Every Crowd Supply Order Has Shipped
After all this time, we’re delighted to let you know that every Crowd Supply order has shipped, including the modules! Huge thanks to our wonderful backers who have been patiently waiting and believing in us! Read the full update.
Check your Delivery Address; Modules are Shipping
Roughly half of the UHK Module orders have been shipped! If you have not received a tracking number yet, there is still time to check your delivery address in your Crowd Supply account and let us know ASAP if your address has changed. Read the full update.
Shipping Underway
UHK Module shipping has begun. If you are based in the EU, you'll receive a shipment notification and a tracking number from UGL directly. For non-EU orders, you'll receive a shipment notification and a tracking number from Crowd Supply. Read the full update.
Prepare for Modules Shipping
Ultimate Hacking Keyboard modules are about to start shipping! If you have modules on order, check your delivery address by Monday, April 8, 2021 at 11:59 PM PDT. Address changes after that time cannot be accommodated. Read the full update.
Key cluster molds are ready
The molds of the key cluster module are ready. Machining of the right-side module molds is in progress. The design of the module plastic parts has taken more time than anticipated, and as a result, we expect to start shipping the modules in September. Read the full update.
Module schematic and BOM finalized
The schematics and BOMs of the module PCBs and FPCs (Flexible Printed Circuits) has been finalized. Every part has been ordered for the modules. Read the full update.
The key cluster molds are being made
Key cluster mold manufacturing is well underway. We’re getting close to the final design of the right side module molds, too. Read the full update.
Module ETA announcement
We expect to start shipping the modules in July, and we’re making rapid progress. Read the full update.
Every module prototype is functional
The trackpoint and touchpad modules are functional, and we’ve got demo videos. The mouse mode of the UHK is usable to create digital art. Agent had a Linux security bug, so it’s worth upgrading. Read the full update.
The trackball module is fully functional
The trackball module is now fully functional. Modules will be more portable than expected. Some great UHK reviews have been published. Read the full update.
Trackball and touchpad module progress
We’ve made progress with the trackball and touchpad modules. Some outstanding UHK reviews have been published. Read the full update.
Key cluster and trackball module progress
The key cluster module is now fully functional, and the trackball module is partially functional. Some awesome UHK reviews have been released. Read the full update.
New Agent release and module progress
We’ve released a new Agent version after a long time without changes. We’ve made a functional key cluster module, and made progress with the trackpoint module. Read the full update.
Module PCBs assembled
We’ve finally delivered every UHK, including the ones with non-black cases! If you want to order a UHK, possibly with a non-black case, now’s the time. New orders ship in a week. Read the full update.
Module PCBs Are Ready
István, our PCB designer, has been on steroids, and he finished the PCBsforf every module! The boards are being fabricated right now, and are expected to arrive in a week - at which point I’ll assemble them. Read the full update.
Module prototypes galore
We’ve been making quite a bit of progress with the modules, and have mechanically prototyped the key cluster, trackball, and trackpoint modules. Read the full update.
Key cluster and trackpoint module progress
We’ve been making progress with the key cluster and trackpoint modules. New orders ship in a week, except non-black UHK cases. Read the full update.
New orders ship in a week
We caught up with pre-orders, and new orders ship in a week! Our customers made some awesome carrying cases for their UHKs. The UHK mouse mode is surprisingly useful, and viable for creating digital art. We’re making progress with the key cluster module. Read the full update.
Catching up with pre-orders
We’ve been making rapid progress with manufacturing. We’ve shipped six mini batches since our last monthly update, two additional mini batches are assembled and we will ship them next week. Afterwards, only three mini batches remain to be shipped, and we’ll be caught up. Read the full update.
Coming up to on-demand manufacturing
We’ve been making steady progress with manufacturing, and we’re about to switch into high gear. We expect to deliver every non-module pre-order by the end of March or the beginning of April. Afterwards, we’ll transition to on-demand manufacturing. Read the full update.
Shipping is about to resume
Delivery temporarily stopped due to the shortage of packaging material which should resume around February 20. We expect to ship every non-module preorder by the end of March. Regarding the ETA of your order, please check out the delivery status page, including its FAQ section. Read the full update.
Churning out UHK webshop preorders
Since our most recent monthly update, we have shipped mini batch 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55. As stated in our previous update, we had already shipped every Crowd Supply non-module pre-order, so all of the above orders were made in our own webshop which is a huge step forward. Read the full update.
Shipping UHK webshop orders
Just as promised in our previous newsletter, and according to our delivery status page, we’ve shipped every non-module Crowd Supply order. Read the full update.
Wrapping Up Crowd Supply Orders
We’ll be exhibiting at TechCrunch Disrupt in Berlin on November 30. Come and meet us! Read the full update.
UHK at Mechanicon, and fixing the freeze bug
We got a nice invitation from Christian Bäuerlein, organizer of Mechanicon, the largest German meetup for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Based on the video and photos of Mechanicon 2017, it’s quite an event, so we’ll be there! Read the full update.
Lunar UHKs, Unicorns, and the Freeze bug
Please update to the latest UHK firmware for macro support, and to help us fix the freeze bug that plagues recent firmware versions. Agent now visualizes secondary roles. We’ve churned out six mini batches since our last update. The development of the add-ons is going slowly while delivering the pre-orders, but we’ll switch to high-gear afterwards. Read the full update.
Webshop migration and manufacturing progress
We’ve opened our own webshop! We’ve churned out 7 mini batches since our last update, which is the fastest we’ve ever produced. A ton of firmware progress has been made, but we need testers to fix a very hard to reproduce bug. We’ve received a lot of nice feedback from you, including a review. Read the full update.
Knee-deep in production
Since our last update, we’ve sent out mini batches 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, which is, yet again, the highest volume batch we’ve produced so far, but not as high as we aim for. We had to allow a week of vacation for our staff in the middle of summer. Without the vacation, we’d have likely hit our target volume, so the ramp-up is still not over. Apart from manufacturing, Agent and the firmware keep advancing, and some major progress is expected soon. Read the full update.
Production and add-on progress
Since our last update, we’ve sent out mini batches 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. This is the highest volume we’ve produced so far, but not as high as we ultimately aim for. We’ve fallen behind with pre-assembly due to the aforementioned staffing issues, but we’re catching up, and the ramp up is still underway. The development of the add-ons is in progress. Read the full update.
Churning out mini batches
Since our last update, we’ve sent out mini batches 2, 3, and 4, and mini batch 5 is almost finished. Due to staffing issues, this volume is about half of our production target. We hired new employees, and expect to reach our target production capacity in about two weeks. The feedback we received from you has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’ll be working hard to keep it that way. Read the full update.
Production is up and running
Our factory is up and running! According to the aforementioned delivery page, we’ve already sent out the first mini batch, so some of you should get your orders within days. Given our most recent production data, we’ll be able to deliver batch 1 of 2,000 UHKs and related accessories by the end of July. Many of you will get your orders much faster depending on your place in the queue. Everything’s looking great, and we’ll be transitioning to the add-ons soon. Read the full update.
Pre-assembly progress and last minute issues
We’ve pre-assembled the parts of 2,000 UHKs. Things are progressing rapidly, but color-matching plastic parts and pad printing them accurately was more problematic than anticipated. The rejected parts are being remanufactured and are expected to be ready by next week, at which point the assembly and delivery of batch 1 of the first 2,000 UHKs will begin. Read the full update.
Ramping up production
We’ve assembled 500 PCB panels, and the parts for the first batch of 2,000 UHKs are being pre-assembled. Right after pre-assembly, the final assembly of the keyboards will proceed. We plan to ship the first batch (ordered before 2017-07-13) of 2,000 UHK from March to May. Closely after the first batch, we expect the ship the second batch (ordered on or after 2017-07-13) starting from June. We’ll ship every non-module items together on a per-backer basis. Read the full update.
Pilot run success and what’s next
TL;DR: The first 50 UHKs and palm rests of the pilot run were delivered, and according to the feedback we received it was a huge success! The recipients of the pilot run gave us a ton of feedback, so we’ll go over the issues they encountered, and tell you how we’ll fix them in upcoming batches. We’re raising the price of the palm rest to $55, and we’ll raise the rest of the items by 10% soon. We plan to deliver the remaining 1,950 UHKs of the first batch from February to April. We’re putting an increasingly heavy emphasis on finalizing and manufacturing the add-ons. Read the full update.
Delivering the pilot run units
The 50 UHKs of the pilot run and their palm rests have been assembled and will be shipped on Monday. We’ll ramp up production afterwards, and continue the fulfillment of the rest of the crowdfunding starting in January. Read the full update.
FCC and CE passed, PCBA follows
We’ve passed both FCC and CE! We’re assembling the PCBs of the pilot run next week and shiping the first pilot run of 50 UHKs around the end of November. We’ll do our best to start to delivering the rest of the UHKs in December, but we may slip to January due to the holidays. Read the full update.
FCC success and development news
TL;DR: We’ve passed FCC certification, and CE is in progress. We’re progressing with assembly, loads of UHK boxes arrived from the printing factory, and the UHK accessory boxes are already packed. The firmware and Agent have matured substantially. We’re waiting for final answers from TÜV to proceed further. Read the full update.
All mechanical parts are ready, waiting for certification
TL;DR: All of the keyboard molds are finalized, and the plastic parts for the pilot run are ready. The PCBs of the pilot run are also ready, and waiting to be assembled. We’re waiting for TÜV to certify our design, and then the PCBs will get assembled. The printing factory is nearly ready with the UHK and palm rest boxes. We need about one and half month to start delivering batch 1. Please see the end of this update starting from the “The state of the pilot run” section to see why. Read the full update.
Further steps towards mass production
TL;DR: We’ve been making good progress towards mass production. The corrected prototype PCBs have been manufactured, tested, and sent to TÜV Netherlands for final certification. The PCBs for the pilot run are being manufactured. The configuration parser of the firmware has been fully implemented. BusPal got fixed, allowing us to update the firmwares of both keyboard halves. We’ll close the order cancellation period for batch 1 in a week. Read the full update.
Just before the pilot run
We’re making rapid progress with the assembly process. The firmware and Agent have matured significantly and become truly cross-platform. We have to make a minor design change on the PCB that will set us back by 2 weeks. Batch 1 has sold out and batch 2 will ship starting December. Read the full update.
Tweaking the molds and preparing for the pilot run
TL;DR: The BOM is fully finalized and ordered. The UHK prototypes have improved a ton in the EMC department. Agent and the firmware has evolved a lot. The key cluster and trackball modules have been mechanically prototyped and tested. New developers joined our forces. We’ve tested the molds and found some issues which will introduce some delay. We plan to ship a pilot run of 50 UHKs in July. The rest of the UHKs are planned to be shipped starting from August. Please read on! Read the full update.
EMC pre-compliance testing successful
TL;DR: Our most recent prototypes have successfully passed EMC pre-compliance testing. The final certification will be taking place in June and is expected to take 4-5 weeks which will push delivery to July. Manufacturing is proceeding apace. One of our prototypes has became a movie star. Read the full update.
A huge influx of parts
TL;DR: We’re inching towards mass production. We’ve received tons of parts from our suppliers. The design of the palm rest is finalized, and our new PCBs are being fabricated. Read the full update.
Improved EMC test results and incoming parts
TL;DR: Our most recent EMC test results are much better than the previous results, but they’re still not good enough. We’re working hard on our new prototype to pass the tests, but this delays the project about a month. Lots of progress is happening on other fronts, too. Please read on! Read the full update.
PCB Redesign and Firmware Progress
Hey there! It’s February, and we have a new UHK update for you. A lot has been happening, and we’re on track. Let’s delve into the gory details! Read the full update.
First Sample Batch and EMC Tests
Happy New Year, everybody! This is the most recent installment of UHKzine - your authentic, monthly news source on all things UHK. In this update, there’s good news (production is moving along nicely), bad news (we need to delay delivery by two months to April 2017 in order to fix electrical noise so the UHK can pass FCC and CE certification), and more good news (we’re already vetting some great candidates to fix our PCB design in order to reduce the electrical noise). Read the full update.
Putting the (plastic) pieces together
The injection molding is snapping together nicely! Read the full update.
Defeating electrical noise and preparing for EMC tests
Welcome to our monthly progress update! There is no shortage of news from this last month, so let’s go through them one by one! Read the full update.
Monthly progress
Injection molds are almost done, an LED sample is in, Agent/firmware is coming along, and we finally managed to meet up with Santiago. Read the full update.
Monthly progress and choosing a switch brand
Hear some production details (including some cool photos), and learn how we choose the UHK switches. Read the full update.
Updated delivery schedule and a bonus
Some good news, some bad news, and a lot of news bites on production. Read the full update.
The feet and palm rest design is nearly complete
See some examples of how you'll be able to position the UHK. More movement on the PCB, Agent, and manufacturing. Read the full update.
Tooling is progressing
Tooling for manufacturing is getting close to completion - we visit the manufacturer for details and beer. Progress on all other fronts. Read the full update.
The mold design is almost finished
The injection molds are close to production, the sixth generation prototyping is almost complete, and there's been lots of good GitHub progress. Read the full update.
Manufacturing has begun, but delivery is slightly delayed
Banking issues abound! Deliveries have been delayed about two months to September. But everything is in motion. Read the full update.
The new firmware is in great shape!
There's progress on all fronts! Read the full update.
2nd UHK post-campaign update
Some cool new design features have been nailed down, and it's almost time to send them off to manufacturing! Read the full update.
The Campaign is Over
Thanks to everyone who is involved and supported, the UHK will come to life. Read the full update.
Just 30 hours to go! Announcing the 2nd stretch goal!
New case colors will be available (the goal has been reached!) - and we're offering five total options. Read the full update.
Colored Cases Poll Results
The count is rolling in, and the stretch goal is almost reached. Read the full update.
We've Made It -The UHK Got Funded!
The project has reached it's goal! Read the full update.
Securing Firmware Upgrades
Learn more about how the UHK was designed for any level of security you may want. Read the full update.
Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) Top Questions
Your AMA questions answered by Laci. Read the full update.
The Add-On Modules And Palm Rest Are For Sale!
Add even more functionality to the UHK. Read the full update.
Introducing add-on modules! [poll]
New modules will unleash the true productivity potential of the UHK! Help choose which we make first. Read the full update.
The tale of 5 prototypes
Learn how the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard came to life from version one to the final form. Read the full update.
Ultimate Configurability
Learn how your UHK gives you total control. Read the full update.
Repair for the Win
The UHK is designed for repair - find out why and how we went about this. Read the full update.
Tilt, Tent, And Screw With UHK
Introducing the first stretch goal - a sturdy, comfortable, adaptable palm rest. Meet your own specific ergonomic needs! Read the full update.
1st Update
UHK goes on a road tour & launches the campaign! Check out the configuration statistics we've collected so far. Read the full update.