys.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: tauburn on Tue, 19 March 2013, 19:52:03
Why would anyone want a keyboard that doesnt have CTRL? wtf

Did you even bother to click the link?

KBDMOD isn't set up completely so you can't use a credit card to order yet. But it says it should be up and running within a week or two. I'm debating whether I want this or not.. need dedicated arrow keys...

maybe this is a shocker but most americans can't read korean
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Glod on Tue, 19 March 2013, 20:12:48
Why would anyone want a keyboard that doesnt have CTRL? wtf

Did you even bother to click the link?

KBDMOD isn't set up completely so you can't use a credit card to order yet. But it says it should be up and running within a week or two. I'm debating whether I want this or not.. need dedicated arrow keys...

HHKB arrow cluster is the best embedded arrow keys around, requires use of 2 fingers only (ring finger and index) :)
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: calavera on Tue, 19 March 2013, 20:19:17
Why would anyone want a keyboard that doesnt have CTRL? wtf

Did you even bother to click the link?

KBDMOD isn't set up completely so you can't use a credit card to order yet. But it says it should be up and running within a week or two. I'm debating whether I want this or not.. need dedicated arrow keys...

maybe this is a shocker but most americans can't read korean

Just look at the pics, they have options for CTRL keys.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: tauburn on Tue, 19 March 2013, 20:59:08
Why would anyone want a keyboard that doesnt have CTRL? wtf

Did you even bother to click the link?

KBDMOD isn't set up completely so you can't use a credit card to order yet. But it says it should be up and running within a week or two. I'm debating whether I want this or not.. need dedicated arrow keys...

maybe this is a shocker but most americans can't read korean

Just look at the pics, they have options for CTRL keys.

i know. i just didn't understand why no CTRL was an option.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: ideus on Tue, 19 March 2013, 21:52:20
This is a really outstanding keyboard, it will work as the HHKB?

http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/news/6080025#1 (http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/news/6080025#1)

Show Image
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/keyboards/c31ee22ef4b2a7fc5b2e71c11f050898_zpsf15e9eda.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/keyboards/5bab69d7cc4323da1bb0c5a608cb5ecc_zps3244c88b.jpg)


Full plated, aluminium case. No-plate possible if desired. Macro, full LED. Available in Titan, red, or silver.
Pricing not announced. Available mid~late March.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: inteli722 on Tue, 19 March 2013, 22:05:00
It was intended to originally be a Cherry MX Clone of the HHKB, though you can get it with a true 60% case as well (control keys). Hence the name, KMAC Happy. However, it's fully programmable (unlike the Topre board mentioned before), so you can make it your own. For instance, if the placement of some keys on the HHKB bothered you (like the Backspace and the ~), then you could reprogram those and have those keys be what you want.

Of course, there's the GH60 coming up, so the KMAC Happy has some stiff competition for American buyers. Plus, the GH60 is open source, so if you happen to miss it the first time around, you can make your own PCB and have a Post-production GH60! :D

Also, you could make the GH60 cheaper if you wanted to... $260 + International shipping + labor time is a bit much...
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: tjcaustin on Tue, 19 March 2013, 22:10:08
Considering all the case options I've seen that have been comparable to the one with the happy have been theoretically priced at $150-$250, I would disagree with that.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: ideus on Tue, 19 March 2013, 22:42:27
Thank you for the clear explanation of the project.

It was intended to originally be a Cherry MX Clone of the HHKB, though you can get it with a true 60% case as well (control keys). Hence the name, KMAC Happy. However, it's fully programmable (unlike the Topre board mentioned before), so you can make it your own. For instance, if the placement of some keys on the HHKB bothered you (like the Backspace and the ~), then you could reprogram those and have those keys be what you want.

Of course, there's the GH60 coming up, so the KMAC Happy has some stiff competition for American buyers. Plus, the GH60 is open source, so if you happen to miss it the first time around, you can make your own PCB and have a Post-production GH60! :D

Also, you could make the GH60 cheaper if you wanted to... $260 + International shipping + labor time is a bit much...
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: inteli722 on Wed, 20 March 2013, 07:41:17
Considering all the case options I've seen that have been comparable to the one with the happy have been theoretically priced at $150-$250, I would disagree with that.

Notice:
if you wanted to

For instance, if you had a Poker (or had someone with a stock Poker case for cheap), IIRC you can use that as a case, which is cheaper than an Aluminum case (the KMAC Happy can also do a "relatively" standard 60% layout). Alternatively, you could assemble a cool Cardboard case for REAL cheap :D

I'm not saying the GH60 won't be able to get as (or more) expensive as the KMAC Happy, I'm saying you CAN make it cheaper if you make the right choices.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: ideus on Wed, 20 March 2013, 08:10:11
I think these comments were better been posted in the GH60 thread. Don't you think?

Considering all the case options I've seen that have been comparable to the one with the happy have been theoretically priced at $150-$250, I would disagree with that.

Notice:
if you wanted to

For instance, if you had a Poker (or had someone with a stock Poker case for cheap), IIRC you can use that as a case, which is cheaper than an Aluminum case (the KMAC Happy can also do a "relatively" standard 60% layout). Alternatively, you could assemble a cool Cardboard case for REAL cheap :D

I'm not saying the GH60 won't be able to get as (or more) expensive as the KMAC Happy, I'm saying you CAN make it cheaper if you make the right choices.
Title: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Acetrak on Wed, 20 March 2013, 08:16:41
KMAC happy can have a split backspace FYI.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: tauburn on Wed, 20 March 2013, 10:32:24
i'd be curious to see what these type of keyboards would cost if someone made bulk amounts of them. so for example someone takes one particular layout such as a regular TKL and makes tons of them with the aluminum case and plate and what not. then sells them like that rather than it being custom.
Title: Re: KMAC Happy coming soon
Post by: Lastpilot on Sun, 31 March 2013, 22:17:34
So now that it's almost April...any word on availability?