[IC] GMK Voyage (We Are Live!)

[nasp]

Available in August!



New Kits - Pricing come soon! Please see THIS post for an explanation.



Week of Giveaways Details HERE!



Vendor/Proxies:

• North America - Cannon Keys
• Europe - MyKeyboard.eu
• Asia - ILuMKB.com
• Australia - DailyClack.com

CannonKeys.com
Base: $123.99
Novelties: $42.99
Extension: $36.99



MyKeyboard.Eu
Base: €124.00
Novelties: €41.00
Extension: €36.00



iLuMKB.com
Base: SGD $182.90
Novelties: SGD $62.90
Extension: SGD $54.90


DailyClack.com
Base: AUD $194.20
Novelties: AUD $67.35
Extension: AUD $57.95





Updates

More

04/13/2019 - Added spacebar kit upon request and added wilba.tech Thermal render.
04/15/2019 - Added first proposal of novelties
04/25/2019 - changed modifiers to icons only and added render of the novelties kit
05/01/2019 - proposed new 40's, Ortho, Split Kit and new Spacebar kit
05/02/2019 - completed several revisions of the 40's, Ortho, Split kit
05/03/2019 - uploaded banner art! Thanks Hisui Hyena
05/04/2019 - uploaded Polaris renders with novelties
05/08/2019 - uploaded full renders of 40's/Ortho/Split and Spacebar kits
05/23/2019 - RAMA cap initial design - second page
05/28/2019 - added R4 1.25u Caps Lock, refinement of novelties, and 1^st deskmat concept
06/04/2019 - 2nd deskmat poll live
06/09/2019 - added R3 \| key and updated Voyager 2 render.
06/09/2019 - added 2nd Deskmat art
06/14/2019 - revised novelties because of minor tooling concerns on some. Most changes aren't noticeable except for the rocket.
06/18/2019 - added Zaps Cable as the cable collaborator
06/18/2019 - added official renders from GMK
06/18/2019 - uploaded first draft of RAMA cap
06/22/2019 - pricing info revealed
06/24/2019 - RAMA cap updated
07/02/2019 - announced mouse pad design winner
07/04/2019 - uploaded mission map with ATS-45 board render
07/06/2019 - added Cypher render
07/14/2019 - revision of kits except for novelties
07/16/2019 - added spacebar accents to base
07/23/2019 - new pricing info added

Currently Working On:

More

• New Kit Renders
• Giveaways!
• Working on artisan collabs
• Mousepad
• Need to secure a quote from GMK - will ask GMK before end of June
• RAMA cap - Golden Record
• Deskmat art - will use same artist that is working on banner and box art most likely. I expect to have some options in June or before. 1 more deskmat option incoming
• Refinement of Novelties - hope to be completed early June
• Banner and Forum (signature) Art - has been commissioned but artist has a very full schedule. I expect something by at least the middle of May
• Box Art - will likely be related to banner and forum (signature) art - almost finished - needs some refinement
• Securing cable maker - this collab. was almost as popular as deskmat Done! More details to follow this summer
• Need to evaluate if an assemblies kit (ergo, ortho, 40's combined) has enough support to meet MOQ. Jury is still out on that one - will likely run a poll
• Evaluating new spacebar and 40's, Ortho, Split kit

Greetings and Salutations! 

GMK Voyage is inspired by Voyager 2's magnificent journey to the end of our solar system and its surveillance of Uranus and Neptune. Not only did it bring us the beautiful blue-ish colors of these two icy twins, but it is the only spacecraft to have visited either Uranus or Neptune.






Kits:


Click on an image to enlarge


Base Kit:


]

Extension Kit



Cypher

More

Kotai

More

Case Renders:


Volcano by iLouis_07

More

wilba.tech Thermal

additional Thermal images:

More

Satisfaction75 by Upas

additional Satisfaction75 images:

More

Polaris by ai03

additional Polaris images:

More

A note about renders taken from Oblotzky:
"I do all my renders in a fully desaturated lighting environment, so whatever pantone/ral/hex/rgb colors I am using should be unaffected. The only change would be brightness depending on how much light I use in the scene, and bounce light from neighboring keys (e.g. a red accent key will bounce off some light onto surrounding keys, giving them a small area of red highlight). However the overall tone should be rather close to what you would see IRL in a neutral lighting environment."



RAMA cap artisan (Golden Record):



$56 USD at 50 MOQ



Deskmats:









Mousepad (poll winner):





Zap cables will be offering custom cables with the buy! Images of cable design to come later.


Pantone Colors: 

More

Previous Kits

More

1st Renders (out of date)

More

In case you have not already filled it out, please fill out the Google Form HERE. Everyone's feedback matters.


Special Thanks to:

• Abec13 for deskmat and board renders
• Oblotzky for the renders
• OneCreativeMind and Nephlock for the GB advice
• OneCreativeMind for designing the novelties and deskmat
• Hisui Hyena for banner, box art, and minor refining of novelties

Please show your support for GMK Voyage by putting this in your forum signature. Go to Profile - Forum Profile - Modify Profile.

Code: [Select]

[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=100221.0][img width=400 height=120]http://i.imgur.com/r4aMEO2.png[/img][/url]

[Jae-3soteric]

this is lovely - really like the set!!

Def a fan

[dallman5]

Looks solid! Always dig a good space themed set. However, there have been a bunch of blue GMK IC/GBs lately so competition may be steep.

Just a note, your F-keys have the color inverted in the mock up and the TKL render.

[nasp]

Looks solid! Always dig a good space themed set. However, there have been a bunch of blue GMK IC/GBs lately so competition may be steep.

Just a note, your F-keys have the color inverted in the mock up and the TKL render.

There have been a lot of blue, but this set isn't going to be running anytime soon. That being said, everyone likes blues!

Thanks for pointing the F-keys. The case renders were done very early on so they have some discrepancies.

[Puddsy]

looks kinda nautilus adjacent but that's not a bad thing

it's pretty

[Rensuya]

I'd love to see this end up with icons mods instead of the icon+text. Either way, digging the blues here! 

[gnhuy91]

lovely! added feedback to vote for icon mods

[nasp]

lovely! can we have alt mods kit ie icon/text only mods? Im not a fan of standard mods, but still love the set

I'd love to see this end up with icons mods instead of the icon+text. Either way, digging the blues here! 

I appreciate the feedback! Will be watching the Google form to see what people want. Will definitely change the mods legends if enough people want it done another way.

It was rendered with both icons and text because that's standard for GMK.

Keep an eye out for updates. 

[nephlock]

Glad to see this come to life! Looks solid. Definitely be watching this 

[senryo]

I'm down for it, would love an icon set or micon set!
Looking forward to seeing the novelties too!

[LightningXI]

I like it lots. I've entered the form for some large tweak suggestions, and some additions.

[vicissitude]

like the blue of the alpha.
nice colorway.

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

Like it. Will we get some novelties too?

[nasp]

Like it. Will we get some novelties too?

Looks like it! Was making sure there was enough interest in the set before I commissioned out the work. Thanks for the support!

[rejuvienate]

Looks nice!!

[mimalik]

Damn it, another blue gmk set.....will def buy. Looking fwd to some cool novelties.

[Marutks]

I like all blue keycaps but this set needs some novelties with 1.5u mod keycaps   (like GMK Eclipse/Nautilus),   maybe space themed novelties 
nice colors !   

[nasp]

I like all blue keycaps but this set needs some novelties with 1.5u mod keycaps   (like GMK Eclipse),   maybe space themed novelties 
nice colors !   

Hey. Thanks for the support!


Are you referring to GMK Eclipse's color accent modifiers? Or just 1.5u novelties in general? Just trying to understand. Thanks!

[Marutks]

1.5u novelties in general,  many boards require 1.5u modifiers

[nasp]

1.5u novelties in general,  many boards require 1.5u modifiers

Agreed. Plan to have some 1.5u mod novelties. Talked to the artist a few days actually.

[nasp]

Added this update to the OP:

04/13/2019 - Added spacebar kit upon request and added wilba.tech Thermal render. Also, novelties are coming! An optimistic timeline would be less than a month.

[senryo]

Jesus Christ, I really like these colors!
If you are going to communicate with which proxy to use on Asia region, please let it be KBDfans!

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

glad to see the bars in there, thank you!

[nasp]

Jesus Christ, I really like these colors!
If you are going to communicate with which proxy to use on Asia region, please let it be KBDfans!

I appreciate the support!

Definitely will do my best to get KBDFans! I have had nothing but good experiences from them. Unfortunately, I've heard the opposite about ZFrontier.

[Emir]

Mods remind me of GMK Necro mods (real life, not renders).

I like this set, but I think the alpha color is a bit too flamboyant for the more muted mods. I'd go with a more muted tone of bright blue for alphas, but all in all it's nice!

I also add myself to the choir of ICON MODS PLZ.

[xiaoxuesheng]

Blue, blue, um, or blue, then, continue blue.

[nasp]

Hello everyone! I have another quick and exciting update. Special thanks to OneCreativeMind for the speed and quality of the novelties. He went above and beyond my expectations. Thank you!

Here they are again:


Since we are trying to keep the novelty kit price low, we will probably be limiting them to this many. We will mix and match them on 1u and 1.5u keys, with the only exception being the Titan IIIE rocket. That one will be on the enter/return key.

Also, I don't like to post about things that are currently being worked on in case we are not able to deliver, but I am hoping to have either a RAMA PVD brass cap for the Golden Record, or an artisan made for it. Please go HERE to learn more about what that is. For those who need a TLDR, it was an onboard record made of gold with images (analog form), music, sounds, and greetings to introduce alien life to earth and the human race. I'm only bringing that up now because I know there are bound to be people that ask about it. For those people, we got you 

So please give the following feedback:

• Are you satisfied with the novelties we have chosen?
• Are there important ones, matching the theme, that we have left out - please note that more novelties will most likely increase the price
• Would you be satisfied with either a RAMA PVD Brass Golden Record or an artisan from a reputable vendor?

Lastly, the symbol for Uranus is on the far left and Neptune is on the far right.

Bon Voyage!!

[Marutks]

I like the novelties.

[booleanjulien]

Can't wait for GMK Uranus

[nasp]

Can't wait for GMK Uranus

Hahaha! 

You're now banned from participating in GMK Voyage.


But on a serious note, thanks for your support of GMK Uranus Voyage!

[vicissitude]

wooow.
beautiful novelties.
i'm in for sure.

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

Good choices with the novelties. Glad to see this progressing.

[jagger27]

I can't decide if I like this blue more than Striker's blue.

[forevermadrigal]

The shades of blue are so nice! I'm in

[azhdar]

uranus hehe xD

[b3nkei]

I love this set, it looks amazing.

[BrainBunker]

This looks fantastic and is right up my alley! The idea for a golden record artisan (PVD metal or not, either would be nice!) I submitted my input to the Google Form, but thought I'd repeat it here for others to comment.

Would you consider making the inclination of the orbital rings more close to reality on the novelties? Uranus is ~97 degrees, so it's nearly vertical, while Neptune has a ~28 degree ring inclination. Neptune looks good though, since you could be looking at it when it's tilted toward you, but Uranus would look good as "edge on" and almost vertical. Also, would it look better without the "swirly" pattern on he Uranus key, since that looks more like the source image? I also have a suggestion for a possible addition to the novelties that references the "grand tour" that made the mission possible in the first place. This key could either say "Grand Tour" (probably enter key) or "175" (should fit on most keys), referring to the 175 years before such opportunities repeat due to the orbital alignment of the planets (see:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Tour_program). Lastly, I like the colors, but would you entertain the idea of making the dark blue/gray mod background pure black, to represent space? Sorry for the wall of text, and I don't expect to see all or any of these changes, but I wanted to give my input.

[nasp]

Hey Brian, I appreciate the detailed response! I was hoping for someone with more knowledge on the subject would let me know what I had missed. Sorry I can't write a more detailed response as I'm about to head out to see family during this Easter holiday.

Changing Uranus is easy and I've rotated it so that it's axis is almost vertical. Let me know if I got it right - it's an easy change if not. As for the swirls inside the planets, we felt like they gave the planets the most detail. We experimented with filling them in all the way or just leaving the stroke around the lines and no fill, but the swirls were clearly the best out of the three designs. As for 175, I love the idea - and didn't know this awesome detail - but I think our kit is locked down at the moment. We want to keep the price reasonable. If we add any more we might price people out of making the purchase. However, if GMK's price is much less than what we were expecting, we'll definitely consider adding "175" as a 1u or 1.5u novelty and perhaps "Grand Tour" on the enter key too.

It's so cool that we were able to make a spacecraft that could visit these planets in our lifetime! I can't imagine what piece of technology we'll be sending the next time their orbits come in close alignment with each other.

Here's the newly revised Uranus:



And here is one of the drafts that was considered, but ultimately not chosen:

[Esperianterra]

/causally slides in here

Ain't getting rid of me. Im watching. Like a hawk.

Love the novelties ! I know you asked about a cable in the google form, is that still a consideration ? If not, im going to order a cable to match this set.

I dunno if I want to match to the alphas or to the modifiers. :|a Found really good marches for both.

[nasp]

Thanks for the support! Yes, a cable was a very popular option in the form - almost as popular as a deskmat. We plan to offer both during the GB.

What kind of cable are you considering? Just curious. How long? What USB type? Detachable cable?

[Esperianterra]

Thanks for the support! Yes, a cable was a very popular option in the form - almost as popular as a deskmat. We plan to offer both during the GB.

What kind of cable are you considering? Just curious. How long? What USB type? Detachable cable?

Ooohh, any design ideas for the deskmat ? That might be very interesting too.

Definitively a detachable cable with a coil. My needs are a little weird since either the cable has to go straight up on my desk, or run around in front of my switch and usb dac to hit the back.  So I was thinking a 4 or 5 feet cable with 6 inches coil. Micro B but I'd like to get a usb c end too just in case. I found a sleeving on the vendor i was recommended that matches the modifiers pretty well, and have blue heatshrink to match the alphas.

[nasp]

Sure. We should be able to accommodate your cable needs. It's still early though, so no guarantees.


For the deskmats, there we'll be at least two options. I hope to have 3. I don't want to give out more details in case things change, but they will definitely fit the theme.

[Esperianterra]

Ohh, can't waot tp see !

[arrowM]

I love this set! Such rich blues.

Would probably prefer text-only mods. I also think it would be cool if some of the novelties were inspired by images on the golden record, although many of those images would be difficult to fit onto a keycap.

[vicissitude]

Love the novelties so much.

[Esperianterra]

Hah, im the opposite, im hoping for icon only mods... Not that it's a dealbreaker at all. That colorway is just too good to pass up.

[BrainBunker]

Hey Brian, I appreciate the detailed response! I was hoping for someone with more knowledge on the subject would let me know what I had missed. Sorry I can't write a more detailed response as I'm about to head out to see family during this Easter holiday.

Changing Uranus is easy and I've rotated it so that it's axis is almost vertical. Let me know if I got it right - it's an easy change if not. As for the swirls inside the planets, we felt like they gave the planets the most detail. We experimented with filling them in all the way or just leaving the stroke around the lines and no fill, but the swirls were clearly the best out of the three designs. As for 175, I love the idea - and didn't know this awesome detail - but I think our kit is locked down at the moment. We want to keep the price reasonable. If we add any more we might price people out of making the purchase. However, if GMK's price is much less than what we were expecting, we'll definitely consider adding "175" as a 1u or 1.5u novelty and perhaps "Grand Tour" on the enter key too.

It's so cool that we were able to make a spacecraft that could visit these planets in our lifetime! I can't imagine what piece of technology we'll be sending the next time their orbits come in close alignment with each other.

Here's the newly revised Uranus:
(Attachment Link)


And here is one of the drafts that was considered, but ultimately not chosen:

(Attachment Link)

Happy to make suggestions, I really like the idea behind this design so I want to support it as much as I can! That new Uranus design looks really good, and closer to the real inclination of the rings. I fully understand that in this case, leaving the swirls just makes for a better looking cap, so I can agree there. Moreover, it seems like you already considered the more realistic, flat shaded Uranus, so I'm happy it was already part of your design process either way. I also understand if a "175" or "Grand Tour" cap is not added due to cost. I would rather keep the cost down and have more people join on this nice set, but if the cost turns out to be minor, it would be a cool touch.

And it really was fortuitous that human technology had reached the maturity to perform a Grand Tour mission right when the alignment occurred! If our development had only been 5-10 years behind, we would have had to wait a long time for another shot at it. However, I think that in 175 more years, our propulsion technology will have improved enough that the "perfect alignment" will no longer be necessary to visit several planets in one trip. In fact, we already have the Dawn mission, which is the first ever spacecraft to orbit two different extraterrestrial bodies in the solar system, and it accomplished this with advanced propulsion and trajectory techniques.

I'm looking forward to the set dropping, regardless of how long it takes!

[nasp]

Update


Added to the top of OP:

• Icons! Since a majority of folks that filled out the form wanted only icon mods, I have changed the base kit to reflect that.
• Novelty kit! I've turned the proposed novelties into a full-fledged kit render
• Added a "Currently Working On" section so you can see what's coming up next.

Stay Tuned and Bon Voyage!

[LightningXI]

Update


Added to the top of OP:

• Icons! Since a majority of folks that filled out the form wanted only icon mods, I have changed the base kit to reflect that.
• Novelty kit! I've turned the proposed novelties into a full-fledged kit render
• Added a "Currently Working On" section so you can see what's coming up next.

(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)

Stay Tuned and Bon Voyage!

This looks fantastic. Icon mods fit this set very well.

[Marutks]

no 1.5u novelties and no 1.5u "command" / "windows" keys?   it is a dealbreaker for me   

[nasp]

no 1.5u novelties and no 1.5u "command" / "windows" keys?   it is a dealbreaker for me   

What's the reason that it is a deal breaker? Maybe I can accommodate.

[Esperianterra]

Icon mods ! Yes ! Bless. <3

[Marutks]

What's the reason that it is a deal breaker? Maybe I can accommodate.

Many keyboards have 1.5 size key for command / windows key. That includes all HHKB layout boards and many 65% boards.

You need a 1.5u "super"/"code" labelled keycap or a novelty keycap.   I avoid keycap sets that don't have one.

[forevermadrigal]

Icod mods are dank af, but I agree with some 1.5 novelties

[nasp]

No problem. I can add two more r4 1.5u novelties. I especially like what BrainBunker said here about the "Grand Tour" and "175" years. "Grand Tour" probably won't fit though. I'd be open to other suggestions too.

I also have a suggestion for a possible addition to the novelties that references the "grand tour" that made the mission possible in the first place. This key could either say "Grand Tour" (probably enter key) or "175" (should fit on most keys), referring to the 175 years before such opportunities repeat due to the orbital alignment of the planets (see:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Tour_program).

[Marutks]

I would be happy with planets on 1.5u keycaps.

[upas]

Do you know if GMK has a 1.25U R4c mold? I think it would help with all the typical 2.25/1.25/2.75 split space. But I don't think I've seen it before, so I don't know if the mold exists.

[nasp]

Do you know if GMK has a 1.25U R4c mold? I think it would help with all the typical 2.25/1.25/2.75 split space. But I don't think I've seen it before, so I don't know if the mold exists.

Unfortunately, no. It was talked about during the GMK Blank GB here.

MOQ is at 1k for this new mold.

Actually, let me see if Oblotzky can add it to one of his kits. I think there is a good possibility Oblivion can reach the 1K MOQ needed.

[digid3ar]

like the novelty designs, but dont like how the ship, planet and the antenna have diferent widhts in their lines, those tiny details could be simplified for a more uniform look

[nasp]

I think some of the designs could use a bit of polish. I'll probably have one of the more experienced designers refine them a bit.

[bengine]

Do you know if GMK has a 1.25U R4c mold? I think it would help with all the typical 2.25/1.25/2.75 split space. But I don't think I've seen it before, so I don't know if the mold exists.

Unfortunately, no. It was talked about during the GMK Blank GB here.

MOQ is at 1k for this new mold.

Actually, let me see if Oblotzky can add it to one of his kits. I think there is a good possibility Oblivion can reach the 1K MOQ needed.

There is Spacebar kit in Oblivion V2. So, I don’t think Oblotzky will add 1.25u R4C into the base kit.

Base kit might reach 1k easily, but I doubt Spacebar kit can get anywhere near that number.

[nasp]

Do you know if GMK has a 1.25U R4c mold? I think it would help with all the typical 2.25/1.25/2.75 split space. But I don't think I've seen it before, so I don't know if the mold exists.

Unfortunately, no. It was talked about during the GMK Blank GB here.

MOQ is at 1k for this new mold.

Actually, let me see if Oblotzky can add it to one of his kits. I think there is a good possibility Oblivion can reach the 1K MOQ needed.

There is Spacebar kit in Oblivion V2. So, I don’t think Oblotzky will add 1.25u R4C into the base kit.

Base kit might reach 1k easily, but I doubt Spacebar kit can get anywhere near that number.

I do expect Oblivion to sell like hotcakes but I do agree that 1K is quite ambitious for a spacebar kit. Maybe Oblotzky or Massdrop can work out a deal with GMK. I'm sure the community would love to see 1.75u spacebar support. If you'd like to see Oblotzky add 1.75u spacebars to Oblivion, please let him know as well.

[nasp]

Have added a 40's, Ortho, Split kit and New Spacebar Kit to OP. Please let me know what you think. Know is the time for adjustments.

[Surefoot]

I'm in for this one, base and novelties (which turned out great !).

[tex_live_utility]

I don't think 1.75c keys exist.

[RDaneelOlivaw]

Love this. Filled out the form and will keep an eye on a launch time!

[Esperianterra]

cant really comment on the new kit, but the novelties look perfectly fine to me ?

[nasp]

cant really comment on the new kit, but the novelties look perfectly fine to me ?

I don't think 1.75c keys exist.

I agree that the novelties look good, but I want to make sure they are the best that they can be. I'll have another graphic artist take a look at them so he or she can offer feedback, if any.


Yes, you are correct that 1.75c keys do not exist. I should know better. I also put a 2u shift on the 40's/Ortho/Split kit, but there's already one in the base kit so I'm removing it as we don't need to have two.


Thanks for all the feedback! I also showed the 40's/Ortho/Split kit off to the 40's Discord and folks didn't have any complaints about compatibility.

[Esperianterra]

I mean, better safe than sorry.

/slides an ice shard in the designs

[Marutks]

Please consider adding 1.5u Meta and Super mod keycaps to base set.   Like GMK Eclipse 

[nasp]

no 1.5u novelties and no 1.5u "command" / "windows" keys?   it is a dealbreaker for me   

Please consider adding 1.5u Meta and Super mod keycaps to base set.   Like GMK Eclipse 

We discussed at the bottom of page 1 and at the top of page 2 to add 1.5u r4 novelties. Those will come soon! Artist is currently working on the deskmats 

[vewy_nice]

Well considering I already bought a blue space65, and own voyager merch ranging from vinyl records to fountain pen ink, I think I might be obligated to buy this.
I also recently spilled coffee on my godspeed deskmat...

I'd also support 1.5u novelties.

[zlee003]

RAMA cap plz. Their latest offerings have been INSANE!

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

Agree with the Rama cap. like the spacebars set. I need to make more friends who want the offset 6 or 7u bar (i'm in it for the splits...)

[nasp]

Well considering I already bought a blue space65, and own voyager merch ranging from vinyl records to fountain pen ink, I think I might be obligated to buy this.
I also recently spilled coffee on my godspeed deskmat...

I'd also support 1.5u novelties.

Had no idea until you mentioned this that the Space65 was partly inspired by the Voyager probes. Sigh...guess I'll have to pick one up in blue, gray, or black. Don't worry, got at least 2 Voyager deskmats in the works!

What kind of Voyager vinyl records do you own? Curious. Is it a copy of the Golden Record?

Yes. 1.5u Novelties are coming too 

[nasp]

RAMA cap plz. Their latest offerings have been INSANE!

Agree with the Rama cap. like the spacebars set. I need to make more friends who want the offset 6 or 7u bar (i'm in it for the splits...)

Yes, RAMA cap design is well underway. This is our idea, please let me know what you think:



It's a simplification of the symbols inside the record. The darker part will be cut and the actual symbols themselves would be raised.

For those out of the loop, this page explains a bit about the Golden Record. Essentially, it was a way for extraterrestrials that encountered the Voyager 2 probe to learn about mankind on earth - as viewed through that time (70's).


A few other updates:

• Deskmats are being worked on. Should have one in a week and another a bit after that
• There will also be 2 more novelties coming of the R4, 1.5u variety. I'm thinking for one either "Since 77" or "Est 77". The other would be "Grand Tour"
• I've asked another designer to do a general check of the novelties. I want to make sure they are as perfect as they can be before asking GMK for a quote - which is happening soon BTW!
• Cannon Keys will be the vendor and we're hoping to launch either August or September! We'll keep you updated.

Lastly, if you'd like to spread the word about GMK Voyage, please use this code in your profile signature:

Code: [Select]

[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=100221.0][img width=400 height=120]http://i.imgur.com/r4aMEO2.png[/img][/url]

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

Love the idea of the golden record novelty. Perhaps a bit smaller line size for the designs? Or picking one of the many symbols? You and RAMA will figure it out. Can't wait!

[BrainBunker]

RAMA cap plz. Their latest offerings have been INSANE!

Agree with the Rama cap. like the spacebars set. I need to make more friends who want the offset 6 or 7u bar (i'm in it for the splits...)

Yes, RAMA cap design is well underway. This is our idea, please let me know what you think:

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]

It's a simplification of the symbols inside the record. The darker part will be cut and the actual symbols themselves would be raised.

For those out of the loop, this page explains a bit about the Golden Record. Essentially, it was a way for extraterrestrials that encountered the Voyager 2 probe to learn about mankind on earth - as viewed through that time (70's).


A few other updates:

• Deskmats are being worked on. Should have one in a week and another a bit after that
• There will also be 2 more novelties coming of the R4, 1.5u variety. I'm thinking for one either "Since 77" or "Est 77". The other would be "Grand Tour"
• I've asked another designer to do a general check of the novelties. I want to make sure they are as perfect as they can be before asking GMK for a quote - which is happening soon BTW!
• Cannon Keys will be the vendor and we're hoping to launch either August or September! We'll keep you updated.

Lastly, if you'd like to spread the word about GMK Voyage, please use this code in your profile signature:

Code: [Select]

[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=100221.0][img width=400 height=120]http://i.imgur.com/r4aMEO2.png[/img][/url]

1.5u novelties: hype!
Aug/Sep possible GB: hype!

That RAMA design is a nice simplification of the full golden record, I'm really digging it! Only one suggestion I would have is to add a small dot in the center, which would just make it more obvious that it's a record. And between "Since 77" or "Est 77", I vote "Since 77". "Est" seems more appropriate for businesses or buildings in my opinion

Thanks for the update, looking good!

[maximize]

That is by far the dopest RAMA cap I have seen to this day.

[BrainBunker]

That is by far the dopest RAMA cap I have seen to this day.

I agree, the whole Golden Record theme is essentially made for a RAMA metal PVD format.

[forevermadrigal]

That is by far the dopest RAMA cap I have seen to this day.

Yup, might have to pick this up tbh

[Esperianterra]

Hot damn thats a nice cap. I agree with BrainBunker - a small dot in the middle would make it look more like a record.

[nasp]

Hot damn thats a nice cap. I agree with BrainBunker - a small dot in the middle would make it look more like a record.

So about the hole in the middle. I think that makes sense, but in this instance any of the darker spots indicate a cut, or lowered area, and the lighter areas indicate a raised area. When we have the official RAMA render it'll be easier to visualize.

Here's a quick mockup from the original mockup:





It may be a bit weird having the small circle in the middle raised up. That would be a bit opposite of a hole in the middle like a record so let's keep it as is for now. However, if I receive a lot of feedback otherwise, I'll add the record hole back in.

[vicissitude]

Rama cap is outstanding.
Amazing. 

[nasp]

A few updates to report, which are also posted on the OP:

• First deskmat is in! I should have another design in two weeks time or less!
• Novelties have been refined a bit and two more have been added (Since 77 and Grand Tour). These are not official as we need to see about price and/or if GMK can do them as-is. Credit to Hisui Hyena for the refinement.
• added a R4 - 1.25u Caps Lock since it is quite popular to switch the Control and Caps Lock keys

Deskmat:






Let me know what you all think. I should have more updates soon.

[Esperianterra]

Hot damn thats a nice cap. I agree with BrainBunker - a small dot in the middle would make it look more like a record.

So about the hole in the middle. I think that makes sense, but in this instance any of the darker spots indicate a cut, or lowered area, and the lighter areas indicate a raised area. When we have the official RAMA render it'll be easier to visualize.

Here's a quick mockup from the original mockup:


(Attachment Link)


It may be a bit weird having the small circle in the middle raised up. That would be a bit opposite of a hole in the middle like a record so let's keep it as is for now. However, if I receive a lot of feedback otherwise, I'll add the record hole back in.

You have a point, but to me it almost looks like its put on a turntable to be played ? I dont think it looks terrible.

Nice and simple. I like this deskmat.

[zlee003]

RAMA cap plz. Their latest offerings have been INSANE!

Agree with the Rama cap. like the spacebars set. I need to make more friends who want the offset 6 or 7u bar (i'm in it for the splits...)

Yes, RAMA cap design is well underway. This is our idea, please let me know what you think:

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]

It's a simplification of the symbols inside the record. The darker part will be cut and the actual symbols themselves would be raised.

For those out of the loop, this page explains a bit about the Golden Record. Essentially, it was a way for extraterrestrials that encountered the Voyager 2 probe to learn about mankind on earth - as viewed through that time (70's).


A few other updates:

• Deskmats are being worked on. Should have one in a week and another a bit after that
• There will also be 2 more novelties coming of the R4, 1.5u variety. I'm thinking for one either "Since 77" or "Est 77". The other would be "Grand Tour"
• I've asked another designer to do a general check of the novelties. I want to make sure they are as perfect as they can be before asking GMK for a quote - which is happening soon BTW!
• Cannon Keys will be the vendor and we're hoping to launch either August or September! We'll keep you updated.

Lastly, if you'd like to spread the word about GMK Voyage, please use this code in your profile signature:

Code: [Select]

[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=100221.0][img width=400 height=120]http://i.imgur.com/r4aMEO2.png[/img][/url]

I LOV3000 IT!!!
so excited for this set!!!

[vewy_nice]

Could they recess the center dot even further? Even just half the depth of the original cut would produce a nicer effect.

Also, what're you thinking for the second deskmat?
My soul desperately wants something kinda like the space cadet deskmat, but with some kind of schematic of the voyager craft...
Either that, or one of the classic mission maps: https://img.newatlas.com/voyager-retrospective-46.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max&q=60&w=1000&s=e42963507bc305b0a46b831464dcfd09

Also, just an observation:
The more I look at it, the more the little craft profile novelty looks like Cassini...
The dish-to-chassis ratio is a bit off (needs more dish, less chassis)

It's not up to me though, I'm happy with literally anything remotely space related And Cassini is Saturn related, anyway, so it works too.

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

That mission map would be awesome.

[nasp]

Could they recess the center dot even further? Even just half the depth of the original cut would produce a nicer effect.

Also, what're you thinking for the second deskmat?
My soul desperately wants something kinda like the space cadet deskmat, but with some kind of schematic of the voyager craft...
Either that, or one of the classic mission maps: https://img.newatlas.com/voyager-retrospective-46.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max&q=60&w=1000&s=e42963507bc305b0a46b831464dcfd09

Also, just an observation:
The more I look at it, the more the little craft profile novelty looks like Cassini...
The dish-to-chassis ratio is a bit off (needs more dish, less chassis)

It's not up to me though, I'm happy with literally anything remotely space related And Cassini is Saturn related, anyway, so it works too.

Hey, I appreciate your feedback.

When we contact RAMA, I'll see if they can make the record "hole" in the middle slightly less raised than symbols around it. I don't know how feasible that it. If not, perhaps they have other ideas for how to incorporate the record "hole".

As for the Voyager probe novelty, it was the hardest novelty for the artist to portray, mainly because of the large amount of detail needed to fit in such a small space. But I do think I could make the dish a bit larger as I have some very basic Adobe Illustrator skills. Hopefully the larger dish will make it look more like Voyager and less like Cassini.

Lastly, to the deskmat; I have asked the artist to create something with a minimalism style that incorporates a mission map and a timelines. Not sure if both a mission map and a timeline can be incorporated while also keeping the minimalism feel so the final design may change. If it's too hard to pull off, we'll probably just go the schematic route. I should have some details about this by next week at the latest.

Thanks again to everyone that is following along and giving updates! 

[nasp]

Disclaimer: Not an artist, but I do have a copy of Adobe Illustrator and know basic functions.

Ok, so had some time to do a quick edit of the Voyager 2 probe novelty. I changed the dish size as well as the bottom antennas. If it looks ok, I'll give the green light to Oblotzky to make them into official renders.



New=left | old=right




Edit:
Because of tooling concerns, OCM updated the art further. Thanks, OCM 

[BrainBunker]

Disclaimer: Not an artist, but I do have a copy of Adobe Illustrator and know basic functions.

Ok, so had some time to do a quick edit of the Voyager 2 probe novelty. I changed the dish size as well as the bottom antennas. If it looks ok, I'll give the green light to Oblotzky to make them into official renders.



New=left | old=right

(Attachment Link)

I like both the old and the new design, but since the new one is more "accurate", I would prefer it. In reality, the magnetometer boom extends waaaaaay beyond the high gain antenna, but it would be impossible to fit it on a keycap so this is a nice balance.

I also love wevy_nice's suggestion of the classic mission map. That deskmat would be an instant buy for me. Due to the form factor of a rectangular deskmat, it may be cool to have the golden record diagram on one half, and the mission map on the other. Alternatively, it may look good to cut off parts of the mission map, you can use your artistic judgement on an asymmetric offset placement with parts cut off. Just some suggestions and something to experiment with.

[nasp]

OCM and I were unsure if the previous Voyager novelty could be done with GMK tooling, so he updated the art just in case. Here's the slightly new version:





Also, the 2nd deskmat is done, but I'm a bit indecisive on the final direction so we have a few different options to choose from. We'd like you all to help us to decide. Once I make the poll, we'll show off the options. And if you don't like any of the options, please let me know and perhaps I'll commission out another deskmat.

[nasp]

Ello!

Here are the 2nd deskmat options. I'll share with you my opinions once you've had a few days to look at the options.






Please vote for your favorite here.


Bon Voyage!

[Esperianterra]

2 is def my favorite

[vewy_nice]

I'll post my feedback publicly too so others can see if they agree

"Option A or B but without any text labeling on the mission map would be excellent! I feel like the labels kind of clutter it up. It's so iconic it should be able to speak for itself. If option 3 gets picked, take a look at pictures of Uranus... It's kind of just... Blue. Getting rid of the "swirls" would clean it up a bit. Also, people don't usually visualize Neptune with its rings. Saturn and Uranus being the only 2 with rings would look a bit more recognizable I think. Also, toning down the swirls on Neptune would help differentiate from Jupiter."

Also: I'd make sure that the "resolution" of the mats would produce the small text on the timeline. Looking down at my Godspeed mat, the edges of the lines are a bit blurry. It's fine for large things, but tiny text like that might be challenging.

[BrainBunker]

Ello!

Here are the 2nd deskmat options. I'll share with you my opinions once you've had a few days to look at the options.


(Attachment Link)



Please vote for your favorite here.


Bon Voyage!

I'm really liking the deskmats! I'd most likely buy it regardless of which design ends up getting picked.

Adding my comments from the form here as well.
- "pases" is spelled wrong on all examples, should be "passes".
- I prefer A, since I like the clearly indicated orbit lines, instead of the solid fill circles.
- I would suggest using the wording "Jupiter flyby" and "Saturn flyby" instead of "passes at its closest to Jupiter" or "passes Saturn".
- I agree with vewy_nice that it's important to make sure the small text will be readable with the resolution available for deskpad printing.

[RDaneelOlivaw]

I love option 3 for the deskmats.

[8BitDuck]

Absolutely love this set. I would love to see some proper ISO kits though, not a fan of the ANSI-ISO mash-up at all.

[Themonkeyswrench]

I personally like deskmat c the most.

[nasp]

Absolutely love this set. I would love to see some proper ISO kits though, not a fan of the ANSI-ISO mash-up at all.

Hey, 8BitDuck, I appreciate the kind words! Regarding ISO, I'll admit that I was not sure what to do. Knowing I need to maximize compatibility, but also affordability, I asked some people who have run GMK GBs in the past, while also looking to see what other GMK sets have done. The current ISO makeup is the conclusion of that bit of research.

Also, out of the feedback form that is up, 86% said that they do not use ISO and only 10% said they did AND we're ok with the current ISO makeup. So that leaves less than 4% of people that gave feedback concerning the ISO makeup. Knowing that info, I'd like to keep the ISO kit as-is. HOWEVER, if you just need one key added in order to be satisfied, I'll definitely consider it. But please let me know soon as we are supposed to be submitting a quote to GMK next week or the week after.

I'm really liking the deskmats! I'd most likely buy it regardless of which design ends up getting picked.

Adding my comments from the form here as well.
- "pases" is spelled wrong on all examples, should be "passes".
- I prefer A, since I like the clearly indicated orbit lines, instead of the solid fill circles.
- I would suggest using the wording "Jupiter flyby" and "Saturn flyby" instead of "passes at its closest to Jupiter" or "passes Saturn".
- I agree with vewy_nice that it's important to make sure the small text will be readable with the resolution available for deskpad printing.

Thanks for the feedback, BrainBunker! It's great to be able to collab. with you and the other fine folks who are supporting this keyset.

Thanks for catching those typos. Those have already been corrected in the raw design file. I also like using "flyby" instead of "passes" and I'll make that change too. Finally, I too am worried about the text legibility. We'll have some samples mats made first before mass-producing all the orders so we can check readability and other quality concerns.




As for the results of the poll, I'll be filling you all in on that before the weekend is over. I think you all will be quite pleased! It may or may not be a surprise. I don't want to say anymore for fear of giving it away.

[8BitDuck]

Absolutely love this set. I would love to see some proper ISO kits though, not a fan of the ANSI-ISO mash-up at all.

Hey, 8BitDuck, I appreciate the kind words! Regarding ISO, I'll admit that I was not sure what to do. Knowing I need to maximize compatibility, but also affordability, I asked some people who have run GMK GBs in the past, while also looking to see what other GMK sets have done. The current ISO makeup is the conclusion of that bit of research.

Also, out of the feedback form that is up, 86% said that they do not use ISO and only 10% said they did AND we're ok with the current ISO makeup. So that leaves less than 4% of people that gave feedback concerning the ISO makeup. Knowing that info, I'd like to keep the ISO kit as-is. HOWEVER, if you just need one key added in order to be satisfied, I'll definitely consider it. But please let me know soon as we are supposed to be submitting a quote to GMK next week or the week after.

Fair enough, if the IC indicates no one wants full iso then there is no point adding it. To a lot of people this may just sound like I'm being pedantic, but my biggest issue with ANSI-ISO mashups on every set that does it, is that there ends up being two keys with the same legend, ie 3# and ~#. If you were to add and R3 \| key, then that would solve my issue with duplicate legends and can use the R4 fn key next to the left iso shift. That or adding an R3 `~ key.
I apologise if my problem with ANSI-ISO sounds stupid and trivial, its just personally, duplicate legends really bug me (besides mods, obviously).
Btw, those novelties are awesome and that RAMA artisan is just beautiful.

[nasp]

Fair enough, if the IC indicates no one wants full iso then there is no point adding it. To a lot of people this may just sound like I'm being pedantic, but my biggest issue with ANSI-ISO mashups on every set that does it, is that there ends up being two keys with the same legend, ie 3# and ~#. If you were to add and R3 \| key, then that would solve my issue with duplicate legends and can use the R4 fn key next to the left iso shift. That or adding an R3 `~ key.
I apologise if my problem with ANSI-ISO sounds stupid and trivial, its just personally, duplicate legends really bug me (besides mods, obviously).
Btw, those novelties are awesome and that RAMA artisan is just beautiful.

The addition of 1 extra 1u keycap should increase the price by a trivial amount. I'll try to make it happen for you. Shouldn't be a problem. 

[nasp]

Just received confirmation from the vendor that the addition of the R3 \| won't be a problem at all and I'm going to update the base kit render now, as well as update the Voyager 2 novelty.

Cheers!

[nasp]

After almost a week, the data from the deskmat poll seems clear. A and C were fairly close with C pulling out ahead by a few points; however, a lot of folks expressed interest in combining the planets of C with the orbit rings of A...so with that:







Two quick notes. Yes, the text does seem small but this is going to be a huge deskmat so it'll be larger once produced. We'll definitely keep an eye on the size and make sure it is large enough to read. Secondly, yes, Uranus and Neptune don't largely have the swirls pattern shown, but they are based off the novelties from the set. OCM did make planet novelties without the swirls, but as either filled or blank circles, they were rather plain and drab. The swirls add enough detail to make them interesting.


One important note, either this mission map deskmat or the pattern deskmat will be made in a mouse pad size as well as the larger deskmat. I'll run a poll at the end of the month or in early July to let you all decide which one you'd like as a mouse pad.


I'm currently working on artisan collabs and hope to have some exciting info to share with you soon! 

[BrainBunker]

After almost a week, the data from the deskmat poll seems clear. A and C were fairly close with C pulling out ahead by a few points; however, a lot of folks expressed interest in combining the planets of C with the orbit rings of A...so with that:



(Attachment Link)



Two quick notes. Yes, the text does seem small but this is going to be a huge deskmat so it'll be larger once produced. We'll definitely keep an eye on the size and make sure it is large enough to read. Secondly, yes, Uranus and Neptune don't largely have the swirls pattern shown, but they are based off the novelties from the set. OCM did make planet novelties without the swirls, but as either filled or blank circles, they were rather plain and drab. The swirls add enough detail to make them interesting.


One important note, either this mission map deskmat or the pattern deskmat will be made in a mouse pad size as well as the larger deskmat. I'll run a poll at the end of the month or in early July to let you all decide which one you'd like as a mouse pad.


I'm currently working on artisan collabs and hope to have some exciting info to share with you soon! 

This design is A+ in my book!

[LoneRegiment]

Love the deskmat design

The rama cap looks great also, but I think something more akin to an asterisk* would look more consistent and be more true to the original record.


I just did this in paint so its not great and maybe a little too big
just a thought 

[MajorKoos]

Can't believe I missed this.
I'm in.

[euphxenos]

Would it be possible to add an R3 PgUp and R4 PgDn?  They're used in the right column of some 65% layouts (the Massdrop Alt, Uniqey C70, Tada68, Whitefox).

[nasp]

Love the deskmat design

The rama cap looks great also, but I think something more akin to an asterisk* would look more consistent and be more true to the original record.
(Attachment Link)
I just did this in paint so its not great and maybe a little too big
just a thought 

Hey, LoneRegiment, thanks for offering your constructive criticism!

I do see what you mean by the asterisk instead of the current star-like symbol. Unfortunately, since all 4 of these symbols are going on a 1u keycap, something that is only about an inch long and an inch wide, it won't be possible. Making things even trickier is that it'll be PVD brass instead of double-shot plastic. That's why OCM made the symbols a bit more smooth and simple than the ones that are on the actual Golden Record. Anything with a bit more hard angles or rough edges just wouldn't be possible.

Again, thanks for the feedback. 

[Sintpinty]

Show Image

Updates

More

04/13/2019 - Added spacebar kit upon request and added wilba.tech Thermal render.
04/15/2019 - Added first proposal of novelties
04/25/2019 - changed modifiers to icons only and added render of the novelties kit
05/01/2019 - proposed new 40's, Ortho, Split Kit and new Spacebar kit
05/02/2019 - completed several revisions of the 40's, Ortho, Split kit
05/03/2019 - uploaded banner art! Thanks Hisui Hyena :)
05/04/2019 - uploaded Polaris renders with novelties
05/08/2019 - uploaded full renders of 40's/Ortho/Split and Spacebar kits
05/23/2019 - RAMA cap initial design - second page
05/28/2019 - added R4 1.25u Caps Lock, refinement of novelties, and 1^st deskmat concept
06/04/2019 - 2nd deskmat poll live
06/09/2019 - added R3 \| key and updated Voyager 2 render.
06/09/2019 - added 2nd Deskmat art

Currently Working On:

More

• Working on artisan collabs :thumb:
• Need to secure a quote from GMK - will ask GMK before end of June
• RAMA cap - Golden Record - need quote from RAMA
• Deskmat art - will use same artist that is working on banner and box art most likely. I expect to have some options in June or before. 1 more deskmat option incoming
• Refinement of Novelties - hope to be completed early June
• Banner and Forum (signature) Art - has been commissioned but artist has a very full schedule. I expect something by at least the middle of May
• Box Art - will likely be related to banner and forum (signature) art - almost finished - needs some refinement
• Securing cable maker - this collab. was almost as popular as deskmat Done! More details to follow this summer
• Need to evaluate if an assemblies kit (ergo, ortho, 40's combined) has enough support to meet MOQ. Jury is still out on that one - will likely run a poll
• Evaluating new spacebar and 40's, Ortho, Split kit

Greetings and Salutations!  :thumb:

GMK Voyage is inspired by Voyager 2's magnificent journey to the end of our solar system and its surveillance of Uranus and Neptune. Not only did it bring us the beautiful blue-ish colors of these two icy twins, but it is the only spacecraft to have visited either Uranus or Neptune.


(Attachment Link)



Kits:

More

Click on an image to enlarge


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Case Renders:


wilba.tech Thermal
(Attachment Link)
additional Thermal images:

More

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Satisfaction75 by Upas
(Attachment Link)
additional Satisfaction75 images:

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Polaris by ai03
(Attachment Link)
additional Polaris images:

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A note about renders taken from Oblotzky:
"I do all my renders in a fully desaturated lighting environment, so whatever pantone/ral/hex/rgb colors I am using should be unaffected. The only change would be brightness depending on how much light I use in the scene, and bounce light from neighboring keys (e.g. a red accent key will bounce off some light onto surrounding keys, giving them a small area of red highlight). However the overall tone should be rather close to what you would see IRL in a neutral lighting environment."



RAMA cap initial mockup (Golden Record):


(Attachment Link)



Deskmats:


(Attachment Link)


For info on the second deskmat, please go here.



Pantone Colors: 

More

(Attachment Link)

Old, inaccurate renders:

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Renders with text and icons:
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Outdated Kits:
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Old Polaris Render

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(Attachment Link)
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In case you have not already filled it out, please fill out the Google Form HERE. Everyone's feedback matters.


Special Thanks to:

• Oblotzky for the renders
• OneCreativeMind and Nephlock for the GB advice
• OneCreativeMind for designing the novelties and deskmat
• Hisui Hyena for banner, box art, and minor refining of novelties

Please show your support for GMK Voyage by putting this in your forum signature. Go to Profile - Forum Profile - Modify Profile.

Code: [Select]

[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=100221.0][img width=400 height=120]http://i.imgur.com/r4aMEO2.png[/img][/url]

The deskmat is really cool! ˆV ˆ

[nasp]

Would it be possible to add an R3 PgUp and R4 PgDn?  They're used in the right column of some 65% layouts (the Massdrop Alt, Uniqey C70, Tada68, Whitefox).

Hi Euphxenos. Thanks for the feedback and sorry those keys aren't in there. I know 65% boards are quite popular.

After looking at my feedback form, I see that only one other person requested R3 PgUp and R4 PgDn keys. I actually had more folks ask for a stepped R3 Control key than the R3 PgUp and R4 PgDn keys. Fortunately, 65% boards are compatible with the base kit as-is, it's just that the particular key layout might not match up with what they want. If more folks are willing to voice their support for R3 PgUp and R4 PgDn I'll definitely consider it, but I'd like to keep the base kit as affordable as possible and unfortunately that means some sacrifices have to be made.

Hope you understand. Bon Voyage!

[petamva]

i wish the alphas were white with mod-colored legends
otherwise looks pretty neat!great job!

[nasp]

Updates!

Sale begins in August

1. Proxies are as follows:

• North America - Cannonkeys.com
• Europe - MyKeyboard.eu
• Asia - ILuMKB.com
• Australia - DailyClack.com

2. Added RAMA cap render - second draft coming with some minor improvements (record pinhole and entire thing slightly larger)
3. Zap Cables will be offering a custom matching cable for sale alongside the GB on CannonKeys.com

[forevermadrigal]

Updates!

Sale begins in August

1. Proxies are as follows:

• North America - Cannon Keys
• Europe - MyKeyboard.eu
• Asia - ILuMKB.com
• Australia - DailyClack.com

2. Added RAMA cap render - second draft coming with some minor improvements (record pinhole and entire thing slightly larger)
3. Zap Cables will be offering a custom matching cable for sale alongside the GB on CannonKeys.com

Yes!! Super cool to get zapcables to do a gb with this too.

[vonCheerios]

Looking forward to this one! Been waiting a while to find the right caps.These will do!
Cheers, thnx!

[nasp]

Pricing Update!



I'm happy with these prices and I think you will be too! The base MOQ is 250 because of custom colors. Only about a month away now!



CannonKeys.com
Base: $124.99
Novelties: $42.99
Space: $22.99
40's/Split: $37.99



MyKeyboard.Eu
Base: €126.00
Novelties: €47.00
Space: €23.00
40's/Split: €40.00



iLuMKB.com
Base: SGD $183.00
Novelties: SGD $63.50
Space: SGD $33.00
40's/Split: SGD $56.00


DailyClack.com
Base: AUD $199.00
Novelties: AUD $68.20
Space: AUD $36.50
40's/Split: AUD $60.30



Bon Voyage!

[BrainBunker]

Those prices are looking good! I'll have one of each, please

[Esperianterra]

HYYYPE.

In for one base kit at least

[nasp]

Greetings folks!

Just looking for some help in deciding on a mousepad design for GMK Voyage. We'll be cutting down one of the deskmat designs.


The poll is HERE


Thanks as always and of course your feedback is appreciated 

[LightningXI]

Go, Mission Map!

[nasp]

Quick Update:


The mission map won the mousepad poll so here it is:



Because of the square dimensions, the timeline could not be included.




And lastly, a render by Gok on his soon-to-be for sale 7V board:






We are now only 30 days out from launch! 

PS: There will be a week of giveaways for those who join the first week 

[nasp]

Big Update


Because there are a lot of keysets running next month, I've decided to change the kits up a bit in order to make GMK Voyage stand out even more. The goal is to bring our kit number down from 4 to 3, as well as lower the cost just a bit. We're expecting the base kit to hit $119.99 now (edit: we've now added accent bars in to the base kit so the price won't be as low as $119.99). That's just an estimate though and we'll post the official prices as soon as we hear back from GMK and talk to our proxies.

Here's a breakdown:

• Removed ISO from base kit and put it in a new kit - compat kit. This should lower the base price to around $119.99
• Removed spacebar and 40's kit and have made a new compat kit

Compat kit includes:

• 6u spacebars (centered and off-centered stem
• split spacebars
• minimal Planck support
• basic ISO support

Some questions that are probably on your mind

Why did you take out the accent spacebars? They are now in base kit!
I'm wanting to keep the compat. kit price as low as possible. Even though I could add just 2 main accents (6.25u and 7u), their size does not make them cheap. If they were as cheap as two single 1u keys, I would gladly put them in, but they are considerably more expensive. For those reasons, I did not think folks wanting just the accent bars would purchase the kit knowing that they would also be receiving keys completely unrelated.

What's with the legends on the 1u Planck modifiers?
The 'Out', 'Data', and 'Read' keys are molds that do exist currently so there is no extra cost here. I've chosen these because 'Esc' and 'Tab' on the Planck are either put on R2 or R3. There is no agreed upon arrangement for these keys. If I were to add the typical R2 'Tab' and R3 'Esc', I would also need a R2 'Esc' and a R3 'Tab', which is what the previous 40's kit included. To get around having to add an additional 2, 1u keys, I've added keys with legends that can be interchangeable with the modifiers they represent. Also, and this may be a bit more rare, but some Planck users don't even put 'Esc' on R2 or R3!

Also, you may notice too that there is not a mod colored '" key. I particularly am not a fan of mod colored '" key so I added the 'Read' mod key which can either go in place of '" or you can put it on the opposite side of the board where the 'Esc' or 'Tab' might go. And if neither of that appeals to you, you could simply use an alpha colored '" key.

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

That base kit price is amazing.

I'm gonna get a compatibility kit (mostly for the split bars), but don't need the 6U bars or the iso. Anyone need those?

[tskiller]

Dont really wanna have to pay for iso just to get 40 support, ill pass.

edit

actually is this even compat with 40s at all anymore? just ortho?

[nasp]

Dont really wanna have to pay for iso just to get 40 support, ill pass.

It was a tough choice to make, but originally ISO was in the base kit (like most GMK sets) so you'd have to take ISO either way. I decided to take ISO, shrink 40's support to Planck/Preonic and include niche spacebars like split and 6u in one kit. This way, these niche layouts are not being subsidized by the essential keys, but are still available in a separate kit for those that need them. Also, by putting these different keys together in one kit, different subsets of users are ensuring that the kit hits MOQ unlike a traditional 40's kit or spacebar kit which only draws folks looking for 40's compat or spacebars respectively.

At the end of the day, we were concerned about the 40's kit hitting MOQ. Even sets that sell 800+ base sets have trouble hitting 100 MOQ on a 40's kit. Mizu is a good example. The approach we are taking allows us to keep support for the most popular 40's board while also lowering base price for the majority of folks who will buy the set. A few people might not agree with this approach, but it allows the set to be competitively priced while still appealing to a majority of the market.   

[nasp]

Base Kit Update

We have decided we didn't like removing spacebar accents entirely, so we have put in 6.25u and 7u spacebars in to the base kit. Overall this will still make the base kit cheaper than the previous $124.99 price. We are waiting on proxies to list their prices before fully releasing all pricing. Novelties have not changed of course.



Week of Giveaways!



Form link: http://bit.ly/Voyage-Prizes


The giveaways will start on August 2nd and end on August 8th at 11:59 PM Eastern. Enter in the giveaway by purchasing a base kit. Purchase a base kit before August 2nd at 11:59 PM Eastern to qualify for ALL prizes that week. Consequently, if you purchase a base kit on August 8th at 11:59 PM Eastern, you will only quality for the August 8th giveaway. The winners will be chosen and announced the day after. For example, the winner of the August 4th prize (all those who have purchased a base kit before August 4th at 11:59 Eastern) will be chosen on August 5th.

And now the giveaways

• August 2nd - Dusty Caps Uranus Artisan
• August 3rd - Dusty Caps Neptune Artisan
• August 4th - Golden Record RAMA Cap
• August 5th - Novelties Kit
• August 6th - Mission Map Deskmat
• August 7th - Pattern Deskmat
• August 8th - GMK Voyage Zap Cable - you choose style

TLDR: The earlier in the first week you join, the more prizes you will be entered to win.


I'll have pics of the Dusty Caps artisans as soon as this weekend. If not pics, then renders. Dusty just finished his Solar Series in SA profile and now he's working on Cherry.


Bon Voyage!



edit: and here are those renders of Uranus and Neptune in Cherry profile

[BrainBunker]

Base Kit Update

We have decided we didn't like removing spacebar accents entirely, so we have put in 6.25u and 7u spacebars in to the base kit. Overall this will still make the base kit cheaper than the previous $124.99 price. We are waiting on proxies to list their prices before fully releasing all pricing. Novelties have not changed of course.



Week of Giveaways!


The giveaways will start on August 2nd and end on August 8th at 11:59 PM Eastern. Enter in the giveaway by purchasing a base kit. Purchase a base kit before August 2nd at 11:59 PM Eastern to qualify for ALL prizes that week. Consequently, if you purchase a base kit on August 8th at 11:59 PM Eastern, you will only quality for the August 8th giveaway. The winners will be chosen and announced the day after. For example, the winner of the August 4th prize (all those who have purchased a base kit before August 4th at 11:59 Eastern) will be chosen on August 5th.

And now the giveaways

• August 2nd - Dusty Caps Uranus Novelty
• August 3rd - Dusty Caps Neptune Novelty
• August 4th - Golden Record RAMA Cap
• August 5th - Novelties Kit
• August 6th - Mission Map Deskmat
• August 7th - Pattern Deskmat
• August 8th - GMK Voyage Zap Cable - you choose style

TLDR: The earlier in the first week you join, the more prizes you will be entered to win.


I'll have pics of the Dusty Caps artisans as soon as this weekend. If not pics, then renders. Dusty just finished his Solar Series in SA profile and now he's working on Cherry.


Bon Voyage!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the accent spacebars in the base kit! I was sad to see them go at first, but had accepted I had to live without them, but now they're back!

One question regarding giveaways: If I order the novelties, or Rama novelty on the first day with the group buy, and then win a kit later, can I cancel the kit I won? Alternatively, can I order just base kit on day 1, then add the remaining kits I want once I find out I did not win any of the giveaways?

[nasp]

No problem  We decided that we didn't like losing the accent bars if we were going to also have accent Esc and Enter keys. Also, they didn't raise the base price significantly.

As for the giveaways, yes, if you win something that you've already purchased, Cannon Keys can refund you. As for waiting to purchase to see if you've won something first, I would recommend against doing that for a few reasons. One is that it puts added pressure on the vendor because he now has two separate orders that should be one. Second is that you will likely be charged shipping again, which is usually not a big deal, but Paypal no longer credits back to the seller the Paypal fee that was initially paid. I suppose you could contact Cannon Keys first to let him know to combine orders, but when he is potentially dealing with 100's of orders, this can be a bit of a headache for him.

I believe this is the first time a giveaway of this magnitude for a keyset has been done so I hope it goes well. I'd love to see similar giveaways in the future - and not just on my next set 

[Kinvaris]

No problem  We decided that we didn't like losing the accent bars if we were going to also have accent Esc and Enter keys. Also, they didn't raise the base price significantly.

As for the giveaways, yes, if you win something that you've already purchased, Cannon Keys can refund you. As for waiting to purchase to see if you've won something first, I would recommend against doing that for a few reasons. One is that it puts added pressure on the vendor because he now has two separate orders that should be one. Second is that you will likely be charged shipping again, which is usually not a big deal, but Paypal no longer credits back to the seller the Paypal fee that was initially paid. I suppose you could contact Cannon Keys first to let him know to combine orders, but when he is potentially dealing with 100's of orders, this can be a bit of a headache for him.

I believe this is the first time a giveaway of this magnitude for a keyset has been done so I hope it goes well. I'd love to see similar giveaways in the future - and not just on my next set 

Is the giveaway only for those who buy through Cannon Keys? Or will all vendors enter you into the giveaway?

[nasp]

No problem  We decided that we didn't like losing the accent bars if we were going to also have accent Esc and Enter keys. Also, they didn't raise the base price significantly.

As for the giveaways, yes, if you win something that you've already purchased, Cannon Keys can refund you. As for waiting to purchase to see if you've won something first, I would recommend against doing that for a few reasons. One is that it puts added pressure on the vendor because he now has two separate orders that should be one. Second is that you will likely be charged shipping again, which is usually not a big deal, but Paypal no longer credits back to the seller the Paypal fee that was initially paid. I suppose you could contact Cannon Keys first to let him know to combine orders, but when he is potentially dealing with 100's of orders, this can be a bit of a headache for him.

I believe this is the first time a giveaway of this magnitude for a keyset has been done so I hope it goes well. I'd love to see similar giveaways in the future - and not just on my next set 

Is the giveaway only for those who buy through Cannon Keys? Or will all vendors enter you into the giveaway?

At this time they'll be available through CannonKeys and ALL proxies! I don't think that will change since CannonKeys and proxies will be offering the same items, but if it does, I'll let you know here.

[Karni]

Dont really wanna have to pay for iso just to get 40 support, ill pass.

At the end of the day, we were concerned about the 40's kit hitting MOQ. Even sets that sell 800+ base sets have trouble hitting 100 MOQ on a 40's kit. Mizu is a good example. The approach we are taking allows us to keep support for the most popular 40's board while also lowering base price for the majority of folks who will buy the set. A few people might not agree with this approach, but it allows the set to be competitively priced while still appealing to a majority of the market.

Not sure if mizu is a good example here as they didn't come out with a 40s kit until there were 2 days left in the gb

[coredump777]

This set may be the one that will make me get a GMK set. It's gorgeous and the theme is insanely cool.

Does anyone know if there's a place where I can find GMK compatible keycaps? I use an apparently not common thing that is exchange caps lock for ESC, and I NEVER find a 1.75u R3 cap to go with it. I would settle for a blank even.

So, to make this kit perfect, a VIM keys set would be cool

[Surefoot]

Does anyone know if there's a place where I can find GMK compatible keycaps?

These are Cherry profile, aplenty on aliexpress and such...

[nasp]

This set may be the one that will make me get a GMK set. It's gorgeous and the theme is insanely cool.

Does anyone know if there's a place where I can find GMK compatible keycaps? I use an apparently not common thing that is exchange caps lock for ESC, and I NEVER find a 1.75u R3 cap to go with it. I would settle for a blank even.

So, to make this kit perfect, a VIM keys set would be cool

Thought about adding VIM, but at the end of the day I decided to omit them in order to keep prices low.

As for replacing Caps with Esc, I've only heard of that among Planck/Preonic users, which uses 1u mods. There as a GMK Blank group buy a while back and I'm sure another will come up in the future, but that's a ways off. You may want to look into having one made. I know that some people make caps in Cherry profile out of resin - AlexatPanc does that. He may be able to give you some pointers. Fortunately, you can replace the Esc with a novelty and as for the Caps, there's not a text icon, but an icon instead so hopefully that won't bother you too much.

Cheers!

[coredump777]

This set may be the one that will make me get a GMK set. It's gorgeous and the theme is insanely cool.

Does anyone know if there's a place where I can find GMK compatible keycaps? I use an apparently not common thing that is exchange caps lock for ESC, and I NEVER find a 1.75u R3 cap to go with it. I would settle for a blank even.

So, to make this kit perfect, a VIM keys set would be cool

As for replacing Caps with Esc, I've only heard of that among Planck/Preonic users, which uses 1u mods. There as a GMK Blank group buy a while back and I'm sure another will come up in the future, but that's a ways off. You may want to look into having one made. I know that some people make caps in Cherry profile out of resin - AlexatPanc does that. He may be able to give you some pointers. Fortunately, you can replace the Esc with a novelty and as for the Caps, there's not a text icon, but an icon instead so hopefully that won't bother you too much.

Cheers!

Again I don't understand how replacing Caps for ESC isn't more popular (specially around the vi users around there) but whatevs.

Yeah I may look into casting or finding someone to cast a compatible key for that. Even maybe an artisan? Anyway, thanks!

[yohannes]

Nathan, just want to confirm the giveaways are applicable to all proxies right? and they all will report to you daily who makes the purchase to be included in the daily giveaways? Thanks

[nasp]

Nathan, just want to confirm the giveaways are applicable to all proxies right? and they all will report to you daily who makes the purchase to be included in the daily giveaways? Thanks

Hi Yohannes,

Thanks for reaching out. I've reached out to all vendors again just to double-check that they are all on board. This is a bit of a tricky endeavor because of the time-zone difference between all 4 vendors, but it should be possible. My worry is that there maybe be a bit of a delay when it comes to announcing the winner each day, but I will do my best to promptly notify the vendors to send me order numbers. I'm only asking for order numbers BTW. At the very minimum, we may have to exclude one or two vendors. I recognize that owners of each store have other day jobs on top of being in a different time zone across the world, which might make this a tall task.

I will reply back to you tomorrow, or the next day at the latest, with a definitive answer. I've asked all vendors to reaffirm their commitment to the week of giveaways.

Thanks for your patience in this manner. 

[Sedula]

Just a suggestion, but how about structuring things in a way that's less contingent on the vendors? For example:

• Open a Google Form where buyers self-report their order numbers and approximate time of order
• Google Form for each day closes ~60 minutes past the deadline (to allow time for people to submit last-minute orders)
• Raffle each day is drawn from all relevant entries
• At the end of the raffle, all winners are reality-checked via their reported order numbers and vendors; anyone caught falsifying an order is disqualified and that prize is redrawn

A system like this would put all the work on the entrants. Vendors would have to only verify as many orders as their platform has winners (so a maximum of seven, and possibly fewer).

[nasp]

Just a suggestion, but how about structuring things in a way that's less contingent on the vendors? For example:

• Open a Google Form where buyers self-report their order numbers and approximate time of order
• Google Form for each day closes ~60 minutes past the deadline (to allow time for people to submit last-minute orders)
• Raffle each day is drawn from all relevant entries
• At the end of the raffle, all winners are reality-checked via their reported order numbers and vendors; anyone caught falsifying an order is disqualified and that prize is redrawn

A system like this would put all the work on the entrants. Vendors would have to only verify as many orders as their platform has winners (so a maximum of seven, and possibly fewer).

Great idea! I'll make the form tonight and post it here. It'll be active August 1st. I'll be sure to post it on all the appropriate channels.

Thanks your help! This will allow winners to be picked and announced each night or early morning.

[nasp]

If you didn't catch my last message, we are doing the giveaways a bit differently. Instead of relying on the vendors to tell me order numbers, you will do that!

Form opens August 1 and I'll pick the first winner a few minutes after August 2nd at 11:59 PM EDT - with an announcement either that night or in the morning. The schedule will be the same for the rest of the week so please try to submit your order # before 11:59 PM EDT so that you can qualify for that day's reward. If you have already filled out the form, you do NOT need to fill it out every day until the giveaways end.


http://bit.ly/Voyage-Prizes

[TheTP.]

I am so fricking happy to buy this , i like the deskpads most , love your work!

[Gh0sty]

Really stoked for this!

[nasp]

GB Thread is up

Please go there for updates, comments, and/or questions. This thread is now closed.


https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=101808.0