Author Topic: AcidFire's modular keyboard system - Axios [In Development]  (Read 657556 times)

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Offline oTurtlez

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #200 on: Tue, 16 July 2013, 15:33:10 »
I can't give it all away yet! right now it's all living in my head, I'll have to sketch it out first and pass it along to someone who can render it out properly for me. Right now the way I have it in my head, it would only work with plate mount, as you'd need something to stabilize/lock it in.

Why not make the PCB accept pin inputs as the connection for the switch, like the controller on Filco's and such whereas it just pushes in, why not do something along the lines of that? Sure it'll make the profile of the entire board a bit larger, but it'd be sweet to just pop a switch off and throw another one on.
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Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #201 on: Tue, 16 July 2013, 16:05:21 »
I can't give it all away yet! right now it's all living in my head, I'll have to sketch it out first and pass it along to someone who can render it out properly for me. Right now the way I have it in my head, it would only work with plate mount, as you'd need something to stabilize/lock it in.

Why not make the PCB accept pin inputs as the connection for the switch, like the controller on Filco's and such whereas it just pushes in, why not do something along the lines of that? Sure it'll make the profile of the entire board a bit larger, but it'd be sweet to just pop a switch off and throw another one on.

That's pretty much what I had in mind, only the design floating around in my head shouldn't increase the board thickness anymore than what the pins currently stick out for. Once I've got my first batch up on kickstarter I plan to put more time into this.

Offline MOZ

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #202 on: Tue, 16 July 2013, 21:02:44 »
Liking the idea.

BTW, another big HTTYD fan here :D

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #203 on: Thu, 18 July 2013, 03:28:38 »
So while I check the tracking on my PCBs every 5 minutes, the samples from SP came in, and I got a couple of caps into the laser for testing:



After playing with my improvised rig, I'm definitely wanting to be able to do independent control of each side of the set up:


Next I'm gonna order some of the frosted keys from SP and see if I can do the vinyl dye at home w/ the same results. I also think I may have found a more affordable solution for the RGB LEDs, so there may be a surprise or two in the future ;)
« Last Edit: Thu, 18 July 2013, 04:41:20 by AcidFire »

Offline MOZ

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #204 on: Thu, 18 July 2013, 06:36:15 »
Show Image


These from the actual prototype or PS?

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #205 on: Thu, 18 July 2013, 09:42:30 »
These are from the actual key, with the color tweaked a bit since the photos were slightly washed out when I took them. But those are (with maybe a slight exception to the red) color accurate to the LEDs.

Also, a bit more details from the key caps:

The one on the left was my second attempt with aligning to the center of the key. On the right was my first attempt, as well as my first (the circles) and second attempt (the patterning) at lasering the sides with a rig I designed to do it.


Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #206 on: Thu, 18 July 2013, 10:06:09 »
Nice! You should make a Toothless keycap.
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Offline CommunistWitchDr

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #207 on: Thu, 18 July 2013, 10:15:57 »
Show Image


Those look amazing. If this can be done with dyesub pbt (well, pbt/poly blend for the frosteds) then that would be even more amazing, mostly because it wouldn't just degrade with use like the laser ones will.

I wonder what a totally blank (or just non letter patterned) frosted would look like with that setup, seeing as that's what I would want to install personally.

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #208 on: Thu, 18 July 2013, 13:41:13 »
Nice! You should make a Toothless keycap.

Get out of my head.

Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #209 on: Thu, 18 July 2013, 15:33:23 »
Nice! You should make a Toothless keycap.

Get out of my head.

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Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #210 on: Thu, 18 July 2013, 16:01:22 »
Show Image


Those look amazing. If this can be done with dyesub pbt (well, pbt/poly blend for the frosteds) then that would be even more amazing, mostly because it wouldn't just degrade with use like the laser ones will.

I wonder what a totally blank (or just non letter patterned) frosted would look like with that setup, seeing as that's what I would want to install personally.

Do you mean etched, or just 4 controllable RGB LEDs?

Offline CommunistWitchDr

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #211 on: Thu, 18 July 2013, 16:04:27 »
Show Image


Those look amazing. If this can be done with dyesub pbt (well, pbt/poly blend for the frosteds) then that would be even more amazing, mostly because it wouldn't just degrade with use like the laser ones will.

I wonder what a totally blank (or just non letter patterned) frosted would look like with that setup, seeing as that's what I would want to install personally.

Do you mean etched, or just 4 controllable RGB LEDs?

I just mean a blank frosted or frosted with like that hexagon pattern dyesubed over the whole cap in the 4 rgb led assembly.

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #212 on: Thu, 18 July 2013, 16:15:47 »
It's entirely possible, biggest issue right now is alignment between the sides but I have some plans to handle that, mostly with a jig w/ tighter tolerances.

Offline Merloobi

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #213 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 07:59:13 »
Wow what an incredible project. I'm extremely interested in buying one of these if/once you begin selling  ;D

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #214 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 12:50:24 »
Wow what an incredible project. I'm extremely interested in buying one of these if/once you begin selling  ;D

Awesome, glad to hear it :)

On a side note, I'm putting a website together for this and I'll be posting a survey & first round beta sign up later today or tomorrow. There are a couple of you who I've already marked for first round if you decide to sign up :)

Offline BlueByLiquid

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #215 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 13:09:14 »
I'm definitely a go

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #216 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 18:46:42 »
Ok, I still need to finish the survey, but for those of you looking to apply for the first round of beta, you can do so here:
ErgoGP Beta v1.0 Application.

I'm currently looking for 10-20 people to participate in the beta on the first round.
« Last Edit: Fri, 19 July 2013, 19:24:19 by AcidFire »

Offline linziyi

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #217 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 18:50:03 »
Ok, I still need to finish the survey, but for those of you looking to apply for the first round of beta, you can do so here:
ErgoGP Beta v1.0 Application.

I'm currently looking for 10-20 people to participate in the beta on the first round.

Link broken :S need a little fix :)
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Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #218 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 18:51:43 »
bah, fixed it. I blame friday :P

Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #219 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 19:10:01 »
bah, fixed it. I blame friday :P

It's still broken...
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Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #220 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 19:10:53 »
http://www.multiplxd.com/ergogp/beta

I think that this is what he means.
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Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #221 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 19:24:59 »
http://www.multiplxd.com/ergogp/beta

I think that this is what he means.

Ok, it's officially time to go home. yes thats the right one, I also fixed my own link.

Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #222 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 19:40:33 »
I should go home or you? I'm confused.

BTW, great looking site.
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Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #223 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 19:46:59 »
I should go home or you? I'm confused.

BTW, great looking site.

I should, it's obviously been a long week >_<

Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #224 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 19:52:29 »
I should go home or you? I'm confused.

BTW, great looking site.

I should, it's obviously been a long week >_<

By the way, what exactly does "at cost" mean? If I signed up, how much would I be paying?
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Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #225 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 19:58:07 »
that you'd be paying whatever it costs me to produce production units if I get that far. You aren't paying anything to participate in the beta.

Offline xman

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #226 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 21:39:28 »
Would it be possible to give a very rough ballpark
estimate as to the cost of a production unit?
You will not be held to it.

Also... a very rough time frame as to how soon
a production unit can maybe possibly
be in a beta tester's hands?
You will not be held to it.

Just very rough estimates.
Thanks!

Offline CommunistWitchDr

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #227 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 21:48:49 »
Would it be possible to give a very rough ballpark
estimate as to the cost of a production unit?
You will not be held to it.

Also... a very rough time frame as to how soon
a production unit can maybe possibly
be in a beta tester's hands?
You will not be held to it.

Just very rough estimates.
Thanks!

I'm currently looking at:
Case+Electronics = $120.00
Case+Electronics+Switches -or- Caps = $160.00
Case+Electronics+Switches+Caps = $200.00
Completely Assembled+Tested = $250.00

Depending on what kind of funding I get, I'm also looking to offer injection molded & anodized aluminum cases.


And a chance of being lower due to buying at cost.

Offline Glod

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #228 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 23:02:35 »
Of course i filled out that beta signup form............lol

I am sorry i can't help with firmware/software but hopefully you would take someone that uses a keyboard 12-14 hours a day into consideration. just saying....

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #229 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 23:16:33 »
Of course i filled out that beta signup form............lol

I am sorry i can't help with firmware/software but hopefully you would take someone that uses a keyboard 12-14 hours a day into consideration. just saying....

Absolutely! At the end of the day I'm looking for better comfort and support for those of us who spend way too much time on a keyboard.

On a side note, did you hit submit after you filled it in? Your application hasn't shown up.

Offline Glod

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #230 on: Fri, 19 July 2013, 23:27:47 »
yeah i hit submit for sure, hmmmm

Offline Larken

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #231 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 00:32:36 »
submitted. definitely interested in how this works out in typical usage.
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Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #232 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 10:19:26 »
Of course i filled out that beta signup form............lol

I am sorry i can't help with firmware/software but hopefully you would take someone that uses a keyboard 12-14 hours a day into consideration. just saying....

Absolutely! At the end of the day I'm looking for better comfort and support for those of us who spend way too much time on a keyboard.

On a side note, did you hit submit after you filled it in? Your application hasn't shown up.

I submitted... has mine shown up yet?
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Offline linziyi

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #233 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 10:23:50 »
 :) I think I am the first one, had mine show up?
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Offline Glod

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #234 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 11:16:30 »
Of course i filled out that beta signup form............lol

I am sorry i can't help with firmware/software but hopefully you would take someone that uses a keyboard 12-14 hours a day into consideration. just saying....

Absolutely! At the end of the day I'm looking for better comfort and support for those of us who spend way too much time on a keyboard.

On a side note, did you hit submit after you filled it in? Your application hasn't shown up.

i refilled out the form, hopefully you got it this time


Offline Kozu

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #235 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 11:31:24 »
I also filled out the form yesterday. Hope it went through.

I'm a software engineer, so yeah. So keyboards are essentially my money maker.

Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #236 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 12:45:23 »
Nice! You should make a Toothless keycap.

Terrible keycap design is terrible. I made this in about 30 seconds:
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Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #237 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 13:06:08 »
I also filled out the form yesterday. Hope it went through.

I'm a software engineer, so yeah. So keyboards are essentially my money maker.
i refilled out the form, hopefully you got it this time
:) I think I am the first one, had mine show up?
Yup, everyone's made it through now.

Nice! You should make a Toothless keycap.

Terrible keycap design is terrible. I made this in about 30 seconds:
Show Image


You sir owe me a new keyboard & LCD cleaning supplies lol

Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #238 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 13:10:52 »
You sir owe me a new keyboard & LCD cleaning supplies lol

Moral of the story: Don't drink anything while looking at my um... "artwork."
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Offline BlueByLiquid

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #239 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 13:11:13 »
Acidfire,

Can u tell me if my application went through? I'm in a place with horrible Internet for several days and the form was acting funny?

Thanks!

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #240 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 13:18:39 »
Acidfire,

Can u tell me if my application went through? I'm in a place with horrible Internet for several days and the form was acting funny?

Thanks!
I've only got one application without a username and that was a day or two ago, so you may need to try again.

Offline BlueByLiquid

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #241 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 14:51:28 »
Acidfire,

Can u tell me if my application went through? I'm in a place with horrible Internet for several days and the form was acting funny?

Thanks!
I've only got one application without a username and that was a day or two ago, so you may need to try again.

Hmm, maybe the form doesn't work on an iphone. I just tried again and when I agree and click complete it loads a screen where you can tell something is missing and the three text links, update, something and beta signup. Will try when I get to the real world.

Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #242 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 15:17:40 »
Ok now he's just scary.

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Offline MattDarling

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #243 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 17:10:06 »
I've been lurking and watching this thread since last week, and just submitted my beta application. I was sold on the idea of making the thumb clusters more comfortable to use (I had to stop using my Kinesis Advantage because of that), but then you posted the thing with the laptop, and I was sold twice over.

Anyway, it's awesome to see another ergonomic keyboard project starting in Canada - now I won't have to pay an arm and a leg for shipping, lol. Regardless of whether I get a prototype model or a Kickstarter unit :)

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #244 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 18:08:52 »
I've been lurking and watching this thread since last week, and just submitted my beta application. I was sold on the idea of making the thumb clusters more comfortable to use (I had to stop using my Kinesis Advantage because of that), but then you posted the thing with the laptop, and I was sold twice over.

Anyway, it's awesome to see another ergonomic keyboard project starting in Canada - now I won't have to pay an arm and a leg for shipping, lol. Regardless of whether I get a prototype model or a Kickstarter unit :)

Canada FTW! Where in canada are you? NVM, its on your application -derp-
« Last Edit: Sat, 20 July 2013, 18:11:03 by AcidFire »

Offline BlueByLiquid

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #245 on: Sun, 21 July 2013, 10:53:12 »
Acidfire,

Can u tell me if my application went through? I'm in a place with horrible Internet for several days and the form was acting funny?

Thanks!
I've only got one application without a username and that was a day or two ago, so you may need to try again.

Should we get a confirmation email? I just tired it from a computer and it seemed to work but no email. Thanks!

Offline MattDarling

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #246 on: Sun, 21 July 2013, 19:14:18 »
Canada FTW! Where in canada are you? NVM, its on your application -derp-

Haha, yeah - at least I know you got the application :D I'm amazed at how quickly this is moving forward. Perhaps those lean startup folks were right after all...

Should we get a confirmation email? I just tired it from a computer and it seemed to work but no email. Thanks!

I didn't get a confirmation for mine, either, fwiw :) And, apparently, mine did go through.

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #247 on: Sun, 21 July 2013, 21:11:15 »
Sorry, yes blue yours made it in, and thats a good point, I'll have to add in a confirmation email for extra clarity.

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #248 on: Mon, 22 July 2013, 11:04:07 »
Haha, yeah - at least I know you got the application :D I'm amazed at how quickly this is moving forward. Perhaps those lean startup folks were right after all...

I've never heard of this concept before, but I like it. Definitely along the same track I'm working on, it's cool that theres a name for it.

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #249 on: Mon, 22 July 2013, 12:20:13 »
Ok, a suggestion was made to me at work that I'd like to hear opinions about. Right now, this beta test is looking to cost me a fair bit of money to get the first units produced. I'm happy to shell out the cash because I think it's vital to the development to get user experience and see what needs to be changed, if anything. However, this will stretch my own finances a bit when I should be paying bills. Some of you have already offered to preorder the kits to help support the development, something that was extremely gratifying, but I didn't feel comfortable taking anyone's money until I had made it a bit farther. I've said in the beta applications that the boards would need to be returned at some point, mainly due to the cost for me, however I would like to do at this point is offer a compromise.

What I'd like to do is put up a small indiegogo campaign to cover the cost of production for 20 beta kits. These kits will be offered with & without switches, and each kit would come with frosted keycaps for the backlighting. Basically, I'm looking at roughly $100 without switches, and $150 w/ blue, clear or black switches. This means that the prototype is yours to keep, and you'll still be able to buy a kickstarter/retail kit @ cost when they become available. I'm also looking at offering 20-30 sets of the clear frosted keys (in DSA) as well for $40 to help with funding as well. Would anyone be interested in this option?