MV image reference: from official X
On July 31, 2024, Keeboardio updated its official X to announce the start of crowdfunding for the Keyboardio Preonic.
The expected ship date is January 2025, and prices and add-ons are as follows
Price
- Keyboard only: $149.00
- Set of 2 keyboards: $289.00
- Developer’s Edition: $149.00 (U.S. only/sold out)
add-on
- Travel case｜$25.00
- Palm Rest｜Bamboo version $35.00
- Palm rest｜Walnut version $50.00
- Keycap set (XDA profile)｜$45.00
The Preonic, for which a call for applications has been announced, is a mechanical keyboard that supports CherryMX compatible switches with a grid layout (12 columns x 5 rows).
Unlike the Preonic, which was previously released by Drop and OLKB in collaboration, two keys and one rotary encoder have been added in the upper right corner.
We were also impressed that they emphasized as a selling point the fact that the product is not a DIY kit, but is fully assembled and can be used from the day it arrives.
The black anodized aluminum frame is used, and the back side is made of transparent ABS material, allowing the board to be seen.
The keycap profiles are DSA profiles with no difference in slope for each R.
The keycap material is single shot PBT and the engraving method of the legend is “laser engraving”.
Although it is possible to change the keymap, it seems that the specification is to use the Kaleidoscope firmware developed by the company and to change it using a web application called “Chrysalis,” rather than common software such as VIA.
It also seems to be packed with playful touches, such as the butterfly symbol that changes depending on the event, and a built-in piezo speaker that makes a clicking sound with each typing.
What is still important for Japanese small keyboard fans is the availability of what QMK calls “Mod-Tap”.
In fact, when we inquired, we were told that the proprietary firmware Kaleidoscope was developed based on the ZMK and has an equivalent feature called “One-shot”.
https://kaleidoscope.readthedocs.io/en/latest/plugins/Kaleidoscope-OneShot.html
KawamuraThis is great!
Also, according to the information provided by the volunteers, it appears that a Combo setting can also be done.
The goal support amount has already been reached, and everyone who supported the project will receive a keyboard if it is now available.
The deadline is August 31, 2024.
The orthogonal layout keyboard is quickly gaining attention with the launch of Keychron Q15 Max.
Personally, I found the small keyboard, which I am used to using on a regular basis, more appealing.
Please consider supporting this project.
Information reference: https: //www.kickstarter.com/projects/keyboardio/preonic
