LSK-C

This board is for part of an experimental sound system. This is the first time I have used both a matte solder resist and ENIG, and I am very impressed with the boards and with the performance. At first I thought the coating was very thin, but I found it to be really tough and after soldering it cleans up beautifully. The coating is also good at shedding unwanted solder paste and melted solder. One unexpected result was the ENIG. I had always considered it was just a "look at me" finish, and also for slow turnaround of a product so the surface remains soldering. Well beyond that, the best effect is how well the solder paste adheres to the ENIG surface, as opposed to HASL etc. The matte finish of the gold holds on to the paste rather than letting it slide off as HASL can. Paying $112 for 10 boards (14 sent!) rather than $5 was bit of a bite in the pocket, but if you want professional and *reliable* results it has to be worth it. It doesn't chip or peel as normal shiny green/blue/etc solder resist so you know your work is protected for good. I'm a definite convert!