[IC] Alps DCS Infinity mods kit

[Badwrench]

Ok, guys, what do you think about this for a final?

BX/RCU  all with NN legends.  Spacebars still need to be finalized for colors (anyone with a color ring that can chime in?)

[potatochip]

Is it a longshot to get some keys for Mac users?

[Applet]

I think it looks good, but no possibility to get a 1.25 shift for ISO-users? I understand if ISO-users are not prioritized, especially if it is considered a Infinity mod kid, since it doesn't even have ISO-support. I would also love a ISO-enter, but I just assume that is not really feasible, right?

[jdcarpe]

I think it looks good, but no possibility to get a 1.25 shift for ISO-users? I understand if ISO-users are not prioritized, especially if it is considered a Infinity mod kid, since it doesn't even have ISO-support. I would also love a ISO-enter, but I just assume that is not really feasible, right?

Actually, this needs a 1.25 Shift, as well as a 1.75 Return, a 1.25 Tab (Row 3), and a Row 2 Esc.



Yes, it supports Alps.

No, none of the keys pictured require stabilizers.

[CPTBadAss]

Ok, guys, what do you think about this for a final?

BX/RCU  all with NN legends.  Spacebars still need to be finalized for colors (anyone with a color ring that can chime in?)

(Attachment Link)

Show Image

Actually, this needs a 1.25 Shift, as well as a 1.75 Return, a 1.25 Tab (Row 3), and a Row 2 Esc. ;)

Show Image

Yes, it supports Alps.

No, none of the keys pictured require stabilizers.

I approve of both of these things.

I think it looks good, but no possibility to get a 1.25 shift for ISO-users? I understand if ISO-users are not prioritized, especially if it is considered a Infinity mod kid, since it doesn't even have ISO-support. I would also love a ISO-enter, but I just assume that is not really feasible, right?

Ignorant question incoming: Are there any boards that support ISO layout and are Alps? I'm 100% sure there are but none come to mind at the moment .

[geniekid]

I've been looking at pictures of the old 5k177 caps on the Siig Minitouch and I don't really see a profile difference.  Were those caps made by someone other than SP?  Or is the Minitouch DCS profile?  Or is there a profile difference that I just can't pick out?

[Applet]

Ignorant question incoming: Are there any boards that support ISO layout and are Alps? I'm 100% sure there are but none come to mind at the moment .

Matias has ISO "alps" keyboards, and there are plenty of old boards. Personally I'm making my own custom 60% (no PCB). There have also been some talk of GON making the Nerd60 alps compatible here (I still hope for that ). But yes, the choices of ISO Alps boards is very limited.

Actually, this needs a 1.25 Shift, as well as a 1.75 Return, a 1.25 Tab (Row 3), and a Row 2 Esc.

Show Image

Yes, it supports Alps.

No, none of the keys pictured require stabilizers.

The JD45 looks great :)

[nubbinator]

Ignorant question incoming: Are there any boards that support ISO layout and are Alps? I'm 100% sure there are but none come to mind at the moment .

I believe there are some Dell AT101s and Apple keyboards that are, but they're very uncommon.  That abd when you do fund them, I believe the stabilizers and stem placement are inconsistent.

Anyways, ISO is a fools errand.  You always have a small handful crying for it and almost no one bud it.  In this case, it would drive up the price for no real reason and make targets even harder to hit. 

[Badwrench]

I think it looks good, but no possibility to get a 1.25 shift for ISO-users? I understand if ISO-users are not prioritized, especially if it is considered a Infinity mod kid, since it doesn't even have ISO-support. I would also love a ISO-enter, but I just assume that is not really feasible, right?

Actually, this needs a 1.25 Shift, as well as a 1.75 Return, a 1.25 Tab (Row 3), and a Row 2 Esc.

Show Image

Yes, it supports Alps.

No, none of the keys pictured require stabilizers.

So, would this work?  I switched the Return for enter and the full spelling of Function for Fn as SP doesn't have legends for either. 

[jdcarpe]

I think it looks good, but no possibility to get a 1.25 shift for ISO-users? I understand if ISO-users are not prioritized, especially if it is considered a Infinity mod kid, since it doesn't even have ISO-support. I would also love a ISO-enter, but I just assume that is not really feasible, right?

Actually, this needs a 1.25 Shift, as well as a 1.75 Return, a 1.25 Tab (Row 3), and a Row 2 Esc.

Show Image

Yes, it supports Alps.

No, none of the keys pictured require stabilizers.

So, would this work?  I switched the Return for enter and the full spelling of Function for Fn as SP doesn't have legends for either. 
(Attachment Link)

Looks like a winner to me. :)

[geniekid]

Looks good to me, but of course price is a consideration!

[Badwrench]

I think it looks good, but no possibility to get a 1.25 shift for ISO-users? I understand if ISO-users are not prioritized, especially if it is considered a Infinity mod kid, since it doesn't even have ISO-support. I would also love a ISO-enter, but I just assume that is not really feasible, right?

Actually, this needs a 1.25 Shift, as well as a 1.75 Return, a 1.25 Tab (Row 3), and a Row 2 Esc.

Show Image

Yes, it supports Alps.

No, none of the keys pictured require stabilizers.

So, would this work?  I switched the Return for enter and the full spelling of Function for Fn as SP doesn't have legends for either. 
(Attachment Link)

Looks like a winner to me. :)

Thanks.  What were you planning for the spacebars?

Looks good to me, but of course price is a consideration!

Yeah, it's gonna be expensive.  I just got tentative pricing back on the previous kit:

25 sets                   $80.25 per set
50 sets                   $57.78 per set
75 sets                   $50.29 per set
100 sets                 $46.55 per set

Adding the 4 keys will add a few dollars to that, but removing the space bars will drop it back down a bit.  Note that the prices above would include 2 spacebars in one common color (still to be decided).  Also, this price does not include shipping to me/tax/paypal fees/shipping to you.  I would do the buy as follows:
Infinity/color kit
6.25x space bar in color x
6.25x space bar in color y
6x space bar in color x
6x space bar in color y

[geniekid]

That is a hard price to swallow. 

My personal opinion is to exclude spacebars altogether since SP/PMK sells DSA spacebars separately.

Also, while I love Geekhack I think all the GH specific keys could be dropped as well or made into a separate kit (which I would buy for sure). 

The above is my opinion and I don't speak for anyone else.

[mr.squishy]

This keyset has grown a lot larger and more expensive than it originally promised and with the price recently given I'm going to have to back out. I'd love to support this but I don't have that type of money. I do wish you luck though and I hope you can find a way to make this set succeed!

[Badwrench]

That is a hard price to swallow. 

My personal opinion is to exclude spacebars altogether since SP/PMK sells DSA spacebars separately.

Also, while I love Geekhack I think all the GH specific keys could be dropped as well or made into a separate kit (which I would buy for sure). 

The above is my opinion and I don't speak for anyone else.

Yeah, I am planning on removing the spacebars.   As far as the GH keys, I want to get more feedback before trimming what was originally the starting point (a GH color pack). 

This keyset has grown a lot larger and more expensive than it originally promised and with the price recently given I'm going to have to back out. I'd love to support this but I don't have that type of money. I do wish you luck though and I hope you can find a way to make this set succeed!

No worries, I appreciate the support.  I will continue to refine this and hopefully make some compromises that appeal to more people and help get the final design to a more attractive price point. 

[Badwrench]

I have been doing some thinking and asking around.  The direction I feel this buy should move to is just a basic set of modifiers that are for the Infinity board (and happen to fit some other existing alps boards as accents). 

There are a few blank keys in the mockup and I would like feedback from the community on what designs should go in each.  Nubbinator suggested doing something similar the the "GH60" logo, but different for this set.  I am also looking for sponsors that would like to "purchase" a logo for the set ($25 for a custom logo and should be an SVG file).  PM me if you are interested or just post here if you want to share. 

Here is the current mockup:

[nubbinator]

I'm still down to sponsor a legend at $25 for this.  It'd be kind of hypocritical of me not to after the PM.

I still wonder if we should add a one unit \| key for the top row since I know that can be a hard cap to find otherwise. And probably keep a blue Esc, just in case someone wants symmetry.  Otherwise I think the huge slimming down is a good thing.

We might even be able to drop two more keys if we can agree on a new legend for Ctrl and Alt and people are willing to sponsor them....or if we can reuse something from another buy.

For the windows key, since it's for Alps, something like this could be cool:

[Badwrench]

I'm still down to sponsor a legend at $25 for this.  It'd be kind of hypocritical of me not to after the PM.

I still wonder if we should add a one unit \| key for the top row since I know that can be a hard cap to find otherwise. And probably keep a blue Esc, just in case someone wants symmetry.  Otherwise I think the huge slimming down is a good thing.

We might even be able to drop two more keys if we can agree on a new legend for Ctrl and Alt and people are willing to sponsor them....or if we can reuse something from another buy.

For the windows key, since it's for Alps, something like this could be cool:

Show Image

Not at all buddy, I really like your ideas.  I completely forgot to put the 1x R4 \| key.  I will add that and the blue esc.  I think we should keep the one off-color key though.  I like the pop of color. 

As for your design, that is awesome.  It has a nice clean design to it. 

[jdcarpe]

If you'll do a Glider for the OS (or context menu) key instead of a blank, I'll pay for the legend. I can send you an SVG.

[nubbinator]

If you'll do a Glider for the OS (or context menu) key instead of a blank, I'll pay for the legend. I can send you an SVG.

Do we know who owns the glider legend at SP?  We might be able to use it for free instead of cutting a new one if we can figure out who owns it.

[jdcarpe]

If you'll do a Glider for the OS (or context menu) key instead of a blank, I'll pay for the legend. I can send you an SVG.

Do we know who owns the glider legend at SP?  We might be able to use it for free instead of cutting a new one if we can figure out who owns it.

I didn't know it had been done as a double shot. I think it was done as a dyesub maybe?

[nubbinator]

If you'll do a Glider for the OS (or context menu) key instead of a blank, I'll pay for the legend. I can send you an SVG.

Do we know who owns the glider legend at SP?  We might be able to use it for free instead of cutting a new one if we can figure out who owns it.

I didn't know it had been done as a double shot. I think it was done as a dyesub maybe?

The 2013 crap bags had several doubleshot gliders

More

so I think they should still have the legend if the owner is willing to let others use it.  If you want a more stylized glider, that would definitely need to be cut.

[jdcarpe]

Do you know if you have to pay the legend fee for new profiles? I.e. if there was a glider legend cut for SA, do you have to pay for it in DCS?

[nubbinator]

I think you do since I know I was told you can't use the Cherry legends on DCS.  It may have to do with legend location.  Centered legends might be more versatile.  You'd have to ask Melissa.

[Badwrench]

Yeah, unless we can find the owner of that legend, it will need the cutting fee even if we know the owner in another profile. 



I removed the RCU esc key, it just adds too much to the cost.  I am really trying to trim this one down. 

[CPTBadAss]

I'd love to see this logo:

[nubbinator]

Yeah, unless we can find the owner of that legend, it will need the cutting fee even if we know the owner in another profile. 

(Attachment Link)

I removed the RCU esc key, it just adds too much to the cost.  I am really trying to trim this one down. 

That looks beyond awesome.

I'd love to see this logo:

Show Image

Can they do that legend or is it too detailed?  I thought about that too, but didn't know if it would work.

[Badwrench]

Yeah, unless we can find the owner of that legend, it will need the cutting fee even if we know the owner in another profile. 

(Attachment Link)

I removed the RCU esc key, it just adds too much to the cost.  I am really trying to trim this one down. 

That looks beyond awesome.

I'd love to see this logo:

Show Image

Can they do that legend or is it too detailed?  I thought about that too, but didn't know if it would work.

Thanks, I think it looks pretty sharp.  I like the logo CPT posted but was curious about the complexity as well.  No harm in asking, but if it is doable, my guess is on one of the 1.5x mods. 

[jdcarpe]

Yeah, I don't mind at all paying for the glider legend. I'll send you an SVG of what I have for one.

[Badwrench]

Yeah, I don't mind at all paying for the glider legend. I'll send you an SVG of what I have for one.

You can hold it for now.  I am going to add a list of contributors to the op, and if we get enough buyers to get this through, then I will get a hold of you and figure things out from there. 

Also, do you like the placement, or would you rather have it on a matching pair in the "hacker" set of mods?  Oh, and what does this key actually represent? 

[nubbinator]

Info on the history of the Glider

[Badwrench]

Info on the history of the Glider

I knew it looked familiar, thanks.  Perfect key for this set. 

[geniekid]

I like everything I'm seeing!

[zombimuncha]

I love the Alps mountain img on the blue colour. Can it be on a 1.5u key too?

[rsadek]

If you'll do a Glider for the OS (or context menu) key instead of a blank, I'll pay for the legend. I can send you an SVG.

Do we know who owns the glider legend at SP?  We might be able to use it for free instead of cutting a new one if we can figure out who owns it.

I didn't know it had been done as a double shot. I think it was done as a dyesub maybe?

The 2013 crap bags had several doubleshot gliders

More

Show Image

I've been dreaming of that apple key since nubbinator posted it :eek:
How can I get my hands on one?

[Badwrench]

I got some pricing on a simplified set.  This is basically for the Infinity, but I decided to include a 2.75x right shift so that it could be used for some other boards as well. 



Pricing is below:
25 sets                   $56.09 per set
50 sets                   $40.26 per set
75 sets                   $34.98 per set
100 sets                 $32.34 per set

Note that this is a starting point before adding the custom logos which have yet to be completely determined.  This also does not include shipping to me/tax/paypal fees/shipping to you. 

[jdcarpe]

Have you seen hasu's group buy for the 60% Alps PCB?

[Hypersphere]

I'd be fine with blanks for mods. With blanks, we might have a better chance of going with PBT instead of ABS. I like a stepped profile like DCS. I've discovered I don't like the DSA profile. As for color -- black, pebble (sand), or blue would be fine. I'm not fond of some blue variants such as teal. Layout: standard for the KBP V60 Matias, standard and hacker for the Infinity 60 Matias.

[CPTBadAss]

I can't see the picture you just posted badwrench . I'm going to assume that the kit looks like the one in the OP. I'm conflicted about the pricing. CMYK and the purple mods from GMK was about $60 I think. So it's about the same but we're getting, in my opinion, not as good caps. Not that I'm against this buy just saying I wish it were a little less...or GMK ABS doubleshots.

[jdcarpe]

I can't see the picture you just posted badwrench . I'm going to assume that the kit looks like the one in the OP. I'm conflicted about the pricing. CMYK and the purple mods from GMK was about $60 I think. So it's about the same but we're getting, in my opinion, not as good caps. Not that I'm against this buy just saying I wish it were a little less...or GMK ABS doubleshots.

You have to look at that 75 tier. That's the number to set as MOQ when the buy starts. If it doesn't hit that, no point in doing it.

[geniekid]

Price at 50 isn't so bad.  Second round of Infinity just closed so maybe we'll get an influx of prospective Alps users or something.

[Badwrench]

I can't see the picture you just posted badwrench . I'm going to assume that the kit looks like the one in the OP. I'm conflicted about the pricing. CMYK and the purple mods from GMK was about $60 I think. So it's about the same but we're getting, in my opinion, not as good caps. Not that I'm against this buy just saying I wish it were a little less...or GMK ABS doubleshots.

Hmm, linking it directly.



I am with JD about the pricing as well.  I know it doesn't feel like we are getting much for the $$, but if you compare it to a standard SP mx set, it is roughly a 15% to 20% premium.   So far, that is the price to play with Alps. 

I am hopeful that the second round of Infinity yields more Alps users so that we can actually attain the higher MOQ.  I am planning on putting together a google sheet similar to what enigcoder used for his buy that will act similar to Massdrops technique - allowing people to commit to purchasing at a certain MOQ, and once that number is reached, I will collect and get moving. 

[jdcarpe]

That is nice and tight. I think it does need a 2u R1 Backspace to round out a standard ANSI. And a 6.25u and 7u spacebar. Then it would work with the Infinity and any upcoming standard ANSI Alps keyboards, be they 60% or TKL or whatever. We need the stabilized keys with the stems for Costar or Cherry stabs.

[sethk_]

I know its a little late for my 2 cents, but I personally really liked the salmon color, so maybe a salmon color GH key or G and H keys?

[geniekid]

Oh I have no idea what I was thinking before when I said drop the spacebars since the ones SP sells separately are definitely not Alps.  Yea we need those Alps spacebars )

[njbair]

So I just got on the Infinity train with this most recent Massdrop, and one of the two I ordered will have Matias Quiet Pros in the Hacker layout. This will be my first ALPS board. I'm already thinking about replacing the DSA black blanks that are coming with it. But if I were to pick up this set, what would I use to match the DCS profile for all the alphas & spacebar?

[Badwrench]

So I just got on the Infinity train with this most recent Massdrop, and one of the two I ordered will have Matias Quiet Pros in the Hacker layout. This will be my first ALPS board. I'm already thinking about replacing the DSA black blanks that are coming with it. But if I were to pick up this set, what would I use to match the DCS profile for all the alphas & spacebar?

The space bar is still an issue, but there are a couple options.  First is to get a black or white one from Matias.  Their space bars are very close to DCS profile but with a more rounded front edge.  The other option is to add a DSA spacebar to this buy (maybe as a completely separate MOQ?) done in either beige or grey to match the common sets of alphas or in the BX so that it at least matches the mods. 

[njbair]

So I just got on the Infinity train with this most recent Massdrop, and one of the two I ordered will have Matias Quiet Pros in the Hacker layout. This will be my first ALPS board. I'm already thinking about replacing the DSA black blanks that are coming with it. But if I were to pick up this set, what would I use to match the DCS profile for all the alphas & spacebar?

The space bar is still an issue, but there are a couple options.  First is to get a black or white one from Matias.  Their space bars are very close to DCS profile but with a more rounded front edge.  The other option is to add a DSA spacebar to this buy (maybe as a completely separate MOQ?) done in either beige or grey to match the common sets of alphas or in the BX so that it at least matches the mods.

But what about Alphas? Are you basically saying the only option is to buy a sacrificial Matias board?

[nubbinator]

This has been a mod pack since the beginning.  A full set was tried, but it didn't tip.  This is meant to go with the cheap dime a dozen beige and cream and plain black Alps sets out there.  You can but a Matias set or an AT101 or whatever.

[rsadek]

So I just got on the Infinity train with this most recent Massdrop, and one of the two I ordered will have Matias Quiet Pros in the Hacker layout. This will be my first ALPS board. I'm already thinking about replacing the DSA black blanks that are coming with it. But if I were to pick up this set, what would I use to match the DCS profile for all the alphas & spacebar?

The space bar is still an issue, but there are a couple options.  First is to get a black or white one from Matias.  Their space bars are very close to DCS profile but with a more rounded front edge.  The other option is to add a DSA spacebar to this buy (maybe as a completely separate MOQ?) done in either beige or grey to match the common sets of alphas or in the BX so that it at least matches the mods.

But what about Alphas? Are you basically saying the only option is to buy a sacrificial Matias board?

Matias sells keycaps alone, no need to sacrifice a board. I believe you have to email them, bc it's not on the site yet. From another thread the answer was to email barb@matias.