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
This keyboard looks so so nice. Who would I be able to contact for an ETA on this board?
I'd imagine they probably won't run another drop until they were certain of the quality and consistency of their sources, however, the more interest that's shown in it by the community, the more interest MD will show in it, and the more likely it will be for this to get a rerun.
TL;DR: Just be sure to hit that request button :)
To answer your question, though, I can't see why they wouldn't follow up with vendors when they reach the 200 request mark. It just doesn't mean that it's guaranteed to happen.
I'm not Massdrop though, so you'd have to ask them if you wanted a definite answer. They have a really solid reputation for getting products that are popular, though.
If I had to guess, they probably gauge the popularity of an item by how quickly it reaches the 200 mark, rather than just waiting for it to hit the mark and then contacting the vendor. If an item takes a year to reach the 200 mark, it probably won't have as many orders as an item that reaches 200 in a few days.
I found it pretty bizarre how similar the problems were with the GH60 drop that was going on around the same time. I'm not going to say names, but the original creator ended up way too deep in over his head and just couldn't manage the mess. His board is incredible, it's my absolute favorite mech (it's the reason I wanted to grab the KC), but he just couldn't manage coordinating a massive group buy.
I haven't ordered too many items from MD, but I've been following their catalogue for quite a while now, and I've noticed that items ordered from NPKC (the manufacturer of our KC60) tend to have some serious production issues. What's interesting is that it's almost impossible to find any information about NPKC online. I'd always just assumed it was a network of production facilities that Massdrop uses for custom items like this. I figure it's the 'brand' they use for items they create using their overseas connections, or something to that effect.
Anyway, part of me thinks that they're still going to have another run at this. All-in-all, it's a great keyboard. There were plenty of mistakes, but those mistakes would have been for nothing if they aren't able to better organize themselves for the next one. While the KC60 isn't exactly a consumer-mech, it's a great piece of a equipment, and I think there's enough interest around it for MD to organize another order. I'd be willing to bet that some of the parts would be different (different caps, possibly different plate, PCB manufactured from a different manufacturer, etc.), but it would still be the same board, if you get what I mean.
Anyway, here's to hoping! I'd be in for another, especially if they narrows down the options to make it easier on themselves. Choice of: a) Zealio switches, Zealio switches, or Zealio switches. b) Tex Aluminum case or the same Plastic case (or a winkeyless case?) c) Gateron Dyesubs or PBT SAs from SP
I guess that'd be a bit more pricey, haha.