The Conundrum by thock.coI'm extremely happy to announce that the Group Buy for the world's first 40% ortholinear, programmable, electro-capacitive keyboard is finally here!
Drawing its inspiration from Japanese technology and compact ortholinear keyboards the Conundrum offers a unique experience that mixes the best of both worlds.




Case:
- an e-coated top piece (choice of pure white/classic black/sunny yellow)
- a PVD-coated polished brass plate
- an e-coated bottom piece (choice of pure white/classic black/sunny yellow)
- a PVD-coated polished brass weight
Machinery:
- an assembled electro-capacitive PCB with an ARM Cortex M4F µC and USB-C port on board
- pre-flashed with a new, intuitive and easy-to-handle bootloader
- fully programmable with firmware based on QMK
- 48x rubber domes (choice of 45g/55g weights)
- 48x capacitive conic springs
- 48x switch housings
- 48x Cherry MX-compatible switch sliders (with O-rings)
On top of that each kit comes with:
- all the necessary screws
- rubber feet
- a carrying case
- a brass polishing cloth
- a USB-C cable
- an easy-assembly station; in a
- box
Assembled kit weighs appoximately 1400g.
Plate has a 2u cutout that supports both grid and MIT layouts.
If you don't feel like assembling an EC board on your own, don't worry, we've got you covered - an assembly service is available!
Review
Make sure to tune in later this afternoon (2021/01/14) to Cassidy's
Twitch channel!
(Next take, as Twitch went down on 7th).
Vendors & Pricing
Each kit costs 547 USD and profits from this Group Buy shall fuel future EC projects!
EU -
CandyKeysAsia -
zFrontierNA -
AshkeebsWorldwide - direct at
the thock.co storeLast but not least - one special unit is going to be sold at an auction for
The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (a charity that improves Polish healthcare; more details towards the end of the year).
TimelineGroup buy starts now! (2020.12.18)
Group buy ends on Jan 18th (2021.01.18)
Shipping est. Q3 2021
FAQQ: Does it support MX-style keycaps?
A: Yes, the sliders support MX-style keycaps – you can use all your favorite keycaps. Topre-style keycaps are not supported.
Q: What layouts are supported?
A: Both grid and MIT layouts are supported. The plate has a 2u cutout that can accomodate either a single 2u switch or two 1u switches.
Q: Will there be any reviews?
A: Yes, we have a review underway.
Q: Is it heavy?
A: (spoiler alert, it's fairly heavy)
Q: Are there some other videos available?
A:
@cassidoo did mention the Conundrum a few times on her
streams (also
here).
I also recorded a short video where I'm taking the keyboard apart and showing the internals.
There is also a
typing test I recorded on the first revision prototype.