[Group Buy] Curio 40% Keyboard Kit

Curio Update: 11-27-23

I skipped the last update while sorting out some issues with the cerakote shop. The latest two batches of bottoms arrived as B-stock and needed to be blasted and re-coated.

The shop is happy to achieve the quality that we need for these (though they admittedly have never encountered a finishing requirement of near-flawless). They will just need extra time to get the rest completed. The majority of bottoms affected by this problem are Robin’s Egg, though there are some outstanding Graphite Black units I’ve yet to receive.

They’re going to coat the rest in increments of 10, and I will travel to the shop to inspect and sign off on each batch. This means we are bleeding into December to get the last 30% of Curio orders fulfilled.

Thank you for your patience if you have any left, I’ll get these shipped out to you all as soon as the ball is in my court again

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Curio, the first premium MechVault-designed board is finally here! Designed to progress the standard stagger 40% typing experience, Curio’s exploded space bar is dropped down 0.25u which more naturally fits the typical thumb resting area.

Two 0.25u blockers were added to the bottom left and bottom right of the layout. The bottom right blocker is there to achieve the use of conventional arrow keys in the main cluster (something not typically available on a 13u board). The bottom left blocker was added to mimic the right side symmetrically and allow for modifier keys. As for the name Curio, the definition is: Of an object; something considered rare, unusual, or intriguing.

Utilizing a top-mount system with the anchor points on the sides of the case as opposed to top and bottom, Curio offers a unique typefeel similar to gasket mount while using no rubber or foam in the build.

--> Prototype Gallery <--

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Specifications:

• Two-piece top-mount case design with a 5-degree typing angle. Case top is CNC milled cast acrylic, bottom is CNC milled 6061 aluminum
• Acrylic top is available in two finishes (Glass-Like or Frosted) and three colors (Green, Purple, Clear). All color choices are represented in the product pictures
• Aluminum bottom is available in three options (Raw Aluminum, Graphite Black Cerakote, Robin’s Egg Blue Cerakote). **Raw aluminum is as-machined and will show machining marks. Aftermarket coating is recommended if selecting this option**
• Fully-assembled Black USB-C PCB with underglow LEDs. Builder only needs to solder switches and optional rotary encoder(s)
• PCB functions on QMK and Vial firmware currently being updated to include underglow LED functionality. PCBs will be flashed with working firmware before shipment, and this product page will be updated with a link to the source code.
• CNC-milled Black POM or Clear Polycarbonate 1.6mm switch plate
• Kit utilizes eight identical M2.5 screws with a 2mm hex drive (four secure the plate to the top, four secure the bottom to the top), clear bumpon feet included.

**P3Dstore.com is handling all cerakoting for this group buy. If you order a raw aluminum bottom, we will ship it to P3Dstore BY DEFAULT unless otherwise instructed in the order notes. After cerakote, P3Dstore will ship all group buy orders back to MechVault for fulfillment to customers. Please reach out to P3Dstore directly for custom cerakoting quotes**

This group buy will run from Feburary 3rd to March 3rd, at which time the bulk order will be placed. All case components are being manufactured in the United States. Kits are expected to take three months to produce. Tentatively, we will have the kits in hand and ready to ship to customers by June 2023. ***Please keep in mind that this is a group buy and can be subject to unforeseen delays***