geekhack
geekhack Marketplace => Group Buys and Preorders => Topic started by: zF_ScrambledEggz on Fri, 04 May 2018, 12:11:42
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ALF X3 Renova
GB starts begins on May 4th 9 pm PDT
https://en.zfrontier.com/products/alf-x3-renova
40 units ONLY, FCFS
Pricing:
478USD shipping included, DHL
+48USD if you want to upgrade your bottom alu insert to brass.
Timeframe:
Ends when all units were sold or on May 14
Estimated shipping: Sep or Oct 2018
Retro + Innovation
Features:
Classic hefty design
Mid-piece design
Side accent brass pieces
Front RGB strip
Bluetooth powered by MDBT40 (*lithium battery not included due to shipping reasons)
Mini USB
PCB powered by ydkb.io
Kmini layout
Top Housing:
3 RGB Lamps or Renova Logo engrave
Colors:
Housing and plate will have the same color: White, Silver, Gray, or Black
Aluminum Insert and mid-piece will have the same color: Purple, Green, Red, or Orange
[attach=1][attach=2][attach=3][attach=4][attach=5]
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Approval bump!
(Also, I love this design.)
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Beautiful board. Is the PCB QMK compatible?
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Love the board definitely joining
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Beautiful board. Is the PCB QMK compatible?
I believe the hardware does support QMK, you can flash QMK into the PCB. But itself its using the same thing as YD60BLE and COD67
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Can we purchase additional mid piece & PCB? Would like a set for backup for such a large investment.
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Is it going live now? The page is still a 404.
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Is it going live now? The page is still a 404.
Yeah I don't see it yet either.
A email was sent out 15 minutes ago with a link, but that page is 404 currently.
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up
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holy crackers I got in OwO.I was so worried I wouldn't make it into the groupbuy. I'm super excited I can't wait!
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I went with Black case, Orange insert.
How about you guys?
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Yep! Its up! Silver/ Orange + Brass for me.
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wow, first limited GB, what a rush!!
I got white, green insert, 3 lights
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I got white / purple with brass
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I got White/Red with brass. I think SA by the Sea or Yuri sets would look good on it! :thumb:
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Went purple and white without the brass extra, probably gonna pair with violet tendencies
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Bluetooth powered by MDBT40 (*lithium battery not included due to shipping reasons)
What kind of battery will we need?
Front RGB strip
Assuming this lights up?
[attachimg=1]
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they are not providing qmk firmware. the pcb author steals tmk codes, which is licensed with GPLv2, and won't share the codes.
The PCB can only be programmed with a stuipid website. If they stop running the website, you have no way to program the pcb.
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they are not providing qmk firmware. the pcb author steals tmk codes, which is licensed with GPLv2, and won't share the codes.
The PCB can only be programmed with a stuipid website. If they stop running the website, you have no way to program the pcb.
I'm like 99% certain that it can run qmk. Someone just needs to port it. MechMerlin already said he was going to do that.
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they are not providing qmk firmware. the pcb author steals tmk codes, which is licensed with GPLv2, and won't share the codes.
The PCB can only be programmed with a stuipid website. If they stop running the website, you have no way to program the pcb.
I'm like 99% certain that it can run qmk. Someone just needs to port it. MechMerlin already said he was going to do that.
in theory it can, as long as some one port the codes.
I just wonder how well it will work with a thrid party firmware.
and it's sad they are not providing the codes while they should
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they are not providing qmk firmware. the pcb author steals tmk codes, which is licensed with GPLv2, and won't share the codes.
The PCB can only be programmed with a stuipid website. If they stop running the website, you have no way to program the pcb.
I'm like 99% certain that it can run qmk. Someone just needs to port it. MechMerlin already said he was going to do that.
in theory it can, as long as some one port the codes.
I just wonder how well it will work with a thrid party firmware.
and it's sad they are not providing the codes while they should
Once I have mine, I'll probably take a crack at reverse engineering/porting to QMK
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they are not providing qmk firmware. the pcb author steals tmk codes, which is licensed with GPLv2, and won't share the codes.
The PCB can only be programmed with a stuipid website. If they stop running the website, you have no way to program the pcb.
I'm like 99% certain that it can run qmk. Someone just needs to port it. MechMerlin already said he was going to do that.
in theory it can, as long as some one port the codes.
I just wonder how well it will work with a thrid party firmware.
and it's sad they are not providing the codes while they should
Once I have mine, I'll probably take a crack at reverse engineering/porting to QMK
that would be amazing! im a qmk guy myself. i'd prefer if all my boards had a folder on the repro with a kelorean layout:)
on another note, does anybody know what up with that litium battery? do we need to find one from somewhere else???
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does anybody know what up with that lithium battery? do we need to find one from somewhere else???
I would assume so, one isn't included with the board
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Lithium Specs will be confirmed next monday ;)
also, the GB is going strong and we are left with less than 10 spots open! Be sure to join cause this will end very soon!
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This will be the most expensive keyboard I've bought so far, which is why I find it amusing it is a kit and not "working out of the box." ;)
To that end, this will be my first keyboard that requires me to solder the switches. (I've been going in for keyboards with hotswap sockets as of late, such as the Kira, Tokyo60, and hopefully the new MiniVan drop.)
Not having soldered my own key switches before, I'm a bit nervous about doing it for the first time. And I'm certainly not going to jump in and do it on my Renova until I'm good and ready. I'm thinking I might want to hone my skills on practice PCBs first. At any rate, will replacement PCBs for the Renova be available? You know, in case I screw mine up (heaven forbid.) ;)
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You can buy soldering practice kits off Amazon. Or buy the cheapest keyboard pcb you can find and sacrifice some cheap switches for practice. Honestly, just watch several videos, get yourself a decent adjustable iron, some kester 60/40 or 63/37 0.31 solder and you'll be fine. It's pretty simple.
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You can buy soldering practice kits off Amazon. Or buy the cheapest keyboard pcb you can find and sacrifice some cheap switches for practice. Honestly, just watch several videos, get yourself a decent adjustable iron, some kester 60/40 or 63/37 0.31 solder and you'll be fine. It's pretty simple.
Thanks for the advice, kmba. I'll look into those!
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Is the spacebar 6.25u? It looks like it does not support a 6.25u spacebar.
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Is the spacebar 6.25u? It looks like it does not support a 6.25u spacebar.
Plate only supports 1.5 1 1.5 7 1.5
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Is the spacebar 6.25u? It looks like it does not support a 6.25u spacebar.
Plate only supports 1.5 1 1.5 7 1.5
Thank you! :)
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Opting to join this GB but still waiting on my COD67 from zfront. How about updates on your past gb's? COD67? Month of May shipping still happening? Makes me want to join this GB sooner if the COD is arriving this month.
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"This is a really nice looking board... But it's really expensive and I don't really need any more keyboards."
*LIMITED TO 40 UNITS*
"Oh this is much more reasonable now. I'm in for 1"
My brain is so dumb sometimes.
But white/purp going to look hot with this key combo
https://i.imgur.com/VUnyIog.jpg
Would it be possible to order an extra middle bit? I kinda also want a green... It's so hard to decide these things when there aren't any real "neutral" colors avalible...
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"This is a really nice looking board... But it's really expensive and I don't really need any more keyboards."
*LIMITED TO 40 UNITS*
"Oh this is much more reasonable now. I'm in for 1"
My brain is so dumb sometimes.
But white/purp going to look hot with this key combo
https://i.imgur.com/VUnyIog.jpg
Would it be possible to order an extra middle bit? I kinda also want a green... It's so hard to decide these things when there aren't any real "neutral" colors avalible...
By "middle bit", do you mean pcb and plate?
edit: nm, realized you meant the insert. actually that's a very good idea for a board like this - for whatever the mood/set calls for. Brilliant!
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I'd be fine with this, but it'd have to be insert + plate.
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i agree! the option to switch inserts would be dope
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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That's what I did with the MARS 8.0.
I spoke with the designer, and he sold me 2 extra accent inserts (it was a small line/logo, much smaller than the whole inner plate)
But now I have a black, red, and purple. For whatever keyset I end up choosing!
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I echo the last few comments, if there was an option to get additional inserts I would join in on this.
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Does the PCB support split backspace?
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Does the PCB support split backspace?
Looks like 1 fixed layout. I would also prefer split backspace.
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Does the PCB support split backspace?
Looks like 1 fixed layout. I would also prefer split backspace.
i'd be willing to "adjust" the plate with a file (or even get a custom laser cut plate) …so long as the PCB supports it.
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Way too expensive for a closed-source board, plus I don't want to support the kind of douchebaggery that profits off open source projects and keeps their own code closed for no good reason.
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Way too expensive for a closed-source board, plus I don't want to support the kind of douchebaggery that profits off open source projects and keeps their own code closed for no good reason.
Closed source board meaning the design or the firmware?
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Way too expensive for a closed-source board, plus I don't want to support the kind of douchebaggery that profits off open source projects and keeps their own code closed for no good reason.
Closed source board meaning the design or the firmware?
I'm guessing it's in reference to papa's post.
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Same situation as the cod67. Just as worrying the programming website has a cart feature.
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They've all been sold, folks.
Now us lucky (and perhaps more financially strapped) few play the waiting game!
;)
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQyEgq-1lvrqqDxYA6MssNfxIhGvaBexCGg3GEgEEQ4qf-20q6N)
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Looking for someone to take my spot of White/purple with brass insert order. Pm me.
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jjm5812, kindly pm me at u/trikoi00 on reddit. I have problem using messages in GH. I have news from zfrontier.
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Looking to get rid of my spot, white/purple kit. PM if interested.
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I've been typing on another board with southpaw-style F-keys recently, and realized that... I can't freakin' type on this layout!
(I learned to type a weird way, and home my fingers on the left side of the keyboard)
If someone wants my spot... Like the couple above me, white and purple.
If not, hey it's pretty to look at, it wouldn't be my first.
we could even wait till I get it, and I can ship it to 'ya. Whatever works, idk.
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I've been typing on another board with southpaw-style F-keys recently, and realized that... I can't freakin' type on this layout!
(I learned to type a weird way, and home my fingers on the left side of the keyboard)
If someone wants my spot... Like the couple above me, white and purple.
If not, hey it's pretty to look at, it wouldn't be my first.
we could even wait till I get it, and I can ship it to 'ya. Whatever works, idk.
Hah I can relate to that. I have a revo kmini that has the same layout and happens plenty of times that I misplace my left hand :p
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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How are things coming along on this board? Any updates?
(I hope things are progressing smoothly!)
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If anyone wants to give up their spot please PM me lol. :p
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Things still on track for this board? It's been pretty quiet here for awhile.
I did see on the ZFrontier site that it's expected to ship in October still.
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Things still on track for this board? It's been pretty quiet here for awhile.
I did see on the ZFrontier site that it's expected to ship in October still.
Was wondering the same thing myself. Hopefully we get an update soon, pretty excited for this board.
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Looking forward to an update on this board!
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Things still on track for this board? It's been pretty quiet here for awhile.
I did see on the ZFrontier site that it's expected to ship in October still.
From what I heard this is shipping soon. Join the alf discord if you haven't already :)
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Gonna try this again. If anyone wants to sell me their spot please pm me!! :)
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Ok I was offered a spot! Anyone looking to trade a white case with purple plate for a black case with red plate with rgb option? PM me please. Thanks!
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anyone wants to get out of there spot hit me up.
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Anyone heard any updates on this board?
It was originally estimated to ship in October, but we're well past that now.
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Anyone heard any updates on this board?
It was originally estimated to ship in October, but we're well past that now.
I just got my shipping notification yesterday
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Anyone heard any updates on this board?
It was originally estimated to ship in October, but we're well past that now.
A few of us got shipping notification from Zfrontier yesterday.
Mine will be here Monday.
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Anyone heard any updates on this board?
It was originally estimated to ship in October, but we're well past that now.
I just got my shipping notification yesterday
Anyone heard any updates on this board?
It was originally estimated to ship in October, but we're well past that now.
A few of us got shipping notification from Zfrontier yesterday.
Mine will be here Monday.
Ah cool, good to hear guys.
I haven't gotten one yet, but I'll be on the lookout for it!
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Anyone heard any updates on this board?
It was originally estimated to ship in October, but we're well past that now.
I just got my shipping notification yesterday
Anyone heard any updates on this board?
It was originally estimated to ship in October, but we're well past that now.
A few of us got shipping notification from Zfrontier yesterday.
Mine will be here Monday.
Ah cool, good to hear guys.
I haven't gotten one yet, but I'll be on the lookout for it!
Got mine today. Shipping weight was a whopping 4.2kg, which I like. Case is beautiful, a different white than I've seen on any other keyboard.
Unfortunately my pcb was damaged in shipping. The on/off toggle switch for the bluetooth was damaged (aka. half the switch was torn off the board). It also looks like the switch moving around gouged the pcb and the traces across the Del key were damaged and that key doesn't work. There's bare copper across both traces.
I just hope zfrontier got extra pcb's to help remedy the situation.
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Just got mine today too and the packaging was done poorly. My entire box was damaged and mangled. I haven’t check the pcb but it wasn’t well protected either.
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Oh man, considering how expensive this board is, I'm rather nervous now.
:eek:
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i’ll buy a gray/green if anyone is willing >.>
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Just got mine today too and the packaging was done poorly. My entire box was damaged and mangled. I haven’t check the pcb but it wasn’t well protected either.
what kind of shipping packaging was used?
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While everyone is getting their mangled packages I'm still waiting on zfrontier to transfer a spot to me from another member. It'll be a month next week since my initial request. For those who received damaged packages: did zfrontier reply to you?
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Just got mine today too and the packaging was done poorly. My entire box was damaged and mangled. I haven’t check the pcb but it wasn’t well protected either.
what kind of shipping packaging was used?
Mine showed up wrapped in 2 plastic DHL envelopes. No external protection was provided around the keyboard box.
My box was a little banged up, but nothing like what is seen above.
Also, I already posted this in the discord, but the diode for my DOWN arrow was split clean in two, and the key didn't work. Luckily I have the parts and skills to repair it, and my PCB works 100%.
Others might not be so lucky though.
I haven't complained about my mangled box, because I'm alright as long as my board works. The case itself wasn't damaged at all, so I'll count myself lucky.
The damn fake "velvet" nonsense of the inner packaging gets frickin' EVERYWHERE though. I hate it.
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Just got mine today too and the packaging was done poorly. My entire box was damaged and mangled. I haven’t check the pcb but it wasn’t well protected either.
what kind of shipping packaging was used?
Mine showed up wrapped in 2 plastic DHL envelopes. No external protection was provided around the keyboard box.
My box was a little banged up, but nothing like what is seen above.
Also, I already posted this in the discord, but the diode for my DOWN arrow was split clean in two, and the key didn't work. Luckily I have the parts and skills to repair it, and my PCB works 100%.
Others might not be so lucky though.
That kind of packaging not acceptable.
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i’ll buy a gray/green if anyone is willing >.>
For GMK DMG amirite?
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i’ll buy a gray/green if anyone is willing >.>
For GMK DMG amirite?
na man Camping, Terminal, Coniferous
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The damn fake "velvet" nonsense of the inner packaging gets frickin' EVERYWHERE though. I hate it.
I'm gonna assume it's some sort of flocking (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flocking_(texture)), and perhaps the excess was not shaken out very well after it was applied.
Or... considering the state these packages have arrived in after shipping, perhaps the flocking has been falling out due to the rough ride.
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I have good news and bad news.
The bad news is that I got a email this morning from someone at Zfrontier, saying that there had been a mix up in production... I had picked the "3 Lamps" option but the Renova logo option was made instead.
Not the end of the world there, though. So I'm okay with that. Anyone else have a similar mix-up?
The good news, I take from this, is that my board hasn't been shipped yet. So I took the opportunity to mention some of the shipping issues some of you have encountered in my reply, and expressed my hope that the packaging can be improved for the remainder of boards coming out.
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Mine has been shipped now, and looks like I could have it by Wednesday.
Crossing fingers for arriving safe and sound!
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Does anyone wanna trade main case colors with me? I've got white/purple, and I kinda wish I got one of the other main colors.
I'd be interested as long as the mid-piece/weight isn't red. Just main case minus mid-piece/weight would be cool, too.
I'd like to keep my plate... Mainly just because I already soldered it and desoldering is a pain.
I can also offer PCB repair/diagnosis for extra PCB's once you get new ones, if people are interested.
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Okay, I finally have mine in hand! And I have to say, it's very cool.
I have a few initial pics to share, but the quality isn't great. I'm afraid it's winter time in Iowa, so unfortunately it's just plain dark during any hour I'm at home. (Stupid work gets all my nice daylight hours.).
My main concern about this was if it would arrive safe and sound, after some of you shared your shipping experiences here. I have to join those of you whose Renova box didn't fare the travel well. Which is a real shame, because it's a lovely and well done box design!
It just didn't hold up to the rigors of international shipping.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ppMbk2PN/IMG-4469.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ppMbk2PN) (https://i.postimg.cc/14q1pghc/IMG-4470.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/14q1pghc)
(https://i.postimg.cc/D4LVFNdY/IMG-4471.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/D4LVFNdY) (https://i.postimg.cc/qtDHGyvQ/IMG-4472.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qtDHGyvQ)
The board itself arrived in much better shape. On the motherboard, there is one small dent in what looks to be a kind of metal shroud (see pic) but I don't think that will cause any functional problems.
The case itself, which is still shrink-wrapped at the moment, is in flawless condition. It has a very nice heft to it. I'll share better pics of it later, but I'm very happy with it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/k6kr0C8b/IMG-4473.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k6kr0C8b) (https://i.postimg.cc/ygJ4pxJK/IMG-4474.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ygJ4pxJK)
One small surprise of note is that apparently the case uses allen style screws, which I didn't expect. I'm not sure what size they are off the bat, so I'll have to do some trial and error there - unless someone here knows the size off the top of their head.
This is going to be a fun project to work on, when I have the chance to do so!
For the time being, I'm waiting on the keycaps that I intend to put on it.... SA Amber Screen.
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i need some money, so i have a x3 up for sale. just pm me
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I 'm selling my X3.
If anyone's interested hit me up.
Reddit u/petamva
Discord petamva#7456