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【IC】Calla - Seamless Side Profile F13 TKL w| reduced switch spacing

IC, 轴, 键盘 本文总阅读量次

类型: IC
作者: kevinave
发布时间: 2022-01-07 11:21:09
更新时间: 2022-06-21 19:59:00
原链接: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=115887.0

Calla



Directory:

  • Discord server

  • Interest Check Response Form

  • Notion page

  • Render album (as always, there will inevitably be differences in renders and real anodization colors)

  • V1 Prototype album

  • Prototype V1 Soundtest (youtube)

  • Group buy:*

  • Q2 2022 group buy date. (Date and details will be finalized shortly after receiving the third prototype)

  • Fixed WKL kits

  • 35 unit FCFS

  • 5 additional units FNF

  • x units reserved for order replacements and extras

  • Target cost of $500 but potential price increases by GB

  • Summary:*

  • Seamless Side Profile F13 WKL TKL

  • Top mount or O-ring gummy ring gasket mount

  • 18.9 mm switch spacing

  • 5.5 typing angle

  • 21.9 mm effective keyboard height / 17.9 mm front face height (w/o bumpers)

  • QMK and VIA driven PCB compatible with both MX and Alps switches (Alps compatible plates will not be offered in the group buy; however, I will provide files for Alp compatible plates shortly before the fulfillment date)

  • Top engraving featuring a Calla lily

  • Stainless steel internal and external weights centered around the alphas

  • Flush M3 case hex screws for easy assembly and disassembly

  • Universal daughterboard situated parallel to the surface of the table and aligned between the nav cluster and alphas.

  • Pricing is not finalized, targetting $500 USD

  • Roadmap:*

  • Order first prototype: completed

  • Evaluate first prototype: completed

  • Post IC: completed

  • IC feedback stage: completed

  • Order second prototype: completed

  • Evaluate second prototype: completed

  • Order third prototype: here

  • Evaluate third prototype:

  • Group Buy:

  • Background Info:*
    Yes, it is another F13 TKL; however, rather than the standard cherry specification of 19.05 mm used in most keyboards, Calla features a reduced switch spacing of 18.9 mm.
    I was inspired by the coveted OTD mini, one of the first boards to feature a switch spacing that deviated from the standard 19.05 mm. Researching more about the OTD mini led to me designing my own board that not only modifies the switch spacing but also negates the inconsistencies that occur with lower switch spacings. With this, Calla is around 2.7 mm shorter than the standard TKL using stock cherry spacing [18u(19.05 mm - 18.9 mm)/1u = ~2.7 mm] when comparing keycaps.

  • Color Options*
    Please vote for your favorite colors in the IC form as I will be reducing the number of colors available based on popularity.

    More






*/As always these are only renders. Color display variations, manufacturer capabilities, and real-life lighting will all inevitably lead to differences in the final product.
Group buy kit:

  • 1 x Top Case (6063 aluminum)

  • 1 x Bottom Case (6063 aluminum)

  • 1 x Interior Weight (304 stainless steel [potentially brass if the second prototype is promising])

  • 1 x Exterior Weight (304 stainless steel)

  • 1 x Aluminum Plate (5052 aluminum: anodized red/silver/black depending on results of IC)

  • Screw Kit sourced from McMaster and packed by me (kit is subject to change upon receiving the second prototype):

  • 8x M3 8mm 18-8 SS Steel Socket Head Case screws (91292A112)

  • 2x M3 4mm 18-8 SS Hex Drive Flat Head Weight Screws (92125A127)

  • 7x M2.5 6mm 18-8 SS Steel Socket Head Plate Screws (91292A010)

  • 4x M2 3mm 18-8 SS Steel Socket Head Daughterboard Screws (91292A003)

  • 1 x Clear Gummy O-ring (30A or 50A, depending on IC)

  • 1 x Calla Solder PCB

  • 1 x 100 mm JST connector

  • 1 x Universal Daughterboard

  • 4 x Keyboard bumpons

  • Planned Extras:*

  • Calla PCBs and Daughterboards

  • O-rings (both 30A and 50A)

  • (depending on IC) Plates

  • laser cut thin PE plate foam

  • A little about the planned group buy experience:*
    It is important to note (if you haven’t already) that this will be the first group buy I will have run; however, I will say that I am no stranger to the group buy process and that I am fully committed to providing a stress-free and easy group buy experience through frequent updates once the group buy has begun.
    Currently, I plan on a FCFS format sometime in Q2 2022. For the amount of interest I expect to receive, the number of units should be enough to cover most if not all participants who are interested in the board.
    After the purchasing window of the group buy, I intend to at least provide updates every other week if my health allows it. I hate feeling left in the dark about the inner workings of a group buy and I hope to be as transparent as possible to alleviate such worries. I plan on providing the same updates on both the GeekHack GB page and my discord server to make updates as accessible as possible.
    Lastly, for the group buy participants, I plan on running annual PCB group buys as I recognize that there are currently no other PCBs that are compatible with Calla.

  • Q&A:*

  • How is the bottom row keycap spacing retained while using the lower switch spacing?*
    I adjusted the bottom row to negate the extra length of a standard 7u spacebar when compared to the nominal length of a 7u spacebar with 18.9 mm as the switch spacing (only possible with a fixed WKL layout). The left and right alt keys are ever so slightly offset away from the spacebar to account for the lower switch spacing.

  • Sadly, I can only offer WKL kits as it is not physically possible to implement WK with this design decision.*

  • Why Calla?*
    Calla lilies have always been my favorite flower and they encapsulate the subtle curves of the board.

  • What is engraved on the interior weight?*
    The engraving on the interior weight reads “in bloom again,” and was taken from the quote “The calla lilies are in bloom again.”

  • Alps compatible PCB but no Alps compatible plate?*
    I do not plan on offering Alps compatible plates during the GB but I will release Alps plate files for whoever wants them.

  • NE iso support avail?*
    Currently, I do not plan on supporting ISO layouts. The lower switch spacing leads to awkward ISO compatibility.

  • NE plate foam avail?*
    I had designed the board without foam in mind; however, I do understand that people appreciate the adjustability and sound that foam provides. Thus, PE plate foam is avail as extra. (just for you aka)

  • Pricing?*
    I’ve been getting this question a lot and I felt the need the address this. I am targetting a base cost of $500 before shipping. However, with the low unit count and changing metal/international shipping prices, the quotes I have received have been fluctuating sporadically and it is difficult to know if my target price will hold by the group buy date. Also, I do not want to promise one price during IC but sell at a higher one out of necessity during the GB. I have been holding off from providing a concrete price for these reasons, but have come to realize that it may be better to provide at least a loose target price so people may plan accordingly in this sea of group buys. By the second prototype, I will try to have a more concrete unit cost.
    So, TLDR: Target price of $500 USD before shipping, but price increases of up to 15% is possible due to the low volume/processing and QC costs/fluctuating metal and shipping prices/global pandemic.

  • Will there be more units?*
    This will be my first time running a group buy and I do not want to fall into the trap of ‘unlimited’ group buys that take years to fulfill. If there is an unexpectedly large amount of interest compared to the planned number of units, I may raise the unit count and reach out to vendors to process the extra units.

  • Vendors?*
    If interest for the board far exceeds my expectations such that the planned number of units is far below the number of people who intend to purchase a unit, I may increase the unit count and seek out vendors.
    I feel that the current number of units is adequate for the amount of interest I expect to receive and that I can QC and process the current number of units by myself.

  • Afterword:*
    If you’ve read it this far into my IC or had just instantly skipped to the end, I want to sincerely thank you. Just being able to share my project with you has been a rewarding experience and I have been able to meet so many wonderful people throughout the process to get here. Thus, I want to thank you for your interest and I hope that I was able to convince you to stay around a bit (even if it was to spam emotes).
    A little about myself: My name is Kevin and I am a college student who probably spends an unhealthy amount of time messing with switches and keyboards. Designing and building even the smallest things has always brought me joy and was what led to everything you see on this page being made or designed by me. Although I began this project by myself, I am confident that I will be able to bring a unique and competent board to you. [/list]

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