[IC] Constance - F13 TKL (GB LIVE 10 Oct, 2024 - 11 Nov, 2024)

[aiglatsonstudio]

CONSTANCE TKL
Split-plate, top mounted, F13 TKL



1. Introduction
Hey everyone! I am PJ from Aiglatson Studio, Thailand. Meet Constance TKL, our first seamless, split plate, top-mounted, F13 TKL. Our goal for Constance was simple: to design a keyboard that we'd enjoy as a daily driver. It needs to look good, type well, and sounds great. There isn't a specific inspiration or theme behind Constance; its aesthetic is purely based on our personal preferences. We aimed for a clean, minimal design with subtle flair to catch your eye without being overly flashy. If you appreciate a straightforward top mount keyboard with clean, detailed designs, we hope Constance catches your interest!
IC FORM

2. Design Features
Top View
We kept the top face clean with 10.5 mm top bezels and 6.5 mm side bezels. However, by adding a 9-degree angle chamfer around the top edge (to create the HG sides), each bezel appears 1.8 mm thinner from the top. All corners and edges are filleted to give the top view a softer look.



Bottom View



Side Profile
Initially, Constance came with a simple HG side, but we decided to add a subtle curvature to make the side profile more appealing and softer on the eye. This was a last-minute decision, but we ended up liking it more. It comes with a 9-degree typing and a EKH of 23.799 mm.





Constance comes with 3 pieces of weights: internal, external, and toblerone.



Instead of having a constant fillet radius along the edges, we've made it variable, tapering to almost a sharp edge at the ends for a cleaner and tidier look.



Mounting and plate 
Constance features a top-mount design with split plates, similar to keyboards like the Glare TKL and Albatross TKL. This configuration separates the 60% cluster and the function row from the navigator cluster. During development, we experimented with both full and split plates and found that splitting the plates results in a higher-pitched and noticeably louder overall sound profile, which aligns with our preferences.

With the plates split, the layout becomes somewhat symmetrical. As a result, the mounting points are symmetrically positioned for a uniform typing feel but leave the spacebar area unmounted.
We've added cutouts between the function row and number row (only for aluminum and carbon fiber plates) to give the alphas a little more flex with harder plates.



PCB 



3. Specifications
1. Layout: F13 TKL (88%) WK and WKL
2. Mounting: Split-plate top mount
3. Typing Angle: 9 Degrees
4. Materials: Aluminium 6063 case with brass, stainless steel, or copper Weights
5. Front Height: EKH 23.799 mm
6. Plate Options: Aluminium Full/Half, Carbon Fiber Full/Half, Polycarbonate Full/Half, and Polypropylene Full/Half
7.PCB: 1.6 mm FR4 + daughter board
8.Weight (Built): Approximately 3,480g (brass weights), 3,420 g (stainless steel weights)

Kit Content:
1x Top Case
1x Bottom Case
1x Internal Weight (brass, copper, stainless steel, spray coated brass, patina brass)
1x External Weight (brass, copper, stainless steel, spray coated brass, patina brass)
1x Toblerone Weigth (brass, copper, stainless steel, spray coated brass, patina brass)
1x Plate of choice (Aluminium Full, Carbon Fiber Full, Polycarbonate Full, and Polypropylene Full)
2x Custom pressure fit rubber feets
1x Carrying Case: Custom with suede internal
All screws/parts/packaging

Add-ons:
Solder PCB + Daughterboard + JST cable
Hotswap PCB Daughterboard + JST cable
Aluminium Full/Half, Carbon Fiber Full/Half, Polycarbonate Full/Half, and Polypropylene Full/Half plates

4. Color Options














5. Prototype Photos
Disclaimer: I have been extensively using both of them for the past few months, so the condition might not be as good as it should be.

Anodized Black + Spray coated brass weight



Spray Coated Cream + Patina brass weight



6. Media

Geon Prototype Stream

Soundtest

Build Stream

7. Availability
Target Price: 430-450 USD (Anodized cases + stainless steel weights) excludes PCB
Sales method: Group buy

8. Vendors
We are in communication with vendors and will announce the full list once everything is confirmed.

DISCORD |  FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Special thanks to Geon, Glare, Manu, Laminar, Haldus, Nuxros, Jeen, Nae Kurenai, Ou SVG, and Gtmget for your input and feedback.
IC FORM

[aiglatsonstudio]

Updates
1. Date 13/08/2024
Hello everyone, it's been a month since this IC was posted. We truly appreciate all your responses and feedback. Over the past month, based on our testing and your input, we've identified two major issues that needed to be addressed.

First, the mounting points: We noticed that the spacebar vibrated too much because the mounting points on the bottom were too far apart. To resolve this, we moved the mounting points closer to the spacebar and added two more mounts on the bottom and one on the top for extra stability. This modification successfully fixed the vibration issue without making the board too stiff (watch the sound test video for reference).



Second, several IC responses raised concerns about the long feet causing a "thuddy" sound due to excessive vibration transferring from the board to the table, especially the spacebar. We tested this and found it to be true, even when typing on a desk mat. Our solution is to keep the feet long for aesthetics but elevate the area at the end of each foot, so there are only four contact points. This adjustment should give the keyboard a cleaner and poppier sound profile (watch the build stream for comparison). This feet design was inspired by the Della 960, and they were kind enough to give me their blessing to use it. Shout out to Jiwon from Della Key.

[Manukbs_]

FINALLY THE BEST TKL

[Patty]

Bottom design looks CLEAN, looking forward to seeing more of this!

[Saurov]

Really love the design on this, will be keeping my eye on it - GLWIC!

[DivinaPapaya]

Hopefully my wallet is ready by the time it comes out, GLWIC, will get a cream unit if possible, looks gorgeous

[Flybeck]

Insane, good luck!

[1manny]

Looks great, keeping an eye on this. GLWIC

[CrlaoSvloadr]

That bottom and side view is absolutely gorgeous with all the subtle details.

[BigdreamsPPD]

I like it.

[keepoto]

Cool stuff PJ, very clean and elegant

Please could we have HHKB top? Would def buy if it's available

GLWIC!

[MartinThePolarBear]

Looks great!

GLWIC

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[Anorexus]

CLASSY! GLWIC!!!!!! 

[xLeHoy]

Very clean stuff again PJ, love the board.

GLWIC!

[DeathShadow]

Looking good! I'd love to see an orange version too but understand there isn't as much demand for one. Purple looks amazing though

[Vadurr]

Love everything besides the front height. Feel like most people prefer the 16-18mm range.

[Flybeck]

Those require some sort of sacrifice, I think they're doing a great job with this.

[shendoo]

Would love to see a raw version  great design! Can't wait to hear the sound profile!

[ZAND4]

Holy shmily, that is one clean asthetics. Despite being unsure about limited mounting options, still a potential banger.

Glwic

[tuxkey]

So how much would a full brass version be?
i don't have a F13 and don't have a nice Dark Purple board so this could be something for me..
no foams in the Content .. so your pretty confident there is no sound shaping needed and this board has a good sound profile on Alu and PC.

i would also like to see a brass plate option.. For sum reason i like to have a brass on brass thick honking beast of an F13.. And because the hotswap pcb has as good of a version then solder aka split right shift.

Only one thing i would really like to see changed.. 6.25 space bar.. i don't need a big landing strip of a spacebar 6u is just fine ..

[saab]

The cleanest booty I’ve ever seen. only gripe is that it looks like any other TKL from the top down. Good luck with IC.

[tuxkey]

The cleanest booty I’ve ever seen. only gripe is that it looks like any other TKL from the top down. Good luck with IC.

My first reaction to my self after reading what you said .. Was something like "uhhh every TKL looks like a TKL top down"..
But after a couple of sec thinking i think you might have a point.. To me an F13 is not like every TKL so that's one..
Furthermore i think a tasteful LED bar not like the Cycle8 that looks like a noob learning how a cnc machine works haha..
Or a couple of smaller led bars or dots like 4 of them.. Both options needs to have a function like capsLock layer led you name it..
Other options to make this a TKL that stands out would be a total re-design as to make the top standout but frankly even that is already done.
Like a retro design model M style thick bezels . Or a pencil holder . Or ..... i think really designing a unique TKL top view is hard  really hard..

[LordOwen]

Definitely agree with the idea of a pen/pencil rail on top, or a tasteful little LED window, but it doesn't need to be extreme: this board is a piece of subtle beauty, no need to go to absurd lengths.

Think of Cindy Crawford's beauty mark, and that'd do it for Constance's entry into the history books!

[keepoto]

i think the subtle elegance and refined proportions is what makes this stand out so i'd say it's fine as is

[Kaptain Mike]

Yep, it's a TKL. Can you please share some pics of the back side facing the toblerone?

[elenagilbert]

This Constance TKL is absolutely stunning! The attention to detail in the design is incredible. I love the clean lines, top-mount construction, and the option for different materials.

Retro Bowl College

[mr_foggy]

nice board. the beige looks so good.

[LiftOffToSpace]

I love the cream with the patinated brass!!! So many boards go way too far. This one balances design perfectly!

[bekean]

Your balance sheet is clearly designed.

subway surfers

[Jimmy T]

Lovely design overall, well executed. I also like the steeper typing angle for my TKLs. Excited for the project, good luck.

[Nebulonix]

Clean af, when releasing?   GLWIC

[keepoto]

Not reserved

reserved

[örange_stone]

beautifully designed curvature on the weight and the side profile, keeping it minimalist but not boring

GLWIC!

[kiyoboard]

I really like the board. Not a big deal, but only thing I would prefer different is to have the board name outside and designer name inside.

[tuxkey]

What's the Front Height
Can you please put that in the specs.
Because i don't understand the meaning of EKH (what does it stand for) and most important i don't care to guess..
Thank you..,

[tuxkey]

How about making the Geon PCB's work in this board that would be cool.. i joined the F1-8X V2 and i like the Geon full RGB pcb's he offered because i like me sum under glow when the mood strikes not always but i like the option to turn them on..

[SwitchKeys]

What's the Front Height
Can you please put that in the specs.
Because i don't understand the meaning of EKH (what does it stand for) and most important i don't care to guess..
Thank you..,

EKH is Front Height, or more correctly Effective Keyboard Height (Blacksimon, 2016)

It is the measurement from the bottom plane 0* to the point at which the first switch starts (the bottom of the switch). It is the best measurement because it takes into account the gradient of the board, and also the distance between the front of the keyboard and any spacing in between this and the R4.

[aiglatsonstudio]

Clean af, when releasing?   GLWIC

Thank you, appreciate it. If everything goes as planned, we are aiming for a release sometime between September and October.

[aiglatsonstudio]

How about making the Geon PCB's work in this board that would be cool.. i joined the F1-8X V2 and i like the Geon full RGB pcb's he offered because i like me sum under glow when the mood strikes not always but i like the option to turn them on..

We've designed Constance to have enough internal space to be compatible with almost all F13 TKL PCBs featuring a north-facing spacebar.

[tuxkey]

What's the Front Height
Can you please put that in the specs.
Because i don't understand the meaning of EKH (what does it stand for) and most important i don't care to guess..
Thank you..,

EKH is Front Height, or more correctly Effective Keyboard Height (Blacksimon, 2016)

It is the measurement from the bottom plane 0* to the point at which the first switch starts (the bottom of the switch). It is the best measurement because it takes into account the gradient of the board, and also the distance between the front of the keyboard and any spacing in between this and the R4.

i'm trying to understand .. really a Front height of 23.799 mm with a 9 degree typing angle that's way to much for me.. The F1-8x OG had a 9 degree typing angle with a 19mm front height that was already to much.. That's why i like the new F1-8x v2 with 9 degree typing angle still but Geon Lowered the front height to 16.5mm that's impressive coming from 19mm.. i would consider a 17mm front height with a 9 degree angle to be the max for me.. Guess i have to pass on this mate.. You really need to work on this monster-es typing angle mate.. 

[tankLancer]

What's the Front Height
Can you please put that in the specs.
Because i don't understand the meaning of EKH (what does it stand for) and most important i don't care to guess..
Thank you..,

Elegant design. GLWIC.

From the image below slide profile.
the front height shoule be 18.875mm
EHK maybe means the height from bottom to the first row of switches' top.

[WarlordGorguts]

Please, consider some kind of Green color)

[garrdub]

I am in for cream. Very interested in the project and happy to see that you are adjusting based on feedback.

[QWER|key]

Spray coated with what?  It just says spray coated. 
I don't like the external logo on the base. Cheapens it.  I don't like brand names usually.  If it's something that can be turned into a logo or something, that's fine, but actual brand names.... ugh!

[leftcoastfunk]

Agree with the comments about having keyboard name on the outside by the weight and the designer name inside. No offense to the designer, but a prized keyboard should be able to speak for itself. Additionly I assume the "A" logo on the toblerone weight is the designer logo, so it's already indicated on the exterior? I love the aesthetic of the Constance print inside though, so maybe leave that but mimic it on the outside under the weight - and maybe have the designer signature engraved in the corner of the interior or something?

[Chorple]

Love the aesthetic of this board. I always have to pass on TKLs because I dislike 99% of top case designs or leds(Line Friends TKL only good one, jjw too good), so very happy with the blank top case. I would have preferred a non split plate for the deeper pitch. Will plate files be released and if so is there any fitment/design issue if I redesign the plate as a full piece? Even better would be plate files released for non split too but it’s a simple change for me.

[aiglatsonstudio]

Love the aesthetic of this board. I always have to pass on TKLs because I dislike 99% of top case designs or leds(Line Friends TKL only good one, jjw too good), so very happy with the blank top case. I would have preferred a non split plate for the deeper pitch. Will plate files be released and if so is there any fitment/design issue if I redesign the plate as a full piece? Even better would be plate files released for non split too but it’s a simple change for me.

Thank you! We’ll be releasing both split and non-split plate files, so you’re covered. There shouldn’t be any fitment issues if you decide to go with the full plate.

[aiglatsonstudio]

Hello everyone , here comes the announcement you've all been waiting for!
After a long development process, we are excited to announce the GB date for Constance TKL:

GB Dates: October 10th, 2024 - November 11th, 2024
Estimated Shipping: Q2 2025 (considering LNY)

Here’s a summary of what has changed since the IC
1. Based on your feedback, we’ve adjusted the pricing to be more appealing. The starting configuration is now $439 USD, which includes a plate and solder PCB. If you’ve been holding off, now’s the perfect time to jump in. I assure you, the quality will be worth every penny!

2. The plate has been redesigned for a more stable spacebar.

3. Several of you raised concerns about the long feet causing a "thuddy" sound due to vibrations, especially in the spacebar, even on desk mats. We tested it and found the issue valid. Our solution is to keep the aesthetic of the long feet but elevate the end points so there are only four contact areas. This gives the keyboard a cleaner, more poppy sound. Special thanks to Della 960 for inspiring this design and giving their blessing.

4. We’ve added the Raw colorway! These cases will be clear anodized to prevent oxidation, but they’ll show machining marks and scratches, which I think adds to the charm of raw boards.

Vendors
Global: Kbdfans
US: Divinikeys
KR: Geonworks
EU: Delta Key Co
UK: Prototypist
OCE: Cafege
VN: MOKB
CA: Minokeys
SG: ilumkb
ID: Kukey Studio
TH: Aiglatson Studio
MY: Mecha
IN: Neo Macro



Update [26/09/2024]
According to the survey results, over 50% of users are interested in plates other than aluminum. You’ll now be able to choose your full plate of choice. Aluminum, PP, and PC are available at no extra charge, while CF will have a $10 additional cost. We truly appreciate your input!

[Techdude594]

This looks great! Anodized purple especially 
I have one question, will we be able to switch out the solder PCB for a hotswap PCB in the base kit for $10 extra?

[dskeeb]

Update [26/09/2024]
According to the survey results, over 50% of users are interested in plates other than aluminum. You’ll now be able to choose your full plate of choice. Aluminum, PP, and PC are available at no extra charge, while CF will have a $10 additional cost. We truly appreciate your input!

I'm so glad I came across your update note on 26 Sep, 2024 today on 5 Oct, 2024. I'm equally glad that you have turned out to be a designer that would make changes when they are good for everyone.

On the very same day, 26 Sep, unaware of your updates, I contacted my local vendor and expressed my dismay about the pricing structure being discriminatory towards customers wanting non-metalic plates. All vendor's responses were based on his own assumptions but presenting them as a fact and keep escalating a simple discussion to a full feud now. The last discussion from this vendor was, he was happy to cancel all my standing orders when I didn't ask to do so.

Even though it is going to cost me more, I will not allow to be bullied by my local vendor and will place my Constance TKL order with another vendor.

Once again, thank you for your integrity as a designer to identify and fix the problem quickly.