Massdrop x XMIT Hall Effect Mechanical Keyboard Discussions | Drop

Mar 2, 2017

Well, I guess im one of the first ones to get their XMIT keyboard..and I'm in Canada. Got delivered yesterday and finally got a chance to play with it. I got the Acrylic version. Swapped out the keys with white PBT and red rubber from massdrop.
First, on the 80% layout - the screws are NOT hidden like they are on the 60% version. I was led to believe that it would not be visible and that the pics were from an earlier prototype. Kind of disappointed in that.
Second, they feel of these switches are a bit "wobbly" or "mushy" especially compared to my Maxkeyboard Nighthawk X8 (CherryMX Red Switches - comparable force accuation). They dont feel as crisp as the Nighthawks. I guess so far I'm not a fan of Hall Effect switches.
The lighting effects are really nice - the font on the keys are ok. The build quality is good as well, although the layers of acrylic arent completely flush on all sides. Theres some room for small improvements in future iterations for sure.
If it werent for the "feel" of the keys all the other stuff is minor nitpicky crap. Not sure if its because the board is not built well, or if the Nighthawks are exceptionally built..but side by side the Nighthawks feel better.

Mar 2, 2017

Mar 3, 2017

jerroldsThanks for the feedback! :)
Designing the "feel" of a switch is tough. It's something we're working on. I think the "mushy" feeling is related to the fact that the force curve is relatively flat compared to some other switches. I'm going to try tuning the springs some to see how things can be improved.
If you're interested, check out HaaTa's force curve data for these switches, and how they stack up with some other options out there! https://plot.ly/~haata/303

Mar 3, 2017

Mar 3, 2017

XMITIt does check off almost every box I was looking for, 80%, ANSI layout, full function keys and arrow group, floating key style, full rgb led w/ multiple programs for $99? Can't beat that.
It's replaced my home kb and I moved the nighthawk to the office as th numpad would be used more there.
It's a great keyboard, especially at the price. Congrats!

Mar 3, 2017

Mar 3, 2017

XMITWhy are the screws showing on his? You SPECIFICALLY mentioned that the screws would be hidden on the TKL version. If mine is like that I am going to be super pissed. Any comments on this?

Mar 3, 2017

Mar 3, 2017

jake.perrineSo, there was some misunderstanding with "hidden" somewhere along the line. Early prototypes of the boards used "sex bolts", meaning, a male bolt and a female receiver, through all the layers to hold everything together. This led to a roughly 8mm circle of chrome plated steel showing where the screw holes are. We moved away from that but, in the final production version the drilling for the holes goes deep enough that you can see a small clear circle.
I'm sorry this is not in line with your expectation. This does match the photo and the description of the TKL board as advertised in the drop. It's not visible in the black/acrylic or bamboo boards, but is visible in the clear/acrylic boards.
For future versions we'll move to gluing the top two layers together to create a more seamless appearance.

Mar 3, 2017

Mar 3, 2017

XMITDamn. Now I'm super regretting not getting the 60% . Hopefully it doesn't bug me too much 😕

Mar 3, 2017

Mar 3, 2017

jake.perrineI'd like to offer more configurations in the future but it's hard when there are like five different variables that each have three choices. It leads to a real explosion of SKUs and more possibilities for errors! If it really does bug you, I can see about getting a replacement top case to you in the next round. But, installing it basically involves disassembling the whole board. Set aside a couple of hours for this!
I'm going to see, too, about getting some CAD files up so that, if you are handy with a laser cutter, you can make your own!

Mar 3, 2017

Mar 3, 2017

XMITHold up, would I be able to get this top? One of the big factors was the sexy seamless kb

Mar 3, 2017

Mar 3, 2017

XMITWow that'd be crazy. Honestly, I'd rather just buy a new board in the next drop if I do like the switches. I want to support all the work you've done to get us here. I for one appreciate all the work you're doing to make things backwards compatible!
Now I'm just waiting on Fedex to hurry up and get it to me..............

Mar 3, 2017

Mar 3, 2017

jerroldsSo to be clear, the top of the board is seamless, in that if you run your finger across the top you won't feel anything. You'll *see* a clear spot that ends up being the bottom of the drilling for the screws but you won't *feel* anything. This is due to the fact that the black and clear acrylic used for these boards is really clear with one side painted black, and the way this was constructed, the drilled hole for the screw goes through the final black layer but not clear through the board.
To a very limited extent I can offer some spare parts. Please stand by for details as I work this out. Thanks!

Mar 3, 2017

Mar 3, 2017

XMITYeah this is just a minor miscommunication. I think most people, including myself, were under the impression that the top face of the tkl board would be sleek black like the 60% board. I wish I could find the comment from during the group buy where you were discussing it. I'm going to live with my mistake but I can see some frustration from this.

Mar 3, 2017

Mar 3, 2017

jake.perrineYea - when i specifically asked if it was hidden, someone answered and i stupidly assumed it was a moderator. It was just another user.
@XMIT - do you know what size screws are used? Maybe i can hunt for black screws at the local Home Depot to help hide them a bit more

Mar 3, 2017