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Data
2004
Data
May 4, 2017
So it's not a kit? Is assembly optional? Are switches optional? Keycaps?
I don't really come here for assembled, off-the-shelf, factory boards. I can get those anywhere. This is not at all what I expected after months of hype. I don't even really know what to say right now.
No_Hands_55
307
May 4, 2017
Datai think its a gorgeous board but i agree. I am not fond of the caps, and at first impression the switches. Really wish they did something along the lines of the WhiteFox launch. Ship barebones to people who want it, and others can buy the built board option.
DataIt uses a new type of hot swappable switch inserts, so soldering isnt necessary. You can fit other switches in if you'd like, though the LEDs display most optimally with the Kailh switches that have light pipe casings.
DataThis board was never designed to be a kit. The K-Type is hot-swappable which pretty much eliminates the need for it to be a kit.
Data
2004
Data
May 4, 2017
OverKillSo what I'm hearing is that nothing is optional. Not even a number of switch options? Are you selling a "custom" board with SIP sockets and only offering one switch type? Please tell me I'm wrong.
toppacket
2
May 4, 2017
DataIt's not one switch type what are you talking about?
DataThere will be switch options available with the board. But due to the fact that the board is hot-swap means that if you do not like any of the switch types that are included you can source your own and put them in (as long as they are cherry-mx compatible). And the PCB is not a SIP socket, they are special made connectors made by Kaihua.
DataI get what IC and MD are doing this run. At least this is what I've gathered and assumed:
Offering a SINGLE board that lives up to the K-Types initial purpose - to be a high quality board that enthusiasts, gamers, and casual users alike can enjoy and appreciate.
Naturally, being made to cater to ALL keyboard lovers essentially, means it can't please everyone without offering a terribly large number of options. I think this is where the hot swappability, and configurator really come into play. Sure, you could save $15-$30 without switches or caps, but being the first run of the board I think that is is EXTREMELY wise of MD and IC to keep production as simple and streamlined as possible.
We have all seen drops that just have too many options. And they often end with a lot of people needing support/unhappy. I think kicking off the K-Type with a single option is absolutely the right idea, and hopefully we see more options in future drops after a (very) successful first drop (which it will be).
Data
2004
Data
May 5, 2017
livingspeedbumpNo. I'm not buying it.
They're already offering multiple switch options. There could be 8 or more Kailh switches available for this drop. That's 8 or more SKUs to juggle just from switch options alone. You're telling me adding a "no switches, no keycaps" option is too complicated for assembly and fulfillment? Sorry, I gotta call bullshit.
Not only is that not customer-friendly, it's antithetical to the very concept of enthusiast keyboards established by every single prior Input Club group buy.
Look, they can do whatever they want. Nobody's holding a gun to my head. I don't have to buy it and I probably won't. But fuck, man, this is not living up to the last 6 months of hype and anticipation. There's absolutely no excuse to limit options as severely as they're proposing on a board that proudly advertises its modularity and "open source" roots. Give me a break.
DataYeah, I just saw multiple switches will be offered.
So I do see the validity of the point you are making for sure about the barebones kit and absolutely respect your personal decision not to buy in.
Again, I do hope to see more options in the future drops as well too, but still and rooting for this one to be a big success
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