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Showing 1 of 1131 conversations about:
YanboWu
8474
Collaborations
Apr 26, 2018
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Hey Friends,
Very excited for the launch of the ALT to followup the CTRL launch. 65% keyboards have always been one of my favorite form factors. It allows me to take advantage of the smaller footprint on a compact keyboard and still give me to easily access the arrow cluster and navigation cluster which I use daily - from spreadsheets to video games.
The ALT will ship with the same features that made the CTRL awesome - the firmware will be based on QMK and we will be adding it to our keyboard configurator for easy reprogramming. The same RGB lighting and customization. The keyboard also has dual USB C connections that functions as an USB hub and the PCB will ship with Kaihua hotswap sockets to allow for easy switch swapping.
This keyboard is another step in our eventual goal to make custom keyboard design more accessible to the community. We will continue to work on this line and add more offerings in the future - for example a matching numpad - since there were a lot of request for those in the CTRL drop.
For community members, this simplifies the experience of owning a custom keyboard, for community designers, this solves the hardest parts of your technical back end. This solution for designers means more projects will make the leap from concept to production, increasing the diversity of designs available to the community at large.
Thanks for your interest and support, none of this would be possible without you and the continued support of the mech keys community at large.
Last, a few administrative notes on this drop: The drop is set to end on May 24th. However, we will be doing a payment capture on April 30 so we can initiate tooling for some of the components in the ALT.
Apr 26, 2018
Luna55
316
Apr 26, 2018
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YanboWuI like em and will collect them. Copies or not, I think if they are copies (aren't so many keyboards?) they're improved designs. Just give us a hint at what the DEL will be please? :)
Apr 26, 2018
OldCat
2500
Apr 26, 2018
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Luna55Everything is a copy to some extent. What is not?
Apr 26, 2018
Luna55
316
Apr 26, 2018
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OldCatExactly, some more than others but there are many boards morew or less with this layout. I do like the addtion of the hotswaps though.
Apr 26, 2018
OldCat
2500
Apr 26, 2018
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YanboWuCurious if there is an incentive for people who contribute early as the payment will be captured on April 30th and likely they cannot have the flexibility as late contributors (who can change their options or change their mind). Thank you very much!
Apr 26, 2018
YanboWu
8474
Collaborations
Apr 26, 2018
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OldCatLet me speak to the team. I would like to offer everyone the flexibility of switching no matter when they join this drop.
Apr 26, 2018
Luna55
316
Apr 26, 2018
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YanboWuSwitching between?
Apr 26, 2018
Ryoyo
3
Apr 26, 2018
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YanboWuWill you guys only have a QWERTY layout? I'd really like to get into this but I'm using the german QWERTZ layout and you can't just switch the keycaps since it's quite different.
Apr 26, 2018
HerpDerpenberg
288
Apr 26, 2018
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Luna55> Just give us a hint at what the DEL will be please? :)
Based on the trend, smaller version of CTRL and ALT, so likely a 40% keyboard layout. Same design, dual USB-C, aluminum case, RGB, hot swap, etc.
Apr 26, 2018
HerpDerpenberg
288
Apr 26, 2018
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YanboWuNice to see that you put in for a 65%. Will be nice to see the DEL, which I assume would be a 40%? I really dig the layout and picked up the CTRL since it really hit the nail on the head with about 95% of everything I wanted in a keyboard.
In an ideal world for me, I would have liked to see a 75% with a similar layout to the Magicforce82, as I like my F1-F12 for gaming and don't really like the cramped nature of a true 75%. Plus, with nav keys, I don't really need a pause, scroll, insert key, so getting rid of those isn't that big of a deal anyway and I can just throw them on a sub layer if I do need them. But really those keyboards are only 2 columns wider than a TKL. Why I was OK with picking up a CTRL.
Apr 26, 2018
Bronze-Knight
55
Apr 27, 2018
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YanboWuSooo I know I'm weird but is there any chance of a 100%+ size at some point? I really like the 128%(or larger) size battle cruiser/terminal size boards.
Apr 27, 2018
OldCat
2500
Apr 27, 2018
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HerpDerpenberg65% is perfect hahaha
Apr 27, 2018
OldCat
2500
Apr 27, 2018
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YanboWulet's do more 65% boards!!!
Apr 27, 2018
HerpDerpenberg
288
Apr 27, 2018
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OldCatIf I wasn't a gamer and used F keys often, I would agree 65% is the best. I like the 65% with 10 macro/F keys on the left personally as my favorite layout but have yet to find one with the features if CTRL/ALT.
Apr 27, 2018
OldCat
2500
Apr 27, 2018
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HerpDerpenbergActually I never use the F keys haha
Apr 27, 2018
pepelephew
0
Apr 27, 2018
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YanboWuDvorak Keycap ?
Apr 27, 2018
calmor15014
3
Apr 27, 2018
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pepelephewJust move the caps and remap the base layer in QMK, should do the trick?
Apr 27, 2018
lin-e
19
Apr 27, 2018
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calmor15014Different profiles, so it won't look right.
Apr 27, 2018
RMaxim
186
Apr 27, 2018
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calmor15014Keycaps that move between rows would be the wrong profile for their new row. For example, C and Q swap between the top and bottom rows. Lots of keys would be on the wrong row and would be a pain to type on.
@pepelephew You'll want to either buy a replacement set of caps with a Dvorak kit or buy a set of DSA/XDA caps that have the same profile across all rows to allow you to move caps around as needed. I've never seen a set of Dvorak-compatible PBT backlit caps so you may need to forego the shine-through lettering if you want the keycap legends to match your Dvorak layout.
Apr 27, 2018
calmor15014
3
Apr 27, 2018
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lin-eGotcha. Forgot about that...
Apr 27, 2018
aergonaut
22
Apr 27, 2018
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YanboWuWill there be a 60% version in the future? I'm assuming no, since this is a 65% board?
Apr 27, 2018
hypersprite
151
Apr 27, 2018
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aergonautYeah, I was tempted by the CTRL but had no idea what I would do with the extra keys. Even this will end up with unused keys... But so much more tempting.
Apr 27, 2018
OldCat
2500
Apr 27, 2018
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hyperspritewhich key will be unused in 65%? I think it is a prefect layout.
Apr 27, 2018
BlueCrowned
5305
Apr 27, 2018
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HerpDerpenbergyeah I tried a 60% for gaming and cried long tiem
Apr 27, 2018
hypersprite
151
Apr 27, 2018
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OldCatI am sure for a lot of people the Alt is the perfect layout and I can see why it was the next one in the Massdrop lineup.
I'm on Pok3rs setup with the Yoda layout so anything more than a 60% is left unused for me. I also added a Yoda Fn layer to my laptop Kb so no matter where I type, it's the same layout. So: Fn + r = backspace Fn + f = delete Fn + t = home Fn + g = end Fn + y = page up Fn + h = page down Arrows on Fn + w/a/s/d and Fn + i/j/k/l
So that whole strip up the side and the arrows would be extra.
I do like the Alt for the hot swap switches and the case though, so I'm having a little trouble holding back.
Apr 27, 2018
KnackeredDad
1
Apr 27, 2018
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hyperspriteJust started using the pok3r in the last few months and it's probably just me but the FN key is in the most awkward spot, really want to love it but seems to break my flow every time.
Apr 27, 2018
HerpDerpenberg
288
Apr 27, 2018
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BlueCrownedYep, i could swing a 65% for work though. I don't use F keys much at all outside of alt-F4 a program, F6 to focus on browser link bar, F1 to bring up help, F11 full screen browser. I'd be fine with those on a lower layer.
When you play RPGs and MMOs you get crazy into keyboard binds. Then stuff like PUBG has crazy amounts of binds as well. I've got individual grenade selections, consumables, car seat selection, shadow play macros, push to talk, mark the map, etc bound to F keys and q w e r a s d f g z x c b m g t y tab shift ctrl alt space pgup pgdown del ins.
Apr 27, 2018
BlueCrowned
5305
Apr 27, 2018
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HerpDerpenbergI was trying to play GW2 with a 60% lol
Apr 27, 2018
weston990
51
Apr 27, 2018
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BlueCrownedPlay it all the time on my HHKB ... just change the key binds. Things like your 1-5 being Q E R Shift+Q Shift+E, becomes second nature really quickly and much more comfortable.
Apr 27, 2018
hypersprite
151
Apr 27, 2018
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KnackeredDadDid you try remapping it to Caps Lock with the dip switch and using that? I'll agree that the lower right one is a bit out of the way. Then the only time I find it awkward is when I need to press something like Ctrl + Shift + CapsLock + 5
Apr 27, 2018
KnackeredDad
1
Apr 27, 2018
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hyperspriteOoh no didn't spot that in the manual, will give it a spin thanks!
Apr 27, 2018
TekilaShot
555
Keyboard Club Member
Apr 28, 2018
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BlueCrownedThat's one of the reason why I use a "mmo mouse" with all my 60% keeb
Apr 28, 2018
HotRoderX
753
Apr 28, 2018
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YanboWuWish there was a way to opt out of being charged early. I just had to cancel so I can re order after the 30th. I don't want the funds being removed till next the 24th not only for changes but just I have more funds added. I am glad I caught that otherwise i been very upset. It should be made more clear on the drop page and checkout.
Apr 28, 2018
Moeeed
238
Apr 28, 2018
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YanboWuThanks Yanbo; the Keyboard look great. I ordered a CTRL and I have joined this drop one as well.
Just wanted to ask you about the Quality Control and I asked the same question in the CTRL Drop. Can you please verify with the development/engineering team if they will pay attention to the Coil Whine, which the K-Type suffers from.
Thanks and really looking forward to the keyboards :)
Apr 28, 2018
john.yu
632
Apr 30, 2018
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MoeeedWe've been looking into coil whine (quite common when LED drivers are running at high refresh rates), and have made some changes to the circuit to suppress it.
Apr 30, 2018
Wocka
8
Keyboard Club Member
Apr 30, 2018
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KnackeredDadI'd suggest flipping the DIP switch that remaps FN to Caps Lock.
Apr 30, 2018
Brooklynlou
22
May 1, 2018
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RyoyoIts programmable. You can make any key whatever you want ...
May 1, 2018
mastermachetier
15
May 1, 2018
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YanboWuwhen is the expected ship date for these ?
May 1, 2018
BlueCrowned
5305
May 1, 2018
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mastermachetierFrom the description: " Estimated ship date is Oct 26, 2018 PT. "
May 1, 2018
mastermachetier
15
May 1, 2018
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BlueCrownedoops ! Thanks for pointing it out.
May 1, 2018
pepelephew
0
May 1, 2018
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RMaximyeah, but it is hard to find "Blank" KeyCap In Indonesia :|
May 1, 2018
AD2017am
90
May 2, 2018
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YanboWuThe design seems like a complete rip off of the 'White fox' keyboard
May 2, 2018
OldCat
2500
May 3, 2018
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AD2017amNot really. Whitefox has a top plate screwed in, which honestly is a pretty bad design IMO.
May 3, 2018
DougRenfrew
25
May 3, 2018
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Having additional ports on a keyboard is far from an original idea, let alone Input Clubs!
The earliest keyboard I can remember with two USB ports was the Apple Pro keyboard which came out around 2000. It allowed you to have a shorter mouse cable because your mouse could be plugged in to the USB port on the keyboard instead of using up a port on the back of the machine (also cut down on desk clutter).
If you want, you can even further back (to 1968) to what came to be know as "The Mother of All Demos" where Douglas Engelbart used a lap keyboard with places to plug in a mouse (which he had recently invented) and a small corded keyboard ("corded" in the sense that it has a cord but also in that depressing combinations of keys at the same time had a different effect, think piano cords).

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This image is not Engelbart or from the Demo, but it shows the keyboard well. You can find the demo on Youtube.
May 3, 2018
jasonclevine
13
May 9, 2018
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YanboWuWhich switches have the light pipe casing? All 5 options? Only a specific Kaihua? Halos?
I am not well-versed in the technical details of mechanical keyboards but from what I understand, the RGB LEDs are on the board itself and shine through the switch casings. Light pipe is some diffuser casing built into certain Kaihua switches but do not carry over from switch to switch.
May 9, 2018
Chekonjak
28
May 13, 2018
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jasonclevineHalo switches only.
May 13, 2018
dinosaur_meat
248
May 18, 2018
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YanboWuDoes the PCB have holes for switches with PCB mounting pins?
May 18, 2018
Moeeed
238
May 19, 2018
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dinosaur_meatIf you have a wire clipper you can just cut the extra legs. That's what I do with Zealios
May 19, 2018
Shikada
23
May 20, 2018
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MoeeedI mean, you can, but it's still a good question, since if the PCB has the holes for mounting pins, I don't have to clip them and ruin the switches for PCB mounting. That said, I kinda doubt they thought about this.
May 20, 2018
dinosaur_meat
248
May 20, 2018
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MoeeedOf course. But I see no reason to spend $175 on a keyboard that doesn't support PCB mount switches, while the GK64 supports them no problem.
May 20, 2018
afledd
48
May 23, 2018
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dinosaur_meatI don't like the 1u right shift on the GK64, so I am getting this, but I too would be at least curious to see if they are supporting PCB switches without making any modifications to them which would make them incompatible for future PCB usage.
May 23, 2018
BlueCrowned
5305
May 23, 2018
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dinosaur_meatThere are many perfectly good switches that are plate mount that you could use with this board.
May 23, 2018
dinosaur_meat
248
May 23, 2018
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BlueCrownedAnd there are many perfectly good 65% custom keyboards that I can use with the switches I like.
May 23, 2018
mimsyborogove923
20
May 23, 2018
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dinosaur_meatI wouldn’t say MANY good 65% keyboards, but for sure a few lol.
May 23, 2018
jortz
41
May 25, 2018
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HerpDerpenbergWhich games do you use the F row for? I have some things mapped to them but theyre the things I never need. I’m getting the Alt and intend to use it for gaming as well as everything else. Would have loved a CTRL abut missed that drop.
May 25, 2018
jortz
41
May 25, 2018
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BlueCrownedWhat’s so hard about that? Just get a MMO mouse like the Razer Naga and you no longer need to worry about keyboard macros and the the like
May 25, 2018
HerpDerpenberg
288
May 25, 2018
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jortzDepends on the game. Buy what I have my F keys bound to are typically less used buttons but something I don't want to have some sort of alt/ctrl/fn + button press to do. More of a "heat of the moment" type bind that is a reactive skill/macro to use that I don't want to stretch my hand to use and figure out am I pressing G or H on my keyboard. F10-F12 are things typically reserved for Shadowplay/Share macros (record, save last 15 minutes, screenshot capture), I use F9 for push to talk that is bound to a USB foot pedal, so that's really the only F key I do not need. So that leaves me with 8 macro/bind buttons. Other things like MMOs are similar long cooldown abilities/buffs/potions/skills. Sure, I could get one of those 20 thumb button mice, but I really dislike how those feel and they're just too clunky for me.
The other benefit is that I have a better "homing" with them as F1, F4, F5, F8 are easy to find the edges of the function keys, so those are my most used. I'll do something like F1-F4 as grenade selections in a game, F5-F8 would be consumables. That's why I really liked the Sentraq S65-Plus and had been 99% on getting it. Sure, I lose 2 F keys (3 if I end up using one of them as a dedicated ESC) but I have a homing to each row and it gives me 10 buttons within reach of my hand and I have an easy way to home row find them. I was actually considering it over buying the CTRL, but when I started pricing it out I was getting a hot swap switch and RGB backlit keyboard for a lower cost than the S65 Plus.
May 25, 2018
BlueCrowned
5305
May 25, 2018
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jortzI honestly don't game often enough to justify it.
May 25, 2018
Peopopwitz
10
Dec 13, 2018
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YanboWuAny plans to bring back the high-profile version of this board?
Dec 13, 2018
MartinB16
2
Dec 19, 2018
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YanboWuAre these the box white retooled switches or before retooling? As I ordered the box white one and I’ve got another set of switches I’ll put in if it’s not retooled.
Dec 19, 2018
TuxKey
456
Dec 21, 2018
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Peopopwitzexactly what i was thinking.. but then why bother we have the tada68 to fill that gap.. only thing i miss is having high quality cherry profile double shot pbt keycaps that are led compatible ..
Dec 21, 2018
TuxKey
456
Jan 17, 2019
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how does your comment relate to the discussion here? if you have no opinion on the matter .. why say anything at all..
Jan 17, 2019
rehydn
7
Jan 24, 2019
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YanboWuHey YanboWu, Is this drop really sold out already?
Jan 24, 2019
YanboWu
8474
Collaborations
Jan 24, 2019
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rehydnhey @rehydn, @webbie15, @jonmak329, we made a mistake on the backend setup. You should be able to purchase now.
Jan 24, 2019
Finix
0
Jan 31, 2019
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rehydnnot yet
Jan 31, 2019
Yeett
0
Feb 6, 2019
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YanboWuWhat type of switches dose it come with?
Feb 6, 2019
byblix
0
Feb 11, 2019
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YanboWuDo you guys plan to integrate a nordic version of this? I need my keyboard with the æøå layout (danish) buttons :-)
Feb 11, 2019
JonasHansen
2
Feb 17, 2019
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YanboWuWhen does the cherry mx brown switches come back in stock?
Feb 17, 2019
JonasHansen
2
Feb 17, 2019
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YanboWuWhen does the cherry mx brown switches come back in stock
Feb 17, 2019
misfostre
0
Feb 21, 2019
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JonasHansenyes plz get cherry mx brown switches back in stock
Feb 21, 2019
Wkinsey123
1
Feb 24, 2019
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JonasHansenno body knows yet just request and prey to god.
Feb 24, 2019
Stere0
3
Mar 6, 2019
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YanboWuI really want to buy this keyboard but I don't know when it will come back in stock. Please please make more. It is so requested and it would make a lot of people very happy
Mar 6, 2019
adm1n
4
Mar 18, 2019
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Stere0yo dude its back
Mar 18, 2019
dveyts
0
Mar 25, 2019
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YanboWuHi, I just got an email saying that If I join the drop now, then the keyboard will ship this week. is this true?
Mar 25, 2019
YanboWu
8474
Collaborations
Mar 25, 2019
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dveytsIt might have been an email for the ALT High-Profile. Which does ship immediately. The regular ALT is estimated to ship at the end of May.
Mar 25, 2019
dveyts
0
Mar 25, 2019
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YanboWuThank you for getting back to me. I double checked. the email showed a picture of the regular alt, must have been sent in error. thanks for getting back to me.
Mar 25, 2019
YanboWu
8474
Collaborations
Mar 25, 2019
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dveytsThat is odd! If you have the time, please forward that email to us at communities@massdrop.com we'll see what's going with it.
Mar 25, 2019
dveyts
0
Mar 26, 2019
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YanboWuHi, just forwarded the email.
Mar 26, 2019
Lasthuman
29
Apr 3, 2019
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YanboWucan we please get this in black like the high profile alt?
Apr 3, 2019
poady
0
May 2, 2019
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YanboWuAny chance Cherry Blues will ever be available?
May 2, 2019
Kill
89
May 3, 2019
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poadyi would say no just cause it seems as if they never really offer that many of Cherry switches. Luckily it’s hot swappable so you can just throw any switch ya want in it.
May 3, 2019
sparton175
8
May 6, 2019
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YanboWuAre the Halo Clears going to become available before the pre-order ends?
May 6, 2019
BlkPingu
64
May 15, 2019
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YanboWuCan you just give us the high profile version back?
May 15, 2019
Kstrs
32
May 24, 2019
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YanboWuAny dates for restocking halo switches??
May 24, 2019
lolskilled
1
May 29, 2019
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YanboWuYanboWu, i want to order one keyboard (without kaycaps & switches). Which Cheryy switches should I buy, normal or RGB model? Want Cherry MX Silent Black and have no clue if normal version or RGB.
May 29, 2019
TD.93
4
May 30, 2019
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YanboWuAny plans on restocking any other switches than speed silvers?
May 30, 2019
mopatop
15
May 31, 2019
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YanboWuFriend, will switches be coming into stock? I just want to know if I should keep checking.
May 31, 2019
sauveboss
13
Jun 1, 2019
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TD.93Any plans to restock any of your keycaps with switches?
Jun 1, 2019
coggro
36
Jun 3, 2019
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YanboWuHey, for real though, any chance of a restock update? My Sr Dev got one and I found out pretty much all of DevOps is using mechanical boards and holy crap do I have the bug. I'mma grab a Cherry MX Brown board as soon as they're back in. Will that be soon?
Jun 3, 2019
YanboWu
8474
Collaborations
Jun 7, 2019
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coggroYes, we are working on getting these restocked ASAP @coggro @sauveboss @mopatop @TD.93 @Kstrs
(Edited)
Jun 7, 2019
YanboWu
8474
Collaborations
Jun 7, 2019
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lolskilledI believe the MX Blacks have only been produced in their none-RGB form, though I could be wrong. While none RGB cherry switches will work, you are going to get less shinethrough
search
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Jun 7, 2019
GrinninBarrett
13
Jun 7, 2019
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YanboWuGood to hear! I know it's not always easy to be sure but is there any idea of a possible timeline?
Jun 7, 2019
coggro
36
Jun 7, 2019
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GrinninBarrettAlso, in the meantime, any chance of a barebones with keycaps? I've got a lead on some comparable switches and could always upgrade those in the future, but damn those keycaps are nice. Having trouble finding some good double shot PBT with shinethrough that doesn't use a windows symbol for the meta key or come in bright pastels or otherwise offend my finnicky sensibilities... (edited to apologize for replying to GrinninBarrett, I meant to reply to @YanboWu)
(Edited)
Jun 7, 2019
A community member
Jun 17, 2019
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YanboWuare you planning to drop this next year? please let me know I dont want to keep waiting for nothing:(
Jun 17, 2019
AsianFork
17
Jun 19, 2019
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They just dropped it, so you're going to have to wait a while if you want the next drop
Jun 19, 2019
A1blooded
2
Jun 19, 2019
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AsianForkDidnt it say they just dropped today w. New inventory ? 6/19/19
Jun 19, 2019
AsianFork
17
Jun 20, 2019
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A1bloodedOh, I didn't notice that they do pre-order so quickly
Jun 20, 2019
BuzzFx
3
Jul 29, 2019
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YanboWuWhy is the barebone isnt available?
Jul 29, 2019
YanboWu
8474
Collaborations
Aug 9, 2019
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BuzzFxWe had sold out previously. We've replenished the available options though!
Aug 9, 2019
yfactor8
2
Aug 22, 2019
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YanboWuAny chance you guys will release a 75% version?
Aug 22, 2019
A community member
Oct 21, 2019
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yfactor8Won't say never, but not any time soon.
Oct 21, 2019
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