Author Topic: Return of the XMIT Hall Effect Keyboards -- $110+ Massdrop  (Read 3624 times)

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Offline xmagusx

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Return of the XMIT Hall Effect Keyboards -- $110+ Massdrop
« on: Tue, 14 November 2017, 13:59:41 »
Clicky and tactile versions this time. 60%, TKL, 98 key, 108 key, and 120 key.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/xmit-hall-effect-mechanical-keyboard?mode=guest_open

Estimated ship date is Apr 2, 2018 PT.

Marketing thusandsuch in the more:

More
Reincarnating the Most Reliable Switch Ever

The Hall sensor, for which this innovative keyboard is named, was popular in keyboards of the 1970s and ‘80s thanks to its reliability. Frequently used in nuclear reactors, missile silos, and aircraft cockpits, the sensor steadily became less popular due to high cost of production. But we couldn’t let such a cherished switch fall by the wayside, so we’re bringing it back, in the form of a stylish bamboo keyboard design from community member XMIT. This time around we’ve made some serious upgrades, too. See below for more details.

Note: At checkout, you’ll have your choice from five different layouts: 61-key 60%, 87-key TKL (+ $20), 98-key 1800 (+ $30), 108-key full size (+ $40), and 120-key Sun layout (+ $50). You can also add a matching bamboo wrist rest for (+ $12).

New Switches, Layouts, Stabilizers & More

Since launching the keyboard last November, we’ve made notable improvements thanks to community feedback in the discussion section, on forums, and in mech keys meetups. First, the new Hall Effect keyboard has clicky and tactile switches and a new spring weight. The feel is similar to vintage Alps Blue and Orange switches. (With a simple modification you can get the linear feel back.) Next, this time we’ll be offering five different layouts—from the 61-key on the small end to the 120-key on the large end. Finally, we’ve updated the stabilizers to help level larger keys, updated the switch slider molds for better keycap retention, strengthened the bamboo case to prevent cracking, made electrical improvements for better key rollover, and rounded the corners for a smoother overall package.

The Hall Effect: A Bounce-Free Magnetic Switch

Most keyboards on the market use a rubber dome and membranes, a physical switch, or a capacitance sensor to detect key position. The Hall Effect uses magnets. Compared to a mechanical switch, the Hall sensor is inherently bounce free and water resistant, and it offers short response time. Key action is super smooth because there are no contacts being brought together. Plus, since there are no contacts to wear out, the keys will last a lifetime (or as long as the magnet stays strong and the plastics don’t wear out).

Additional Design Features

The Hall Effect keyboard is covered from head to toe in epoxy coating, meaning it’s IPX-6 water resistant if you have an accidental spill. As for backlighting, it’s outfitted with an oven-soldered circuit board with a host of colorful modes to set the tone for your setup. Plus, each key is LED customizable to your exacting standards. PBT/POM doubleshot shine-through keycaps help further illuminate the keyboard. Cherry stabilizers allow for rapid key switches, too.

Specs

    Designed by XMIT Keyboards
    Produced by Massdrop
    Layout: 61-key 60%, 87-key TKL, 108-key full size, 98-key 1800, and 120-key Sun layout
    Body material: CNC bamboo
    IPX-6 waterproof rating
    Keycaps: PBT + POM doubleshot with backlight compatibility, Cherry MX mount (The 1800 and Sun layouts have certain keys made from laser-etched ABS. On the 1800 layout they are: 1u windows, alt, ctrl, and short right shift. On the Sun layout they are the left-hand macro keys.)

    Spring weight: 60 g
    Actuation point: 1.8 – 2 mm
    Key travel: 4 mm
    Backlighting: Full RGB backlighting with surface mount LEDs and a variety of patterns
    High-frequency, silent PWM brightness control
    Key sliders: POM slider with upstroke damping in polycarbonate housing
    Interface: Mini USB
    Stabilizers: Integrated Cherry style key stabilizers with updated design to reduce binding
    PCB assembly: surface mount
    Compatible with most Cherry MX mount key caps (including all Tai-Hao, Vortex, GMK, and Signature Plastics)
    Dimensions, 61-key: 12 x 4.5 x 1.7 in (30.5 x 11.4 x 4 cm)
    Weight, 61-key: 1.2 lbs (0.5 kg)
    Dimensions, 87-key: 14.5 x 5.8 x 1.9 in (36.8 x 14.7 x 4.8 cm)
    Weight, 87-key: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
    Dimensions, 98-key: 15.6 x 5.8 x 1.9 in (39.6 x 14.7 x 4.8 cm)
    Weight, 98-key: 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
    Dimensions, 108-key: 18 x 5.8 x 1.9 in (45.7 x 14.7 x 4.8 cm)
    Weight, 108-key: 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
    Dimensions, 120-key: 19.8 x 5.8 x 1.9 in (50.3 x 14.7 x 4.8 cm)
    Weight, 120-key: 2.7 lbs (1.2 kg)

Shipping

All orders will be shipped by Massdrop.

Estimated ship date is Apr 2, 2018 PT.

After the drop ends, payment will be collected. To deliver the best value to the group the request will then be submitted to the vendor up front, making all sales final. Be sure to check the discussion page for updates.

Offline SpAmRaY

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Re: Return of the XMIT Hall Effect Keyboards -- $110+ Massdrop
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 14 November 2017, 14:06:10 »
As much as I want to try one of these I'd rather spend less money on a leopold 980m to get my 98 key layout fix.

Offline xmagusx

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Re: Return of the XMIT Hall Effect Keyboards -- $110+ Massdrop
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 14 November 2017, 14:44:29 »
But Hall Effect! And shiny!

Offline dante

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Re: Return of the XMIT Hall Effect Keyboards -- $110+ Massdrop
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 14 November 2017, 15:11:14 »
There is nothing but hate in my heart.

Offline Techno Trousers

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Re: Return of the XMIT Hall Effect Keyboards -- $110+ Massdrop
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 14 November 2017, 15:45:21 »
There is nothing but hate in my heart.
Why?

Offline xmagusx

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Re: Return of the XMIT Hall Effect Keyboards -- $110+ Massdrop
« Reply #5 on: Tue, 14 November 2017, 18:32:12 »
There is nothing but hate in my heart.

Is it the ship date?

Offline SamirD

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Re: Return of the XMIT Hall Effect Keyboards -- $110+ Massdrop
« Reply #6 on: Tue, 14 November 2017, 19:03:32 »
How realistic is the ship date?  I've seen so many ship dates slip that if it's really going to be the summer before they ship, 6 months is a long time to ask someone to plunk down some money and wait imo.

Offline matt-taco

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Re: Return of the XMIT Hall Effect Keyboards -- $110+ Massdrop
« Reply #7 on: Tue, 14 November 2017, 19:07:10 »
I want one, but I can't put down that much right now.

Offline dante

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Re: Return of the XMIT Hall Effect Keyboards -- $110+ Massdrop
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 15 November 2017, 11:43:56 »
There is nothing but hate in my heart.
Why?

There is nothing but hate in my heart.

Is it the ship date?

I have nothing positive to add.  It's not fair to complain at this stage but my spidey senses are telling me MD and the manufacturer are going to mess it up again.  "Improved stabilizers" mean NOTHING after the K-Type.

Offline Elrick

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Re: Return of the XMIT Hall Effect Keyboards -- $110+ Massdrop
« Reply #9 on: Sat, 18 November 2017, 04:12:07 »
I have nothing positive to add.  It's not fair to complain at this stage but my spidey senses are telling me MD and the manufacturer are going to mess it up again.  "Improved stabilizers" mean NOTHING after the K-Type.

Yeah, the K-Type was a disaster  :'( .   Best to stay clear of anything linked to MD when they try selling another "NEW type of keyboard", sad but true.