The sale draws closer. Heres a TL:DR of changes:
- Non-hotswap PCB shelved for time being
- Left Hand version added
- Hotswap PCB has more layout options
- Swapped R SHIFT / UP ARROW (/?) keys for better placement
- 2 DSA Keysets added to the sale. Both are compatible with almost every 40% keyboard on the market.
- Sale to start in October. Date TBD. Waiting on just a few more pieces of the puzzle.
The Complete Story:
Introducing the TKC CandyBar. This Click-O-Stick is brought to you by TKC to satisfy the need for a compact board with full size features and an incredibly attractive price-point!
Honch0 here (Jason). Ill level with you. I like my arrow keys. I also like my numpad. This has kept me away from using my compact boards. I still collect them, but they are show-pieces more than battle station wares. I recently sold my Minivan to a really nice guy in Australia. I thought to myself, "why cant there be a 40 with a numpad? And arrows.." I drove straight home and drew up the keymap. I got u/blindassassin111 on the horn and said "LETS DO THIS!". 3 weeks later, we have prototypes in hand and were testing. u/terrymathews is working on the firmware and we will have some solid numbers in the coming weeks.
So heres the details. There are 2 different kits, Standard and Premium, as well as 2 layouts, Right and Left hand. You can get either PCB with in either kit.
Right Hand PCB
Left Hand PCB
*Both PCBs use QMK firmware, Mini-USB and will have all SMD components factory installed.
The Kits:
CandyBar Standard
- Available in Left and Right hand version
- Kailh Hotswap
- Switchplate, PCB, and bottom plate all made of PCB material
- Includes switches, stabilizers, bolts, and standoffs
- Price ~$80 depending on options
- Barebones kit (no switches / stabs) will also be offered
- PCB only will also be available
CandyBar Premium
- CNC machined anodized 6063 aluminum in a variety of colors
- Aluminum plate, 1.5mm anodized in a variety of colors
- Brass plate will be available at additional cost
- Tray mount
- Includes PCB of choice, plate, case, bolts, switches and stabs.
- Barebones will be offered with no switches or stabs.
- Price likely around $220 USD
The Keysets:
- Font will appear as pictured in renders. I havent finished the mock up.
- DSA PBT Dye Sub
- Fits most (all?) 40% keyboards on the market
- Planck, MiniVan, Pearl, CandyBar, JD40, etc
- Renders by Oblotzky (thanks buddy!)
DSA CandyBar
DSA (Name not decided)
Thanks for looking!
-
u/blindassassin111 for all the work designing every part
-
Oblotzky for the renders and help with the beige DSA set
-
u/terrymathews for the firmware and tech support
-
OfTheWild for being the fist one to see the layout and yelling at me to make it happen
-
Evan at Minivan for feedback on key placement
-
The community for making it happen!