That super PCB impresses the hell out of me, Ron. But looking at the price, I take it these PCBs aren't going to be of Ergodox quality? (I have been looking at ergodox PCBs recently and was really taken with the quality.)
I mention quality, because it is practically guaranteed some idiots (such as me) are certain to do stupid things when faced with such a complex PCB. EG we put solder into the wrong holes, we solder in switches or LEDs the wrong way round, etc. I think the PCB should be able to endure considerable 'abuse' (as in multiple resoldering cycles.) Spending a few more bucks per PCB should pay off in the longer run when fewer PCBs die.
No, I think you will be happy with the quality. The vendor I use produces
much better quality than many of the specialty boards I have seen recently. Before I started using them for keyboards, I designed an LED strip so I could see how their traces and pads are. Then I had them make larger and more complex PCBs.
The boards are .062" thick, double-sided, instead of the .031" or even .020" some are. Of particular importance to me is robust construction of the
pads because that is where the soldering and de-soldering cycles happen. And these pads are some of the best I have seen. Certainly they are better than the pads on (e.g.) the JD40 PCB, which I pulled off while de-soldering a Teensy. (Killed the Teensy as well, but that was expected!)
Anyone who wants a sample PCB to judge workmanship, just send me a PM and I'll mail you some samwisekoi LED strips made exactly the way these PCBs will be made. And any of the Prototype participants can tell you how the PCBs stack up against others.
Modular LED Strip by samwisekoi 2014.Also, please know that I keep track of the cost of the PCB as I design, and where I can make design decisions that reduce cost without impacting form or function, I do that. Also, because this is 100% through-hole, there are none of the extra cost elements on an SMD PSB.
Anyhow, if you want a sample PCB, just send me a PM. I don't have an infinite number to hand out, but I have many.
Thanks for sharing my concern for quality before price!
- Ron | samwisekoi
Sig auto-typed by my GH36 LH keypad.p.s. If anyone brings an Ergodox PCB to today's meet-up, I'll do some side-by-side comparisons and photos.