Module production is underway

Hi there, and welcome to this delayed monthly UHK status update!

TL; DR: The assembly of the first 400 modules is underway in our facility, and we expect to ship them in about a week. Afterward, we’ll be continuously producing and shipping module preorders as quickly as we can. One of our key contractors has become suddenly overloaded, and as a result, we expect to start UHK 60 v2 production around the end of April. There are a lot of cool demos in this update, so make sure to read it.

Module production

Module manufacturing has finally started, and we’re assembling the first 400 modules, including 100 modules per type. The following photo was taken after surface-mount assembly and shows the module panels:

Unlike the UHK panels, the module panels contain numerous PCBs. The key cluster panel looks like some kind of modern art:

The trackball panel is very densely populated:

It’s interesting to peek into the modules, so here are some pictures of them half-assembled and fully assembled:

The following modules have been assembled so far:

The modules’ look and accuracy have greatly improved since I made the last module demo videos, so I’ve made some new ones. At the end of the videos, you can see the scrolling navigation mode in action assigned to the Mod layer of my UHK 60 v2. This mode makes it easy to zoom through a massive amount of content quickly, and it’s great to skim through documents.

Let’s start with the trackball module.

We’ve tried many different balls, and we’re unsure whether to provide a light black resin ball or a heavier steel ball, so we’ll include both. We may eventually offer only one of these balls based on your feedback. The balls can be quickly replaced without tools, according to the following video.

The new, modified, injection-molded spacer improved trackpoint accuracy, and now it feels more accurate.

Beyond single tapping, the touchpad module supports two-finger tapping, two-finger scrolling, and pinch to zoom, but only tapping is supported at this point. We’ll add firmware support for every one of these actions soon.

Can the modules replace the mouse? It’s a question asked by many, so it’s worth an answer. The modules are a good fit to replace the mouse for regular desktop use, such as web browsing or interacting with applications. If you’re a graphics designer and spend a lot of time in Gimp or Photoshop, a mouse or a graphic tablet is a better choice, though. As for gaming, I think the modules are useful for specific games such as turn-based strategy, but I wouldn’t play fast-paced games, such as first-person shooters with them.

We keep shipping on a first-come, first-served basis, but the first 400 modules will be sent only to non-Crowd Supply backers. The reason for this is that Crowd Supply could potentially cause a weeks-long delay in delivery, and it is vital to get quick user feedback at the start of module mass production.

After shipping the first 400 modules, we’ll fully adhere to our first-come, first-served shipping policy, and we’ll be continuously producing and shipping module pre-orders as quickly as we can. So far, module mass-production has been a smooth ride, but it’s just started, so we don’t have reliable metrics on how long it’ll take to assemble all modules. We’ll provide you an estimate in our next monthly update.

In the meantime, make sure to update your address if you have moved to another location since your order.

Agent progress

Agent has evolved quite a bit recently, and now it’s able to detect every module and configure the actions of module keys and buttons.

A seamless experience of a fully-fledged product is kind of magical, and I believe that the above demo exemplifies it well. You can take a look at Agent’s web demo, which now includes the modules, too. We’re working hard to make the modules not only work for you but amuse you.

UHK 60 v2 progress

Two issues are blocking UHK 60 v2 production: PBT keycaps and plastic parts.

We’ve received a new PBT keycap sample set for approval since the last monthly update. This sample is a definite improvement over the previous one, but some keycaps’ shine-thru performance, especially the convex keycaps’, should be better. Our supplier is doing their best to maximize shine-through performance and provide improved samples soon.

As for the plastic parts of the UHK 60 v2, they’re larger than the modules and can only be molded with a larger machine. We have a great supplier who proved themselves, but due to a sudden influx of foreign orders, they’re quite overwhelmed these days and can only mold UHK 60 v2 parts around the end of April.

Most of you are very patient regarding such delays and primarily concerned about the quality of the final product which we highly appreciate, and we resonate with your mindset. Others are less patient which is understandable. We have dozens of suppliers, and even if one of them introduces a delay, the whole project gets delayed. These delays are often unexpected, and they’re among the top reasons why shipping hardware is so much harder than shipping software. We’ll do our best to push forward. We’re making sure that the wait worths it, and we’ll be keeping you updated.

Your tweets

You guys keep sending your awesome tweets, and we're always eager to read and feature them! If you got your modules, please share your love!

We’ll be keeping you updated on all things UHK and are looking forward to talking to you in mid-April. There’s a lot to do nowadays, so the update may be a bit late, but I’ll do my best.

The comments are closed, but our forum is available for public discussion.

109 Responses

  1. Thanks for the update.

    Seems like more frequent updates to UHK v2 estimate shipping / production dates on the order page would be beneficial. I placed order mid-Feb and understood that I'd be waiting until end of March - mid April and was fine with that, however, to learn a month later that production will not start until the end of April is very disappointing.

    My support query also went unanswered beyond a reply stating “We will get back to you”.

    1. Sorry for the delay, Laszlo is overloaded and we are prioritizing production over updates.
      If you have any questions please feel free to contact us via email. Unfortunately, the new UK regulations take time to implement into our system.

      1. Would it be possible for someone other than Laszlo to provide more frequent updates? Six weeks passed between this blog post and the one before, which is quite frustrating.

        It would be great to have e.g. status updates provided every week, or as statuses change.

        1. We publish all the news as soon as possible. Thanks for your understanding!

      2. I'm also not happy about another delay, but at least it is communicated now and not after the expected shipping date (like end of January)

      3. Thanks Mária

        Just to comment publicly that the support issue was fully resolved (thanks again) and I've placed a new order.

        Really looking forward to the V2 release!

  2. Sucks to hear about the additional UHKv2 delays, but given how I've only just hearing about this keyboard and ordered, I suppose I can remain patient. Better to be done right the first time, than be unhappy down the road.

    Of course, it could be interesting if you shipped the guts and STL files for the case for folks that might want to print their own customized case up ;) A possible future avenue, or even future v3 feature folks can opt-in to.

    1. Thanks for your understanding!
      We will publish the electronic files and decide on the mechanical files later.
      We are also considering a development kit.

  3. Really happy with the decision to include both a light and heavy trackball. My instinct is that the heavier ball will be better for me but I'm glad I'll have an option, and be able to experiment.

    Will UHK layouts be exportable and importable between the v1 and v2 keyboards? If I have a v1 at work and a v2 at home and decide to make a layout tweak to my v2; can I simply export the configuration and then import it when I'm next at work on the other version of the keyboard? Or will I need to make the layout tweak on the two boards independently?

    1. I also am a bit disappointed that the CrowdSource modules are not the first out the door. Your reasoning makes perfect sense... wanting quick feedback. But as someone who ordered these things in 2015... it's a bummer that I will likely be waiting into the summer for the modules. It would have been nice if there was an option to get the modules in the first wave even if it required some work on my end as the consumer.

      1. We can understand that, and we're sorry!
        It was a difficult decision, but if we can ship at least some of the pre-orders, why hold back everyone's product in the queue.
        Crowd Supply pre-orders are the first in line, the moment we can ship to them, we will of course prioritize those orders, and follow the pre-order queue.

    2. Thanks for the feedback!
      Yes, UHK layouts are exportable and importable between v1 and v2 models.

  5. I am one of those sorry soul's who bought and received the v1 days before the v2 was announced. I got into a daily conversation with a representative over the inconvenient timing and possibility of returning and then preordering the v2. But in those days I fell in love with the uhk increasing my comfort, speed and accuracy as well as having the friendliest "agent" that I have seen, all that made me change my mind about returning and instead just ordered a v2 separately. the improved efficiency alone made up for the cost of a second board and now with increasing delays my investment just looks smarter.

    So I just wanted to thank you guys for creating a board that has greatly increased my productivity, I cant wait to see how much and if the modules further improve it when they arrive. Or when I get my new personal v2 in the mail so I can demote the v1 to my work desktop.

    You truly are a company for consumers, in the world of "build things to wear out so we get repeat customers, and price doesnt always equate quality" you stand above. UHK has earned a fan for life and I will spread your praises whenever given the opportunity.

    1. Such a nice story! Our pleasure!
      We really appreciate your honest feedback!

  6. Hey László, congrats on the progress you're making!
    I personally don't care for delays. I know the first version was delayed a bit, then modules are taking forever, then v2 is getting multiple delays - but I don't care. This is not a contemporary spec-heavy product: it's not going to be automatically obsolete even if released in 20 years. All I care about is for you guys to deliver the best quality product you can, which is what you're aiming for, so we can use it for another 20 years and be extremely happy with it. Take your time, don't rush, you guys have proven you're doing quality stuff!

    2. This captures my thoughts as well. I want to see a solid product, not one rushed to my doorstep as fast as possible. I mean, sure, I _want_ it ideally yesterday, I'm super excited and all, but in 2 years I'll either go "I'm glad it took longer and I got a quality product in return" or "Wow, they rushed it and I had a month earlier but wow this sucks". I know what side of this I want to be on.

  7. It is nice to see that all of these modules are becoming more and more real. Great progress!
    I am surely a bit sad about the first ones to buy not coming first to get their stuff, but in the end it does make sense, to get some quick feedback.

  8. As a general rule, are we getting any tracking link / shipment confirmation email when a parcel leaves?
    Thanks, the modules look awesome, can't wait for v2!

    1. Sure! A notification e-mail will be sent for all shipping.

  9. Nice to know we will get the module soon.
    BTW. How to clean the small ball in the cluster keys?

    1. If it will be necessary we will write instructions for it on our website.

      1. Yes, it will be great as I owned an old Apple magic mouse, it has a scroll ball similar to this, and it collects our finger dirt and dust and the sensor start not working after around 1 year. And I need to disassemble the whole mouse in order to clean it...

  11. What are non-Crowd Supply backers? If an order was placed on your website a year ago for example, is that a non-Crowd Supply backer?

    1. Yes.
      Crowd Supply backers ordered several years ago, that's why they are first in line for shipping.

  12. So happy to hear that module shipping is starting soon! Any idea how long it will take for you to finish shipping all of the preorders? I am not a crowdsource backer and was late to the party :)

    1. We don't want to make any predictions yet, we will have a better view of it later and share information about it in the next blog post.

  13. Could there be increased talk in a developer kit, or possibly shipping it without keycaps? I have seen numerous people that would be interested in the latter. The first thing I am going to do when receiving the keyboard it take the keys off for ones I prefer. I would much rather have my keyboard than continue to sit and wait until you find a key you are satisfied with. While I appreciate the attention and care for detail on the keys, as someone that will be replacing them ASAP, the continued delays are making me not even want the keyboard at this point.

    1. We plan the developer kit in the future, later we will share more about it when the time has come.
      Sorry, but we don't offer the UHK without switches or keycaps. It's worth mentioning that switches are needed to test the keyboards at the end of the assembly process, so it'd take extra time for us to remove the switches, then we'd have to throw away the used test switches.

      1. I understand the switches part and have no plans to change them out. I do however plan to get rid of the keys. How quick are turn arounds on refunds for those of us that will likely tire of waiting after another delay?

        1. We do not sell UHK without keycaps, nor switches.
          We arrange the refund within 1-2 days after receiving the cancellation request email.

          1. Is 1-2 days typical to hear back for a refund? It’s now been 3-days for my request for a refund by email and I’ve heard nothing and haven’t seen anything in my bank showing a refund.

          2. Usualy we arrange the refund within 1-2 working days. Please take into consideration the time zones also.
            Some small delay might happen when there are a lot of messages. Thanks for your understanding.

  14. I am torn. On one hand I see these pictures and videos and I am excited about this insight. On the other hand, I placed my order in December and I am really disappointed that I still have to work with a keyboard that gives me RSI pain. However I am not going to give you hard time about the delay. I know you are doing your best, and it feels wrong to take up on you.

    I have two questions:
    1) If you want a quick feedback from the users, does it mean you plan to make some changes to the modules based on this feedback? My point is, should I be concerned that the later you send a module, the more polished it would be?

    2) Laszlo, which right hand module do you find the most useful?

    1. 1. Minimal changes might be done, depending on the feedback, but we do not plan to change if it is not necessary.
      2. It's a tough choice for Laszlo, he prefers both the trackball and the trackpoint and currently switches them back and forth. He has never preferred a touchpad, but everyone has different tastes.

  15. I'm using my UHK v1 already for years and love it! Can't wait for the trackball module to arrive at my doorstep ..... I just replaces the batteries in my wireless mouse, so I'm ok with the delay :-D .... Hopefully you get great feedback from the users and that there is no need to make any changes to the modules.

  16. Will the backlighting on the key cluster module work with V1 keyboards that don't have backlighting?

    1. BTW, I wanted to chime in and say thanks for all your hard work on bringing this to market in an uncompromising manner! Like many others have said, I'd much rather see delays than a rushed product.

    2. Yes, the module backlighting works with UHK v1 also.

  17. Looking forward to see more details and reviews of the modules. Over two decades ago I used to have a trackball. The ball was definitely bigger than what I perceive in the video. I wonder how the acceleration and dexterity and usability compares between these. Anyone here can chip in some guesses? :D

    1. I think a lot of specialized models would outperform the UHK trackball; probably in all but one aspect: you'd still have to move your hand to use those.
      But I hope the difference is not that drastic, and UHK trackball is, at the very least, usable. Judging by the previous products, they won't release trash. But of course, only hands-on experience will show us :)

    2. In the 2 years I've been using a UHK, I've gotten so comfortable with the mouse layer, I tend to use that more than an actual mouse. I'm kinda concerned about how much I'll have to reach with my thumb to use any of these cluster modules, though. I tend to shift my hands a bit to the "outside" to be able to comfortably reach the keys on the upper right side more reliably (I'm a developer, so I use them a bunch). Maybe I have short pinkies? Anyway, given the amount of care that's gone into this product, I'm guessing the ergonomics will be acceptable. I have the trackpoint and keycluster on order, so I guess I'll find out soon...

      1. We are glad to hear that the mouse layer is such useful for you!
        In connection with the modules, we believe you will be pleasantly surprised.

    3. I can chip in my betatesting experience. Namely this thread on fb: https://www.facebook.com/UltimateHackingKeyboard/posts/3885591731548901?comment_id=3886795211428553&notif_id=1615920515717385&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notif

      TL;DR: The ball is pretty sensitive and requires light and relaxed touch, but overall the trackball modules is surprisingly dexterous, and usability-wise can be compared even to big trackballs. Ofc., there are differences and drawbacks to the small ball, but usability-wise the difference is not that drastic.

  18. Guys, you aren't shipping your keycaps from China via Suez canal by any chance? :))

    1. Never "EVER". The keycaps have never Ever Given a chance for this routing. :))

  19. Since modules are under production, sounds like they'll be ready along with the UHKv2, or even sooner. If I order modules now, would they be shipped with my UHKv2? Or before it? I'd rather not have to keep track of the modules by getting them first.

  20. Today I read again the blog post about the results of beta-testing, and I compared them with informations posted online by some beta-tester on Facebook. I am now a bit worried about the durability of the modules.

    You wrote about some tester pushing the trackpad inside the case. The beta tester I found on FB wrote about the trackball losing some precision after he used it for a few days with a „strong” hand grip (as opposed to „relaxed” grip he used afterwards)

    When I read THIS blog post again, I saw the inside structure of the modules and it does look a bit fragile. So I wanted to ask, if my impression is wrong, and you tested the modules against at least medium pressure? And also, did you decice to „bulk up” the modules after beta tests?

    Don’t get me wrong, I don’t intend to bang my keyboard with a hammer. But, my hands are somewhat heavy and I wouldn’t say my hands are extremely relaxed when I operate the peripherals. So.. can you address that unexpected fear of fragility? :)

    Thanks

    1. No reason to worry about it. They have robust construction.

  21. Woot Woot It's April now!! One more blog post before the preciouses arrive?! I'm glad to hear they're not stuck in the Suez LOL

    1. We leave no stone unturned to ship all pre-orders as soon as possible and keep you informed via the blog when we can share the latest news!

      1. Is your 'key contractor has become suddenly overloaded' the contractor that supplies chips?

        1. No, who supplies plastic parts:
          "As for the plastic parts of the UHK 60 v2, they’re larger than the modules and can only be molded with a larger machine. We have a great supplier who proved themselves, but due to a sudden influx of foreign orders, they’re quite overwhelmed these days and can only mold UHK 60 v2 parts around the end of April."

    2. Says that the production will begin late April, so most likely will ship around May. I'll be expecting it in June.

      But hey, that's the month of my birthday! I guess I'll be receiving an awesome birthday gift from myself!

  22. I had already ordered UHK 60 V2 in Feb.
    I have a question that if I order "Trackball Module" now, is there some way that I don't have to pay the delivery cost($25.5)?
    If you have it, let me know the way.
    Thanks.

    1. The webshop automatically adds a shipping charge to every order, but the second shipping charge will automatically be reimbursed at shipping.

  23. Will the touchpad module support multi-touch functionality (enabling things like pinch-to-zoom)?

    1. Beyond single tapping, the touchpad module supports two-finger tapping, two-finger scrolling, and pinch to zoom, but only tapping is supported at this point. We’ll add firmware support for every one of these actions soon.

    1. Laszlo will share the update for April as soon as possible.

  25. Do you plan to make mirror versions of the modules, so that key cluster could be on the right half and mouse modules on the left?

    Also, when can we expect the next update?

    1. We are running out of April. My guess is they will drag it out until May to update us that there is another delay and production won't start until June. I know I haven't been waiting as long as others, but there comes a point when people need to stop praising them for making sure the quality is optimal and see it as them not being able to properly negotiate with their providers. At this rate, I would have been happy paying the exact same price for the keyboard sans keys and have been able to start using it in January.

      1. We plan to post an update this month. Sorry, but we can't ship half-assembled keyboards.

      2. I really hope you are wrong. My wrists and forearm are killing me :(

        1. Same here. I think I would have just gone for the v1 a couple months back if I'd known the real wait time. Each update keeps me thinking I can rough it out for another month, but I'm getting close to buying just something that just exists in the meantime

          1. If you still prefer v1, you can purchase it from our webshop, and we will send it within the next 2 weeks.

    1. Good catch! I've been checking my order status almost daily, still pending. Hopefully it ships soon! The key cluster's ball click, I'm guessing that'd be middle click? I don't see it mentioned anywhere or used in the demo videos.

      1. By default, it is middle-click, and you can configure it via Agent.

  29. Hello. How long is an order usually in the „processing” state ?

    1. In a normal case, 1-2 weeks, when we have all parts on stock. If you have a pre-order, it's an extraordinary situation because the products were under development and are currently waiting for some parts. We send an email on the day when the order is shipped, and the status will change to "Completed".

  30. And regular transparent updates could avoid customer frustration and cancellations.

    It's clear the V2 will not ship until H2 at best, maybe not even this year, just call it out as such. People are waiting six years for modules, V2 will be obsolete in six years

    Under promise and over deliver instead of the farcical customer management strategy that has been employed to date.

    1. We share the latest news transparently from month to month according to our possibilities.
      Please note that the modules are new products.
      Developing a new product, like a module, takes more time than changing some things on an already existing product, like in the UHK v1 and UHK v2 case.

    2. It has been over a month since the last update. It does not feel as though they are being honest when stating they share the latest news transparently from month to month. If they have made it this long with nothing to say one way or the other, it seems obvious they are once again behind schedule. It seems unfortunate they have no one to hold them accountable to the timetables they set for themselves. At this point it feels as though it has less to do with quality control issues, and more to do with the fact they simply don't care because they already have the money. My biggest fear is if something is wrong and I need to RMA my keyboard after receiving it. That could end up being another 6+ month process to get a new one back it feels. I truly feel bad for those that have been waiting on modules.

      1. We are sorry if you think so, but the facts are not the same as your fears.
        We publish the updates monthly, as before. Please follow it on the blog or in the newsletter.
        In case of a return, we arrange a refund in the next 1-2 business days.

        1. Respectfully, it's not quite true that updates are published monthly. Here are the dates of the recent posts:

          2020-10-01
          2020-11-05
          2020-12-03
          2021-02-01
          2021-03-15

          While they were monthly late in 2021, they haven't been monthly in 2021. In fact, there were two months(!) between December 2020 and February 2021. Between February and March, it was more like a month and a half, rather than a month. And it seems like that's (at best) what we're on track for again.

          I'm not trying to pick a fight or get in your face. I can imagine that you feel a lot of pressure, and maybe even guilt. But it's just not true that updates are being delivered on a reliable, monthly basis.

          1. Kindly take into consideration the last sentence of the last blog post: "We’ll be keeping you updated on all things UHK and are looking forward to talking to you in mid-April. There’s a lot to do nowadays, so the update may be a bit late, but I’ll do my best."

          2. Yeah I'm aware it's not being posted on a real monthly basis but it's still called "monthly update". Same as you, not trying to pick a fight it complaining why there is no update yet. Doing a business is messy and hard I get that. I just simply suggest a more reliable communication can help with these frustrations that's all.

        2. I share the same frustration as Chad and John. It seems you rely on László to post these but clearly this is not the top priority for him. I can't say this for everybody waiting but for me, a timely "unfortunately no good news" is better then delayed "now we have something". You promised mid-April with a note (might be late) but that doesn't make it less a bad promise. Please don't make such promise and fail them because that makes people trust you less. Just simply say you are busy with the production "we will post early May" is a much better PR and more time for you to do all the goodies. I support your work and excited to see the progress. However I have to say the communication has been very fustrating.

          1. Next time we will attempt to give a more realistic ETA and post the updates on a more regular basis.

          2. While I don't feel it needs to be _exactly_ every 30 days or what not, I'll agree that I'd rather have a "holding pattern, nothing new" post or email rather than relative silence. I think it sets the expectation amongst us all, showing you're still there, even if nothing has happened, and you haven't forgotten about us. Either that or set a pretty strict "will be on the 1-3 or 15-17 of each and every month, even if no news" kind of schedule. Gives us the confidence stuff is still happening, even if there's actually nothing to report at all.

          3. We are still here and working for our awesome customers! :) Even if we do not publish it, the work is in process.
            You can follow the progress on GitHub. We won't be releasing updates more frequently, but we will publish all news on the blog as soon as possible.

  31. I would suggest the monthly newsletter could include something like we are now shipping for orders made before a time.
    This is like a "progress bar" for consumers, which I think is more friendly compared to how the existing newsletters look like, i.e. a "spinning circle".

    1. We will include information on when all pre-orders can be shipped, but we don't have a clear picture yet.
      Assembling the first hundreds of pieces was extremely time-consuming due to the lack of experience because it is a new product.

  32. Just a quick note here to the UHK team:
    I totally understand the issue of wanting to delay the monthly update to have some good news to tell, but this isn't working out well, as you can judge from the comments. You have to see it from the customer's point of view.

    We rather see a one sentence blog post, officially stating 'We are another 2 weeks behind but this and that looks good, expect a more detailed blog post soon' to stick with monthly schedules, than complete silence.

    It's uncertainty that makes people uneasy, not necessarily bad news. And the official silence makes people feel that it's being handled unprofessionally, even if it isn't. We aren't involved in your day to day operations, we can't look you over the shoulders to see all the hard work you're doing on this and that. We just see nothing from the outside and feel like nothing is being done and you're ignoring your customers.

    It's all about perspective :)

    1. Thanks for pointing out this perspective, but we follow another one. If you're worried about whether we're making progress with modules, you can check our GitHub.
      We won't be releasing updates more frequently because it would take time away from other higher priority tasks, causing more delays in deliveries and development.

      1. On Davids point, I think taking 5-10 minutes to say "we're still on track, nothing new, continuing on" doesn't seem like it'll take much time away from other tasks, such as actually getting the keyboards and modules done and delivered.

        And Github just shows the software side of things, not the actual manufacturing/shipping. Which is important, but if you were to stick with a approximately monthly (what they are supposed to be) schedule to say "nothing new, pushing on" is perfectly fine and keeps our expectations set appropriately, and that even if there's nothing new for us, things are still on track.

        It's just like with a LOOOOT of Kickstarter/IndieGoGo/etc campaigns. Doesn't matter if there's no real news, just let us know you're still thinking of us by giving us a "yup, still here, still working" kind of post that takes 5-10 minutes to write and post. Really that's all we want, in terms of minimum updates. I know you want to actually give us real information, which we want too, but if you're like me and think "it'll just be a few hours, or days, and then I'll have something worthy!", that can easily extend a lot longer than I think. We don't mind a 2nd post in the same month with more details, or even delaying to the next month update if that's real soon.

        1. We understand your points, however, due to our supply chain management, we still prefer to post only real news. If there is no new post, it means we do not have yet news to let you know.
          Our earlier updates are also visible, and regular. We are not the guys who will grab your money in big bags, then run and disappear. (We can't; one of the machines we use for production is too heavy and also fixed into concrete :) ). We really appreciate your support and are working on providing quality products that worth your patience and trust.

      2. it would still be faster to write a brief statement every now and then than to have to respond to dozens of comments from dissatisfied customers

      3. Mária, reality is that github doesn't tell you that much since your policy is hardware over software, and since (unlike hardware or a real life houses) software can be build piece by piece in top-down fashion. Also, the information might be pretty hard to extract for someone who doesn't read every single technical discussion.

        Having said this, I do consider this frustration relatively justified, and would also love to see some rapid one-sentence-long twitterish posts inbetween the big "monthly" updates, especially if there is someone else than Laci who knows what is going on and could post them.

    2. > It's all about perspective :)

      Untrue, it's all about trust and faith in the people / company that the product you ordered eventually end up on your doorstep. Because UHK is funded by crowdfunding, you invest in a startup. Many startups fail to deliver and vanish, goodbye my investment. When I signed up for the UHK I wanted them to succeed and I actually didn't need the UHK, so I had no problem with waiting 2 years before I go the UHK. Also with my experience in the field I knew that they couldn't made it with their schedule, but I didn't care because experience is the best teacher. So please give these folks their time they will make it and you get a fantastic UHK which last the rest of your live! Also when you search on the blog here and go way back in time, you will find a blog post stating that they have worked a pretty long time for 0 Euro. They could have stopped but didn't.

      As a mechanical engineer myself, I know that design and development of consumer products is hard. And even more so for the young UHK team which has to find out the hard way. Suppliers who don't care too much because you order too low quantities, Or with plastic products is hard to get it right the first time, so modifications are needed, but you have to wait a few weeks because you are not the only client of that supplier and you have to adapt their schedule. All in all it will go out of hand very fast when you design and develop a complete new product. Big companies have their own prototype shop which can produce small amounts in a kind of production layout and are faster and more flexible.

      Also design and develop a (almost) non software product in the open is even more challenging because now the whole world is looking over your shoulder and gets angry when delays are happening. In the 'normal' world you don't see that because everything is happening behind closed doors.

      So I will wait patiently for my trackball module to arrive one day.

  33. Good morning Mária Horváth,

    Do you have any estimate on how will the shipping look like if someone put an order for the modules now? Aka, is there any backlog time for orders to be shipped and will you be having a message bar or something showing the the shipping backlog?

    Best

    1. We will announce the estimated shipping dates later in the blog, but not yet in the next blog post because we don't have enough statistics yet.
      The information we have from the production of the first batch is not representative.

  34. Do you see why people are frustrated?
    Do you see why you have credibility problems?

    Last update, nearly 1.5 months ago, the modules were going to ship in a week. Now you cannot give dates on when they will ship.

    The delays are not the problem. The terrible messaging is. Clear regular updates are required. The claim that it will detect from production does not hold water, clearly production is not happening.

    1. Kindly note we wrote we plan to start the shipping of the modules, and not promised to ship all modules within a week. There is a difference.
      Now some of the modules are delivered, some of them are on their way and some of them will be shipped as soon as possible.

      The more updates we publish, the more we have to touchbase with a number of related parties to gather current ETAs. Then it may very well turn out later that those ETAs are inaccurate. As a result, the more updates we provide, the less we can make actual progress. We think that about one update per month is sufficient and would rather deliver the orders as soon as possible.

  35. Am a big fan of the v2 and the modules and was in the market for one such myself. Unfortunately, I had to opt for something else (Quefrency, which is similar in profile but no modules) over the UHK v2 for the time being as I am also nursing wrist tendonitis. I do hope to get one for work when the shipping timelines become more clear and shorter. Can't wait!

  37. Omg, looks amazing keyboard. Im working with default keyboard, im looking for ergonomics position for work and play games. Your project looks very solid, nice design and very custom! Congratulations, inspiring me...