Why is this key set $199?

[ander]

[PREORDER] GMK LEDZEP (The Key Co.)








Could someone explain to me what's so special about this key set that people would be willing to pay $199 for it?

And even if it were special (what, the colors?), isn't that just a wee bit greedy? I mean, assuming it's not made from plutonium or something, how could any key set possibly cost so much to produce that it justified being marked up to this sort of price?

[Puddsy]

kit is large and has many novelties

and the euro was particularly strong when it ran

i agree that's a LOT though

[chyros]

Still better than $1000 for a single uninteresting Topre keycap in a mildly nauseating colour .

[HotRoderX]

Supply and Demand when the set ran it was like 139.99 and there was a infinite number of sets to be had. Now that supply is finite they can charge more. I mean look at what some people pay for keysets on Mech Market.. 199 is a bargain compared to some of those. I wouldn't personally pay 199 for a set thought but sure others would.

[Techno Trousers]

GMK key sets are generally $150 and up. It's too expensive for me, but a lot of folks seem not to have a problem with it.

The most expensive key set I've purchased is /dev/tty. It was worth it to me because it's a brand new and exciting spherical profile, by a community member, and made of PBT with dyesub legends.

[rowdy]

As above.

Most GMK sets come with (used to come with??) the basic ANSI full size layout and maybe half a dozen extras (1.5x Ctrl etc.).

This set allegedly covers ANSI, US-ISO, Winkeyless, 1800, 65%/75%/96-key, FC660, Minivan, JD40/45, Planck/Preonic, Minorca, HHKB, Atreus/62, and more.

That's a heck of a lot of extra keycaps that GMK wouldn't even have considered making a few years ago.

[Puddsy]

As above.

Most GMK sets come with (used to come with??) the basic ANSI full size layout and maybe half a dozen extras (1.5x Ctrl etc.).

This set allegedly covers ANSI, US-ISO, Winkeyless, 1800, 65%/75%/96-key, FC660, Minivan, JD40/45, Planck/Preonic, Minorca, HHKB, Atreus/62, and more.

That's a heck of a lot of extra keycaps that GMK wouldn't even have considered making a few years ago.

GMK's extra compat stuff is actually a lot cheaper than i thought it would be, at least compared to SP

Still better than $1000 for a single uninteresting Topre keycap in a mildly nauseating colour .

tru

[rowdy]

As above.

Most GMK sets come with (used to come with??) the basic ANSI full size layout and maybe half a dozen extras (1.5x Ctrl etc.).

This set allegedly covers ANSI, US-ISO, Winkeyless, 1800, 65%/75%/96-key, FC660, Minivan, JD40/45, Planck/Preonic, Minorca, HHKB, Atreus/62, and more.

That's a heck of a lot of extra keycaps that GMK wouldn't even have considered making a few years ago.

GMK's extra compat stuff is actually a lot cheaper than i thought it would be, at least compared to SP

Maybe they found that the enthusiast market is larger than they thought, and making a few small concessions on new keycap designs reaps great reward$.

[Puddsy]

As above.

Most GMK sets come with (used to come with??) the basic ANSI full size layout and maybe half a dozen extras (1.5x Ctrl etc.).

This set allegedly covers ANSI, US-ISO, Winkeyless, 1800, 65%/75%/96-key, FC660, Minivan, JD40/45, Planck/Preonic, Minorca, HHKB, Atreus/62, and more.

That's a heck of a lot of extra keycaps that GMK wouldn't even have considered making a few years ago.

GMK's extra compat stuff is actually a lot cheaper than i thought it would be, at least compared to SP

Maybe they found that the enthusiast market is larger than they thought, and making a few small concessions on new keycap designs reaps great reward$.

From what I've heard, GMKs ratio of enthusiast sales vs POS sales is also a bit more in favor of enthusiasts, largely because of massdrop. They also just have more raw tooling (consider how much tooling cherry had at the height of their production), which helps as well.

[rowdy]

As above.

Most GMK sets come with (used to come with??) the basic ANSI full size layout and maybe half a dozen extras (1.5x Ctrl etc.).

This set allegedly covers ANSI, US-ISO, Winkeyless, 1800, 65%/75%/96-key, FC660, Minivan, JD40/45, Planck/Preonic, Minorca, HHKB, Atreus/62, and more.

That's a heck of a lot of extra keycaps that GMK wouldn't even have considered making a few years ago.

GMK's extra compat stuff is actually a lot cheaper than i thought it would be, at least compared to SP

Maybe they found that the enthusiast market is larger than they thought, and making a few small concessions on new keycap designs reaps great reward$.

From what I've heard, GMKs ratio of enthusiast sales vs POS sales is also a bit more in favor of enthusiasts, largely because of massdrop. They also just have more raw tooling (consider how much tooling cherry had at the height of their production), which helps as well.

Oh yeah, I forgot Massdrop.  They would be promoting a lot of GMK sales.  With a large number of participants.

Plus at least 1/4 of the IC/GB threads here seem to be GMK these days.

And don't forget that not that long ago a single GMK red Esc key would have sold for $250.  That makes a whole set for $199 seem like a bargain!

[haulannie]

$250 for one key?   

[HotRoderX]

$250 for one key?   

Thats honestly nothing... seen artisan sale for over 1k.. for a single key 1,000 dollar's thats not a typo ... I was like 

[amnesia0287]

Supply and Demand when the set ran it was like 139.99 and there was a infinite number of sets to be had. Now that supply is finite they can charge more. I mean look at what some people pay for keysets on Mech Market.. 199 is a bargain compared to some of those. I wouldn't personally pay 199 for a set thought but sure others would.

Led Zep was 169.99 during GB. So this is only $30 markup. That's really not that bad. If they weren't making profit then they wouldn't buy extra sets. So I don't think its really that unreasonable.

[Mr_BeastQuake]

I'd pay a premium for how dedicated these guys are to getting it done quickly and well tbh. I will say that prices have been creeping up... I'm not really against it because I want there to be incentive for GB runners to come up with new ideas and provide more variety. I don't pity people who run GB's, but it's worth noting that they expose themselves to ungodly amounts of **** talk.

Personally, I deal with increased prices by being selective in what I buy and not trying to own everything, this is an issue for a lot of people in this hobby.

[ideus]

GMK sets have been sold for less even with multiple layout coverage, without need to be best sellers at MD. Therefore, the only way to explain the pricing of this one is the vendor's profit plus a premium to cover inventory costs (stocking-fee), because it is not a group buy set, but it will be in stock, eventually. Personally, I really do not see why a set should be this overpriced; while, some great sets have been reasonable priced; for example, DSA Skull Squad was under one hundred dollars and it was a unique and innovative set.

[Mr_BeastQuake]

GMK sets have been sold for less even with multiple layout coverage, without need to be best sellers at MD. Therefore, the only way to explain the pricing of this one is the vendor's profit plus a premium to cover inventory costs (stocking-fee), because it is not a group buy set, but it will be in stock, eventually. Personally, I really do not see why a set should be this overpriced; while, some great sets have been reasonable priced; for example, DSA Skull Squad was under one hundred dollars and it was a unique and innovative set.

I mean, you can have multiple layout coverage but not offer as much coverage as this set and thus be cheaper... Skidata+ might be an older set that also provided a lot of coverage. I really don't think comparing a 4 year old SP GB with this is fair or worthwhile.

This was a GB set btw, they must have bought extra. As to why this set costs $199, I'd say prices for GMK sets have increased in general, this set offers a lot of compatibility, the people running this GB are attempting to run a business and thus are seeking a profit, and they are charging a premium for not getting in on the GB. Am I saying this set is cheap? No. Are they making a profit? Yes. Do I care? No, I appreciate people's efforts enough that I want them to make a profit. I really don't think we are buying them a Mercedes with this keyset.

[OfTheWild]

It was a group buy. This is the leftover where the vendor paid for the rest of the sets to get to MOQ. He's just recouping his costs/risk by selling at 'aftermarket' prices you might find on r/mm.

the set that makes me wonder wtf happened with pricing was the Mondrian set... its just blanks. 

[Mr_BeastQuake]

It was a group buy. This is the leftover where the vendor paid for the rest of the sets to get to MOQ. He's just recouping his costs/risk by selling at 'aftermarket' prices you might find on r/mm.

the set that makes me wonder wtf happened with pricing was the Mondrian set... its just blanks. 

I just commented then remembered that it didn't hit MOQ and they probably need to recoup costs from pushing it through. Was Mondrian GMK?

[ideus]

Business logic is very simple, anyone has the right to make a profit from the work and the time invested. Also, buyers should decide if the product worth it. ; however the OP's question asked for an explanation why this set is at this price, and I think there is no mystery there: Profit share. I think we are not discussing if it is fair or not, neither if we are willing to pay for it or not. Or maybe we are. )

[Puddsy]

It was a group buy. This is the leftover where the vendor paid for the rest of the sets to get to MOQ. He's just recouping his costs/risk by selling at 'aftermarket' prices you might find on r/mm.

the set that makes me wonder wtf happened with pricing was the Mondrian set... its just blanks. 

I just commented then remembered that it didn't hit MOQ and they probably need to recoup costs from pushing it through. Was Mondrian GMK?

ya, mondrian was GMK

[OfTheWild]

Doesnt take much... the first week they ship out and people start posting their keyboards, people will flock to pay a premium and grab a set.

[Hyde]

Yeah I agree with what everyone said on top of it GMK set price have definitely went up.

Back then I paid $95 for the Olivetti set (bought off originative) and at the time it's already the most expensive keycap around, nowadays it would be a steal to pay $95 for GMK.

I guess it's just the way things are price always go up.

Remember the time QuickFire Rapid was $60, nowadays where do you find Costar made boards for that price lol.

[Puddsy]

Yeah I agree with what everyone said on top of it GMK set price have definitely went up.

Back then I paid $95 for the Olivetti set (bought off originative) and at the time it's already the most expensive keycap around, nowadays it would be a steal to pay $95 for GMK.

I guess it's just the way things are price always go up.

Remember the time QuickFire Rapid was $60, nowadays where do you find Costar made boards for that price lol.

what a throwback, i think i got both those things for exactly those prices

[Sup]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

[Joey Quinn]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

[OfTheWild]

PBT are less expensive than a good thick double-shot ABS cap. I personally like the ABS caps from GMK better than just about anything else out there but thats just my preference for a softer more quiet cap.

[zslane]

PBT has the reputation for durability over ABS, that's all. Some folks really hate shiny keycaps... 

[ideus]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

Rookie?

[OfTheWild]

PBT has the reputation for durability over ABS, that's all. Some folks really hate shiny keycaps... 

yeah i suppose thats true. I love shiny caps. Clean, but glass smooth.

[Puddsy]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

Technically it is, but in this application it doesn't matter and I like shiny ABS more anyway

gimme dat smooth

[Techno Trousers]

PBT has the reputation for durability over ABS, that's all. Some folks really hate shiny keycaps... 

yeah i suppose thats true. I love shiny caps. Clean, but glass smooth.

**shudder**

[Sup]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

Rookie?

I mean if the price of a key set is 199 dollar you would expect it to be made from the best material that is available IMO .

[Puddsy]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

Rookie?

I mean if the price of a key set is 199 dollar you would expect it to be made from the best material that is available IMO .

but pbt vs abs is subjective, they both have pros and cons

[ideus]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

Rookie?

I mean if the price of a key set is 199 dollar you would expect it to be made from the best material that is available IMO .

but pbt vs abs is subjective, they both have pros and cons

Again, it was a rookie comment. No need to rehearse in one of the most repeated discussions at GH. I'd say leave it alone.

[Puddsy]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

Rookie?

I mean if the price of a key set is 199 dollar you would expect it to be made from the best material that is available IMO .

but pbt vs abs is subjective, they both have pros and cons

Again, it was a rookie comment. No need to rehearse in one of the most repeated discussions at GH. I'd say leave it alone.

fair, i'll leave it alone

eventually some third plastic will come along and we'll all agree

[ideus]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

Rookie?

I mean if the price of a key set is 199 dollar you would expect it to be made from the best material that is available IMO .

but pbt vs abs is subjective, they both have pros and cons

Again, it was a rookie comment. No need to rehearse in one of the most repeated discussions at GH. I'd say leave it alone.

fair, i'll leave it alone

eventually some third plastic will come along and we'll all agree

What about Otaku carbon fiber composite key caps? 

[Puddsy]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

Rookie?

I mean if the price of a key set is 199 dollar you would expect it to be made from the best material that is available IMO .

but pbt vs abs is subjective, they both have pros and cons

Again, it was a rookie comment. No need to rehearse in one of the most repeated discussions at GH. I'd say leave it alone.

fair, i'll leave it alone

eventually some third plastic will come along and we'll all agree

What about Otaku carbon fiber composite key caps? 

soon^tm

[Sup]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

Rookie?

I mean if the price of a key set is 199 dollar you would expect it to be made from the best material that is available IMO .

but pbt vs abs is subjective, they both have pros and cons

Again, it was a rookie comment. No need to rehearse in one of the most repeated discussions at GH. I'd say leave it alone.

I am sorry i am not a keyboard guru. I rather have no shine on my keycaps and by feeling i think they are both fine but i hate when key caps are beginning to shine since it's not going to be even on every cap. And i think you didn't see the word In my opinion i will make it clearer by making it 5x bigger so you can read it the next time.

[ideus]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

Rookie?

I mean if the price of a key set is 199 dollar you would expect it to be made from the best material that is available IMO .

but pbt vs abs is subjective, they both have pros and cons

Again, it was a rookie comment. No need to rehearse in one of the most repeated discussions at GH. I'd say leave it alone.

I am sorry i am not a keyboard guru. I rather have no shine on my keycaps and by feeling i think they are both fine but i hate when key caps are beginning to shine since it's not going to be even on every cap. And i think you didn't see the word In my opinion i will make it clearer by making it 5x bigger so you can read it the next time.

There is no need to overemphasize a comment using larger fonts, actually, we rarely see postings using bigger fonts for the sake of communication, instead, better elaborated comments make more sense. Your point on shine is understandable and it explains why do you prefer PBT; however, it does not mean that it is any better than ABS, just based on material alone. As has been pointed already, PBT or ABS for keycaps  is more a matter of personal preference. The advantages of each material, along with other important factors like profile and thickness have been extensively discussed at GH and at other keyboard aficionado sites. That explains why people do not want to engage in such conversations, one more time. Regarding pricing, you may find even PBT double shots for far less than $199; but, the quality of those key caps is sub par, when compare with GMK or OG Cherry key caps. However, it is not the material alone what explains how expensive this particular set is, that has to do with vendor's commercial approach and other economic factors. Personally, I have never paid so much money for a key set, while I have some very nice examples of OG Cherry and GMK made key cap sets.

[rowdy]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

Rookie?

I mean if the price of a key set is 199 dollar you would expect it to be made from the best material that is available IMO .

Is IMO a new type of plastic?

[ideus]

I still don't get it why GMK is that expensive it's ABS :l not PBT.

I love that people still believe PBT is always higher quality than ABS

Rookie?

I mean if the price of a key set is 199 dollar you would expect it to be made from the best material that is available IMO .

Is IMO a new type of plastic?

 )

[chyros]

It's not like ABS, PBT and POM are the only materials keycaps have been made out of anyway .

[Puddsy]

It's not like ABS, PBT and POM are the only materials keycaps have been made out of anyway .

yeah but PPS is an enormous piece of ****

read more here: http://www.rantopad.co.kr/board/view.php?&bdId=notice&sno=13

[MaNiFeX]

Yeah I agree with what everyone said on top of it GMK set price have definitely went up.

Back then I paid $95 for the Olivetti set (bought off originative) and at the time it's already the most expensive keycap around, nowadays it would be a steal to pay $95 for GMK.

I guess it's just the way things are price always go up.

Remember the time QuickFire Rapid was $60, nowadays where do you find Costar made boards for that price lol.

I was able to keep GMK Stormtrooper around $100 with pretty decent coverage.  I did not even break even on the cost, but that was my first group buy.  I'm hoping to do a 65% set with full compatibility for minis (40%, ortho, etc) for under $100.  Some people make money off their buys, but that's never been my motivator, personally.

[sHOTTA]

Honestly... it's kinda ugly ... to each it's own