What is SpaceFN and why you should give it a try
The SpaceFN concept - setting up your space key as a layer switch when held - is probably one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby. Let me explain how it works. My SpaceFN article on kbd.news made some rounds recently - quite surprisingly given the age of this concept. This piece you're reading is a condensed version of the full post. If you're left with unanswered questions, you'll most likely find the info you're looking for in the original write-up. On my imaginary top list of the most useful keyboard features, tweaks and hacks, SpaceFN would deserve a podium finish for sure. But what makes it so special? In short: SpaceFN is easy to implement, easy to learn, costs nothing, can be used with any keyboard, and can improve your productivity instantly. I will list its benefits below, but can state right at this point that the SpaceFN concept, setting up your space key as a layer switch when held, is clearly one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby....
Apr 30, 2024
They can't line up a supplier to produce what they sold and got prepaid for.
Massdrop is who will deal with the fallout, but this isn't their fault. Signature Plastics failing to plan an appropriate production timeline, choosing to overbooked SA production, and putting business to business sales ahead of enthusiasts promised timeline is the real issue.
Simply put, we don't buy enough stuff often enough to make them get a second set of SA molds. That means our percentage of their overall business is so small that they won't invest $60,000 to double their output because it wouldn't be profitable. I'm making a couple assumptions with that explanation: 1) they want to make money. 2) $60,000 doesn't account for manpower, so it's likely more to actually run that machines.
So yes, technically it's business to business to sell to massdrop. But it's less profitable, consistent, and takes a lot more time to make than any of their traditional business. Why would they prioritize us over their regular customers?
A year ago there have been allegations that SP favors Massdrop orders as they are high volume. This prompted their CEO, Bob Guenser to respond on Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/4351fd/president_of_signature_plastics_response_to/
This speaks to the fact that SP would absolutely have enough volume from Massdrop to justify investing in tooling necessary to support the orders, however it is up to Massdrop to ensure that they protect their customers (i.e. you and me) by aligning their suppliers appropriately and not force us to wait for 9 months to get a "we dunno when we will send you the stuff you paid for..."
I remember reading that on Reddit when it happened. I believe there was a part about special pricing being given to Massdrop, but I don't remember mention of increasing their production capabilities to meet the demand. I'll have to re-read it later when I have a bit more time.
Keep in mind 9 months for a Signature Plastics has been the queue for almost a year and has only gotten longer. When we agreed to the buy we all understood the wait time. If you know much about SP's historic timeline, none of this was a surprise. It doesn't mean I think it's right, just unsurprising.
I agree that Massdrop should do something to make sure SP follows through with their timeline, but short of making their own caps, there simply aren't any other options in the market place. Maxkeys is up and coming but they don't have the quality, color selection, consistency, or tooling to be able to handle a set like this.
With a product like this where only one company has the capability to even offer it, what could Massdrop even do to correct the situation?
I agree with you that these delays are not surprising at all. My primary issue is with the way Massdrop is handling it: first they sold us the caps and promptly collected our cash in exchange for a promise to ship them by the end of March. Then, they sent us an email informing of the delay and that we should expect to hear from them by the end of April. Finally, on May 1st (so technically late on their promise) they tell us that manufacturing of the caps hasn't even started and they don't have a new date at all for us.
For Massdrop to show that they care about us as their customers, they could use the money or discounts they (could/should/would) get from Signature Plastics and distribute them as a partial refund for the broken promise. One can dream...
I'm not convinced that SP would be willing to sign a contract like that, since they're in the position of power. But it would be nice.