Thanks for the comments. I just realized I can't keep up with the pace of this thread.
by the way I'd probably never use the usb port and power adapter thing. if it saves any significant money, maybe a version without those (and without trackpoint) as a lower cost version maybe.
Oh, and dont forget european layouts.
It needs the USB port to feed the Trackpoint
and the keyboard controller into a single USB cable. That cable is detachable. That's a 4 port hub and I use 2 ports internally. I'd like to keep the removable cable. Without Trackpoint it might work but that would be another variation.
As for European layouts: My current laptop has ANSI layout but german keycaps. So there are options without pcb redesign.
I started with ANSI layout because I prefer it to ISO. Left shift and enter are just easier to reach.
So, I'm thinking, the following configurations...
60 MX Black + 1 Grey Linear
59 MX Black + 1 Alt Action + 1 Grey Linear
60 MX Brown + 1 Grey Tactile
59 MX Brown + 1 Alt Action + 1 Grey Tactile
60 MX Blue + 1 Green
59 MX Blue + 1 Alt Action + 1 Green
61 Strongman White
61 Strongman Black
Of course, right there, that means that you've got two different PCBs (unless lowpoly has an idea for running both Cherry MX and Strongman switches on the same PCB,) eight different switch configurations to run on the production line, and two different sets of keycaps (and that's just for one color.)
I think I'd
start with Cherry. It would be just easier to call or visit them. Depending on the construction of the alternate action switch it might be possible to add one to the package.
it should definitely come with a set of dip switches that do stuff. For instance control/capslock switching can be done that way right? That way a bunch of minor variations can be taken care of with dip switches.
The controller doesn't support dip switches.
And there's even been mention of giving it blank keycaps. 
Edit: If you're going to use that approach, I'd do f/c and g/v. B is a bit of a reach for a left hand key.
f/c and g/v is better, yes. And blank keycaps shouldn't be too difficult. Cherry has done it before.
You guys have all added some interesting changes but wouldn't that add to the difficulty of getting it mass produced.
I am thinking of the guy that did the Das keyboard. It was probably a big deal just to get the one designed and built.
I wonder what the minimum manufacturing lot would be for something like this. Would they need to make 1000 keyboards to be even interested?
I could be all wrong here, please don't flame me.
Actually, the variations I was thinking of so far would be keycap/programming variations. Like a version with Mac keys pre-programmed. If it sells, the more difficult variations - like an Alps pcb - should be doable. Like Costar/Filco did it with the Tenkeyless.
well thats for the manufacturer to figure out, right? Or are you seriously thinking of taking a soldering iron in your basement and pumping out custom versions for individual geekhacker requests? Good god man, hand over the manufacturer to an oem and be done with it! You'll make a killing with the licensing fees.
the different switches will be crucial to its wide appeal I think, since if the poll above is any indication, there's no huge agreement on what switches geekhackers would prefer. There will probably be a cherry pcb and an alps pcb at the very least.
I have the feeling that this is too far away from what the OEM manufacturers generally do. Still, it might be possible. I'm not going to solder myself.
I don't know. There may be buzz, but unless Lowpoly has something going on on his end then the buzz is limited to geekhack. We have around 200 users. And not all may be interested.
An OEM is probably not interested in a small run. I would think they need some kind of volume before they consider it.
A run of 100 units would be a specialty item, and quite expensive not doubt.
It doesn't have to come from a single manufacturer. Some company in far east could do the pcb and controller manufacturing. Case could be cut from an Aluminum block here in Germany. Keycaps from Cherry in Czech republic. Assembly could be somewhere. Something like that.
TR would be a good site, too - there's a few clicky keyboard fans there, including one of their writers. Basically, I think we should hit major sites that have liked either the Das III or the HHKB. We're going for "HHKB layout, but better" and (with a Cherry blue model) Das III feel.
I think the most important feature of this board is that you don't have to leave the home row.
DSI can OEM. They were suggesting that they could OEM a split-ergo board with blue-Cherries that I had wanted, but since it wasn't going to be a big run, they weren't interested. I didn't get any details, so you may want to contact them and see what they offer. George Tsai was the person with DSI that contacted me. here is the thread with a few details: http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=713.
Thanks for the link. Costar and DSI would be the ones to talk to.
