Production update:
I continue using and testing the new Model F's and we are very close to getting the right amount of the musical reverb when typing! Even with some of the components not yet 100%.
I received the latest shipment today from the factory, including two Industrial Gray production cases and sample keys and springs.
The factory did a great job on the Industrial Gray cases. They are the correct mix of gray, green, and tan that is a cross between the greenish-tan-gray Industrial SSK and the more greenish full size Industrial M's. Nice bumpy texture and matte paint.
The latest spring samples do not match my tolerances and specifications and they have been rejected. At this point I expect to work with one of the US spring factories I've received a quote from in the past month or so (after evaluating their samples first of course). I have to absorb the costs here but it looks like everyone is expected to get US made buckling springs!
The latest keys have excellent PBT like the originals, but failed to match the tolerances and I am talking with the factory about options and next steps. May have to switch subcontractors on this part as I mentioned before; we don't want to wait forever for these sub's to improve!