DD-40
Links:DD-40 Product PageDD-40 Collection PageStay up to date with me
About:More
The DD-40 is a 12.75u wide gasket mounted 40% keyboard with an RGB LED strip sandwiched between the macro-column and main alpha cluster. Both WKL and HHKB top cases will be available, and the seamed design allows for a two-tone case via available extra tops.
This board is my ideal for a staggered 40% keyboard layout. The 12.75u main cluster gives me the right amount of punctuation and keys to do everything I want without an abundance of layers, while also reducing hand travel as I type. I wanted to include a macro column both for additional flair and as a display piece for artisan keycaps. I thought the LED strip would also serve as a nice visual piece and an homage to one of the board's primary inspirations, the TMO50.
The case design involves some of my favorite design elements in modern keyboards - sharp edges and a two-tone aesthetic. I think the ability to mix and match colors unlocks a lot of potential for theming and photography and is visually appealing, but also optional for those who want a more minimal color palette.
The 6-point gasket system was chosen to give some slight muting that would not necessarily come from a top-mount. Additionally, the position of the mounting points were meticulously chosen in order to give the keyboard an exceptional level of consistency in both sound and feel.
Group buy details:- Price: $265 for anodized colors, $280 for e-white
- Format: FCFS (unlimited)
- Date: Monday September 12th - Monday October 3rd
- Colourway options: e-white, black, crimson, navy
- Layout options: HHKB and WKL, each has big bar and mini bar layouts
- Estimated shipping timeline: Q1 2023
Board info:- 4° typing angle
- Gasket tab plate
- 19.5mm front height
- QMK and VIAL-compatible DB PCBs
- Accentuated seam
- Optional RGB diffusion strip
- Weighs roughly 2 lbs 1 oz built
Kit Includes:- Case top and bottom
- Black aluminum anodized plate
- Solder PCB
- DB/JST
- Gaskets
- Feet
- Torx Screws
- Frosted acrylic LED diffusion window
- Polyfill
Extras:- Additional aluminum plate: $30
- FR4 plate: $20
- POM plate: $25
- CF plate: $35
- Solder PCB: $45
- Additional feet: $6
- Additional JST/DB: $5
- Additional gaskets: $5
- Additional tops: $75 anodized/$85 e-white
Additional Color Renders:More
Additional Photos:More
Typing tests:Xinxinwong - Lavenders with aluminum plate | https://clips.twitch.tv/GleamingFilthyBubbleteaMVGame-kGs1uTSBlXCzk8sm (full build stream here)
Layout Support:Two tops will be available, an HHKB top and a WKL top. Each has its own plate to avoid swiss cheese. Each layout has full space and split space layouts available
Special Thanks:- Dingusxmcgee For all the help on this
- OCM Logo, 3DP protos, and moral support
- Liv PCB design and renders
- James, Upas, Ana, Chippy, M1w, and the CannonKeys Crew For helping this become a real board
- Xinxinwong and Lightning For doing build streams
- Taylor and many others For support and feedback throughout this process
