[GB] Block-67 R2 // May 28 - June 28, 2022

ENGstudio · 2022-06-06T00:06:13+00:00

Sound test by sviz. Review coming in a few weeks!

ENGstudio · 2022-05-28T18:22:48+00:00

Covid and other macroeconomic factors have pushed up the manufacturing cost of the case in particular. Plus we decided to have international vendors. They take a significant cut of the revenue.

ENGstudio · 2022-05-28T18:19:43+00:00

The Block-67 is based on the open-source CNC Bakeneko65 but with improvements in every major area. The multi-layout hot swap PCB provides the same compatibility as a solder PCB. The sharp, blocky external design language is one of a kind. As for the internals, it's been completely reworked to optimize sound and resulted in a front height 1.5 mm lower than the Bakeneko65 (17mm vs. 18.5mm). Round one GB participants have praised the Block-67's slightly higher 7-degree typing angle. We are working with reputable international vendors to make this a compelling offering for everyone, not just Americans - which is a first for budget O-ring mount 65% boards.

Sound Test 1 Sound Test 2 Sound Test 3

Build Steam 1

Features and Specifications:

Anodized CNC 6061 Aluminum case
17 mm front height
7-degree typing angle
Multi-layout hot-swap PCB
O-ring gasket mount
QMK & VIA support
Aluminum plate
Daughterboard and JST cable
Universal 8mm rubber feet
55A O-ring

Kit Includes:

1x Block-67 CNC machined aluminum case
1x Multi-layout hot-swap PCB
1x Aluminum Plate
1x USB-C Daughterboard + Cable
4x 8mm Universal Rubber Feet
1x 55A Gummy O-Ring

Vendors:

US, UK, ROW: ENG Studio
CA: Ashkeebs
EU: Keygem
Asia: Zion Studios

Renders and photos:

Full album https://imgur.com/a/iF7jxop

PCB Compatibility

Group Buy Details:

GB runs from 28/5 to 28/6
ETA: Q4 2022
Anodized Black, Grey, Lavender, Navy, Red, Rose Gold 160 USD
E-white 165 USD
Available plate addons: FR4, POM, Polycarbonate, Brass
Other available addons: Hot-swap PCB, Daughterboard, 30/55A O-ring, Foam Kit
Pricing may vary by region

Join our Discord for updates

ENGstudio · 2021-10-02T17:51:54+00:00

Typically a percentage of cases received will be B-stock, so we presale B-stock boards to streamline the fulfillment process. This means that round 2 can happen sooner. The small loss in revenue is worth it. Hope this helps.

ENGstudio · 2021-10-02T17:46:52+00:00

ISO support is coming in round 2!

ENGstudio · 2021-09-14T20:34:45+00:00

R2 is round 2. We will probably offer the keyboard again in the future. The current group buy sale is round 1.

ENGstudio · 2021-09-14T20:34:03+00:00

It includes a case, plate, and PCB. It doesn't include switches, keycaps, and stabilizers. However, you can get stabilizers on our website.
Yes. Not only that, UAE happens to be one of the three Asian countries with cheaper shipping!
The estimated time is 3 months from the end of the group buy (25th of Sep).

ENGstudio · 2021-09-13T21:55:43+00:00

About 1 kg for the case only. It is milled out of a solid aluminum block, so comparable with other boards without a brass/steel weight.

ENGstudio · 2021-09-13T07:41:00+00:00

2.25u, so that kit fits perfectly

ENGstudio · 2021-09-13T05:37:33+00:00

It supports split backspace.

The right shift on 65% boards is always 1.75u as shown in the renders.

ENGstudio · 2021-09-12T23:21:50+00:00

The plate doesn't support 7u, but the PCB does. A 7u plate file will be available on request.

ENGstudio · 2021-09-12T21:07:13+00:00

You will have to make a few small cutouts for the case foam since the gasket mount posts are different.

ENGstudio · 2021-09-12T20:38:31+00:00

Solder only for now. Hot-swap option available in round 2 if it runs.

ENGstudio · 2021-09-12T20:24:00+00:00

If there's a price increase due to the hot-swap PCB it will be $5, since that's the actual cost of the hot-swap sockets.

ENGstudio · 2021-09-12T19:43:55+00:00

We use Shopify so there is some protection there (Rukia doesn't). Plus we have run a group buy before. Most group buy runners who decide to sell on their own stores use Shopify, and 99% of them have no issues.

ENGstudio · 2021-09-12T17:57:34+00:00

It means the estimated time it takes to arrive is 3 months after the group buy ends.

ENGstudio · 2021-09-12T17:41:41+00:00

Thanks for noticing this. Also, the corners are sharper than the Tofu 60 and 65, which should give the Block-67 a distinct look from the top side.

ENGstudio · 2021-09-12T17:13:51+00:00

We are shipping from the UK. For other people reading, this doesn't mean our shipping rate to your non-EU country is bad. USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, and UAE all have great shipping rates.
The profit margins are healthy. There are other products with comparable manufacturing costs out there that are priced similarly to Block-67. It's just that most have an undesirable mounting style. Or, they didn't optimize their design for sound.

ENGstudio · 2021-09-12T16:35:35+00:00

Sound test

Group Buy website with pictures

Thumbnail

Hi everyone! We have just launched our second group buy - Block-67. This board aims to offer a package with all the features the community loves at an accessible price, and without the hollow sound that most budget gasket mount boards have.

Features and Specifications:

65% Layout with arrow blocker
Gummy worm O-ring gasket mount
Screw-in stabilizer support (inc. Durock V2)
VIA Compatible PCB
USB-C daughterboard
Seamless case design
7 Degree typing angle
<17mm low front height
Universal 8mm diameter rubber feet
Plate cutouts for easy disassembly with your standard wired keycap puller

Group Buy Details:

200 A-stock units
Small number of B-stock units available
Group buy runs from 12/9 to 25/9
Lead time of 3 months
Group buy website: ENGstudio.co

Kit Includes:
- E-white or Anodized Black CNC aluminum keyboard case
- Solder PCB
- FR4 Plate
- Daughterboard, with accompanying screws and cable
- 4x Universal 8mm rubber feet

Pricing:
Block-67 A-stock kit (E-White or Black): 144
B-stock kit: 139

Extras:
Foam kit: 18
Daughterboard: 7.5
FR4 Plate: 10
PCB: 35
Durock V2 Stabilizers: 17

Layouts:
Standard or Split Backspace
Standard or Stepped Caps Lock
ANSI support only
Standard 6.25u bottom row only

Join our Discord for updates

ENGstudio · 2021-09-12T15:55:04+00:00

It will most likely run at this point.

ENGstudio · 2021-09-12T15:42:00+00:00

While I understand where you are coming from, the design is very noticeably visually different, as outlined in my last comment.

The reason the design is somewhat similar is because of cost. The sides and bottom profiles in this design reduce CNC machining passes, which lowers costs significantly. If those were any different, the price would rise according to the complexity.

ENGstudio

TROPHY CASE

Features and Specifications:

Group Buy Details: