Unfree license

1 min read Original article ↗

Hi @mondalaci,

first of all, the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard looks amazing. I am seriously considering buying one, as I am looking for a customizable, ergonomic keyboard. The UHK really seems to check almost all the boxes. Thank you for your fantastic work on the hardware and the software!

I couldn't help but notice though that you changed the license for Agent and the firmware from GPL 3 to a short, custom license back in November of 2019. As far as I can tell this custom license is an unfree license. The first condition prohibits anyone from distributing a modified version that can be used with anything but the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard. So, while the software is still open-source it is not free/libre anymore.

You are of course free to license your work as you seem fit, and you don't owe any explanation. Nevertheless, as a prospective customer, I would be very interested in the reasons for this change. For me, the new license does make the UHK less attractive. It would also certainly dissuade me from contributing to the software.

Best regards,
Martin