Honest Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps
4 months ago
– Fri, Nov 07, 2025 at 08:07:11 PM
Hello Everyone,
I hope you’re doing well. I want to take some time to share a clear update on where things currently stand, what challenges we have been working through, and what steps are already underway to keep the project moving forward. There is a lot here, so thank you for taking the time to read it.
1. Selling Right-Hand Units on Amazon
After shipping units to everyone who ordered a Right-hand only setup or chose split shipping with Air Freight, we began selling the remaining Air Freight stock on Amazon to help stabilize cash flow.
Sea freight units are starting their journey. We are aiming for delivery before Christmas, but holiday shipping timelines are difficult to predict.
We originally listed the units at $129. Sales at that price were slow, and it was difficult to meaningfully advertise. To increase visibility and build momentum, I reduced the price to $99.
To be transparent:
At $99, the cost to produce and ship each unit is still higher than the sales price.
The main reasons are:
The issues with our first contract manufacturer significantly increased the cost of this production batch.
Importing the units into the United States came with a 45% tariff, which added a substantial unexpected cost.
I have a clear plan to reduce manufacturing costs for future production runs. Once those changes are in place, the product will be financially sustainable. For the moment, things are still tight financially.
2. The $99 Amazon Price and Backer Fairness
Many of you supported the project early at $99 plus shipping. I understand that this price, without shipping, is unfair to you backers.
I want to recognize that and will do what I can to make this right. Some ideas are outlined below.
Support for Backers Going Forward:
Free updated parts whenever the mouse design is improved (covers mechanical, comfort, and performance-related structural parts; not electronics).
Free or reduced worldwide shipping for those upgrade parts. I will handle this in a way that is fair across regions.
$10 off shipping for backers on fulfilled units from this point forward.
These are long-term commitments, not short-term gestures. Your support made this product possible, and it should continue to be valued. These longer term commitments assume that the company is healthy.
3. Bug Fixes and Improvement Roadmap
Through continued testing and real-world use, several firmware and software items have been identified.
Firmware (Programming inside the mouse) issues being addressed soon:
Occasional stuck key-repeat loops
A deadzone adjustment needed for Analog Mode
Lift-off distance tuning
Cursor interruptions when switching DPI or free-form modes
Tracking loss near the upper-left corner of the base for some users
Firmware work will begin later this month and continue through December. After testing, we will release an update.
Software (Computer Program) issues that require more time:
UI items not clearing after synchronization
Some users needing to run the software in Admin mode (still investigating; Mac/Linux path is not clear yet)
Proper support for Mouse Button 4 and 5 for web browsing (this might be a firmware fix or both)
Ability to bind mouse actions while recording macros, including system keys like the Windows key
Profile shifting inconsistencies
F13-24 functionality need to be looked into further.
These software items likely require bringing on additional development help, so they will take longer to resolve.
4. Left-Hand Units
Left-hand production is currently held up with the contract manufacturer. We are actively working to resolve this. I know many backers have been waiting specifically for the left-hand version, and I will share updates as soon as the production schedule is confirmed.
5. Refunds and Order Changes
To stay transparent:
Refund requests are being logged and will be honored once finances are in a stable enough position to process them properly.
Order changes and split-shipment requests are still possible. If stock is available, we ship right away. If not, the request is logged and fulfilled when new stock arrives.
Closing Thoughts
This project has taken much longer and cost more than expected. It has also required solving problems that were difficult to foresee at the beginning. I know many of you have been patient throughout this journey, and I truly appreciate that patience and support.
The product is real, people are using it, and feedback is helping guide improvements. Every step forward strengthens both the product and the foundation of the company behind it.
I will continue communicating openly, even when the updates are difficult.
I will continue improving the product.
And I will continue taking care of the people who helped make it real.
Thank you for believing in the project, and for believing in me.
Branden
Hedgehog Gaming
Huge Milestone: Right-Hand Units Have Arrived at the Easyship warehouse!
7 months ago
– Tue, Sep 02, 2025 at 08:06:40 PM
Hello Backers,
Thank you all for your patience; it’s finally time for some exciting news! The right-hand units have officially arrived at the Easyship warehouse in Hong Kong as of this morning! This means we’re now moving into the final stage before worldwide shipments begin.
Why the delay in updates?
I know it’s been a while since I last gave an update. There has been a lot going on behind the scenes I didn’t want to talk about in order to avoid risking the progress made. Earlier this year, we faced some unexpected challenges, as you know, that delayed the shipment process. Rather than sending out news too early, like what happened in April, I wanted to wait until I could share something concrete: The units are out of the factory, through customs, and safely in Easyship’s hands.
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of coordinating payments, waiting on transfers, arranging trucking, and clearing customs but, it’s all been worth it to reach this milestone. We’re here now, and that’s something to celebrate!
Worldwide Shipping
Worldwide backers are almost ready to receive their right-hand units. I’ll be sending out an e-mail to everyone who already paid shipping fees back in April to re-confirm addresses (since I expect some have changed). Once each address is verified, I simply click “go” on Easyship, and the units will be on their way to you.
USA Shipping
For U.S. backers that have already paid shipping in April, things have changed due to tariffs and carrier restrictions. Shipping costs have gone up dramatically (from about $20 to $75+ plus tariffs). I’ve been working hard to find solutions, and I have some good ones but, some come with tradeoffs. You’ll soon receive an e-mail with options to choose from:
- Direct shipping from Hong Kong: Pay the updated significant shipping/tariff costs.
- Air freight group shipment: I’m working on bulk shipping (about $10/unit + reduced tariff + $10 U.S. domestic shipping). This takes a bit longer to ship but doesn’t add too much in there.
- Sea freight shipment – I’m personally covering sea freight and tariffs for ~1000 units going out in a few weeks. The sea freight itself takes about 27-45 days as well. Shipping to you after arrival would only be about $10.
This way, everyone has flexibility to choose what works best for them.
Left-Hand Units
Progress on the left-hand units has been delayed due to the legal situation with the contract manufacturer. I’m not giving up on them; far from it. I’ll keep fighting to get them produced, whether through legal resolution or by funding builds from future right-hand unit sales. It may take more time, but left-hand backers are not forgotten.
Extra Right-Hand Units & Order Changes
We’ll have extra stock of right-hand units available for sale soon, and we’ll keep building more in the future when possible. If anyone wants to change their order (for example, swap to a right-hand unit or split shipments), just send me an e-mail at [email protected] and I’ll make it happen.
Refunds
Some of you have asked about refunds. My current policy is to fulfill all pre-orders first, then sell through the remaining stock of this 2,000-unit run before issuing refunds. Because this build ended up costing much more than expected, funds are tight, but I remain committed to taking care of backers once fulfillment is underway.
In summary:
✅ Right-hand units are finally in Easyship’s Hong Kong warehouse.
✅ Worldwide shipments will begin very soon (after address verification).
✅ U.S. backers will get to choose from several shipping options.
✅ Left-hand units are still in the works; I won’t stop fighting until they’re delivered.
This has been a challenging journey, but thanks to your support and patience, we’ve reached a huge milestone. The finish line for right-hand units is in sight!
With gratitude,
Branden
Hedgehog Gaming, Inc.
Major Setback Uncovered but Still Fighting Forward
9 months ago
– Sun, Jun 29, 2025 at 09:57:43 PM
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
Still Waiting, Still Fighting — Shipping & Refund Options Explained
9 months ago
– Sat, Jun 14, 2025 at 09:19:25 PM
Hello Backers,
Last month, we shared that the 2,000 right-hand units were expected to leave the factory any day. Unfortunately, we’re still in the same frustrating holding pattern.
Our Contract Manufacturer has been working to secure the funds for an unexpected factory invoice. As of Thursday, June 12th, their efforts to resolve this have significantly ramped up. We’re hopeful we’ll have clarity in the next couple of weeks on whether they’re able to get this resolved.
👉 Next Update: We’ll post again around June 27th with any major progress.
📦 Shipping already paid (Right-Hand Units Only):
A couple of months ago, we collected final shipping addresses and fees for the right-hand units, expecting them to reach the warehouse within days. At that point, we had already paid the full invoice and believed this would accelerate the fulfillment timeline.
With the current delay, we’ve contacted Easyship to discuss potential refunds of shipping fees. Here's what we found:
Refund cost: $1.99 + 5% of each shipping fee
Hedgehog Gaming will cover all fees if refunds become necessary
Note: We’re not issuing refunds yet—but this is a ready option if things don’t move forward soon
💸 Refund Policy Transparency
We haven’t spoken much about refunds, not because we don’t care, but because funds have been locked into production costs and we’ve feared not being able to cover large volumes of refund requests.
That said, our philosophy has always been simple:
If someone asks for a refund, we try our best to honor it.
Right now, we simply can’t issue new refunds until after sales begin. We know this isn’t ideal, and we’re truly sorry. Our hope is that once these 2,000 right-hand units are released, the project will be back on track and thriving.
🙏 Thank You for Your Patience
This has been an incredibly tough stretch, but your continued patience and support mean the world to us. We’re doing everything we can to move this forward and get your units into your hands.
💬 As always, if you have specific questions or concerns, feel free to message us directly.
— Branden
Founder, Hedgehog Gaming 🦔🎮
Still Moving Forward
10 months ago
– Fri, May 09, 2025 at 10:34:52 PM
Hello Backers,
It’s been a tough month behind the scenes, but we’re still pushing forward and making progress.
📦 Shipping Surveys & Right-Hand Units
After our last update, the first 2,000 right-hand units were built and ready to be delivered to the warehouse, just an hour away. With confidence, we sent out shipping surveys and began collecting shipping fees.
Regarding tariffs, duties, and fees, these are beyond our control. However, for future shipments, we’re actively exploring better shipping solutions. While we can’t guarantee a fix for everyone, we believe most backers will benefit from these efforts.
💸 Unexpected Invoice & Delay
Despite paying the original invoice and having a truck ready to move the 2000 right-hand units, I was blindsided with a second invoice from the final assembly plant, significantly higher than the first shortly after posting my last update.
This has been incredibly frustrating, dishonest activity, and it's been emotionally challenging. It has made it hard to respond to some questions and we've dropped the ball with responding to some in a reasonable amount of time. Sometimes I'll flag messages in hopes that I get good news that I can deliver and, honestly, forget to respond to those flagged questions when I end up not getting any new news from my contract manufacturer. Sorry about that and I appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult period.
🔓 Releasing the Units
We’re working closely with our contract manufacturer to get these units released from the plant. We’re hopeful this will happen any day now. I delayed this update in hopes we’d have that good news sooner. While it hasn’t happened yet, every day we feelcloser.
🚫 Cutting Ties & Changing Course
Due to this experience, we will not be using this final assembly plant again. In fact, we’re planning major changes to our supply chain to take back more control of several processes.
Here’s what we’re considering:
🧩 1. Circuit Boards
We’ll order and import our populated circuit boards directly to the U.S., giving us more oversight.
🧱 2. Plastics & Molds
We may change plastic suppliers, especially since the current one contributed some to the increased prices. If they can’t deliver left-hand molds soon, we may even consider making the mold tools elsewhere.
3. U.S. Assembly
We’re seriously looking at moving final assembly to the U.S. The quality of the current 2,000 right-hand units that are stuck in the factory is great, but, with this move, I believe we can match, or exceed, the quality and reliability domestically.
📦 4. Packaging
A U.S.-based assembly will require new packaging solutions, as our current overseas packaging is too bulky to import efficiently, when empty.
🖐 What About the Left-Hand Units?
Progress on the left-hand molds has slowed significantly this past month, due to these major factory concerns. However, with the changes above, I’m excited to regain momentum very soon!
With more control on our end, I believe the next production run will go much more smoothly. We still estimate that the next batch of left- and right-hand units will be about 3 months behind the release of the current 2,000 units.
🙏 Thank You
This month hasn’t been easy, but your patience and support has meant everything. We’re working hard to make things right and deliver a product we’re proud of—and that you deserve.
Stay tuned for more updates,
— Branden
