1. The LCD version of this (and maybe the solenoid/piezo?) seems to require destructive disassembly. It's the owner's board, but M122's are desirable to buckling spring fans, and it would be a shame to gut a working one. There are other ways to get or make a Cherry MX battleship.
I absolutely agree. I think cutting the plastic rivets to get the back plate off is destructive from the start. Cutting a hole for the LCD is double damage. If I were to build one, I would only use an already broken board that doesn't have a clear repair. Devouring a working M122 for this would be a shame.
2. The PCB could benefit from some relief cuts. This is a lot of tension, and while using the thin 1mm as the designer says should help, a lot of the writeup seems to focus on managing that tension during soldering and assembly.
That was my first thought too. It's how curved keywells like the Kenesis Advantage operate. I wonder if the creator would be open to revision. I don't have PCB design experience, but maybe re-routing the paths to add relief cuts is a good first project? Maybe not
3. This is a LOT of hotswap soldering on pads to do by hand. I would not enjoy the work, personally. I think the whole thing would benefit from a reflow setup maybe?
Meh. I always am looking for an excuse to use my soldering station. It absolutely would benefit from reflow.
4. Now all that said, this is really intriguing and I love the idea of solenoid keyboards.
I'm considering it. I have maybe too many projects in flight at the moment, but I can't stop looking back at this one.