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(Group Buy) Manta Keyboard Kit
Closing Date: September 1st 2025
Expected Shipping time: Q2 2026
The Manta is a project designed by Bowl Keyboards and Alexotos. We wanted to create something that pays homage to classic designs while standing out in a market crowded with 65% layouts. It was a daunting challenge—after all, creating something entirely new should be easy, right? But as we quickly realized, innovation and functionality are two very different things. With that in mind, we made it our primary objective during discussions and brainstorming sessions to balance both.
One idea that stood out was propping the keyboard up on copper or brass pillars that seamlessly flow into the bottom weight, or ‘fin.’ This design not only promised a striking aesthetic but also the potential for a distinctive sound profile.
The initial design for this was rather flat and boring. Originally, we wanted to machine a pattern on the bottom to give it some character. This was quickly transformed into what it is now, and it looked almost like a manta ray. And then the Manta was born.
Addons Available Here:
Case Specifications:
- Materials: 6063 Aluminum, Acrylic, Copper, Stainless Steel
- Layout: 65%
- Typing Angle: 8 Degrees
- Front Height: 16.9mm
- EKH: 22.0 mm
- Weight: 1.4-2.0 kg
- Mounting: Gasket Sock, Gasket Grommet, Oring
PCB Specifications:
- Material: Black FR4
- Thickness: 1.6mm
- Connectivity: JST to Unified Daughterboard
- Customizability: VIA
- Type: Solderable and Hotswap
- Designer: Gondolindrim
PCB Compatibility:
Hotswap
Solder
Mounting Design:
The goal of manta was to have a few good mounting styles that allow users to customize the feel and sound without being overwhelmed with options. Each option is distinct and has a unique feel or sound that differentiates it from the other options. All options are optimized to ensure each one is noticeably different while still maintaining our high expectations for feel and sound. The three options are gasket sock, gasket grommet, and gummy oring.
Colourway Description:
| Colourway Name | Top Case | Bottom Case | Weight |
| Machinist | Clear Anodized | Clear Anodized | Raw Copper |
| Pumice | Gray-Beige Anodized | Gray-Beige Anodized | Sandblasted Copper |
| Americano | Brown Anodized | Silver Anodized | Coffee Patina Brass |
| Manta | Sparkle Black Coat | Sparkle Black Coat | Sandblasted Copper |
| Tangerine | Sandblasted Acrylic | Orange Anodized | Stainless Steel |
| Motorsport | Silver Anodized | Silver Anodized | Red Coat Aluminum |
| Machinist SE | Clear Anodized | Raw Copper | Raw Copper |
| Pumice SE | Gray-Beige Anodized | Sandblasted Copper | Sandblasted Copper |
| Americano SE | Cream Coat | Sandblasted Copper | Coffee Patina Brass |
| Manta SE | Beige Coat | Sandblasted Copper | Stone Wash Dark Gold |
| Tangerine SE | Sandblasted Acrylic | Sandblasted Copper | Stainless Steel |
| Motorsport SE | Silver Anodized | Sandblasted Copper | Red Coat Aluminum |
Colourways:
Machinist
Machinist SE
Pumice
Pumice SE
Americano
Americano SE
Manta
Manta SE
Tangerine
Tangerine SE
Motorsport
Motorsport SE
Kit Contents:
- 1x Top Case
- 1x Bottom Case
- 1x External Weight
- 1x Choice of Plate
- 1x Solderable or Hotswap PCB
- 1x C5 Unified Daughterboard + JST to JST Cable
- 1x Carrying Case
- 6x 30A and 60A Gaskets (sock and grommet)
- 1x 50A Oring
- All Screws/Parts/Etc for assembly
*Note does not include switches, keycaps, or stabilizers
Vendors:
- North America: Bowlkeyboards
- Canada: Keybaytech
- Europe: DeltaKeyCo
- China: KBDFans
- Australia: KeebzNCables
- United Kingdom: ProtoTypist
- Singapore: PantheonKeys
- Korea: Swagkeys
- Thailand: Aiglatson
Disclaimers:
Kindly note that the images are of 3D renders and are for illustration purposes only. The final colours may differ slightly.
Shipping Time and GB Agreements (PLEASE READ):
These keyboards are set to be shipped out in Q2 2026.
Please note that this is a Group Buy. There can be delays and set backs. The timeline is only an estimate. By adding this item to your cart and purchasing you agree that you understand everything above. You will be charged immediately for this item. There are no refunds or cancellations on these orders. Please do not purchase this item with other group buys. Only the items specified in each product picture are included with that particular product.