The manufacturers of the XMIT Hall Effect Keyboard are hard at work on prototypes for Round 2!
They will hopefully be here in the next week or two.
It's tough to be spread out across four forums for design work (here, DT, Reddit, and Massdrop discussion) so let's keep the Round 2 discussion on this thread. Also, let's focus on manufacturing discussions, not timing of the next sales, nor issues with Round 1.
There are some really exciting things in the works. First let's talk about all the little things I've fixed. For the most part these boards will be really similar to Round 1 with lots of little tweaks.
On most boards, the top two layers will be glued together for added rigidity and to help prevent the cracking issues we saw with bamboo.
We're going with new countersunk screws and threaded inserts to prevent stripped threads.
On some boards, I'm adding a fourth layer around the switches, to better enclose the board and prevent light bleed. This is optional but is a nice option.
The edges of the cases will be rounded for a better in-hand feel - less sharp.
I've designed new rubber feet. They are circular and recessed. These will seem like less of an afterthought.
The molds for the sliders and the switch housings are unchanged. These won't be any quieter, sorry. I could only push the factory so much. I'm experimenting with downstroke damping, though.
Now, onto the fun stuff.
We've got some new layouts! The 104-key is being replaced by a 108-key. There is also a new 120-key, which is the 108-key with twelve extra function keys off to the left. This will look a LOT like a Sun keyboard.
The biggest new layout is the 98-key. This is the same exact layout as the Leopold FC980M. Lots of people asked for this one! (And, no, I'm NOT doing a 75-key, at least not this time.)
We're moving to Costar stabilizers. Hurrah!
We're eliminating the 50g spring option. Maybe I'll make the springs available but there were too many complaints that it was too soft.
We're adding a click leaf! This will give Alps-like audible and tactile feedback when typing.
We're adding wrist rests! They are made from the same material as the cases, and made to match the boards.
I know there will be lots of questions. I don't even have the boards in hand yet! So, let's start the discussion here. I'm still figuring out exactly which configurations to offer for Round 2.