New update on WASD v2 - Pre-orders up. Clear switch option.

[VesperSAINT]

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/blog

No phantom plate, doods Too bad. But on the plus side, confirmed Clears and soon release date.

Code - the backlight variant announced. Different internal parts and will have a separate site dedicated to it. Cherry MX Clear with white LED and white backplate.


If a thread on this topic already exists, my apologies. Please do move

[dadgh]

I think that if they wont take preorders then I won't take this "coming soon" release date seriously (poor business decision not to take preorders when people are willing to make them)

• The V2 sits 3mm lower than the V1. Doesn't sound like a lot, but you can definitely feel the difference.
• Unfortunately, we will not have the mod friendly backplates for this keyboard.

if it costs more than $80 i'll be disappointed

[VesperSAINT]

I think that if they wont take preorders then I won't take this "coming soon" release date seriously (poor business decision not to take preorders when people are willing to make them)

• The V2 sits 3mm lower than the V1. Doesn't sound like a lot, but you can definitely feel the difference.
• Unfortunately, we will not have the mod friendly backplates for this keyboard.

if it costs more than $80 i'll be disappointed

Well, their naked V1's cost $89.99 + shipping so I highly doubt they'll price this at $80 or lower; I'd say it'd be closer to $100-120 for a naked V2. I don't think that's bad for the quality provide. I'm just curious on what they'll charge for the CODE. They're going to have to price it competitively with Ducky Shine II's, that's for sure.

[codyeatworld]

They actually just posted in their subform about their update: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43076.0

[VesperSAINT]

They actually just posted in their subform about their update: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43076.0

Ah, I see. Well if the mods deem this thread to be redundant, I'm sure they'll remove/move it. Honestly, I'd think that people might feel easier posting their honest feelings out on here in order to not thread crap the official thread ) Not that there's anything to really thread crap on this issue... Just feel like many will be disappointed about the no phantom-like plate issue 

[codyeatworld]

Yeah I agree.

I actually had no idea they tried to integrate a phantom plate and I think thats pretty cool for them to even try.

[VesperSAINT]

Yeah, I give them cred for trying... even though anyone could just say they tried to do something and just didn't bother. BUT I highly doubt this is the case. I only mention this because we're discussing the same issue on another thread )

[SpAmRaY]

So the 'CODE' variant sounds like a ducky shine II with clears...

Too bad about no phantom plate I was hoping they could make it happen on a full size board.

[VesperSAINT]

So the 'CODE' variant sounds like a ducky shine II with clears...

Too bad about no phantom plate I was hoping they could make it happen on a full size board.

Yeah, pretty much the Ducky Shine II w/ Clears but with Costar stabilizers. But the Ducky has the dual PCB, USB NKRO, and custom backlight options over this one. But we'll see what they have to offer otherwise

[kelske]

Just saw this bit in that blog post:

Multimedia keys were frequently requested, but we didn't like the way this was implemented on other keyboards. The hotkeys were generally set up in a way that either required two hands or required you bend and twist your hand around in unnatural ways. We positioned our hotkeys in the Ins, Del, Home, End, PgUp, PgDn cluster. It's designed for you to press the Fn/Menu Key with your right thumb so you use your middle and ring fingers to comfortably access the multimedia hotkeys.

I was just thinking the other day how good the 6 cluster would be for multimedia keys when paired with a RHS fn button.. Great minds

[VesperSAINT]

Just saw this bit in that blog post:

Multimedia keys were frequently requested, but we didn't like the way this was implemented on other keyboards. The hotkeys were generally set up in a way that either required two hands or required you bend and twist your hand around in unnatural ways. We positioned our hotkeys in the Ins, Del, Home, End, PgUp, PgDn cluster. It's designed for you to press the Fn/Menu Key with your right thumb so you use your middle and ring fingers to comfortably access the multimedia hotkeys.

I was just thinking the other day how good the 6 cluster would be for multimedia keys when paired with a RHS fn button.. Great minds

Yeah! Was thinking the same thing. Unfortunately I never use the multimedia hotkeys but for those that do, this is an awesome feature.

[tp4tissue]

why didn't the phantom plate make it?

[VesperSAINT]

why didn't the phantom plate make it?

I honestly don't know. I can only assume they realized that making them with phantom plates may hurt their sales in the long run.

[tp4tissue]

why didn't the phantom plate make it?

I honestly don't know. I can only assume they realized that making them with phantom plates may hurt their sales in the long run.

what? why would that happen... it's a very small percentage of people that would do the spring/stem swap....

Hmm.... perhaps it's because it adds to the cost of making the keyboard, while it provides nearly no benefit for people who don't intend to do Ergoclears..

Because people rarely do swaps for blu/brown/black/red... so additional cost for all models other than the clear is pointless..

Hm... dang it... well.. we had a good run.  Guess i'm not buying a v2

[VesperSAINT]

what? why would that happen... it's a very small percentage of people that would do the spring/stem swap....

Hmm.... perhaps it's because it adds to the cost of making the keyboard, while it provides nearly no benefit for people who don't intend to do Ergoclears..

Because people rarely do swaps for blu/brown/black/red... so additional cost for all models other than the clear is pointless..

Hm... dang it... well.. we had a good run.  Guess i'm not buying a v2

I mean yeah, it's definitely to cut costs while also maybe not wanting to encourage people to mess with their keyboards. Lol. *shrugs* It is unfortunate, because I was planning to buy one too.

[tp4tissue]

what? why would that happen... it's a very small percentage of people that would do the spring/stem swap....

Hmm.... perhaps it's because it adds to the cost of making the keyboard, while it provides nearly no benefit for people who don't intend to do Ergoclears..

Because people rarely do swaps for blu/brown/black/red... so additional cost for all models other than the clear is pointless..

Hm... dang it... well.. we had a good run.  Guess i'm not buying a v2

I mean yeah, it's definitely to cut costs while also maybe not wanting to encourage people to mess with their keyboards. Lol. *shrugs* It is unfortunate, because I was planning to buy one too.

See this is why I am was completely against WASD releasing the V2 as it was AT ALL..

it provides no advantage to other dominant brands..

If you want Luxury, there's Filco

If you want Cheap, there's Coolermaster

WASD will be in the middle of these 2 heavy weights with no outstanding useful special features. the only thing is abs colored caps..

[VesperSAINT]

See this is why I am was completely against WASD releasing the V2 as it was AT ALL..

it provides no advantage to other dominant brands..

If you want Luxury, there's Filco

If you want Cheap, there's Coolermaster

WASD will be in the middle of these 2 heavy weights with no outstanding useful special features. the only thing is abs colored caps..

The sad part is I really can't deny what you just said I think they're an awesome company but not having the phantom-like plate is a huge blunder. I honestly think most people on GH were excited for the V2 just for this feature. I'm sure WASD will sell a **** tonne of them though because they are one of the most well known provider in the USA with easy access and services. I like how it looks but.

[phoenix1234]

I agreed. WASD could have a big number of sales, especially the Code - Cherry MX Clear switches - LED - 87 TLK - Customized keycaps. Anyway, there is one thing that I don't know whether it is pros or cons "Micro USB which has a much better connect/disconnect cycle rating". I believe a lot of experts of GH already had high-end braided gold-plated mini-usb, so I think they want to reuse them, WASD should consider about offering additional Mini-USB option for people who prefer to reuse their favourite cables. Sometimes, small thing can create a big impact, for example SteelSeries 7g, 6G with the Big fat Enter. Anyway, it is just my personal opinion.

[tp4tissue]

I agreed. WASD could have a big number of sales, especially the Code - Cherry MX Clear switches - LED - 87 TLK - Customized keycaps. Anyway, there is one thing that I don't know whether it is pros or cons "Micro USB which has a much better connect/disconnect cycle rating". I believe a lot of experts of GH already had high-end braided gold-plated mini-usb, so I think they want to reuse them, WASD should consider about offering additional Mini-USB option for people who prefer to reuse their favourite cables. Sometimes, small thing can create a big impact, for example SteelSeries 7g, 6G with the Big fat Enter. Anyway, it is just my personal opinion.

Um... high end usb cable is a bit like monster cable.. cuz.. it's digital.. "AND" more importantly there's very little data going through it.

If by High end, you mean looks nice... then yea... people sure have lots of those.

[VesperSAINT]

Um... high end usb cable is a bit like monster cable.. cuz.. it's digital.. "AND" more importantly there's very little data going through it.

If by High end, you mean looks nice... then yea... people sure have lots of those.

God I love those Mimic cables but I just can't find it in myself to pay $30 for a micro usb cable Maybe after I gather some more money.

[Surnia]

Just saw this bit in that blog post:

Multimedia keys were frequently requested, but we didn't like the way this was implemented on other keyboards. The hotkeys were generally set up in a way that either required two hands or required you bend and twist your hand around in unnatural ways. We positioned our hotkeys in the Ins, Del, Home, End, PgUp, PgDn cluster. It's designed for you to press the Fn/Menu Key with your right thumb so you use your middle and ring fingers to comfortably access the multimedia hotkeys.

I was just thinking the other day how good the 6 cluster would be for multimedia keys when paired with a RHS fn button.. Great minds

I've been doing that for years with global shortcuts on Foobar. Great to see media keys take advantage of the cluster as well in a hardware supported capacity!

[tp4tissue]

Um... high end usb cable is a bit like monster cable.. cuz.. it's digital.. "AND" more importantly there's very little data going through it.

If by High end, you mean looks nice... then yea... people sure have lots of those.

God I love those Mimic cables but I just can't find it in myself to pay $30 for a micro usb cable Maybe after I gather some more money.

I can't believe people pay him $30 for his cables either.. it's almost against the spirit of DIY which some would say is the heart of GH, since most members are from an engineering / science / geek background.

I got nothing against his cables... but it's a cable... It's not possible to completely build a keyboard, so we buy them.. but a CABLE? that's firmly diy

[VesperSAINT]

I can't believe people pay him $30 for his cables either.. it's almost against the spirit of DIY which some would say is the heart of GH, since most members are from an engineering / science / geek background.

I got nothing against his cables... but it's a cable... It's not possible to completely build a keyboard, so we buy them.. but a CABLE? that's firmly diy

I can see your argument but I think some people just are willing to and just prefer the convenience of paying someone a lil' extra so they don't have to do it themselves. I love his cables but I just can't afford to drop $30 for a cable )  How does he do'em? Maybe I'll give it a shot myself for personal use )

[tp4tissue]

I can't believe people pay him $30 for his cables either.. it's almost against the spirit of DIY which some would say is the heart of GH, since most members are from an engineering / science / geek background.

I got nothing against his cables... but it's a cable... It's not possible to completely build a keyboard, so we buy them.. but a CABLE? that's firmly diy

I can see your argument but I think some people just are willing to and just prefer the convenience of paying someone a lil' extra so they don't have to do it themselves. I love his cables but I just can't afford to drop $30 for a cable )  How does he do'em? Maybe I'll give it a shot myself for personal use )

a cable has 2 ends..  you buy both ends, OR you strip them from a regular usb cable, DOESN"T MATTER..

First you take the wire in the middle and strip both ends to expose the copper

then you put on a length of the "colorful sleeve" that mimic uses.

then you either solder or twist the terminal ends together...

then you put on two pieces of shrink wrap at each end, the rubber is loose before you shrink it so it''ll look like form fitting part of the cable once it's done..

Then you shrink the ends first..

then you shrink the middle "colorful" mesh material..

You can shrink with the blowdryer.



The ghetto way of doing it, would be to take the regular cable.. buy the shrink wrap and shrinking mesh sleeve..

Then just put all of that over an existing cable, without cutting or soldering anything.. BOOM.. $10 tops.

[VesperSAINT]

a cable has 2 ends..  you buy both ends, OR you strip them from a regular usb cable, DOESN"T MATTER..

First you take the wire in the middle and strip both ends to expose the copper

then you put on a length of the "colorful sleeve" that mimic uses.

then you either solder or twist the terminal ends together...

then you put on two pieces of shrink wrap at each end, the rubber is loose before you shrink it so it''ll look like form fitting part of the cable once it's done..

Then you shrink the ends first..

then you shrink the middle "colorful" mesh material..

You can shrink with the blowdryer.



The ghetto way of doing it, would be to take the regular cable.. buy the shrink wrap and shrinking mesh sleeve..

Then just put all of that over an existing cable, without cutting or soldering anything.. BOOM.. $10 tops.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand I think this is why people will pay If they want it bad enough.

[tp4tissue]

a cable has 2 ends..  you buy both ends, OR you strip them from a regular usb cable, DOESN"T MATTER..

First you take the wire in the middle and strip both ends to expose the copper

then you put on a length of the "colorful sleeve" that mimic uses.

then you either solder or twist the terminal ends together...

then you put on two pieces of shrink wrap at each end, the rubber is loose before you shrink it so it''ll look like form fitting part of the cable once it's done..

Then you shrink the ends first..

then you shrink the middle "colorful" mesh material..

You can shrink with the blowdryer.



The ghetto way of doing it, would be to take the regular cable.. buy the shrink wrap and shrinking mesh sleeve..

Then just put all of that over an existing cable, without cutting or soldering anything.. BOOM.. $10 tops.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand I think this is why people will pay If they want it bad enough.

you can do the ghetto version it'd cost the same as the full version.. the only tool that you need is hair dryer and scissors.

$10 in material costs, unless you make $20 in the half hours that it'll take you to do this... idk man...

[VesperSAINT]

you can do the ghetto version it'd cost the same as the full version.. the only tool that you need is hair dryer and scissors.

$10 in material costs, unless you make $20 in the half hours that it'll take you to do this... idk man...

Just saying it for what it is, but thank you on the tips! At least now I have an idea of how they're made.

[rootwyrm]

The sad part is I really can't deny what you just said I think they're an awesome company but not having the phantom-like plate is a huge blunder. I honestly think most people on GH were excited for the V2 just for this feature. I'm sure WASD will sell a **** tonne of them though because they are one of the most well known provider in the USA with easy access and services. I like how it looks but.

Yeah, except for the warranty costs. I love how everyone constantly, consistently complains when manufacturers refuse to warranty boards they've tampered with and screwed up themselves. (Stop denying people do it. I see it all the damn time. I've seen it for decades.)
Plates that permit switch modifications without evidence of tampering means people are inevitably going to try to do a spring or stem swap, screw it up royally, and then demand WASD fix it for them under warranty. With WASD being unable to definitively prove it was a direct result of customer abuse. And having to deal with the whiners damaging their hard-earned customer service reputation when they do refuse to replace or repair customer abused boards (which they're already eating significant time on at minimum.) Meaning losing money hand over fist as a direct result of customer abuse - RMAs are not free. Which means they go out of business.

[VesperSAINT]

The sad part is I really can't deny what you just said I think they're an awesome company but not having the phantom-like plate is a huge blunder. I honestly think most people on GH were excited for the V2 just for this feature. I'm sure WASD will sell a **** tonne of them though because they are one of the most well known provider in the USA with easy access and services. I like how it looks but.

Yeah, except for the warranty costs. I love how everyone constantly, consistently complains when manufacturers refuse to warranty boards they've tampered with and screwed up themselves. (Stop denying people do it. I see it all the damn time. I've seen it for decades.)
Plates that permit switch modifications without evidence of tampering means people are inevitably going to try to do a spring or stem swap, screw it up royally, and then demand WASD fix it for them under warranty. With WASD being unable to definitively prove it was a direct result of customer abuse. And having to deal with the whiners damaging their hard-earned customer service reputation when they do refuse to replace or repair customer abused boards (which they're already eating significant time on at minimum.) Meaning losing money hand over fist as a direct result of customer abuse - RMAs are not free. Which means they go out of business.

Dood, you're preaching to the choir. I've never denied anything. I've been saying the same thing that you just said to me for the longest time. Lol! I was just expressing my disappointment.




My comments about the issue from a few days back:

Hmmm. Not sure. In my opinion, from a purely business perspective, I don't see them needing/wanting to add a custom plate or any modding options. Businesses tend to not like their customers messing with their products in any way or form because of warranty issues and so on. I'm sure the companies have workers who will side with the community but the ones at top will probably just vote against it. If only all people working at companies were also die hard enthusiasts of the products they made

Hmmm. Not sure. In my opinion, from a purely business perspective, I don't see them needing/wanting to add a custom plate or any modding options. Businesses tend to not like their customers messing with their products in any way or form because of warranty issues and so on. I'm sure the companies have workers who will side with the community but the ones at top will probably just vote against it. If only all people working at companies were also die hard enthusiasts of the products they made

I see where your coming from. But it wouldn't be too hard or expensive to throw in some extra notches in the plate. I wouldn't have a problem if they void the warranty if you break the case open. You should know what your doing before taking a keyboard apart anyways.

Yeah I agree with you but unfortunately the majority of their customers are retarded average Joe's who will try to pull off some bull**** lie/excuse to get their keyboards RMA'd for damages caused by negligence, which is why companies will always draw a clear and very defined line on just what they will cover in their warranties and will have a no tolerance policy. It's all about risk prevention and preventing any kind of loss in money. It's unfortunate but, in the end, they are just business men more than passionate enthusiasts Of course, I hope I'm wrong

Right, but how are they going to know if someone has messed with the switches if it has a phantom plate?

NOTE: Just so you know, I'm on the same page as you I wish they'd provide all these things too. I'm just frustrated that it probably won't work out as we wish

[tp4tissue]

The sad part is I really can't deny what you just said I think they're an awesome company but not having the phantom-like plate is a huge blunder. I honestly think most people on GH were excited for the V2 just for this feature. I'm sure WASD will sell a **** tonne of them though because they are one of the most well known provider in the USA with easy access and services. I like how it looks but.

Yeah, except for the warranty costs. I love how everyone constantly, consistently complains when manufacturers refuse to warranty boards they've tampered with and screwed up themselves. (Stop denying people do it. I see it all the damn time. I've seen it for decades.)
Plates that permit switch modifications without evidence of tampering means people are inevitably going to try to do a spring or stem swap, screw it up royally, and then demand WASD fix it for them under warranty. With WASD being unable to definitively prove it was a direct result of customer abuse. And having to deal with the whiners damaging their hard-earned customer service reputation when they do refuse to replace or repair customer abused boards (which they're already eating significant time on at minimum.) Meaning losing money hand over fist as a direct result of customer abuse - RMAs are not free. Which means they go out of business.

How does 'amazon" do it....

[strafe]

I wouldn't be too concerned about the connector type, you can buy adapters off Ebay for under $2.  Sign me up for a back-lit keyboard with clears

[VesperSAINT]

I wouldn't be too concerned about the connector type, you can buy adapters off Ebay for under $2.  Sign me up for a back-lit keyboard with clears

I don't know if you're willing to buy it but Ducky already has Shine II's with Clears

[dante]

The sad part is I really can't deny what you just said I think they're an awesome company but not having the phantom-like plate is a huge blunder. I honestly think most people on GH were excited for the V2 just for this feature. I'm sure WASD will sell a **** tonne of them though because they are one of the most well known provider in the USA with easy access and services. I like how it looks but.

Yeah, except for the warranty costs. I love how everyone constantly, consistently complains when manufacturers refuse to warranty boards they've tampered with and screwed up themselves. (Stop denying people do it. I see it all the damn time. I've seen it for decades.)
Plates that permit switch modifications without evidence of tampering means people are inevitably going to try to do a spring or stem swap, screw it up royally, and then demand WASD fix it for them under warranty. With WASD being unable to definitively prove it was a direct result of customer abuse. And having to deal with the whiners damaging their hard-earned customer service reputation when they do refuse to replace or repair customer abused boards (which they're already eating significant time on at minimum.) Meaning losing money hand over fist as a direct result of customer abuse - RMAs are not free. Which means they go out of business.

I agree on everything you wrote.  However, they could come out with an "ultra barebones" 87/104 that has everything (case, electronics) but no switches/keycaps and includes a plate.  That way if you screw up something you damn well know it was the user.

I mentioned in the CM Storm forum that what would be really neat is the ability to plug in switches like on a old video game console.  This would one up the plate by not requiring any special tools.  Sure there would be engineering challenges to this but this would be the final frontier.  It would make RMA's serviceable by the end user and save lots of time.

[The_Beast]

The sad part is I really can't deny what you just said I think they're an awesome company but not having the phantom-like plate is a huge blunder. I honestly think most people on GH were excited for the V2 just for this feature. I'm sure WASD will sell a **** tonne of them though because they are one of the most well known provider in the USA with easy access and services. I like how it looks but.

Yeah, except for the warranty costs. I love how everyone constantly, consistently complains when manufacturers refuse to warranty boards they've tampered with and screwed up themselves. (Stop denying people do it. I see it all the damn time. I've seen it for decades.)
Plates that permit switch modifications without evidence of tampering means people are inevitably going to try to do a spring or stem swap, screw it up royally, and then demand WASD fix it for them under warranty. With WASD being unable to definitively prove it was a direct result of customer abuse. And having to deal with the whiners damaging their hard-earned customer service reputation when they do refuse to replace or repair customer abused boards (which they're already eating significant time on at minimum.) Meaning losing money hand over fist as a direct result of customer abuse - RMAs are not free. Which means they go out of business.

I agree on everything you wrote.  However, they could come out with an "ultra barebones" 87/104 that has everything (case, electronics) but no switches/keycaps and includes a plate.  That way if you screw up something you damn well know it was the user.

I mentioned in the CM Storm forum that what would be really neat is the ability to plug in switches like on a old video game console.  This would one up the plate by not requiring any special tools.  Sure there would be engineering challenges to this but this would be the final frontier.  It would make RMA's serviceable by the end user and save lots of time.

There was a Korean board with switches like that. Cool idea, but in practice I don't think it would really work

[TotalChaos]

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/blog

No phantom plate, doods Too bad.

Well that is a crying shame  

I am really glad u posted this here!

I was about to write up a msg to a guy who wanted a keyboard with "minimal noise" and I was going to tell him to get a WASD with EasyLube(tm) plate and have it lubed and O-ringed for great noise reduction.

But as the keyboard does not exist.... msg cancelled....

And I have pretty well lost most of my motivation to buy a WASD v2 now.

Working with Costar must really suck hard.

[VesperSAINT]

Well that is a crying shame  

I am really glad u posted this here!

I was about to write up a msg to a guy who wanted a keyboard with "minimal noise" and I was going to tell him to get a WASD with EasyLube(tm) plate and have it lubed and O-ringed for great noise reduction.

But as the keyboard does not exist.... msg cancelled....

And I have pretty well lost most of my motivation to buy a WASD v2 now.

Working with Costar must really suck hard.

Yeah, it's quite the bummer, but it makes sense they didn't include it. Oh well... we can only hope that someone else will step up to the... plate... that pun was unintentional )

On the plus side, they'll be providing Clear switches (even though Ducky has already done this) and they do provide naked boards which cuts the price down for many who already own PBT's or doubleshots.

[TotalChaos]

The sad part is I really can't deny what you just said I think they're an awesome company but not having the phantom-like plate is a huge blunder. I honestly think most people on GH were excited for the V2 just for this feature. I'm sure WASD will sell a **** tonne of them though because they are one of the most well known provider in the USA with easy access and services. I like how it looks but.

Yeah, except for the warranty costs. I love how everyone constantly, consistently complains when manufacturers refuse to warranty boards they've tampered with and screwed up themselves. (Stop denying people do it. I see it all the damn time. I've seen it for decades.)
Plates that permit switch modifications without evidence of tampering means people are inevitably going to try to do a spring or stem swap, screw it up royally, and then demand WASD fix it for them under warranty. With WASD being unable to definitively prove it was a direct result of customer abuse. And having to deal with the whiners damaging their hard-earned customer service reputation when they do refuse to replace or repair customer abused boards (which they're already eating significant time on at minimum.) Meaning losing money hand over fist as a direct result of customer abuse - RMAs are not free. Which means they go out of business.

If everything is as bleak as you claim then how in the world does Cherry stay in business?

Cherry has produced inumerable keyboards with PCB mount switches.  The switches can be opened and modded without desoldering the whole switch.  OMG!  Its the END of the world! 

WASD has just lost a lot of sales by using a lame-O steel plate from the 1970s on a 2013 product.

WASD had the chance to show the world they could out-think all the other major keyboard companies.  But nooooooo.

[Vintage]

Um... high end usb cable is a bit like monster cable.. cuz.. it's digital.. "AND" more importantly there's very little data going through it.

If by High end, you mean looks nice... then yea... people sure have lots of those.

God I love those Mimic cables but I just can't find it in myself to pay $30 for a micro usb cable Maybe after I gather some more money.

I can't believe people pay him $30 for his cables either.. it's almost against the spirit of DIY which some would say is the heart of GH, since most members are from an engineering / science / geek background.

I got nothing against his cables... but it's a cable... It's not possible to completely build a keyboard, so we buy them.. but a CABLE? that's firmly diy

Maybe.... but I thought that it made more sense to but it from someone like Mimic regardless because he buys all the MDPC materials in bulk, thereby giving little to no real benefit of DIY. Just a thought.

The WASD v2 still is pretty cool, but I am definitely happy I didn't wait for it to come out  I mat get this to try clears and decide if I prefer them to Reds, assuming CM does not beat them to it.

[VesperSAINT]

So preorders are out and they're $149.99. Don't know what to think, but at least they're pretty

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

There's also an option for Clears for an extra $10. That's a win, at least.

[histevenhere]

Too expensive IMHO, especially when the QFR with blues stooped as low as 45$ free shipping . I'd either pick the QFR or a Filco for that layout. Maybe I'm just biased.

[VesperSAINT]

Too expensive IMHO, especially when the QFR with blues stooped as low as 45$ free shipping . I'd either pick the QFR or a Filco for that layout. Maybe I'm just biased.

When talking about QFR's, I can agree with you. For that price, it's hard to beat. However, I think when compared to Filco, this V2 is not a bad choice at all. The WASD V2 comes with some more features so I guess it all depends on what you get from them. I personally like Filco too so it's not like I don't understand

[jabar]

WASD V2 is a joke. Pricing is so out of whack for what's offered.

Too little, too late and now too expensive.

[Findecanor]

What other options are there if you want tenkeyless and MX Clear? And what if you also want a ISO layout with legends for your language?

I am very tempted to get one, but I am out of work right now, so I can't really justify it. With import fees and all, the total cost should come out comparable to the price of a Filco bought locally.

[Hyde]

WASD V2 is a joke. Pricing is so out of whack for what's offered.

Too little, too late and now too expensive.

I think the current pricing includes the keyboard + custom color keycaps + custom art on the keycaps.

So hopefully the semi custom version (no custom art) and bare bone (no keycaps) are cheaper than this current version.

[TheSoulhunter]

Looks sexy...
Definitely gonna get a bare-bone, or two

[VesperSAINT]

WASD V2 is a joke. Pricing is so out of whack for what's offered.

Too little, too late and now too expensive.

I can't help but kind of agree, but I believe they will have different options such as bare bones and what not which will result in much cheaper options (as Hyde said). Either way, I think it was a bad choice on their part to introduce this product at such a high price tier.

What other options are there if you want tenkeyless and MX Clear? And what if you also want a ISO layout with legends for your language?

I am very tempted to get one, but I am out of work right now, so I can't really justify it. With import fees and all, the total cost should come out comparable to the price of a Filco bought locally.

The V1 had an ISO option I believe, I would just wait around to see what they do.

[rootwyrm]

Yeah... $150 for an 87-key non-backlit, even with custom ABS keycaps - seriously. That's more than a DK9008G2 Pro Thick PBT. It's more than all of them, even the MX Green. It's way, way too high a pricetag and then some.

I mean seriously - the v1 naked was all of what, $89? Yeah, I get it's a new design, new tooling, etcetera but this price is just completely out of whack with the market - especially when there's a whole raft of sub-$90 TKL. And there's nothing to differentiate it from any of the others. Longer warranty? Um, no, shorter. Customer service? Er, no, got that for most of the others too. Custom keycaps? Don't recall them costing that much before.

There's just no justification for the ridiculously high price on this thing from a buyer perspective. And certainly not enough to differentiate it for folks who don't want some giant graphic across all their keycaps.

[Hyde]

Weird how they launch with this option first.  Because I suspect the cheaper semi-customs and barebone will sell much much better.

Though maybe this option has highest profit margin lol.

[VesperSAINT]

Weird how they launch with this option first.  Because I suspect the cheaper semi-customs and barebone will sell much much better.

Though maybe this option has highest profit margin lol.

Don't think it's a maybe but a definitely I think the majority of the people that buy mechanical keyboards from them aren't as well provided, resourceful, and knowledgeable as we are. The majority of their buyers probably just want their full custom keyboard ready and done, and are willing to just drop the big boy money and be happy with it (ignorance is bliss). The majority of their first sales will go towards the mainstream buyers so I can understand why they went with the high price tier first. Most us who know more are willing to wait because we already have at least one or more mechanical keyboards already, and I think WASD knows this. From a business perspective, it was the right thing to do, seeing that this product is kind of delayed.