[IC] DCS Alps Pingmaster (Closed; Fredington is creating new thread)

[FRANCO]

Important Update (11/2): Due to life getting in the way (nothing bad though!), I will be closing this IC. Fredington will be picking this up soon though!

Hi Everyone!
Fredington and I teamed up again to bring you DCS Alps Pingmaster!

Like many in this hobby, I discovered Alps switches and ended up loving them. But unfortunately, there isn’t that much choice for Alps lovers when it comes to keycaps. It seems like the only choices are Tai Hoa sets (but dolch is always out of stock), the sets from those two GBs from back in the 2010’s, or a yellowed vintage set. And good luck finding a set with a 1u Zero keycap for the numpad. Honestly, as a fan of Alps switches, I kind of just want a new keycap set haha

A few key things about this set:

• The set is PBT with Dye-sublimated legends
• We went the PBT route since Alps keycaps in Doubleshot ABS tend to have an issue of very fragile stems, and SP informed us that because the PBT Alps keycaps are single shot molded, fragile stems shouldn’t be an issue
• The longer spacebars (6u, 6.25u, 6.5u, 7u) will be in ABS as the PBT spacebar is known to warp pretty badly
• The set was inspired by the IBM Pingmaster because I’ve always liked the Japanese Alps keycaps.
• (UPDATE: 7/28) We have gone back to one base kit; this time, with both text and icon modifiers, to be more faithful to the Pingmaster keyboard, incorporating elements from both the Japanese and Chinese variants
• (UPDATE: 7/28) We included full compatibility for JIS layouts
• All Modifiers will have MX mounts for stabilizers

If you are interested in this set, please fill out this form here! There also may be a question regarding future sets


Kits:

Base Kit

After even more deliberation, we felt it was best to make the set more faithful to the Pingmaster, but incorporating both text and icon modifiers into the base kit, using inspiration from both theChinese and Japanese variants
The legends have also been changed to more accurately reflect the Pingmaster legends. Specifically, we moved the English legends from the top left, to the bottom left

JIS

Offers full JIS layout compatibility; accents included

Numpad

We initially wanted the base kit to include everything, but due to the legends, it got a bit pricey. So we split out the Numpad to make it a bit more affordable.


Split Spacebars

We added a Split Spacebar kit for more compatibility with various layouts. Please note which spacebars are marked as ABS



Other Considerations:

• We wanted to include relgendables in the GB, but they only offer them in a couple of PBT colors. And because the tooling was made for ABS, the PBT tends to shrink
• We really wanted to try to include a Big Ass Enter, but unfortunately, it's just not possible right now

Standard SP Color Codes:

• Alphas: GKK
• ABS Spacebars: Color matched to GKK (in the event that we can’t color match, this will be GSL)
• Modifiers: GDE
• Blue Accents: BFD
• Pink Accents: RCA

Special Acknowledgements:

• Thank you again to Fredington for creating the fonts, kits, and just being a pleasure to work with
• Thank you to kidviddy and konstantin for helping Fredington with the new text and icon modifiers
• Thanks to ai03 for giving us his blessing. It was genuinely a mistake that this set looks like his SimpleJA keycap set; we honestly forgot that he had already created a PBT set with Katakana sublegends

To-do’s:

• Gather feedback
• Possible polling
• Finalize kits
• Finalize colors
• Vendors (currently reaching out)
• Pricing (in progress)
• Renders (in progress)
• GB Date

Changelog

• 7/28/20
  Revised modifiers to both text and icon to be more in line with Japanese and Chinese Pingmaster variants
  Revised kits from separate Alphas and modifiers, back to one Base Kit
  Added full JIS layout support
  Finalized color codes
• 7/4/20
  Revised legends so English Alphas sit on the bottom left, being more in line with the Pingmaster's legends
  Broke out Alphas, Icon Mods, and Katakana Mods
  Unfortunately, had to remove the BAE kit
• 6/25/20
  Added Icon Modifiers Kit
  Broke out accents to be combined in other sets
  Included standard accents in Base Kit
  Included Icon BAE keys with accents in BAE Kit
  Broke out ISO into its own kit, and included accents and Icon ISO Enter Keys with accents
  Added Split Spacebars Kit (note: Similar to the base kit, the longer 6u and 6.5u spacebars will be made in ABS)
• 6/19/20
  Confirmed that the spacebars will be ABS

[Ulliam]

You had me at DCS but hit damn. Amazing looking set sign me up for 5

[xIHA]

Yes!~ More alps keysets please!!!

[ddrfraser1]

Cool! I love this set, but I wish it was SA PBT or MT3. Also, BAE! WHAT?!     

Renders please

[d.caminero]

Very interested in this, already filled the form.
BTW, you should change the first question of the form, since it will only let you choose one option, you should use checkboxes.

[Capsy]

DCS PBT. Sign me up.

[qriousgabriel]

You run it and I’ll join, that simple.

[mrkevint]

I'm definitely interested. I filled out the form.

I have a Blue Alps TKL that is begging for these key caps haha. SimpleJA is one of my favourite sets.

[Shadohhh]

Filled out the form. Hopefully this makes it past IC. I haven't seen SP dye subs quality in awhile. Hopefully it's still decent.

[gnhuy91]

yas!

[Gert Fischer]

renders when?

[Fredington]

renders when?

The problem with renders of DCS is that nobody actually has bothered to make DCS models, so they end up using cherry models, which is not exactly the same thing and could be potentially misleading. Not saying that renders are off the table completely, but just wanted to set expectations.

[Beni986]

Definitely interested in this

[Vigrith]

Good ****.

[FRANCO]

Very interested in this, already filled the form.
BTW, you should change the first question of the form, since it will only let you choose one option, you should use checkboxes.

Thank you for pointing out! Changed it a bit after you posted =)

[J3ff_Leopard]

Absolutely yes. I have 3 Alps builds planned for the future so any custom caps with wider compatibility would be great. Love seeing this and I'll keep an eye on the thread.

[ilikerustoo]

Interested for sure

[bibobim]

Ah yes. PBT and dye-sub caps for my lovely alps

[Zeelobby]

Always need more Alps caps.

[stickerliu]

need more alps caps too！

[Mcnos]

hi, yes

[Pluto19]

I would love to see the inclusion of the ISO keys in the Base kit instead of the Numpad kit.
Also ~ would love to see the removal of one row 4 1.25u shift as you have one in both the Base kit as well as the Numpad kit.

[Lil]

Any chance of Alice spacebars being added to one of the kits? I want to do an alps build of my PhysiX at some point

[FZ]

Happy to see this and I think the colorway was a good choice. I echo the thoughts of others regarding DCS as the profile for it. Personally I'd like to see this with the KAT sculpt. Actually, ideally, I'd like to see an Alps set with the Apple IIc profile but I think that is a bit of a niche request currently.

Good luck with it. I will definitely be looking forward to the group buy for this.

[kakan]

I'm very interested, good luck with running it.

[TheInverseKey]

Very interested, which stabs are you going to use for this set?

[dallman5]

Nice looking set! Any change for an icon mod option? Some pingmasters did have icon mods after all 

[zrrion]

Very interested, which stabs are you going to use for this set?

this and what stabilizer does the BAE use? I'm contractually obligated to join any gb with a BAE but only if it uses a reasonable stabilizer. If it uses alps stabilizers and a rod or dummy switch for the top of the BAE then it would actually be compatible with the things I want to put it on.

[segami]

I'm in.

[nu_types]

Definitely interested! These caps actually remind me more of the Japanese IBM P70 keycaps or the IBM JX keycaps (but with katakana instead of hiragana) than the pingmaster... but that makes me like the caps even more.

[FRANCO]

Very interested, which stabs are you going to use for this set?

this and what stabilizer does the BAE use? I'm contractually obligated to join any gb with a BAE but only if it uses a reasonable stabilizer. If it uses alps stabilizers and a rod or dummy switch for the top of the BAE then it would actually be compatible with the things I want to put it on.

The BAE should use MX stabilizers as I don't believe SP has the tooling necessary for Alps/Matias stabilizers

[Poblopuablo]

Will this be compatible with lunar aek? https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=96112.0

[Fredington]

Will this be compatible with lunar aek? https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=96112.0

Yes.

[Full]

I am 100% in on this!

[AuDiTH]

Looks great, would be down for a set

[TheInverseKey]

Very interested, which stabs are you going to use for this set?

this and what stabilizer does the BAE use? I'm contractually obligated to join any gb with a BAE but only if it uses a reasonable stabilizer. If it uses alps stabilizers and a rod or dummy switch for the top of the BAE then it would actually be compatible with the things I want to put it on.

The BAE should use MX stabilizers as I don't believe SP has the tooling necessary for Alps/Matias stabilizers

This is quite sad to hear as only Alphas are really going to be usable with most Alps Customs.

[Puddsy]

will this keyset have a center stem capslock for kingsaver compat

[dallman5]

will this keyset have a center stem capslock for kingsaver compat

Why though? Kingsaver would require all new right side mods too since they’re 0.25u longer than the standard.

Also curious to know what kind of stabilizers this will be using as I’m not very familiar with SP’s PBT alps caps.

[nu_types]

will this keyset have a center stem capslock for kingsaver compat

Why though? Kingsaver would require all new right side mods too since they’re 0.25u longer than the standard.

Also curious to know what kind of stabilizers this will be using as I’m not very familiar with SP’s PBT alps caps.

It will use MX stabs. It's been stated that SP does not have the moulds for Alps stabs.

[garbo]

will this keyset have a center stem capslock for kingsaver compat

Why though? Kingsaver would require all new right side mods too since they’re 0.25u longer than the standard.

I figured that was a joke on the question about Lunar support, since using a set like this on either of them would be sort of missing the point of the case designs.

(The Wang caps lock stem is just the same as any other non-stepped Alps one anyway. DCS doesn't have the stab mounts but it doesn't really matter)

[it99]

oh my god this is so beautiful i need this for my blue alps tkl, was gonna sla print some mx to alps adapters but i think i would much rather get this set. it would be amazing in SA or MT3 to be that much more like the pingmaster's caps (quite high profile iirc) but I'd imagine that the tooling necessary for that would cost quite a bit. any ideas of when you'd be considering running this?

[syke]

nice

[Yahhuy212]

Any chance for special F row keys for AEK II ?

[FRANCO]

Very interested, which stabs are you going to use for this set?

this and what stabilizer does the BAE use? I'm contractually obligated to join any gb with a BAE but only if it uses a reasonable stabilizer. If it uses alps stabilizers and a rod or dummy switch for the top of the BAE then it would actually be compatible with the things I want to put it on.

The BAE should use MX stabilizers as I don't believe SP has the tooling necessary for Alps/Matias stabilizers

This is quite sad to hear as only Alphas are really going to be usable with most Alps Customs.

I feel you! I actually have been researching this and there are Alps to MX stab adapters. I'll try to find a link

[mode]

100% in

any chance of some more iso keys though? People who want ISO are going to pay for it if it costs a bit more and has more coverage.

[lucid211]

  hi yes!!!

[Little4Real]

Easily buying two sets (including numpad, icons, and spacebars)

[mode]

Also, why not have alphas in the icon kit? or even have seperate alphas, If you want alphas then you've gotta have two sets of mods, and it'd be better to have two full usable sets.

Gotta say, I think it doesn't make sense to split iso unless you add considerably more keys to the set, such a small ISO kit may as well be rolled into the main one. Again, please make ISO icon mods possible, add an icon small shift!

[platypusduck]

I filled in the IC form, but I forgot to mention the following errors:

– All Enter legends seem to be spelling out "ESOTA–" instead of "ENTA–". It should be エンター, not エソター. The difference is subtle, but it's noticeable.

– Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Alt should be アルト, not アールト.

I'm all for new Alps keysets, but I'm going to be honest, all these silly direct translations of modifiers are getting out of hand. Trendiness aside, if good Japanese legends are what you're after, I think it kinda makes more sense to use ai03's translations, wouldn't it?

[mode]

Also, why not have alphas in the icon kit? or even have seperate alphas, If you want the icons then you've gotta have two sets of mods, and it'd be better to have two full usable sets.

Gotta say, I think it doesn't make sense to split iso unless you add considerably more keys to the set, such a small ISO kit may as well be rolled into the main one. Again, please make ISO icon mods possible, add an icon small shift!

[bobgr8]

Recent GMK ABS spacebars are also warped, so be careful!

[dallman5]

Glad to see icon mods in the mix! Like others said, it might be nice to have alphas be separate from mods (i.e. alphas + jp mods + icon mods as separate kits). I know for SP SA and MX DCS kits this is common because of how their pricing works out but I’m less familiar with their DCS PBT Alps pricing structure.

[FRANCO]

Also, why not have alphas in the icon kit? or even have seperate alphas, If you want alphas then you've gotta have two sets of mods, and it'd be better to have two full usable sets.

Gotta say, I think it doesn't make sense to split iso unless you add considerably more keys to the set, such a small ISO kit may as well be rolled into the main one. Again, please make ISO icon mods possible, add an icon small shift!

Glad to see icon mods in the mix! Like others said, it might be nice to have alphas be separate from mods (i.e. alphas + jp mods + icon mods as separate kits). I know for SP SA and MX DCS kits this is common because of how their pricing works out but I’m less familiar with their DCS PBT Alps pricing structure.

I filled in the IC form, but I forgot to mention the following errors:

– All Enter legends seem to be spelling out "ESOTA–" instead of "ENTA–". It should be エンター, not エソター. The difference is subtle, but it's noticeable.

– Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Alt should be アルト, not アールト.

I'm all for new Alps keysets, but I'm going to be honest, all these silly direct translations of modifiers are getting out of hand. Trendiness aside, if good Japanese legends are what you're after, I think it kinda makes more sense to use ai03's translations, wouldn't it?

Glad to see icon mods in the mix! Like others said, it might be nice to have alphas be separate from mods (i.e. alphas + jp mods + icon mods as separate kits). I know for SP SA and MX DCS kits this is common because of how their pricing works out but I’m less familiar with their DCS PBT Alps pricing structure.

We did consider breaking out alphas into its own kit with JP mods and Icon mods as separate kits. But after Fredington and I thought through it, we felt that perhaps we should have been a bit more faithful to the Pingmaster legends from the outset.

We understand that the Katakana mods weren't faithful to the Pingmaster, but it was strictly a design choice as we both liked the Katakana mods (still do), but definitely understand that the decision to go with katakana mods was basically taken from a sample size of two.

So in the next update, we will be staying as faithful as possible to the Pingmaster and doing a mixture of icon and Japanese text modifiers (i.e. we may not have a separate modifier kit). Also, in keeping with the approach of staying as faithful as possible, we will also be revising the Alpha legends themselves to be more in line with the Pingmaster's. Instead of having the Alphas top left, the Pingmaster actually has its alpha legends on the bottom left.

[keyboardkrill]

When you run this, I will join.

[platypusduck]

We understand that the Katakana mods weren't faithful to the Pingmaster, but it was strictly a design choice as we both liked the Katakana mods (still do), but definitely understand that the decision to go with katakana mods was basically taken from a sample size of two.

So in the next update, we will be staying as faithful as possible to the Pingmaster and doing a mixture of icon and Japanese text modifiers (i.e. we may not have a separate modifier kit). Also, in keeping with the approach of staying as faithful as possible, we will also be revising the Alpha legends themselves to be more in line with the Pingmaster's. Instead of having the Alphas top left, the Pingmaster actually has its alpha legends on the bottom left.

A respectable decision. The best that we can do is support your efforts to make this set as good as possible.

[it99]

I respect your decisions to be as close to the original source as possible, but I honestly like the legends right now. I feel like it will look odd for alphas to be in the bottom left on non hi-profile keys, and tbh I like the original legends you have made in Japanese, making a mix between the two to fit the icon legends of the pingmaster isn't the move in my opinion. It is your set, and you guys have the right to make the final decisions, but I just wanted to give my two cents as someone who decided to miss out on other sets for this who is kinda regretting it because they like how the design was originally and not with some of the proposed changes. I don't want to be rude at all and I completely respect your decisions, but again, just wanted to give my two cents. I mean, if you somehow got this done in SA or MT3, i'd be fine with the legends fitting the pingmaster more closely, but tbh if you are gonna do it in DCS I like it how you have made it so far.

[mode]

SP doesn't offer SA with alps stems, and I highly doubt whoever it is that manufactures MT3 would offer alps stems.

DCS, DSA and XDA and TaiHao OEM are the only profiles manufactured anymore that I'm aware of. XDA being the only thick offering.

[mcmaxmcmc]

I can't help but be ticked off by the upper left Latin legends.

I know you guys said that the Pingmaster was just an inspiration for this keyset, but I can't help but think that's just a facade to a normal JP Alps set.  I do notice the front lettering on the V, B and N keys which I do appreciate, but I would like at least a poll or something regarding where the Latin legends should be, as the originals have them on the bottom left corner.  It might look even nicer.  (Check out the Katakana-variant IBM 5556 Multistation keyboard

More

-- that's what I'd imagine it to be similar to, though perhaps that may just be a far-fetched dream.)

Other people have said that they liked the legends being on the top left instead of the original bottom left, and I'm fine with it myself, but it just isn't very faithful to the original.

As for the modifiers, the JP Pingmaster has Kanji text for the mods but the Chinese variant does have some Icon mods for the Shift and Caps Lock key, which this set doesn't look familiar to.  What this looks familiar to is just the bog standard GMK icon mods, which leads me further into the facade theory.  I do see the Nav cluster though, and I do appreciate the difference there.  I'm not sure if that's for the better or worse, though, but I do appreciate the work.

And as for the errors, that has already been explained by another fellow:

More

I filled in the IC form, but I forgot to mention the following errors:

– All Enter legends seem to be spelling out "ESOTA–" instead of "ENTA–". It should be エンター, not エソター. The difference is subtle, but it's noticeable.

– Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Alt should be アルト, not アールト.

I'm all for new Alps keysets, but I'm going to be honest, all these silly direct translations of modifiers are getting out of hand. Trendiness aside, if good Japanese legends are what you're after, I think it kinda makes more sense to use ai03's translations, wouldn't it?

Along with the caps having MX stabilizers, it is a very hard bite for me, unfortunately.  It's going to all depend on the pricing, which I frankly don't have much of a high hope for.  I most likely will not be getting this set, but I won't stop others from getting it or liking it.  I do welcome change, though, so perhaps this opinion of mine will be obsolete in the near future.

I really, really do appreciate you guys for bringing this IC upfront and am very glad that many people are interested, but as of right now this set ticks me off the wrong way.  Just my two cents.

[konstantin]

Your set's placement of the katakana sublegends appears to be based on Apple's variant of the ANSI JP layout, as seen on the AEK:



However, I think the standard ANSI JP layout that's used on Windows, Linux and other systems would be more appropriate. For one, it's closer to the JIS layout of the original Pingmaster; and also Pingmasters and AEK's don't really go in the same basket if you ask me. Here is the layout:



The differing keys are marked in green. I recommend changing the sublegends to match this layout.

Note also that the ヲ sublegend on the 0) key needs to be regular size, not small like the ャ, ュ, ョ etc. sublegends next to it. Also note the absence of ¥ symbols on any of the backslash keys. This is because having ¥ symbols there is incorrect/inaccurate (sets like MT3 Serika, which you may have used as a reference, got this wrong).

[konstantin]

On a related note, I also recommend changing the alpha keys in the ISO kit as follows:

• R3 \|ヘ¥ → \|ム
• R4 <>  → <>ロ

This will not only match the above standard ANSI JP layout, but will also allow your set to cover JIS keyboards. If you also add the following two keys to the ISO kit, your set will have complete JIS alpha coverage, matching that of the original Pingmaster:

• add R1 1u `~ー (alpha-colored)
• add R1 1u 半角 / 全角 or 半/全 (mod-colored)

See GMK Mecha-01's base kit for an example of these keys.

ISO

Show Image

Split out ISO into its own kit and included accents

Edit: Here is a KLE mockup of what I mean (additional Enter keys omitted):

[FRANCO]

Based on feedback, we separated the Alphas from the modifiers to give people a choice between Icon and Katakana mods

Also, we unfortunately had to remove the BAE =/

[mcmaxmcmc]

Man, I'm loving this set now.  Those alphas are looking good!

I also notice some corrections have been done to the JP Legends as well, which I do appreciate.  I still want the Katakana legends to be correct to the Windows standard though, as konstantin has pointed out

More

Your set's placement of the katakana sublegends appears to be based on Apple's variant of the ANSI JP layout, as seen on the AEK:

Show Image

However, I think the standard ANSI JP layout that's used on Windows, Linux and other systems would be more appropriate. For one, it's closer to the JIS layout of the original Pingmaster; and also Pingmasters and AEK's don't really go in the same basket if you ask me. Here is the layout:

Show Image

The differing keys are marked in green. I recommend changing the sublegends to match this layout.

Note also that the ヲ sublegend on the 0) key needs to be regular size, not small like the ャ, ュ, ョ etc. sublegends next to it. Also note the absence of ¥ symbols on any of the backslash keys. This is because having ¥ symbols there is incorrect/inaccurate (sets like MT3 Serika, which you may have used as a reference, got this wrong).

, just so it can be usable to the rare chance somebody actually uses the legends -- but I'm fine with whatever.

Also, for the numpad Enter key with the vertical legend, I believe the dash at the end of エンター is vertical because it's written vertically.  I could be wrong though, but I'm somewhat sure that this is the case.

Very nice! Loving these changes.

[remdell]

Wow! I'm glad others in the IC agreed on the alpha adjustment. This set looks so good with the latin alphas bottom left-aligned and the japanese sublegends at the bottom right. It's very faithful to the original.
While we get no more big ass enter, I appreciate the mod options given for this alps set.

One thing I would like to see added to the vintage set would be the outlined fat arrows on that were middle-aligned on the og pingmaster's shift keys, as well as the lock icon (middle-aligned) on the capslock key.

[dallman5]

These kits look great, thanks for being so receptive!

[joecoolbob]

Honestly, I'm not a fan of the Numpad enter key. I understand that you wanted to use 'エンター' vertically, but the last dash should be vertical, not horizontal.

Also, I might be wrong but the 'ン' in the Numpad enter is incorrect. Looking at your other legends you have 'エンター' correct, but the Numpad enter is 'エソター'.

edit: Same for the alpha set too. There is two 'ソ' keys instead of one 'ソ' and one 'ン'. Specifically the 'Y' and 'C' key. Japanese is such a weird language. If you need help lmk. I can help.

[FRANCO]

Your set's placement of the katakana sublegends appears to be based on Apple's variant of the ANSI JP layout, as seen on the AEK:

Show Image

However, I think the standard ANSI JP layout that's used on Windows, Linux and other systems would be more appropriate. For one, it's closer to the JIS layout of the original Pingmaster; and also Pingmasters and AEK's don't really go in the same basket if you ask me. Here is the layout:

Show Image

The differing keys are marked in green. I recommend changing the sublegends to match this layout.

Note also that the ヲ sublegend on the 0) key needs to be regular size, not small like the ャ, ュ, ョ etc. sublegends next to it. Also note the absence of ¥ symbols on any of the backslash keys. This is because having ¥ symbols there is incorrect/inaccurate (sets like MT3 Serika, which you may have used as a reference, got this wrong).

Man, I'm loving this set now.  Those alphas are looking good!

I also notice some corrections have been done to the JP Legends as well, which I do appreciate.  I still want the Katakana legends to be correct to the Windows standard though, as konstantin has pointed out

More

Your set's placement of the katakana sublegends appears to be based on Apple's variant of the ANSI JP layout, as seen on the AEK:

Show Image

However, I think the standard ANSI JP layout that's used on Windows, Linux and other systems would be more appropriate. For one, it's closer to the JIS layout of the original Pingmaster; and also Pingmasters and AEK's don't really go in the same basket if you ask me. Here is the layout:

Show Image

The differing keys are marked in green. I recommend changing the sublegends to match this layout.

Note also that the ヲ sublegend on the 0) key needs to be regular size, not small like the ャ, ュ, ョ etc. sublegends next to it. Also note the absence of ¥ symbols on any of the backslash keys. This is because having ¥ symbols there is incorrect/inaccurate (sets like MT3 Serika, which you may have used as a reference, got this wrong).

, just so it can be usable to the rare chance somebody actually uses the legends -- but I'm fine with whatever.

Also, for the numpad Enter key with the vertical legend, I believe the dash at the end of エンター is vertical because it's written vertically.  I could be wrong though, but I'm somewhat sure that this is the case.

Very nice! Loving these changes.

On a related note, I also recommend changing the alpha keys in the ISO kit as follows:

• R3 \|ヘ¥ → \|ム
• R4 <>  → <>ロ

This will not only match the above standard ANSI JP layout, but will also allow your set to cover JIS keyboards. If you also add the following two keys to the ISO kit, your set will have complete JIS alpha coverage, matching that of the original Pingmaster:

• add R1 1u `~ー (alpha-colored)
• add R1 1u 半角 / 全角 or 半/全 (mod-colored)

See GMK Mecha-01's base kit for an example of these keys.

ISO

Show Image

Split out ISO into its own kit and included accents

Edit: Here is a KLE mockup of what I mean (additional Enter keys omitted):

Show Image

Man, I'm loving this set now.  Those alphas are looking good!

I also notice some corrections have been done to the JP Legends as well, which I do appreciate.  I still want the Katakana legends to be correct to the Windows standard though, as konstantin has pointed out

More

Your set's placement of the katakana sublegends appears to be based on Apple's variant of the ANSI JP layout, as seen on the AEK:

Show Image

However, I think the standard ANSI JP layout that's used on Windows, Linux and other systems would be more appropriate. For one, it's closer to the JIS layout of the original Pingmaster; and also Pingmasters and AEK's don't really go in the same basket if you ask me. Here is the layout:

Show Image

The differing keys are marked in green. I recommend changing the sublegends to match this layout.

Note also that the ヲ sublegend on the 0) key needs to be regular size, not small like the ャ, ュ, ョ etc. sublegends next to it. Also note the absence of ¥ symbols on any of the backslash keys. This is because having ¥ symbols there is incorrect/inaccurate (sets like MT3 Serika, which you may have used as a reference, got this wrong).

, just so it can be usable to the rare chance somebody actually uses the legends -- but I'm fine with whatever.

Also, for the numpad Enter key with the vertical legend, I believe the dash at the end of エンター is vertical because it's written vertically.  I could be wrong though, but I'm somewhat sure that this is the case.

Very nice! Loving these changes.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of the Numpad enter key. I understand that you wanted to use 'エンター' vertically, but the last dash should be vertical, not horizontal.

Also, I might be wrong but the 'ン' in the Numpad enter is incorrect. Looking at your other legends you have 'エンター' correct, but the Numpad enter is 'エソター'.

edit: Same for the alpha set too. There is two 'ソ' keys instead of one 'ソ' and one 'ン'. Specifically the 'Y' and 'C' key. Japanese is such a weird language. If you need help lmk. I can help.

Seriously appreciate all of your feedback here! The Japanese legends definitely aren't perfect, so we're going to be tweaking them a bit more and take your feedback heavily into consideration when doing so

[FRANCO]

Ooof...I also just realized that I completely forgot to put a section to collect emails...just added!

[konstantin]

I created a guide for katakana sublegends which you may find useful:


(KLE link)

I recommend including all of the keys except for the red ones. The legends here are Cherry-style, but you can adapt them to match your set. Take note of the sizing and positioning of the various sublegends.

The mod-colored key labeled Any can be the 半角 / 全角 key I mentioned above, or a text novelty like IBM.


Edit: updated link

[newtype_]

Will absolutely buy a set for my brown alps build. Great work.

[Fredington]

Check out the Katakana-variant IBM 5556 Multistation keyboard

More

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-- that's what I'd imagine it to be similar to

Thanks for posting that Multistation. It'll help build out the mods for the overhaul we are planning ;)

[FRANCO]

Updated the kits back into one base kit that includes both alphas and modifiers as we decided to combine both text and icon mods from the Japanese and Chinese variants of the Pingmaster

We think this is more faithful to the name, and honestly should have been this way from the beginning.  And we understand if people are disappointed, but we hope you like the changes as much as we do

[menuhin]

...
Split Spacebars

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We added a Split Spacebar kit for more compatibility with various layouts. Please note which spacebars are marked as ABS

...

Can you confirm with Signature Plastics that the spacebar kit has convex spacebar keys instead of just blank keys?
Perhaps I'm not so updated, I haven't heard that SP has the required curved convex spacebar molds or has done any such production in the past.

[FRANCO]

Can you confirm with Signature Plastics that the spacebar kit has convex spacebar keys instead of just blank keys?
Perhaps I'm not so updated, I haven't heard that SP has the required curved convex spacebar molds or has done any such production in the past.

Good call out! I'll check it out and follow up once I hear back

[ddrfraser1]

Not sure I love all the changes, (BAE!  ) But doesn't matter. I'm pretty much in no matter what 

[bibobim]

Since the kit has been finalized, do you have any estimated price for the base kit? I personally like the alpha and mods on the base kit on the current verion.

[FRANCO]

Since the kit has been finalized, do you have any estimated price for the base kit? I personally like the alpha and mods on the base kit on the current verion.

We haven't set up vendors yet, so we currently don't have pricing to share. Will be sure to provide an update once we do!

[kajahtaa]

Japanese Pingmaster had 1.25 Return?

[mode]

Are you going for homing scoops or bars? If scoops, can you get assurances that they won't forget to do them like they did for alps throwback?

I am pro scoops.

[gnho]

Any update?

[Little4Real]

Hope this keyset is ran soon-ish!

[Friendship]

Amassing my alps components now and would love to sport this set on the build. i made an account just to put my name in the hat and stoke the flames of creation.

[it99]

Dang I really wanted the set back with v1.1 (alphas and 2 mod kits) but now idk, I might go for Hineys Alps BoW keycaps set. But I respect the changes you made for authenticity ig. Imo even if it's not authentic it's fine since you should make a keyset you truly enjoy - if it has jp mods, so be it, since that might be what you prefer or something you find more pleasing than the original source material. Just my 2 cents tho and I still respect your changes so far. Just would kindly ask if you'd consider bringing it back to v1.1 haha

[DetectiveNio]

Any updates? Love dcs Yuri but this is some endgame set

[i luv chuletas]

Any updates on this? Def. interesting in picking up at least two base kits!

[Little4Real]

Dang I really wanted the set back with v1.1 (alphas and 2 mod kits) but now idk, I might go for Hineys Alps BoW keycaps set. But I respect the changes you made for authenticity ig. Imo even if it's not authentic it's fine since you should make a keyset you truly enjoy - if it has jp mods, so be it, since that might be what you prefer or something you find more pleasing than the original source material. Just my 2 cents tho and I still respect your changes so far. Just would kindly ask if you'd consider bringing it back to v1.1 haha

Sounds like you'd prefer the Cherry-style dyesubs, opposed to staying true to the Pingmaster.

[PigeonsLikeBread]

Are PBT DCS Alps thicker than ABS? This set looks really nice but I am slightly hesitant with DCS caps in general.

[pixelpusher]

Are PBT DCS Alps thicker than ABS? This set looks really nice but I am slightly hesitant with DCS caps in general.

nope, they are the same thickness.  Thin but pretty

[directheatedtriode]

Are PBT DCS Alps thicker than ABS? This set looks really nice but I am slightly hesitant with DCS caps in general.

If your concern was regard to sound DCS Alps sound really good.

[keyboardkrill]

Are PBT DCS Alps thicker than ABS? This set looks really nice but I am slightly hesitant with DCS caps in general.

If your concern was regard to sound DCS Alps sound really good.

I got DCS Yuri, and although I love it, I do worry about the the thinness of the keycap stem. There is a vod of Mr. Keebs accidently snapping off a DCS stem when he was just trying to remove a keycap. Still interested in this set, I just need to be REALLY careful when taking off caps. Might even buy an extra set jic.

[mode]

Are PBT DCS Alps thicker than ABS? This set looks really nice but I am slightly hesitant with DCS caps in general.

If your concern was regard to sound DCS Alps sound really good.

I got DCS Yuri, and although I love it, I do worry about the the thinness of the keycap stem. There is a vod of Mr. Keebs accidently snapping off a DCS stem when he was just trying to remove a keycap. Still interested in this set, I just need to be REALLY careful when taking off caps. Might even buy an extra set jic.

TBH, i've snapped thick PBT alps stems by accident, I've always been careful with my Yuri set, but it's not that tight a fit in my blue and orange alps. DSA lightcycle was bad as it was both a really tight fit (apparently, I didn't own the set) and doubleshot, which is inherently weaker than singleshot, and DSA alps doesn't have any stem supports like DCS does.

I don't think there are any alps sets which won't snap if one side of your puller slips, as long as you're careful of that you should be fine.

Surprised at people saying DCS sounds good, it doesn't sound bad, but it's thin abs, alps still generally sound good, but they're not and never will be thocky caps.

[Little4Real]

Surprised at people saying DCS sounds good, it doesn't sound bad, but it's thin abs, alps still generally sound good, but they're not and never will be thocky caps.

It'll actually be PBT, like DCS Alps Throwback. DCS PBT is a little "thockier" than the ABS variant.

[mode]

Surprised at people saying DCS sounds good, it doesn't sound bad, but it's thin abs, alps still generally sound good, but they're not and never will be thocky caps.

It'll actually be PBT, like DCS Alps Throwback. DCS PBT is a little "thockier" than the ABS variant.

I know, was just referring to the characteristics of Yuri, as I have that set, I didn't get alps throwback.

I wouldn't describe pbt as inherently more thocky though, just a different timbre. I certainly do prefer it.

[Friendship]

any update on this set?

[DetectiveNio]

Aw man hope this set gets picked up soon. Sourcing alps caps is a pain

[i luv chuletas]

Damn, was seriously looking forward to this.
Hopefully it comes back up sooner rather than later, there's real demand for an ALPS pbt dcs keycap set 

[gnho]

I have been following this set and SA 8010. I hope both will run soon!!

Is there a discord server where I can get the update?

[ephemeral25]

Definitely interested, Base kit is a little kitty please add ISO and numpad in it to reduice costs.

[konstantin]

Definitely interested, Base kit is a little kitty please add ISO and numpad in it to reduice costs.

There are no pricing overheads to splitting kits with SP, and therefore there are no cost reductions nor other benefits to putting ISO and numpad in the base kit.

[mode]

Definitely interested, Base kit is a little kitty please add ISO and numpad in it to reduice costs.

There are no pricing overheads to splitting kits with SP, and therefore there are no cost reductions nor other benefits to putting ISO and numpad in the base kit.

The iso kit never gets made when it’s separate though, yet I for one would not buy any set without one. there are still benefits for just having one complete set and moq.

[Zephyraeon]

Have there been any updates on this? I couldn't find the supposed new thread which I assumed would be up by now. Really looking forward to Pingmaster - hope it still happens

EDIT: Posted this question only a couple days early! New IC thread here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=112117.0