A bit of a progress update.
First off, thank you to the users that filled out the interest check form! I'm blown away by the amount of feedback I received especially since I haven't posted the IC anywhere other than GH.
I have been testing the 2nd PCB prototype which features a 1.2mm thickness and modified leaf-spring style cuts on the tabs.
Typing experience is much better than R1 since the lack of full-row flex cuts prevent the whole rows of keys from bouncing around too much, (something you normally wouldn't experience with a full/half plate). At the same time, the gaskets allow for a soft bottom out and the thin PCB provides a firm but flexible feel.
Here is my boomer attempt to illustrate the flex, it's a bit more pronounced in person:
IC Feedback- Some people have asked about whether the side tabs are really necessary since you never see side mounts on plate designs. Without them, the modifiers don't have as much support and the typing force feels very uneven, especially with gasket mount. So yes, they are necessary.
- I've received requests for in-switch LEDs - at this time I won't be adding them in just to keep things simple. If I decide to run another round, it will be included
- Also requests for split-spacebars. It would require a PCB re-design so unfortunately that is also out of the picture for this round
- Lighter rose gold color. The first prototype was a custom pantone that my manu had never worked with before so color matching was a challenge. I am making adjustments to a more reproducible, lighter rose gold color.
- Only 20% polled like HHKB so unfortunately that is out of the picture
- Green PCB. Sorry but it will be black.
- Polycarb case. If I run another round, I will look into it.
Next Steps2nd case proto has been ordered with a couple changes:
- Removed the text logo at the back based on feedback
- Slightly increased the space between PCB and case to provide more room to flex
- Added alignment tabs for the brass accent piece
- Polished brass just to see if I like it
- Changed the rose anodization color to a lighter one
I will probably include optional FR4 plate and case foam to allow for user to tune to their preference. Personally I think it feels and sounds great without.
Tentatively, I am planning 70 boards for public sale, in Light Rose and Slate Blue colorways, WKL and WK. It will ship from Canada and will be in CAD$.
Updated to-do:
- Sound test
- Design and order custom packaging (samples in transit)
- Look into reasonable intl shipping costs (30% of IC is outside North America!)
- Prepare for GB - hoping for 2020 but we'll see
New color renders and discord coming soon - bear with me, I'd love to dedicate more time to this but work and family come first. Thanks all!
