[IC] GMK Modern Japanese Desko - GB April 19.

[EnjoyMyInSec]

GMK Modern Japanese Desko

Hi there, hope that you're still all safe during those hard times !

I'm here to introduce my new set : GMK Modern Japanese Desko.

Most people know that I'm a topre lover, I don't deny it, I always wanted to make a set that would be a direct tribute to a topre keyboard/keyset.
That said, there was always 1 specific topre keyboard that I loved, the norbaforce owned by nmur.
I asked his permission on that, and he was keen to let me use his very personnal colorway to make this particular GMK set !

I decided to tweak it a bit to make it more "modern" by having icon mods and more flashy colors instead of the standard RGB Desko look.

Here is Nmur's board



That being said, let me introduce you to the kits

Base kit :


The base kit is numpad-less, but offers all the compatibility you can think off : WKL, HHKB, WK, split backspace, basic ISO aswell as an extra B.
I also included a bunch of arrow keys and escape keys to customise your keyboard the way you like !



Some people prefere the more OG desko look, just don't like "weeb alphas" or maybe just want an extra alpha kit to mix and match with other keysets considering that it's WS1 !

Latin alpha kit :



Eiiti Wada is the father of the HHKB, since this set is related to a topre board, I had to do it, and it does look super good so why not ?

HHKB Kit :



Having some colored spacebars is important for some people. This set also include the necessary kits to use specific layouts such as Alice.

Spcebar kit :



Numpad kit :



Deskmats :






Now let me show you some renders made by Raz, to show the possibilities of the set !























Colors used for the set :




I hope that you like the sets ! if Yes let me know why, and if not, please let me know aswell !!
Feed back is always apprecieated !

If you want to discuss about the set and want to know the future updates, please join my discord server and follow me on instagram !






If you want to support the set, feel free to attach this signature to your GeekHack profile !



F.A.Q :

Q : Will you do a 40% Kit ?

A : No

Q : Will you consider numpad ?

A: XD

Q : Would you consider making a norde/dvorak... kit ?

A : No, it dosent fit my vision of the set + norde and hiragana dosent go well, otherwise people would need to buy base + latin + Norde, which dosent make sense, and nobody would buy that.

Q : Full UK ISO ?

A : No, the basic ISO is more than enough.

Q : Artisan Collabs ?

A : I'd love to ! Especially with people I already worked with in the past !

Q : Cable Collab ?

A : I want to, depends on you guys


TO DO :

- Define US, AUS and ASIA Proxy. (EU is Candykeys, ASIA Should be Zfrontier, AUS should be Dailyclack)
- Contact GMK for quote
- Plan a date for the GB
- Potentially incorporating your feedback to the IC


Special thanks to everyone that helped me, I'm pretty sure you already know who you are 

[EnjoyMyInSec]

Reserved

[raz]

You have my 

[ttom]

Very good

In

[Kokaloo]

lol no numpad
pass

if you add a 2nd tab in the latin kit you can fill out a regular tkl/tsangan and an hhkb board with all kits, but you seem pretty set in stone on your kitting so good luck!

[of_sam]

Lookin good!

[fropsie]

Looks great!

[LightningXI]

If it's Desko, shouldn't we have OG beige and text+icon mods?

[Zambumon]

With Desko in its name I would expect a numpad anywhere.

[Wilba]

GMK Modern Dolch Lighter, Weeb Edition.

[EnjoyMyInSec]

If it's Desko, shouldn't we have OG beige and text+icon mods?

You're totally right on that but I didn't want to 1:1 "Desko".

I wanted to make my version of it, and that's how I think Desko should look as of today.

I don't say it's the right interpretation, It's just how I feel.

IMHO Nmur's board is kind of a Modern Desko already, I just wanted to push the process further.

I hope that you get my point 

[crusader_alex]

Hot

[Salvun]

Where is my Numpad

[terrad]

Definitely in if icon + text mods.

Sent from my IN2023 using Tapatalk

[LightningXI]

I also hope that this becomes a full base kit with numpad, as it is fairly unreasonable cost-wise to do a TKL-and-smaller only kit with GMK (only justification for it would be if you were expecting to sell at least 1k units, but you must have a numpad kit as well).
You've included 1800/CP layout support without a numpad, in case you weren't aware.

[Emir]

best of luck 

[forevermadrigal]

Muted r2?

[Wazazaby]

instant buy

[darthcapn]

Interested!!

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[OtherAndrew]

¥ on pipe please

[PizzaKeyboards]

Really nice set and renders!

[konstantin]

This is an interesting-looking set with a cool backstory. I think it will do well A few suggestions:

Base kit

• Add the missing ー quaternary (top-right) sublegend to the -_ほ key.
  References and examples: 1 2 3 4. (This character is a Japanese prolonged sound mark, not a regular dash.)
  
  
• Change R4 1.25u Menu to Fn.
  Fn is the more common legend, used on a wide variety of boards and sizes. Menu has limited uses, primarily for “standard”/non-programmable TKL and full-size boards with 6.25u bottom rows. But in these cases, Fn is a viable replacement for it, whereas Menu isn't really a viable replacement for Fn in other cases. Fn is also more popular overall, so it would be the preferred legend choice here.
  
  
• Add R3 Pg Up, R4 Pg Dn for modern 65%/75% layouts.
  65% is the most popular layout in the community (source), and a lot of people need these keys to cover their 65% layouts. Including these keys is statistically more worthwhile than, for example, 1.5u OS keys or stepped 1.75u Control, which is why most GMK sets include the former and don't include the latter.
  
  
• Speaking of stepped R3 1.75u Control, if this isn't a personal addition of yours, I would suggest removing it.
  This key isn't popular enough to warrant being included in a base kit. There are already more than enough options for the R3 1.75u key. If R3 Control users really want a stepped key, they can use stepped ⇩. In fact, some sets (e.g. GMK Rouge) chose to not include R3 Control at all because the ⇩ is generic-looking enough that it can be used for Control.
  
  
• Including a green 2.75u Shift might be worthwhile.
  2.75u isn't prevalent in the enthusiast community, but it is still commonly used on custom TKLs, and I think this set would really shine on TKLs. Case in point: the inspiration behind the set, NMUR's TKL, has a green 2.75u Shift.
  
  
• Speaking of TKLs, consider including a mod-colored R1 1u F13 key (or a R1 1u text novelty).

Spacebar kit

• Include a 1.25u space key.
  This size is useful not just for Alice and similar boards (2u+1.25u left space), but also for standard split 6.25u space configurations on various ≥60% boards (2.75u+1.25u+2.25u, 2.25u+1.25u+2.75u).

As a side note, I really dig the “No Signal” deskmat design, and I'm probably going to pick one up even if I don't end up getting the set itself.

Thanks for reading, happy to hear your thoughts

[synthtastic]

My only complaint would be not having split spacebars in all those neat accent colors. That would result in a 10,000 spacebar kit with the variants, but I'd get that...

Otherwise, great looking set! Really cool stuff.

[EnjoyMyInSec]

This is an interesting-looking set with a cool backstory. I think it will do well A few suggestions:

Base kit

• Add the missing ー quaternary (top-right) sublegend to the -_ほ key.
  References and examples: 1 2 3 4. (This character is a Japanese prolonged sound mark, not a regular dash.)
  
  
• Change R4 1.25u Menu to Fn.
  Fn is the more common legend, used on a wide variety of boards and sizes. Menu has limited uses, primarily for “standard”/non-programmable TKL and full-size boards with 6.25u bottom rows. But in these cases, Fn is a viable replacement for it, whereas Menu isn't really a viable replacement for Fn in other cases. Fn is also more popular overall, so it would be the preferred legend choice here.
  
  
• Add R3 Pg Up, R4 Pg Dn for modern 65%/75% layouts.
  65% is the most popular layout in the community (source), and a lot of people need these keys to cover their 65% layouts. Including these keys is statistically more worthwhile than, for example, 1.5u OS keys or stepped 1.75u Control, which is why most GMK sets include the former and don't include the latter.
  
  
• Speaking of stepped R3 1.75u Control, if this isn't a personal addition of yours, I would suggest removing it.
  This key isn't popular enough to warrant being included in a base kit. There are already more than enough options for the R3 1.75u key. If R3 Control users really want a stepped key, they can use stepped ⇩. In fact, some sets (e.g. GMK Rouge) chose to not include R3 Control at all because the ⇩ is generic-looking enough that it can be used for Control.
  
  
• Including a green 2.75u Shift might be worthwhile.
  2.75u isn't prevalent in the enthusiast community, but it is still commonly used on custom TKLs, and I think this set would really shine on TKLs. Case in point: the inspiration behind the set, NMUR's TKL, has a green 2.75u Shift.
  
  
• Speaking of TKLs, consider including a mod-colored R1 1u F13 key (or a R1 1u text novelty).

Spacebar kit

• Include a 1.25u space key.
  This size is useful not just for Alice and similar boards (2u+1.25u left space), but also for standard split 6.25u space configurations on various ≥60% boards (2.75u+1.25u+2.25u, 2.25u+1.25u+2.75u).

As a side note, I really dig the “No Signal” deskmat design, and I'm probably going to pick one up even if I don't end up getting the set itself.

Thanks for reading, happy to hear your thoughts

Hi thanks for your constructed comment as always

1) Did my render guy did it wrong or you're suggesting that GMK hiraganas are wrong ? if it's just the render, it's gonna get corrected asap
2) I prefere menu
3) Im considering it
4) Agreed, may remove it
5) Sorry render problem, gonna fix it, thanks for telling me
6) Im willing to include a F420 or a F69 if that suits people's needs just for the meme
7)Ill consider the 1.25 u but don't count too much on it.

Thanks a lot for your comment, waiting on your reply

[whitty]

Love this set! Pls don’t switch to centered icons


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[whitty]

GMK Modern Dolch Lighter, Weeb Edition.

Did you forget GMK Muted exists?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SenseiJia]

Well done! Interested!

[yoot]

this is a must buy for me

[konstantin]

Hi thanks for your constructed comment as always

1) Did my render guy did it wrong or you're suggesting that GMK hiraganas are wrong ? if it's just the render, it's gonna get corrected asap
2) I prefere menu
3) Im considering it
4) Agreed, may remove it
5) Sorry render problem, gonna fix it, thanks for telling me
6) Im willing to include a F420 or a F69 if that suits people's needs just for the meme
7)Ill consider the 1.25 u but don't count too much on it.

Thanks a lot for your comment, waiting on your reply

1) GMK now has the correct mold for this key, so it's just the render.
2) Can't argue with that In that case, consider including a separate R4 1.25u Fn key. Although, I wouldn't say that it's a must; the other suggestions I had are more important.
5) 👍 Looks like it's already been fixed, nice.
6) That would be pretty cool ngl

I hadn't mentioned it previously, but how do you feel about using Super or System instead of Code for the OS key legends?

¥ on pipe please

If consistency/accuracy is one of the goals, this isn't a good idea. See here.

[EnjoyMyInSec]

Hi thanks for your constructed comment as always

1) Did my render guy did it wrong or you're suggesting that GMK hiraganas are wrong ? if it's just the render, it's gonna get corrected asap
2) I prefere menu
3) Im considering it
4) Agreed, may remove it
5) Sorry render problem, gonna fix it, thanks for telling me
6) Im willing to include a F420 or a F69 if that suits people's needs just for the meme
7)Ill consider the 1.25 u but don't count too much on it.

Thanks a lot for your comment, waiting on your reply

1) GMK now has the correct mold for this key, so it's just the render.
2) Can't argue with that In that case, consider including a separate R4 1.25u Fn key. Although, I wouldn't say that it's a must; the other suggestions I had are more important.
5) 👍 Looks like it's already been fixed, nice.
6) That would be pretty cool ngl

I hadn't mentioned it previously, but how do you feel about using Super or System instead of Code for the OS key legends?

¥ on pipe please

If consistency/accuracy is one of the goals, this isn't a good idea. See here.

For Sys/code etc. I don't really mind, but it's kinda like the menu, I guess I'm used to it so I didn't questionned it.

A lot of people seem to do the same but I guess it's pure personnal preferences.

So I wouldnt be against  some changes unless people really request it , which I doubt

[Cubic // esc lab]

Can't stop thinking about GMK Minimal 2.

[Ashardalon]

Simple, clean look with colourful highlights.; definitely a fan and keen to pick up a set!

[HungHingDaiLo]

Lookin' good!

[CustomerSupport]

If R3 Control users really want a stepped key, they can use stepped ⇩. In fact, some sets (e.g. GMK Rouge) chose to not include R3 Control at all because the ⇩ is generic-looking enough that it can be used for Control.

First sentence I agree with, but second I'd suggest against. Considering a lot of this kit panders to the HHKB keyboard influence and layout, not having a R3 Control would just seem odd and unnecessary.

2) I prefere menu

2) Can't argue with that In that case, consider including a separate R4 1.25u Fn key. Although, I wouldn't say that it's a must; the other suggestions I had are more important.

I'd support a 1.25u FN key; my FC750R actually has Alt/Fn/Menu/Ctrl on the right side of the spacebar, so I'm okay with both Menu and FN


However, and somewhat ironically, in the render of the dark gray U80, it appears a 1.25u FN key already exists. At this point that seems like an oversight, but hopefully that was a Freudian Slip.





All-in-all I really enjoy this set! I would consider getting it, especially with the HHKB arrow cluster highlight kit!


One further suggestion I have is to add an additional Tab and Enter key in the Latin Alphas kit. This would allow someone to use a Base + Latin kit on 2 different boards at the same time.

[Agilr]

Love the idea of the set, but hope this current trend of not including Numpad at least as a separate kit doesn't become a common occurence.

I also hope that this becomes a full base kit with numpad, as it is fairly unreasonable cost-wise to do a TKL-and-smaller only kit with GMK (only justification for it would be if you were expecting to sell at least 1k units, but you must have a numpad kit as well).
You've included 1800/CP layout support without a numpad, in case you weren't aware.

Lightning's right on the money with this. With your current kitting, you're suggesting you're okay sacrificing compatibility for multiple accented options to achieve a similar price.

[DukeEsquire]

I like the colorway although I hope you consider text-only mods or text + icon.

[AaronR]

What’s the black used I’m assuming CR?

[EnjoyMyInSec]

Love the idea of the set, but hope this current trend of not including Numpad at least as a separate kit doesn't become a common occurence.

I also hope that this becomes a full base kit with numpad, as it is fairly unreasonable cost-wise to do a TKL-and-smaller only kit with GMK (only justification for it would be if you were expecting to sell at least 1k units, but you must have a numpad kit as well).
You've included 1800/CP layout support without a numpad, in case you weren't aware.

Lightning's right on the money with this. With your current kitting, you're suggesting you're okay sacrificing compatibility for multiple accented options to achieve a similar price.

Everything ain’t about money.
I know that prices change little with/without numpad. But if I don’t include it it’s not because of that.
That’s my way of seeing the set, it’s about « selling » a product I trully enjoy from start to finish.
That said, id be lying to say that « adding a numpad » wouldnt affect me.

I don’t want one, yes it’s a selfish move and I don’t deny it.

So even if you don’t like my choice, I just hope that you guys can respect it.

Sorry if that annoys some people, I just don’t see myself selling something I don’t like 

I like the colorway although I hope you consider text-only mods or text + icon.

Sorry, Icon mod gang here

What’s the black used I’m assuming CR?

Forgot to include it lol, thank god you remind me.
Should be CR yes.

[EnjoyMyInSec]

Btw for the extra enter + tab key.

Yeah I think I can safely say that I’ll add it

[n.rdy]

i really like this

[CustomerSupport]

Btw for the extra enter + tab key.

Yeah I think I can safely say that I’ll add it

Awesome

[tommyhongg]

Love it

[Shikada]

Sooo, not including a numpad is part of your personal enjoyment? Your grand vision for this product? Strange, but you do you. I still think not having a numpad in any way will hurt your set in the end, and I hope it's a trend that doesn't catch on in the least.

[EnjoyMyInSec]

Sooo, not including a numpad is part of your personal enjoyment? Your grand vision for this product? Strange, but you do you. I still think not having a numpad in any way will hurt your set in the end, and I hope it's a trend that doesn't catch on in the least.

That's not an argument, because you can say that for every possible compat, even 40%
Nobody forced anyone to have numpad in a set.

For a fact nobody complains in the GMK Honore thread.

Let's break the "codes" for once I guess

[Nonnegaard]

I hate those FAQ's that designers do. Just write; F: Will you take feedback? A: No.

[Nonnegaard]

Sooo, not including a numpad is part of your personal enjoyment? Your grand vision for this product? Strange, but you do you. I still think not having a numpad in any way will hurt your set in the end, and I hope it's a trend that doesn't catch on in the least.

That's not an argument, because you can say that for every possible compat, even 40%
Nobody forced anyone to have numpad in a set.

For a fact nobody complains in the GMK Honore thread.

Let's break the "codes" for once I guess

That's not an argument, because GMK Honor was a spin-off of GMK Bushidō.

[EnjoyMyInSec]

I hate those FAQ's that designers do. Just write; F: Will you take feedback? A: No.

If you look what I answered to Konstantin you'd understand that I took and considered almost everything he told.

The FAQ was just here to advertise people that some layouts won't be covered.

I'd rather be honnest from the start and say "yeah maybe I'll consider it" and never make it.

Sorry if you thought that it was mean, that was really not the case and I appologise if people felt the same.

[Nonnegaard]

I hate those FAQ's that designers do. Just write; F: Will you take feedback? A: No.

If you look what I answered to Konstantin you'd understand that I took and considered almost everything he told.

The FAQ was just here to advertise people that some layouts won't be covered.

I'd rather be honnest from the start and say "yeah maybe I'll consider it" and never make it.

Sorry if you thought that it was mean, that was really not the case and I appologise if people felt the same.

Not at all mean, but saying you wont take any feedback is just as honest as making an FAQ saying no over and over. I love the kitting. Inexpensive and covers my needs.

[konstantin]

For Sys/code etc. I don't really mind, but it's kinda like the menu, I guess I'm used to it so I didn't questionned it.

A lot of people seem to do the same but I guess it's pure personnal preferences.

So I wouldnt be against  some changes unless people really request it , which I doubt

You're right, it absolutely is down to personal preference (much more so than in the Fn/Menu case, even). I try to be as unbiased as I can when sharing kitting feedback with designers, but Code is one legend that I have a strong preference against So I'd like to share my reasons for disliking Code with you, if I may; perhaps you may agree with some of it:

• In and of itself, “Code” doesn't make much sense as an OS-key legend. OS keys are used to access system-specific functions/features, manipulate windows/workspaces, and they work as a special modifier key (Win/Cmd/Super) in some applications. I find that “Code” really doesn't tie into any of this.
• Code was originally taken from electric typewriters, where it actually performed a function much more similar to Shift than to an OS key.
• Code makes the left part of the board look too C-heavy, if that makes sense (Caps, Control, Code).
• The other options, Super and System, I think are better, for reasons I go into here and here.
  

Again, these are just my 2¢, and while there are some objective arguments here, you are free to disagree and keep preferring Code.

If R3 Control users really want a stepped key, they can use stepped ⇩. In fact, some sets (e.g. GMK Rouge) chose to not include R3 Control at all because the ⇩ is generic-looking enough that it can be used for Control.

First sentence I agree with, but second I'd suggest against. Considering a lot of this kit panders to the HHKB keyboard influence and layout, not having a R3 Control would just seem odd and unnecessary.

No worries, the second sentence wasn't part of the suggestion, I was just using that example to further my point about stepped Control not being necessary. I agree that regular R3 1.75u Control should definitely be in this set.

However, one thing that may be worth considering when it comes to this key, is changing the Control text to a ∧ icon (e.g. like GMK Red Devils). It fits in a bit better aesthetically with the surrounding icon mods. See below for an example:

2) Can't argue with that In that case, consider including a separate R4 1.25u Fn key. Although, I wouldn't say that it's a must; the other suggestions I had are more important.

I'd support a 1.25u FN key; my FC750R actually has Alt/Fn/Menu/Ctrl on the right side of the spacebar, so I'm okay with both Menu and FN


However, and somewhat ironically, in the render of the dark gray U80, it appears a 1.25u FN key already exists. At this point that seems like an oversight, but hopefully that was a Freudian Slip.


(Attachment Link)

That's a good point, some TKLs do indeed use both Menu + Fn instead of Super + Fn/Menu. A few off the top of my head are: Drop CTRL and ENTR, Leopold FC750R, GMMK ТKL, Durgod K320. And I guess some people may prefer to have it this way on their customs, but I'm not sure how common that is.

I think the bigger argument in favor of also having Fn as an option is that, on its own, it trumps Menu in terms of popularity across a wide variety of boards and layouts (all the way from 40s up to full-size).

[udller]

this looks pretty nice, the deskmat in the first render should really be an option though. it looks far cooler than the others. personaly id like text and icon mods. i dont mind about the numpad either way.