Improvements over the Sim Pad
The Tap Trio would not have been possible without the communities that supported us over the past few years. Momokai is still a small team of makers and enthusiasts creating keypads with limited resources, so we rely on the help of our community to get critical feedback through our support channels for designs and improvements. Below is a list of improvements we have made based on community comments.
Using better packaging
When we started in 2020, the first feedback we got was to use better packaging. We've gotten customers who received broken boxes due to insufficient padding. While we can't control how couriers deliver the package, we've started using padded envelopes to cushion the box better.
In order to reduce bent switch pins, we have also switched to using sturdier hard plastic bags from our previous soft bags. We are still looking for better solutions that can eliminate the issue without sacrificing flexibility.
Fixing double tapping issue
After receiving numerous reports of double tapping issues with the Sim Pad 2, we launched an investigation in 2021 with the help of Kailh engineers. In our comprehensive report, we concluded that in most cases the double tapping is caused by user error. When replacing switches, misaligned pins and excessive force damages the sockets, resulting in double tapping. Even though the sockets and PCB were designed to industry standards, we realized we needed to do even more since the use case was for rhythm gaming.
For the Tap Trio, we switched to a new manufacturing process that adds additional reinforcement to the sockets' solder joints to prevent them from breaking off. Additionally, we have increased our limited hardware warranty from 90 days to 180 days for the Tap Trio.
Using new microcontroller with QMK/VIA support
In 2021, we received feedback from customers asking for the possibility of using the Sim Pad to log into a PC by automatically typing in their passwords. However, the microcontroller used on the Sim Pad 2/Nano were not sufficient enough to store complex, long string macros needed for password input. With the Tap Trio, we replaced the microcontroller with a more powerful Atmel chip capable of complex macros with onboard memory. We also added QMK/VIA support so users can customize the macropad with ease through open source software. The new chip also fixed an issue with the Sim Pad suddenly not working when a large amount of inputs are sent within a short period of time.
Providing sticky pad alternatives
We had a few customers tell us about issues with sticky pads vs. traditional grip pads. After researching a few alternatives, we still settled on the sticky pads as the better option. Because a majority of our customers use our keypads for osu!, we want the keypads to not move while playing - the sticky pad solves that issue. Since they are removable, users can take the pads off the device and place it elsewhere if desired. The sticky pads do have difficulty sticking on mouse pads, but work alternatively as grip pads on mouse pad surfaces. Those who want grip pads on non-mouse pads instead can repeatedly stick the keypad onto a surface until the stickyness is gone. In 2023, we have included rubber feet under the keypad as an alternative so customers can choose to use the rubber pads or sticky pads.
Fixing the 3 small buttons on Sim Pad 2
From our own personal experiences and experiences of others, the 3 quick buttons on the Sim Pad 2 were too close to the keys and too easy to trigger. Sometimes our fingers slip and accidentally hit the quick button, causing the user to restart a song. For the Tap Trio, we moved the 3 quick action buttons further away and used a new button design that requires more force to trigger.
Adding Linux Support
Some users with Linux operating systems expressed their desire to configure their devices with drivers. While the Sim Pad 2 and Nanos do not have Linux support, there are workarounds that require a Windows/MacOS machine. Ultimately, the Momokai team decided to use open sourced QMK firmware as a solution with the Tap Trio, as it offers flexibility and provides Linux support moving forward.
A message from the Momokai team
We want to thank everyone who has supported us in the past years. We really couldn't have done this without the feedback and support from the osu!, Tetris, and mechanical keyboards community. We look forward to making more products with you in the future.