[IC] Cherry Profile Spacebars for VE.A, Golbat-40%, Clueboard, Van44, CP-SQ, etc

[MOZ]

Hi, just wondering if there is enough interest for spacebar kits for some of the new boards supporting split spacebars, such as VE.A, Golbat-40%, Clueboard, Van44, CP-SQ and other usually 40% - 65% boards that have a split spacebar or similar configuration.

The keys I'm thinking to include are,
- 1x 2.25U
- 1x 2.75U
- 2x 2U

All keys are blank bottom row.

These cover the spacebar on the majority of these type of boards.

Was thinking about doing some basic colors like black, Dolch greys, beige, and some bright colors like cyan and purple.

Production will be either via GMK or one of the numerous thick PBT manufactureres, depending on colors, interest and MOQ.

Your thoughts?

[MOZ]

Reserved

[exitfire401]

I'd be down for a set of white/cyan/purple!!!

[VentureG]

I'd love a set of dark grey, purple, and cyan blanks!

[FrostyToast]

Will these spacebars have convex tops?
If so I will be in for a few sets.
And is there a possibility for one colour of ALPS spacebars?

[suicidal_orange]

Looks like these would work with the CP-SQ -  in for anything HF coloured.

[smart5088]

GMK keycaps

base "CP" text "CR"

or

base "U9" text "CR"

VE.A layout interest.

[MOZ]

Looks like these would work with the CP-SQ -  in for anything HF coloured.

HF = Hyperfuse?

GMK keycaps

base "CP" text "CR"

or

base "U9" text "CR"

VE.A layout interest.

This is not full set or adapter, but just blank keys to use for spacebar

Will these spacebars have convex tops?
If so I will be in for a few sets.
And is there a possibility for one colour of ALPS spacebars?

Profile will be the same, tooling for convex tops will be too much. From my experience, if you flip the keys, they're surprisingly comfortable to type on, specially if you are into flipped spacebars.

[suicidal_orange]

Looks like these would work with the CP-SQ -  in for anything HF coloured.

HF = Hyperfuse?

Yes please

[tuantruong]

Count me in for a set! 

[TerryMathews]

I'd kill for a set that matches SKIDATA+ (N9, N5, or V2 at GMK)

[juahenza]

count me in 

[daftendire]

I'm in.

I'd be even more in, if this was a cherry profile 40% modifier child pack with legends.

[evangs]

These keys in a couple different profiles would be pretty sweet


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MajorKoos]

These keys in a couple different profiles would be pretty sweet


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agreed! 
I'm planning on using a DSA keyset to deck out my VE.A and options other than the usual SP stock would be most welcome

[biocalves]

I'm interested in a VE.A layout support for Sky Dolch colors which I think you already covered so count me in if this happens.

[megaforce]

Hmm maybe a neutral color pack (beige, black, dark grey) and a more vibrant color pack (magenta, cyan, yellow)?

[polentA]

I'm definitely interested. I prefer Cherry profile if possible.

[daftendire]

Any thoughts on including  any 1u keys?  Some 40%ers utilize these for split spacebar.

[FrostyToast]

Since these are for spacebars I would suggest using PBT above GMK.

[MOZ]

What would you consider a fair price for a pack of the four keys made by GMK?

[juahenza]

What would you consider a fair price for a pack of the four keys made by GMK?

definately. 

[MOZ]

That's not a number

[ipreferpie]

Will be in for VE.A in Hyperfuse, 9009, Skidata and Carbon colors

[krisst]

Interested. In for VE.A, Granite common gray, Nantucket yellow, Carbon Black cherry profile.

[KetchyKech]

considering im in for VE:A and for golbat, i'm 100% interested 

[KatzenKinder]

I'm interested, classic black / beige would be good, other colors to match JTK sets would be good since they have a high compatibility for weird layouts already as well.

[MOZ]

I'm thinking along the lines of doing this in two packs of 3 colors, so total 12 keys in each pack;
--- Retro pack - Black (CR), Beige (L9), Dark grey (N9)
--- Colored pack - Cyan (UN6037), Purple (UN6046), not sure on the third color

Thoughts?

[suicidal_orange]

I'm thinking along the lines of doing this in two packs of 3 colors, so total 12 keys in each pack;
--- Retro pack - Black (CR), Beige (L9), Dark grey (N9)
--- Colored pack - Cyan (UN6037), Purple (UN6046), not sure on the third color

Thoughts?

Sounds good, with Skidata orange for the third colour?

[MOZ]

Yeah, was thinking about that as well, given the recent spike in orange sets (Although I pretty much hate the color, but this a community buy)

[krisst]

I'm thinking along the lines of doing this in two packs of 3 colors, so total 12 keys in each pack;
--- Retro pack - Black (CR), Beige (L9), Dark grey (N9)
--- Colored pack - Cyan (UN6037), Purple (UN6046), not sure on the third color

Thoughts?

Profile? I got a feeling this will only be in Cherry Profile.

[MOZ]

Cherry for the first round, maybe we'll do SA/DSA in a subsequent round.

With SA/DSA the issue is the numerous colorways out there, the limited colors of GMK work in it's favor in this situation.

[need]

Please do the Dolch grey ones !
Will it be convex?

[MOZ]

N9 is the dark grey from Dolch, or do you mean the lighter one?

I've mentioned earlier, tooling for convex tops will be too much. From my experience, if you flip the keys, they're surprisingly comfortable to type on, specially if you are into flipped spacebars.

[krisst]

Cherry for the first round, maybe we'll do SA/DSA in a subsequent round.

With SA/DSA the issue is the numerous colorways out there, the limited colors of GMK work in it's favor in this situation.

Understandable.

[chalks]

I'm thinking along the lines of doing this in two packs of 3 colors, so total 12 keys in each pack;
--- Retro pack - Black (CR), Beige (L9), Dark grey (N9)
--- Colored pack - Cyan (UN6037), Purple (UN6046), not sure on the third color

Thoughts?

I would be in for a Retro pack.

[hkf]

Keen for VE.A bars!

[MOZ]

Discussing possible vendors to run the GB.

Looks like two packs will be offered with,
1x 2.25U R4 Blank
1x 2.75U R4 Blank
2x 2U R4 Blank

--- Retro pack - Black (CR), Beige (L9), Dark grey (N9)
--- Colored pack - Cyan (UN6037), Purple (UN6046), Orange (V2)

[Data]

Discussing possible vendors to run the GB.

Looks like two packs will be offered with,
1x 2.25U R4 Blank
1x 2.75U R4 Blank
2x 2U R4 Blank

--- Retro pack - Black (CR), Beige (L9), Dark grey (N9)
--- Colored pack - Cyan (UN6037), Purple (UN6046), Orange (V2)

I'd be down for this.

[henz]

id buy if youd sell an olive one

[MOZ]

Olive as in GMK 3B?

[torafuma]

Since I have both the Golbat and Van44, I could use a few of these! 

Dark Green (AE or 3B)
Orange (P2)

[William_S_Jones]

Since I have both the Golbat and Van44, I could use a few of these! 

Dark Green (AE or 3B)
Orange (P2)

Same here, so I'm interested in both spacebar packs

[bocahgundul]

Yes please!

[rpeterclark]

Also interested in both packs. Thanks for organizing this!

[Vypr]

I'm interested in a retro pack

[polentA]

I'm definitely satisfied with the colors offered - would be in for both packs.

[henz]

Olive as in GMK 3B?

Yes,  that would look sweet

[limitz]

Very interested. Count me in.

[punkpc]

I would be interested in either GMK or Gateron (enjoypbt) caps.

love to see Beige, Light Grey, Black, Dolch. If GMK colors, I think Cyan, Blue (N5), Purple would be kool.

[bocahgundul]

Any update to this? Only want black and beige tho

[Data]

MOZ is running another GB through Originative right now, and GMK Skeletor is running there simultaneously.  Probably safe to assume MOZ will pick this back up once those GBs have run their courses.

[MOZ]

I'm planning on this right now, still looking for a vendor to run this. Not sure if we would hit the 150 number.

[nathanrosspowell]

If these are for spacebars I would choose to focus on the alpha colors of popular/recent sets:

Beige (L9) Classic Retro, GMK 9009
Light Grey (2M) Hyperfuse
Dolch alphas (CC) Dolch, Sky Dolch, etc, etc

For the colors I think you nailed it, but I would also consider:

Blue (N5) Electric Bluegaloo, SkiData accent

Just giving my opinions. 2M alphas would make me really happy. I'll probably go in for both kits regardless as my Golbat and CP-SQ have split spacebars 

[shangrila500]

I would be down to buy some space bars for my VE.A!

[shangrila500]

I'm planning on this right now, still looking for a vendor to run this. Not sure if we would hit the 150 number.

I would be buying multiple sets, at least 1 of all the different colors, and I would wager a lot of people will also do the same thing so they have a space that either matches or at least goes with the vast majority of sets.

Quick question while you're paying attention. You mentioned the VE.A in the title and that you would have 1x 2.25u, 1x 2.75u, and 2x 2u keys but the VE.A takes a 1.75u spacebar and the other longer key on the bottom is a 1.5u (I think). Would there be a possibility that you'd consider adding one of each of those? I am in this mainly for the VE.A, which I will be using the GMK sets on, and would absolutely LOVE proper sized blanks to fit the space bar, at least, in multiple colors (black, Dolch greys, beige, and some bright colors like cyan and purple like you mentioned in the OP).

Also, would the beige or grey colors match, or at least come close to matching, the GMK Carbon set?

Sorry for the long post, I am somewhat new so a lot of what may be obvious to the veterans flies completely over my head!

[Phenix]

I would also be interested in some blank spacebars for an clueboard.
For 2u at least one could use numpad 0 keys and dye them..

[krisst]

I'm planning on this right now, still looking for a vendor to run this. Not sure if we would hit the 150 number.

I would be buying multiple sets, at least 1 of all the different colors, and I would wager a lot of people will also do the same thing so they have a space that either matches or at least goes with the vast majority of sets.

Quick question while you're paying attention. You mentioned the VE.A in the title and that you would have 1x 2.25u, 1x 2.75u, and 2x 2u keys but the VE.A takes a 1.75u spacebar and the other longer key on the bottom is a 1.5u (I think). Would there be a possibility that you'd consider adding one of each of those? I am in this mainly for the VE.A, which I will be using the GMK sets on, and would absolutely LOVE proper sized blanks to fit the space bar, at least, in multiple colors (black, Dolch greys, beige, and some bright colors like cyan and purple like you mentioned in the OP).

Also, would the beige or grey colors match, or at least come close to matching, the GMK Carbon set?

Sorry for the long post, I am somewhat new so a lot of what may be obvious to the veterans flies completely over my head!

VE.A spacebar sizes should be 2u for the left half spacebar, 2.75u for the right half spacebar. Which means by default, a regular keycap set should be able to fit it. Simply use the right shiftkey, and numpad 0 to use as spacebars. Of course will still have to get a 1.75u rightshift key.

Hope this helps.

[MOZ]

1.75U right shift key are quite commonly found in most sets now. The VE.A uses 2u and 2.75u IIRC for the spacebar positions.

[nyunyu]

Interested in 2x Gateron white sets.

[ipreferpie]

For some reason, I use 2x 1.75u for my JD45. Was hoping that it can be included too

[stoic-lemon]

I'm in for a set. Moz is a reliable dude, so that's even better.

[jal]

I am certainly interested. My first choice would be cherry profile black on black, then probably something that would work with the Overcasts.

[MajorKoos]

I could definitely use one or two sets.
SA or DSA out of preference.

[William_S_Jones]

Good day Moz, just following up to see what's what w/ the spacebars b/c I'm still interested like many others!

[gerankle]

Should do 2x 2.25 for Minorca owners . Would definitely purchase a set or two.

[jal]

Good day Moz, just following up to see what's what w/ the spacebars b/c I'm still interested like many others!

Yup. Given that the VE.As are being delivered, I suspect there are approximately 102 other people who will suddenly find weird spacebar keys highly relevant to their interests.

[Vypr]

Good day Moz, just following up to see what's what w/ the spacebars b/c I'm still interested like many others!

Yup. Given that the VE.As are being delivered, I suspect there are approximately 102 other people who will suddenly find weird spacebar keys highly relevant to their interests.

* raises hand * 

[Asbrodeus]

I'd get these just on the off chance that i was able to get a VE.A!

[bjvanst]

I'd be interested in something neutral like black.  Would love to see 1.75U added as well.

[roostrc0gburn]

i'm definitely interested

[MOZ]

I've been way too busy at work as of late, I will see if I can get this started with the help of MD or some other vendor.

[William_S_Jones]

I've been way too busy at work as of late, I will see if I can get this started with the help of MD or some other vendor.

Thanks, I'm looking forward to this!

[derezzed]

I need some 2u keys.  What about adding a couple 1u keys?  Is there any demand for those?

[aaron6301]

If these are for spacebars I would choose to focus on the alpha colors of popular/recent sets:

Beige (L9) Classic Retro, GMK 9009
Light Grey (2M) Hyperfuse
Dolch alphas (CC) Dolch, Sky Dolch, etc, etc

Definitely interested in these three options as well for the VE.A 

[litster]

VE.A spacebar sizes should be 2u for the left half spacebar, 2.75u for the right half spacebar. Which means by default, a regular keycap set should be able to fit it. Simply use the right shiftkey, and numpad 0 to use as spacebars. Of course will still have to get a 1.75u rightshift key.

1.75U right shift key are quite commonly found in most sets now. The VE.A uses 2u and 2.75u IIRC for the spacebar positions.

I am in.  If you are going to make it, please make it spacebar profile, not just front row profile.  Here is what mine looks like.  There maybe 102 Massdrop buyers, but there are many more in South Korea.  If we include them, we may get more orders, especially if we can make it spacebar profile.

[Data]

I'd settle for just blanks, but actual convex spacebars in 2u and 2.75u would be pretty rad.

[MOZ]

VE.A spacebar sizes should be 2u for the left half spacebar, 2.75u for the right half spacebar. Which means by default, a regular keycap set should be able to fit it. Simply use the right shiftkey, and numpad 0 to use as spacebars. Of course will still have to get a 1.75u rightshift key.

1.75U right shift key are quite commonly found in most sets now. The VE.A uses 2u and 2.75u IIRC for the spacebar positions.

I am in.  If you are going to make it, please make it spacebar profile, not just front row profile.  Here is what mine looks like.  There maybe 102 Massdrop buyers, but there are many more in South Korea.  If we include them, we may get more orders, especially if we can make it spacebar profile.

Show Image

This is going to be close to impossible becasue as far as I know, no manufacturers has 2u-2.75u in convex profile. Smallest available is 3u from Gateron.

[litster]

SP maybe able to do a custom mold for extra cost.  IIRC, it was around a few hundred dollars. Other companies maybe able to do it for less.

[laughatpain]

Whether its MD or another vendor, I just wanna see this happen

[need]

SP maybe able to do a custom mold for extra cost.  IIRC, it was around a few hundred dollars. Other companies maybe able to do it for less.

It's something the community missing so badly, in my opinion the short concave spacebars should be on top of the projects priority list that we need to have next. It's such a sad scene that everyone's flipping their spacebars...

[roostrc0gburn]

whatever happened to this? is this being pursued in another thread?

[litster]

MOZ, would be happy to help to get this going.

[MOZ]

Hey, anyone is welcome to take this forward as finding time out of office for anything is very hard right now.

[NoChance]

Did this ever get off the ground?  GMK Split spacebars?

[kmba]

100% in on this if it ever gets off the ground.

[muten-roshi]

i could also need some spacebars...

[jal]

I'm still in as well.

[FoC_Tow]

+1 still in

[menuhin]

+1
In case I haven't posted yet.

[litster]

Anyone has recommendation on which companies could do this?  SP, DMK, or some China company?

[Saiph]

Anyone has recommendation on which companies could do this?  SP, DMK, or some China company?

Well SP doesn't make exactly cherry profile, they only have dcs. I'd think GMK is best

[litster]

Has anyone recently done any "new mold" for non-standard shape, length, or size?  I would imagine that we would need to make new molds for the VE.A spacebars.  IIRC, it was very expensive to make a new mold with SP. 

[Saiph]

Has anyone recently done any "new mold" for non-standard shape, length, or size?  I would imagine that we would need to make new molds for the VE.A spacebars.  IIRC, it was very expensive to make a new mold with SP.

The original idea wasn't to make actual spacebar molds. it was just to get blanks in those sizes, so basically the two shift keys except blank(2.25 and 2.75)

[roostrc0gburn]

Has anyone recently done any "new mold" for non-standard shape, length, or size?  I would imagine that we would need to make new molds for the VE.A spacebars.  IIRC, it was very expensive to make a new mold with SP.

The original idea wasn't to make actual spacebar molds. it was just to get blanks in those sizes, so basically the two shift keys except blank(2.25 and 2.75)

nah, we need a true R4 mold 2u and 2.75u. not sure what is needed for plank/other layouts

[litster]

The original idea wasn't to make actual spacebar molds. it was just to get blanks in those sizes, so basically the two shift keys except blank(2.25 and 2.75)

nah, we need a true R4 mold 2u and 2.75u. not sure what is needed for plank/other layouts

Getting front row blanks is only half way there.  I would like to see if we could go all the way and get new molds made for short spacebars that has a spacebar shape.  It could also be beneficial to other custom keyboard projects.

[Saiph]

Profile will be the same, tooling for convex tops will be too much. From my experience, if you flip the keys, they're surprisingly comfortable to type on, specially if you are into flipped spacebars.

This was what MOZ said. That said, if someone wants to work on it it would be great.

[kmba]

XDA has spacebar molds for all the sizes you'd ever need.. available right now. Just a heads up.

[Saiph]

XDA has spacebar molds for all the sizes you'd ever need.. available right now. Just a heads up.

Yeah, but then the profile won't be the same :/

[litster]

XDA has spacebar molds for all the sizes you'd ever need.. available right now. Just a heads up.

This? https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=84453.0

[MOZ]

litster I think it's a great idea to get custom molds done, matt3o might be able to help with the vendors. As said earlier, I'm too busy to keep working on this, so if someone wants to make this happen, I would be really happy. Do give me a heads up if you do get a GB going, would like to get a few pairs irrespective of color for myself.

[need]

The original idea wasn't to make actual spacebar molds. it was just to get blanks in those sizes, so basically the two shift keys except blank(2.25 and 2.75)

nah, we need a true R4 mold 2u and 2.75u. not sure what is needed for plank/other layouts

Getting front row blanks is only half way there.  I would like to see if we could go all the way and get new molds made for short spacebars that has a spacebar shape.  It could also be beneficial to other custom keyboard projects.

This has been my dream for so long, having proper spacebars is such an urgent matter in my opinion. News sets are keep making this compromise, and it's painful to watch 

What's worst is that they even kid themselves into thinking flipping "spacebars" (if you could call that...) solves all the problems... Someone even once said "honestly you should find another profile if you find flipping spacebars isn't comfortable." LOL I thought enthusiasts will have higher expectations than that...

[litster]

Sent a message to Matt3o.  We will see what he says.

[menuhin]

The original idea wasn't to make actual spacebar molds. it was just to get blanks in those sizes, so basically the two shift keys except blank(2.25 and 2.75)

nah, we need a true R4 mold 2u and 2.75u. not sure what is needed for plank/other layouts

Getting front row blanks is only half way there.  I would like to see if we could go all the way and get new molds made for short spacebars that has a spacebar shape.  It could also be beneficial to other custom keyboard projects.

This has been my dream for so long, having proper spacebars is such an urgent matter in my opinion. News sets are keep making this compromise, and it's painful to watch 

...

This is exactly what needs to be done.
Space bar should be in space bar profile, no matter it is split or not.

Split space bar is getting more and more popular now, hope a kit can be created with new space bar profile mold for all the possible split space bar combinations.

[lunr]

Definitely interested. Hope this go through.

[loar]

That would be pretty nice! Interested too.

[dyoungc]

Not sure if there has been any progress on this IC, but I would definitely join in. With 2 upcoming GB's for 60% split spacebar boards in 2.75/2.25 sizes, I would anticipate much more interest in the near future.

[litster]

Would the spacebar kit in this set work for VE.A?

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-zambumon-gmk-nautilus-custom-keycap-set

[roostrc0gburn]

yeah, I think the two 2.5 will work

[megaforce]

A couple 1u R4c thrown in would be awesome too!!

[litster]

A couple 1u R4c thrown in would be awesome too!!

The Ergo kit has those, for another $99!!!   

[OneNightFriend]

Would love to buy a kit like this! Especially if you can color match to GMK Skeletor's Cyan / Purple, but also would love to get regular colors as well.

This is an awesome idea!

[roostrc0gburn]

moz, you ready to pick this back up yet? seems like there is interest, esp if you include 2u spherical that gmk is making now as well as centers stem

[stoic-lemon]

Hope this gets going at some point.

[krisst]

Would the spacebar kit in this set work for VE.A?

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-zambumon-gmk-nautilus-custom-keycap-set

Show Image

This question might be off the topic for this thread. However, yes this kit would fit a VE.A. 2u and 2.75u spacebar required.

[MOZ]

Anyone want to run this? I definitely can not as I've got a metric ton of load at work but would love to see this done.

[need]

Yes this needs to be done. It's painful to watch new sets only made 2u to be convex, and kept on pumping out space bars with the wrong profile. Those are gonna be worthless when correct ones come out.

[cynviloq]

UPDATE

Hi all - I'm helping take this over for MOZ.

Spoke to GMK, MOQ is 150 still per set of 3 colors.

R4 profile is available in all three sizes, however Space Bar mold in those sizes is not being considered by GMK until late fall / winter if they even decide to move forward.

Current lead time is about 3.5-4 months - so we sit here at a quandary because if we move forward with the R4 profile, we may get those keys shipped at the same time a new Space Bar mold is announced. On the other hand, if we wait and they do not announce a new Space Bar mold... then the queue may run a bit longer.

Any thoughts or opinions? I understand that IF a SB mold were to happen, that would be ideal, but it's currently only in a pondering stage.

[litster]

cynviloq, thanks for looking into this.  I would wait and hope DMK will make new shorter SB mold soon.  For the time being, the Nautilus spacebar kit on Massdrop happening now will tie us over until then. 

[Saiph]

I would love a new SB mold, but I'd also be satisfied with R4 spacebars.

[MajorKoos]

The R4 set I got for Carbon works fine for my purposes, and the SB add-ons for Yuri, Solarized Dark and Nautilus also went with R4.

[cynviloq]

cynviloq, thanks for looking into this.  I would wait and hope DMK will make new shorter SB mold soon.  For the time being, the Nautilus spacebar kit on Massdrop happening now will tie us over until then.

The R4 kit would probably ship around the same time as Nautilus...

My thought is that we could run R4 kit (but would we even have enough interest to reach 150 MOQ on either colorway?) get that by end of the year (hopeful) and then run SB kit at the start of 2018 (and who knows what the lead time is then!)

[litster]

150 seems like an achievable number.  We could have minimum of 2 or 3 spacebars per order. 

[cynviloq]

150 seems like an achievable number.  We could have minimum of 2 or 3 spacebars per order.

Sorry it's 150 per color pack... so 150 * 3 sets = 450 sets of spacebar colors ordered per color pack as a minimum.

[kmba]

I would like 1.25u space for use with several up and coming split layouts like the banana split. Although, it could prove difficult to hit MOQ on an individual color especially considering the prevalence of custom gmk colors these days.  Might be able to do it with N9 or CC or TU2 though.

[cynviloq]

I would like 1.25u space for use with several up and coming split layouts like the banana split. Although, it could prove difficult to hit MOQ on an individual color especially considering the prevalence of custom gmk colors these days.  Might be able to do it with N9 or CC or TU2 though.

I'm not sure a 1.25u space bar mold will be in the future... if you wanted it even across the 2.75/2.25/1.25, you're likely better served if we moved forward with the R4 profile.

[cynviloq]

With the lack of response - I think the decision is to wait until the fall (Oct-Nov) to see what molds they'll be providing in Spacebar profile!