An update is long overdue. Here is the latest on this project...
The 3D design is mostly done, and some of the components are already in production -- namely, the hybrid Cherry/ALPS stabilizer clips (see attached photos) and balance bars.
We had originally planned to use ALPS stabilizers everywhere, but they don't provide enough support for longer keys (like spacebars). Traditional ALPS spacebars have a stabilizer post, but in today's Cherry-dominated world, we felt the hybrid clips made more sense.
In the photos, the beige samples are prototypes, pink samples are pre-production, and grey are final production parts.
(Sorry the photos are not better. They were taken on a hotel sink basin in China -- flew back the day before yesterday.)
We got lost in the weeds of the problem of printing white legends on black PBT. It's a lot harder than I thought it would be. We have a process worked out, but our main factory's laser machine is not up to the task, so they are buying another one.
I know there is some concern and disappointment at how long this is all taking to finish. I share your frustration. With hardware, small problems can lead to long delays. With this project, we tackled several big problems simultaneously, and that complicated things further.
For context, our Ergo Pro keyboard took twice as long as we had originally estimated to finish, but the final shipping product is generally considered to be the best ergonomic keyboard on the market at the moment. So the wait was worth it. I'm hopeful that will be the case with the 60% keyboard as well.
Thanks to all who have waited this long. For those who cannot wait, please accept my apologies. We will promptly refund your money and hope you find a suitable alternative 60. Fortunately, there are lots of 60% keyboards available now.
Happy Holidays to everyone....