WASD Keyboards V2 Sneak Peak

[daerid]

Some of you may not frequent the vendor forums, so I thought I'd post this and give you all a heads up.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37891.0

I might be pretty much over Cherry boards, but this is probably going to make it into my collection (in Blues). It's just too damn sexy (Hardware-swapped Caps->Control? YES PLZ)

[AKIMbO]

Saw it over at r/mechanicalkeyboards first....but I'll echo what I said over there.  The V2 looks amazing.  I just hope they offer more switch types than your standard red, blue black, brown.

[daerid]

What else would you want? Clears & Greens?

[Sifo]

Clears, Green and White would be nice ^^ in limited quantity, probably.

WASD said they would be offering a limited edition clear board soon so I'm gonna be jumping on that.

[The_Beast]

The thing that kinda sucks is I thought WASD said he as going to do a phantom style plate. However he confirmed that it wasn't possible or too expensive


Still a super great looking keyboard tho

[SmallFry]

Clears, greens, and whites...getting to the coolness factor...

TACTILE GREY! Please!

[The_Beast]

Clears, greens, and whites...getting to the coolness factor...

TACTILE GREY! Please!

They are the same thing as clears as far as I can tell

[Hyde]

Damn looks nice, and they say for the 104 version it won't have the logo at all.  I guess they listened to their fans (or saw all the complaints with older QuickFire Rapid LOL).

But yeah I probably won't buy any MX boards with the standard blue, brown, red, black.  Hoping cherry will release MX purple (ergo clear) soon.

[The_Beast]

Damn looks nice, and they say for the 104 version it won't have the logo at all.  I guess they listened to their fans (or saw all the complaints with older QuickFire Rapid LOL).

But yeah I probably won't buy any MX boards with the standard blue, brown, red, black.  Hoping cherry will release MX purple (ergo clear) soon.

The logo on the V1 WASD is pretty hard to notic as is. I honestly wouldn't  mind WASD somewhere on the board since WASD knows how/where/what size to brand on their boards

[Vintage]

I assume by "Phantom style", you mean allows you to mod the switches without the need for desoldering them?

I wish this board was going on sale this month.   

[LollyWater]

God it's sexy. I never liked the look of WASD keyboards. The bevel look is not for me. But the V2 looks perfect. They got the look of the board perfect. Its body is sharp but not it's not just a boring rectangle shape. The cord maintenance is best I've seen. Hopefully it will come in barebones but out of the box blank keys are great anyway. Switch options are great too and I love the lack of a logo. If this was on the market today it would be an instant buy.

[dorkvader]

Damn looks nice, and they say for the 104 version it won't have the logo at all.  I guess they listened to their fans (or saw all the complaints with older QuickFire Rapid LOL).

But yeah I probably won't buy any MX boards with the standard blue, brown, red, black.  Hoping cherry will release MX purple (ergo clear) soon.

I believe people were talking about the logo (and how it compared to a filco) since before complaining about the Cmstorm branding was common.

The WASD V1 was pretty awesome, as a customizable keyboard, one of the first in a huge wave of new vendors, and WASD is continuing the trend with more groundbreaknig features (well kinesis had the whole dvorak thing first, and dip switches are done, but still) I'vm very excited about the V2.

Still, I'm concerned he's gone too far with the LED pinholes. I do want to be able to see them, but I don't want them to blind me. We'll see when they come out, I'm just concerned about the viewable angle.

Anyway, I'll probably get one (with o-rings) to use at work. What switch to get, though....

[TheShining]

Good stuff, love my WASD board.

[wasdkeyboards]

The thing that kinda sucks is I thought WASD said he as going to do a phantom style plate. However he confirmed that it wasn't possible or too expensive

It's still a feature I want to have. I'm just not 100% if we will have it right away. Even if we don't get it by release time, it will still be something we can (and will eventually) add later on.

[SmallFry]

The thing that kinda sucks is I thought WASD said he as going to do a phantom style plate. However he confirmed that it wasn't possible or too expensive

It's still a feature I want to have. I'm just not 100% if we will have it right away. Even if we don't get it by release time, it will still be something we can (and will eventually) add later on.

That's great news! About how much are we talking for a price? Just a ball park would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure you're going to compete with Filco prices, but with all the options I'm sure we can put some money in your pocket.

[wasdkeyboards]

Price hasn't been finalized yet since we are still debating whether to add the modified backplate or not.

You can expect the price to be roughly the same as our current keyboards (probably a little more expensive). Everyone must keep in mind that our costs are higher than all other brands since we do a lot of the assembly ourselves vs having the work done overseas.

[Vintage]

That's pretty good. I'd buy a TKL barebones for $100. You should do a poll listing the cost of an mod-friendly plate. I think a $10-$20 increase should be fine personally...

Curious though, do you mean the fullsize will be a bit more than the V1, or that the TKL model will be. I would think the TKL is cheaper than a fullsize because of less switches,stabilizers,keycaps, smaller case, etc.

[jabar]

Well, it seems comments considering PBT keycaps has not received attention from WASD since summer. You guys need to step up and source PBT keycaps (competitively) if you want to differentiate yourselves from manufacturers such as Ducky. That and increased switch variety. I was going to order a WASD V1 recently but chose to go elsewhere because this option was not being actively explored anymore.

[wasdkeyboards]

Well, it seems comments considering PBT keycaps has not received attention from WASD since summer. You guys need to step up and source PBT keycaps (competitively) if you want to differentiate yourselves from manufacturers such as Ducky. That and increased switch variety. I was going to order a WASD V1 recently but chose to go elsewhere because this option was not being actively explored anymore.

We had to temporary abandon the PBT project in order to focus on the V2. It's definitely not something we have overlooked and will continue exploring different possibilities after the release of the V2.

[LollyWater]

Will you guys be selling this in barebones?

[SmallFry]

Will you guys be selling this in barebones?

Or even better as a DIY kit:)

[daerid]

I'd pay $120 for a barebones WASD v2 87 key w/ phantom style plate. I can put my own PBT caps on it, thank you very much. But with hardware switchable caps/ctrl (which I know Ducky 9087's also have, but I can't stand Cherry stabs), and the ability to mod switches w/o soldering.. yeah, $120 easy.

[The_Beast]

I'd pay $120 for a barebones WASD v2 87 key w/ phantom style plate. I can put my own PBT caps on it, thank you very much. But with hardware switchable caps/ctrl (which I know Ducky 9087's also have, but I can't stand Cherry stabs), and the ability to mod switches w/o soldering.. yeah, $120 easy.

Seems about right

[aggiejy]

I'd go $120 for that too.  Phantom plate, no caps.

Also, would be cool if you could source aluminum case alternatives for those that are willing to pay.  People would pay $150-$250 extra for them I'd guess, especially if you anodized them.  I'd imagine if you find a machine shop around there, you could have them for half of that at sufficient quantities.  (based on some very light research I've done)

[Saviant]

I would pay the 120 no caps as well if it had the phantom style plate, I think most of us would jump on the v2 like that.

[Deverica Wolf]

Well, it seems comments considering PBT keycaps has not received attention from WASD since summer. You guys need to step up and source PBT keycaps (competitively) if you want to differentiate yourselves from manufacturers such as Ducky. That and increased switch variety. I was going to order a WASD V1 recently but chose to go elsewhere because this option was not being actively explored anymore.

We had to temporary abandon the PBT project in order to focus on the V2. It's definitely not something we have overlooked and will continue exploring different possibilities after the release of the V2.

Please do. I have been contemplating ordering three sets of Colemak keys from you guys but have been on the ball for the PBT. It is important, I think, so good luck with it.

[Makeo]

Well, looks like I found my next keyboard

[SmallFry]

Will you guys be selling this in barebones?

Or even better as a DIY kit:)

I like this idea a lot!

Say $50-$80 buys you the case, the keycaps/stabilizer bars/resistors/diodes/controller/etc.  And you build it from plans.

In addition to selling it to keyboard enthusiasts you could market it to schools and institutions with electronics programs.

It's innovative, and it's getting the WASD brand name out there.

I didn't even think of the schools aspect! What a cool idea!

[natas206]

What else would you want? Clears & Greens?

might need a hand like this to type on the greens:

[asdf]

I ended up never buying a keyboard after planning for a whlie, but I'm excite to make this be my first cherry mx keyboard. Most likely will be red switches since I tried out a friend's and they felt really cool. March is going to be a long wait.

[wasdkeyboards]

We will definitely offer a barebones version.

I've been contemplating offering some with standard SP doubleshot sets. What do you guys think about this?

[metalliqaz]

Sounds cool.  If I were to buy one though, it would be barebones.

[The_Beast]

We will definitely offer a barebones version.

I've been contemplating offering some with standard SP doubleshot sets. What do you guys think about this?

Maybe some GMK caps, those will sell quick and I'm pretty sure that you'd get a better price than GB if you ordered enough

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=37786.0

[Binge]

We will definitely offer a barebones version.

I've been contemplating offering some with standard SP doubleshot sets. What do you guys think about this?

I like your OEM keys just fine for the purpose they fill.  All of the custom etching and engraving options make them a great option for your product.  If you were to offer full double-shot sets I think your standard of quality would need to be met by whomever you choose to fulfill the order.  Good to hear about a barebones kit.  Excited to see one of these in action!

[Vintage]

Yeah, I am sure some people would be very interested in DS keycaps from SP as stock.

However I will almost certainly be buying barebones. Probably going to get a IMSTO PBT dyesub set or the the Vortex set Feng will be selling soon.

Excited for this board 

March is a long time though.

[LollyWater]

We will definitely offer a barebones version.

I've been contemplating offering some with standard SP doubleshot sets. What do you guys think about this?

Thanks so much for the reply. I'll probably be getting some blank PBT caps from IMSTO.

[wasdkeyboards]

The original Cherry keys from GMK are very interesting. I'll see if I can work something out with them.

We won't be doing any kits with just the parts (solder yourself). I've requested this in the past but Costar did not want to provide that option.

[SmallFry]

We won't be doing any kits with just the parts (solder yourself). I've requested this in the past but Costar did not want to provide that option.

-1 for Costar, +1 for you asking though!

[wasdkeyboards]

It sounds like we'll most likely use GMK instead of SP for any doubleshot versions. I actually don't have a full OEM Cherry set at the moment. Can anyone provide some feedback about the spacebar? I have SP ones but I feel they are far too sharp on the front side and makes typing uncomfortable. On one my keyboards that have a doubleshot set, I ended up using one of our spacebars instead as it much more comfortable.

[alaricljs]

I have a Cherry profile PBT set on my board and the spacebar is far more comfortable than SPs.  It's a little taller than the mod keys  and the front edge is not prominent like SPs.  It had no outstanding characteristics when compared to Filco OEM.  On a whim I just flipped it around.  Bottoming the key, the leading edge (what used to be the back edge of the cap) ends up even with the top of my Filco case.  While the space bar is quite comfy this way, hitting the case with my thumb is a little distracting. 

[MMB]

We had to temporary abandon the PBT project in order to focus on the V2. It's definitely not something we have overlooked and will continue exploring different possibilities after the release of the V2.

When you guys offer the amazing assortment of keycaps you currently have in PBT flavor, you will rape my wallet.

[samwisekoi]

We will definitely offer a barebones version.

I've been contemplating offering some with standard SP doubleshot sets. What do you guys think about this?

I like your OEM keys just fine for the purpose they fill.  All of the custom etching and engraving options make them a great option for your product.  If you were to offer full double-shot sets I think your standard of quality would need to be met by whomever you choose to fulfill the order.  Good to hear about a barebones kit.  Excited to see one of these in action!

I agree with Binge.  Personally I would be far more interested in you offering a Cherry profile keycap set than double-shots from anyone.

As you know, I have more than one set of WASD keycaps, and will certainly be getting more.  For me, the single biggest inhibitor to buying more sets from WASD is keycap profile.  IMHO, low profile keycaps just feel better; and custom keycaps always look funny when placed in a row of WASD OEM-profile keycaps.

WASD has a great keyboard now, and absolutely the best service in the business, and the ability to mix-and-match keycap colors is a significant differentiator.

If we could keep all of that and add a v2 TKL and Cherry-profile keycaps, it would truly be fantastic.

Just my two cents.  (Well, maybe four or five.)

Very best regards,

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[daerid]

V2 + Cherry Profile PBT = BROKE ASS NI**A

[rindorbrot]

I guess if you stocked doubleshots they would only be for US Ansi?

But I'd also like to cheer for Cherry profile keycaps!

[TotalChaos]

I will buy at least 10 sets of keycaps per year of ABS and PBT and POM but only if they are 12mm profile aka "OEM Profile" and only if the top of the keycap is either spherical or flat.  I need them symmetrical in every direction.

Spherical is best since everyone can use and enjoy spherical.

I have nothing against ABS, PBT or POM.  I like them all.  POM is my fave.

+ I can buy even more if all keys use the same profile not this "every row sits at a different angle" profile.

+ I can buy yet even more keycap sets when you allow front printing.

But if you do not ever offer any of those services then I can only justify buying 3 sets of caps (with or without keyboard) from you per year, maximum.  Sorry.

[dutmai]

Will you guys be selling this in barebones?

Or even better as a DIY kit:)

I like this idea a lot!

Say $50-$80 buys you the case, the keycaps/stabilizer bars/resistors/diodes/controller/etc.  And you build it from plans.

In addition to selling it to keyboard enthusiasts you could market it to schools and institutions with electronics programs.

It's innovative, and it's getting the WASD brand name out there.

This would be very exciting

[tp4tissue]

Make this keyboard user-programmable and you'll sell BILLIONS...... 


The dip switches are a nice touch, but why baby step this thing, NO BULL****, go ALL THE WAY... 


And the friendly moddable plate... Tell Costar to fvk themselves, make it happen from the leopold manufacturer..

Go for the kill,....

Make that dream keyboard, and the other retailers will be swept away by your tsunami of success.   

[TotalChaos]

Are u saying Leopold keyboards are made in such a way that one can grease the springs without having to desolder the switches from the plate?

And if so, which Leopolds in particular?

[VesperSAINT]

This thing with Clears would be an insta-buy for me. *crosses fingers for clears*