[IC] ASK55 - Alps 14.5u Keyboard (Photos & Pre-Launch IC)

[pizza_is_a_lie]

ASK55
The Alps 14.5u custom


Backstory and Origins:

In Summer 2018, I fell in love with the Apple M0116 keyboards and layout. I explored the options available to make a modern, sleek keyboard using the gorgeous keycaps and Alps switches. There was nothing readily available, unlike for the AEKII. After quickly realising that a regular 60% case for the Alps64 wasn't going to cut it, the ASK55 was born.

Over the last year, I've worked hard and spent a lot of time with some great people. I went away and developed 9 x 14.5u plates for the M0116, M0118, M0330, Mac Portable, IIc (and IIc with additional bottom row 1u key), IIc Plus and both NeXT non-ADB layouts with help from generous community members who loaned me the keysets for testing against.

The case has gone through numerous revisions but we're finally at a point where we're happy with our product. Thus, a year on, we're looking to see if there's enough hype to make it possible!


Facts and Specifications:

• 9 classic 14.5u Apple layouts supported
  
  • A three-piece, case mount construction
  • A 'swoop' top to support the M0116, M0118, M0330 and Mac Portable
  • A 'flat' top to support the NeXT AAE, NeXT ABP, both IIc plates and the IIc Plus
  • A common bottom which supports all layouts
  • Available in frosted polycarbonate and 6063 aluminium
  • 14.5u Alps PCB
  • QMK-compatible, USB-C connectivity
  • One PCB which supports all 8 layouts
  • RGB underglow
  • Dedicated plates
  • A dedicated plate for each layout
  • Available in brushed brass and brushed stainless steel

Current Status (Q1 2020):

Cancelled. We were unable to gain enough interest to proceed. Group buys are hard.


News and Links:

RENDERS CREDIT: kingk22

[pixelpusher]

I don't know what an 8x14.5u Apple layout is.  Can you post a layout image?

Oh, okay I see.  I had no idea the space bar was that crazy on the M0116.  Does it feel janky?

[pizza_is_a_lie]

I don't know what an 8x14.5u Apple layout is.  Can you post a layout image?

Oh, okay I see.  I had no idea the space bar was that crazy on the M0116.  Does it feel janky?

The M0116 is my favourite layout of all time. Because the spacebar isn't ridiculously long, it's actually pretty well stabilised!

I'll update the original post to make the layouts clear. Thank you!

[ReDsNoTDeAd]

I give it a thumbs up  I'd certainly be interested if the price is right.

Do you plan on doing any colors of PC, or just plain 'ol frosted?

[cckeyboards]

This is looking good! I have a couple M0118 laying around waiting for a new life and can lend you some keycaps if you still need them.


Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk

[pizza_is_a_lie]

I give it a thumbs up  I'd certainly be interested if the price is right.

Do you plan on doing any colors of PC, or just plain 'ol frosted?

Hey! I've said from the start that I don't want the price to be ridiculous however I can't put a figure on it just yet without gauging interest, design features or changes etc.

As it stands, I was 'throttling' the different colour options in order to keep us in-line with MOQs and, ultimately, bring the price down. It's a conversation I'll have with the manufacturer if there's enough traction!

Thanks for the big ol' thumbs up too! 

This is looking good! I have a couple M0118 laying around waiting for a new life and can lend you some keycaps if you still need them.


Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk

Thank you! I'd definitely appreciate that, if it's available. Please do PM me!

[yui_]

I've been looking into getting an alps board at some point in the future but wanted it to be something more unique so if this were a decent price I would definitely be interested.

Great work, it looks really nice.

[pizza_is_a_lie]

I've been looking into getting an alps board at some point in the future but wanted it to be something more unique so if this were a decent price I would definitely be interested.

Great work, it looks really nice.

Cheers, George! I'm really glad to be offering something that people who have been holding on to the 8 keycap sets can make use of. That, and there's ample supply of really clean sets in the wild.

[NinjaSquirrel21]

So hyped about this! Reached out via email a few weeks ago and I'm so excited to see this IC!

Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk

[pizza_is_a_lie]

So hyped about this! Reached out via email a few weeks ago and I'm so excited to see this IC!

Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk

I wasn't not going to see this through! Thank you for the interest and the enthusiasm; it's definitely kept me going!

[nguyenhimself]

[deleted as I realized this is not for the M0115]

[pizza_is_a_lie]

34 respondents thus far and I appreciate all of the feedback given!

[sl70309]

could you please post picture of each layout?

[vewy_nice]

I was going to cut down my NeXT case to make one of these... Maybe I'll just wait

Can we get at least SOME variation in aluminum finishes?
Silver/Grey/Black would be enough. I really want black.

[pizza_is_a_lie]

could you please post picture of each layout?

I'll try and get round to this at some point, I have a busy weekend and start to next week but I'll try and make something to present! In the meantime, you can google each of the layouts as there's plenty of boards out there!

I was going to cut down my NeXT case to make one of these... Maybe I'll just wait

Can we get at least SOME variation in aluminum finishes?
Silver/Grey/Black would be enough. I really want black.

There's an MOQ of 30 of each case style, in order to get a few different finishes. I'll try speaking with the manufacturer (and possibly some retailers) about our options.

[ttom]

would definitely be interested in polycarbonate case with a m0116 plate, gonna keep my eyes on this

[vikipedeer]

you should add KLE layout for each of the layout supported so vintage noob like me know which plate I'll be getting
other than that I'm suuuuuper excite for this project, and supporting my good friend Alas

[pizza_is_a_lie]

would definitely be interested in polycarbonate case with a m0116 plate, gonna keep my eyes on this

That's perfect, thank you 

you should add KLE layout for each of the layout supported so vintage noob like me know which plate I'll be getting
other than that I'm suuuuuper excite for this project, and supporting my good friend Alas

Alas is awesome and has been nothing short of helpful and supportive! I'll look to get KLEs soon 

[directheatedtriode]

Add me to the interested list

[gminso]

the plates and pcb will be compatible with any other 60% cases?

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Add me to the interested list

Thank you! Have you filled out the IC?

the plates and pcb will be compatible with any other 60% cases?

Unfortunately not. The Apple layouts mentioned are all 14.5u whereas a typical 60% is 15u.

[Vireca]

its a pity that it only going to support m0116. I have a m0115 keyset . The case is awesome, I hope you'll do one for the 60% Alps

[pizza_is_a_lie]

its a pity that it only going to support m0116. I have a m0115 keyset . The case is awesome, I hope you'll do one for the 60% Alps

Thank you! I may dabble in the 'ordinary' 15u/60% layouts in the future but, right now, I've gotta give love to these 14.5s.

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Quick update for you all. Firstly, we should have the funds available to get the final revisions of the two cases ordered this coming week. Secondly, we've had 54 responses in the IC. Two key points to address are as follows:

• I will look in to the possibility of a plastic plate for the grey alu cases but no promises
• I will draw up the 8 different plate layouts tomorrow

Continue to share the project and complete the IC if you haven't done so already. Again, thank you all. 

[eas]

Sold all my NeXT stuff last year. I'm ready to rekindle the flame. Down for 1.

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Sold all my NeXT stuff last year. I'm ready to rekindle the flame. Down for 1.

Good luck on your quest! Thanks for your interest as well 

[pizza_is_a_lie]

I don't know what an 8x14.5u Apple layout is.  Can you post a layout image?

Oh, okay I see.  I had no idea the space bar was that crazy on the M0116.  Does it feel janky?

you should add KLE layout for each of the layout supported so vintage noob like me know which plate I'll be getting
other than that I'm suuuuuper excite for this project, and supporting my good friend Alas

could you please post picture of each layout?

You'll all be glad to know that I've added the layouts which the PCB supports. It can be found above or in this handy gallery: https://imgur.com/a/84m9I8X

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Cases and PCB are on order. Big thanks to everybody who showed an interest in our earlier prototypes and helped us to raise the funds for our next prototype.

If these case prototypes are up-to-scratch, I'll stick a plate in them and get some pictures up. Once Yiancar has worked his magic with the PCB, I'll proof it against our layouts.

Once that's done, well... I suppose we go live! 

https://paradigm.parts/guidance/ask55/faq/

[yui_]

Excited to see this go live, the case looks amazing!

All I have to ask now is whether you're planning on something that could utilise that left over numpad from the M0116

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Excited to see this go live, the case looks amazing!

All I have to ask now is whether you're planning on something that could utilise that left over numpad from the M0116

We did toy with the idea of a matching numpad... heck, it's still on the Trello as a future project!

My main focus right now is the ASK55 but I won't rule it out in future. 

[vikipedeer]

my body has never been so ready
also my set of caps for this board has arrived

[pizza_is_a_lie]

my body has never been so ready
also my set of caps for this board has arrived

Me too! I'm getting all my switches and caps ready for my own builds at the moment 

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Added detail pertaining to how the GB will run. TL:DR; cheaper kits!

I can confirm that we'll also push ahead with RGB underglow on the PCB and USB-C connectivity. I can't thank y'all enough for your feedback during the IC. Whether you have questions or you'd like to share your hype, get in touch 

Proper renders coming soon, prototypes in a few weeks (fingers crossed)!

[pizza_is_a_lie]

The prototype PCB is in! I've spent the evening working through the key mappings. It works a treat!

The default key mapping will support the M0116, M0330 and IIc Plus. There's a NeXT layout for both non-ADB boards and unique layouts for the M0118, IIc and Mac Portable. By default, the underglow LEDs can be disabled with ESC+BKSP and the PCB can be put in to DFU mode by using the reset button or by holding ESC when inserting the USB-C cable.

[Aznakh]

Heck yes! Bought a M0116 earlier this year and have been wondering what to do with it, this is perfect!

TL;DR: I'm interested.

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Heck yes! Bought a M0116 earlier this year and have been wondering what to do with it, this is perfect!

TL;DR: I'm interested.

Amazing  Does the M0116 have salmons or oranges? 

[Aznakh]

Amazing  Does the M0116 have salmons or oranges? 

It's a Norwegian board with oranges. I bought if a few months ago and recently opened all the switches to clean them, went over the leaf springs and gave them a little more tension as well. I love the switches, but I would really like to try salmons as well, for comparison.

The fact that I can use the original layout is amazing, I need to thank you for doing this!

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Amazing  Does the M0116 have salmons or oranges? 

It's a Norwegian board with oranges. I bought if a few months ago and recently opened all the switches to clean them, went over the leaf springs and gave them a little more tension as well. I love the switches, but I would really like to try salmons as well, for comparison.

The fact that I can use the original layout is amazing, I need to thank you for doing this!

Oh man, I love salmons. A little heavier but they're my jam.

You're more then welcome! 

[mounds]

In for two at least, m0116 and NeXT Non-ADB layouts  Gotta love that mini/massive space bar.

[pizza_is_a_lie]

In for two at least, m0116 and NeXT Non-ADB layouts  Gotta love that mini/massive space bar.

Oh dang! Considering you'll be looking at a swoop top kit and a flat top kit, you'll love the new renders 

[EMC Labs]

Do we have any price estimates as of yet?

[yui_]

Absolutely amazing work on the renders, when I saw them I almost thought they were photos for a bit!

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Do we have any price estimates as of yet?

I'm really reluctant to release anything before receiving the prototypes but I understand that price is important. What I will share is that, at lowest MOQ, the sets will price between $325 and $475 depending on materials. This includes all fees etc except postage.

I will add that I'm working with a manufacturer who is absolutely at the top of the tree when it comes to workmanship and our prototypes will affirm this 

Absolutely amazing work on the renders, when I saw them I almost thought they were photos for a bit!

Thank you! All credit to kingk22 'cos there's no way I could do it!  )

[EMC Labs]

Do we have any price estimates as of yet?

I'm really reluctant to release anything before receiving the prototypes but I understand that price is important. What I will share is that, at lowest MOQ, the sets will price between $325 and $475 depending on materials. This includes all fees etc except postage.

I will add that I'm working with a manufacturer who is absolutely at the top of the tree when it comes to workmanship and our prototypes will affirm this 

Absolutely amazing work on the renders, when I saw them I almost thought they were photos for a bit!

Thank you! All credit to kingk22 'cos there's no way I could do it!  )

Thank you! Great to hear.

[cerement]

Of course I don’t find this IC until now ...

PCB and plates are complete and finalised.

In that case, for the next round of PCBs, is there a chance of adding support for the M0110 bottom row?
(1u blocker) – 1u – 1.5u – 7.5u spacebar – 1.5u – 1u – (1u blocker)

SKCC switches have different plate holes but have the same pinouts as SKCM/SKCL – so if the PCB supported the M0110 bottom row, it could be used as a drop-in replacement and give modern programmable support to one of the most iconic 14.5u keyboards out there ...

[Mcnos]

Looks like it supports a long boii. Yesss

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Of course I don’t find this IC until now ...

PCB and plates are complete and finalised.

In that case, for the next round of PCBs, is there a chance of adding support for the M0110 bottom row?
(1u blocker) – 1u – 1.5u – 7.5u spacebar – 1.5u – 1u – (1u blocker)

SKCC switches have different plate holes but have the same pinouts as SKCM/SKCL – so if the PCB supported the M0110 bottom row, it could be used as a drop-in replacement and give modern programmable support to one of the most iconic 14.5u keyboards out there ...

Aghh, it aches me when things like this happen. I'd love to be all-encompassing, I would! In fact, it's the first time it's been mentioned - not even during IC. I've taken it on board though! 


I will also just add that we've changed the design ever so slightly. It doesn't impact the board cosmetically. We're using M3 screws in place of M2.5 on the top cases so that, during anodisation, the cases can be mounted by these threads and eradicate any hooking defects. We've added M5 threads in the existing holes on the bottom case for the same purpose.

There's two manufacturers in the running at the moment so we can expect two sets of prototypes soon. Quality and communications will determine which manufacturer we proceed with.

In other news, I've been working on a new site to replace the existing Paradigm site. I'm not a fan of the rigid, corporate-esque look we have at the moment.

[Rob27shred]

I don't know what an 8x14.5u Apple layout is.  Can you post a layout image?

Oh, okay I see.  I had no idea the space bar was that crazy on the M0116.  Does it feel janky?

The M0116 is my favourite layout of all time. Because the spacebar isn't ridiculously long, it's actually pretty well stabilised!

I'll update the original post to make the layouts clear. Thank you!

I had the opposite experience with the spacebar on a M0116. I got a really clean one for a good price awhile back, so I originally planned to just use it as is. Well the spacebar on it absolutely killed it for me,

Because of the switch being offset so far to the right on the spacebar it would bind like crazy & always come back to rest crooked AF. I tried lubing the stabilizers/post & even went as far as hot gluing the wire holders into the plate cause I thought the left one might have been popping out with no luck. Just a bad design choice to put the switch where they did & unfortunately there is not much that can be done to fix that IME. What really kills me is the cap has a post for a centered switch which would have made the spacebar work perfectly.

Anyways, enough about that damned spacebar LOL! I really like this board design you've come up with & will hopefully be joining since I have a batch of very clean SKCM Oranges from my aforementioned M0116 that need a good home. Question though, will you be able to use the M0116s spacebar on a centered switch with this kit? I also like the size of it & think if it was on a centered switch all the problems I had with it on the offset switch will go away.

[yui_]

I don't know what an 8x14.5u Apple layout is.  Can you post a layout image?

Oh, okay I see.  I had no idea the space bar was that crazy on the M0116.  Does it feel janky?

The M0116 is my favourite layout of all time. Because the spacebar isn't ridiculously long, it's actually pretty well stabilised!

I'll update the original post to make the layouts clear. Thank you!

I had the opposite experience with the spacebar on a M0116. I got a really clean one for a good price awhile back, so I originally planned to just use it as is. Well the spacebar on it absolutely killed it for me,
(Attachment Link)
Because of the switch being offset so far to the right on the spacebar it would bind like crazy & always come back to rest crooked AF. I tried lubing the stabilizers/post & even went as far as hot gluing the wire holders into the plate cause I thought the left one might have been popping out with no luck. Just a bad design choice to put the switch where they did & unfortunately there is not much that can be done to fix that IME. What really kills me is the cap has a post for a centered switch which would have made the spacebar work perfectly.

Anyways, enough about that damned spacebar LOL! I really like this board design you've come up with & will hopefully be joining since I have a batch of very clean SKCM Oranges from my aforementioned M0116 that need a good home. Question though, will you be able to use the M0116s spacebar on a centered switch with this kit? I also like the size of it & think if it was on a centered switch all the problems I had with it on the offset switch will go away.

I would also be curious to hear where the switch would be positioned on the cap.

[pizza_is_a_lie]

I don't know what an 8x14.5u Apple layout is.  Can you post a layout image?

Oh, okay I see.  I had no idea the space bar was that crazy on the M0116.  Does it feel janky?

The M0116 is my favourite layout of all time. Because the spacebar isn't ridiculously long, it's actually pretty well stabilised!

I'll update the original post to make the layouts clear. Thank you!

I had the opposite experience with the spacebar on a M0116. I got a really clean one for a good price awhile back, so I originally planned to just use it as is. Well the spacebar on it absolutely killed it for me,
(Attachment Link)
Because of the switch being offset so far to the right on the spacebar it would bind like crazy & always come back to rest crooked AF. I tried lubing the stabilizers/post & even went as far as hot gluing the wire holders into the plate cause I thought the left one might have been popping out with no luck. Just a bad design choice to put the switch where they did & unfortunately there is not much that can be done to fix that IME. What really kills me is the cap has a post for a centered switch which would have made the spacebar work perfectly.

Anyways, enough about that damned spacebar LOL! I really like this board design you've come up with & will hopefully be joining since I have a batch of very clean SKCM Oranges from my aforementioned M0116 that need a good home. Question though, will you be able to use the M0116s spacebar on a centered switch with this kit? I also like the size of it & think if it was on a centered switch all the problems I had with it on the offset switch will go away.

Bummer that you're not having a good time with it! The only thing I don't like is how they're ABS  But there may be something in the pipeline for this...

As for using the centre stem: I've just checked versus the PCB and it doesn't support the use of the centre stem. However, with a bit of wire you'd be able to conjure something if you were set on it! That said, the plate is also built with the use of the right-hand stem in mind but it wouldn't be too hard to move!