Module prototypes galore

Hi there, and welcome to our monthly status update!

We’ve been making quite a bit of progress with the modules, and have mechanically prototyped the key cluster, trackball, and trackpoint modules.

The overall mechanical design, the shape of the PCBs, and the way the PCBs are interconnected inside the modules are pretty much finalized at this point.

All of these prototypes are 3D-printed, and even though we use state-of-the-art SLS (selective laser sintering) 3D-printing technology, their quality, finish, and accuracy is a far cry compared to the final injection molded plastic parts. To give you a reference point, this is how the final key cluster module is expected to look.

Right now, the key cluster prototype features a PCB without traces, only meant to be used for mechanical prototyping. But we’ve designed a functional PCB in the meantime, sent its design to the fab, and the manufactured PCB should arrive in a couple of days. This will allow us to make a fully-functional key cluster prototype.

Similarly to the key cluster module prototype, the above trackball module is only a mechanical prototype, but the functional PCB has been designed in the meantime, was sent to the fab, and should be manufactured soon.

The design of the the trackpoint module PCB is in progress, and we’ll submit it to the fab as soon as we can. Afterwards, the touchpad will follow.

Let’s see some UHK pictures with the modules mounted.

We’re super excited to see the modules coming to fruition after such a long time. I’ll make demo videos as soon as we’re ready with the functional module prototypes. We still don’t have a solid ETA on them, but we’ll be keeping you updated.

Your feedback

You guys keep sending your awesome tweets, and we’re always eager to read and feature them! If you got your UHK and haven’t tweeted yet, you’re welcome to share!

We’ll be keeping you updated on all things UHK, and are looking forward to talking to you on 2019-08-13.

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4 Comments

  1. Tim N 2019-07-10 at 21:27

    Super excited for the modules! I know you guys don't want to give shipping estimates for these, but I was wondering if you ordered multiple modules will they ship separately if they are manufactured separately? Or do you expect them to all be ready to ship at the same time?

    • László Monda 2019-07-10 at 22:04

      Glad you're excited! All of the modules will ship separately at the same time.

  2. EdbO 2019-07-10 at 21:37

    Whow. That trackball looks fantastic :-) I think it's worth waiting for it for so long. Just to mention, take care how the module casings are in line with the keyboard casing. Eventually make a bezel so misalignment of the casings is harder to see. Otherwise you will walk into the same problems as with connecting the two halves together.

    • László Monda 2019-07-10 at 22:05

      Glad you like the trackball, EdbO! We'll be mindful about your suggestion.

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