类型: IC
作者:
trenzafeeds
发布时间:
2016-04-12 08:24:43
更新时间: 2016-04-16 15:18:42
原链接:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=81276.0
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.