Week in Keyboards #13

Ace Switches, Bamboo Cases and Mahogany Keycaps

This is all coming from one person /u/Dashwoodlll on reddit. What started as a IC for wooden cases, turned into something that seems to be a complete package.

More photos of the ace keyboard.

Here is a short summary of what to expect.

Mahogany Keys are a possibility

Custom Logo

Backlights

Durable Switches

Waterproof

104, 87 and 61 key setups

Source

There is not a huge amount of information, but a new switch type may bring some interest.

The idea of wooden switch plates is another good idea. But the lack of wooden switch plates is likely due to their practicality. Getting wood thin enough to function as a switch plate and still retain durability is not too easy. It is possible that the Ace switches make this easier in some way.

More photos of the prototypes.

UK Cherry Liquidation

With the news that Cherry UK is no more, the last remaining UK stock is being sold over on Deskthority. Some interesting stuff such as the mug sold very quickly. But it is an entire lot featuring boards, pcb’s keycaps and cables. Now the entire lot is being sold to make the liquidation easier. Currently it looks like it might go to 7bit who is probably quite a good person for this stuff to go to. It will then likely be sold off when it is 7bit’s hands. One product of interest is the cherry pin’s, which I have never seen before.

New DIY Cable Stock at 1UP Keyboards

These are kits to make your own cable with a nice amount of customisation. This includes mini, micro and right angled connectors.

The current solid colours are:

Red

Blue

Gray

White

Black

Neon Green

Multi-colours:

Black/Blue

Black/Red

Black/Silver

Available Here

New Keyboard from Gigabyte

This is a new full-size mechanical keyboard from Gigabyte available in red and blue Cherry switches. The Force K86 doesn’t come with any particular flashy features, but the design is of interest.

They were going for a “minimalist” look with this and I think this does actually look quite nice. Nothing affronts my eyes with this design. I think the minimal branding of “Gigabyte” looks ok and the blue indicator lights are particularly complimentary to the overall look.

New 68 Key Keyboard

Similar to the Leopold FC660C/M the Apko K680 has two additional switches. This is not hugely interesting but I always think another layout makes at least one more person happy.

According to Zeal this is a rebranded Tai-Hao OEM keyboard.