Framework cancels custom low profile keyboard module for its laptops: 'We weren’t able to bring costs to a place where the product economics worked'
When 'custom' comes at too high a cost.
Framework has decided to cancel its custom low-profile keyboard module for its laptops, as it was unable to bring costs down to a level that would make the product economically viable. The Framework Laptop 16 originally aimed to host these custom ultra-low-profile keyboards and Input Modules. After three years of prototyping and developer feedback, Framework determined that the material and assembly costs, along with manufacturing yield, could not be optimized for high-volume sales.
The per-key costs resulted in breakeven pricing that was too high for reasonable volume sales. Furthermore, even expert DIYers and electronics tinkerers faced difficulties in reliably assembling the One Key Module into their designs, as some parts were too fragile for easy handling. However, Framework has chosen to give away the remaining prototype development modules to those who contributed to the project.
Open-source documentation and firmware for the laptop's input module systems have been uploaded to GitHub. Framework has also shared some early One Key Module developer designs on its blog. The company's decision to retroactively reduce its RAMPocalypse-related LPCAMM2 prices has been well-received, demonstrating Framework's transparency and candidness with consumers.
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