WASD V2 Pre Orders open

[daerid]

Got this in my email just now:

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/wasd-v2-87-key-custom-mechanical-keyboard-preorder.html

[WhiteFireDragon]

I'm really digging the new shape of the case, but don't like the gap/seems between the top and bottom piece.

[kenmai9]

V2 Features

Cherry MX Mechanical Key Switches
- High quality, gold plated switches rated at 50 million cycles
- Select between Cherry MX Blue, Brown, Black, Red, and Clear variants

N/6-Key Rollover
- True N-Key Rolloverover PS/2 with included adpater
- Modified 6-Key Rollover over USB allows additional key presses after 6 keys to be recognized

Configurable Key Output
- Switch between QWERTY, Mac, Dvorak, and Colemak output modes
- Switch Caps Lock to Ctrl

Gaming Features
- Windows Lock mode allows toggling the Windows Keys on and off with Scroll Lock
- Fully disable Windows Keys operation

Multimedia Shortcuts
- Play, Stop, Next, Prev, Vol Up, Vol Down, and Mute shortcuts
- Optimized shortcut locations
- Can be disabled enable the default "Menu" key

Case Design
- Detachable USB cable
- 5-way cable routing system
- Low profile case for a more comfortable and natural typing position
- Red LED lock indicators
- No logo
- Rubberized flip out feet

Accessories
- 1.8m (70.8in) Micro USB cable with cable tie
- Wire keycap puller
- USB to PS/2 adapter

V2 Specifications

Dimensions: 363x142x30mm (14.3x5.6x1.2in)
Weight: 907g (2.0 lbs)
Interface: USB / PS2
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Case Material: ABS
Keycap Material: ABS
Made in Taiwan. Designed and customized in USA.

[gnubag]

is the gap between the case parts intentional?

[whiteduck]

ordered... ^.^

[digi]

I feel like it should at least come with PBT keycaps for that price, am I out of line here? Like the option for MX Clears however.

[Danule]

mmm looks yummy. i wonder how the quality of the PCB compares to filco.

[Rafen]

I feel like it should at least come with PBT keycaps for that price, am I out of line here? Like the option for MX Clears however.

No I feel the same way. A QFR w/reds and PBT would be cheaper. I think that I am going to pass on this board.

[CommunistWitchDr]

The hardware colemak is nice, though nowhere near as nice as total programmability, I mean there are programmable controllers for pretty cheap. Just use one and pass the cost on to the buyer if need be.

[SkyCorrigan]

mmm looks yummy. i wonder how the quality of the PCB compares to filco.

Probably not. Filco is King. Anyone that disagrees is using a Blackwidow.

[terran5992]

There goes my money

[TimIsABat]

I'm not the only one that thinks this board is a bit overprice? I can just get a QFR or a Leopold TKL instead of paying for this...

[terran5992]

I'm not the only one that thinks this board is a bit overprice? I can just get a QFR or a Leopold TKL instead of paying for this...

You can choose what type of switches you want and you can customize the keycaps that it comes with.

[Lu_e]

...lol

to continue the above, it has a bunch of small very custom touches which is added cost not seen by some companies that 'pick' their product from a catalog more or less. and some also manufacture in China. (For the record WASD and qfr is made in Taiwan)

Obviously by pricing their v2 this way, they are basically saying: its as good (or better) than a filco... since they are the same price.

custom features like;
DIP switching abilities
apparently quite low profile body (measuring my qfr; the width is the only measurement sorta different)
double rubber feet
more cable routing
I would hope a high quality build, PCB, and solder... (who will be first to crack one open?)
nice cable puller is worth mentioning
modified media layout
"modified 6 key rollover" ? "allows additional key presses after 6 keys to be recognized" ? sounds neat if im not misinterpreting it.

SO in summary is a filco worth it? if so, and this product is of equal quality (with the aforementioned custom touches);

How is it not worth it

[jabar]

How is it not worth it

because a wide variety of Cherry TKL boards aka Ducky, Keycools can be had with standard PBT for less than 2/3 the price.

The only advantage V2 has is custom lasered ABS keycaps (if that is a must for you) and the DIP switch. Everything else has been done for less.

It's hilarious that some switch options even ADD to the price. Pony up another $20 and the cheapest Topre board is the same price!

PS we already have a thread up here http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43077.0

[TheProfosist]

This keyboard should not be directly compared to other standard tkl keyboards because of versatality due to the dip switches. I think the only thing that comes some what close out of the box is a leopold 700R. Also the other thing many of you see to be missing is that the preorder is for full custom boards only. I imagine this is due to the initial limited supply.

[TheProfosist]

How is it not worth it

because a wide variety of Cherry TKL boards aka Ducky, Keycools can be had with standard PBT for less than 2/3 the price.

The only advantage V2 has is custom lasered ABS keycaps (if that is a must for you) and the DIP switch. Everything else has been done for less.

It's hilarious that some switch options even ADD to the price. Pony up another $20 and the cheapest Topre board is the same price!

PS we already have a thread up here http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43077.0

Yes but do you get a selection of 10 ish different colors for yhe caps and in this case any cap can be any of those colors.

Also WASD has tried to get PBT keycaps before more than once. After the last time where he had an issue with the company making the molds he decided to focus on designing and releasing a new line of keyboards.

So your saying this keyboard itsnt unique or special at all even though it has many features people have been asking for for some time. Many of these features not available at all on a retail mechanical keyboard much less all together on one board.

Aparently you havent been around for long as it quite common for the less common switches to cost more. This is like due to the amount of each that is being ordered.

Yes you could get a type heaven with a completly different switch type and none of the same features or even the same layout. That argument makes no sense.

I dont know why you guys think WASD is trying to compete with the likes of the cheap boards out there today. That isnt the case and never has been.

[TimIsABat]

This keyboard should not be directly compared to other standard tkl keyboards because of versatality due to the dip switches. I think the only thing that comes some what close out of the box is a leopold 700R. Also the other thing many of you see to be missing is that the preorder is for full custom boards only. I imagine this is due to the initial limited supply.

That would make sense for the price. If they sell this at much cheaper price than their competitors than maybe I would consider it, because I would rather buy a cheaper board and bay for better doubleshot or PBT keycaps with a better profile than get this...the customization makes it more understandable with this price range.

[BliTzKiN]

Well, until someone gets their hand on it, no one knows. It could possibly be worth the price tag. But based on pictures, loving the casing, hating the gap

[Lu_e]

^ agreed. my only turn-off

[knotra]

I feel like it should at least come with PBT keycaps for that price, am I out of line here? Like the option for MX Clears however.

I would agree, or at least have the option to have PBTs.

[wasdkeyboards]

Well, until someone gets their hand on it, no one knows. It could possibly be worth the price tag. But based on pictures, loving the casing, hating the gap

I understand the styling won't appeal to every person, but we really wanted to make something that looked a little different from other keyboards without adding any extreme changes.

The gap also serves a purpose of keeping the case tabs accessible for service or modding. You can't see in the pictures, but we even added extra holes where the tabs are so they can be released more easily.

[jabar]

*makes keyboard more conducive to modding*

*doesn't make mod-friendly plate*

[Lu_e]

Barebones v2 is out! $99.99; blues & blacks. (clears for $109.99)

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/wasd-v2-87-key-barebones-mechanical-keyboard.html

If/when mine craps out... (or i get a wild hair)... next board fo sho

[Tarzan]

I can't tell if this has already been asked, but is there any word when the full-size V2 will be available?

[Danule]

as soon as some one gets one please post pictures i want to see this case.  If its lower than a filco i may be interested in getting one

[ImperfectLink]

I agree with the sentiment about the price but I have a feeling it will live up to it's value. Also, to be fair the gap doesn't appear to be any greater than the Filco Tenkeypad:

[limniscate]

Awe man, I thought you could switch capslock with control, not just assign control to capslock.