ErgoDox Massdrop round four! Now with reds, aluminum case, & assembly services.

[xmagusx]

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ergodox/

Options:
Switch types -- Black (+$0), Blue (+$0), Clear (+$0), Red (+$0), or None (-$44)
Case style -- Classic (smaller) or Full Hand
Keycaps -- None or Blank PBT DSA (+$37)
Case Material -- Clear Acrylic (+$0), Aluminum Top Plate (+$25), or Gold Plated Aluminum (+$5,000)
Assembly Service -- None, Partial (everything except the switches) Assembly (+$20), Full Assembly (+$50)

So the cheapest using standard options would be $155 (no switches), and the most using non-gold standard options would be $311 (keycaps, aluminum top plate, fully assembled).

Edit: Seems like there was a hiccup with the start of Round 4. As per what is posted, it should restart again on Thursday, 2013-08-14 @ 16:00 EST.

Edit2: Now live! Go and bring sweet relief to your haggard fingers.

Edit3: Lowest price unlocked. Go buy!

[TheFlyingRaccoon]

Again? They haven't even shipped out round three yet!  )

[xmagusx]

Again? They haven't even shipped out round three yet!  )

Sure they have. Granted, that was only day before yesterday that they started shipping round 3 and those shipments just haven't arrived yet, but still ...

[pexon]

Why does this come around when I literally have 0 cash 

[MTManiac]

So there was enough of a success in round 3 they want a fast turnaround time so a day after they ship it, they start round 4...
sounds normal to me for something that was a success

[Xenderwind]

Oh these things are cheaper than I thought.

[digi]

Did the last 3 rounds make MOQ for $199?

[xmagusx]

Did the last 3 rounds make MOQ for $199?

Yes, all three did.

[histevenhere]

Should've invested in this rather than my HHKB . Layout seems so much more comfortable.

[Xenderwind]

Should've invested in this rather than my HHKB . Layout seems so much more comfortable.

Could just resell the hhkb and get most of your money back.

[digi]

I'm seriously thinking about getting one. The idea of doing my first build seems fun but I don't want to invest in a bunch of soldering equipment. Can I get by with a standard soldering iron?

BTW Massdrop is working on the re-launch, should be ready by tomorrow.

[Neal]

Oh man, I've wanted one for a few months.
Taking switch suggestions....

[Xenderwind]

Oh man, I've wanted one for a few months.
Taking switch suggestions....

65g clears

[agodinhost]

Again? They haven't even shipped out round three yet!  )

True, I`m still waiting my order ...
weird

[germy]

I can't seem to find the 'BUY' button. It's not up yet?

[Xenderwind]

I can't seem to find the 'BUY' button. It's not up yet?

Looks like they took down the buy button.  It used to be where the "request" button was.  I'm sure they will bring it back if they do another round.

[BrokenGame]

I can't seem to find the 'BUY' button. It's not up yet?

Looks like they took down the buy button.  It used to be where the "request" button was.  I'm sure they will bring it back if they do another round.

Will (The creator of the buy) said in discussion:

We'll be launching the buy tomorrow afternoon at 1PM PST (4pm EST) so prepare yourselves.

[SpAmRaY]

They keep offering these, I'm eventually going to give in.

[vatin]

They keep offering these, I'm eventually going to give in.

Join us. Matrix layout with thumb cluster is amazing. As i've known from being a Kinesis user. got the ergodox round 3 on my way, which should offer similar experience plus adjustable halves. Your fingers just flow more naturally and requires much less movement. Standard layout is simply awkward once you made the move.

[Larken]

I'm seriously thinking about getting one. The idea of doing my first build seems fun but I don't want to invest in a bunch of soldering equipment. Can I get by with a standard soldering iron?

BTW Massdrop is working on the re-launch, should be ready by tomorrow.

a standard soldering iron is fine, as long as you know what you're doing. Did mine with a cheap, non temperature adjustable iron.

[Armagedda]

Roughly how much does this kit cost? I'd like to know whether it's within my budget of if I'll have to wait for another round.

[___q]

I can't quite tell from the pictures (since everything is clear):

Are these switches openable without desoldering? I'm on the fence between blacks and reds, but if you can open the switches, I may as well get black and replace the springs later if they annoy me on an "ergonomic" keyboard.

[xmagusx]

Roughly how much does this kit cost? I'd like to know whether it's within my budget of if I'll have to wait for another round.

$200-$250 depending upon shipping and options and whatnot.

[Armagedda]

Roughly how much does this kit cost? I'd like to know whether it's within my budget of if I'll have to wait for another round.

$200-$250 depending upon shipping and options and whatnot.

Thanks very much mate, appreciate the response.

[Larken]

I can't quite tell from the pictures (since everything is clear):

Are these switches openable without desoldering? I'm on the fence between blacks and reds, but if you can open the switches, I may as well get black and replace the springs later if they annoy me on an "ergonomic" keyboard.

yes, the switches are openable without having to desolder.

[___q]

I can't quite tell from the pictures (since everything is clear):

Are these switches openable without desoldering? I'm on the fence between blacks and reds, but if you can open the switches, I may as well get black and replace the springs later if they annoy me on an "ergonomic" keyboard.

yes, the switches are openable without having to desolder.

Cool cool, thanks for the confirmation. Blacks it is, then!

[daerid]

Again? They haven't even shipped out round three yet!  )

With 600+ requests for round 4, you better believe it.

[insilica]

This is awesome.

I'm really hoping ergoGP will pickup otherwise will give in and grab one of these.

[Latin00032]

Is there anyway I can just buy the aluminum top plate?

[vatin]

Is there anyway I can just buy the aluminum top plate?

I am thinking along the same line. Better post a request in massdrop groupbuy discussion.

[Flamingchook]

Will round 4 have keycaps? And if not what are my options?

[vatin]

Will round 4 have keycaps? And if not what are my options?

All answered in original post.

[SpAmRaY]

I wonder who will be doing the assembly service?? Hopefully someone reliable. 

[xmagusx]

I wonder who will be doing the assembly service?? Hopefully someone reliable. 

Little known fact ... rumor ... inaccuracy: all ErgoDox keyboards start out fully assembled, but Massdrop wants to keep up their reputation of a part of the hacker/maker community, so desolders everything and sells them as kits. The premium "assembly service" is them charging for simply not taking apart what is shipped to them.

[SpAmRaY]

I wonder who will be doing the assembly service?? Hopefully someone reliable. 

Little known fact ... rumor ... inaccuracy: all ErgoDox keyboards start out fully assembled, but Massdrop wants to keep up their reputation of a part of the hacker/maker community, so desolders everything and sells them as kits. The premium "assembly service" is them charging for simply not taking apart what is shipped to them.

 

That would make for some good practice. 

[digi]

Just to confirm, the current Ergodox plate is part of the acrylic case and round 4 will have aluminum plate?

1. Anodized aluminum top plates will be available at checkout.

[MarkPharaoh]

Does anyone here own one of these who has to do a lot of spreadsheet work? How is it for that task (I use the arrow cluster A LOT and a lot of ctrl+shift+alpha key shortcuts)?

[vatin]

Does anyone here own one of these who has to do a lot of spreadsheet work? How is it for that task (I use the arrow cluster A LOT and a lot of ctrl+shift+alpha key shortcuts)?

I also use A LOT of arrow controls with my Kinesis Contoured which has similar layout to ergodox, with lateral and vertical movement split for each hand. I find them superior to regular layout due to reduction in hand movement and separation of finger load. Key shortcuts combo needs some adjustment. Some combo needs alteration of hands. It is just a matter of getting used to.

[vatin]

Just to confirm, the current Ergodox plate is part of the acrylic case and round 4 will have aluminum plate?

1. Anodized aluminum top plates will be available at checkout.

I think it is just the top cover to make the board looks nicer.

[digi]

Just to confirm, the current Ergodox plate is part of the acrylic case and round 4 will have aluminum plate?

1. Anodized aluminum top plates will be available at checkout.

I think it is just the top cover to make the board looks nicer.

Gotcha, thanks. I'm considering having them do the partial assembly for $20 then all I have to do is solder the switches, anyone else doing the same?

[MarkPharaoh]

Does anyone here own one of these who has to do a lot of spreadsheet work? How is it for that task (I use the arrow cluster A LOT and a lot of ctrl+shift+alpha key shortcuts)?

I also use A LOT of arrow controls with my Kinesis Contoured which has similar layout to ergodox, with lateral and vertical movement split for each hand. I find them superior to regular layout due to reduction in hand movement and separation of finger load. Key shortcuts combo needs some adjustment. Some combo needs alteration of hands. It is just a matter of getting used to.

Interesting, thanks for the response. Does anyone have a listed custom layout catered to spreadsheet work?

[tp4tissue]

Mass drop owes me money.. )

[digi]

Mass drop owes me money.. )

It's all because of you <3

[berserkfan]

Not to put down the wonderful organizers, but I think they really need to reconsider their work.

If they had aimed for one solid good group buy with over 1000, garnering interest over 1 year, surely they could have enough economy of scale to drive prices down to $150 or something very competitive with the Kinesis.

Low prices and massive economies of scale are good for everyone. That would be better than running four group buys, one after another in quick succession.

In any case the only group buy I'm targeting is the Model F revival project, and I'd rather they took their time to make a keyboard worth using until the day I die!

[xmagusx]

Not to put down the wonderful organizers, but I think they really need to reconsider their work.

If they had aimed for one solid good group buy with over 1000, garnering interest over 1 year, surely they could have enough economy of scale to drive prices down to $150 or something very competitive with the Kinesis.

Low prices and massive economies of scale are good for everyone. That would be better than running four group buys, one after another in quick succession.

In any case the only group buy I'm targeting is the Model F revival project, and I'd rather they took their time to make a keyboard worth using until the day I die!

Excepting that far fewer people are going to be interested in a keyboard they have to wait a year to use. I don't disagree that economy of scale is wonderful, but something that requires a year to complete is, to my mind at least, better suited to someone who wants to attempt to make a small business out of it, investing in the bulk parts up front, assembling the kits, and selling through a dedicated digital storefront over the course of a year. That way, from a buyer perspective, you're only looking at whatever turnaround is required for shipping.

[oTurtlez]

JESUS. For an extra $5000 you can get it gold plated Someone let Sifo know!

[dorkvader]

JESUS. For an extra $5000 you can get it gold plated Someone let Sifo know!

even better it's full cnc aluminium that's been gold plated.

[oTurtlez]

JESUS. For an extra $5000 you can get it gold plated Someone let Sifo know!

even better it's full cnc aluminium that's been gold plated.

That's fantastic. If only it were 5 grand fantastic haha. I went for full hand acrylic, clears, and blank caps.

[SpAmRaY]

So you can get a fully assembled ergodox with keys and an anodized aluminum top plate for ~$311

[BrokenGame]

So you can get a fully assembled ergodox with keys and an anodized aluminum top plate for ~$311

Or $5305 with gold plated aluminium xD