This is the silver lining.

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.

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.

MOUNTING

  • 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. I'd love to explore this further with different spacer materials, but that's TBD.

DETAILS

  • Sale Details

    • Kit includes keyboard, full aluminum plate, solderable PCB + daughterboard, LED breakout board, short / long JST cables, carrying case & microfiber cloth, 50A O-ring, assembly hardware / spacers, adhesive feet.
    • Pre-order & in-stock sale, expected H1 2025 - exact dates are not yet confirmed. Prices starting at $519 USD.
    • Available from JJWKB (US), SWAGKEYS (KR), PANTHEONKEYS (SG), MINOKEYS (CA), PROTOTYPIST (UK), KEYGEM (EU), SWITCHKEYS (AU). Sale details vary by vendor.

  • Options & Add-ons

    • Colors: Serene 2.0 ($519 USD), Dusk ($519 USD), Smog ($529 USD), Midnight ($529 USD), Overcast 2.0 ($929 USD, raffle / in-stock).
    • Layouts: FULL / WKL
    • Plate Options: Full / Half Aluminum 5052 (anodized black), Full Polypropylene (Black), Full Polycarbonate (Smoke).
    • Extra PCBs: Solder / Hotswap (Fixed Layout).
    • O-ring options: 30A, 50A, 70A.
    • Internal frame: Brass (default), Aluminum (optional)

  • Technical Details

    • Layout: F12 TKL (Full / WKL). PCB supports ISO, split backspace / right / left shift. Plates only support ANSI Tsangan layout. Hotswap PCB has no ISO support.
    • Typing angle: 7.0 degrees
    • PCB: Custom PCB by Mechlovin', STM32F MCU
    • Case materials: Aluminum 6063, Stainless Steel 304, Brass
    • Weight: ~2200g / ~4.9lbs built
    • Front height: ~17.1mm, ~21.8mm EKH
    • Mounting: Inverted o-ring friction mount / top mount

VARIANTS

  • SERENE 2.0

    PVD STEEL / COAST BLUE / SILVER / BLASTED BRASS

  • DUSK

    PVD STEEL / DUSK PURPLE / SILVER / BLASTED BRASS

  • SMOG

    PVD STEEL / TAUPE / TAUPE / BLASTED STEEL

  • MIDNIGHT

    BLACK PVD STEEL / BLACK / BLACK / BLASTED STEEL

NEED MORE INFO?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many units will be available?

While I won't be disclosing specific numbers, this is the possibly one of the largest self-fulfilled projects JJWKB.com has offered. The majority of units will be available from the US due to previous trends and expectations (aka gut feeling).

Why am I not sharing the exact unit count? People have given feedback that providing units may encourage FOMO / resellers. All I'm going to say is - there are a decently large number of of units (in my opinion), and I expect to be near full capacity in terms of fulfillment.

If you want something more limited and want to partake in some RNG action, consider the Overcast 2.0 variant (sale format TBD).

Any more details on the sale format?

For JJWKB.com, Cloudline V2 will be available via the storefront in both pre-order and in-stock format. We expect a short (limited) pre-order period in mid to late March, followed by a standard 2-batch in-stock sale when units arrive. This means that the majority of available units will release in the first drop, and the second batch will be restocked some weeks after. All dates are currently TBD.

Will there be build streams?

I expect there to be some media for Cloudline V2 in early March, prior to the initial pre-order period. There may be more build streams / videos leading up to the in-stock sale format as well.

I noticed that Cloudline V2 is lighter than Cloudline V1. Why?

I opted to not go with a through-weight design here so we could keep the main case completely intact (with the goal of better medium for vibrations). In addition, I personally found Cloudline V1 to be a little cumbersome to carry around. Moment and Cloudline V1 were my earlier designs in a time where I just wanted stuff to be heavy.

$929? Overcast 2.0?

Yes, it's ridiculous and it's not exactly my brightest moment - but do understand, this was created as a direct answer to the previous question. Overcast 2.0 is a full-steel variant weighing ~4 KG / ~9 LB. It's not the nicest thing to carry around, but I guess that's the entire point.

This is the most limited option from a unit-count perspective, and will only be available from JJWKB.com. I expect to offer this both on the storefront (as an in-stock option), and classic raffle (join Discord for more information).

JJWKB.com is not responsible for any harm caused by dropping this keyboard!

Why F12 layout instead of F13?

More metal to look at!

I preferred the old engraving over the RGB accent. Why?

If there's one thing I know too well, it's that you can never 100% satisfy everyone - especially when an option is taken away. While I loved the engraving as well, I admit the design language I used felt a bit too whimsical and off-theme when compared to the rest of the keyboard design.

Regarding RGB - the design for the front accent has been carefully considered so that it would appear nearly seamless when the RGB is disabled.

What is an "internal frame" option?

By default, all Cloudline V2s come with a brass plate that spans the internal perimeter to help reduce vibration. An aluminum option is available as an add-on, which may lend to a more resonant sound profile.

Why are certain color options priced differently?

Contrasting colors with a silver bottom feature brass weights, while single-tone case configs feature a steel weight.

Can I swap out the soldered PCB for a hotswap PCB?

No, hotswap PCBs are only available as an add-on for the sake of simplicity.

Will plate files be released?

Yes, eventually. But there is currently no set timeline on the release date for plate files.