[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.0][img width=470 height=120]https://i.imgur.com/LNCvDiF.jpg[/img][/url]
GB is finally here! Made a account and gonna wait for my early bird coupon before placing a order
What's happening with the 40%? There's brief mention of it but nothing more.It is such a superior layout that it needs not fight for more attention than it already has. ;)
Any news for the early birds? Though I don't use 40%, some combinations already ran out of stock :(they are not out of stock, they just aren't enabled just yet. Plastik thought the interest was going to be low for 40%. if more people order them he will unlock the possibility to have it in stainless steel and probably also brass plate.
Joined for 75% case and checked out but then remembered I needed the PCB and had to check out again. Any chance I could get some of that shipping money back? I sent you an email through the store with my order #dude all 75% kits come with pcb.
Joined for 75% case and checked out but then remembered I needed the PCB and had to check out again. Any chance I could get some of that shipping money back? I sent you an email through the store with my order #dude all 75% kits come with pcb.
At risk of going unemployed... will join if can keep my job
At risk of going unemployed... will join if can keep my job
Good luck with your job. :( Hope everything goes well.
As for me, I'm definitely buying this.
95% yellow (for GMK Nautilus of course)
Can we get some pics of what the bottom and inside of these cases look like?
also just created an acc, will you verify these with the early birds and then send the coupons or do we need to contact you in some other way?
also just created an acc, will you verify these with the early birds and then send the coupons or do we need to contact you in some other way?
I'm now working on this, might take a while.
also just created an acc, will you verify these with the early birds and then send the coupons or do we need to contact you in some other way?
I'm now working on this, might take a while.
No rush, but can we enter the raffle in case you sell 100+ by the time we get the coupons?
Prices appear to be inclusive of VAT. Will this be deducted from final price for shipments outside the EU?
Also can anyone confirm if the powder coat on the yellow is smooth or textured like in the IC picture? I'm thinking of just getting that stainless steel version cause I'm liking how smooth it is.Powder coating is quite textured. Look at the prototype photos to get an idea.
No tungsten option? I thought we were going to get HEAVY!
Nice shop, waiting for coupon to place order :thumb:
Hi, can you post some dimensions of the 95% version (overall length/width etc.), as well as the size of the rectangular gap between the function cluster and number clusters? I am planning to make some custom vinyl stickers, and If I know the dimensions I can design around it. You don't have to disclose too much, but it would be nice to have some diagrams showing the general dimensions of the different cases. I would also appreciate if you can take a picture of the bottom of the case. Thanks, good luck with your GB!
Morjen from the rheinisch version of Bornheim!
I followed your IC loosely but now that your GB is live you caught my attention. The name change is very nice \m/
So now I'm considering wether to get a 75 or a 95. How wide are those versions?
Can we get some pics of what the bottom and inside of these cases look like?
also just created an acc, will you verify these with the early birds and then send the coupons or do we need to contact you in some other way?
I'm now working on this, might take a while.
Finally! Time to say goodbye to my savings, this + Nautilus.
Also can anyone confirm if the powder coat on the yellow is smooth or textured like in the IC picture? I'm thinking of just getting that stainless steel version cause I'm liking how smooth it is.
Just wondering, when it comes to shipment, are they going to be shipped as per chronological order, ie starting from whoever placed the order first?
Still wondering about this...Prices appear to be inclusive of VAT. Will this be deducted from final price for shipments outside the EU?
I'm a little confused by the Yas62 options. I have a Yas62 PCB that I still never assembled.
I see that you say that you have some left, but if I choose the yas version of the HHKB-60, the price is the same as if i get any other 60%. Is there somewhere else I should be looking to indicate that I don't need a PCB that drops the price a little?
everybody pays the price that is shown there. nothing will be deducted.
also just created an acc, will you verify these with the early birds and then send the coupons or do we need to contact you in some other way?
I'm now working on this, might take a while.
all earlybirds should have their giftcode email by now
Once you have installed the keyboard, do you know roughly how many mm is the space between the PCB and the bottom plate?
Asking to see how much foam we can put on the bottom to dampen the noise.
also just created an acc, will you verify these with the early birds and then send the coupons or do we need to contact you in some other way?
I'm now working on this, might take a while.
all earlybirds should have their giftcode email by now
i havent gotten mine yet?
i'm trying to order hmkb in yas/black/steel but the website says its out of stock. is that bc its bundled with the limited pcb's? if that's the case, how do i order one if i already have a pcb?
also just created an acc, will you verify these with the early birds and then send the coupons or do we need to contact you in some other way?
I'm now working on this, might take a while.
all earlybirds should have their giftcode email by now
i havent gotten mine yet?
please check your spam. if there is nothing either, I'll check tomorrow evening.
What is the average weight of the 60% case with brass plate? Looking to see how heavy this case will be.
Alps support, or compatibility with H87a PCBs?
Can we get some pics of what the bottom and inside of these cases look like?
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2861577#msg2861577
screw access holes in the corners will get smaller. they don't need to be that big.
Hi. Was wondering what the weight of the HMKB-80 would be w/ brass plate? The weight listed seems to be for the standard plate.if you compare the density of the two materials you will be able to determine if there is any real difference in weight. volume is constant.
Thanks!
Can we get some pics of what the bottom and inside of these cases look like?
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2861577#msg2861577
screw access holes in the corners will get smaller. they don't need to be that big.
That's much more helpful, thanks!
But still, can there be some views of the inside? like inner sides of the bottom/top case,
And, most importantly, picture showing how pcb and plate are mounted.
Sorry if those are already displayed somewhere that I missed, please throw a link.
Thanks again.
Update:
I found mounting animation at https://heavymetalkeyboards.com/
structure is pretty clearly shown there, but still can't find photos of the actual inside.
Hi. Was wondering what the weight of the HMKB-80 would be w/ brass plate? The weight listed seems to be for the standard plate.
Thanks!
Maartenwut PCB are all ESD protected (and fuse). What are you talking about ? Did you check the actual GB shop?
When I woke up today, I wasn't planning on buying a keyboard :) But such a unique project at this price, I got a WKL stainless steel :thumb:
Can we get some pics of what the bottom and inside of these cases look like?
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2861577#msg2861577
screw access holes in the corners will get smaller. they don't need to be that big.
That's much more helpful, thanks!
But still, can there be some views of the inside? like inner sides of the bottom/top case,
And, most importantly, picture showing how pcb and plate are mounted.
Sorry if those are already displayed somewhere that I missed, please throw a link.
Thanks again.
Update:
I found mounting animation at https://heavymetalkeyboards.com/
structure is pretty clearly shown there, but still can't find photos of the actual inside.
I'm not really sure what you expect to see inside? There is just the plate and the PCB inside, noting else hides there. You can find another picture here, first page of the IC:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2829764#msg2829764
Hello, thank you for the excellent GB! Question: Bolts on all renders/photos they are black. What a bit sticking contrast on Beige/Yellow boards. Is there a chance to get yellow bolts for yellow keeb and beige bolts for beige keeb?Plastik has previously stated his preference for the black bolts. And IMO, they look nice being black.
when will the group buy end?Since reading is hard, I'll give you a second try by copying directly from the FAQ in the OP:
Guys. What if I don't know how to solder?
I want the 95 in beige but have no idea what to do about this. Can I pay someone to solder some switches on for me? I'm not cool like you guys.
Guys. What if I don't know how to solder?As malde already said, of course you can pay someone local or try to get help from someone for this. But then again, soldering isn't hard and it's a handy skill to have. You also don't need much for a small project like soldering on a few switches:
I want the 95 in beige but have no idea what to do about this. Can I pay someone to solder some switches on for me? I'm not cool like you guys.
Missed the YAS62 gb, any chance of making another run? :confused: :confused:
Guys. What if I don't know how to solder?
I want the 95 in beige but have no idea what to do about this. Can I pay someone to solder some switches on for me? I'm not cool like you guys.
Soldering is a boring skill, gets old pretty quickly. Desoldering ... is still so much fun for me as all I have is a solder sucker pump thing, no fancy FR301 desoldering stations (cause they are vvv expensive).Guys. What if I don't know how to solder?
I want the 95 in beige but have no idea what to do about this. Can I pay someone to solder some switches on for me? I'm not cool like you guys.
Just in case you do learn how to solder, you will be disappointed. Because if I remember correctly, when I learned it, I did not feel any cooler than before :(
If not:
There are quite a few who offer to build you the the keyboard for commission. What I have seen, I say, they all do e very good job and they wor is worth every penny.
Hi. Noob here. So if I buy tkl with brass plate, I assume I need to purchase plate mount switches & stabilizers, correct? I thought I read someone said pcb mount.
Hi. Noob here. So if I buy tkl with brass plate, I assume I need to purchase plate mount switches & stabilizers, correct? I thought I read someone said pcb mount.
Your stabilizers need to be PCB mount for this. The switches can be plate or PCB mount. The only difference between these is that the PCB mount versions have extra two little legs that help them stick into the PCB. You should always get PCB mount switches with the extra two legs, even if they are held in a plate. Don't bother about "plate mount switches".
I can't seem to find the "non pcb 60% version" in the store. Or is that the one that costs 140 eur?
Is it possible to get updated #s for the GB? Just curious how this GB is doing.
Am I the only one excited to hear some initial sales numbers? :)
Is it possible to get updated #s for the GB? Just curious how this GB is doing.Am I the only one excited to hear some initial sales numbers? :)
Preparing some updates for next week.
Regarding the numbers, we are at 450 orders so far. That is about what I had expected. The prices of the cases are set for an moq of 400+, anything below that would have been bad news.
Is it possible to get updated #s for the GB? Just curious how this GB is doing.Am I the only one excited to hear some initial sales numbers? :)
Preparing some updates for next week.
Regarding the numbers, we are at 450 orders so far. That is about what I had expected. The prices of the cases are set for an moq of 400+, anything below that would have been bad news.
Can I use 7u space bar layout if I got the 65% with 2 blockers?
Is it possible to get updated #s for the GB? Just curious how this GB is doing.Am I the only one excited to hear some initial sales numbers? :)
Preparing some updates for next week.
Regarding the numbers, we are at 450 orders so far. That is about what I had expected. The prices of the cases are set for an moq of 400+, anything below that would have been bad news.
Thats great news. Are you planning on closing the GB early now that we've hit MOQ?
I got in contact with Energieschleuder who is currently running the GMK Masterpiece GB (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=106068.0). Made some new renderings. Here you can see GMK Masterpiece on an HMKB-60 stainless steel:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/fyDo3dc.png)
Damn am I the only one ordering 65% with 2 blockers?
Is it possible to get updated #s for the GB? Just curious how this GB is doing.Am I the only one excited to hear some initial sales numbers? :)
Preparing some updates for next week.
Regarding the numbers, we are at 450 orders so far. That is about what I had expected. The prices of the cases are set for an moq of 400+, anything below that would have been bad news.
Thats great news. Are you planning on closing the GB early now that we've hit MOQ?
But why would I do that?
I had stated, that the GB will run for one month, just like all others do (ok, there may have been a few exceptions). Nothing has changed.
GMK keycap GBs also don't stop when they hit MOQ. At that point production just went from not being economically viable to just OK.
So if you are considering to join the GB but are not sure about which version, size or color to choose, take your time, no need to hurry.
The order phase is open for about one month or until a sufficient amount of orders is reached.
Thats great news. Are you planning on closing the GB early now that we've hit MOQ?
LOL what in the world kinda question is thisTo be honest, I also was quite worried about GB closing early due to "sufficient amount" remark. I mean, if that were true and GB would be closed when targeted amount of orders reached, I would be missing out on this as I am yet to receive the paycheck. I see no reason to being this sarcastic as many people are already struggling due to corona and actually need safe amount of spending money before jumping on every GB.
I got in contact with Energieschleuder who is currently running the GMK Masterpiece GB (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=106068.0). Made some new renderings. Here you can see GMK Masterpiece on an HMKB-60 stainless steel:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/fyDo3dc.png)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/qe740ib.png)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/iHVtAqm.png)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/O99hiyE.png)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/nn3jV6f.png)
Btw, I tried stainless steel screws for this scene. Included will be the black ones.
On the topic of screws, black being included is probably the best/most fitting option since you selected them. But let's say I want to explore other options/colors, I can recall that there has been mention of them all being M3. What I could not find though are the actual lengths, since the sides and top does seem to be different, at least in the exploded view/graphic. Do you mind sharing the lengths?
ONe question.. Is the SS version somewhat polished?It's bead blasted, look at the prototypes.
Why is the brass plate for the HMKB 40 sold out?
And more importantly, why am I interested in buying a 4x12 ortho keyboard when I already have two Plancks and a Plaid?
Why is the brass plate for the HMKB 40 sold out?
And more importantly, why am I interested in buying a 4x12 ortho keyboard when I already have two Plancks and a Plaid?
First: It's not sold out, there never was a brass plate for the 40 even though the shop shows it. Technical reasons I guess.
And Second: Because the Plancks and Plaid aren't HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDS, of course.
Unfortunately I do not have the best sense when it comes to colour combinations. Do you think the board in yellow goes well with the GMK Deep Navy?
Sorry if the question is too much OT, I'm completely new here in the forum :x
Unfortunately I do not have the best sense when it comes to colour combinations. Do you think the board in yellow goes well with the GMK Deep Navy?
Sorry if the question is too much OT, I'm completely new here in the forum :x
No problem at all, there was an image posted in the Discord, judge for yourself (https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/705801555344883742/706764195739467826/navy.jpg?width=1263&height=842).
Is there any way to know the dimensions of the keyboards? I would love to know. :thumb:
Is there any way to know the dimensions of the keyboards? I would love to know. :thumb:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=106072.msg2897704#msg2897704
that's the way ;)
Unfortunately I do not have the best sense when it comes to colour combinations. Do you think the board in yellow goes well with the GMK Deep Navy?
Sorry if the question is too much OT, I'm completely new here in the forum :x
No problem at all, there was an image posted in the Discord, judge for yourself (https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/705801555344883742/706764195739467826/navy.jpg?width=1263&height=842).
But that's a photoshop that someone else than me did.
GMK Deep Navy renderings are on the way, better wait for those.
Christmas is only 7 months away. With the way the world is right now, we very well may be waiting until then.
Just ordered a 75%; first time builder, so excited!! So cool to see a community like this, you guys are awesome.
Would a regular Planck PCB work in the HMKB 40, or is the switch spacing standard on its plate?
Would a regular Planck PCB work in the HMKB 40, or is the switch spacing standard on its plate?
HMKB-40 does not have the regular switch distance of 19.05mm. It is 19.00 because it is made for the Eon40 PCB.
The HMKB-40 is only available as kit with the Eon40 PCB.
Any renders for the bottom side? I am curious about the bottom :)
Can we get some pics of what the bottom and inside of these cases look like?
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2861577#msg2861577
screw access holes in the corners will get smaller. they don't need to be that big.
Can we get some pics of what the bottom and inside of these cases look like?
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2861577#msg2861577
screw access holes in the corners will get smaller. they don't need to be that big.
That's much more helpful, thanks!
But still, can there be some views of the inside? like inner sides of the bottom/top case,
And, most importantly, picture showing how pcb and plate are mounted.
Sorry if those are already displayed somewhere that I missed, please throw a link.
Thanks again.
Update:
I found mounting animation at https://heavymetalkeyboards.com/
structure is pretty clearly shown there, but still can't find photos of the actual inside.
I'm not really sure what you expect to see inside? There is just the plate and the PCB inside, noting else hides there. You can find another picture here, first page of the IC:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2829764#msg2829764
Very tempted to join. I just dont know how well Vilebloom would go with RAL1013 though
so these renders are with ss screws, but the ss case will still come with black screws right?
My apologies if this is addressed elsewhere, but is the 60% the only one with speaker support?
I wonder what all those extra headers are for in some of the pics of the other pcbs...
one quick question, I noticed at the corners there are small cracks where the bent sheets join. Do you have any insight as to how much dust will get inside? I like the touch, but I'm afraid it's gonna get dusty inside real quick haha
Just joined the group buy as my first build and I'm very excited!
I ordered the HMKB75 Full right column, and I'm trying to figure out what size spacebar stabilizer will work with this layout? I saw that there are options between 6.25u or 7u when looking for stabilizers. Still new to all this ;)
Thanks in advance!
Howdy, I am thinking of putting in one more keyboard order (was a pre-backer, have two boards ordered at the moment).
Would you automatically know that it's the same person ordering and combine the shipping or would I pay shipping again? Can I amend a previously paid order? Thanks!
I assume the answer to my following question is "A blank sheet of material" but do you have nay pictures of the underside of the keyboard?
Any renders for the bottom side? I am curious about the bottom :)
look here:Can we get some pics of what the bottom and inside of these cases look like?
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2861577#msg2861577
screw access holes in the corners will get smaller. they don't need to be that big.
and here:Can we get some pics of what the bottom and inside of these cases look like?
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2861577#msg2861577
screw access holes in the corners will get smaller. they don't need to be that big.
That's much more helpful, thanks!
But still, can there be some views of the inside? like inner sides of the bottom/top case,
And, most importantly, picture showing how pcb and plate are mounted.
Sorry if those are already displayed somewhere that I missed, please throw a link.
Thanks again.
Update:
I found mounting animation at https://heavymetalkeyboards.com/
structure is pretty clearly shown there, but still can't find photos of the actual inside.
I'm not really sure what you expect to see inside? There is just the plate and the PCB inside, noting else hides there. You can find another picture here, first page of the IC:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103257.msg2829764#msg2829764
thanks for linking to it.Yes please. Nothing fancy just a clear detailed view of all sides. I wish more GBs and ICs did this instead of or with the artistic photos/renders. Thank you!
I should include some underside pictures in the start post.
HMKB outdoorThank you great photos.
I took some more pictures outside today. These are some of the earlier prototypes (batch two and three). All at different angles, 6°, 10° and 12°. A lot asked about the bottom side, here you can see it in good lighting conditions (Cloudy sky but still ok). Yes, just a plain and boring surface, pretty much nothing to see there. No logo, nothing. The screw access holes in the corners of the bottom are quite big in the prototypes, they will be smaller in the production units. In the one closeup shot you can see that the same grommets that are used for isolating the plate are also utilized between top and bottom parts. Furthermore those same grommets act as feet.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/9DtOFcT.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/jjToPCB.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/tA6cGkC.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/JvXi0PT.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/knQNt2W.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/ZFr7R3k.jpg)
You now have to do a render of one of your keyboards with a keycap set that doesn't go well with it, just to see if it's possible. :cool:
(each render makes me more anxious to get my HMKBs already!)
You now have to do a render of one of your keyboards with a keycap set that doesn't go well with it, just to see if it's possible. :cool:
(each render makes me more anxious to get my HMKBs already!)
Oh, I could make that happen.
You now have to do a render of one of your keyboards with a keycap set that doesn't go well with it, just to see if it's possible. :cool:
(each render makes me more anxious to get my HMKBs already!)
Oh, I could make that happen.
Make it challenging! That means NO HANDARBEIT. :p
You now have to do a render of one of your keyboards with a keycap set that doesn't go well with it, just to see if it's possible. :cool:
(each render makes me more anxious to get my HMKBs already!)
Oh, I could make that happen.
Make it challenging! That means NO HANDARBEIT. :p
I should say, if he sends me the files I could make it happen hahaha.
I'd love to see a render of the GMK Handarbeit on the stainless steel bead blasted version :D I think it'd be popping hahaha.
Are there any pictures/renders of the 65 without blockers? I've searched the whole IC Thread and was not able to find anything
GMK TA90 on HMKB-75 Grey
I don't yet have the prototype PCBs for the HMKB-75 but I do have a prototype case and plate now. That's enough for me to be able to show you how the build looks.
HMKB grey is perfect for Dolch. Many other sets work as well, especially when there is some kind of warm grey present. Here it is with GMK TA90. The photos also show the cherry profile how it was originally designed. The profile is completed with R0 and R5, the way it is supposed to be:Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/9jefIBc.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/KHEstWx.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/lSQKm6e.jpg)Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/mxmjoh0.jpg)
This pictures make me anxious to get mine! Can't wait! Any updates on the raffle and the potential stream build?
I maybe in the minority here but I think the black boards are the best of the bunch! They look so slick!
Aww man I'm in, black 80% w/ brass plate ;D
Now I just have to decide which switches I'm going with, as well as stabilizers. Getting a Zeal switch tester to broaden my horizons to all of the new switches since I last bought a board!! :eek:
The HMKB 75 comes with the Eon75 is that right? does it support soldering Mil-Max 0305 or any other Mil-Max sockets?
What other PCBs would go fine on the HMKB 75?
Countdown (https://webuhr.de/timer/HMKB+GB+END/2020-06-02T15:00:00/)
Are you able to accept other forms of payment, perhaps PayPal? Ive been trying to purchase a stainless steel 65% but my card have issues with the website.Have you possibly tried contacting your bank? Maybe they thinks is a fraudulent charge.
Hey hello guy! I have to ask something since its gonna be my first build.
What stabilizers do i need for a ISO 65 build ?
I never understood stabs, exept that i need a 6,25u i guess.
Regards
Hey hello guy! I have to ask something since its gonna be my first build.
What stabilizers do i need for a ISO 65 build ?
I never understood stabs, exept that i need a 6,25u i guess.
Regards
A 6.25u, a 2u for enter, and probably a 2u for your backspace as well.
So, what is the final number of orders?Ordered mine in the day before last I think and my order number was in high 1900s. So I guess we sold a lot.
GMK TA90 on HMKB-75 Grey
HMKB grey is perfect for Dolch. Many other sets work as well, especially when there is some kind of warm grey present.
GMK TA90 on HMKB-75 Grey
HMKB grey is perfect for Dolch. Many other sets work as well, especially when there is some kind of warm grey present.
Just out-of-curiosity, would you say that also applies to Modern Dolch?
Hey I believe the discord link has expired, can you relink this again? Thanks a lot!
Sorry - discord link seems to have expired, can I get a fresh one? Much appreciated!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thank you but says invite is invalid - not sure why. Can one of the moderators send a valid link?
- geekhack.org is a community of keyboard enthusiasts and not simply an advertising platform for keyboard-related sales. Thus we request that any group buy organizers who post their group buy threads in this section also provide updates in the thread they have started until the conclusion of the group buy, even if updates are also posted somewhere else. Group buy threads made here are for group buy progress discussion as well as open discussion of any quality control issues. If a group buy organizer decides to provide an off-site instant message chat option for faster order support (for example Discord), any such communication needs to be optional when it comes to non-sensitive* order information.
As I had mentioned in my last post, this classic way of forum communication here is what I personally prefer. Once the discord server was up, it just felt like 99% happened there. I just went with it.Can you created a discord channel just for updates to the GB? I'm not a pro discord user and I do not see any obvious place with all the updates.
Sure, anything important will be posted here as well of course.
Oh and btw, one thing I forgot to mention in my quick sum up:
- I open sourced all the plate files for HMKB
You can find and download them in the discord.
As I had mentioned in my last post, this classic way of forum communication here is what I personally prefer. Once the discord server was up, it just felt like 99% happened there. I just went with it.Can you created a discord channel just for updates to the GB? I'm not a pro discord user and I do not see any obvious place with all the updates.
Sure, anything important will be posted here as well of course.
Oh and btw, one thing I forgot to mention in my quick sum up:
- I open sourced all the plate files for HMKB
You can find and download them in the discord.
Also I would prefer updates here.
Thanks again for all your cool project.
Sure, anything important will be posted here as well of course.Also I would prefer updates here.
is this still scheduled to ship this month?
Can someone paste the Discord update here?
is this still scheduled to ship this month?
Next week I should be able to be more specific about the timeline ahead.
Shorter: update next week.
Update was posted in Discord today
Okay, sooo WHEN?
Well, production itself isn't really taking a lot of time. Organizing around it is what takes most of the time. Even when I have the major case parts delivered, stuff like c-parts (for example screws and standoffs), packaging and the fulfillment itself can take quite some more time. At the moment it's still not possible for me to exactly tell a shipping date. For now let's just say Q4 - that way I'm sure I can deliver in time. Please keep in mind that almost every other GB that started around the same time will have you waiting at least until Q1, next year - in this context I still consider HMKB to be pretty quick.
I hope you understand and bear with me.
Last post in the Updates channel on Discord was on September 9th, so don't worry, you're not missing much of anything. Quoting it below, for reference:QuoteOkay, sooo WHEN?
Well, production itself isn't really taking a lot of time. Organizing around it is what takes most of the time. Even when I have the major case parts delivered, stuff like c-parts (for example screws and standoffs), packaging and the fulfillment itself can take quite some more time. At the moment it's still not possible for me to exactly tell a shipping date. For now let's just say Q4 - that way I'm sure I can deliver in time. Please keep in mind that almost every other GB that started around the same time will have you waiting at least until Q1, next year - in this context I still consider HMKB to be pretty quick.
I hope you understand and bear with me.
Can someone paste the Discord update here?
TLDR:
There is a delay. Covid did not have an impact but delay was due to 1) Scale: expected 200, total orders 1000 2) Fear: Intimidated by scale and moving carefully 3) Details: Got lost in minute details when existing designs are already better and wasting time 4) Communication: Wasted time in answering discord instead of being productive 5) He is always late: He needed to keep this deadline so that he could work under pressure. Announcing delay early would mean he would relax and waste more time
More updates: "Even when I have the major case parts delivered, stuff like c-parts (for example screws and standoffs), packaging and the fulfillment itself can take quite some more time. At the moment it's still not possible for me to exactly tell a shipping date. For now let's just say Q4 - that way I'm sure I can deliver in time. Since I have some more pre production units now, I'll send some of them out for further preview to streamers"
I really wish he would start proving more frequent updates. Order was finalized, Boards entered production and seems they (some of them?) finished and are with runner but he didnt share a single update. All we got is this delay message after 3 and half months. I would request runner to be more transparent.
Could anyone kindly send a valid discord invitation link? Thanks!https://discord.gg/J6977aweBe
Q4 almost over
Treeleaf slowly becomes angry
The chance of shipping is like finding a four leaf clover
I don't think it will happen soon, frankly
:mad:
Q4 almost over
Treeleaf slowly becomes angry
The chance of shipping is like finding a four leaf clover
I don't think it will happen soon, frankly
:mad:
almost over? we're literally at 50% of q4 bro.
if a few months delay makes you angry, i hope for you that you didn't take part in the gmk dracula gb, which will have at least 9 months delay from the original ship date.
UPDATE
Currently the obstacle which holds off the progress of this group buy is getting a suitable space for all the parts, qc, packing and shipping.
I had already mentioned this in my last message which I had addressed at everyone. So far this is an issue that I had not imagined would turn out to be that problematic and I still don't have a solution for this. Currently I have two options in sight and hopefully I will get a positive answer in about two weeks from now. I'm very optimistic that at least one of the options will work out.
I understand that it is frustrating to wait. I'm very sorry for that.
There was the poll about which streamer should get the latest pre production units. Those will go out in about two weeks from now.
Something else:
I noticed that the #general chatroom has been occupied by trolls lately. I would appreciate suggestions on how to deal with those. I know some of you have already muted those individuals but I hope there is a general solution for this. Thanks.
There's no meaningful update, and GB runner is avoiding Discord for a while now...
We just got an update, here's a copy for those not in the Discord server:QuoteUPDATE
Currently the obstacle which holds off the progress of this group buy is getting a suitable space for all the parts, qc, packing and shipping.
I had already mentioned this in my last message which I had addressed at everyone. So far this is an issue that I had not imagined would turn out to be that problematic and I still don't have a solution for this. Currently I have two options in sight and hopefully I will get a positive answer in about two weeks from now. I'm very optimistic that at least one of the options will work out.
I understand that it is frustrating to wait. I'm very sorry for that.
There was the poll about which streamer should get the latest pre production units. Those will go out in about two weeks from now.
Something else:
I noticed that the #general chatroom has been occupied by trolls lately. I would appreciate suggestions on how to deal with those. I know some of you have already muted those individuals but I hope there is a general solution for this. Thanks.
there will be extras ;)
UPDATE
Currently the obstacle which holds off the progress of this group buy is getting a suitable space for all the parts, qc, packing and shipping.
So far this is an issue that I had not imagined would turn out to be that problematic and I still don't have a solution for this. Currently I have two options in sight and hopefully I will get a positive answer in about two weeks from now. I'm very optimistic that at least one of the options will work out.
I understand that it is frustrating to wait. I'm very sorry for that.
nice video!
nice video!
this response is not a good look. shows more about you than the people asking for constant updates, honestly.
there's a reason people are not happy with how things are turning out, and the nonchalant, standoffish responses to paying customers are just fanning the flames. more transparency and less radio silence is needed, and stop guaranteeing deadlines you can't meet.
nice video!
this response is not a good look. shows more about you than the people asking for constant updates, honestly.
there's a reason people are not happy with how things are turning out, and the nonchalant, standoffish responses to paying customers are just fanning the flames. more transparency and less radio silence is needed, and stop guaranteeing deadlines you can't meet.
I have taken plenty of time over the last days to give more insight regarding the delay. I have engaged some of those who are unhappy directly in order to resolve the issue. again I'm sorry for the delays.
Most loans run at well over 10% if not closet to 20% interest per year, so even if they refunded everything it's still a pretty sweet deal for them. I wish I thought of it first.I would like to bank where you bank. 20% interest per year!
So still confidently on track for Q4 then as last update?
"harassment"
People wanting to know wtf is going on with something they bought when presented with confident timelines is not "harassment". There's an unavoidable loss of trust when you say things like "no updates is good news", citing the amount of time spent on communication as a reason for delays and then not communicating at all for months, people take you at face value and then you abuse that trust. This is not just people being impatient for no reason or "harassing". Viable suggestions have been proposed, e. g. if volume of orders is the issues, nothing stops you from processing them in batches of 200 as per your expected initial volume. If people have to wait for later batches because of that I'm sure some would still complain but most would be understanding and it wouldn't leave a bad taste in the mouth.
[...] Saying "Delays are common in GB" thousand times will not solve anything. People will accept delays if you are transparent. [...]
in hindsight the very optimistic Q3 timeframe wasn't a good idea, still we are within an absolutely usual timeframe compared to other group buys.
People make mistakes.
There's nothing 'shady' about Plastik.
I don't care if my board takes another year.
People make mistakes.
There's nothing 'shady' about Plastik.
I don't care if my board takes another year.
Honestly this board looks great. Was sad I missed the GB, but reading up to this point I'm happy to just watch this play out. I would love to purchase a board at some point. Does anyone know if there's any plans to sell these ever again after the GB is complete?
So still confidently on track for Q4 then as last update?
"harassment"
People wanting to know wtf is going on with something they bought when presented with confident timelines is not "harassment". There's an unavoidable loss of trust when you say things like "no updates is good news", citing the amount of time spent on communication as a reason for delays and then not communicating at all for months, people take you at face value and then you abuse that trust. This is not just people being impatient for no reason or "harassing". Viable suggestions have been proposed, e. g. if volume of orders is the issues, nothing stops you from processing them in batches of 200 as per your expected initial volume. If people have to wait for later batches because of that I'm sure some would still complain but most would be understanding and it wouldn't leave a bad taste in the mouth.
What you're describing is not harassment. But if you're following the direction the Discord server is taking you've seen him being subject to hate and vitriol. There's really no point to the Discord server anymore, if I could I'd lock it down. There are a lot of valid complaints and suggestions being voiced which drown in an endless sea of "wow I haven't been here for a while what happenend omg Plastik you shouldve seen this coming months ago lol what a ****show", ad nauseam. If all that were contained to this thread at least people wouldn't repeat the same rants every 30 minutes.
That being said, the group buy is being handled very badly and I really hope Plastikschnittstelle can filter out the noise and instead of engaging those in it for the chaos consider actually replying to some of the suggestions kicking around, such as the above quoted.
*Why not process in batches? If this isn't practical, tell us why please.
*You said sorting all the hardware is a daunting task all by yourself. Have you found someone to help you with that?
*You say you're waiting on two locations where you can sort and store cases. Lots of people have suggested renting out self-storage, have you looked into this? Germany is under a soft lockdown for at least a few more weeks, maybe you can strike a deal with an otherwise closed local business to rent out their space?
Also please for the love of god stop repeating still we are within an absolutely usual timeframe compared to other group buys, that is not the issue.[...] Saying "Delays are common in GB" thousand times will not solve anything. People will accept delays if you are transparent. [...]
Join my discord server hereSo still confidently on track for Q4 then as last update?
"harassment"
People wanting to know wtf is going on with something they bought when presented with confident timelines is not "harassment". There's an unavoidable loss of trust when you say things like "no updates is good news", citing the amount of time spent on communication as a reason for delays and then not communicating at all for months, people take you at face value and then you abuse that trust. This is not just people being impatient for no reason or "harassing". Viable suggestions have been proposed, e. g. if volume of orders is the issues, nothing stops you from processing them in batches of 200 as per your expected initial volume. If people have to wait for later batches because of that I'm sure some would still complain but most would be understanding and it wouldn't leave a bad taste in the mouth.
What you're describing is not harassment. But if you're following the direction the Discord server is taking you've seen him being subject to hate and vitriol. There's really no point to the Discord server anymore, if I could I'd lock it down. There are a lot of valid complaints and suggestions being voiced which drown in an endless sea of "wow I haven't been here for a while what happenend omg Plastik you shouldve seen this coming months ago lol what a ****show", ad nauseam. If all that were contained to this thread at least people wouldn't repeat the same rants every 30 minutes.
That being said, the group buy is being handled very badly and I really hope Plastikschnittstelle can filter out the noise and instead of engaging those in it for the chaos consider actually replying to some of the suggestions kicking around, such as the above quoted.
*Why not process in batches? If this isn't practical, tell us why please.
*You said sorting all the hardware is a daunting task all by yourself. Have you found someone to help you with that?
*You say you're waiting on two locations where you can sort and store cases. Lots of people have suggested renting out self-storage, have you looked into this? Germany is under a soft lockdown for at least a few more weeks, maybe you can strike a deal with an otherwise closed local business to rent out their space?
Also please for the love of god stop repeating still we are within an absolutely usual timeframe compared to other group buys, that is not the issue.[...] Saying "Delays are common in GB" thousand times will not solve anything. People will accept delays if you are transparent. [...]
Excellent reply. After not reading about this for like 6 months and not even remembering I'd gotten an early bird in the "pre-GB" stage I've just recently looked at a couple things because this thread kept getting bumped and the incessant trolling and just general ridiculous badgering is actually insane, never seen this in any other GB even when Ivan scammed like 80% of GH - not to say people being pissed off isn't warranted because it absolutely is, but good lord.
People may think it's crazy talk but this is why having literally anything be done via discord is an insane detriment to the sanity of anyone involved in any group buy. I swear if this had been done exclusively via Geekhack not even 5% of the toxicity would've been present (as is obviated by the fact the person that seemingly made the "meme" video has 5 posts with a 2020 account, among other things) - discord is a cesspool and the bane of anyone's mental state if they value it, save very specific cases where the servers are heavily gated and properly maintained. I would strongly suggest anyone looking to do anything relating to keyboards take that to heart.
Addressing the GB. Mistakes were made and thats fine. Mistakes are the best way to learn and improve. The GB runner just need to address the suggestions on this thread and finally start to provide meaningful updates.
Update saying there are no updates is better that no update at all. A paragraph or two will suffice. It will take literally 15 minutes weekly to draft it and send here.
* Updates: Geekhack thread + mailing list (something like a trello board for currently worked on items will do wonders as well)
* Support: mail (maybe zendesk if GB runner is feeling fancy)
* Chatter: Discord server which is 100% ignored by the GB runner. Just make it clear that Discord is for customers to discuss and share. Not for updates. Not for support.
I get that managing things may be challenging especially when you get overwhelmed with a large order quantity etc. But above would take a day to setup at most while addressing the majority of constructive criticism at this point.
it is still better the other group buys -> my original estimate was indeed overly optimistic and I apologize for this. The current rough ETA is X because of A,B and C
currently Im communicating with multiple vendors regarding X. I should have a reply from them by Y. That will unblock A,B,C but D is still blocked on Z.
For what it's worth, I think that some of what happened in the Discord server was extremely rude and mean-spirited. It is best to ignore those who spend half of their day spewing hate at the project without contributing to a meaningful conversation, but to do so without addressing the constructive criticism and the solutions proposed by the more reasonable participants comes off as tone-deaf and is why the anger has carried on over here as well.
As one of those who has participated in the early bird funding of this project back in January, I still have faith in the runner and the project, but I wish there was more transparency, even in the "no updates" updates (ex: "still waiting on a place before manufacturing starts, the price of the places I was waiting was too high" or "still negotiating for the rental" or "made an offer, still waiting for answer" or "started manufacturing the first 200 boards" etc).
lumina vibesExactly. On so many levels.
You understand the difference between interest rates on loans, credit cards etc versus savings, term deposits etc right?
I think people have gone way overboard, especially on discord... but I think there's a lot of valid concerns raised. I just don't think badgering Plastik will help, especially when he's trying to find space for the keebs.
lumina vibesExactly. On so many levels.
I think people have gone way overboard, especially on discord... but I think there's a lot of valid concerns raised. I just don't think badgering Plastik will help, especially when he's trying to find space for the keebs.
its been beyond badgering at times. my take on it right now: we're coming up on the holidays, so things will probably be slowed down anyways. would be great to have some more meaningful transparency, as has been pointed out, but this is far from the worst groupbuy (as some people have been claiming) that ive been in or seen. some people just gotta chill and let the man do his thing, but it would be nice to get more meaningful transparency. its kind of like the capsunlocked scenario, but at least compared to that one, we haven't been gaslit every week.
I think people have gone way overboard, especially on discord... but I think there's a lot of valid concerns raised. I just don't think badgering Plastik will help, especially when he's trying to find space for the keebs.
its been beyond badgering at times. my take on it right now: we're coming up on the holidays, so things will probably be slowed down anyways. would be great to have some more meaningful transparency, as has been pointed out, but this is far from the worst groupbuy (as some people have been claiming) that ive been in or seen. some people just gotta chill and let the man do his thing, but it would be nice to get more meaningful transparency. its kind of like the capsunlocked scenario, but at least compared to that one, we haven't been gaslit every week.
I think people have gone way overboard, especially on discord... but I think there's a lot of valid concerns raised. I just don't think badgering Plastik will help, especially when he's trying to find space for the keebs.
its been beyond badgering at times. my take on it right now: we're coming up on the holidays, so things will probably be slowed down anyways. would be great to have some more meaningful transparency, as has been pointed out, but this is far from the worst groupbuy (as some people have been claiming) that ive been in or seen. some people just gotta chill and let the man do his thing, but it would be nice to get more meaningful transparency. its kind of like the capsunlocked scenario, but at least compared to that one, we haven't been gaslit every week.
It is beyond badgering. I think its about to self destruct. I also think its where Group buys are going. This isn't 50-100 people glad that someone has the same vision as them, 10-50 people just glad they were able to order. This isn't specialty molded and colored plastic that's allowed to run late on everything even though they have manufactured hundreds of Group buys. This is 2000 people that found a semi interesting, semi affordable, stylized option, just as the mech market exploded. It's going to run into the same issue that Kickstarter saw years ago and the pressure of it is going to have a lose some creators and some group buys dying with no refunds, may taking a vendor down with it. Kickstarter had a hard time convincing people that it wasn't a store front, that any delivery times relied on the fact that the kickstarted product was successful and could hit projections, that nothing on the pledge was even guaranteed. You had kickstarters where to make sure it was successful and was able to provide the pledges to people who paid, had to ship to retailers first. But no, that isn't allowed, people would rather the business they funded folded as long as they got their product and got it first. We still see this now with Epomaker and Durgod getting trashed for shipping their crowdfunded returns with retail and storefront sales (where in a way both used Kickstarter, indegogo and so on as pre-order systems then crowdfunding).
Sorry getting a little ranty there and can go on and on. But the point being that the more people involved the more likely you have someone who think a projection is written in stone and they will have said part by the time some event rolls around. Or someone that thinks that any deviation from projections is affront to them. Or someone that thinks that because they input money they get to choose how a business is run. What happened here will happen again, and eventually a really big one will crash and burn, because they would rather be right then get their product. Here Plastik is doing what he can. Maybe he was shortsighted. Maybe isn't moving as fast as he can. But all it takes is one or two people travesty this, and omg why isn't your mind only on getting me my hardware that, and so on, to get some people talk like well maybe he didn't need to say it this way but maybe. I hate to say it but its the same stuff that the hate groups get so many people involve. They can be as loud and brash as they want to be but as long as they can get enough people to pick out something they can hold onto it escalates.
The truth of the matter is that this isn't a free market purchase and as much as anyone would have done it differently than Plastik, we got an est not a delivery date, we got no promises of updates. In fact the exact opposite we were told updates would be minimal. We didn't order a finished and stocked item. It will come in Plastik has had them produced, QC, packaged, and shipped through whatever logistics process he can come up with. It was always that way. All the lynching is going to do is cause Plastik to hermit up more, may cause us to lose a creator we didn't need to lose. All pushing for refunds does is create a self fulfilling prophecy (as each dollar returned is less to cover shipping costs and such depending on where in manufacturing it is. One guy mentions how I am sure the board will sell. Maybe, but only if it gets to that point. We don't know how much of the price is manufacturing, shipping, and margin. Its fine in the short term if it only affects the margins. But I am guessing that is relatively small for something like this. The questions is when does the house of cards fail, 10 returns, 20, 100. I wouldn't want to find out.
Next up will probably be Louis with the Primus. Much more expensive. Has already had some tension build on some of the side GB stuff and at least one he was full sponsoring. He updates more often. But its still 1 person QCing 1000 much more demanding GB. Cannon probs going to have fun if Sat75R2 sees any delays. Heck we have to keep in mind how toxic it gets when entitle brats don't get what they want. People were tearing into NK for selling out a $100 keyboard. This hobby is going to see a bubble burst soon maybe late 2021. Probably will look more like 2019 after that.
People need to realize that whatever the creator does, it is by their virtue, not out of necessity. Nothing is out necessity, because this is a enthusiast operated ecosystem. Anyone can pitch their ideas and host some sort of sale, and that's a double edge sword. Especially for a group buy, you need to understand the risk at hand, that at any moment the creator can call it a fail and move on without any final product.Agreed.
That being said, the inaction of veteran hobbyists and creators is just sad. The hobby is growing, but the ways things work aren't. The groupbuy framework isn't meant for the large amount of customers, and I doubt it will ever really adapt to the growing hobby. So yeah, I guess this hobby will "crash" eventually, but it doesn't seen like a concern to anyone, certainly not you. Because at the end of the day, the nature of cool, novelty products sold online is its exclusivity, and the less people knowing this hobby just mean an easier win at a raffle for the next one-of-a-kind quirky keyboard you want.
As a side note, you mentioned the Primus groupbuy. I am not familiar with the situation (cool looking board btw), but I don't thinking bring up another unrelated GB in this thread is responsible. You are projecting an unofficial status of an unrelated group buy here, which would just mislead people. I think your comments on the status of the Primus GB would interests people who actually joined Primus GB more than the people here.I guess if the fear mentioning it get people to do the same thing. Sure. Your right. I am not going to change what I said at this point but I will keep it in mind going forward. I think my point is legit though, but lets talk on more general terms I am on several custom's discord and there are one or two that have the same side discussions that started a couple of months ago with HMKB. There more people you have involved in the Group buy the higher likelihood of dealing with people who are unable to understand what a group buy really is.
I don't know why the customers have to be the ones to post the updates on the GB thread, but here it is:
UPDATE
They are estimated to arrive in KW5 of 2021.
UPDATE
They are estimated to arrive in KW5 of 2021.
pardon me, plastik: what's KW5?
UPDATE
They are estimated to arrive in KW5 of 2021.
pardon me, plastik: what's KW5?
KW is german for "Kalenderwoche" or calender week in english. KW 5 is the first week of february 2021
I don't know why the customers have to be the ones to post the updates on the GB thread, but here it is:
You should know very well that it is not your business posting updates.
I don't know why the customers have to be the ones to post the updates on the GB thread, but here it is:
I don't know why the customers have to be the ones to post the updates on the GB thread, but here it is:
You should know very well that it is not your business posting updates.
Eh... wtf? Seriously...
I don't know why the customers have to be the ones to post the updates on the GB thread, but here it is:
You should know very well that it is not your business posting updates.
Eh... wtf? Seriously...
Definitely uncalled for.
I don't know why the customers have to be the ones to post the updates on the GB thread, but here it is:
You should know very well that it is not your business posting updates.
Eh... wtf? Seriously...
Definitely uncalled for.
I don't know why the customers have to be the ones to post the updates on the GB thread, but here it is:
You should know very well that it is not your business posting updates.
Eh... wtf? Seriously...
Definitely uncalled for.
Completely warranted to be honest. People have been getting in his face for months now, totally understandable that he'd be defensive when someone making him to be a ****head by posting the updated he'd just posted on discord.
If you want to be nice to the participants and want to post something like that before waiting for the OP to do so himself (which is kinda weird to begin with, especially when it had just happened), at least omit the bit where you are disrespectful and condescending.
You should know very well that it is not your business posting updates.And you should know very well to cross post information to all mediums that you use. It takes less than a minute to open up forums and copy paste the same message from Discord.
The update on Discord was posted 1h before I posted it on the thread. It literally takes less than 30 seconds to copy some text and paste it here, so why wasn't it posted?
I wonder how much longer the GB runner would have waited if it wasn't for my comment, because most of the other updates were either late, not posted at all, or posted by a customer.
The update on Discord was posted 1h before I posted it on the thread. It literally takes less than 30 seconds to copy some text and paste it here, so why wasn't it posted?
Do you truly think one hour is a long time? Maybe he wanted to post something slightly different on here, maybe he had something come up, who are you to make up random conjectures regarding why it was not instantly copy pasted just because that's what you would have done?I wonder how much longer the GB runner would have waited if it wasn't for my comment, because most of the other updates were either late, not posted at all, or posted by a customer.
That's a great question. I guess we'll never find out because you kindly reposted a screenshot of what was said on discord an hour after it was released.
Maybe we can find out next update.
Who do I contact regarding shipping address change?Don't remember where this was mentioned, but plastik said he would do address changes all in one go once units are closer to being sent.
cucky
If Plastikschnittstelle ever makes it out of this mess - I'd love to review the board. But only once people start getting theirsooo hell yea bro, would love to see a lit review on ur channel! could u link it for me? im boutta hit that sub button and drop a fat BELL CLICK on your ish if u kno what i mean haha bro yea keep it up keep hustlin' u gon' make it big bro
If Plastikschnittstelle ever makes it out of this mess - I'd love to review the board. But only once people start getting theirs
nothing has gone south except for the time plan. it's a group buy, it happens.
Well, I have also joined the refund ranks. Like it has been said many times before, the problem has not been fully the delays and waiting. And besides, ease of manufacturing and the aggressive Q3 estimate was one of the primary selling points for a lot of people. Like others have said, the issue was saying that silence = no problems, only to be told on the month the boards were projected to be shipped that production hadn't even started. This was accompanied by a new Q4 'estimate', in order to be 'sure it would be delivered on time'.
2 more months passed, only for it to be announced that the status had not changed and that production hadn't even started. The main obstacle was still the same: plastik didnt know how to store the keyboards. I understand that the logistics of running a GB are incredibly complicated, but something like this should have been thought out before the GB was run, or at least in the beginning stages post-payments. Not 2 months after boards were expected to be shipped. We all know that this year has been a **** show, and if plastik cited delays due to corona nobody would bat an eye. But, he explicitly stated that this had nothing to do with covid.
As far as the participants were concerned, until the most recent December update the expected shipping was still supposed to be Q4. Of course, most of us saw that this was totally unrealistic. Unsurprisingly, the boards are now expected to be produced by February. With QC and packaging, who knows when they will eventually be shipped - most likely not before April 2021. I have been confused by these aggressive timelines that plastik has set for himself. First 4 months for Q3 and then 3 months for Q4. Surely with his previous GB (which lasted around a year), he must have known that these were not tenable. Many of us have explained that, yes, the delays suck but are understandable. What is frustrating are unrealistically aggressive timelines, with communication gaps, only to be told right before the 'deadline' that no progress has been made and that there will be further delays. This is the process which many have said eroded participant's trust. If in the first delay update he had said that he simply didn't know when boards would be shipped, or even said Q2 2021, most of us would probably understand and be okay with it.
Many people have justifiably complained, and some have done it overtly destructive and negative ways. But instead of recognizing how participants have felt throughout this process, plastik doubled down and increasingly reacted with his own hostility. This included cancelling somebody's order, not being straight-forward about the reasons, and pretending that he would fix the 'mistake'. Only to never do so. I understand where his reaction comes from, but there were many other ways of going about this in a less passive-aggressive manner. Subsequent actions and updates have shown a lack of reflexivity and absolving of guilt on plastik's part. There is a shifting of blame onto participants, without acknowledging how he has contributed to the current dynamic.
Amidst all of this I am grateful to have been given a refund, which is not something Plastik needed to grant. It also seems that there are many participants that are quite happy with how things are progressing. I personally am happy to cut my losses and move on to other pastures. It does seem that with production starting at least there is movement, and there is now a new phase with this GB. I hope plastik's new tactic of minimized updates works out for him, and wish everybody well in the rest of this GB.
Its not just about delays. Re-read the comment again.
Consistency.Its not just about delays. Re-read the comment again.
I get that, but what's the point of harassing the GB runner for updates when there isn't any news. I'm not much on Discord either, so of course I would rather have updates here, but I'm still convinced that if there is news important enough for everyone to hear, everyone will hear it. He has my e-mail, he can send out a blast if it's truly urgent or important enough.
Basically, no news is good news. I expect delays and long wait times. That's the nature of this game. A keyboard not being delayed, now that's something that requires an update :)
Basically, no news is good news.
People in here asking for updates:
First time?
I know it isn't.People in here asking for updates:
First time?
Last update was almost 2 months ago. It isn't unreasonable to ask for them.
UPDATE - CASES ARRIVEDProps for this
Sooo, it's KW5 now and guess what has arrived? YES, your cases! Took some pictures so you can get an impression of what ten pallets or 2.42 tons of heavy metal look like.Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631501734346793/hmkb_delivery_01.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631537704566824/hmkb_delivery_02.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631578595098674/hmkb_delivery_03.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631640516395008/hmkb_delivery_04.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631660761120768/hmkb_delivery_05.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631686166282270/hmkb_delivery_06.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631704584257566/hmkb_delivery_07.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631753636642829/hmkb_delivery_08.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631783461290064/hmkb_delivery_09.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631806752260136/hmkb_delivery_10.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631829943091220/hmkb_delivery_11.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631848196833341/hmkb_delivery_12.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/806631865888669706/hmkb_delivery_13.jpg)
I'm usually not a big fan of the brass look in a keyboard case but damn those brass plates look nice. They were shining so bright, it felt like opening a treasure box full of gold :)
Next I will have to do quality control and count everything. The first few parts I randomly checked are all good, which is quite a relief for me. I assume I'll need about two weeks before I have checked everything. Worst case scenario would be that some parts will turn out not OK and will have to be redone - my initial checks don't suggest that. Best case scenario would be all parts are fine. Then the next step would be to prepare them for transportation so the parts can go to powder coating and galvanizing.
Btw, the PCBs have started their journey to Germany, just a few days ago. They should have been finished already in early December but I was told that due to a shortage of some components it would take longer - which was fine, since the cases weren't done at that point anyway. Interesting though, since this ties in with the general shortage of basically any kind of PC hardware atm. Looks like even simple keyboard PCBs are affected now.
Huge thanks goes out to all of you who have been patient and supportive. The biggest part is done now.
I'll be back here with the next update in two weeks, lets say Feb 18th.
---
Small addition to avoid confusion. This is all straight from the factory and nothing is coated or finished in any way. All raw metal. The steel case parts will go to powder coating, the stainless steel case parts (the foiled ones) will go to bead blasting, the steel plates will go to galvanizing (black zink) and the brass plates will go to bead blasting like the stainless steel case parts and after that to galvanizing black like the normal steel plates.
Seeing those pictures, I hope everyone who loudly and angrily dismissed concerns about storage space take a second to think about their words. Obviously it's no simple thing to receive that amount (and weight) of product and then distribute it to hundreds of customers. I have nothing but respect for you for taking this project on, and seeing it through.
Amazing job! :thumb:
NEXT
Next up is powder coating. I hope I will be able to transport the first batch of case parts to the company that does the powder coating next week. First all of one color, after that the next color batch. In two weeks from now I should be able to tell when I will have the last batch back from powder coating. So next update is expected March 4.
I've reached out to you both here by DMs and by email, mainly because I'm interested in giving you more money assuming things are working out but it's been like three weeks and I'm sort of veering into camp spooked-by-how-this-is-getting-handled?
UPDATE - POWDER COATINGThanks for an update!
The first batch of the case parts is delivered to powder coating. This batch (color = batch) is expected to be ready for pick up in KW11, about two weeks from now. The following batches will not wait until the previous batch is ready, they will all be transported to powder coating over the course of the next two weeks. The last batch should be finished in KW14. I will post pictures when I get the first batch, so the next update is expected in KW11.
HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDSTimeline
I assume a sufficient amount orders will be reached after one month. Order should be placed in the following month. Production should take at least two months, four months at max. Then the shipping starts and it will take at least one more month until the last package will be shipped.
Expected shipping Q3 2020
there will be extras available for sure. with this high quantity I have to order quite a few more as backup. those will be made available after GB has shipped, some time after september.
UPDATE:
- group buy orders slightly over 1100
- expected shipping late Q3 / September
Regarding communication:
I will only post here on Geekhack when either a definitive shipping date is set or when a delay should happen. Anything else will be on the discord.
Yes, no news. This was asked a few times on discord recently as well. Still, late Q3/September is my estimate for shipping, nothing has changed in that regard.
Basically when you don't see me post an update, then that's good. If I were to update anything now then it will either be about delay or shipping start.
is this still scheduled to ship this month?
Next week I should be able to be more specific about the timeline ahead.
Shorter: update next week.
Even when I have the major case parts delivered, stuff like c-parts (for example screws and standoffs), packaging and the fulfillment itself can take quite some more time. At the moment it's still not possible for me to exactly tell a shipping date. For now let's just say Q4 - that way I'm sure I can deliver in time. Since I have some more pre production units now, I'll send some of them out for further preview to streamers
I really wish he would start proving more frequent updates. Order was finalized, Boards entered production and seems they (some of them?) finished and are with runner but he didnt share a single update. All we got is this delay message after 3 and half months. I would request runner to be more transparent.
Sure, it's unfortunate that I had to announce a delay but keep in mind that the overall GB schedule was quite ambitious to begin with, afaik most GBs usually take longer. Could have been easier for me now if I had just set a later shipping time to begin with. Though I think it is overall better for the GB this way because if I really had given me more time, maybe I would have progressed slower which would have lead to a delay as well.
Currently the obstacle which holds off the progress of this group buy is getting a suitable space for all the parts, qc, packing and shipping.
So far this is an issue that I had not imagined would turn out to be that problematic and I still don't have a solution for this. Currently I have two options in sight and hopefully I will get a positive answer in about two weeks from now. I'm very optimistic that at least one of the options will work out.
exactly, had told this a few times on the discord already but it keeps drowning in the noise which is caused by a handfull of people. PCBs are in production. the "some parts" is just plates at surface treatment which will go to builders/streamers.
the alarming and negative picture that some try to paint of this group buy is really unsettling to me. I had explained in the update section what has been taking time so far and had furthermore mentioned the simple reasons that block the further progress. the pcbs require less space, no further handling and don't need to be checked before being passed on for surface treatment, that's why they are already in production. in hindsight the very optimistic Q3 timeframe wasn't a good idea, still we are within an absolutely usual timeframe compared to other group buys.
Cases and plates are now in production as well. They are estimated to arrive in KW5 of 2021. That is the first week of February 2021. This also means that Q4 can't be met any more.
Some time before the cases arrive, the last batch of preview units will be sent out to streamers.
I had been too open with personal information so far, like space search for example. From here on out I will no longer offer any more personal insight. Updates will be strictly HMKB case only, no personal context. The next updates will come when the PCBs and later cases and plates arrive, nothing else.
Allegations:
1. lying about case production
2. changing deadlines
3. no transparency/communication
Answers:
1. Untrue. The first update in which I announced that the cases are in production was in the last update. In an earlier update, I announced that PCB production had started. You maybe confuse something with production of pre production units or earlier prototypes.
2. Untrue. I have never ever set any deadline. I have only given estimates.
3. IMO, I had shared quite detailed what caused the delay. I had also detailed why I chose to limit further insights going forward.
Next up is powder coating. I hope I will be able to transport the first batch of case parts to the company that does the powder coating next week. First all of one color, after that the next color batch. In two weeks from now I should be able to tell when I will have the last batch back from powder coating. So next update is expected March 4.
The first batch of the case parts is delivered to powder coating. This batch (color = batch) is expected to be ready for pick up in KW11, about two weeks from now. The following batches will not wait until the previous batch is ready, they will all be transported to powder coating over the course of the next two weeks. The last batch should be finished in KW14. I will post pictures when I get the first batch, so the next update is expected in KW11.
I'll keep to quoting official responses from here without additional commentary and let you evaluate for yourself.
to/dr: behind on original schedule and some people are frustrated, but theres evidence production is happening and keebs will be shipped.
in other news, dog bites man and bears sh*t in woods... :D
*sigh* it's sad to even need to post this but here's a summary of the group buy timeline.The year is 2035. The HMKB finished shipping 14 years ago, but some people are still complaining about the 9 month delay thar occurred.
TL;DR: We've now shifted from a confident Q3 2020 delivery to a last minute confident Q4 to now realistically no sooner than Q2 2021.
The new strategy seems to be to trickle-feed minor updates with only 'next step' visibility.
I'll keep to quoting official responses from here without additional commentary and let you evaluate for yourself.HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDSTimeline
I assume a sufficient amount orders will be reached after one month. Order should be placed in the following month. Production should take at least two months, four months at max. Then the shipping starts and it will take at least one more month until the last package will be shipped.
Expected shipping Q3 2020there will be extras available for sure. with this high quantity I have to order quite a few more as backup. those will be made available after GB has shipped, some time after september.UPDATE:
- group buy orders slightly over 1100
- expected shipping late Q3 / SeptemberRegarding communication:
I will only post here on Geekhack when either a definitive shipping date is set or when a delay should happen. Anything else will be on the discord.Yes, no news. This was asked a few times on discord recently as well. Still, late Q3/September is my estimate for shipping, nothing has changed in that regard.
Basically when you don't see me post an update, then that's good. If I were to update anything now then it will either be about delay or shipping start.is this still scheduled to ship this month?
Next week I should be able to be more specific about the timeline ahead.
Shorter: update next week.Even when I have the major case parts delivered, stuff like c-parts (for example screws and standoffs), packaging and the fulfillment itself can take quite some more time. At the moment it's still not possible for me to exactly tell a shipping date. For now let's just say Q4 - that way I'm sure I can deliver in time. Since I have some more pre production units now, I'll send some of them out for further preview to streamersI really wish he would start proving more frequent updates. Order was finalized, Boards entered production and seems they (some of them?) finished and are with runner but he didnt share a single update. All we got is this delay message after 3 and half months. I would request runner to be more transparent.
Sure, it's unfortunate that I had to announce a delay but keep in mind that the overall GB schedule was quite ambitious to begin with, afaik most GBs usually take longer. Could have been easier for me now if I had just set a later shipping time to begin with. Though I think it is overall better for the GB this way because if I really had given me more time, maybe I would have progressed slower which would have lead to a delay as well.Currently the obstacle which holds off the progress of this group buy is getting a suitable space for all the parts, qc, packing and shipping.
So far this is an issue that I had not imagined would turn out to be that problematic and I still don't have a solution for this. Currently I have two options in sight and hopefully I will get a positive answer in about two weeks from now. I'm very optimistic that at least one of the options will work out.exactly, had told this a few times on the discord already but it keeps drowning in the noise which is caused by a handfull of people. PCBs are in production. the "some parts" is just plates at surface treatment which will go to builders/streamers.the alarming and negative picture that some try to paint of this group buy is really unsettling to me. I had explained in the update section what has been taking time so far and had furthermore mentioned the simple reasons that block the further progress. the pcbs require less space, no further handling and don't need to be checked before being passed on for surface treatment, that's why they are already in production. in hindsight the very optimistic Q3 timeframe wasn't a good idea, still we are within an absolutely usual timeframe compared to other group buys.Cases and plates are now in production as well. They are estimated to arrive in KW5 of 2021. That is the first week of February 2021. This also means that Q4 can't be met any more.
Some time before the cases arrive, the last batch of preview units will be sent out to streamers.
I had been too open with personal information so far, like space search for example. From here on out I will no longer offer any more personal insight. Updates will be strictly HMKB case only, no personal context. The next updates will come when the PCBs and later cases and plates arrive, nothing else.Allegations:
1. lying about case production
2. changing deadlines
3. no transparency/communication
Answers:
1. Untrue. The first update in which I announced that the cases are in production was in the last update. In an earlier update, I announced that PCB production had started. You maybe confuse something with production of pre production units or earlier prototypes.
2. Untrue. I have never ever set any deadline. I have only given estimates.
3. IMO, I had shared quite detailed what caused the delay. I had also detailed why I chose to limit further insights going forward.Next up is powder coating. I hope I will be able to transport the first batch of case parts to the company that does the powder coating next week. First all of one color, after that the next color batch. In two weeks from now I should be able to tell when I will have the last batch back from powder coating. So next update is expected March 4.The first batch of the case parts is delivered to powder coating. This batch (color = batch) is expected to be ready for pick up in KW11, about two weeks from now. The following batches will not wait until the previous batch is ready, they will all be transported to powder coating over the course of the next two weeks. The last batch should be finished in KW14. I will post pictures when I get the first batch, so the next update is expected in KW11.
*sigh* it's sad to even need to post this but here's a summary of the group buy timeline.
TL;DR: We've now shifted from a confident Q3 2020 delivery to a last minute confident Q4 to now realistically no sooner than Q2 2021.
The new strategy seems to be to trickle-feed minor updates with only 'next step' visibility.
I'll keep to quoting official responses from here without additional commentary and let you evaluate for yourself.HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDSTimeline
I assume a sufficient amount orders will be reached after one month. Order should be placed in the following month. Production should take at least two months, four months at max. Then the shipping starts and it will take at least one more month until the last package will be shipped.
Expected shipping Q3 2020there will be extras available for sure. with this high quantity I have to order quite a few more as backup. those will be made available after GB has shipped, some time after september.UPDATE:
- group buy orders slightly over 1100
- expected shipping late Q3 / SeptemberRegarding communication:
I will only post here on Geekhack when either a definitive shipping date is set or when a delay should happen. Anything else will be on the discord.Yes, no news. This was asked a few times on discord recently as well. Still, late Q3/September is my estimate for shipping, nothing has changed in that regard.
Basically when you don't see me post an update, then that's good. If I were to update anything now then it will either be about delay or shipping start.is this still scheduled to ship this month?
Next week I should be able to be more specific about the timeline ahead.
Shorter: update next week.Even when I have the major case parts delivered, stuff like c-parts (for example screws and standoffs), packaging and the fulfillment itself can take quite some more time. At the moment it's still not possible for me to exactly tell a shipping date. For now let's just say Q4 - that way I'm sure I can deliver in time. Since I have some more pre production units now, I'll send some of them out for further preview to streamersI really wish he would start proving more frequent updates. Order was finalized, Boards entered production and seems they (some of them?) finished and are with runner but he didnt share a single update. All we got is this delay message after 3 and half months. I would request runner to be more transparent.
Sure, it's unfortunate that I had to announce a delay but keep in mind that the overall GB schedule was quite ambitious to begin with, afaik most GBs usually take longer. Could have been easier for me now if I had just set a later shipping time to begin with. Though I think it is overall better for the GB this way because if I really had given me more time, maybe I would have progressed slower which would have lead to a delay as well.Currently the obstacle which holds off the progress of this group buy is getting a suitable space for all the parts, qc, packing and shipping.
So far this is an issue that I had not imagined would turn out to be that problematic and I still don't have a solution for this. Currently I have two options in sight and hopefully I will get a positive answer in about two weeks from now. I'm very optimistic that at least one of the options will work out.exactly, had told this a few times on the discord already but it keeps drowning in the noise which is caused by a handfull of people. PCBs are in production. the "some parts" is just plates at surface treatment which will go to builders/streamers.the alarming and negative picture that some try to paint of this group buy is really unsettling to me. I had explained in the update section what has been taking time so far and had furthermore mentioned the simple reasons that block the further progress. the pcbs require less space, no further handling and don't need to be checked before being passed on for surface treatment, that's why they are already in production. in hindsight the very optimistic Q3 timeframe wasn't a good idea, still we are within an absolutely usual timeframe compared to other group buys.Cases and plates are now in production as well. They are estimated to arrive in KW5 of 2021. That is the first week of February 2021. This also means that Q4 can't be met any more.
Some time before the cases arrive, the last batch of preview units will be sent out to streamers.
I had been too open with personal information so far, like space search for example. From here on out I will no longer offer any more personal insight. Updates will be strictly HMKB case only, no personal context. The next updates will come when the PCBs and later cases and plates arrive, nothing else.Allegations:
1. lying about case production
2. changing deadlines
3. no transparency/communication
Answers:
1. Untrue. The first update in which I announced that the cases are in production was in the last update. In an earlier update, I announced that PCB production had started. You maybe confuse something with production of pre production units or earlier prototypes.
2. Untrue. I have never ever set any deadline. I have only given estimates.
3. IMO, I had shared quite detailed what caused the delay. I had also detailed why I chose to limit further insights going forward.Next up is powder coating. I hope I will be able to transport the first batch of case parts to the company that does the powder coating next week. First all of one color, after that the next color batch. In two weeks from now I should be able to tell when I will have the last batch back from powder coating. So next update is expected March 4.The first batch of the case parts is delivered to powder coating. This batch (color = batch) is expected to be ready for pick up in KW11, about two weeks from now. The following batches will not wait until the previous batch is ready, they will all be transported to powder coating over the course of the next two weeks. The last batch should be finished in KW14. I will post pictures when I get the first batch, so the next update is expected in KW11.
*sigh* it's sad to even need to post this but here's a summary of the group buy timeline.
TL;DR: We've now shifted from a confident Q3 2020 delivery to a last minute confident Q4 to now realistically no sooner than Q2 2021.
The new strategy seems to be to trickle-feed minor updates with only 'next step' visibility.
I'll keep to quoting official responses from here without additional commentary and let you evaluate for yourself.HEAVY METAL KEYBOARDSTimeline
I assume a sufficient amount orders will be reached after one month. Order should be placed in the following month. Production should take at least two months, four months at max. Then the shipping starts and it will take at least one more month until the last package will be shipped.
Expected shipping Q3 2020there will be extras available for sure. with this high quantity I have to order quite a few more as backup. those will be made available after GB has shipped, some time after september.UPDATE:
- group buy orders slightly over 1100
- expected shipping late Q3 / SeptemberRegarding communication:
I will only post here on Geekhack when either a definitive shipping date is set or when a delay should happen. Anything else will be on the discord.Yes, no news. This was asked a few times on discord recently as well. Still, late Q3/September is my estimate for shipping, nothing has changed in that regard.
Basically when you don't see me post an update, then that's good. If I were to update anything now then it will either be about delay or shipping start.is this still scheduled to ship this month?
Next week I should be able to be more specific about the timeline ahead.
Shorter: update next week.Even when I have the major case parts delivered, stuff like c-parts (for example screws and standoffs), packaging and the fulfillment itself can take quite some more time. At the moment it's still not possible for me to exactly tell a shipping date. For now let's just say Q4 - that way I'm sure I can deliver in time. Since I have some more pre production units now, I'll send some of them out for further preview to streamersI really wish he would start proving more frequent updates. Order was finalized, Boards entered production and seems they (some of them?) finished and are with runner but he didnt share a single update. All we got is this delay message after 3 and half months. I would request runner to be more transparent.
Sure, it's unfortunate that I had to announce a delay but keep in mind that the overall GB schedule was quite ambitious to begin with, afaik most GBs usually take longer. Could have been easier for me now if I had just set a later shipping time to begin with. Though I think it is overall better for the GB this way because if I really had given me more time, maybe I would have progressed slower which would have lead to a delay as well.Currently the obstacle which holds off the progress of this group buy is getting a suitable space for all the parts, qc, packing and shipping.
So far this is an issue that I had not imagined would turn out to be that problematic and I still don't have a solution for this. Currently I have two options in sight and hopefully I will get a positive answer in about two weeks from now. I'm very optimistic that at least one of the options will work out.exactly, had told this a few times on the discord already but it keeps drowning in the noise which is caused by a handfull of people. PCBs are in production. the "some parts" is just plates at surface treatment which will go to builders/streamers.the alarming and negative picture that some try to paint of this group buy is really unsettling to me. I had explained in the update section what has been taking time so far and had furthermore mentioned the simple reasons that block the further progress. the pcbs require less space, no further handling and don't need to be checked before being passed on for surface treatment, that's why they are already in production. in hindsight the very optimistic Q3 timeframe wasn't a good idea, still we are within an absolutely usual timeframe compared to other group buys.Cases and plates are now in production as well. They are estimated to arrive in KW5 of 2021. That is the first week of February 2021. This also means that Q4 can't be met any more.
Some time before the cases arrive, the last batch of preview units will be sent out to streamers.
I had been too open with personal information so far, like space search for example. From here on out I will no longer offer any more personal insight. Updates will be strictly HMKB case only, no personal context. The next updates will come when the PCBs and later cases and plates arrive, nothing else.Allegations:
1. lying about case production
2. changing deadlines
3. no transparency/communication
Answers:
1. Untrue. The first update in which I announced that the cases are in production was in the last update. In an earlier update, I announced that PCB production had started. You maybe confuse something with production of pre production units or earlier prototypes.
2. Untrue. I have never ever set any deadline. I have only given estimates.
3. IMO, I had shared quite detailed what caused the delay. I had also detailed why I chose to limit further insights going forward.Next up is powder coating. I hope I will be able to transport the first batch of case parts to the company that does the powder coating next week. First all of one color, after that the next color batch. In two weeks from now I should be able to tell when I will have the last batch back from powder coating. So next update is expected March 4.The first batch of the case parts is delivered to powder coating. This batch (color = batch) is expected to be ready for pick up in KW11, about two weeks from now. The following batches will not wait until the previous batch is ready, they will all be transported to powder coating over the course of the next two weeks. The last batch should be finished in KW14. I will post pictures when I get the first batch, so the next update is expected in KW11.
or realize plastik indicated next update will be (around) 4 march
or realize plastik indicated next update will be (around) 4 march
I had a specific question about changing the colour I ordered before the painting step occurred, and failing that expressed an interest in just buying a second one of another colour if there were spares. I'm not trying to be demanding and I've been one of the people just sitting back and accepting that 2020 makes things hard for everyone, but I'm pretty underwhelmed right now.
UPDATE - POWDER COATING RAL7039Thanks for an update!
I got back the first batch from powder coating. This is RAL7039 which is also the smallest batch. Some time next week (KW12) the second batch, which is RAL1013, should be finished and ready to be picked up. Overall powder coating advances a bit slower than expected. Not quite sure if all colors will be done by KW14, will see when we get closer. Here are some photos of the finished case parts in RAL7039:Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/822091452053979136/HMKB-RAL7039_001.JPG)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/822091479631265812/HMKB-RAL7039_002.JPG)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/822091558190579722/HMKB-RAL7039_005.JPG)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/822091584853770280/HMKB-RAL7039_006.JPG)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/822091611873476618/HMKB-RAL7039_007.JPG)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/822091640792547368/HMKB-RAL7039_008.JPG)
If all goes well, I should be able to show you photos of the RAL1013 batch by the end of next week (KW12), if not then the week after (KW13). Till then.
How does powder coat different from e-coat?
wtf i thought this gb was supposed to be a disaster??????? redditors and meme youtubers lied!!!
UPDATE - POWDER COATING RAL9005Yay ^_^
Yesterday I picked up the last few boxes from the black / RAL9005 batch. So the powder coating is completed now. Happy another big milestone is reached.
First pictures from yesterday evening with poor lighting, taken by phone:Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/845363344017063986/HMKB-RAL9005_A01.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/845363378335645726/HMKB-RAL9005_A02.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/845363411205488660/HMKB-RAL9005_A03.jpg)
And here are pictures from today under better lighting conditions, taken by DSLR:Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/845363537358618721/HMKB-RAL9005_B01.JPG)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/845363568689545256/HMKB-RAL9005_B02.JPG)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/845363596783517696/HMKB-RAL9005_B03.JPG)
In about one week from now I should be able to be more specific about the upcoming bead blasting process of the stainless steel cases and the brass plates.
Till then.
UPDATE - POWDER COATING RAL9005I can see mine! jk. Thanks for the update!
Yesterday I picked up the last few boxes from the black / RAL9005 batch. So the powder coating is completed now. Happy another big milestone is reached.
First pictures from yesterday evening with poor lighting, taken by phone:Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/845363344017063986/HMKB-RAL9005_A01.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/845363378335645726/HMKB-RAL9005_A02.jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/845363411205488660/HMKB-RAL9005_A03.jpg)
And here are pictures from today under better lighting conditions, taken by DSLR:Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/845363537358618721/HMKB-RAL9005_B01.JPG)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/845363568689545256/HMKB-RAL9005_B02.JPG)Show Image(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/705428346049265695/845363596783517696/HMKB-RAL9005_B03.JPG)
In about one week from now I should be able to be more specific about the upcoming bead blasting process of the stainless steel cases and the brass plates.
Till then.
UPDATE - mild distractionsA is definitely the better choice. Thank you for keeping us in the loop and enjoy your vacation!
Sorry this update took me a bit longer than expected because I had to take care of other things. The last few weeks would just not allow me to advance with the outstanding group buy tasks. Additionally I'll be on a planned vacation for two weeks, starting on Saturday. Very sorry this update does not provide any pictures of progress. When I get back I'll resume as planned asap.
Before someone complains about no group buy advancement in this update, I want to mention that I had two options here:
a) let you know that for a certain period, other things have priority over the group buy
b) be silent
I thought a) would be the better choice.
UPDATE - mild distractionsEnjoy your vacation and thanks for letting us know! Do appreciate it :)
Sorry this update took me a bit longer than expected because I had to take care of other things. The last few weeks would just not allow me to advance with the outstanding group buy tasks. Additionally I'll be on a planned vacation for two weeks, starting on Saturday. Very sorry this update does not provide any pictures of progress. When I get back I'll resume as planned asap.
Before someone complains about no group buy advancement in this update, I want to mention that I had two options here:
a) let you know that for a certain period, other things have priority over the group buy
b) be silent
I thought a) would be the better choice.
UPDATE - mild distractions
Sorry this update took me a bit longer than expected because I had to take care of other things. The last few weeks would just not allow me to advance with the outstanding group buy tasks. Additionally I'll be on a planned vacation for two weeks, starting on Saturday. Very sorry this update does not provide any pictures of progress. When I get back I'll resume as planned asap.
Before someone complains about no group buy advancement in this update, I want to mention that I had two options here:
a) let you know that for a certain period, other things have priority over the group buy
b) be silent
I thought a) would be the better choice.
Thank you for letting us know! I wanted to check what would be the best way to update my shipping address, as I'll be moving in the next couple weeks and want to make sure I still receive my board.
One thing I am now confident to say though is that shipping will surely start in 2021 and it should also start before december.
UPDATE - FINAL STRETCHThanks for the update and your work!
Since this week everything needed for shipping has either arrived or is ordered, custom sized shipping boxes being the last item I checked. According to the manufacturer I should get them well before december. The bead blasting of the stainless steel case parts has taken longer than expected, the first few boxes should be ready for pick up next week. The galvanizing of the brass plates also took longer, I was told they are ready by the end of next week or the week after. Ready packed screws, bolts etc should arrive this month. The grommets got delayed as well, waiting for an update on their status.
Although many parts take a bit longer, the "shipping starts before december" goal is still fine.
Next update will be pictures of the finished stainless steel parts and after that the finished brass plates. After that there won't be anymore updates before shipping. I'll then remind all again regarding address updates and some form of confirmation for addresses that have been changed will go out before shipping starts.
UPDATE - FINAL STRETCH
Since this week everything needed for shipping has either arrived or is ordered, custom sized shipping boxes being the last item I checked. According to the manufacturer I should get them well before december. The bead blasting of the stainless steel case parts has taken longer than expected, the first few boxes should be ready for pick up next week. The galvanizing of the brass plates also took longer, I was told they are ready by the end of next week or the week after. Ready packed screws, bolts etc should arrive this month. The grommets got delayed as well, waiting for an update on their status.
Although many parts take a bit longer, the "shipping starts before december" goal is still fine.
Next update will be pictures of the finished stainless steel parts and after that the finished brass plates. After that there won't be anymore updates before shipping. I'll then remind all again regarding address updates and some form of confirmation for addresses that have been changed will go out before shipping starts.
UPDATE - SHIPPING STARTEDETA on extras?
Some of you may have already noticed, that shipping has begun. Some have already received their HMKB. Earlybirds get shipped first. Then it will go from low to high order number. This isn't strict though, since a lot is stacked and therefore some variants are more accessible than others. That's why some low order numbers might not be sent early whereas some higher order numbers might be sent earlier because it good to have it out of the way. So don't be confused when you see others with a higher order number getting shipped before yours.
UPDATE - SHIPPING STARTED"Earlybirds":D :D :D and to think I was given so much flak for saying you won't see anything for at least another 6 months when Q4 2020 was 100% guaranteed... not even at my most cynical could I have predicted it would be another 12 months before 'earlybirds' started shipping.
Have there been any further updates regarding the progress of getting the boards shipped out on discord or similar? Just wondering as Im not following there.
You made my Valentine's Day PlastikIs that the stainless version? Hows the heft? I ordered a 65% with a brass plate.. Wondering how it would feel lol
You made my Valentine's Day Plastik
Yo, any updates on shipping? Like how far are we from getting all the units shipped?
You made my Valentine's Day Plastik
Wow, they are real! Wasn't really sure.
Yeah, I wonder how far down the list he is getting. I haven't even received a shipping notification yet.
You made my Valentine's Day PlastikIs that the stainless version? Hows the heft? I ordered a 65% with a brass plate.. Wondering how it would feel lol
Sent from my Redmi K20 Pro using Tapatalk
oh, SMK connoisseur!
oh, SMK connoisseur!
so like... did anyone get their board?
The PE foam was custom sized and the lead time for new ones is crazy atm. That's why you'll start to see paper based fillings from now on. Not as nice of an unboxing experience as most were used until recently but it does the job well.
Btw, I'd be thankful for some feedback regarding how long the shipping to outside of Europe took for those who have received theirs already, especially in the USA.
UPDATE - SHIPPING STATUS
Here is some insight regarding shipping so far. By now a little over 300 HMKBs have been shipped. Shipping takes more time than anticipated - surprise! This has multiple reasons. For example, the time per package is pretty bad because of the many different versions, colors, plate options and multiple different box sizes - this makes it really hard to get into a good rhythm. Packing all day, every day isn't possible. Sometimes a whole week goes by without being able to dedicate time for shipping. Recently went out of PE foam which was used as filling material. It was supposed to be enough for 1/3 to 1/2 of all boxes but somehow it ran out way before that goal. The PE foam was custom sized and the lead time for new ones is crazy atm. That's why you'll start to see paper based fillings from now on. Not as nice of an unboxing experience as most were used until recently but it does the job well.
Now I can say for sure, that it will take at least three more months until everything is shipped. So although the shipping phase of this group buy is finally rolling, we will have to be more patient until it is fully completed.
This also effects the extras. I don't want to make them available until roughly half of the group buy has shipped. Of course, only after the initial group buy is shipped completely, extras will get shipped. Preparations for making extras available will take some time since a lot of things in the shop will have to be updated, that's why it will go to maintenance mode at some point in time before extras can be sold there.
Shipping by order number isn't really a thing anymore, some might very well already have their HMKB despite having a very high order number. I can't make any predictions on when a specific order number will be shipped, that's why questions along the way "when will my order be shipped" are being ignored.
Btw, I'd be thankful for some feedback regarding how long the shipping to outside of Europe took for those who have received theirs already, especially in the USA.
There are a lot of photos of builts boards in the Discord as mentioned above, but I'll add a photo here too :cool:
There are a lot of photos of builts boards in the Discord as mentioned above, but I'll add a photo here too :cool:
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing that.
Might be difficult to get into the Discord now if you hadn't already joined it. Plastik mentioned this morning that joining via link is no longer allowed. Not sure what sort of vetting process they're going to want to use.
I'm totally in love with my stainless.
Also regarding SMK Applet posed the 60% Steezy on GitHub
Looking forward to seeing more in build pictures channel
Alps mount domes are easy to find.
Any mod can be an arrow with Mod Tap.
There are a lot of photos of builts boards in the Discord as mentioned above, but I'll add a photo here too :cool:
I assume a sufficient amount orders will be reached after one month. Order should be placed in the following month. Production should take at least two months, four months at max. Then the shipping starts and it will take at least one more month until the last package will be shipped.
Expected shipping Q3 2020
I need this board! GLWGB.
i hate that i only occasionally check this disaster of a thread because it's my dad's first and only board gb
and you've just decided that you don't care about finishing this, you just want to sell what you have
as of yesterday, he said 60% has been shipped... it was like 40% last month so i guess we're waiting A WHILE
as of yesterday, he said 60% has been shipped... it was like 40% last month so i guess we're waiting A WHILE
Not true, I got both my 60 and my 40 way back in december. Get your story straight Plastik
i hate that i only occasionally check this disaster of a thread because it's my dad's first and only board gb
and you've just decided that you don't care about finishing this, you just want to sell what you have
My Stainless 80% arrived earlier this week, and I finally had a free evening to put things together. It looks and sounds pretty good with Kiwis and GMK Rainy Day on the INOX plate, but am definitely going to be playing around with it more to tweak a few things. Overall, I'm very, very happy with this board so far, and am looking forward to getting more use out of it.
Your front page looks awesome! I *love* the color section that comes after the white angles/mounting/silencing section with the RAL color codes. That said, it's a bit difficult now with the categories to see for example which HHKB 60% boards are available in stock. But not very difficult :-)
Here's a few photos of me building my yellow hmkb hhkb :cool:
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)
First assembly, then picking the keycap set, then fully assembled at desk (with NP black blank keycaps and a yellow MT3 for Esc, later swapped that for a yellowish tetris artisan).
In the second photo you can also just barely see my AKB Vero with ThinkCaps (note the shine on the spacebar lol, always a good sign) :thumb:
EDIT: Oh and btw in case anyone is wondering those are Azure Dragon v2 switches, and I love them. Not my favorite, but very good.
I'm happy for you that you learned so much from running this GB. Mastering such a project is a great feeling.
Thank you so much for the excellent yellow color! Thank you for the free foam! And thank you for an excellent writeup!
My only regret is now I want an FR4 plate ... :-P
I started this without knowing about how important communication and transparency is. Because production of the cases hadn't started during 2020, people became unhappy. Rightfully so but at the time I didn't understand why people got upset. From my point of view, it was simply a delay due to various challenges, nothing that I wouldn't be able to handle. Only slowly I learned that the people in the group buy simply don't know me and can't know for sure if the group buy goes south. They see a long delay and of course they get at least skeptical. Some wanted to drop out of the group buy in late 2020, that was fine with me, and I refunded those.