Hi everyone!
Today I am bringing you the possibility for a top-quality keyboard from AMJ, a small Chinese keyboard producer.
The AMJ 96 keyboard is currently available on taobao, but if there is enough interest I will run a groupbuy both to make shipping cheaper, and to clarify all the possible keyboard options in english for geekhack users to make sure people get what they want. The keyboard is currently still in development, and would be available for a groupbuy in about a month.
I have here a few sample pictures, and I've been in contact with AMJ, so I will be trying to get more.
Now for some information:
The keyboard kit includes pre-soldered PCB and metal housing. As you can see above, the housing comes in two ways, an aluminum top with an acrylic bottom, or a sandwich case with aluminum top and bottom and acrylic in the middle. The aluminum bottom is simply a seperate piece that you can attach to turn an acrylic-bottomed case into a sandwich case.
I will ask AMJ for sample images of the different metals
The keyboard supports 16 independently programmable RGB LEDs, as well as in-switch LEDs (Unsure if they will end up supporting RGB in-switch). Interestingly, the keyboard also allows you to choose whether you would like to use micro or mini usb connections with it, and has two places on the PCB for usb connections, one on the back and one on the side, as shown here:
Here are the supported layouts of the PCB:
I am currently in contact with AMJ, and I will probably start the groupbuy as soon as we can work out the logistics and when the keyboard is available. I would really like to hear from people though, so that I can give them an idea of the amount of demand.
[4/15/16 UPDATE]
Ok, here is the big update post
First of all, I have found someone who is willing to do lots of easy translation for us, getting questions answered will now be a lot easier for everyone. I will be able to talk to these guys everyone morning around 11am EST, so that is around when you will get answers to questions if I do not already know the answer to them.
Next: We have been officially cleared to have our own production run, with the one downside that I believe that actual MOQ will be 30 kits. I still think that this will probably not be a problem.
A benefit of this though, the designer has said he would like to add a little custom text to the board for our groupbuy though, either written onto the PCB or etched into the bottom of the case, maybe just something like the geekhack logo or something like that. If that is something people are interested in we can have a vote about what it should be.
Next: In terms of colors, the case is manufactured by the same factory as the ZZ96, so you can refer to the
color reference sheet from that groupbuy to see what the different available colors are. All the colors you see there are available for both the plate and the casing. Also in regards to casing, I am afraid that you will actually not be able to purchase the keyboard without an aluminum bottom. The only option will be to purchase the full case. AMJ has been informed that the factory manufactures the whole case together, so unfortunately it would be impossible to buy only the top part of the alu case.
Finally: Pricing
The pricing will be between $260 and $300, including shipping and everything, so that is good news. This will also depend largely on the number of kits purchased. If we reach about 50 kits, the price will tip to be a good amount cheaper. In addition, these prices are based on overestimates of how much the boards will be taxed by the chinese government, so we're hoping to keep them as low as possible. Personally I think that this kit price is quite good for such a quality designed keyboard.
My next steps include getting some more complete pictures of the board renders so you all can have really great idea of what the final board will look like.
