Dear @admin,
First things first I wanted to say a big thank you for this project:
I recently received and finished setting up my Ultra compact Model F 104 (whose order incidentally happen to be sent on my birthsday, nice present, thanks) and I am super happy with it!
I have two questions regarding the Ultra compact form factor:
- Regarding the non-swappability with Classic Style case: am I guessing correctly that this is due to different inner assemblies with different attachment points? I.e.: Ultra Compact have 4 legs that attach to the corners of the bottom plate, whereas the Classic Style seems to be screwed to the top part maybe?
- How do you see the future of the Ultra Compact form fractor: are you abandonning it? (all the interested people got theirs, it’s going to be classic style-only from now on) Or would you revisit it? (e.g.: perhaps a die cast shell that follows the curvature of the inner assembly, but without the classic style’s outer flat frame)
Glad your board arrived safely!
Yes confirmed on your first point.
The compact case F104 and compact FSSK are out of production and will not be produced again, though I have some extra parts on hand (the capacitive PCB+ribbon cable+controller assembly and of course many barrels and flippers/springs) so I recommend picking up spares while they are still in stock.
No, unfortunately the mold for such a case would cost far too much. Some molds for this project have cost more than cars!
I would also love an answer to this:
“perhaps a die cast shell that follows the curvature of the inner assembly, but without the classic style’s outer flat frame”
I’d love to hear if you’ve considered an updated compact design that curves with the keys a bit to keep them from being so recessed.