[GB] Protagonist (60%) *Updated*

[OnTheBrink]

The group buy has officially launched. Thank you all for the input and support.

Info: https://wiredinstore.com/pages/protagonist-landing
Configure: https://wiredinstore.com/collections/protagonist-collection/products/protagonist
Collection: https://wiredinstore.com/collections/protagonist-collection

Vendors:

- US: @wiredinstore & @loobedswitches
- KR: @geonworks
- OCE: @allcapskeyboards
- CN: @kezewa_
- EU: @deltakeyco
- TH: @aiglatson.studio
- SEA: @themechastore
- UK: @jae_prototypist

The Protagonist, by Wired In, is a 60% keyboard designed with modularity and a modern, minimalist aesthetic, in mind. The Protagonist is the first of many proprietary projects created via partnership between Wired In and Loobed Switches. It will be available at both the official WiredInStore.com and vendor LoobedSwitches.com for domestic and international fulfillment.

Interest Check Form Here

Join the Discord and have a hand in development:

Join Now

Check out the landing page for an in-depth look

Landing Page

Key Features

The Protag, for short, is mounted with a leaf spring semi-proprietary grommet system that is customizable via varying gasket hardness. This allows for a beautiful sound profile right out of the box with the ability to perfectly tailor it to your typing preference. We're not kidding, this thing sounds absolutely amazing.

• Interchangeable 'Keyframe' with only 4 screws that serves as an accent piece for tons of color combinations and different layouts.
• Endless customization with our in-house Cerakote offerings
• RGB Underglow
• Hidden Case Screws
• Hidden Daughterboard routing channel
• Hefty weight for a premium feel

Endless possibilities. Infinite value.

With a three dimensional "Keyframe", the possibilities are virtually endless. Between exchanging the 'Keyframe' for different layouts, different material options, as well as in-house Cerakote colors; there is no limit to the level of personalization.

The Protagonist will start at $349 (brass weight) subject to change.

Specifications

Case options:

• Anodized, copper, e-coat, or Polycarbonate
• Black, Silver, Cream, Coffee, Pastel Blue, Lavender
• Black Cherry Cerakote, Pastel Pink Cerakote, Light Botanical Cerakote, Dark Botanical Cerakote, USMC Red Cerakote, Carbon Grey, Copper Cerakote (Aluminum), McFlurry

Keyframe Options

• Anodized, copper, e-coat, or Polycarbonate
• Black, Silver, Cream, Coffee, Pastel Blue, Lavender
• Black Cherry (Cerakote), Pastel Pink (Cerakote), Light Botanical (Cerakote), Dark Botanical (Cerakote), USMC Red (Cerakote), Carbon Grey (Cerakote), Copper (Cerakote Aluminum), McFlurry (Cerakote)

Weight Options (Weight will have option with and without Protagonist text):

• Aluminum (coated or any case/Keyframe color)
• Stainless Steel (coated or any case/Keyframe color)
• Brass
• Copper

Plate Options:

• Aluminum Plate
• Polycarbonate Plate
• Polypropylene Plate
• Carbon Fiber Plate
• POM Plate
• FR4 Plate
• Copper Plate

PCB:

• 1.6mm, USB-C, Hotswap or Solder, QMK/VIA support
• Designed by Gondolindrim

Other Specifications:

• Typing Angle: 7 Degrees
• Mount Semi-propietary grommet mount
• Dimensions: 126.2mm x 316.7mm
• Front Height: 18.8mm
• Weight: 4 - 6.6lbs (assembled)

Kit Contents:

• (1) 6063 Anodized aluminum "keyframe"
• (1) 6063 Anodized aluminum bottom housing
• (1) Weight (choice of material and finish)
• (1) Protagonist60 soldered or hotswap PCB
• (1) 5052 Anodized Aluminum Plate
• (12) 60a Gaskets
• (1) C4 DB and OG JST cable
• (1) Protagonist carry case
• (1) Hex driver
• Necessary screws, feet, and other accessories

Pictures

Photographs of original prototype courtesy of Captain Sterling and Wired In.

More

Color Ideas

Additional Information

PCB Layouts

More

Addons:

• Foam Kit - (1) PE foam (1) Poron plate foam (1) poron case foam
• Aluminum Plate
• Polycarbonate Plate
• Polypropylene Plate
• Carbon Fiber Plate
• POM Plate
• FR4 Plate
• Copper Plate
• 30a Gaskets
• 60a Gaskets
• 90a Gaskets
• Hotswap PCB
• Solder PCB
• Weights
• Keyframes

Accessories:

• Protagonist metal artisan designed by PJ Aiglatson Studio
• Protagonist genuine leather wrist rest designed by Turbulent Labs
• Matching anodized and Cerakoted cables
• Wired In 'Ally' convertable screw / artisan tray
• Fade switches designed by BowlKB, manufactured by Gateron

Show your support by adding to your profile:

[Cobertt]

Very excited for the Protag.

[Rhienfo]

idk how I feel about this. Bezels are way to big which makes this look not great to look at. You can do that blocky look and have it look well (brutal 60 v2 does it pretty well I feel) but this is a bit much. Also not a big fan of the weight and how it affects the sides of the board, but that's probably more of a preference thing anyway.

Also am I being clueless or are there no images of the plate, cause if they're aren't can you please show some pictures, it's funny if you are advertising a more unique mounting style and just not showing it (also explosion diagram if there isn't would be nice as well)

GLWIC though

[NSMN]

I like the design but some information is missing

[The0rigina1]

3KG for a 60? where did you get your numbers                 

[vhaarr]

In the "Key Features" section you write "The Protag, for short". This is the only place in the post where you shorten the name. And "The Protag, for short" is longer than "The Protagonist".

I just found that extremely hilarous :-D

Carry on, I'll show myself out.
EDIT: Aww, I just noticed the signature image at the bottom of the post also says "PROTAG". Darn it!

But yes some information missing here. Also why does the IC require Discord handle?

[kajahtaa]

This is beautiful

[LoobedSwitches]

3KG for a 60? where did you get your numbers               

The Protagonist prototyped was weighed in fully built with an Alu plate, Copper weight with switches and keycaps at 3KG

[OnTheBrink]

Thanks for the input all. This is my first IC, so it is definitely super helpful.

idk how I feel about this. Bezels are way to big which makes this look not great to look at. You can do that blocky look and have it look well (brutal 60 v2 does it pretty well I feel) but this is a bit much. Also not a big fan of the weight and how it affects the sides of the board, but that's probably more of a preference thing anyway.

Also am I being clueless or are there no images of the plate, cause if they're aren't can you please show some pictures, it's funny if you are advertising a more unique mounting style and just not showing it (also explosion diagram if there isn't would be nice as well)

GLWIC though

I will be updating the IC with an exploded render so you can see the inside. I added the note to the section with the renders in case you missed it, so I will update accordingly as soon as they're done.

As for the bezels, using and seeing the board, I respectfully disagree but it's all preference at the end of the day.

3KG for a 60? where did you get your numbers                 

The board is quite heavy fully built with a copper weight and it was weighed with a scale. The max weight is with everything, including keycaps, switches, PCB, plate, and copper.

The IC shouldn't have a Discord handle as required. That must be an error. Let me go ahead and fix that.

Edited: Discord ID was not required but I made it clearer that it's optional and also added the option to include any socials in case people want to communicate more.


Again, thanks for all the invaluable input and help! If you all think of anything else that may help, do not hesitate to let me know.

[sugarfreemedia]

Are the HHKB blockers 1.5u on both sides?

[OnTheBrink]

Are the HHKB blockers 1.5u on both sides?

Yep! proportioned on both sides. 

[OnTheBrink]

Added exploded view.

Added new black Keyframe with Cerakote black cherry base render.

Pictures of the plate and a closeup of the mounting system will be added by tomorrow.

[Mechboards]

This looks really nice - I really like the bezel accent and blocky shape.

[OnTheBrink]

This looks really nice - I really like the bezel accent and blocky shape.

Thank you! The IC has been going really well and we’ve been loaded with responses. I am really excited to see how people mix the elements to create unique color options or do something unique with the poly as there’s multiple different ways to show off the internals.

To add, the fact that the acoustics are top tier too has us very optimistic about the board’s place in the community.

The copper on poly on copper picture we just posted really exemplifies just how gorgeous the squared off and proportioned look is.

Once promo units are here, we’ll get the GB started as those get shipped out to streamers.

[vhaarr]

The copper on poly on copper picture we just posted really exemplifies just how gorgeous the squared off and proportioned look is.

Where is this photo?

[OnTheBrink]

The copper on poly on copper picture we just posted really exemplifies just how gorgeous the squared off and proportioned look is.

Where is this photo?

I added it to the IC above. It's towards the top and on the Instagram.

[vhaarr]

I added it to the IC above. It's towards the top and on the Instagram.

Aaaah d'oh I just looked in the Pictures section - scrolled right past it - thank you :-D

[antsinyourpants]

Looks good! You do realise this means you're going to have to come out with an Antagonoist keyboard later down the road right?

[OnTheBrink]

Looks good! You do realise this means you're going to have to come out with an Antagonoist keyboard later down the road right?

Ya know, it's funny you should say that... 

Ping me on Discord: Wired.In

[OnTheBrink]

Not a ton of updates, but a few to point out:

Due to interest and revised quotes, we’re confident we can make the price $350 with brass! This is down from $399.

Weight will have the option for textless.

Also, I am not sure why this was confusing people on the IC but it may be my fault. All pieces will have a copper options AND copper Cerakote. Copper is expensive and we are offering copper Cerakote for people to have the ability to get the color at a more affordable price. No, it’s not going to be as perfect as real copper, but it is a nice alternative for people who may not have the extra money to splurge.

[hardreturn]

Very cool looking, can't wait to hear some tests, see a build. Any idea on when the GB will go live?

[Rob27shred]

Man if this had a Cherry lip it would be double chef's kiss! Very cool as it is though, I like this a lot more than other boards I've seen that has interchangeable frames for regular, WKL, HHKB!

[OnTheBrink]

Very cool looking, can't wait to hear some tests, see a build. Any idea on when the GB will go live?

Acoustics are top tier. And I really mean top shelf. For the money, it is unreal how good this board sounds. Hit me up on Discord and I will share some tests I did: Wired.In

I just want to do it in a room that is better treated for the public tests (plus streamers will with promo units) as there is an echo but you can still get a good idea of what I'm talking about.

Man if this had a Cherry lip it would be double chef's kiss! Very cool as it is though, I like this a lot more than other boards I've seen that has interchangeable frames for regular, WKL, HHKB!

Thank you! Yeah, wanted to implement something that would be fun for people to play with and customize instead of just interchangeable blockers and it morphed into the whole 'Keyframe' idea. Just a little bummed we needed to remove 6.25u as a spacebar option due to the cuts in the plate having an affect on acoustics but still plenty of personalization opportunities. 

[NeonThunderX]

GLWIC, excited for this!

[OnTheBrink]

Updates:
Added the landing page which really has the most information now. The GH post is really difficult to edit at this point so please check that out when you can. It has absolutely everything in reference to the board. You can even click "configure yours" to check out the configurator we built (still a work in progress) to play around with some color combos. Don't miss the accordion at the bottom as well and the Notion roadmap.

Added color ideas which are also on the landing page to give an even better idea of some popular combos from the IC as the configurator is limited, obviously, in its capacity to show true to life imagery.

Added logo weights for those who do not like the Protagonist font on the weight.

Added some more poly and copper renders which is crazy popular.

[kaworu]

Beautiful, sadly not 6.25u spacebar so I'm out. GLWIC

[OnTheBrink]

Beautiful, sadly not 6.25u spacebar so I'm out. GLWIC

No problem. Thank you for the kind words.

6.25 just wasn't feasible given the acoustics and to create another plate and PCB for it would make skus even more ridiculous. If you reconsider, we plan on releasing it after GB has concluded and boards go out.

[h3lli0n]

Regarding PCB, will source code be avaible on Qmk Git repository ? Do you consider Vial support as well ?

[zlobin356]

The idea with this top cover is good!

[kaworu]

Beautiful, sadly not 6.25u spacebar so I'm out. GLWIC

No problem. Thank you for the kind words.

6.25 just wasn't feasible given the acoustics and to create another plate and PCB for it would make skus even more ridiculous. If you reconsider, we plan on releasing it after GB has concluded and boards go out.

I guess the PCB could support both 7u and 6.25u without much impact on either acoustics nor SKUs right? The current plan is unclear as the description's PCB layout shows only 6.25u (which I guess is wrong). If I only need to modify the plate file and get a custom cut I'll reconsider for sure as the poly / copper is very tempting!

[vhaarr]

Both the PCB image/render on the landing page and the layout image shown here in the IC and the landing page (same one) are confusing really.

Here's what you've said before:

Are the HHKB blockers 1.5u on both sides?

Yep! proportioned on both sides. 

But like kaworu said, judging by the layout image provided in the GH IC+landing page, you're mistaken about your own layout.

And judging by the PCB image/render, first it doesn't match the layout image, and it seems to be 1.25 + 1.25 + 1.25 + 6.25 + 1.25 + 1.25 + 1.25, which is a really weird layout. But I'm not a good judge of PCB lengths, so I'm probably wrong about that.

[Kerasan]

Is this coloring planned to be done? It is rarely seen and I think it is one of the most beautiful combinations, I would love to get it in this livery.

[SammyJim]

I think this board is beautiful. I love big bezels. Almost wish there were fewer color options, at least for the case. Makes it almost too hard to choose. Feel like it's overkill that you can get all weights in all of the case colors, too. But there will definitely be a lot of unique combos out there!

I love that the swappable keyframe also lets you change the layout, but I wish they were held on by magnets instead of screws - I feel like that would really underline the flexibility of the design.

[tactilesbad]

need that orange in the renders

[PPmonster]

When? I can't wait!!!!!!

[whysoda]

Wired! Can't believe I missed this post, super super excited for you and to see this come to life. Best of luck, this looks fantastic

[vhaarr]

When? I can't wait!!!!!!

Quote from discord: "The group buy will begin worldwide on March 25th, 2024 and end on April 30th, 2024."

[MartinThePolarBear]

At long last...

IT'S HAPPENING!

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[mr_foggy]

so many tempting 60s on the market right now... need to sell something.

[LumiP]

Show Image

Is this coloring planned to be done? It is rarely seen and I think it is one of the most beautiful combinations, I would love to get it in this livery.

I'm wondering this same thing. In the config all we can do is Stainless Steel weight from what I can see, which isn't the same. Sadness.

[OnTheBrink]

Final update as group buy is live.

Thank you all for the amazing input and support. We couldn’t be happier with the board.

Final look and Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C48YKG-sl3L/?igsh=MW5vaTd0dnBhY3Jyeg==