My more well-composed thoughts after reading through all the other feedback:
0.) USB-C. Idk if that was mentioned, but I feel like that is a must in 2020. For me at least.
1.) Prefer badge-less, particularly if it means more keys. If there is a badge, prefer OG position
1.) *EDIT* After looking through pics of Think v1, OG badge is growing on me, especially if multiple colors and buying multiple is an option. Swapping out badges for fun/to match keycap sets seems fun.
2.) Absolutely agree with removing '2020.' This is not shaping up to be a year anyone will want to remember / have their board associated with
3.) Polycarbonate (frosted) is my preference by an enormous margin; there are lots of aluminum options but far fewer PC options
4.) I've seen boards with brass plates under frosted polycarbonate, and I love that look. I don't have a huge preference for plate material, but I would very likely go with brass if offered (brass should be sealed or otherwise coated though)
5.) Please don't do split backspace unless it is in addition to normal backspace
6.) VIA compatibility would be an awesome PCB feature. It makes getting started with the hobby much easier (especially when combined with hotswap) and makes it easier to help people get started with the hobby (makes for an easier 'gateway' keyboard if you will)
7.) Hotswap is great, but a previous comment mentioned GMK keycaps were hitting the switch housing on some southfacing switches. That seems bad. I'd definitely rather solder than deal with keycaps striking the switch housing.
8.) If hotswap is done, I would personally suggest something like an ANSI(-ish) layout for the hotswap and then a secondary standard PCB if demand for other layouts is high.
Thanks so much for bringing this back! I'm super excited for it, and am 100% in if frosted polycarbonate is an option! Hope you're healthy and safe, and thank you so much for the engagement with feedback!
Hey bro, thanks for the well thought out and well crafted feedback. Much appreciated. And here are some quick responses, certainly working on most of these:
0.) USB-C. Idk if that was mentioned, but I feel like that is a must in 2020. For me at least.
YES this is a must. USB-type C with C-A and C-C support, which has been done in the original Think6.5 already.
1.)
Prefer badge-less, particularly if it means more keys. If there is a badge, prefer OG positionUnsure if I will do badgeless again, from the data perspective, there were not that many people choosing badgeless during the R1 Think6.5 GB, and adding a different top piece increases production costs significantly. If cost permits, I would like to offer 2 badge position options this time as opposed to having badgeless. Hope you understand.1.) *EDIT* After looking through pics of Think v1, OG badge is growing on me, especially if multiple colors and buying multiple is an option. Swapping out badges for fun/to match keycap sets seems fun.
2.) Absolutely agree with removing '2020.' This is not shaping up to be a year anyone will want to remember / have their board associated with
This is being worked on. What is uncertain atm is if we add "Think" engraving to where 2020 is on the bottom, many friends seem to want Think engraving on the bottom.
3.) Polycarbonate (frosted) is my preference by an enormous margin; there are lots of aluminum options but far fewer PC options
Agreed, will certainly try to offer it. That being said, PC will be about 10% more costly to produce based on the R1 run.
4.) I've seen boards with brass plates under frosted polycarbonate, and I love that look. I don't have a huge preference for plate material, but I would very likely go with brass if offered (brass should be sealed or otherwise coated though)
I personally do not enjoy brass plate's feel or sound. We will find out about plate material as we move this project forward. I am thinking about PEEK, FR4 and some other softer but high quality plastic materials.5.) Please don't do split backspace unless it is in addition to normal backspace
The plate will offer some conventional compatibility (ANSI, split BS, 7u space, ISO). So no worries there.
6.) VIA compatibility would be an awesome PCB feature. It makes getting started with the hobby much easier (especially when combined with hotswap) and makes it easier to help people get started with the hobby (makes for an easier 'gateway' keyboard if you will)
Thanks. I believe the community will probably work on VIA support, if not I will try to find a friend to help out with the programming. Unsure if I will consider this a "gateway" board. I plan to make it an endgame board actually. It is very unlikely we will see hotswap, mainly because hotswap doesn't work well with gasket mount design. And also production complexity and costs.
7.) Hotswap is great, but a previous comment mentioned GMK keycaps were hitting the switch housing on some southfacing switches. That seems bad. I'd definitely rather solder than deal with keycaps striking the switch housing.
At this time I am not planning to offer hotswap, for the reasons mentioned above.
8.) If hotswap is done, I would personally suggest something like an ANSI(-ish) layout for the hotswap and then a secondary standard PCB if demand for other layouts is high.
R1 was an ANSI hotswap. It worked well because we have a 4.5mm thick plate. But now we change to gasket, hotswap will not work that wellAgain, thanks for your feedback. And hoping this reply helps address some of your questions!