类型: IC
作者: Wing
发布时间: 2018-12-16
09:36:14
更新时间: 2019-01-30 12:40:32
原链接:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=98633.0
Update: We will no longer be running a GB for the Prelude.
(See below)
Quote from: Wing on Wed, 30 January 2019, 12:36:56
Hi everyone,
Apologies for the lack of update in the
past few weeks, things have been quite busy on our end and
there have been a few major changes with our manufacturer
during the holiday period. We wanted to wait and gauge how
these developments unfold before making a decision and
posting an update.
Unfortunately,
we will no longer be running a GB for the Prelude. To everyone who was interested in the GB, Im sorry; this
was not the outcome we wanted.
The projected price of
the Prelude was already quite expensive in comparison to
other boards of its size; it was difficult for the
manufacturer to produce the thick plates while
simultaneously maintaining a standard for the machining and
UV coating (to prevent oxidation) treatment. This plate
drives the production cost of the whole board up by a
considerable amount. As we werent looking to make a profit,
we were running on extremely thin margins.
In 2019, our
manufacturer announced drastic pricing changes. Their prices
on keyboards increased significantly in January, and they
expect another price increase in February. These price
increases announced by the manufacturer makes it unfeasible
for us to run a GB. We did consider the option of finding an
alternative manufacturer, however this would mean that we
would need to produce another prototype. We decided against
playing manufacturer roulette with the exact same design. It
was better to move on and produce prototypes of the other
projects that we currently have in the works.
For those
of you who liked the Prelude, feel free to use its design!
The intention of the IC was to share its design with
everyone.
Although the GB could not happen, were
grateful for all your feedback and comments. Thank you all
so much.
I have worked jointly with my friend of more
than a decade, SolidSnake from the Australian Mechanical
Keyboard scene. The product of our synergy is the Prelude
40%. What originated as a passion project, our collaboration
gained sufficient interest in the Australian Discord to
consider releasing it to the greater community. As initially
a solitary custom keyboard, there is no branding engraved on
our board. It is not exclusively our board. We wish to share
this keyboard with you, and for it to become unequivocally
yours; just like how it once belonged to us.
About
The
Prelude 40% is our interpretation of a keyboard where the
aesthetic and functional designs blend seamlessly together.
The thick, 5mm brass plate has become a staple of keyboard
design in the past year - its higher density affords a
special sturdiness and distinct consistency that usual,
thinner plates do not offer.
Coalescing the thick plate
into the mounting, acoustic design and visual profile of the
Prelude has resulted in a very unique and satisfying
package.
The philosophical notion of a prelude to
.
What? is one that fascinates us. Perhaps a prelude to the
end game? For us, preludes represent a form of
abstractionism and transcendence beyond the conventional
architecture. The freeform and improvisatory nature of a
prelude along with its concision and colourful individuality
ushers the reflection of evocative, rhapsodic moods;
utterances which seemed to falter on the edge of the
inexpressible.
What else is our life but a series of
preludes to that unknown Hymn, the first and solemn note of
which is intoned by Death?
Photos
Taken at the 2018 Sydney mechanical keyboard meet
up:
3D Model
Layout
Features
-
Grade 6063 aluminum alloy, anodised in offered colour of choice
-
40% compact form factor with compatibility for most standard/base kits. Does not require additional key caps from child and modifier kits
-
4.70mm thick brass plate, finished to a 120 grit bead blast with clear coat treatment
-
Thick plate, high contact sandwich mounting design
-
Angled base with built in 6 degrees typing incline
-
Programmable PCB powered by QMK firmware - matte black solder mask with gold traces
-
USB type C connector with support for C to C and C to A connections
True high profile
-
18.50mm height at the front
Kit Includes -
Anodised aluminum case top and bottom chassis
4.70mm thick brass plate
Custom made PCB
16 x M3 screws (12 required, 4 spares)
-
6 Rubber feet (indents for 4, 2 spares)
Interest Check Form
Please fill out this interest check form to let us know if you are interested, or if you have any thoughts or feedback to provide.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1D8cUxZ6ot-20dGDRquyMZkpnoPfxIJVXTa7YUcizYwE/
Group Buy
If there is enough interest in the Prelude, we will be running a group by from Australia.
We will likely have a limit of 50 kits produced in order to ensure a high level of quality control can be sustained. The purchasing will happen on a first come first serve basis.
Edit: Due to the aforementioned reasons at the start of the thread, we will no longer be running a GB for the Prelude.
I will still be answering any questions so please, feel free to ask!