[IC] Killer65 | A wallet-friendly keyboard!

Submitted by BillieHawk t3_yvov6s in MechanicalKeyboards

Killer65 - by Aeris Studio

Geekhack

While the idea of endgame differs for all of us, there are features that are staples among many "endgame" keyboards being offered today such as counterweights, or numerous color customization. Of course, there are keyboards that offer more innovative features like the Kohaku, or the Satisfaction75, but these also come at considerably higher price points.

So our compromise is an affordable keyboard with features the average keyboard hobbyist would want. Our product follows in the footsteps of the Zoom65, QK65, and more recently the JRIS65, but with a twist. Inspired by the Canoe by Percent Studios (best keyboard ever), we designed one with a similar 2-3 tone aesthetic while streamlining the design to give it a minimalist look.

Interest Check Form

1. DETAILS

  • Case Angle: 6.0°
  • Materials: Aluminium & Stainless Steel (For PVD Weights)
  • Colours:
    • Black
    • Silver
    • Brass
    • Navy Blue
    • Tiffany Blue
    • Maroon Red
    • Dark Green
    • E-white
  • Mounting method: Gasket-mount
  • Plate: 1.5mm Polycarbonate
    • Add-on, 1.5mm Aluminum, FR4, and POM
  • PCB: Killer65 hotswap PCB & USB-C daughterboard - configurable with QMK/VIA and has ESD protection
  • Foam: Poron plate, case foam & IXPE PCB foam
  • Counterweight: Aluminum & Stainless Steel (PVD)
    • Brass
    • Silver
    • Heart Gold PVD
    • Soul Silver PVD
    • Spirit Prism PVD (More Purple)
    • Brilliant Chroma PVD (More Yellow)
    • See prototypes for more apt description
  • Weight: ~2kg fully built (Depends on weight and plate)
  • Layout options: 67 keys with support for ISO, 7u spacebar, split backspace, and stepped capslock. See gallery for KLE.

2. VENDORS

We will be using CJDropshipping as our shipping partner to ship to these places.

  • America
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • Oceania

Price: $159 USD plus shipping for default kit (polycarbonate plate and anodized weight)

  • +$20 USD for PVD Weight
  • +$49 USD for an Aluminum, FR4, and POM Plate
  • +$39 USD for an extra Top Frame

Timeline: The website is currently being readied for the group buy. We are currently searching for shipping partners to do bulk shipments to the US to lower shipping costs.

3. CURRENT STATUS

The 1st set of prototypes have arrived. Typing tests, and photo shoot completed (see gallery).

The feature set is basically final now but we may add additional features if desired.

4. GALLERY *colors shown in the prototypes aren't final

Prototype Gallery

5. REQUESTED RENDERS

Render Gallery

Send requests below

6. FAQ

Will there be per key RGB or backlighting?

There won't be any RGB or backlighting provided. We backtracked on this to support more layouts on the hotswap PCB.

Why is the design so simple?

Personally, we prefer simpler designs as it keeps the desk looking minimal.

Aren't you guys reskinning the Zoom65/QK65 etc.?

What we are doing is filling up a hole in the market left behind by all these products, the JRIS65, Zoom65, QK65, etc, and adding our own unique 2-3 color tone look.

How many are you planning on selling?

Currently, our MOQ is 300. We plan on capping it at 2K units unless there is a lot of interest.

How long will it take to manufacture the keyboards?

We are aiming for 3 months after the group buy concludes, but may take up to 4 months.

How much will you charge for shipping?

According to CJDropshipping, most places should not cost more than $30USD to ship the keyboard. Shipping may cost more as you add more products.

Will you do additional colors/variations?

If there is enough interest for it (and we have the manufacturing capabilities), then we will cater accordingly.

Will you be doing different layouts?

Hopefully if everything goes well, we would like to make different layouts with fun designs in the future!

7. SOCIALS

Discord

Instagram

TikTok

8. UPDATES

08/11/2022 - Interest check and website launches.

09/11/2022 - Socials started

14/11/2022 - Prototypes built and typing tests added.

Planned

December 2022

Keyboard reviews launch by Lewis Toh, and Keybored

Group-buy launch (may be delayed)

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Comments

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day_li_ly t1_iwjw3db wrote

This looks perfect except for the cartoon knife on the weight. Please put a cooler knife on it.

3

BillieHawk OP t1_iwk4de6 wrote

:') We'll talk to our manufacturer and see what we can do, but complicated designs are hard to engrave cleanly.

2

TheEx006 t1_iwfioim wrote

Put my name in, super clean 65 MK. Just needs more Purple haha but that's just my opinion.

1

HypotheticalRicotta t1_iwiqe13 wrote

Why does this look like a knobless zoom65, down to the weight design on the bottom. Not that that’s a bad thing.

1

BillieHawk OP t1_iwk4n61 wrote

The weight follows the "aspect ratio" of the keyboard. Having it taller or wider looks funky on our preliminary design.

1

Ispheria t1_iwjypuy wrote

> Our product follows in the footsteps of the Zoom65, QK65, and more recently the JRIS65, but with a twist.

what was the twist?

1

BillieHawk OP t1_iwk3qyz wrote

The 'twist' or difference would be the two tone look from the top, or the unibody look from the side.

1

McClacky t1_iwnssc2 wrote

>Black, Silver, Brass, Navy Blue, Tiffany Blue, Maroon Red, Dark Green, E-white

Super excited to see this lineup of colors!

I'm also excited to see how the options with the two tone configs will work. These colors can make some really nice combinations (green and brass, Tiffany and white, maroon and black).

It's a difficult space to carve into, but I think taking advantage of that two tone with the colors is a great move.

I don't know if it'd be possible, but a prism top case like the Noun65 would be crazy to see and spark some more excitement.

1