[Feeler] Interest in ergonomic and higher end custom keyboard PCBs and components

[TollieKop]

Good day all

I've spoken to a company overseas about testing some of their peripheral items which can't be bought nor shipped to South Africa.
What I have in mind is to stock high end keyboards, PCBs, supports, micro-controllers, switches and all those other fancy things which you would not be able to get from Chinese e-tailers.

The one CEO I've spoken to so far seems keen on my idea, but I can't afford his purchase quantities yet (also I'm just gauging interest for now)

If the Carbonite community shows enough interest I could import special keycaps/switches/PCBs and the likes
I would then be the supplier of these items locally. I can create a business and website as I have been advised by the person I have spoken to.

Switches include (among countless others):

DIY KIT

Build your own mechanical keyboard, starting here!

kbdfans.com

Kailh Switches

Build your own mechanical keyboard, starting here!

kbdfans.com

Zealios Switches

Build your own mechanical keyboard, starting here!

kbdfans.com

Aliaz Switches

Build your own mechanical keyboard, starting here!

kbdfans.com

Switches

www.mechanicalkeyboards.com

Kailh BOX Thick Jade Switches

www.mechanicalkeyboards.com

Kailh BOX Brown Switches

www.mechanicalkeyboards.com

Matias Quiet Click Switches

www.mechanicalkeyboards.com

Matias Click Switches

www.mechanicalkeyboards.com

Topre 55g Switches

www.mechanicalkeyboards.com

Topre Silent 45g Switches

www.mechanicalkeyboards.com

Zealios 65g V2 Switches

www.mechanicalkeyboards.com

Zealios 67g V2 Switches

www.mechanicalkeyboards.com

Zealios 78g V2 Switches

www.mechanicalkeyboards.com

Blue Zilents 78g V2 Switches

www.mechanicalkeyboards.com

^ The above list could be endless -- please also give recommendations of what you guys would like to have available locally

Also special keyboards and DIY (or pre-assembled) like the:

index

Documentation and build guide for the ErgoDox mechanical keyboard

www.ergodox.io

The Infinity ErgoDox Mechanical Keyboard

The Infinity ErgoDox mechanical keyboard is an open source, fully programmable split keyboard designed to improve upon the original ErgoDox in many ways.

input.club

Iris Rev. 8 Keyboard - Hotswap PCBs for Split Ergonomic Keyboard

The 8th revision of the popular Iris keyboard, a split ergonomic keyboard with 4x6 vertically staggered keys and up to 4 thumb keys. Reprogrammable to any keymap layout you'd like with QMK/VIA! Layout Each half of the board is a 4x6 matrix with the same vertical stagger as the Ergodox and with...

keeb.io

Quefrency Rev. 1 - 60%/65% Split Staggered Keyboard

Rev. 1 has been discontinued and will not be restocked, but the files have been open-sourced. Quefrency: A 60% split staggered keyboard, with 65% option for the right half, and 2x5 macro section option for the left half. Pronounced as keew-fren-see. For Quefrency Rev. 2 & 3: Go to the new...

keeb.io

Nyquist/Levinson Keyboard Rev. 3.5 PCBs - 60%/40% Split Ortholinear

The Nyquist is a 60% split ortholinear keyboard, that can also be converted easily to a 40% split ortholinear by breaking off the bottom row (by hand). Nyquist/Levinson Rev. 3.5! Now uses USB-C to USB-C cable for connecting two halves together instead of TRRS cable. The right half PCB has a...

keeb.io

Viterbi Keyboard - 5x7 70% Split Ortholinear PCB Kit

5x7 70% Split Ortholinear keyboard, more keys for more fun! Note the build for the Rev. 2.0 rocks a few differences from the previous revision. Both of the Pro Micros are oriented the same way with the flat side of the Pro Micro facing the bottom of the case, similar to how it's done with the...

keeb.io

BFO-9000 PCB Kit - Customizable Full-Size Split Ortholinear

Need even more keys than the Viterbi? Awesome, we've got a split board with up to 6 rows and 9 columns! Don't need that many rows or columns? Well that's cool too, the PCB features break off pieces to allow for 4 to 6 rows and 7 to 9 columns. The Rev. 1.4 PCBs are able to be used with...

keeb.io

Ergodicity - 60% Kailh Choc Low-profile Board

Ergodicity - An Alice-style keyboard that uses Kailh Low-Profile switches instead of MX ones. Compatible with these keycaps only: Kailh Low Profile Keycaps. Keyswitch spacing is 19.05x19.05mm. Status updates Prototype Base Kit Info: Works normally No build guide available Info on installing the...

keeb.io

Custom switches like the:

Holy Panda | MechWiki

A history of the Holy Panda switch, its specs, its alternatives, its drama.

mechwiki.com

Holy YOK | MechWiki

Holy YOKs are a tactile modded switch made using YOK Panda housings and a Halo switch stems. Holy YOK switches are equivalent to the Holy Panda switch. Holy YOK switches can be a variety of colours, Red, Mint or black with either a White (Halo Clear) or Salmon (Halo True) stem. The name of...

mechwiki.com

Holy GSUS | MechWiki

Holy GSUS switches are a tactile modded switch made using the housing of a GSUS ‘New Panda’ switch and the stem of a Halo switch. Holy GSUS are equivalent to Holy Panda switches. Specs Type: Tactile Weight: 67g bottom out when made with GSUS spring, 60g bottom out True 100gf bottom out, Clear...

mechwiki.com

Drop Halo Switch Pack | Tactile Mechanical Keyboard Switches

This consistent and satisfying Halo mechanical switch pack offers two types of tactile mechanical switches, Halo Clear and Halo True, in 70, 90, and 110 packs.

drop.com

Drop + Invyr Holy Panda Mechanical Switches | Tactile Mechanical Keyboard Switches

The most tactile switches in the world, made with stems from Halo Clears or Halo Trues, with the housing found on Invry Panda Switches, Holy Panda switches combine the best of many worlds.

drop.com

Zeal PC Tealios/Healios/Zealios/Zilents V2 Switches | Mechanical Keyboards | Components Mechanical Keyboards | Drop

Drop exclusive price and reviews: Zeal PC Tealios/Healios/Zealios/Zilents V2 Switches | 3.8K+ Sold | Whether you like a heavy switch or something lighter, a...

drop.com

Everglide Crystal Violet Custom Mechanical Switches | Mechanical Keyboards | Keyboard Switches | Drop

Drop exclusive price and reviews: Everglide Crystal Violet Custom Mechanical Switches | 1K+ Sold | With a round tactile bump similar to v2 Zealios or Holy...

drop.com

Controllers:

Elite-C - USB-C Pro Micro Replacement - Arduino-compatible ATmega32U4

Looking for an alternative for the Pro Micro that has a USB port that won't break off so easily? Or maybe you want something with the DFU bootloader already loaded onto it? Great, then the Elite-C is for you! Want the new lower profile version instead? Check out the Elite-C LP. New! Elite-C...

keeb.io

Pro Micro (Micro-USB) - 5V/16MHz - Arduino-compatible ATmega32U4

Spice up your DIY keyboard builds with this little microcontroller, which works with the TMK and QMK firmware. It's got 18 pins for you to work with. The ones currently being sold are blue PCBs.

keeb.io

Ja, so that's just a glimpse.

I will start with a focus on keyboards and peripheral customs, but I don't mind facilitating stocking other items too! Whatever it is -- shoot! I know I struggled finding hard drive cages in South Africa so anything you guys think would be nice to have locally just let me know. I'm going to take about a month or two to sort out planning regarding import, customs and the likes.

Please give your opinions and/or wants.

Pending interest to warrant the investment I will go through with it and accept orders which I will update periodically at a later stage in development.

Thanks so much

Cheers

Edit: Mods, if this is not the appropriate place to post this please advise where I should post this or please move it to the correct sub-forum. Thanks

 

[Archetype]

Hey there, personally I see a need for the ergonomic keyboards. The ability to get hands on them easier would be a godsend. The Ergo dox being a high priority for me and colleagues to get our hands on.

I hope this venture works out for you and for at least a certain percentage of the community interested in these items.

I wish the best man and am keen on seeing this progresss!!

 

[TollieKop]

Hey there, personally I see a need for the ergonomic keyboards. The ability to get hands on them easier would be a godsend. The Ergo dox being a high priority for me and colleagues to get our hands on.

I hope this venture works out for you and for at least a certain percentage of the community interested in these items.

I wish the best man and am keen on seeing this progresss!!

That's awesome news man, I had a feeling there were a few of us in South Africa after the ErgoDox (EZ)

This is actually my main focus, unfortunately I see my post didn't make it that clear! If I can get at least about 5 or so guys genuinely interested I can work out the costs to import. I am guessing 5 or 6 guys would be break-even.

Thanks! I do appreciate the kind wishes. Will update every now and then as I do my research.

 

[TRINITRON]

Looks interesting

Are their options for custom PCBs for specific sizes like 40% or 30 key keyboards?

 

[TollieKop]

Looks interesting

Are their options for custom PCBs for specific sizes like 40% or 30 key keyboards?

Yes, in my hunt I did see custom 11% (or something ridiculous like that) and the likes. They vary a lot. If you want a particular custom just let me know.

I am a qualified millwright but my electronics design isn't good so I can't design and program the PCBs but if there are DIY kits and the likes I can make a plan to try and source whatever you want.

 

[GoukoTenrou]

@PandaAttack1

 

[PaladinLaw]

@PandaAttack1

Beat me to it

 

[CptGopher]

I've had my eye on some KBDFans stuff before. Definitely keen on some of the gear they stock.

 

[Jameszu]

Keen on some Holy Panda's, a 65% hot swap PCB and decent case+plate for a custom KB build (haven't decided on that yet)

 

[1.8Ghz]

Is this only for custom built keyboards? Or are there pre-built, ergonomic options available as well?

 

[VapeNation]

I'll take a set of holy pandas pronto

 

[TollieKop]

Is this only for custom built keyboards? Or are there pre-built, ergonomic options available as well?

Hey man

I'm back and forth with my new business contact. They specialize in switches, however they build their own ergo boards and the likes. I am mainly focusing on ergonomic stuff, so yes.

The pre-built or OEM ergo stuff is the business contact I am dealing with right now so that will be easiest for me to sort out at the moment.

We are just back and forth about shipping.

Edit: I will reveal more information once he and I can sort out our stuff. At which point I will let you guys know what it is in particular.

 

[TollieKop]

Keen on some Holy Panda's, a 65% hot swap PCB and decent case+plate for a custom KB build (haven't decided on that yet)

You want the hot-swaps to be pre-sorted or will you install the sockets yourself?

Keeb.io is awesome for this kinda stuff. DIY kits that are already pre-soldered for your pleasure

 

[TollieKop]

Oh yeah snap.

Lucky for you okes, South Africa is quite cool to CNC aluminium and other fancy metals/alloys for plates, supporters and cases. Might be cheaper for us to CNC the stuff here.

I have a buddy that wants to buy a benchtop milling machine, will have a chat with him.

 

[Jameszu]

You want the hot-swaps to be pre-sorted or will you install the sockets yourself?

Keeb.io is awesome for this kinda stuff. DIY kits that are already pre-soldered for your pleasure

Pre-soldered preferrably

 

[Cassady]

Would also be interested in the Ergodox.

 

[TollieKop]

Hey guys an update

There are restrictions on importing. Since I'm new to this, and was advised it will be very expensive I will have to wait it out a bit before I can buy an order.

Based on the outcome I will update here on delivery times and secondly the costs involved.

I'm really hoping this won't hurt as much due to the poor exchange rates etc

I'm keeping everything in mind so far, please be patient

Thanks!

 

[Bippuu]

Now this is epic