10/10 from iFixit and adjustable status LED brightness

AUGUST 2019

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Hi *|FNAME|*

This summer we've been doing a lot in terms of polish, fit, and finish. We've worked hard to make the configurator easier to use, as well as added fine touches like being able to control the brightness of your status LEDs (not just the RGB LEDs under the keys).

We also have some fun news to share from iFixit, as well as an interview with Enrico that has some fantastic food photos. :)

I hope you're having a lovely August — let me know what you think of the newsletter!

All the best,
Erez

Status LEDs too bright?

Now you can control them with a tap

In this month's raft of firmware and Oryx improvements, we've made it possible to change how bright the status LEDs on your ErgoDox EZ and Planck EZ are, at 25% increments. All it takes is one new key for your layout. Also, music mode on Planck is now better, we've tweaked per-key colors, and more.

iFixit gives ErgoDox EZ 10/10

The best repairability score, and a full teardown

We sent iFixit an ErgoDox EZ to look at, and it's safe to say they liked what they saw. With a perfect repairability score, now more people know this is a keyboard that's built to last.

Featured User Interview

Enrico Zschemisch

Traveling Engineer

Splitting his time between Stuttgart, San Diego, Munich, the Bay area, and Texas, Enrico sees the world while crafting some killer meals in the kitchen.

"Fun fact: my wife can distinguish between programming, writing, and gaming solely based on the sound of my typing."

Things we liked

Abelton's Learning Synths →

More music goodness

Similar to Learning Music we featured last month, but for synth music! Makes it much more approachable.

Milanote →

The Evernote for creatives

A fun way to make artboards for visual projects. Good for collaborating and collecting inspiration.

Hub →

Use GitHub from the command line

An extension to command-line git that helps you do everyday GitHub tasks without ever leaving the terminal. List issues, work with PRs, and more.

Atlas of The Moons →

So many!

A project from National Geographic showcasing the moons of our solar system. Needs a powerful browser to properly enjoy. Great for kids, too.

Gregorian Chant Generator →

A great way to focus

Generate your own Gregorian chants, controlling church bells, canons, reverbs, and more. Fun!

Tip: We have a subscriber-only link archive with all of the links we shared over the years. Just for you. ❤️

Made us think

The complex reality of the technologies that real companies leverage to get ahead emphasizes the absurdity of the now common idea that exposure to simplistic, consumer-facing products—especially in schools—somehow prepares people to succeed in a high-tech economy.

Cal Newport

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Wallpaper of the month

This month, Mario brought Oryx (our configurator mascot) to life, with a bit of Japanese flair. As for what the text says… we're not telling.

Thank you for reading!