Author Topic: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes  (Read 13249 times)

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Offline BlindAssassin111

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[IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« on: Wed, 12 February 2025, 18:02:44 »

Astro Domes


- The goal of Astro Domes was to replicate the feel of BKE Redux, but with a closed top in order to have a better sounding build overall. I can confidently say we have achieved that goal with ease. So no more need to make WTB posts for ridiculous amounts of money only to be short a few domes for your build and waiting another year to find more.

- Now you might be wondering, what is with these names? Well bless your heart, Astro Domes are themed around cities in Texas (mostly). Shiner, Weird, Lean, Fiesta, and Big D reference the cities Shiner, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas (respectively). Better than a not-light dome being called light amirite? And another fun fact, the top of each dome is a T20 torx drive, so do with that what you will.




Where to buy: https://sneakbox.com/

When will they be available?
  • Expecting to launch in April now but exact dates are still unknown.
  • Domes will be in stock, and planned to keep restocking as long as interest is there.

Pack Quantities: Pricing TBA, but cheaper than competitors.
  • Standard packs: 8x 1U strips, and 1x 2U strip (4 domes per strip, 36 domes total)
  • Sample packs: 1x Weird, 1x Lean, 1x Fiesta, 1x Big D strip

Weights*: Colors TBA
  • Shiner: TBD, waiting on new samples. Hoping for 35g or so.
  • Weird: 50g
  • Lean: 70g
  • Fiesta: 90g
  • Big D: 120g
*Weights measured without a spring and are averaged. Listed weight is at the peak of the tactile bump. Some variation is expected. Final numbers may change a bit depending on final samples.

Comparisons: (Note: BKE Redux comparisons for feel and weight, Deskeys BKE comparisons are solely for weight)
  • Shiner: Deskeys BKE Tiffany (most likely, as mentioned before TBD)
  • Weird: BKE Redux Ultra Light, In-between Deskeys BKE Purple and Blue
  • Lean: BKE Redux Light, Deskeys BKE Green
  • Fiesta: BKE Redux Heavy
  • Big D: BKE Redux Extreme
- As far as feel goes, they are very binary/snappy like the original BKE Redux domes. Compared to Deskeys V1/BKE, Astro Domes are more tactile/snappier hence why I say compare only the weight not the feel as it will feel different.
- We are testing the waters for those with weaker fingies and will have a low quantity of the Shiner domes for the introductory sale. They won't be offered in the sample packs at the start. But if there is interest we will restock them and include in sample packs in the future.



Prototypes:
More


We have already prototyped the domes, and tested/confirmed the 50g-120g variants. Afterwards we saw interest in possibly doing a lighter variant, so with the final production samples (being made now) we have a test set to see where they land weight wise and will update the list of options once we know.

There are some details left out that will be announced closer to launch, like colors and a few more things but for now almost all of the information regrading the domes should be here. If I missed anything obvious please ask/mention as I may not have realized given there are blindspots being the designer that I don't always realize.

I sent some domes to initial backers of the project, and they have all enjoyed them so far. I will see if any of them are willing to make their own comments regarding their experiences with the prototypes. So keep a look out in the thread for those.
« Last Edit: Wed, 05 March 2025, 09:03:43 by BlindAssassin111 »

Offline DirtyGingy

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 12 February 2025, 18:04:25 »
This was unexpected. I'm curious at the very least. Good to see you and Muji working on some shenanigans

Offline MoonBlasterBow

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 12 February 2025, 18:27:20 »
very nice!! I am all in and can't wait!  :D

Offline Xezioh

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 12 February 2025, 18:45:51 »
YES PLEASE!

Fiesta and Big D sounds yummy  :D

Offline sanzocon

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 13 February 2025, 00:50:43 »
Yes, please !  :thumb:
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Offline IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 13 February 2025, 01:43:06 »
cvlt got to you about the weights didn’t he

Offline LavenderB

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 13 February 2025, 04:18:51 »
BKE Redux Redux
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Offline Xury46

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #7 on: Thu, 13 February 2025, 09:06:48 »
Fantastic, count me in!!!

Offline Patty

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #8 on: Thu, 13 February 2025, 10:05:43 »
maaan now I absolutely have to get an EC board, awesome work!

Online Rob27shred

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #9 on: Thu, 13 February 2025, 12:33:08 »
Trying to suck me back in the world of rubber domes I see... :cool: Seriously though, awesome project as the OG BKE Redux domes were my favs when I was still messing with Topre. Looks like I'll have to scrounge up another 660C somehow!

Offline phaxin

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #10 on: Thu, 13 February 2025, 16:47:45 »
Exciting!! Will wait for these instead of getting deskeys domes  :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

Offline OrinNYC

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #11 on: Mon, 17 February 2025, 10:00:47 »
Def will be checking these out!

Offline flittyregg

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #12 on: Mon, 17 February 2025, 20:39:49 »
super excited for this!

Offline BlindAssassin111

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #13 on: Sat, 22 February 2025, 15:17:08 »
Update:


- Production samples should arrive in the first week of march. So looking more like late march or early april as the launch window now.
- There will also be a few surprises announced once I get those samples in. So stay tuned for those!
« Last Edit: Thu, 27 February 2025, 01:04:07 by BlindAssassin111 »

Offline Xury46

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #14 on: Sun, 23 February 2025, 02:45:36 »
Thank you for the update, I'm excited to try these out and do a rebuild of my Heavy-9

Offline Microck

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #15 on: Sun, 23 February 2025, 05:36:54 »
looking forward to this

Offline LXVRGS

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #16 on: Sun, 23 February 2025, 13:23:08 »
cvlt got to you about the weights didn’t he

i dont know what you mean by this

Offline Woovie

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #17 on: Sun, 23 February 2025, 14:44:50 »
Having tried some of the first samples, I’m incredibly excited for the hobby to finally have good, new domes. Y’all will love these  :thumb:

Offline notquiet

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #18 on: Wed, 26 February 2025, 04:17:16 »
Hell yeah! excited to try em out :thumb:

Offline boku

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #19 on: Thu, 27 February 2025, 19:03:50 »
BlindAssassin111 good
Topre good

Astro domes good

Super excited to try these out!
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Offline audax989

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #20 on: Fri, 28 February 2025, 17:17:40 »
Watching this. Lately I've been preferring lighter domes so would definitely want to try out those 35g when they come out

Offline lecorsair

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #21 on: Sat, 01 March 2025, 10:19:28 »
Question:

I recently picked a Leopold FC980C 45g and it feels a little bit on the mushy side, for a snappier feel would the Lean(70g) domes help any bit? or give the Wierd(50g) a go?

Offline BlindAssassin111

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #22 on: Sat, 01 March 2025, 13:37:45 »
Question:

I recently picked a Leopold FC980C 45g and it feels a little bit on the mushy side, for a snappier feel would the Lean(70g) domes help any bit? or give the Wierd(50g) a go?

Both will be much more tactile than the stock 45g domes, if you like that weight though then Weird. Now if you feel the stock domes are too light, then consider Lean. But we will have sample packs with Weird, Lean, Fiesta, and Big D if you want to give them a try first before buying a boards worth of a particular weight.

Offline BlindAssassin111

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #23 on: Tue, 04 March 2025, 12:22:55 »
Update:


- The production samples arrived yesterday and after doing some weight measurements every dome was heavier than the initial samples. Which raised some alarms.
- Talked with the manu and it is an issue with the production mold not having a change that was done for the initial samples, so the mold will have to be modified or redone. Which means everything is delayed until new samples can arrive in a few weeks time most likely.
- So the launch date is for sure going to be in April now

Offline Xury46

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #24 on: Wed, 05 March 2025, 13:35:41 »
That's a bummer, but I'm glad you caught the issue and I appreciate the update!

Offline lecorsair

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #25 on: Sat, 08 March 2025, 17:12:56 »
Thanks for the answer and update. Still excited!

Offline Annata20

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #26 on: Mon, 24 March 2025, 11:14:23 »
Great with this new update

Offline yeh

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #27 on: Tue, 25 March 2025, 01:04:00 »
thanks for the update - will return in April!

Offline harris01

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #28 on: Wed, 26 March 2025, 03:16:27 »
Sounds promising! Glad to see a more affordable option compared to competitors. Looking forward to the launch!

Offline GMK_Andy

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #29 on: Tue, 01 April 2025, 21:16:04 »
120g domes? Yeah, going to need to try that.

Offline BlindAssassin111

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #30 on: Tue, 01 April 2025, 23:56:23 »
Update:


- The last samples had a few issues still, but the manu was able to get new samples that should hopefully fix that shipped out within the week. Should have those April 3rd and be able to test the change. Hoping this is the last piece to the puzzle of what could have changed between my initial samples and production samples.
- So the launch date is still planned for April but not sure exactly when. But know I am very much making sure these domes are exactly what I initially claimed and wanted from the start. So if it delays the release in order to perfect my my domes, so be it.


120g domes? Yeah, going to need to try that.

And that isn't even the end of the exciting things to come :cool:

Offline BlindAssassin111

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #31 on: Wed, 09 April 2025, 22:53:05 »
Update:


- The samples I got on April 2nd still had a bit of correction needed. Trying to go back to basics and try a new approach to the issue. Should hopefully have new samples in a few weeks.
- The launch date is most likely going to be in May now. I hate to delay any further but I would rather these be perfect. And hopefully by that time the tariff situation is no longer a concern but who knows.


Offline Xury46

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #32 on: Thu, 10 April 2025, 01:53:41 »
Thank you again for keeping us in the loop, I'm still very excited for these domes!

Offline nathanchere

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #33 on: Thu, 10 April 2025, 13:32:19 »
Following

Offline BlindAssassin111

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #34 on: Wed, 23 April 2025, 20:52:01 »
Update:


- Newest samples just shipped, should hopefully be delivered monday or tuesday next week. Hopefully all goes well and we can get back to production asap.


Offline Lanes

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #35 on: Thu, 01 May 2025, 11:10:11 »
Super excited for the Weirds. Hopefully the new samples are all good!
Lanes

Offline Metakeebs

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #36 on: Fri, 02 May 2025, 06:22:33 »
Glad to see that there are more choices and innovations in the EC community!

Offline BlindAssassin111

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #37 on: Wed, 07 May 2025, 19:33:20 »
Update:


- The last samples still had issues, and because of this we have decided to stop using this manufacturer. It wasn't a fun decision to make but since no sample after the initial felt the same no matter what we did, it was the right choice.
- I have now emailed a manufacturer I have worked with before and will hope we can get back on track asap.
- This means the release date is now postponed until further notice. Maybe in a month or two depending on how fast this manu is with matching and turnaround time for everything.

Offline Xury46

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #38 on: Wed, 07 May 2025, 20:23:31 »
Sad to hear this, but I'm glad the project is still moving forward. Best of luck with the new manufacturer!

Offline vhaarr

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Re: [IC] Astro Domes - BKE Style EC/Topre Domes
« Reply #39 on: Thu, 08 May 2025, 00:37:12 »
Excellent decision, good job!
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