Xwhatsit Beamspring + MODEL F Controller [FORM REOPENED]

[Wodan]

No need to fill this form if you ordered with lot_lizard before!

No idea how long this will stay open, until sold out. Prices will change at some point once I received the controllers and we switch to "Retail" mode. But don't worry, we will just add little markup around 10-20%

[Slom]

Thank you Wodan

Currently it seems to force me to order a selenoid driver?

[alh84001]

@Halvar how cheap?

The beamsprings I am looking for are not to be found, so I might as well gift myself a cheap one, with an XT layout to boot.

[hypkx]

And in, ordered two controllers and three solenoid drivers.

[lot_lizard]

I think this thread needs a RANDOM Wodan comical comment/meme/ani-gif.... it is getting stale . We DT'ers need to have a little @#$!ing fun along the way no?!?

[seebart]

I think this thread needs a RANDOM Wodan comical comment/meme/ani-gif.... it is getting stale . We DT'ers need to have a little @#$!ing fun along the way no?!?

That is very much my dept. Give me a sec...

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Bonus:

Spoiler:

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[lot_lizard]

Perfect... this place (not just this thread) was getting glum.

PS... Robin is such a bi+ch!!!

[alh84001]

One that is more close to home

Spoiler:

[lot_lizard]

It dawned on me in the DTA stuff for "best switch" to check if we have ever had a "try before you buy" tour of a beamspring. I couldn't find one earlier. If we haven't, I would be willing to send one of my babies away for a while. Keep in mind though, shipping it to the "next patron" is likely more than other tours. Ideally we would just send it caseless/shell-less, and detach the controller in transit (safer since it just slips off) to keep the costs down and you can easily see the mechanics of it all. If not, I could send a smaller form factor one, but it wouldn't be usable with this controller and you are just clacking away in your mind's eye which is a little silly for a usability tour.

Let's be up front and honest though. The form factors and layouts of ANY beamspring are either rubbish or JUST manageable depending on your needs. I cycle through a random one as my daily driver 30-50% of the time because there is ZERO question this is the most amazing "switch" ever made... sorry to be that guy, but this is actually fact. But I have gotten used to it's feel, and used to compromised layouts. Most boards I have are mapped to some modified HHKB multi-layered layout via the xWhatsit. If I am strugglingly with one for a specific task, I'll temporarily grab another board from the bin, and then switch back.

Of all beamsprings, the most usable to me for an xWhatsit novice is the least desirable (cheapest) because it is common and it's shell is GARBAGE... the 5251. If you like navigation arrows, etc. (think TKL), you can map the 5251 with the xWhatsit into something special. Plus it's the "crispest" version of the beamspring switch I have encountered. Whether later production, more prevalent so the one that landed in my lap is mint... no idea. But this board is glorious. We will be making a custom smaller case for this one (PROMISE) in the near term because it is my fave and I want to love everything about it (case and key profile pitch in the junk case are the only hangups).

I would be happy to have a worldwide road tour (especially if someone threw something tiny about their country in at every stop?!?)... Let me know if that is interesting. I will put something out there in that forum for sign-ups if we express interest. It could be gone for a couple of years and I wouldn't skip a beat. I love it, but it should be shared.

This post has ZERO percent to do with this group buy mind you, but seemed relevant

[hypkx]

A smaller case for it would be wonderful.

[Wodan]

Thank you Wodan

Currently it seems to force me to order a selenoid driver?

Good point. Fixed that. Anyone order a solenoid driver they didn't want to order?

And now, everybody please get aboard this HYPE TRAIN:

[pansku]

I'm in for one

I may not have a beamspring yet, but I sure want to get one next year!

[hypkx]

Any update on buying a xwhatsit with the order? I need 1-2

[lot_lizard]

I checked with orihalcon because I figured he had some/enough on hand, and his prices have always been fair. If several of you wanted, I would pick up from him and either put in your MF package with the rest of the order, or send to Wodan to forward on. At the time I asked for say 8+, and he said he could do 25 each. If the numbers were less, that might be closer to 30, no idea... Would have to ask but am speculating. How much interest is there?

Again, this question is regarding the regular F xWhatsit...

[hypkx]

I checked with orihalcon because I figured he had some/enough on hand, and his prices have always been fair. If several of you wanted, I would pick up from him and either put in your MF package with the rest of the order, or send to Wodan to forward on. At the time I asked for say 8+, and he said he could do 25 each. If the numbers were less, that might be closer to 30, no idea... Would have to ask but am speculating. How much interest is there?

Again, this question is regarding the regular F xWhatsit...

Sounds really good, I want buy 2, maybe we could add to the first page Wodan, so that we reach more people?

[Wodan]

I have no problem with that. Shall we just offer whatever Orihalcon has left and sell them FCFS?

Next time we run a GB, we offer a Solenoid controller + Integrated Solenoid

Did I get it right?

[lot_lizard]

I'll PM him to chime in here. He may have 20 or 20k. No clue

Next time we run a GB, we offer a Solenoid controller + Integrated Solenoid

Did I get it right?

I plan to send out a couple of these solenoids that came with Cindy's blue switches to some of our more gifted EE folks to get a take on remaking these. A solenoid at this size and voltage is just odd for off the shelf. At least where the throw arm doesn't have a purpose other than to sound like bullets striking a tank.


I wouldn't mind if tidied them up a bit while we were at it. I would sacrifice some pitch and loudness if it meant it could keep up better. We type faster than our ancestors (umm... by alot).

[Wodan]

Nice way of putting it. Sounds like a great plan.

Real pros make the solenoid sound like an MG42 then

[hypkx]

Why not adding multiple solenoids in one keyboard?

[lot_lizard]

Why not adding multiple solenoids in one keyboard?

Could you imagine?!? We would have a whole supply of cat reaction pics I think

I do like the Selectric pitch of the original (what they attempted to mimic, and did a pretty damn decent job). It will be some fun experiments. Think I might finally have to invest in a proper computer mic though. Hopefully one with integrated "Chyros mode" in case I need to speak.

[need]

I'm confused, are you guys referring to the the same Xwhatsit that's been offered in the model MF group buy?

[hypkx]

The one orihalcon sell on ebay (bigger size).

[lot_lizard]

I'm confused, are you guys referring to the the same Xwhatsit that's been offered in the model MF group buy?

There are really only two xWhatsit that are widespread today (not counting the solenoid driver, which works with all current controllers). I am ordering all these beamspring ones to save us some money with all the MF specific ones (another animal altogether). Orihalcon has a stash of F rev. 4 already


This GB is for the beamspring xwhatsit and driver board only so far. We are seeing if there is interest in the model F version (rev. 4) that is widespread, but really available now only in the states. If there was, we could grab some from orihalcon and proxy for you while we do this one. He agreed to drop his normal price a bit if there was enough interest.

Going forward, he will remain the keeper of the standard F, and Wodan and myself would have beamsprings at some minimal markup inventory (we would MUCH rather you join the GB now)

[flum360]

Hi - just caught up with this - I would take three solenoid controllers. Am I too late?

[hypkx]

The spreadsheet is on the first page.

[flum360]

Thanks - added my order.

[y11971alex]

Selectric is much louder than the solenoid though... we might need a hollow ball smacking the case to mimic that.

[hypkx]

I have no problem with that. Shall we just offer whatever Orihalcon has left and sell them FCFS?

Next time we run a GB, we offer a Solenoid controller + Integrated Solenoid

Did I get it right?

btw thanks for the beamspring foam, works perfect in my 5251

[E TwentyNine]

Selectric is much louder than the solenoid though... we might need a hollow ball smacking the case to mimic that.

You also need the constant hum of the selectric. Wonder if someone has the exact specs of the frequency of that sound.

[XMIT]

Selectric is much louder than the solenoid though... we might need a hollow ball smacking the case to mimic that.

You also need the constant hum of the selectric. Wonder if someone has the exact specs of the frequency of that sound.

Get me a good microphone, I've got a fully overhauled Selectric sitting right here.