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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: BuddyOG on Sat, 15 October 2022, 11:42:40

Title: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: BuddyOG on Sat, 15 October 2022, 11:42:40
Unrealforce

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Links:

IC Form:https://forms.gle/82jCdxSNPKzPiaje9 (https://forms.gle/82jCdxSNPKzPiaje9)

Discord:https://discord.gg/jvkQssJjU3 (https://discord.gg/jvkQssJjU3)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Custom gasket mount housing for Realforce R2 and R2 RGB. Supports ANSI, JIS and RGB ANSI TKL depending on plates ordered.
Requires complete disassembly of donor board.

*This kit does NOT come with a PCB!
(https://i.imgur.com/q8OnqZm.jpg)

Final design is a seamless case
(https://i.imgur.com/80NfJX1.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/L79qJNC.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/q4DmUuX.png)

Prototype photos (not seamless)
(https://i.imgur.com/LPxA56d.jpg)
*Proto Photos
More Photos:
More
(https://i.imgur.com/ZoqAoqR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/71lPvVk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oHzKeD0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CJwoeCk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/l8TyM6m.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oVTqMVK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/G2y18G8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4Z0SlNp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Cxay04a.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GsxgYWq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lkV5yEb.jpg)


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
Specifications:


(https://i.imgur.com/YujQxrK.png)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
Group Buy Format:
Vendors:
Pricing:                                                                                                                                                               

Price: $650.00 USD Includes: case, weight, plate with backing gasket for housings, case gaskets, USB C daughter board + JST cable, assembly hardware.
Shipping: $15.00 USD for USA, $30.00 USD for Canada, $65.00 USD for international
GB Info: The group buy is estimated to start January 2023
and will be limited to 100 units with a MOQ of 30, running for 4 weeks.
TBD
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Urushi Weight:

An expert with over 30 years practicing in the ancient art of Urushi Laquer Painting has agreed to take this board's exposed
weight and turn it into a true work of art. First introduced to the keyboard world by PFUs ultra limited HHKB HG keycaps
and renown throughout the world for its true beauty, this process of layering, curing, and polishing creates intricate patterns
with infinite depth owing to the 50-150 layers required for the finished product. Having worked with her for a year now, the
keycaps she has produced are indeed the most beautiful I have ever seen. You'll also need not worry about damage as the
Urushi is extremely durable and, according to the artist, will retain its beauty for 100s of years.
*All Urushi weights will be brass for better lacquer adhesion.

Urushi Gallery:

Solid:
(https://i.imgur.com/BUpx0T9.jpg)
Solid + Gold Flake:
(https://i.imgur.com/PgYrbIO.png)
Artisan Pattern:
(https://i.imgur.com/vZJ2atV.jpg)
More patterns and styles:
More

(https://i.imgur.com/9I4Kz6Q.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6ELgnVR.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/bLs0vw0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/A05FwXl.jpg)


Urushi pricing:

Price:
  • Solid Color: $120.00 USD
  • Solid Color + Gold Flake: $145.00 USD
  • Artisan Pattern: $520.00 USD

GB Info: Estimated time will be 6-10 months, depending on demand for the Urushi weight.
*More information on time line after GB is completed.   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
Typing Test:

Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: SDKCAMPING on Sat, 15 October 2022, 12:18:56
I am going to be honest and I hope you consider

- why $650? It look like a basic TKL with a weight, but it's $200 more than other basic TKL with weight. I read the IC twice and can't find out why it is so expensive
- personally I feel the design is a little plain and does not feel polished to be a $650, like the Unreal Force text is a little too far to the right, the weight size is strange, the seams look dull on the photos, and the feet look tiny and underwhelming in size.

 I think the project can be developed more into something really good though and eventually be worth the $650 price.
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: Cipulot on Sat, 15 October 2022, 12:23:26
Y'all really want me to do an open-source Realforce R2 series replacement PCB with Vial... Guess I'll free up a slot in my pipeline for this  ;)
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: vhaarr on Sat, 15 October 2022, 12:46:03
Awww man that green ano looks so epic! If this was a hhkb chassis I'd sign up :D
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: BuddyOG on Sat, 15 October 2022, 12:53:16
I am going to be honest and I hope you consider

- why $650? It look like a basic TKL with a weight, but it's $200 more than other basic TKL with weight. I read the IC twice and can't find out why it is so expensive
- personally I feel the design is a little plain and does not feel polished to be a $650, like the Unreal Force text is a little too far to the right, the weight size is strange, the seams look dull on the photos, and the feet look tiny and underwhelming in size.

 I think the project can be developed more into something really good though and eventually be worth the $650 price.

The product is intended to be a premium option for those interested in topre cases and has gone through months of RnD prototyping to strike the perfect balance of flex and bounce. Not happy with the gasket mounted Matrix EC, it took months to find the right combination due to the limitations of the thin plate required for topre housings.

The packaging will also be premium and pay homage to the HHKB HG packaging.

As for the logo placement, it was inspired by the logo placement of the Realforce R2. Although the photo doesn't look it, the logo is lined up with the edge of the opening

The weight is meant to be a canvas, showcasing the ultimate beauty that the Urushi lacquer painting can bring. The photo you see is not polished and simply bead blasted

Compared to other topre cases the price is compareable.

Having built over 130 topre boards I can honestly say this has a much better typing feel and overall "premium" feel to it than stock or similar topre cases.
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: ankit on Sat, 15 October 2022, 13:06:39
Compared to other topre cases the price is compareable.

If you are really comparing to norbauer -- those housings are made in the US and also heavily criticized for their price.
GLWIC :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: Diggidy on Sat, 15 October 2022, 13:14:09
Y'all really want me to do an open-source Realforce R2 series replacement PCB with Vial... Guess I'll free up a slot in my pipeline for this  ;)

It looks like Buddy edited the OP. The photos I believe are of his first few prototypes, but the design was changed to remove the side seam
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: Diggidy on Sat, 15 October 2022, 13:17:18
Quote
Y'all really want me to do an open-source Realforce R2 series replacement PCB with Vial... Guess I'll free up a slot in my pipeline for this  ;)

Dude, if you could design a 7u bottom row PCB that would retrofit with realforce R2 and other custom TKLs (such as the unrealforce) and be Vial compatible, that would be AMAZING. Please destroy the stupid 86U aftermarket where people are charging 600+ just for the ability to have a 7u bottom row.
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: BuddyOG on Sat, 15 October 2022, 13:24:18
Quote
Y'all really want me to do an open-source Realforce R2 series replacement PCB with Vial... Guess I'll free up a slot in my pipeline for this  ;)

Dude, if you could design a 7u bottom row PCB that would retrofit with realforce R2 and other custom TKLs (such as the unrealforce) and be Vial compatible, that would be AMAZING. Please destroy the stupid 86U aftermarket where people are charging 600+ just for the ability to have a 7u bottom row.

I could offer a plate option that would be compatible with the aftermarket PCB.
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: Kokaloo on Sat, 15 October 2022, 13:38:33
man I wish geekhack mods were my friends
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: Consola on Sat, 15 October 2022, 13:45:27
Filled out & definitely interested.
Good luck Buddy!
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: Diggidy on Sat, 15 October 2022, 13:45:35
Compared to other topre cases the price is compareable.

If you are really comparing to norbauer -- those housings are made in the US and also heavily criticized for their price.
GLWIC :thumb:

The XRF ran for 550 this year (600 for PC case), with no weight, only R1 compatible, using stock realforce plate. Norbaforce MK2 similarly sold for 5-600$ (I forget the exact price), with no weight, using stock internals.

This board at least has a custom gasket mounted SS plate, and a large SS weight.
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: dededecline on Sat, 15 October 2022, 13:46:48
Since my last comment got removed:
$650 for this board is definitely a great deal :thumb:
Basing your pricing off of someone else’s because their case is also for the same topre board is brilliant and definitely not shortsighted
This case design is very good looking and does not at all look like it took a couple hours in Fusion
You seem like a normal, well-adjusted human being
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: ankit on Sat, 15 October 2022, 14:02:28
Compared to other topre cases the price is compareable.

If you are really comparing to norbauer -- those housings are made in the US and also heavily criticized for their price.
GLWIC :thumb:

The XRF ran for 550 this year (600 for PC case), with no weight, only R1 compatible, using stock realforce plate. Norbaforce MK2 similarly sold for 5-600$ (I forget the exact price), with no weight, using stock internals.

This board at least has a custom gasket mounted SS plate, and a large SS weight.

Both are overpriced at least with norbauer you'll get your product without too much drama/discord being deleted/breakdowns on livestream/etc.
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: Windy on Sat, 15 October 2022, 14:08:07
GLWIC This is a very cool board :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: KeyBros_ on Sat, 15 October 2022, 14:52:34
650? LOL
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: headphone_jack on Sat, 15 October 2022, 15:33:04
"I am justified in charging too much because other people charge too much" has never been a valid argument.
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: LMarci on Sat, 15 October 2022, 18:00:13
I am going to be honest and I hope you consider

- why $650? It look like a basic TKL with a weight, but it's $200 more than other basic TKL with weight. I read the IC twice and can't find out why it is so expensive
- personally I feel the design is a little plain and does not feel polished to be a $650, like the Unreal Force text is a little too far to the right, the weight size is strange, the seams look dull on the photos, and the feet look tiny and underwhelming in size.

 I think the project can be developed more into something really good though and eventually be worth the $650 price.

The product is intended to be a premium option for those interested in topre cases and has gone through months of RnD prototyping to strike the perfect balance of flex and bounce. Not happy with the gasket mounted Matrix EC, it took months to find the right combination due to the limitations of the thin plate required for topre housings.

The packaging will also be premium and pay homage to the HHKB HG packaging.

As for the logo placement, it was inspired by the logo placement of the Realforce R2. Although the photo doesn't look it, the logo is lined up with the edge of the opening

The weight is meant to be a canvas, showcasing the ultimate beauty that the Urushi lacquer painting can bring. The photo you see is not polished and simply bead blasted

Compared to other topre cases the price is compareable.

Having built over 130 topre boards I can honestly say this has a much better typing feel and overall "premium" feel to it than stock or similar topre cases.
Nothing you've said here justifies this being 650$. If you wanna do a cash grab then sure, go ahead, but don't try to make dishonest bs excuses along the way. Can't play both sides.
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: Jefff on Sun, 16 October 2022, 11:01:00
Yeah, the price is definitely... questionable, but maybe the Urushi lacquer is fairly expensive since it sounds like a one person operation.
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: WK on Sun, 16 October 2022, 11:26:46
Yeah, the price is definitely... questionable, but maybe the Urushi lacquer is fairly expensive since it sounds like a one person operation.

It's 650 without Urushi Lacquer.
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: doggo1dance on Mon, 17 October 2022, 05:27:16
The price tag has to be a joke, right?
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: Moyu on Tue, 18 October 2022, 01:13:08
 :blank:
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: LaserCrafter on Tue, 18 October 2022, 17:29:59
Much rather get an xrf than this tbh
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: EnjoyMyInSec on Wed, 26 October 2022, 07:42:02
The top right engraving is really ugly, an option without would be welcome tbh and I'm sure most people would prefere that.

The overall shape of the board is pretty nice, i'd say it's pretty elegant tbh even if the bezels look to thin for me but not a deal breaker.

Regarding the price, especially since you don't have a weight engraving etc I think it's pretty ridiculous. You want to make money from your work which makes sense but nobody have ever heard of this board before and people might be disapointed by the realforce R2 compatibility (easier to obtain though, so it definetly makes sense).

If you want the board + a donor board and a finished weight and not just a brick of metal we're looking at a total of like 1K ? that's quite a premium considering that Sho did (or will can't remember) a R2 case for way cheaper than that and it's as good looking. I think your board is pretty nice but definetly not at this price. Cut the price by at least 50% and im sure you'll sell like hot cakes.

Good project otherwise, best of luck with it.
Title: Re: [IC] Unrealforce TKL (Realforce R2 Gasket Mounted)
Post by: BuddyOG on Wed, 26 October 2022, 09:40:51
The board will deff come with an "unbadged" option.

I understand your concerns with the price but having bult many topre keyboards before and gone thru 3 manus to find one that meets my standards I won't be making any money in the end.

I'm just here to provide the most premium option for topre possible.

Based on these I dont expect to meet MOQ of 30 but will still offer it at $650 and probably produce between 10-15