[IC] Metanoia

[Alchemist Keyboards]

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AKB Discord


IC FORM | Intro | Colourways | Pics | Specs | Compatibility | IC Info | Thanks | FAQ


Intro:


Between AKB projects, client work, and collaborations with teams like Glarses and CannonKeys, I’ve had the chance to bring over 120 keyboards to production over the past 7 years. As rewarding as that’s been, starting each new project with a completely blank slate has become increasingly difficult, and organic inspiration harder to come by.

Metanoia began differently. What started as a conversation with Kevin from Kezewa (who provided the initial layout based on the JER-mini), shifted my usual process from concept-first to something more reactive. Instead of building everything in isolation, I made a conscious effort to open the design up, checking decisions along the way and allowing external input to shape the outcome. While the bulk of the design is still my own, that collaborative back-and-forth led to more organic compromises and a result that feels distinct from my previous work.

The name “Metanoia” reflects that shift. After years of approaching projects in a very self-contained way, this board represents a change in perspective both in how I design and how I want to approach future projects. Maybe that means bringing more people into the process, maybe it means sharing ideas earlier than I usually would. I’m not entirely sure yet, but this feels like the first step in that change.

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Colourways:

Alta Dolch 
Black-grey 6063 aluminium top and badge, warm grey 6063 aluminium bottom, dark grey PVD steel accents. 


Alta Luna 
Silver 6063 aluminium top and badge, dark grey 6063 aluminium bottom, brushed stainless steel and PVD steel accents. 


Alta Corde 
Wine red 6063 aluminium top, bottom and badge, red patina brass accents. 


Alta Labe 
Dark teal 6063 aluminium top, blue patina brass bottom and badge, silver 6063 aluminium accents. 

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Prototype Photos:

Alta Dolch

More

Alta Luna

More

Alta Corde

More

Alta Labe

More

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Specs:

• Layout: 65% w/single macro column
• Mounting style: Top mount
• Typing angle: 7°
• Front height: 17.1mm (22.3mm EKH)
• PCB: 1.6mm Solder or Hotswap + Fly DB
• Built weight: 1710g-2210g
• Plate options: Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC), Carbon Fibre (CF), Aluminium (Aluminium)

Features

• Top-mounted Fly-daughterboard, for easy build assembly
• Semi-screwless design (2 internal case screws, 5 external)
• QMK/VIA compatible PCBs
• Optional badge if you prefer an extra key (badge is included)

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Compatibility

Both solder and hotswap PCBs will have the full compatibility shown below:


The plate is also universal:

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IC Details / Timeline

Group Buy planned for June 2026 (exact launch date TBD)

Target Pricing: (Pricing is estimated, as material costs are fluctuating daily. Final pricing will be confirmed just before launch)

• Alta Dolch - ~$460
• Alta Luna - ~$460
• Alta Corde - ~$460
• Alta Labe - ~$630

Vendors:

• UK: AKB
• US: CannonKeys
• OCE: KeebzNCables
• CN: Kezewa
• SG: ktechs
• EU: Coffeekeys
• CA: Mech.land

(Maybe) more vendors to be announced.

Feedback is appreciated. Feel free to share thoughts here or via Discord!

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Thanks
 

• Beesley for the colourway renders.
• gvb. for the lovely photos.
• Kevin (Kezewa) for his input, collaboration and endless patience.
• TR for the support from the start, and the early build stream.

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IC FORM

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[Alchemist Keyboards]

FAQ:

In response to IC form submissions.

Please run x version or y colourway.
It would be great if the accents were configurable.
Please add copper and brass weight options.
etc.

I wish I could, but due to the stupid cost of materials (and everything else) right now I need to keep the number of SKUs low to try and keep the MSRPs as low as I can. I don't have economy of scale on my side, so throwing a ton of options at this board would only guarantee the project's failure.

I would be interested in a half plate.

As above, I'd like to keep options simple, but like with any project I've run in the past I'll be open sourcing the plate files some time after the GB has closed. If you remind me to make a half plate version, I'll happily oblige.

[Kokaloo]

close enough welcome back jer mini
in for sure

[paperassgasket]

I'll be honest I didn't even look at the layout. I'm just here for patina.

[HubertThemad]

BEESLEY ALERT

[gotgoodiez]

Haven't cared for a board in ages and this might be the first one I get in awhile, keep up the good work!

[kenny_25]

sheesh!

[funderburker]

Woosh what a lovely keyboard, good luck with IC!

Alta Corde and Labe colourways are straight magic! 

[Randomlosername]

Really stunning design and thanks so much for creating something outside the normal layout space. It is needed!

[EdgeOfInfinity]

i enjoy space stuff

looks cool. glwic!

[Alchemist Keyboards]

• Added FAQ
• Added Kezewa as CN vendor
• Added Coffeekeys as EU vendor
• Added Mech.land as CA vendor