Author Topic: [IC] KY-01 // 75% Top-Mount Keyboard [GB Date: 31st July 2020] (Read 47815 times)

KCK · « **on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 10:45:37 »

KY-01 // 75% Top Mount Keyboard

GB Date Status:
GB will be live 23:59 BST (20/08/20) FCFS. Everything you need to know about the KY-01 keyboard will be posted on those pages. (Edit: GB page is now viewable - https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107809.0)

[CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE DISCORD SERVER]

Design:

Quick Renders:

Click Here For More Renders

Specs:

Mounting Type: Top Mount
Typing Angle: 6 degree
Material: 6061 aluminium bead-blasted/anodized finish
Colours: Black/Grey/Silver/~~Dark Navy~~/Aquamarine/Blue Grey (Aquamarine = 5463 C / Blue Grey = 433C)
Number of Units: 150 units
Layout: Supports both ANSI & ISO Layout (Supports split backspace & stepped caps lock)
Plate Material Options: Aluminium/Brass/Carbon Fibre
PCB: Custom KY-01 USB Type-C PCB (Supports QMK, has ESD-Protection)
Screws: 7x M2.5 Phillips pan-head screws / 8x M3 Torx Screw
Switch Support: MX style switches only

[Estimated Price]: $275 for alu plate kit / $285 for brass plate kit / $290 for carbon fibre plate kit
(FCFS)

[Shipping Prices]: UK ($20) / Europe ($35) / USA & Canada ($35) / Rest of the world ($60)
[Estimated shipping date]: Late September 2020 - Early November 2020

(Parts)
- Top case
- Bottom case
- 1.5mm plate
- USB type-C PCB
- 7x M2.5 Phillips pan-head screws / 8x M3 Torx screw
- 2x Silicone Adhesive Strips + 2x replacement strips

>Click Here To Fill Out IC Form<

(Updates)
[30/05/2020] - Ordered Case Prototype (Black Aluminium Case & Brass Plate).

[01/06/2020] - Colour Update (Replaced "Dark Navy" colour with "Blue Grey")

[02/06/2020] - After receiving some feedback on my logo, I might be changing the logo that will be engraved into the bottom of the keyboard (You can vote the logo that looks better to you in the IC Form).
- Added a closeup render of the Aquamarine colour. After I receive my prototype, I will be ordering some colour samples (Anodised & bead-blasted Aluminium), to provide you guys accurate pictures of the colours.
- My manufacturer has updated me saying that the prototype is estimated to be shipped on the 10th of June.

[05/06/2020] ~~- Estimated Base Kit price is now $269.99~~
- Carbon fibre plates will be available to purchase
- Increased the number of units to 100
- A picture of an unfinished prototype from the factory

[08/06/2020] - Received a video of the prototype from the factory this morning (Still needs sandblast treatment & anodising though). Finished prototype video should be sent to me tomorrow.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

[11/06/2020] - The prototype case is finished and has been shipped (It'll take around a week to arrive). PCB is still in production so it's estimated to arrive in 2 weeks time.

[17/06/2020] - Prototype case & PCB arrived! I’m just waiting for my switches & keycaps to arrive. Also waiting on the rubber strips. Once I receive my switches and keycaps I will record a sound test and showcase the keyboard in detail.

[17/06/2020] - Created a discord server! [CLICK HERE TO JOIN]

[21/06/2020] - Pics of the prototype!

[CLICK HERE FOR FULL GALLERY]

[24/06/2020] - Final Design Update. I have ordered sample colours today and i'm hoping to receive the pictures in a week. Colours have changed slightly. Aquamarine is now 316C & Blue Grey is now 432C & Dark Grey is now 446C.

Fill out the test GB form

[22/07/2020] - GB date has been announced! (31st of July 2020)

Mr.Elli0t · « **Reply #1 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 10:52:15 »

Loving the design! It looks awesome!

CrazyAssMonkey · « **Reply #2 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 10:52:39 »

Well dam...

250??? I'm impressed that's a clean look. Her bottomis beautiful.

jackedhardwarejunkie · « **Reply #3 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 10:52:47 »

Looks great!

I'll definitely be in for 1

ssaiyanash · « **Reply #4 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 10:56:58 »

In for that aqua marine 😍

thecyangiant · « **Reply #5 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 11:06:10 »

Looks good, I'm definitely interested. Can't tell if it's my phone being wonky but the ic link didn't seem to work. +1 for aquamarine

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Kinesiologist · « **Reply #6 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 11:24:43 »

Can you please clarify on the following regarding the PCB:

- Does PCB support QMK?
- Does it have ESD-protection?
- Will there be an option to buy an extra PCB for backup?

It would be great if you can update the original post with these info. Also, how can we follow the progress of this IC/GB?

The design is perfect in my eyes so looking forward to hearing more about it. Thank you

KCK · « **Reply #7 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 12:18:42 »

Quote from: Kinesiologist on Sat, 30 May 2020, 11:24:43

Can you please clarify on the following regarding the PCB:

- Does PCB support QMK?
- Does it have ESD-protection?
- Will there be an option to buy an extra PCB for backup?

It would be great if you can update the original post with these info. Also, how can we follow the progress of this IC/GB?

The design is perfect in my eyes so looking forward to hearing more about it. Thank you

The PCB will support QMK, has ESD-protection and there will be an option to buy an extra PCB. Sorry for not mentioning this on my post, will update it now.

Surefoot · « **Reply #8 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 12:24:52 »

Nice design, nice price, ISO support.. Maybe you could make the top row a bit more symmetrical (have equal length for blockers) ?

Kinesiologist · « **Reply #9 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 12:27:44 »

That's awesome, thank you for the quick response.

Lenux · « **Reply #10 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 16:01:55 »

Really nice work !

If i can get my hand on it i would definitely would

Good luck

IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES · « **Reply #11 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 16:13:14 »

"35 units (Might increase or decrease, depending on the demand)"
~250 USD

I'm gonna go out on a limb and suggest you could sell 35 in the opening 10 seconds of this group buy opening

pixelpusher · « **Reply #12 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 16:21:12 »

Where are you located? Have you run any group buys or designed any boards in the past? Did you design the PCB as well? Need infos

CrazyAssMonkey · « **Reply #13 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 16:23:32 »

Quote from: pixelpusher on Sat, 30 May 2020, 16:21:12

Where are you located? Have you run any group buys or designed any boards in the past? Did you design the PCB as well? Need infos

Ah pixel asking the important questions.

KCK · « **Reply #14 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 17:14:58 »

Quote from: pixelpusher on Sat, 30 May 2020, 16:21:12

Where are you located? Have you run any group buys or designed any boards in the past? Did you design the PCB as well? Need infos

Located in the UK, I haven't ran any group buys before, but I will be ordering as many prototypes as I can if there are issues before I run a group buy. I didn't design the PCB, I had KnoblesseOblige design a prototype PCB for me (You can find him on Reddit/GitHub/Geekhack).

rondg · « **Reply #15 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 19:16:48 »

ilikerustoo · « **Reply #16 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 19:17:06 »

Could you elaborate the pricing for the board a little? Would definitely consider it because the price is great!

rondg · « **Reply #17 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 19:22:30 »

If we can use a socket, phillips or flat head screws, that would be nice. I'll definitely lose the torx screwdriver

jmsp0511 · « **Reply #18 on:** Sat, 30 May 2020, 19:41:57 »

definitely in at that price point!

hottrout · « **Reply #19 on:** Sun, 31 May 2020, 05:04:56 »

Interested, looks nice.

Prelim · « **Reply #20 on:** Sun, 31 May 2020, 07:52:53 »

interested, although I would prefer a pure TKL design (80%)

$hea · « **Reply #21 on:** Sun, 31 May 2020, 08:08:47 »

Interested!!

Bl4ck · « **Reply #22 on:** Sun, 31 May 2020, 11:51:14 »

Could you include another key on the vertical nav cluster?so make it a 4 key cluster.

lenznel · « **Reply #23 on:** Mon, 01 June 2020, 02:45:53 »

interested! the price point is noice

Vireca · « **Reply #24 on:** Mon, 01 June 2020, 03:39:32 »

The price its too good for 35 units. I think you could increase them and that will lower or maintain the same price maybe

Sabin · « **Reply #25 on:** Mon, 01 June 2020, 13:35:46 »

Quote from: KCK on Sat, 30 May 2020, 17:14:58

Quote from: pixelpusher on Sat, 30 May 2020, 16:21:12
Where are you located? Have you run any group buys or designed any boards in the past? Did you design the PCB as well? Need infos

Located in the UK, I haven't ran any group buys before, but I will be ordering as many prototypes as I can if there are issues before I run a group buy. I didn't design the PCB, I had KnoblesseOblige design a prototype PCB for me (You can find him on Reddit/GitHub/Geekhack).

UK based too!

Will you have any option for a hotswap pcb? There's not many well built 75% options out there

cLRLYY · « **Reply #26 on:** Mon, 01 June 2020, 14:21:32 »

This looks nice!

Would love to get my hand on one. Only two things I could argue about are the asymmetric blockers on the F row (would look way better if all of them were the same width) and the placement of the USB Port, I would prefer to have it on the left instead of the middle, but that personal preference. If this makes it for the estimated price, I will definitely try to get one of them.

Coneree · « **Reply #27 on:** Mon, 01 June 2020, 14:23:27 »

I'm a fan of the layout! Will be watching!

$W4GK!NG · « **Reply #28 on:** Mon, 01 June 2020, 14:54:58 »

Depending on the GB time, I will likely get one myself. Looked super cleaned and cool <33333

supern00b · « **Reply #29 on:** Mon, 01 June 2020, 14:56:24 »

lz2019 · « **Reply #30 on:** Mon, 01 June 2020, 17:07:23 »

Everything of the shape looks good too, except I hope the cut-in on the left/right sides of the bottom case can be a bit larger. So that I can pick up the keyboard easier with both hands (I have pretty round finger tip and my nail is short).

noorejji · « **Reply #31 on:** Mon, 01 June 2020, 17:33:12 »

Will you be looking for vendors?

SxM Designs · « **Reply #32 on:** Mon, 01 June 2020, 17:53:40 »

35 units is way too less. 1 min buying period!

dhb82 · « **Reply #33 on:** Mon, 01 June 2020, 18:57:12 »

Please consider more units

pcire · « **Reply #34 on:** Mon, 01 June 2020, 23:59:28 »

Quote from: dhb82 on Mon, 01 June 2020, 18:57:12

Please consider more units

+1

Rew23 · « **Reply #35 on:** Tue, 02 June 2020, 00:13:29 »

That Aquamarine color and the price point, damn I just hope i am quick enough to get in on this one. Looks great.

$hea · « **Reply #36 on:** Tue, 02 June 2020, 10:18:53 »

Quote from: Vireca on Mon, 01 June 2020, 03:39:32

The price its too good for 35 units. I think you could increase them and that will lower or maintain the same price maybe

Facts. We need more!

KCK · « **Reply #37 on:** Tue, 02 June 2020, 13:58:47 »

I'm going to be increasing it to 75 units. I was thinking of increasing it to 100 but I don't know if I'll be able to actually sell that many units. QC will take a long time too so i'm not too sure at the moment. Problem is that my manufacturer isn't willing to decrease the price by much so the price will still stay the same.

Quote from: $hea on Tue, 02 June 2020, 10:18:53

Quote from: Vireca on Mon, 01 June 2020, 03:39:32
The price its too good for 35 units. I think you could increase them and that will lower or maintain the same price maybe

Facts. We need more!

cLRLYY · « **Reply #38 on:** Tue, 02 June 2020, 15:50:36 »

Quote from: KCK on Tue, 02 June 2020, 13:58:47

I'm going to be increasing it to 75 units. I was thinking of increasing it to 100 but I don't know if I'll be able to actually sell that many units. QC will take a long time too so i'm not too sure at the moment. Problem is that my manufacturer isn't willing to decrease the price by much so the price will still stay the same.
Quote from: $hea on Tue, 02 June 2020, 10:18:53
Quote from: Vireca on Mon, 01 June 2020, 03:39:32
The price its too good for 35 units. I think you could increase them and that will lower or maintain the same price maybe

Facts. We need more!

Well, 75 is alot better than 35. Maybe another increase if there will be a round two of this board.

Lenux · « **Reply #39 on:** Tue, 02 June 2020, 16:16:46 »

Quote from: KCK on Tue, 02 June 2020, 13:58:47

I'm going to be increasing it to 75 units. I was thinking of increasing it to 100 but I don't know if I'll be able to actually sell that many units. QC will take a long time too so i'm not too sure at the moment. Problem is that my manufacturer isn't willing to decrease the price by much so the price will still stay the same.
Quote from: $hea on Tue, 02 June 2020, 10:18:53
Quote from: Vireca on Mon, 01 June 2020, 03:39:32
The price its too good for 35 units. I think you could increase them and that will lower or maintain the same price maybe

Facts. We need more!

The price is surprisingly really affordable for the market

, don't worry about the price change about units number !

I think its a wise to make a small GB as a first Round and also at all, it might make you ideas clear, give more ideas and also make progress in the future, which is remarkable.

The project is more than fine, its really a good project i wish you good luck. The 75 slots might be good to begin with, thanks for the remarks

Owl · « **Reply #40 on:** Tue, 02 June 2020, 18:14:10 »

looks like a very nice board for a very affordable price point. Great job. I just wish this and so many other 75% didn't have that style of arrow keys. Deal breaker for me.

Endeavour1934 · « **Reply #41 on:** Tue, 02 June 2020, 18:56:36 »

Definitely interested... and the color choice is really amazing, the aquamarine is really gorgeous!

YellowHalo · « **Reply #42 on:** Tue, 02 June 2020, 21:15:47 »

Looks promising. Just curious, how did you come up with that price? Considering that prototyping for case and pcb will cost a substantial amount. That design doesn't look simple to machine either so the cost may go up too. Will you run the gb with a vendor?

syke · « **Reply #43 on:** Tue, 02 June 2020, 23:49:48 »

aquamarine looks fab

KCK · « **Reply #44 on:** Wed, 03 June 2020, 01:05:29 »

Quote from: YellowHalo on Tue, 02 June 2020, 21:15:47

Looks promising. Just curious, how did you come up with that price? Considering that prototyping for case and pcb will cost a substantial amount. That design doesn't look simple to machine either so the cost may go up too. Will you run the gb with a vendor?

Yeah the keyboard is turning out to be a bit more expensive than I estimated, mainly due to shipping prices, import fees and customs. However I can say that the price will stay below $300. I will update you guys with a much more accurate price in a week or two. This GB will not be ran with a vendor.

adamjohari · « **Reply #45 on:** Wed, 03 June 2020, 03:06:14 »

75 will definitely sell out at that price. Be confident. Amazing work.

Cobalt · « **Reply #46 on:** Wed, 03 June 2020, 07:05:56 »

Definitely in.

bow3i · « **Reply #47 on:** Wed, 03 June 2020, 12:38:03 »

Perhaps an increased MOQ can make more colours available? This looks fantastic, I'm looking forward to it!

Bl4ck · « **Reply #48 on:** Wed, 03 June 2020, 12:49:26 »

About the logo on the back, would totally prefer an Image like logo instead of Text logo (i don't really know how to explain this but I think you can understand) but I'm fine with both.

lz2019 · « **Reply #49 on:** Wed, 03 June 2020, 14:26:16 »

do you plan to use a discord or set up a mail list for updates/announcements? or just keep everything in this thread?

News:

Author Topic: [IC] KY-01 // 75% Top-Mount Keyboard [GB Date: 31st July 2020] (Read 47815 times)