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geekhack Marketplace => Group Buys and Preorders => Topic started by: evangs on Wed, 05 October 2016, 22:55:17

Title: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Wed, 05 October 2016, 22:55:17
The Roadkit is a 100% programmable macropad.  The case is designed to fit perfectly along side a MiniVan or ride solo.  The PCB and Plates support both MX and Alps/Matias switches. 

Order Here https://thevankeyboards.com/products/roadkit-pre-order (https://thevankeyboards.com/products/roadkit-pre-order)

Pre-order closes on October 17th 2016

Each kit contains the following:

- CNC machined aluminum case
- 2 plates offering both the traditional numpad layout and all single unit keys layout
- PCB
- Screws and Allen wrench

To complete your macropad you will need to source the following

- Switches 13 or 16 depending on layout (http://www.switchtop.com/ or https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/)
- USB Mini B cable
- Keycaps (https://thevankeyboards.com/products/lightcycle-keycap-set)
- Stabilizers (cherry or costar)
- LEDs (optional)

The Roadkit is available in black, silver, and teal anodize as well as two premium finishes - Nickel and Jet Black.

(https://i.imgur.com/caHOCdn.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/c0Gm44F.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/bB75Dbb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ETnLbFL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nRLuuK1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jHsRLXc.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/OS19l30.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Bzmkszi.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7kNFdyC.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/DwZ9KYg.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/8BTYjHL.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/DRxNEwt.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/lMN44ZU.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/1w4AkL2.jpg)
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: Biggestmac on Thu, 06 October 2016, 11:53:13
Looks good! I would like to see the Jet black case too please.
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: MaNiFeX on Thu, 06 October 2016, 12:09:53
Really, really nice.  Could make for a great gamepad, too!  :thumb:

MaNiFeX
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: MaNiFeX on Thu, 06 October 2016, 12:13:18
Looks good! I would like to see the Jet black case too please.

From buy pre-order page: "The Roadkit is available in black, silver, and teal anodize as well as two premium finishes - Nickel and Jet Black."
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Thu, 06 October 2016, 12:14:30
Looks good! I would like to see the Jet black case too please.
I've got pictures of the other finishes coming soon. Hopefully today


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Thu, 06 October 2016, 12:14:44
Really, really nice.  Could make for a great gamepad, too!  :thumb:

MaNiFeX
Thanks!


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: fluxrez on Fri, 07 October 2016, 01:25:58
Looks gorgeous.  I'd buy one if I didnt need a root canal.
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: tjweir on Fri, 07 October 2016, 06:16:37
Alps support makes this extra tempting. 

Looks awesome.
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: Wet on Fri, 07 October 2016, 06:41:18
I just noticed the nickel sample's keycaps spell out TheVan Keyboards :))

I hopped on a few days ago, can't wait!
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: romevi on Fri, 07 October 2016, 12:51:38
That is freakin' adorable. Any pics of what the teal would look like?
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Fri, 07 October 2016, 13:40:40
That is freakin' adorable. Any pics of what the teal would look like?
We will be color matching to the Massdrop MiniVan


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: Hellcatz on Fri, 07 October 2016, 13:55:30
Could we see some colour samples of the aluminum case
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Fri, 07 October 2016, 17:15:50
Could we see some colour samples of the aluminum case
I will have pictures soon


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: pleasekopimi on Mon, 10 October 2016, 11:52:58
What would you rate the build difficulty on this? I've soldered before, I feel confident enough there, but this would be my first DIY kit.
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Mon, 10 October 2016, 11:55:35
What would you rate the build difficulty on this? I've soldered before, I feel confident enough there, but this would be my first DIY kit.
It's really easy especially if you don't do LEDs. You just pop the switches into the plate. Slide the pcb onto the switch posts and then solder them in.  There is a programming guide on my site vankeebs.com LEDs add a little difficulty but are not hard and you can always opt to add them later


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: JDragon on Mon, 10 October 2016, 13:49:41
So I assume nickel is the super shiny silver one, which makes me excited for jet black - are there any pictures of that finish available?
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: SpareWalrus on Mon, 10 October 2016, 14:06:19
Does the silver case exactly match the color/finish of the MiniVan group buy?
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: curvie on Mon, 10 October 2016, 14:46:57
Looks great!  Just joined for one.
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Mon, 10 October 2016, 15:35:40
Does the silver case exactly match the color/finish of the MiniVan group buy?
Yes


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Mon, 10 October 2016, 15:36:09
So I assume nickel is the super shiny silver one, which makes me excited for jet black - are there any pictures of that finish available?
That is correct. I will upload some additional finish pics that I just received


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Mon, 10 October 2016, 15:36:28
Looks great!  Just joined for one.
Thank you!


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: PriusProblems on Mon, 10 October 2016, 15:51:28
Ends on my birthday - it must be a sign! Really tempted by your bling-bling nickel-plated ones.
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: Unix.dmr on Tue, 11 October 2016, 02:11:03
could we get the pics of the simple in teal and jet black color before 17th?  :cool:
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Tue, 11 October 2016, 11:33:46
Ends on my birthday - it must be a sign! Really tempted by your bling-bling nickel-plated ones.

could we get the pics of the simple in teal and jet black color before 17th?  :cool:

new pictures of some of the finishes + a new finish option Acid Pink

(http://i.imgur.com/8BTYjHL.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/DRxNEwt.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/lMN44ZU.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/1w4AkL2.jpg)
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: Vigrith on Tue, 11 October 2016, 12:21:51
new pictures of some of the finishes + a new finish option Acid Pink

Welp. Don't think I can escape ordering one any longer now that you have that Acid Pink finish.
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Tue, 11 October 2016, 12:22:16
new pictures of some of the finishes + a new finish option Acid Pink

Welp. Don't think I can escape ordering one any longer now that you have that Acid Pink finish.
:D


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: mtzgr on Wed, 12 October 2016, 17:22:07
Ordered. :thumb:
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Wed, 12 October 2016, 17:23:07
Ordered. :thumb:
Thanks you!


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: JDragon on Thu, 13 October 2016, 19:15:04
In for Jet Black! Hope the finish comes out real glossy and nice. :thumb:
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: Data on Thu, 13 October 2016, 19:40:09
'Ello.  Wots this then?  :-X
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Thu, 13 October 2016, 19:59:43
In for Jet Black! Hope the finish comes out real glossy and nice. :thumb:
Oh it will :D


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: KetchyKech on Thu, 13 October 2016, 21:59:46
So kyoot ~ In & In for 1 ~  :-[
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Thu, 13 October 2016, 22:00:37
So kyoot ~ In & In for 1 ~  :-[
:D


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: grossvogel on Fri, 14 October 2016, 10:33:52
Which finish is less glossy, black or jet black?
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Fri, 14 October 2016, 11:02:19
Which finish is less glossy, black or jet black?
Black


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: pleasekopimi on Fri, 14 October 2016, 15:42:16
What would you rate the build difficulty on this? I've soldered before, I feel confident enough there, but this would be my first DIY kit.
It's really easy especially if you don't do LEDs. You just pop the switches into the plate. Slide the pcb onto the switch posts and then solder them in.  There is a programming guide on my site vankeebs.com LEDs add a little difficulty but are not hard and you can always opt to add them later


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the reply, this will be my first mech build! (buying one, black) 
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Fri, 14 October 2016, 15:44:00
What would you rate the build difficulty on this? I've soldered before, I feel confident enough there, but this would be my first DIY kit.
It's really easy especially if you don't do LEDs. You just pop the switches into the plate. Slide the pcb onto the switch posts and then solder them in.  There is a programming guide on my site vankeebs.com LEDs add a little difficulty but are not hard and you can always opt to add them later


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the reply, this will be my first mech build! (buying one, black)
Honestly it's a great starting point! Hope you enjoy the board :)


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Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: brizzzle on Sat, 15 October 2016, 01:47:17
Well this will definitely satisfy my numpad building need. Can't wait for this to ship!
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: dantan on Mon, 17 October 2016, 15:54:06
Hi evangs

Would you be willing to make your PCB design publicly available? I am interested in making my own custom split layout keyboard/ keypad and want to study other people's work.

I am thinking of starting with a simple ortholinear layout like yours, before graduating to staggered layouts and multiwides. Just want to get a basic PCB designed right first.

Thanks in advance for any information you can share!
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Mon, 17 October 2016, 15:58:21
Hi evangs

Would you be willing to make your PCB design publicly available? I am interested in making my own custom split layout keyboard/ keypad and want to study other people's work.

I am thinking of starting with a simple ortholinear layout like yours, before graduating to staggered layouts and multiwides. Just want to get a basic PCB designed right first.

Thanks in advance for any information you can share!

I can't as it belongs to my company, but I have helped several others along and am willing to do the same for you. feel free to ask specific questions and I'll provide as much detail as I can.
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: Shiftshape on Tue, 18 October 2016, 04:20:15
I tried, but resistance was futile... Count me in!

Any chance of potential future runs of Van44/MiniVan getting these sweet new finish options? I mean damn son, that Nickel is purdy.
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: Unix.dmr on Tue, 18 October 2016, 07:43:07
omg the GB is closed? :eek:


Ends on my birthday - it must be a sign! Really tempted by your bling-bling nickel-plated ones.

could we get the pics of the simple in teal and jet black color before 17th?  :cool:

new pictures of some of the finishes + a new finish option Acid Pink

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/8BTYjHL.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/DRxNEwt.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/lMN44ZU.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/1w4AkL2.jpg)

Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: William_S_Jones on Tue, 18 October 2016, 16:31:38
omg the GB is closed? :eek:


Ends on my birthday - it must be a sign! Really tempted by your bling-bling nickel-plated ones.

could we get the pics of the simple in teal and jet black color before 17th?  :cool:

new pictures of some of the finishes + a new finish option Acid Pink

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/8BTYjHL.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/DRxNEwt.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/lMN44ZU.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/1w4AkL2.jpg)

As of right now, you can still buy the roadkit. It's just the light cycle keycaps that are no longer available.
So hurry back, if you are after one of the roadkits.
here: https://thevankeyboards.com/
BTW, I just picked up a teal roadkit, so you're good!
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: JaccoW on Mon, 07 November 2016, 18:19:44
Would love one of these as a work add-on but no money for now. Looking forward to seeing everyone's pictures. :)

Any chance of designing a daisy-chained version?
As in plug in your keyboard into the numpad and connect the numpad to the computer using a single cable?
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: evangs on Tue, 08 November 2016, 10:38:15
Would love one of these as a work add-on but no money for now. Looking forward to seeing everyone's pictures. :)

Any chance of designing a daisy-chained version?
As in plug in your keyboard into the numpad and connect the numpad to the computer using a single cable?

Yes that is something I would like to add.
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: blackriver on Tue, 08 November 2016, 11:39:30
Any chance of designing a daisy-chained version?
As in plug in your keyboard into the numpad and connect the numpad to the computer using a single cable?

This would be great!!!
Title: Re: [GB] Roadkit Mini Numpad by TheVan Keyboards
Post by: JaccoW on Tue, 08 November 2016, 16:28:57
Would love one of these as a work add-on but no money for now. Looking forward to seeing everyone's pictures. :)

Any chance of designing a daisy-chained version?
As in plug in your keyboard into the numpad and connect the numpad to the computer using a single cable?
Yes that is something I would like to add.
<3