Thread

1. xingped · 1786033107 · focus · HN ↗

   Love the design and have also wanted a super low profile mechanical keyboard like this! I have one question though - what is the travel or activation distance of the keys?

   The one thing I actually like about the magic keyboard or Microsoft's designer keyboard is that the "click" is immediate and the entirety travel distance of the key is the activation bump. I dislike any amount of the "extra" travel distance (I'm not sure if I'm using the right words/description, but I hope you get what I mean) of regular mechanical switches and is the main thing that turns me off from them.

   Oh also, is it possible to get a Windows version or switch the keys around to accommodate Windows as well?

   1. aemerson_ · 1786034645 · focus · HN ↗

      The travel distance on the Altar II switches is 1.8mm, so about 0.8mm more than on a MacBook keyboard. Similar to those keyboards, there is very little pre-travel on Altar II keys.

      With regard to Windows keys that is a possibility. We shipped our previous keyboard, Altar I, with both Mac and Windows markings on the keys.

      1. xingped · 1786035669 · focus · HN ↗

         It looks like the travel distance on the Microsoft Designer Keyboard is 1.35mm, so not far off.

         How long are preorders/is the preorder discount available? I may seriously consider this.

         1. aemerson_ · 1786036225 · focus · HN ↗

            Reservations are open until the Kickstarter launches on November 10th 2026.
   2. glitchc · 1786036821 · focus · HN ↗

      What you are referring to is called the pre-travel distance. There are mechanical key options with very short pre-travel, such as the Cherry MX and Kailh Silver switches. They're mainly used for gaming.

      <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;keychron.ca&#x2F;blogs&#x2F;news&#x2F;kailh-mechanical-switch-guide" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;keychron.ca&#x2F;blogs&#x2F;news&#x2F;kailh-mechanical-switch-guide

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