The MB-44 v2 is the follow up to the original MB-44 that ran in 2021 with some modernization and quality of life features that bring the MB-44 up to 2025 standards. The case has been reworked to tighten up all tolerances to provide a fit and finish that you'd expect from a premium keyboard experience.
The following are a few improvements that were made:
//. Effective key height (EKH) reduced from 24.6mm to 22.2mm
//. PCB updated to STM32 from ATmega MCU with QMK/VIAL firmware.
//. Updated from C3 variant of the Unified Daughter Board (UDB) to the S1 variant.
//. PCB and bottom case cavity reduced to eliminate unnecessary reverberations.
//. Brass interior cover plate and accent weight to provide some sound dampening and cover for the UDB cable.
//. Plate material is FR4 and mounted using Geon's tadpoles.
The original MB-44 was meant to be a premium 40% offering with a fun 65%-esque blocker and version 2 is no different. While the case has had an over-haul with a complete redesign from the ground up, we've continued the lofted case bottom from v1 with a refined side profile and radii.
We are aiming to keep the price of the kit to $350 plus shipping. Availability, quantities and colors will depend on the feedback provided in this Interest Check.
Please answer the following questions to help inform us on the feasibility and logistics of this project!
