Establishing the groundwork
In 'A new chapter', I introduced FSR’s guiding philosophy and our first project, Hope. Since then, steady progress has been made. While these early steps may appear modest when viewed in isolation, they form the essential groundwork on which everything else will be built. This notice highlights the most meaningful milestones we have reached so far.
VAT registration
FSR is now formally VAT registered. Although this may seem like a small administrative step, it carries real significance: it allows us to maintain fair pricing by avoiding the need to pass on import costs to all of our customers. In doing so, we strengthen our independence and reduce reliance on other businesses - a foundation we intend to build upon.
Flexus is born
Flexus represents an alternative path for FSR - a step beyond keyboards into the creation of objects that move past pure function to become lasting artefacts of the desk. As the inaugural piece of the Aeternus collection, it sets the tone for a series defined not by necessity, but by indulgence, permanence, and form.
At its simplest, Flexus is a tray - a place to hold thirty artisan keycaps. Yet from its first sketch, it was intended to be more: sculptural, excessive, and quietly absurd. Each unit is milled from a single solid block of material using five-axis CNC machining, its flowing curves brought to life with exacting precision. A carefully measured 15-degree incline ensures that every keycap is displayed with a sense of presence more akin to jewellery than to peripherals.
True to the philosophy of FSR, Flexus carries minimal exterior branding. Its form speaks for itself, balancing modern boldness with a timeless restraint. It does not ask to be justified; it simply exists - unnecessary, perhaps, yet undeniably compelling.
As our first step into the Aeternus collection, Flexus sets the tone for what lies ahead: pieces that stand apart, not through novelty, but through a pursuit of refinement and permanence.
And while Aeternus establishes its foundation, work on our first keyboard release continues.
Hope moves forward
We are delighted to share that review units of Hope have been requested, alongside a special commission unit for a dear friend.
These units will provide an invaluable opportunity to showcase the group-buy colours, build quality, and sound profiles that Hope will offer. Whilst it has been both a joy and a privilege to test the prototype ourselves, the time has come to let Hope venture into the wider world of custom mechanical keyboards. We look forward with great anticipation to hearing the thoughts of others. As enthusiasts, we trust that our knowledge, extensive testing, and careful comparisons with existing designs have prepared us with a balanced expectation of how Hope will be received.
The Forma collection, inaugurated by Hope, does not aspire to reinvent unnecessarily. Rather, it seeks refinement: a respectful nod to the timeless classics of our hobby. With its tightly engineered, stepped internals, Hope has been purposefully designed to deliver a full, deep, and consistent clack, paired with a satisfyingly punchy “shotgun-style” spacebar. This stands in deliberate contrast to the more resonant sound profiles often associated with many top-mount TKLs.
We are also pleased to confirm that Gondolindrim has completed the design of the PCBs for Hope, and a pre-production prototype batch has already been requested. Supporting his work is always a pleasure - paid for, as ever, in pizza - and we look forward to continuing this partnership on many more projects to come.
As for Hope’s carry cases, they are currently at sea, teaching us our first lessons in the patience required for maritime shipping. We eagerly await the sample units, which will allow us to confirm their fit and finish, and to refine what is needed before the main production run.
What lies ahead
While much has been achieved, important work remains. One of the more unexpected challenges has been securing a reliable partner to produce the custom-engraved screws for Hope.
Though they may seem like a minor detail, these screws are far more than functional. They form part of the keyboard’s character - an understated yet deliberate design choice that reflects our commitment to refinement in every aspect. Finding a factory capable of delivering the precision and consistency we require has proven difficult, with many options falling short of our standards.
To address this, we are now working closely with our partner in the United States to explore factories that can meet the demands of this component. While it may take additional time, we are confident that this approach will lead us to a satisfactory solution. We will not compromise on the details, and we believe that the care invested here will shine through in the finished product, ensuring that Hope is as complete and considered as possible.
Shipping partner
Another vital consideration has been how our products will make its way safely into the hands of our customers. After careful evaluation, we are pleased to confirm that FSR will be partnering with FedEx for shipping.
Reliability and consistency were our priorities in making this choice. With FedEx, we can be confident that each package will be handled with care and delivered in a timely manner, no matter where in the world it is destined. To provide additional peace of mind, every order will be fully insured.
We are also exploring the possibility of offering a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service, which would mean that international customers would not need to manage import fees themselves. At present, this proves both costly and complex, but it is something we may be able to offer when the time comes to ship orders abroad.
Closing thoughts
The journey of bringing Hope to life has already taken us through many important milestones - from VAT registration to shipping arrangements. Challenges remain, but every step - whether it be fine-tuning details like engraved screws or ensuring a reliable delivery process - reflects our belief that the smallest decisions contribute to the whole.
We are excited for what lies ahead and grateful to share the journey with you.
Jack.