What's the current version?
- We are now selling the 3rd version of the Raise keyboard. It's also called MP3, which is an abbreviation for Mass Production 3.
- We no longer sell older versions, so you'll always get the latest units in our online shop.
- Previous versions are MP1 (Mass Production 1), and MP2.
Improvements from MP1 to MP2:
1. Changed palm pads' supplier to improve overall quality.
This was one of the biggest issues of MP1. The quality was inconsistent on MP1: some palm pads were perfect and others were a bit warped or had surface issues.
There was a big increase in overall quality: surface regularity, PU skin quality, shape, etc.
2. Changed LED supplier to improve overall quality.
We changed the LED supplier and improved the LED quality. This, unfortunately, caused an extra delay in MP2 because of issues with this supplier. However, it paid off in the end.
3. Changed cable supplier to improve reliability.
The cables were the second biggest issue in MP1. Months after shipping the keyboards, some of them were having connectivity issues. They were caused by faulty soldering between the wires and the connector. We changed the supplier and now our cables are higher quality and very reliable.
4. Improved connectors.
The connectors were changed to make the connection tighter and snappier. This doesn't affect functionality or reliability, it's just a matter of perception. Stronger connectors feel better.
5. Changed ABS keycaps supplier to improve overall quality.
The new keycaps are more matte and are more resistant to fingerprints.
6. Added the cleaning kit.
This includes a small brush and a cleaning cloth. This is a small add-on, but we believe it can extend the life of the Raise. It helps the users understand that the Raise is a technical tool and should be taken care of.
7. Added extra rubber feet.
Some users lost a few rubber feet in the MP1 batch, particularly, the ones that used full-size desk pads.
We couldn't change the design before MP2 started, so we decided to give extra rubber feet in every order.
8. Added O-rings.
Even though there's a large part of the enthusiast community that dislikes o-rings, there's a range of users that we knew would benefit from using them. For example, users that transition from laptop to mechanical keyboards feel that the travel distance of the switches is too much. O-rings help reduce the travel distance.
Now Raise users can experiment with them and tweak their typing and gaming experience.
9. Added a longer (50cm) USBC-C Raise to Neuron cable to increase the split distance.
We recommend Raise users to gradually transition into splitting the keyboard shoulder-width apart. With two 20cm cables, you couldn't really do it. Instead of forcing the user to buy the cable later, we decided to add it from the get-go to alleviate that pain point and encourage splitting the keyboard further.
Improvements from MP2 to MP3:
1. Travel case redesigned.
Our travel case already created an awesome unboxing experience, but we felt that we could improve the functionality. It was too thick to carry inside a backpack, and it wasn't practical to carry the keyboard case in your hand. Even in a Covid world where traveling is not advisable, we went for it.
-
It's now 30% thinner.
-
We removed the handle so it's easier to put inside a backpack.
-
We increased the space to store the cables. Now you can just drop them in the "pocket". You no longer need to pack and unpack them.
2. Rubber feet shape redesigned.
We increased the size between 3 and 4 times to each rubber foot so they are more secure and don't detach with heavy use. We no longer add spares, because they aren't needed!
3. Added an enhancement kit.
All the components that you don't have to carry daily, are removed from the travel case. They are now in a little cool box so you can store them separately.
-
Added an extra set of 70 pieces of thick o-rings.
-
Added Kailh Silent Pink and Brown switch samples.
4. Improved LEDs. Higher brightness.
In MP3 we had delays because of issues with the LEDs. We've increased the overall quality and they are a bit brighter.
5. Improved the 50cm USBC-C cable.
In MP2, we added a 50cm USBC-C to further split the keyboard. Mac laptop users wanted to use that cable to connect the Neuron to the laptop, but it didn't work because it was exclusively designed for Neuron to keyboard usage. Neuron to keyboard cables are lighter and more flexible.
For this version, we decided to create full-functionality 50cm USBC-C cables to allow users to connect the Raise to the computer using this cable too.
6. PBT white keycaps color tweak.
Our previous PBT white keycaps had a slightly yellowish color.
Now they are a bit more grey and match the overall aesthetics of the Raise better.
7. Improved quality control in China and in Valencia.
On top of all the component improvements and supplier changes, we've improved all our QC processes.
This is something that has happened during both Mass Production 2 and 3, and we continue to improve the quality control in our warehouse in Valencia even though we aren't manufacturing.