There are over 100 responses to the IC form now so I'm going to see with GFW if it will be possible to extend the number of units for this. (Or do multiple rounds to avoid having $10000 caught up in one order and being at high risk)
As for the programming, I have to build it first before I can tell you how easy it is. Waiting on the stabilizers!
Is it possible to order only a pcb?
If you only want a PCB then you might just want to order it from Taobao directly. Would be faster and maybe cheaper.
Yea. The regular layout board is available on taobao but shipping and proxying can be expensive. There's really not much of a deal on the kit itself but GFW said that the HHKB-style plate would only be available when buying in 5+ so that, along with the diluted proxy and shipping costs, is what makes this buy more interesting than just buying directly. If you just want the PCB it would be definitely faster to just order it yourself.
Definitely in for one. Can't have too many 40% boards.
I do have a question about the bottom row, though. I assume the bottom fits 1.25u keys for the three switches on either side of the spacebars. What size would the spacebars need to be? 2.25u each?
Bottom row is 1.25, 1, 1.25, 6.25, 1, 1.25
Or 1.25, 1, 1.25, 2.25, 2.75, 1.25, 1, 1.25
The HHKB layout drops the 1.25 at both ends.