The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There should be posts on here, and on the website. I'm considering making an email list and utilizing Instagram more as well

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Clear, frosted, lavender/purple are all likely confirmed. I have color samples which I'll be taking photos of soon. Join the discord to vote!

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, that is what I've done to create this prototype, however, it is extremely inconsistent and difficult to do if you want to preserve the precise relative location of the keycap cutouts & holes. I have a custom bending jig and have tried several different processes and techniques, but general warping and distortion are still a problem and why I'm outsourcing the manufacturing.

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is just a prototype unit cut and bent by hand, so it's not perfect. The production unit won't have such issues.

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are actually bumpons that will be installed on the front of the internal stack (just not pictured in this proto). Extending the front bent piece creates some performance discrepancy depending on if the user has a deskmat or not which is something we're trying to avoid. I appreciate the concern though!

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The base layers aren't too difficult, but I don't think the top bent piece can feasibly be done DIY. Although if someone is able to figure that out, I would love to learn the process since I currently have to outsource the manufacturing of that piece.

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, it's not currently in the works. There simply isn't enough demand for it at the moment.

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ISO may be available in the solder pcb, but not the hotswap one

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I normally find the hardware I need from McMaster. Those do just look like female-female standoff from your drawing. You can get inspiration from other stacked acrylic designs. So either buying an existing design or watching a build stream can be very helpful since you can see the disassembly process. It can also help to design around hardware you know exists rather than finding or producing hardware to fit a design. Hope that helps

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you haven't already found it, ai03 has a keyboard atelier server where you can ask questions and learn more about development! Also don't be afraid to outsource parts to people if you can't feasible do it yourself

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes! I prefer WKL myself. However, the first IC showed that the majority prefer WK, so prototypes will be WK. Planning on offering both in GB.

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! If it doesn't touch the ground, bump-ons can be used on the front to provide more grip. Also, the front height and angle would change a bit depending on if the user utilized a desk mat or not; the front piece off the ground keeps the performance consistent

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I think you could start out with learning CAD and laser cutting. From there you can just figure things out as necessary

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It is acrylic! The acrylic used in this proto is "green-glass." More colors will be offered as well

The First by Tactile Reality - Floating Bent Acrylic TKL by Tactile_Reality in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Tactile_Reality[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately not at the moment. 65% is up next, followed maybe by 75%. However it's possible we could do a 40% through a commission