[IC] Alps DCS Infinity mods kit

[Badwrench]

Ok guys, what do you think of something like this:



This would be a complete kit and allow the use of pretty much any alpha kit you wanted with an Infinity board and would cover both layouts. 
Please input what you think would be the best options for the bottom row.  I am not sure if it makes sense to have 3 different function keys on the same layer, but I have never had an hhkb, so maybe that is just me. 

[nubbinator]

I'd prefer the infinity sign replace the winkey, but I would buy it. Should it also have an |\ key as well?

[Badwrench]

I'd prefer the infinity sign replace the winkey, but I would buy it. Should it also have an |\ key as well?

That makes more sense. I will change it up.  I will also add the \| and a caps lock key as an option.  I was going off of the standard layouts from the Massdrop page.  One problem with designing a keyset for this is that you can set it up however you want. 

Edit:  Fixed 

[CPTBadAss]

I'm not that into the infinity logo and I probably won't be getting a infinity board. That being said, I'll probably get anything from this buy just to support it.

[atectatifern]

I'm in for Infinity mods. Soldered up the Infinity then busted the stem on my ALPS stem ENTER key (keycap puller operator error) so have temporary replaced the Matias switch with an MX black switch I'd salvaged. (Since SP doesn't have extras on hand to sell.) Having that MX switch there is not nearly as satisfying.

[HoffmanMyster]

As long as we're supporting the symmetry layout people, I'd love to see a mod-colored Del key in the top row. When I use HHKB layout, I put Del on the top layer and use fn for |\.

Although, that doesn't really jive at all with the choice of Delete legend for backspace...  :-/

[Matias]

I'd prefer the infinity sign replace the winkey, but I would buy it. Should it also have an |\ key as well?

That makes more sense. I will change it up.  I will also add the \| and a caps lock key as an option.  I was going off of the standard layouts from the Massdrop page.  One problem with designing a keyset for this is that you can set it up however you want. 

Edit:  Fixed 

(Attachment Link)

If you add a 2u Backspace and 2.75u Shift, then these would fit pretty much all ALPS keyboards.  (I can supply stab wires.)

[mashby]

With the changes suggested, I'd be in for a set.

Hell, looks like I'm desoldering my new Infinity keyboard too! LOL! 

[sethk_]

With the changes suggested, I'd be in for a set.

Hell, looks like I'm desoldering my new Infinity keyboard too! LOL! 

Do you think you could have some switches MX and some Matias?

[mashby]

Do you think you could have some switches MX and some Matias?

I don't think so.

[nubbinator]

Do you think you could have some switches MX and some Matias?

I don't think so.

You could.  I just pulled out my plate and MX switches fit in it just fine.

[mr.squishy]

I don't have an Infinity board and I won't be getting one but I'll probably still get a set just to support the buy.

[atectatifern]

You could.  I just pulled out my plate and MX switches fit in it just fine.

(image snipped)

Can conform--did successfully mix switches. After getting the wrong space bar right off and breaking the stem on the ALPS ENTER key cap, I subbed in two Cherry MX blacks temporarily for each of those keys with no problem.

[Badwrench]

Well, I just talked to SP, and something new came up.  They have spacebars available in for the dsa profile. 

This puts us with a few options:
1:  Go back to the original point of this particular buy of being a color pack, and do a separate IC for a dsa complete Infinity kit.
2:  Continue as an Infinity mod pack and add some dsa spacebars in the common colors of alphas that are out there.  (I know the profile is pretty low to combine with dcs, but it is doable when the alternative is either a black or white oem profile unit from Matias - which is still a good option, but won`t match the colors of anything but a black AT101W).
3:  Do a new IC for a dsa infinity kit with an optional dsa color pack.

Let me know what you guys think of the options above.  I am also curious how many people actually chose the matias/alps route for their Infinity.

[jdcarpe]

I know several of you want compatibility with your Infinity keyboards, and I have nothing against having that available. But I am out completely if it's DSA. I just hate it.

Can SP not do a 6.00-unit DCS spacebar with an Alps stem? Seems like they have the capability to put any stem on any mold they currently have.

[nubbinator]

I say do point 2.  DCS sets so it's closer to existing Alps profile caps and then DSA spacebars so we have something we can use.

[Badwrench]

I know several of you want compatibility with your Infinity keyboards, and I have nothing against having that available. But I am out completely if it's DSA. I just hate it.

Can SP not do a 6.00-unit DCS spacebar with an Alps stem? Seems like they have the capability to put any stem on any mold they currently have.

Nope, no molds for dcs spacebars with the alps stem in any size.  I am not a huge fan of dcs, but am getting used to it on the jd40.

I say do point 2.  DCS sets so it's closer to existing Alps profile caps and then DSA spacebars so we have something we can use.

This is where I would prefer as well.  What colors would you recommend for the spacebars?
Also, I have been looking at the color chips and am really liking BX.

[nubbinator]

I'd do one full kit, include the color kit.  It doesn't add much cost and it will give more people more variation.

For spacebars, it would probably do to do a generic beige and black.

[Badwrench]

I'd do one full kit, include the color kit.  It doesn't add much cost and it will give more people more variation.

For spacebars, it would probably do to do a generic beige and black.

Sounds good.   Thought you might like the colors above 

Did you ever get a color ring?  There are several beige colors available, does anyone know which are usually picked to match factory sets?

[nubbinator]

I was looking at them then SP jacked the priced up and won't say in their sub why.

[FrostyToast]

If anyone wants me to check my colour ring for something, I can.
I am getting some AEK II keys so I can colour match those if you want.

[CPTBadAss]

I vote option 1. I have spacebars and I really don't like DSA. To the point I've ignored any GB that is in DSA profile.

[nubbinator]

Well, option two helps out all those people who don't have spacebars.  The buy would still be in DCS, just with DSA spacebars for people not as fortunate as you.

Either that or option one is run with Mathias spacebars, but they don't have a beige.

[FrostyToast]

engicoder, did you have good success with your Massdrop-esque "commit to buy at..." system?  Maybe that could work well here and get some people interested.  I always observed that that was a big hurdle with the old-fashioned buys here (and even on PMK), with people wanting to buy in but only at a lower amount.  Backing out at an expensive tier is a big no-no, so people would sit the GB out and not participate.  Any way to get more people to buy in would be a big win.  With a smaller, simpler set like this I think it wouldn't be too much extra work for you, but maybe that's incorrect. 

Yes, I think it worked very well. A large number of people committed early at high buy in levels that were eventually met. When the deal ended, I gave everyone who had committed at a level that had not been reached a chance to convert to the final price and most did buy in. I don't think my Rad Hard buy would have succeeded without the "commit at" mechanism.

As far as colorway, can I throw the Triump Adler color  in the mix.  (or what ever SP color is closest)

Closest to Adler colors in my eyes is VAF (done with NN legends to match most boards):
(Attachment Link)

I have a colour ring and VAF isn't like TA or at least it isn't what it should be.
The "V" in the colour code implies that it has a green tone to it which it does.
I would say that BDG or BEY are the prime choices here for TA.

[CPTBadAss]

Lol nubs. I'll end up supporting this no matter what. Just being an opinionated ass.

[Badwrench]

engicoder, did you have good success with your Massdrop-esque "commit to buy at..." system?  Maybe that could work well here and get some people interested.  I always observed that that was a big hurdle with the old-fashioned buys here (and even on PMK), with people wanting to buy in but only at a lower amount.  Backing out at an expensive tier is a big no-no, so people would sit the GB out and not participate.  Any way to get more people to buy in would be a big win.  With a smaller, simpler set like this I think it wouldn't be too much extra work for you, but maybe that's incorrect. 

Yes, I think it worked very well. A large number of people committed early at high buy in levels that were eventually met. When the deal ended, I gave everyone who had committed at a level that had not been reached a chance to convert to the final price and most did buy in. I don't think my Rad Hard buy would have succeeded without the "commit at" mechanism.

As far as colorway, can I throw the Triump Adler color  in the mix.  (or what ever SP color is closest)

Closest to Adler colors in my eyes is VAF (done with NN legends to match most boards):
(Attachment Link)

I have a colour ring and VAF isn't like TA or at least it isn't what it should be.
The "V" in the colour code implies that it has a green tone to it which it does.
I would say that BDG or BEY are the prime choices here for TA.

Yeah, after looking at the scans on Flickr, I amended my color choice to BX.  Not quite as bright as the other 2.

[mr.squishy]

All the people talking about spacebars...
My spacebar is 4.75u long 

[rsadek]

I'm interested. We need more ALPS key kits!

I definitely don't want a winkey, and would love a command/apple key

Re modifiers, one can never have too many. Meta/super/alt/hyper: I want them all.

Blue on pink sounds amazing.

Finally, the full keyset would be really great. It's way too hard to get new alps keys, and I want to outfit a couple of boards w/ Matias switches.

[CPTBadAss]

Finally, the full keyset would be really great. It's way too hard to get new alps keys, and I want to outfit a couple of boards w/ Matias switches.

I'd love a full keyset too. Unfortunately, this GB exists because the Delta Blues GB failed.

[jdcarpe]

All the people talking about spacebars...
My spacebar is 4.75u long 

Your spacebar is 4.75 units long? Or inches? What keyboard has a 4.75u spacebar?

[mr.squishy]

All the people talking about spacebars...
My spacebar is 4.75u long 

Your spacebar is 4.75 units long? Or inches? What keyboard has a 4.75u spacebar?

Units. Yes, this is correct. My spacebar is 4.75 key widths long. It's on an Apple M0116.

[Badwrench]

Updated OP 

[ninjadoc]

I'm in. I need alps mods. Did you ever think about just a set of the beige mods with black lettering. We can all find those keys but it seems to be impossible to get matching mods. I realize it is a simple, plain color but I would buy several sets of those - 2,3, maybe more.

[FrostyToast]

I'm in. I need alps mods. Did you ever think about just a set of the beige mods with black lettering. We can all find those keys but it seems to be impossible to get matching mods. I realize it is a simple, plain color but I would buy several sets of those - 2,3, maybe more.

A plain colour would be so boring. Might as well get an AT101 for beige caps.
Coloured mods are what make this idea intriguing and interesting.

[CPTBadAss]

Pimp my Keyboard/SP were selling black on red Alps escape keys. Could we get the color pack colors changed since red is already available?

[Buddah]

I'd prefer the infinity sign replace the winkey, but I would buy it. Should it also have an |\ key as well?

That makes more sense. I will change it up.  I will also add the \| and a caps lock key as an option.  I was going off of the standard layouts from the Massdrop page.  One problem with designing a keyset for this is that you can set it up however you want. 

Edit:  Fixed 

(Attachment Link)

If you add a 2u Backspace and 2.75u Shift, then these would fit pretty much all ALPS keyboards.  (I can supply stab wires.)

I would love to put these on my KBP V60MTS, but the lack of a regular long right shift prevents that.  The Matias boards (I don't know about all of them, but maybe most?), the V60, and most older ones would have long right shifts, wouldn't they?  Would adding that make this a lot more flexible, or is that market still too small and you're better off just going for the Infinity/other custom users?

There would be other issues as well due to stabilizer differences, right?  I'm new to this whole thing, so sorry if I'm asking dumb questions!

[ninjadoc]

I'm in. I need alps mods. Did you ever think about just a set of the beige mods with black lettering. We can all find those keys but it seems to be impossible to get matching mods. I realize it is a simple, plain color but I would buy several sets of those - 2,3, maybe more.

A plain colour would be so boring. Might as well get an AT101 for beige caps.
Coloured mods are what make this idea intriguing and interesting.

They would be useful, especially if SP has the off size molds for the odd keys that will fit a Kingsaver. I understand they would be boring, but I can never get a good, full ANSI set. Iso set sure, plenty of those floating around but no fewer ANSI sets. I have a mixture of three sets of keys on the LZ-FE winkeyless board with blue alps that I'm  typing on right now.

[Badwrench]

Pimp my Keyboard/SP were selling black on red Alps escape keys. Could we get the color pack colors changed since red is already available?

How about something like this?

Note that the render is mostly for color and layout.  Legends can be standard sp or cherry depending on what the majority wants (I would prefer the cherry since I like their modifier legends). 

Also, would people be interested in adding a 2.75x rt shift so that this could be used on more standard ansi boards (zero/ducky/kingsaver)?

As to the V60/V80, this kit will not work with those boards without a bit of tinkering as those boards use alps stabilizers on the 2x stabilized keys. 

[nubbinator]

I liked the red better since it went with the blue.  Are there any other colors that would go with the blue?  Or maybe just do a different color esc?

[Badwrench]

I liked the red better since it went with the blue.  Are there any other colors that would go with the blue?  Or maybe just do a different color esc?

How about RCU?

[potatochip]

Sign me up!

I like the lavender. I wouldn't mind some hyper and meta keys thrown in there.

[ctm]

I use a KBP V60 with Matias switches and I would really love to see a PBT keyset with normal black color. I am ok with blank keys but if possible I would like to have legends with normal colors, like white or dark gold (like the type heaven keys).

[nubbinator]

You can't do white or gold on black PBT since PBT has to be dyesub.  Also, I think I remember it being said that SP can't do their Alps sets in PBT.

The colors right now look pretty fantastic though and it's trying to add color to sets. 

[ctm]

I think there are Cheery MX PBT keycaps that use laser etch to mark legends. There are also double shot PBTs.

[nubbinator]

You're talking about lasered and infilled.  SP does not do lasered and infilled caps.  Neither does SP do doubleshot PBT.

[ctm]

Well. Then I think I will vote for blank keycaps.

[CPTBadAss]

Pimp my Keyboard/SP were selling black on red Alps escape keys. Could we get the color pack colors changed since red is already available?

How about something like this?
(Attachment Link)
Note that the render is mostly for color and layout.  Legends can be standard sp or cherry depending on what the majority wants (I would prefer the cherry since I like their modifier legends). 

Of course I want to purple so yes.

Also, would people be interested in adding a 2.75x rt shift so that this could be used on more standard ansi boards (zero/ducky/kingsaver)?

As to the V60/V80, this kit will not work with those boards without a bit of tinkering as those boards use alps stabilizers on the 2x stabilized keys.

Kingsaver doesn't work with 2.75x or other standard modifiers. They mods are from a Wang 724 which are slightly bigger than normal ANSI so making caps trying to fit a Kingsaver will end in a fail. There will be gaps and the caps would look bad. We would probably need to get a special mold made.

I liked the red better since it went with the blue.  Are there any other colors that would go with the blue?  Or maybe just do a different color esc?

I don't think red looks good with blue at all. They don't compliment each other imo. It's just common because we're so used to seeing the USA flag. I'd rather see pink, orange, purple, green, or anything monochromatic.

[Badwrench]

Ok, I didn't realize that with the Kingsaver. 

As far as colors, I do like the red, but the light purple might go better with the beige and grey of the older caps, and be a little more subdued.  Also I am highly biased to that color.

[nubbinator]

I love the red or salmon.  I think purple or lavender are nice, just not with the blue.

[CPTBadAss]

Actually I missed that man. I would rock that RCU.