Cloudline V2 - Keyboard Kit (Pre-Order)
To purchase Cloudline V2 add-ons and extras, follow this link.
Cloudline V1 was originally released in mid-2021, catching the eyes of countless keyboard enthusiasts with its intricate internal design and distinct side profile. To say the least, the project itself was a success that laid the foundation for the many designs that followed. Four years later, we find ourselves in a completely unfamiliar custom keyboard scene: we're blessed with countless options, impeccable value, and design standards that are a noticeable step above the previous generation. Knowing this, Cloudline V2 was redesigned from the ground up, hoping to meet on every demand of a modern endgame keyboard.
Cloudline V2 has been a journey of constant refinement - heavily driven by owner feedback, underpinned by the belief that there is always room for improvement. The goal was to enhance every possible aspect while preserving the essence of the original - shortcomings, flaws, and critiques paved the path to something better. This re-imagining of our first TKL design is the byproduct of every dissatisfied customer, growing expectation, and sleepless night spent in front of the monitor. In far more ways than we can count, this is the silver lining.
Inverted o-ring friction mount
This mounting method is an implementation of the classic o-ring mount with a few key differences. The first thing to note is that we lean on a 'friction-fit', where the o-ring applies outward pressure on the side walls of the keyboard chassis. We also leave a ~1.0mm gap between the plate and the top case, ensuring there's no vertical pressure on the plate (and thus, no pressure on the top case - which often is the culprit for a 'boxy' and resonant sound). In addition, the o-ring is friction-fitted almost entirely into the top case while merely resting on the bottom case mounting posts, in hopes of providing as many contact points as possible to the o-ring.
Classic top mount
Top mount is still an option for owners who prefer a more classic sound profile. This time around, we've avoided unnecessary experimentation, and opted for a more straightforward top-mount implementation. No large relief cuts or arms on this plate, to avoid excess vibration - however, one key point is that we provide polycarbonate standoffs to properly space the plate away from the top case. This way, we can ensure that the inverted o-ring mount can be built without the plate contacting the top case, while still providing a completely viable top mount option.
Refined, yet familiar.
The original, iconic silhouette of Cloudline V1 remains minimally adjusted throughout this iteration. Motifs of freedom, optimism, and possibility present themselves cleverly throughout several external design elements. A new interpretation of the original front engraving finds its way to the new weight design, restricted from below yet unbound by a limitless sky.
Precision in progress.
Subtle, carefully-considered adjustments can come together to make meaningful changes. Adjusted bezel ratios, corner radii, and tweaked design decisions lend to a more refined and balanced keyboard aesthetic. Cloudline V2 returns in a new "classic" F12 TKL layout, including improved ergonomics with a notable reduction in front-height and EKH (down ~1mm and ~0.6mm respectively).
More than meets the eye.
Typing sound and feel were some points of controversy for Cloudline V2's predecessor. With aesthetics being one of its strengths, it became my personal goal to make this iteration as focused and refined as possible from a typing perspective. Because of that, I've opted to implement the inverted o-ring friction mount on this keyboard, while still giving users the option to revert to classic top-mount.
Inside - out.
The intricate internal elements of Cloudline V1 were a major draw for many - however, a recurring (valid) sentiment was that owners preferred for it to be exposed. The bottom design has been reworked from the ground up to expose the signature contrasting weight finishes and beautifully detailed laser engravings. A new steel accent serves to differentiate the keyboard from above, while optional RGB references the silver lining namesake.