Hello everyone!
I've made this post on r/mechmarket, but I thought reposting it on geekhack would help too. I don't use geekhack that much so I'm sorry if it's in the wrong section.
I'm helping Cain, the owner of MatrixLab in China, to make this interest check regarding custom keyboard CNC and anodization orders.
MatrixLab is probably one of the best custom keyboard makers in China right now. Their past groupbuys have been successful and the quality of Matrix boards is always exceptional. In particular, the latest 8xv2.0 is very popular internationally. You can check out pics of matrix boards in this thread
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=83530.0 or on Cain's instgram
https://www.instagram.com/matrixcccc/ Cain is now accepting orders for machining and anodizing custom keyboard kits(with plates and weights). At this point he's not offering the production of pcbs. There are also some rules regarding the order/request.
- MOQ(Minimum Order Quantity): 20+. This does not include the prototype.
- When the designer runs their groupbuy of the board, they must explicitly state in their IC/GB post that their board is manufactured by MatrixLab.
- The designer must put a mark on their keyboard indicating that it is manufactured by MatrixLab. They can discuss where to put this mark with Cain, and there's no restriction on its location.
- The design must be original (not a 1:1 replicate of existing designs)
For anyone who's interested, feel free to email Cain at
troubleshooter@foxmail.com to discuss details (cost of prototype, order pricing, etc).
Please email him only if you have an (almost) finalized design, and please be patient since he can only check his mailbox after work. I'll try to answer as many questions I can here.
A few things worth mentioning since they've been asked about a lot on r/mm:
Q: Can I email him in Chinese?
A: Of course! He definitely prefers to communicate in Chinese to make it easier for both, but he's fine with English too.
Q: What anodization colors does Cain offer?
A: Almost every color, e.g, Matrix 8xv2.0 has 20+ colors, and he's showed a lot of them on his instagram.
Q: Does Cain offer MAO/E-coat White as an option?
A: No
Q: Does Cain take Paypal?
A: Yes
Q: How long does it take to finish the prototype?
A: Depends on the size/layout/complexity of the design, usually 2 weeks for a standard TKL.
Q: Any GB plan of Matrix boards on geekhack in the future?
A: Yes! :eyes:
Q: Will Cain use my design to run a gb within China without my approval?
A: No. That would ruin his reputation and the MatrixLab brand.
