Beam Spring project update:

I received the B104 Round 2 sample by air mail last week and sent the factory some feedback.  The new PCB was slightly misaligned so some keys were not working correctly and there were some small other issues so the factory will be working on remaking this sample and making the other keyboard model samples for approval.  While we wait for that, the factory has also been working on producing and assembling all of the beam modules so that they will be ready to install on the other parts. 

The beam project has taken longer than expected and should be going out to everyone later this year, several months after the Round 2 Model F keyboards.  This may be the only production run of new beam spring keyboards, so I want to make them as nice as possible, even if it takes extra time.  As always if you prefer not to wait you can switch your order to the Round 1 beam spring option by emailing me, since there is still some stock remaining of the Round 1 boards.

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.

interesting face and bottom, every nya keyboard seems promising

I F'd up the top housing of a soldered in switch (complicated to explain; please just take that info, as it is). The switch is still functioning, but wonky.

Q: Can I swap out the top housing of a switch from the top-side without desoldering it?

I avoided Alice for the longest time, this thing might actually change that :O