F104+SSK+122+62+77+50+Ergo orders now open! New Kishsaver+Industrial Model F Keyboards

[Ellipse]

We reached $327,000 in orders! As we wait for the big week at the factory coming up (where they evaluate the key molds for one last time and they work on the revised top inner assembly tooling), here are some project stats.

Still aiming for delivery in late Q4.

Keyboards ordered this month so far: 147

Keyboards:
F77 378
F62 203
Compact F77 89
Compact F62 53
Grand Total 723

Items:
Extra Flipper and Spring 2237
Extra Barrel 1460
4 Extra bumpers (free with full keyboard purchase) 202
Extra Plastic Stabilizer Insert for keys 170
Industrial SSK Blue Keys 109
Front-printed keys F1, etc. 101
FirstAidKit 101
Unprinted 1U key 89
HHKB 6 Key Set 37
Extra Set of Brand New Production XT-quality one-piece keys 56
Extra steel spacebar tabs (pair) 54
Extra inner foam (F62, F77, F62 split shift, F77 split shift, F107, F122) 49
Apple/Mac Command-Option Keys 46
Custom/Low Serial Number/Birthday 48
Extra F77 Case 36
Extra F62 Case - 'Kishsaver" 26
Extra PCB 5

Case Colors:
F77
Color: Industrial Gray 187
Color: Off-White/Beige 131
Color: Black 52
Color: Silver Gray 3
Color: True Red 3
Color: Another color 2
F77 Total 378
F62
Color: Off-White/Beige 102
Color: Industrial Gray 56
Color: Black 35
Color: True Red 8
Color: Another color 1
Color: Silver Gray 1
F62 Total 203
Compact F77
Color: Black 58
Color: Regular Gray 30
Color: Industrial Gray 1
Compact F77 Total 89
Compact F62
Color: Black 34
Color: Standard Gray 18
Color: Another color 1
Compact F62 Total 53
Grand Total 723

Installed Key Sets:
Keys: Regular printed key set (US/ANSI layout) 494
Keys: Black unprinted keys 81
Keys: Regular color blank keys (no lettering/legends) 61
Keys: International layout 48
Keys: Use your own keys 32
Keys: Blue printed key set (US/ANSI layout) 2
Keys: Regular printed key set (US/ANSI layout), Model M keys 1

Layouts:
ANSI Enter (default - horizontal Enter key) 353
HHKB-Style Split Right Shift and Split Backspace 177
HHKB-Style Split Right Shift and regular 2-unit wide backspace 125
ISO Enter (vertical enter and split Left Shift) 50
HHKB split right shift only, everything else ANSI Enter (default - horizontal Enter key) 5
HHKB-Style Split Right Shift and Split Backspace and short left shift 2
ANSI Enter (default - horizontal Enter key) and Split Backspace 2
HHKB split right shift only, everything else ANSI Enter 2
ISO Enter (vertical enter and split Left Shift) and HHKB-Style Split Right Shift 1
DVORAK with HHKB style split right shift 1
Regular printed key set (US/ANSI layout) 1
HHKB split right shift only with regular 2-unit wide backspace, with ISO Enter (vertical enter and split Left Shift) 1
ANSI (U.S. default - horizontal Enter key) with split right shift, split backspace, and HHKB keys but not HHKB layout 1
DVORAK layout; ANSI Enter (default - horizontal Enter key) 1
HHKB-Style Split Right Shift and regular 2-unit wide backspace, original position Ctrl and Caps lock keys 1
Grand Total 723

Extra bumper sets:
Bumper type: 2 Large rubber bumpers (left of photo) with screw and nut plus 2 dome (middle of photo) 56
Bumper type: 2 medium bumpers with threaded stud (second photo) + 2 other pictured bumpers (please specify in the notes) 45
Bumper type: 4 square 29
Bumper type: 4 dome (middle of photo) 18
Bumper type: 4 Cork 17
Bumper type: 2 dome (middle of photo) + 2 small cylindrical (bottom right) 16
Bumper type: 2 dome + 2 square 11
Bumper type: 2 square (top right)+2 small cylindrical (bottom right) 9
Bumper type: 2 medium bumpers with threaded stud (second photo) + 2 cylindrical bumpers 1
Grand Total 202

F77 Right Side Block
Print/ScrLock/Pause/Ins/Del etc. keys, cursor keys 280
0-9 and cursor keys 137
Blank(these menu choices just affect those buying keys) 49
0-9 and cursor keys, blue unprinted keys for 5 and 0 1
Grand Total 467

[JP!]

It's definitely neat to see these stats. If I have already placed an order is it still possible to add on additional items?

[Ellipse]

Yep, feel free to pick "free/other shipping" and I will combine orders for everyone (as long as you're not ordering an extra keyboard - then please do pay for shipping).

[Mattr567]

While waiting for my F77 im working on my "P" 77

Gonna paint it industrial gray as well so ill have twins!


More info here: workshop-f7/p77-the-tkl-pingmaster-t16419.html

[joel]

Ellipse, I cannot find "Unprinted 1U key" under Extra Options in the shop? How do I add that to my cart?

[Ellipse]

Feel free to order 2 units of the store item "$1 increments" for an extra key.

[wobbled]

Nice job on that P77 Mod, give it a few layer of paint coatings to hide them lines though!

[Ellipse]

A mini update:

1. The factory is still working on the key molds for their last chance at making the keys to spec before I switch the key mold maker.

2. The very first inner assembly samples from the updated tooling should be completed next week.

3. I am having the springs made in the US and am talking with some manufacturers here. They have better spring equipment that can match IBM's tolerances for the springs, both in the dimensional and compression force aspects. They will be evaluating the original spring samples next week, producing a batch of samples to full specifications, and if they meet my quality standards they will produce all the springs.

[Elrick]

A mini update:
3. I am having the springs made in the US and am talking with some manufacturers here. They have better spring equipment that can match IBM's tolerances for the springs, both in the dimensional and compression force aspects. They will be evaluating the original spring samples next week, producing a batch of samples to full specifications, and if they meet my quality standards they will produce all the springs.

So glad you decided upon choosing the RIGHT manufacturer instead of sticking with former arrangements.

Always remember that the end point being, the actual customer, wants their Ellipse made keyboard to be PERFECT across all spectrum's so that means you need to deliver it here.

Never fear in changing your mind in looking elsewhere, to see higher quality parts being made to YOUR own specifications.

[Hypersphere]

A mini update:
3. I am having the springs made in the US and am talking with some manufacturers here. They have better spring equipment that can match IBM's tolerances for the springs, both in the dimensional and compression force aspects. They will be evaluating the original spring samples next week, producing a batch of samples to full specifications, and if they meet my quality standards they will produce all the springs.

So glad you decided upon choosing the RIGHT manufacturer instead of sticking with former arrangements.

Always remember that the end point being, the actual customer, wants their Ellipse made keyboard to be PERFECT across all spectrum's so that means you need to deliver it here.

Never fear in changing your mind in looking elsewhere, to see higher quality parts being made to YOUR own specifications.

Well said, Elrick!

Well done, Ellipse!

[Touch_It]

How long will orders go on for? I really do want one, but the price is preventing me from committing. Thinking maybe I could swing something around Christmas possibly.

[gnmar2723]

How long will orders go on for? I really do want one, but the price is preventing me from committing. Thinking maybe I could swing something around Christmas possibly.

I thought I heard that orders are still open until July 31. Not sure though.

[Ellipse]

Yes Touch_It that would be fine. We are still in the early bird round. I am also ok with down payments/pay over time - a number of people have arranged payment that way.

[Elrick]

Yes Touch_It that would be fine. We are still in the early bird round. I am also ok with down payments/pay over time - a number of people have arranged payment that way.

DAMN, a payment scheme without any extra interest (hope so) .

Now there is no excuse for not getting a brand new Ellipse Model-F keyboard, built for the enthusiast. Well done in providing this because a lot of people which are salivating over this, find it hard in fronting up the total amount straight away.

[Wingklip]

god damn it why wasn't this on the website? I would have ordered long ago but I'm broke now lol

[Elrick]

god damn it why wasn't this on the website? I would have ordered long ago but I'm broke now lol

Suspect if it was clearly written on his website about 100% orders coming in, would be entirely on installments. Meaning he has to keep track of all the payments coming in every month, for every customer, which can be convoluted and prone to mistakes being made.

Keeping it like this, it is ONLY for the truly desperate who have no spare money at the time and it keeps their numbers low, making it far easier for Ellipse to track all payments received, during the time-line of this Group Buy.

[PancakeMSTR]

god damn it why wasn't this on the website? I would have ordered long ago but I'm broke now lol

Suspect if it was clearly written on his website about 100% orders coming in, would be entirely on installments. Meaning he has to keep track of all the payments coming in every month, for every customer, which can be convoluted and prone to mistakes being made.

Keeping it like this, it is ONLY for the truly desperate who have no spare money at the time and it keeps their numbers low, making it far easier for Ellipse to track all payments received, during the time-line of this Group Buy.

Or maybe he could offer it as an option at a high interest rate, incentivizing those who can to pay full price to do so? I would never pay for something this small in installments. Shit I would try my hardest to avoid paying a car off in installments. Installments fucking suck.

[Ellipse]

The factory let me know today that the updated keys and inner assembly steel plates meet my specifications! They are just completing the finishing of these parts.

I will know for sure when they are in hand (they should be mailing me the parts soon).

[y11971alex]

Suspect if it was clearly written on his website about 100% orders coming in, would be entirely on installments.

To be candid about what I see (and correct me if I am wrong), progress on the keyboards already or to be paid for in full is in instalments, and very small instalments... You really can't expect people to pay in full when the product they buy doesn't exist in the whole yet, except for real estate (which you buy into the land anyway).

[Elrick]

You really can't expect people to pay in full when the product they buy doesn't exist in the whole yet.

That is what we have ALL been doing for more than 9 years now, putting in money for various projects. Some do come through, some don't, it's the way it is and shall be forever more.

Overall I got more from various Group Buys than what I have lost, so in conclusion it has been a success.

Now to make sure ALL Group Buys go though till the end I have gone through MassDrop which would be exclusively for Key-caps and maybe some keyboards, so I have never lost anything dealing through that system.

Have dealt with Ellipse in the past, hence I trust him far more than 98% of people on Geekhack. He gets my money because he isn't making another Cherry or ALPs based keyboard this time. The creation of a modern day Model-F done to his specifications, is what drew me in without question.

Another thing when dealing with Ellipse is that his WORD really means something, which is truly unique in this world especially now.

[wobbled]

Agreed with this, Ellipse is definitely one of the most trustworthy people to run group guys so sending him all the money at once really shouldn't be a red flag to anyone, On the other hand, I think so long as people pay the entire amount before the end of production in installments then that is fine imo.

[Mattr567]

Fully enjoying the F77 layout, well almost Pretty damn close. Its almost as if I got my F77 early! Lol.

Full working, just needs paint.

[Elrick]

Fully enjoying the F77 layout, well almost Pretty damn close. Its almost as if I got my F77 early! Lol.

Full working, just needs paint.

Every time I see the F77 layout, something happens down below and it gets awfully tight and constricting.

Don't need Viagra when the F77 is on display .

[wobbled]

Thank you very much for sharing that information with us

[y11971alex]

Agreed with this, Ellipse is definitely one of the most trustworthy people to run group guys so sending him all the money at once really shouldn't be a red flag to anyone, On the other hand, I think so long as people pay the entire amount before the end of production in installments then that is fine imo.

snip

I have no problems with Ellipse, but the money is hardly going into only him. It is going into a variety of sources across continents, some of whom have no demonstrable experience in manufacturing keyboards or parts of keyboards. There are many factors beyond his control, and the long delay that has plagued this project only intensifies that doubt in my mind.

[Elrick]

It is going into a variety of sources across continents, some of whom have no demonstrable experience in manufacturing keyboards or parts of keyboards. There are many factors beyond his control, and the long delay that has plagued this project only intensifies that doubt in my mind.

That is how it's like when re-manufacturing a Model-F from scratch.

NO one has ever done it before hence the extreme interest from all the associated media, which helps to further raise interest for his work. True, this Group Buy has been going on for the longest time and I know personally what it's like dealing with incompetence either from China or Eastern Australia, so there are really no barriers to stupidity, laziness and gross incompetence.

In the end he refuses to give up on this whilst you and I would of packed our car or motorcycle and head for the hills never to be seen again. I suspect Ellipse's Model-F project is like our GREAT NBN construction, lots of errors made but we learn along the way how to complete the job.

Maybe I shouldn't of mentioned the NBN.........

[PancakeMSTR]

I've never dealt with Ellipse before. Maybe most of us haven't. Now I'm not saying I don't trust Ellipse, though wary I have faith, but I have dealt with Elrick, and I can say with complete confidence that he is the very last person with whom I'd put my trust. His endorsement means exactly zero to me.

[wobbled]

I've never dealt with Ellipse before. Maybe most of us haven't. Now I'm not saying I don't trust Ellipse, though wary I have faith, but I have dealt with Elrick, and I can say with complete confidence that he is the very last person with whom I'd put my trust. His endorsement means exactly zero to me.

Any reason why?

[Elrick]

I've never dealt with Ellipse before. Maybe most of us haven't. Now I'm not saying I don't trust Ellipse, though wary I have faith, but I have dealt with Elrick, and I can say with complete confidence that he is the very last person with whom I'd put my trust. His endorsement means exactly zero to me.

Any reason why?

YES, please mention it here because I am curious to know why you think I have done something to you ?

[JP!]

I've had positive experience dealing with Ellipse. I don't mind waiting longer for a quality product. I would like to have seen more of the parts made in the U.S. though, just like the old IBM iron of yore.