Yes I have the prototypes in hand. I took pictures of the winkeyless version and tomorrow I will take pictures of the winkey and try to post them. I'm just switching the plate from winkeyless to winkey but I'll stick two switches on there. Contrary to popular belief the tipping proplem with the function row seems to be negligible.
I'm going to try to send a link to anodizing samples from the company I'm planning on using and have a poll set up on color choice. Do to the expected volume produced I will request only one or two custom colors due to cost constraints and to prevent confusion when they are anodized. I tried to take pictures of the standard colors when I was there so you could see what they look like. The company has 6 - 7 colors standard - I would like to keep it to three depending on the number ordered and 1 - 2 custom colors. That prevents confusion and keeps the price down for those who desire a custom color. I may change my mind depending on what the shop is willing to do.
Quality control - I'm afraid I'm going to have to check every board when they arrive from manufacturing to find defects and attempt to repair any found. This will have to be by hand and I'll have to discuss with the finishing company if I can do it in their shop or if I will have to hole up in a hotel to do that. If I can have a few volunteers who live in driving distance of Cincinnati, OH that would be willing to help it would be appreciated. PM me if you would be interested. I will also try to hand check all boards before they are shipped from anodizing to my home for sorting.
I'm not sure if stainless plates will be available so consider that an advance warning.
With the prototype in hand the binary suns and "Mira" engraving look exactly like the "O'Mira" so that will have to go. I will probably simply go with "MIRA" since I see no way we can do two binary suns in such a small area and make them look attractive, especially since I have no way to make them different colors that I want to be responsible for. If anyone has a good design for binary suns I'm happy to review them but please PM them to me and don't place them in the thread.
The brass plate may be changed to a bottom plate. The three pieces seem to be awkward and the weight is helpful to prevent issues with the function row.
Price - anyone that has not participated in the pricing poll please do so. That includes anyone not in the preorder group because depending on the capacity of the shop I will make more of the board. It may have to be made in groups of 25 - 50 but I would like to supply everyone who desires one the opportunity to purchase it. My goal right now is to have the price in the $400 - $500 range, preferably on the lower end. I don't believe I can get it done at $400 but it might happen.
That's all for tonight. As always, any comments are welcome.