KAM_Superuser (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=108326.0) by FreshFromTheGrave (https://i.imgur.com/k7e0U5P.png) | KAT Cyberspace (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=104969.0) by Ulliam (https://i.imgur.com/ijMWdVv.png) |
(https://i.imgur.com/e9CYDIW.png) KAM Lil Dragon (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=108950.0) by InverseDC |
Nice! I like it!
That’s a really interesting concept and I’ll be keeping my eyes on it (just followed your instagram) as adding an OLED and an encoder adds a lot of flexibility to a 40%
Really like it, great work. And a unique look, which isn't that easy with all those keyboards out there.
Have you thought about a split spacebar? I might even like it better that way ;)
Normally don't do non splits but I love this project! It's so fun, and I'm excited to see how it all comes together :)
This is really awesome, can't wait for this :)). Any chance for a rama knob ;)
This is really awesome, can't wait for this :)). Any chance for a rama knob ;)
Hey! Thanks for the kind words... I've been reading through the feedback so far and it's definitely looking like it'll go into production. Hopefully, I'll be able to post some updates in a few days when I've collated some more.
And I'd love to do a RAMA encoder knob but I'm not sure that they do such small runs of things like that. If someone has more information or contact at RAMA that would be interested in taking a punt on this, then I'd be more than happy to talk ha ha
It looks like Satisfaction 75's little brother. IC form filled, IG followed. I am very interested in this board if more "exotic" colors will be accomodated.
EDIT: If I may raise a personal concern. Is that a 1.25u enter? I pre-ordered the 40s set (pretty standard) of GMK Kaiju and I don't see anything in R3 that can be compatible with it.
It looks like Satisfaction 75's little brother. IC form filled, IG followed. I am very interested in this board if more "exotic" colors will be accomodated.
EDIT: If I may raise a personal concern. Is that a 1.25u enter? I pre-ordered the 40s set (pretty standard) of GMK Kaiju and I don't see anything in R3 that can be compatible with it.
It is a 1.25u enter. This layout features a uniform stagger (0.25u) instead of the more traditional ISO-ANSI stagger of 0.5u/0.25u/0.5u. This creates a lot more visual symmetry for the layout which is compensated by an ascending/descending 1u/1.25u/1.5u left handed and right handed column. This staggering is perhaps one of the reasons Prkns loves the UT47 layout so much.
EDIT:
Concerning the GMK Kaiju set; I see a few options
1) trade someone for an extra 1.25u R3 tab key from the “abnormalities” kit
2) use one of the many 1.25u R4 options from the base kit
3) use a key from another GB set
I like that the controller isn't directly under a switch. That always made these kinds of boards a real pain to desolder, since you had to install the board right over some of the switches.
It looks like Satisfaction 75's little brother. IC form filled, IG followed. I am very interested in this board if more "exotic" colors will be accomodated.
EDIT: If I may raise a personal concern. Is that a 1.25u enter? I pre-ordered the 40s set (pretty standard) of GMK Kaiju and I don't see anything in R3 that can be compatible with it.
It looks like Satisfaction 75's little brother. IC form filled, IG followed. I am very interested in this board if more "exotic" colors will be accomodated.
EDIT: If I may raise a personal concern. Is that a 1.25u enter? I pre-ordered the 40s set (pretty standard) of GMK Kaiju and I don't see anything in R3 that can be compatible with it.
Yea, there are a couple of issues where coverage is concerned but generally speaking, most sets have an option that would suffice this layout. However as DrHigsby explains so well, the reason i love the UT layout is that it not only looks fantastic but the .25u stagger feels incredible. I also love Ortholinear layouts and this way feels almost the same as typing on an ortho but with the familiarity of a standard .5u stagger.
It's really hard to explain but everyone i know who's tried a .25u stagger feels comfortable using it.
That being said, there is an argument for adding multi-layout support going on in the feedback form. Something that once i've collated it all, i'll make a decision on which row's i will add different layouts too.
Thanks for your support so far though, i'm looking forward to sharing some more updates soon.
Weird but I like it.
Hope the hotswap option will stay! I don't mind pay extra for it. Still pretty new to the hobby.
This looks amazing, especially with the encoder and OLED! I'm seriously considering diving into 40% boards because of this.
It looks like Satisfaction 75's little brother. IC form filled, IG followed. I am very interested in this board if more "exotic" colors will be accomodated.
EDIT: If I may raise a personal concern. Is that a 1.25u enter? I pre-ordered the 40s set (pretty standard) of GMK Kaiju and I don't see anything in R3 that can be compatible with it.
Yea, there are a couple of issues where coverage is concerned but generally speaking, most sets have an option that would suffice this layout. However as DrHigsby explains so well, the reason i love the UT layout is that it not only looks fantastic but the .25u stagger feels incredible. I also love Ortholinear layouts and this way feels almost the same as typing on an ortho but with the familiarity of a standard .5u stagger.
It's really hard to explain but everyone i know who's tried a .25u stagger feels comfortable using it.
That being said, there is an argument for adding multi-layout support going on in the feedback form. Something that once i've collated it all, i'll make a decision on which row's i will add different layouts too.
Thanks for your support so far though, i'm looking forward to sharing some more updates soon.
Stick with the .25 stagger. I haven't got one yet ;) (and it might be a good reason I could bring up if I get asked why I had to buy another keyboard ... Surely she will understand)
I think the thing with new layouts is, that you might have poor kit compatibility. But if you try to stick to the kit keys you will likely end up with a design looking too familiar ... so it's a hard decision.
But if you ask me, make something unique.
Sick design, but my only concern is that 1.25 enter key. Veeeery rare nowadays in most 40's kits :(
Looks super neat! Really hope it will be an unlimited GB, so i can get one!
I like ortho, but its nice to see something different for a 40%
Im in on it! looking forward to the updates!
Sick design, but my only concern is that 1.25 enter key. Veeeery rare nowadays in most 40's kits :(
Will keep an eye out for this project though
Sick design, but my only concern is that 1.25 enter key. Veeeery rare nowadays in most 40's kits :(
Will keep an eye out for this project though
As delet_d says, there's a number of sets that have come out recently that support this layout. It's slightly annoying of course that not all of them do but i love the .25 staggered feeling and (personally) i think it looks great too so i'm willing to make sacrifices and pester the keycap designers at IC stage to add the couple of random keys that are potentially missing and see what comes from it.
You're definitely right in questioning it though... it is a rarity to find a fully compatible set every time a new design comes out... i suppose this is where the IC for caps comes in very handy.
My other only feedback here is that I'd love to see a variation in the bottom layout, allowing for double space bars or even a full spacebar at 6u.
Working something out with having a 2.25 + 2.75, or any variation similar to that would be awesome to have for function layer or simply to give flexibility other than just a 2.0 spacebar.
I love the look of this. As a writer, I HAVE to have a standard middle row (quote/apostrophe key where your enter is), so I'd want a split-space on the bottom that I can assign as enter/space. I'm loving the look of this though!
Whimsy no more? IG was removed.
I would prefer the rotary encoder and LED on the left, so there is more room for the mouse on the right of the keyboard, but I will probably buy it regardless :-)I mean, it’s already 40% - you’ll have plenty of mouse room regardless, hehe
Great concept.
Loving the updates and the new renders are super cute! Colour options are rad :D
really stoked for this. will there be a knob for the rotary encoder included and any idea where to get cool knobs?
Has this kb already been sold?
Love the changes. I'm pretty sad to see ortho go, but I like the layout you've landed at with the inclusion of the split bars.
Will certainly be joining this when you run it!
OOOF this thing is clean.
A very unusual and fun little board. Great work on the design. I am very interested just for the fun of it.
Not typically a fan of 40%, bur I'm liking this one :)
choo choo
back on the whimsy train
Rational thoughts: I think I'd struggle with something smaller than 60% and I don't really need another board.
That little voice at the back of my mind: But it has an oled and a rotary encoder!
I know it's boring but I would have liked a version in black. It looks pretty sweet with cyberspace.
SO in for that pink!!Agreed. All in for a pink one!
Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
God I love this design so much ;-; So excited to be picking one of these babies up. Cheers! :)
Would it be possible to make hotswap PCB an option
I didn't think I needed another 40%, I tried my best to avoid looking at this, but it's super cute. Never thought I'd actually want a pink keyboard but it's just so pretty. Do you have any price estimates yet?
Last I saw was estimated between $175-$225... may be inaccurate
“𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙞𝙢.”
Even if it's not rama, I would love to see a rose gold ano knob as an option. They are impossible to find anywhere.Yes please, I’m wondering how easy it’ll be to find a knob that fits my preference. Hoping for some options with the GB.
I don't think I've every wanted a 40% more. this looks fantastic. depending on price I'm in!
4 more weeks till feb, already the highlight of 2021 lets go baby! ill take one in every colour please.I don't think I've every wanted a 40% more. this looks fantastic. depending on price I'm in!
I bet it'll be less than you're thinking Prkns is the man
I can't do 40% layout but the design is great and I really like the OLED and rotary placements on the board. If this ever gets a big brother in the 65-75% range, I'd be in for sure.
Even if it's not rama, I would love to see a rose gold ano knob as an option. They are impossible to find anywhere.
Super excited for this! Will the board be using QMK for programming?
Higher MOQ means lower costs per unit. Producing lower units does not give you cheaper prices; in fact it serves the opposite. Did you mean high MOQ?
Higher MOQ means lower costs per unit. Producing lower units does not give you cheaper prices; in fact it serves the opposite. Did you mean high MOQ?
Based off of the comments that Ulliam has made in this thread I'd believe so. It really seems like they're trying to keep the final price down.
Also it's February and I want this board
So he means high MOQ right?Higher MOQ means lower costs per unit. Producing lower units does not give you cheaper prices; in fact it serves the opposite. Did you mean high MOQ?
Based off of the comments that Ulliam has made in this thread I'd believe so. It really seems like they're trying to keep the final price down.
Also it's February and I want this board
So he means high MOQ right?Higher MOQ means lower costs per unit. Producing lower units does not give you cheaper prices; in fact it serves the opposite. Did you mean high MOQ?
Based off of the comments that Ulliam has made in this thread I'd believe so. It really seems like they're trying to keep the final price down.
Also it's February and I want this board
So he means high MOQ right?Higher MOQ means lower costs per unit. Producing lower units does not give you cheaper prices; in fact it serves the opposite. Did you mean high MOQ?
Based off of the comments that Ulliam has made in this thread I'd believe so. It really seems like they're trying to keep the final price down.
Also it's February and I want this board
Sure seems like it, though I think if it keeps a ~$250 price point we probably won't have any issue hitting even an unreasonably high MOQ. I've never owned a 40% and am pretty adamant on copping this one!
Methinks a pink...
How does one access the values on the rotary encoder?
Is there an option to have a knob without the `X` on there?
For anyone not following the Discord or their website:Stoked!
Group Buy is now predicted to be in March (https://thisisfourteen.co/news/prototypes-are-in-progress) due to prototypes being about 10-15 working days away from arriving at this point for all the colours.
I now understand on a visceral level why all of the guys from the 40s Discord immediately chime in on every keyset IC and are quick to correct 40s kittings - mad frustrating :mad:
I made this to make it easier for me to figure out compatibility is it correct? i'm pretty new at thisShow Image(https://i.imgur.com/622sSpF.png)
Hurry up. I need to be in on this.
so op any GB rules and whats the secure payment option since tyou are going without a store>
I'm not sure whether a single space or split space would be right for me. But, given I tap space with my right index finger, maybe a single space would work for me... Anyone wanna chime in on this?
[spacebar musings]
[spacebar musings]
You don't really need dedicated raise and lower keys. You could have left bar be space on tap and lyr1 on hold, right bar be backspace on tap and lyr2 on hold.
Also the bars are 2.25u long, not 2.75u, but your point about this being a board difficult to kit out still stands.
Yeah yeah my b - still damn near impossible to find 2x 2.25u spacebars in sets. I have the Kon Momo base already, and that set has a short bars addon that captures 2x 2.25u, but the bars are both different colors (sad), but it does have an extensive Nomad kit to fill in the remainder of the odd-sized mods... decisions decisions...
I'm still devastated that I can't have a full-on bubblegum pink keyboard :(
So is the gb still coming or done already?
I'm curious - I don't think I've seen any conversation around the knob... anyone know if there are plans to add anything special? These renders with those customs got me feelin' some type-a way...
But to reply to LordHaveMercy:I'm not sure whether a single space or split space would be right for me. But, given I tap space with my right index finger, maybe a single space would work for me... Anyone wanna chime in on this?
I'm sorry in advance for the impending rant, I'm actually really excited to talk about this and hear everyone else' opinions ;)
I think where you press your spacebar (and therefore your fn/layers) will determine your ease-of-transition into a 40% board. Hear me out....
I've thought alot about this because this will also be my first 40%, and I'm considering both options but heavily leaning towards dual space because of where I press the spacebar, and with what finger.
So if you're going to do a dual spacebar I think it makes sense to recognize what side of the spacebar you press dominantly (for me, that's my left thumb on the left side of the spacebar, for you that's your right index finger in the middle I think) and make that your primary space. Then, you can use the other spacebar as a function button so you can get to all the things you need to get to with a thumb press + (likely alpha) key, while maintaining the integrity of your dominant spacebar position. Or, If you're going single space, you can run the common Up Layer / Down Layer buttons flanking the single 2u space if you vibe with that center spacebar pressin' life, you madlad. That'll give you even more options to trigger with your thumbs, instead of having to do some complex chord to get to a second function layer, and will also maintain your original dominant spacebar positioning. To each his own, but after mimicking the way you'd have to press the spacebar with your right index, I think single space might make the most logical sense for you, and should make your transition less painful.I am not a doctor this is not medical advice
I plan on it being really weird for like 3 weeks, and after that it'll just become second nature.
I traditionally use a 65% layout (sometimes a TKL if I'm feeling saucy) but I decided to bust out my Model M for gits 'n shigs. Being that I primarily work on a Mac, a missing GUI seemed like quite the challenge to overcome. But I simply rebound the CMD key to the caps lock key and... I was surprised just how quickly I took to it, and how wonky it felt to go back to a more standard layout. I imagine you experienced something similar with the HHKB - 'tis a nonstandard layout, after all!
All that to say, I think if you get a 40% board you have to commit to it like... really commit to it, otherwise you're going to get frustrated and bail. It'll take some getting used to I'm sure of it, but when you've got everything sooooooo close together, I think it'll be super enjoyable.
p.s. the only thing I'm bummed about is that I intend to go dual space for this build, but the dual spaces are 2.25u (edited from 2.75u oops) a piece, and that's a really weird keysize and hard to find doubles of in lots of spacebar/40s kits. So keyset kitting for that layout might also be a limiting factor. I'm... still gonna do it, but I'll probably have to "settle" on a keycap set because GMK Peach blossom doesn't have kitting for this board and I just really really want an entirely pink keyboard and my heart is fkn breaking
This is like the best and most helpful response I've ever read to a random couple of thoughts and questions I've had online. Thank you, KeebPleeb!! I'd give you a Platinum award if I could if this were Reddit!
You should come up with a list of recent GBs that will be compatible with the Whimsy :) I know dededecline's Aesthetic will support with the 40s kit, but that's all I know.This is like the best and most helpful response I've ever read to a random couple of thoughts and questions I've had online. Thank you, KeebPleeb!! I'd give you a Platinum award if I could if this were Reddit!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I'm glad you connected with my musings - that must mean I'm at least kind of on track! Your question allowed me to put into words a lot of the disjointed thoughts I've been having about the switch to a 40%. You'll have to let me know if you end up picking up the board what layout you go with and how difficult it was to transition for you, plus any tips/tricks you pick up along the way!
I really excited about this keyboard and would be my first 40% keyboard but I'm afraid, would I have a bad time finding keycaps set that suitable for this keeb?
I just do quick research based on currently running GMK groub buy and it's hard to find 1.25 enter, 1.5 left shift and 2x 2.25u space
For those who are not in the discord server, prkns posted some photos of the pink case prototype:Looks so good omgShow Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/692179290996867072/826959444759674960/PXL_20210326_105152680.jpg)
Did this end already?
Any updates on the start of the GB? Website hasn't changed yet...14 days left says on the discord?
Any updates on the start of the GB? Website hasn't changed yet...14 days left says on the discord?
I am trying to use the GMK Metropolis R2 keycap, what is the layout of the "split space type"?
For those who are not in the discord server, prkns posted some photos of the pink case prototype:glad to see a prototype! i feel the pink is a bit off from what was shown in the original renders though--seems a bit warmer hue-wise.Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/692179290996867072/826959444759674960/PXL_20210326_105152680.jpg)
Dave posted this in the Discord server a few hours ago:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/IiERz8W.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/ogS5S0Q.jpg)
And here I am, thinking I would never want a 40%. I was sorely mistaken...
As of 06/13 or 13/06 (for the normals) the gb still hasn't happened yet. We're still all patiently waiting.
I believe that the creator had a baby recently? Not 100% sure, but yh it is sad to see it taking this long.As of 06/13 or 13/06 (for the normals) the gb still hasn't happened yet. We're still all patiently waiting.
On the Fourteen website (the creator's store) it says the group buy run until April 30, 2021. Although that might also be an old an un-updated date, since a page for a GB that actually happened - DSA 1930 - looks different... I am just really not sure what it up with this project :-[
Came across this on accident, but this is what Bob Ross would call a "happy accident". Glad I found this before it disappeared or something. A lot of 40% keyboards have been catching my eyes lately and this seems absolutely perfect. I understand that things in life happen so I can wait for this to come to fruition.
Abandoned is probably too strong a word, but it's indefinitely delayed and not being actively worked on.
The last big announcements were in Feb / Mar this year. Since then prkns has posted a few photos of some stacked acrylic cases on the discord and made a couple of comments about still being committed, but there are no updates, no clear progress, and no clear communication of a schedule.
It may happen at some time in the future, but even if it does the whole IC process will likely need to be restarted and the design reevaluated. The original price of $235 was quoted at a time when materials were much cheaper than they are today. So even if Prkns wakes up tomorrow and is ready to get to work, it's not like the GB will suddenly just start.
If it runs you'll end up hearing about it but trying to keep the hype going indefinitely is going to exhaust you. Pretend it's been called off, and if you're wrong then you get a happy surprise.
It's off.
MB-44 extras on Friday, Nov 19.
Hello can i still buy it now? im really like this design xD
Hello,Can I still buy it now? i m really like this design! :-[ :-[
:-[ OK,thxHello can i still buy it now? im really like this design xDHello,Can I still buy it now? i m really like this design! :-[ :-[
No, it is still in production. I am very sure you will know when it's done.
:-[ OK,thxHello can i still buy it now? im really like this design xDHello,Can I still buy it now? i m really like this design! :-[ :-[
No, it is still in production. I am very sure you will know when it's done.
Actually,That's what I think too:-[ OK,thxHello can i still buy it now? im really like this design xDHello,Can I still buy it now? i m really like this design! :-[ :-[No, it is still in production. I am very sure you will know when it's done.
Some people think it's off so don't get your hopes high :(
On Discord there is already a member trying to recreate the project since the OG guy hasn't been online and silent for two months
Guess I should pass the announcement made on Discord here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
jaspertandy#9501:
Hi everyone,
Firstly I want to apologise for the influx of spam in the last few days. For some reason I wasn't getting tagged in these messages so that I actually saw them, and you had to put up with them for longer than you should. I've installed a plugin recommended by ecto that should help stem this, but please tag me directly if you see more of it so that I definitely get notified to delete it.
Secondly, I know a lot of people are wondering what the hell is going on, with varying degrees of speculation, and that's totally fair. Hopefully this message will serve to clear some things up a bit. I don't want to speak for Perkins, so I'm going to keep that to a minimum, but I will say that he's been going through a very tough time personally for the last 6+ months, and keyboards haven't been on his radar. Whilst I understand that this leads to frustration at a lack of knowing what's going on with Fourteen's projects, it is what it is (I know 1930 people are going to be on the verge of a rage right now - please hold your thoughts for a second, I am getting to 1930).
So what's going on with Whimsy? Perkins made the decision right out the gate that he wasn't going to take any money for Whimsy until there were prototypes in-hand. It was always going to be the case that manufacturing was going to be done as close to 100% UK-based as possible. Perkins paid for case prototypes to be fabricated, and the quality was pretty shocking. What's more, the fabricator admitted that the quality was poor and Perkins is currently in a lengthy game of email tennis with them to try and get his money back, or get the prototypes done properly. Some of you may be thinking "well if he'd run a GB, there'd be budget for this", and whilst that may be true; just because you have a bit of cash, doesn't mean people should get away with doing a crappy job, so that would've just increased the pressure of getting money back, finding a new fabricator, having a full time job and a young family...
This in particular was always meant to be a passion project that was made available to other people, rather than something with a load of commitment and stress attached to it (and look how that turned out!)
And what's going on with 1930?! There was some complexity around the timing of full packages landing with us. We've blown right through every reasonable deadline now, purely as a result of the timing of all of the above and below, and I know it's not good enough. Ecto has offered to help with the shipping so we can get these sets out ASAP, and I'm planning to talk to him right after I post this message to see about making that happen. Once again, I am really sorry about how this has shaken out - it's been a perfect storm and I know a lot of you are mad and you have every right to be, but we're going to sort it out as soon as possible.
And finally: until Perkins is ready to come back and continue Whimsy at a reasonable pace, I will be temporarily trying to field questions from as many people as possible. If you have any questions, feel free to DM me or tag me in channels and I will either answer your questions, or get you an answer as soon as I can. You can literally ask me anything and I will try to get you an answer. I also have a very busy full time job but I will do my best to get quick and accurate answers to any of your questions.
I'm sorry that I can't offer you a more fun update than this, and that it took so long for this update to happen, but people's mental health always has to come first, and I can't personally write updates for you until I know what the situation is. Thanks for understanding, and if you don't, I'm sorry that this was a waste of your time.
Jasper
Guess I should pass the announcement made on Discord here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
jaspertandy#9501:
Hi everyone,
Firstly I want to apologise for the influx of spam in the last few days. For some reason I wasn't getting tagged in these messages so that I actually saw them, and you had to put up with them for longer than you should. I've installed a plugin recommended by ecto that should help stem this, but please tag me directly if you see more of it so that I definitely get notified to delete it.
Secondly, I know a lot of people are wondering what the hell is going on, with varying degrees of speculation, and that's totally fair. Hopefully this message will serve to clear some things up a bit. I don't want to speak for Perkins, so I'm going to keep that to a minimum, but I will say that he's been going through a very tough time personally for the last 6+ months, and keyboards haven't been on his radar. Whilst I understand that this leads to frustration at a lack of knowing what's going on with Fourteen's projects, it is what it is (I know 1930 people are going to be on the verge of a rage right now - please hold your thoughts for a second, I am getting to 1930).
So what's going on with Whimsy? Perkins made the decision right out the gate that he wasn't going to take any money for Whimsy until there were prototypes in-hand. It was always going to be the case that manufacturing was going to be done as close to 100% UK-based as possible. Perkins paid for case prototypes to be fabricated, and the quality was pretty shocking. What's more, the fabricator admitted that the quality was poor and Perkins is currently in a lengthy game of email tennis with them to try and get his money back, or get the prototypes done properly. Some of you may be thinking "well if he'd run a GB, there'd be budget for this", and whilst that may be true; just because you have a bit of cash, doesn't mean people should get away with doing a crappy job, so that would've just increased the pressure of getting money back, finding a new fabricator, having a full time job and a young family...
This in particular was always meant to be a passion project that was made available to other people, rather than something with a load of commitment and stress attached to it (and look how that turned out!)
And what's going on with 1930?! There was some complexity around the timing of full packages landing with us. We've blown right through every reasonable deadline now, purely as a result of the timing of all of the above and below, and I know it's not good enough. Ecto has offered to help with the shipping so we can get these sets out ASAP, and I'm planning to talk to him right after I post this message to see about making that happen. Once again, I am really sorry about how this has shaken out - it's been a perfect storm and I know a lot of you are mad and you have every right to be, but we're going to sort it out as soon as possible.
And finally: until Perkins is ready to come back and continue Whimsy at a reasonable pace, I will be temporarily trying to field questions from as many people as possible. If you have any questions, feel free to DM me or tag me in channels and I will either answer your questions, or get you an answer as soon as I can. You can literally ask me anything and I will try to get you an answer. I also have a very busy full time job but I will do my best to get quick and accurate answers to any of your questions.
I'm sorry that I can't offer you a more fun update than this, and that it took so long for this update to happen, but people's mental health always has to come first, and I can't personally write updates for you until I know what the situation is. Thanks for understanding, and if you don't, I'm sorry that this was a waste of your time.
Jasper
Thank you for updating the thread with this info, it is very useful to know. I for one do not want to be the guy who puts more stress onto anyone venturing into making their own keeb for others to enjoy. I will keep watching and in hope that this project will again one day fly, until then, breath and don't take any of this too seriously.
100% I don't understand why some people are getting upset over someone sharing an idea they had for a keyboard. If this was post-GB with no communication/information, sure, but my understanding is that an IC is very non-committal (quite literally the name, INTEREST CHECK).
I look forward to when WHIMSY will be eventually released.
I feel like people were just excited for it, but I agree that there's no need to be upset. If its meant to be it will come eventually for people.Guess I should pass the announcement made on Discord here.
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jaspertandy#9501:
Hi everyone,
Firstly I want to apologise for the influx of spam in the last few days. For some reason I wasn't getting tagged in these messages so that I actually saw them, and you had to put up with them for longer than you should. I've installed a plugin recommended by ecto that should help stem this, but please tag me directly if you see more of it so that I definitely get notified to delete it.
Secondly, I know a lot of people are wondering what the hell is going on, with varying degrees of speculation, and that's totally fair. Hopefully this message will serve to clear some things up a bit. I don't want to speak for Perkins, so I'm going to keep that to a minimum, but I will say that he's been going through a very tough time personally for the last 6+ months, and keyboards haven't been on his radar. Whilst I understand that this leads to frustration at a lack of knowing what's going on with Fourteen's projects, it is what it is (I know 1930 people are going to be on the verge of a rage right now - please hold your thoughts for a second, I am getting to 1930).
So what's going on with Whimsy? Perkins made the decision right out the gate that he wasn't going to take any money for Whimsy until there were prototypes in-hand. It was always going to be the case that manufacturing was going to be done as close to 100% UK-based as possible. Perkins paid for case prototypes to be fabricated, and the quality was pretty shocking. What's more, the fabricator admitted that the quality was poor and Perkins is currently in a lengthy game of email tennis with them to try and get his money back, or get the prototypes done properly. Some of you may be thinking "well if he'd run a GB, there'd be budget for this", and whilst that may be true; just because you have a bit of cash, doesn't mean people should get away with doing a crappy job, so that would've just increased the pressure of getting money back, finding a new fabricator, having a full time job and a young family...
This in particular was always meant to be a passion project that was made available to other people, rather than something with a load of commitment and stress attached to it (and look how that turned out!)
And what's going on with 1930?! There was some complexity around the timing of full packages landing with us. We've blown right through every reasonable deadline now, purely as a result of the timing of all of the above and below, and I know it's not good enough. Ecto has offered to help with the shipping so we can get these sets out ASAP, and I'm planning to talk to him right after I post this message to see about making that happen. Once again, I am really sorry about how this has shaken out - it's been a perfect storm and I know a lot of you are mad and you have every right to be, but we're going to sort it out as soon as possible.
And finally: until Perkins is ready to come back and continue Whimsy at a reasonable pace, I will be temporarily trying to field questions from as many people as possible. If you have any questions, feel free to DM me or tag me in channels and I will either answer your questions, or get you an answer as soon as I can. You can literally ask me anything and I will try to get you an answer. I also have a very busy full time job but I will do my best to get quick and accurate answers to any of your questions.
I'm sorry that I can't offer you a more fun update than this, and that it took so long for this update to happen, but people's mental health always has to come first, and I can't personally write updates for you until I know what the situation is. Thanks for understanding, and if you don't, I'm sorry that this was a waste of your time.
Jasper
Thank you for updating the thread with this info, it is very useful to know. I for one do not want to be the guy who puts more stress onto anyone venturing into making their own keeb for others to enjoy. I will keep watching and in hope that this project will again one day fly, until then, breath and don't take any of this too seriously.
100% I don't understand why some people are getting upset over someone sharing an idea they had for a keyboard. If this was post-GB with no communication/information, sure, but my understanding is that an IC is very non-committal (quite literally the name, INTEREST CHECK).
I look forward to when WHIMSY will be eventually released.