[GB]EXENT - 65% made by TARO (Collecting Payments)

[juahenza]

ORDER HERE

For more background information on the project
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=86815.0




First of all I would like to apologize for the delay in launching the GB. Lots of details need to be finalized, Chinese New Year preparation and also my brother's family visiting from New Zealand. It has been an intensive week for me.

The prototype we made is perfect. The Kustom elements added to it by yuktsi blended really well with Rama's design. An actual board tells a lot more than just renders, in this case. Everything was very different from how I expected EXENT would be. The board weighed reasonably nice, it sits sturdily on my table and the height is just right. Most important of all the actual board looks a lot more buff. It looks like a gangsta when sitting next to any TKL. I love it very much. ntw couldn't stop touching it.

It has been pointed out by many that it's unrealistic to just add a few dollars on top of the cost. The poly-carbonate bottom and stainless steel feet are really difficult to be machined.  There are chances of defective parts during production that has to be accounted for. We also foresee the unavoidable import tax on the GMK set. The initial design fee and cost of prototyping was sunk cost and were not costed into our selling price.

Due to the circumstances we had to place 10% increment to our original proposed price, for contingency purposes (toughest decision I ever made in my life). EXENT is something I wish to do for the community. 2016 was an amazing year for me because of you guys. XOXO


Engineering Sample



more http://imgur.com/a/hmJ5m



Design

More

GMK Keyset




Layouts




Finish

Black


Silver


Grey


Blue


Pink



Tech Specs
Material: 6 series Aluminum (top housing), Polycarbonate (bottom housing), Stainless steel (feet)
Dimension: 140 x 400 mm (5.5 x 15.7 inch)
Angle: 8 or 12 degree
Weight: 1.6kg (3.5lbs)
PCB: Developed based on ps2avrGB firmware and Bootmapper GUI with permission from Winkeyless.kr

Price
- Exent Basic Kit: from $198 (inclusive of housing, plate and PCB)
- Exent Premium Kit: from $275 (inclusive of basic kit, stabs, switches and GMK Keyset)

Additional Parts 
- PCB $35
- Aluminium plate $30
- Brass plate $55
- 8 deg feet $25
- 12 deg feet $40
- Polycarbonate bottom case $50
- Aluminum bottom case $80

Shipping
- Shipping will be from Malaysia
- US $50
- Asia $25
- Europe $40

Project Timeline
- Groupbuy ends 22th February 2016
- Payment deadline 28th February 2016
- Production 12-16 weeks

[juahenza]

FAQ

1. How long will the GB be open for and when is payment due?
Check project timeline in the first post.

2. Availability of MOD switches?
Form has been update. MOD-L and MOD-M are available now for +$40.

3. Factory Assembly?
Everything is pre-assembled except for stabilizers, switch and front LEDs.

4. ETA for GMK render?
No ETA. Sherryton/the team will keep us informed as details develop.

5. What extra keys will the GMK set come with?
The keys shown in the existing render + 4 keys for ISO + 3 keys for split spacebar.

6. What kind of stabilizers will be included? When ordering additional stabilizers on page 2, does 1 set include all stabilizers needed for standard layout? What brand are the stabilizers? Will the GMK set in the Premium kit support the split spacebar layout?
Standard and screw-in type (both are PCB mounted). Comes is 5 x 2u and 1 x 6.25u. They are supplied by GMK. The form has been updated, you pick either or both of them for additional parts now. And yes, 5 x 2u is enough for split spacebar layout.

7. Is underglow LED configurable and RGB?
Yes, through BootMapper Client winkeyless.

8. How do we order two boards?
Yes. Just submit a second form and a put a remark at the note section.

9. Can we see a difference between the plates or is it just a weight difference? Does one let the LED light shine through more than the other?
You can see the difference but the options are for people who want to try a different typing feel. Brass is denser than steel but not as hard. It has nothing to do with the LED, though the silver anodized aluminum plate is more reflective.

10. What feet are those on the engineering sample? 8 or 12 degrees?
8 deg

11. What is the option 'Under-declare parcel value to $80? Can you mark the parcel as gift?
Its an option for them to declare the package as being valued under $80. This can help people dodge some custom taxes and stuff, though has some small risks. All parcel will be marked as gift.

12. How do we order two boards?
Yes. Just submit a second form and a put a remark at the note section.

13. Will we have a chance to edit our information before the GB closes? If we already used the form, can we change it?
I've enabled "Edit after submit" feature. You should be able to edit it after submission. In case you can't do it, you may submit another one and put a remark at the note section.

14. Will the GMK set ever be sold seperately, like on the Originative store?
No.

15. Which color should I pick?
Get both or all.

[juahenza]

TGR
ACONIC
RAMA
Originative 

[riotonthebay]

 

[Zackfoo]

TARO! Basically means the keyboard is made with yam. Good stuff! Bump!

[ghostjuggernaut]

Yeeeee

[baldgye]

in for the pink

[ghostjuggernaut]

in for the pink

Lol of course you are.

[testplsignore]

The renders show grey keys with black legends, but the mockup is black keys with grey legends.

I'm assuming it's going to be the black keys with grey legends? Need to know to make my decision on case color. 

Also, any info on payment timeframes / shipping costs to Australia? Is this shipping from the USA?

Looking awesome though!

[riotonthebay]

The first of the color pictures is the actual black prototype they built, the other colors are photoshopped for reference. So I don't think that keyset is meant to be an indicator of the gmk set, but I could be wrong.

[testplsignore]

The first of the color pictures is the actual black prototype they built, the other colors are photoshopped for reference. So I don't think that keyset is meant to be an indicator of the gmk set, but I could be wrong.

Yeah, not the prototype (I'm pretty sure that's O.co Cyrillic); but the difference between the photoshopped renders and the 2D mockup of the GMK set.

[Blackhawk]

The first of the color pictures is the actual black prototype they built, the other colors are photoshopped for reference. So I don't think that keyset is meant to be an indicator of the gmk set, but I could be wrong.

Yeah, not the prototype (I'm pretty sure that's O.co Cyrillic); but the difference between the photoshopped renders and the 2D mockup of the GMK set.

It's a photo of the prototype with an EnjoyPBT keyset thats has been photoshopped to show the various colors.

[Slash Emperor]

How do we order two boards? I wanted to have two sets of options for this, but it only lets me submit one form.

[riotonthebay]

The first of the color pictures is the actual black prototype they built, the other colors are photoshopped for reference. So I don't think that keyset is meant to be an indicator of the gmk set, but I could be wrong.

Yeah, not the prototype (I'm pretty sure that's O.co Cyrillic); but the difference between the photoshopped renders and the 2D mockup of the GMK set.

Do you mean the black on gray with the orange (I think? Or red) escape, on the wooden background? If so, that's just a keyset that was put on the prototype, not a rendered keyset.

I apologize if I'm misunderstanding you!

[testplsignore]

The first of the color pictures is the actual black prototype they built, the other colors are photoshopped for reference. So I don't think that keyset is meant to be an indicator of the gmk set, but I could be wrong.

Yeah, not the prototype (I'm pretty sure that's O.co Cyrillic); but the difference between the photoshopped renders and the 2D mockup of the GMK set.

Do you mean the black on gray with the orange (I think? Or red) escape, on the wooden background? If so, that's just a keyset that was put on the prototype, not a rendered keyset.

I apologize if I'm misunderstanding you!

All good!

Looks like the GMK keyset will be Black with grey legends. (The mockup with the red esc and the red enter)

As mentioned by Blackhawk, the photoshopped renders have a grey EnjoyPBT set with black legends that was just used on the prototype for the different colors.

[Pwner]

How long is this going to run for?

[ricyuyc]

the optional stabilisers are not screw in type, right?

[hitlu]

ORDER HERE

For more background information on the project
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=86815.0

Show Image

First of all I would like to apologize for the delay in launching the GB. Lots of details need to be finalized, Chinese New Year preparation and also my brother's family visiting from New Zealand. It has been an intensive week for me.

The prototype we made is perfect. The Kustom elements added to it by yuktsi blended really well with Rama's design. An actual board tells a lot more than just renders, in this case. Everything was very different from how I expected EXENT would be. The board weighed reasonably nice, it sits sturdily on my table and the height is just right. Most important of all the actual board looks a lot more buff. It looks like a gangsta when sitting next to any TKL. I love it very much. ntw couldn't stop touching it.

It has been pointed out by many that it's unrealistic to just add a few dollars on top of the cost. The poly-carbonate bottom and stainless steel feet are really difficult to be machined.  There are chances of defective parts during production that has to be accounted for. We also foresee the unavoidable import tax on the GMK set. The initial design fee and cost of prototyping was sunk cost and were not costed into our selling price.

Due to the circumstances we had to place 10% increment to our original proposed price, for contingency purposes (toughest decision I ever made in my life). EXENT is something I wish to do for the community. 2016 was an amazing year for me because of you guys. XOXO


Engineering Sample

Show Image

more http://imgur.com/a/hmJ5m



Design

Show Image

More

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

GMK Keyset

Show Image

We are still waiting for the render with ISO and more keys


Layouts

Show Image

Finish

Black

Show Image

Silver

Show Image

Grey

Show Image

Blue

Show Image

Pink

Show Image

Tech Specs
Material: 6 series Aluminum (top housing), Polycarbonate (bottom housing), Stainless steel (feet)
Dimension: 140 x 400 mm (5.5 x 15.7 inch)
Angle: 8 or 12 degree
Weight: 1.6kg (3.5lbs)
PCB: Developed based on ps2avrGB firmware and Bootmapper GUI with permission from Winkeyless.kr

Price
- Exent Basic Kit: from $198 (inclusive of housing, plate and PCB)
- Exent Premium Kit: from $275 (inclusive of basic kit, stabs, switches and GMK Keyset)

Additional Parts 
- PCB $35
- Aluminium plate $30
- Brass plate $55
- 8 deg feet $25
- 12 deg feet $40
- Polycarbonate bottom case $50
- Aluminum bottom case $80

GLW

[joey]

Congrats juanhenza (& co), I know you've been wanting this for a long time

[GreyAmbience]

I was really hoping for a bubble gum pink and not Lamborghini pink Oh well one less thing to consider.

Sent from my microwave oven using alternating current

[catweewee]

Ill take one in each colour please. Delivered to my doorstep by amos. With angpao. Thx


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HannahPeach]

What a time to be alive actually

[rmendis]

This is so tempting, because it's such an interesting design. Kudos to you for getting this executed to this point.

One thing that keeps nagging me, however, is whether that lower bezel is too short to be a wrist rest and just long enough to be a pain.

[gaunt]

How long will the GB be open for? I need time to decide

[juahenza]

Ill take one in each colour please. Delivered to my doorstep by amos. With angpao. Thx


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

K

[The_Boom_Boy]

that is one cheap gmk set

[beamingrobot]

Will shipping be cheaper for those in Malaysia? 

[japanitrat]

How do we order two boards? I wanted to have two sets of options for this, but it only lets me submit one form.

Incognito mode is your friend.

[Slash Emperor]

How do we order two boards? I wanted to have two sets of options for this, but it only lets me submit one form.

Incognito mode is your friend.

Seems to be okay now, looks like I can submit a second form without having to go Incognito.

[Traveler]

Are there no options for MOD switches (for an extra fee of course)? I thought it was hinted that there would be, both on geekhack and reddit. That was the biggest attraction to the Premium kit for me  .

EDIT: Also, there was mention of a Factory Assemble option for premium kits. Did that fall through, or am I just missing something on the order sheet?

Finally, I don't see any details about the stabilizers. I'm assuming they aren't screw in, and there's no way to order screw-in stabilizers with the Premium kit?

This is my first group-buy, so sorry for any silly questions. Really excited about this; I'm in love with the grey color. Very happy it appears to be more of a carbon-grey than a space grey (although I'll be fine it it turns out to be space grey too).

[Vigrith]

[kconfire]

Wait, a question- do I need to have a polycarbonate bottom to retain the lighting to the ground?

[yuktsi]

Wait, a question- do I need to have a polycarbonate bottom to retain the lighting to the ground?

Yes

[stoic-lemon]

Shipping from Malaysia may just be the excuse I need to get this. I'll probably wait until the end though due to money things. I'd like to see how that pink is going to look irl.

[Tre3Cycl3S]

Are there no options for MOD switches (for an extra fee of course)? I thought it was hinted that there would be, both on geekhack and reddit. That was the biggest attraction to the Premium kit for me  .

EDIT: Also, there was mention of a Factory Assemble option for premium kits. Did that fall through, or am I just missing something on the order sheet?

Finally, I don't see any details about the stabilizers. I'm assuming they aren't screw in, and there's no way to order screw-in stabilizers with the Premium kit?

This is my first group-buy, so sorry for any silly questions. Really excited about this; I'm in love with the grey color. Very happy it appears to be more of a carbon-grey than a space grey (although I'll be fine it it turns out to be space grey too).

I am very interested to know if MOD switches will be offered as a switch option as well.

[Vigrith]

Actually, I've only read the 1st page of the form thus far but is factory assembly still being offered or did you opt out of that? Additionally how's the shipping being handled, is it still being proxy'd by people in the UK/US for EU/NA orders?

[cynviloq]

Thanks, signed up. Will we be able to see pictures of the aluminum bottom cases before the GB ends? Would like to see some sample pieces before adding to my order.

Actually, I've only read the 1st page of the form thus far but is factory assembly still being offered or did you opt out of that? Additionally how's the shipping being handled, is it still being proxy'd by people in the UK/US for EU/NA orders?

First post seems to indicate shipping directly from Malaysia.

[merutz]

1. MOD switches?

2. Factory Assembly?

3. What feet are those on the engineering sample? 8 or 12 degrees?

3. Can we see a difference between the plates or is it just a weight difference?

4. ETA for GMK render?

P.S. Can we please get a a video of the engineering sample? I'd really love to hear how it sounds.

[Saiph]

3. Can we see a difference between the plates or is it just a weight difference?

The plate material will affect the feel of the keyboard. The brass should feel stiffer/less flexible than the aluminum. People seem to generally prefer brass and steel for linear switches and aluminum for tactile.

[ntw]

Ill take one in each colour please. Delivered to my doorstep by amos. With angpao. Thx


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

K

don't miss mine too

[kconfire]

3. Can we see a difference between the plates or is it just a weight difference?

The plate material will affect the feel of the keyboard. The brass should feel stiffer/less flexible than the aluminum. People seem to generally prefer brass and steel for linear switches and aluminum for tactile.

Hmm that's interesting.
So I take the strongest/least flexible switch plate is NOT always the best and there are suitable/more preferred switch plates for different switches?

I've seen some people prefer Poly carbonate plates- how do they feel?
Poly carbonate is like the plastic that Samsung uses a lot on their phone, correct?

I wish someone had identical 4 keyboards with different switch plates from brass, aluminum, poly carbonate, and carbon fiber!

Would you say if I was going to go for Vintage Cherry MX Black/Brown or Zealious 62/65g I should go for aluminum switch plate?
Would brass too stiff for tactile switches and poly carbonate not as good as aluminum?

Very interesting.. never thought about all these before and this is making me a headache lol

[ironpup]

No MODs? Still going to buy, but having MODs as an option would make life so much easier 

Also I'm assuming if you're get the premium kit you don't need to add any stabilazers in the additional parts page?

[potatobot]

What stabs or where are you sourcing those stabs?

[Saiph]

Hmm that's interesting.
So I take the strongest/least flexible switch plate is NOT always the best and there are suitable/more preferred switch plates for different switches?

I've seen some people prefer Poly carbonate plates- how do they feel?
Poly carbonate is like the plastic that Samsung uses a lot on their phone, correct?

I wish someone had identical 4 keyboards with different switch plates from brass, aluminum, poly carbonate, and carbon fiber!

Would you say if I was going to go for Vintage Cherry MX Black/Brown or Zealious 62/65g I should go for aluminum switch plate?
Would brass too stiff for tactile switches and poly carbonate not as good as aluminum?

Very interesting.. never thought about all these before and this is making me a headache lol

So I haven't tried comparing identical boards, but I have tried putting tactile switches on my steel plate board and found that I didn't like it at all, and I didn't like linear switches until I tried them on that steel plate.

For the tactile switches(tried greens and zealios) I think the issue was bottoming out on steel felt really harsh and sudden.

Polycarbonate and carbon fiber should be more flexible than aluminum.

[nonah]

Hmm that's interesting.
So I take the strongest/least flexible switch plate is NOT always the best and there are suitable/more preferred switch plates for different switches?

I've seen some people prefer Poly carbonate plates- how do they feel?
Poly carbonate is like the plastic that Samsung uses a lot on their phone, correct?

I wish someone had identical 4 keyboards with different switch plates from brass, aluminum, poly carbonate, and carbon fiber!

Would you say if I was going to go for Vintage Cherry MX Black/Brown or Zealious 62/65g I should go for aluminum switch plate?
Would brass too stiff for tactile switches and poly carbonate not as good as aluminum?

Very interesting.. never thought about all these before and this is making me a headache lol

So I haven't tried comparing identical boards, but I have tried putting tactile switches on my steel plate board and found that I didn't like it at all, and I didn't like linear switches until I tried them on that steel plate.

For the tactile switches(tried greens and zealios) I think the issue was bottoming out on steel felt really harsh and sudden.

Polycarbonate and carbon fiber should be more flexible than aluminum.

Wouldn't the bottoming out be even harsher on a steel plate when using linear switches?

[Saiph]

Wouldn't the bottoming out be even harsher on a steel plate when using linear switches?

I personally bottom out a lot harder on tactile switches than I do with linear switches. I think its because of the extra force I use to overcome the bump/click.

[iamtootallforthis]

Hopefully I'll have the funds for this.

[Saiph]

On one hand I really like how the black looks on the sample, on the other hand I own too many black boards. Wish there was some way to see how the other colors would actually look, even on just small sample pieces of aluminum.

[riotonthebay]

Wouldn't the bottoming out be even harsher on a steel plate when using linear switches?

I personally bottom out a lot harder on tactile switches than I do with linear switches. I think its because of the extra force I use to overcome the bump/click.

Here's a good diagram on common Cherry MX switch force curves:



So you're correct: the reason you bottom out harder on tactile switches is because you have to apply extra force to overcome the bump, which is followed immediately by a sharp drop in force required to continue the keypress.

Thinking about it this way, it makes sense that a stiffer plate would be better for linear switches. A stiff plate means the switch stays firmly in place, giving you a very consistent, linear force curve every time. A plate with more give, or no plate at all, means a less consistent force curve, but the curve is already inconsistent due to the bump, so what you really care about is the softer bottom-out.

[arsenics]

So excited. I've been lurking and looking at everything Exent-related for the last couple of weeks... this looks really stunning. I read on the IC thread that factory assemble was a possibility – any idea as to how much would that increase the cost?