[IC] GMK Indigo // GB Thread is Up

[sourmk]

Agree with the few others about the original kitting. It's what attracted me to the set, low contrast looked so nice. Happy to see folks like the updates though! GL!

[XiXora]

The R4 <>ろ key is not needed since there is already a R4 \_ろ key (as circled in the image that Fredington posted).

I can see red circles, the original R4 [><ろ] key is still missing which is what I was hinting at…

[sup3r170va]

I understand the reasoning, I just hope the Latin buyers will come through.

But from looking at recent sales for Japanese inspired sets that had 2 base kits, afaik the base kit with Japanese subs always did better:
Hazakura, Origami, A, Harvest, Awaken and some were fairly close like Fuji and Shashin but the sub legends kits still did better.

Anyways it is 100% your decision and I will respect it, but I feel it is also something to consider since not everybody participates in the polls.

I concur with this observation.

[Fredington]

Agree with the few others about the original kitting. It's what attracted me to the set, low contrast looked so nice. Happy to see folks like the updates though! GL!

We will submit both versions for costing and see how it shakes out. Given the size of the kit, I would guess that it might be around $85-90 for doubleshot and possibly approaching $95-100 for UV printed, which is fairly undesirable to me and I'm sure to many others.

[sup3r170va]

Agree with the few others about the original kitting. It's what attracted me to the set, low contrast looked so nice. Happy to see folks like the updates though! GL!

We will submit both versions for costing and see how it shakes out. Given the size of the kit, I would guess that it might be around $85-90 for doubleshot and possibly approaching $95-100 for UV printed, which is fairly undesirable to me and I'm sure to many others.

To be honest, I think dual base kits may be the most cost effective. And if it’s definitely a JIS kit, between the two prices I would say if someone wants in it won’t make a difference to the decision process.

[dallman5]

+1 low contrast, UV printed hiragana (why are people complaining about being able to read it? its not like most of y'all are typing in hiragana anyway. plus legends are superfluous, especially secondary ones)

+1 og icons or text+icon

+1 dual base kits (feels like it could be a good compromise, esp when youre talking about paying close to the price of a base kit for just the hiragana kit)

[loopaddiction]

I think the changes are great, this went from an EZ-skip to a buy for me. I also think the sublegends look much better now.

Preference also goes towards text+icon but not a dealbreaker for me.

Going in all kits.

[vladimir108]

Hello, in thread "GMK Beta" was published update of basic Latin/Hiragana GMK keycaps from Zambumon:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=108290.msg3009840#msg3009840
Zambumon_GMK_Hiragana_Latin_RFC.pdf  https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=108290.0;attach=261369

[Fredington]

Today, I'm pleased to reveal the first artisan I have planned for this project. The following Kei Cap will be made from aluminum that is anodized, engraved, and infilled.

[alevyish]

Today, I'm pleased to reveal the first artisan I have planned for this project. The following Kei Cap will be made from aluminum that is anodized, engraved, and infilled.

That is, as they say, POGGERS

[jagger27]

GMK Jeans

nice kitting

[Fredington]

Hi all,

This set is slated for a February 2022 GB window with the following vendors:

Worldwide: KBDFans
US: Space Cables
CA: Desk[H]ero
UK: Proto[Typist]
EU: Salvun
SEA: iLumkb
OC: Daily Clack

We actually got a rather quick turnaround from GMK for the 1st round of quotes. I submitted several options, including JIS base and extension kits in both doubleshot and UV printing versions. Unfortunately, the costs were completely unworkable for full JIS support in any form other than in a base kit, and even then, the pricing would be pretty challenging for anything less than 1000 MOQ. Now, I have no intentions of going back on the poll results, so the choice that makes the most sense economically is to drop JIS support and just have ANSI Hiragana. I've also gone back to UV-printed sublegends, since without all the extra JIS keys, I think it could be workable and I prefer the look.

Below are the kits that will be affected by this change. Before I submitted for 2nd round quotes, I wanted to get your feedback on this, so please let me know what you think:

Hiragana



Extension

[XiXora]

I'm looking forward to February!

[sudou915]

Would you consider going back to the UV print low contrast white sublegends?  I think it adds to the theme of the set seeing the sublegends slowly fade away.

[sup3r170va]

Thanks for reverting to low contrast UV sub legends. JIS was a good to have but not critical, so I’m happy with the change.

For the 40s kit, I think an additional R2 1u mod coloured Esc key would be nice. It’s not critical, but there aren’t that many R2 1u keys to use, and since you are going beyond a 3 key 40s kit that would be a nice addition. If you need to take out the key, one way is to drop the R4 1u Alt key.

I’m looking forward to Feb!

[hiddensong]

Personally I wont pay for kits this small. Whereas F13 is a nice add, newer kits have stepped control and Alice for under $100. I'm sure a GMK set wont be under $100 and with one of the smallest kits out recently. I feel if we as a group stop buying small kits then they will get either more robust or move to a more reasonable price.  GMK's $130 GB price for a base kit is just far behind in modern times. I love the color and the whole Japan denim scene idea. The kits have got to get better for me to spend my money. Either way, sincerely good luck!

[Mr Chrome]

The changes to this set look good! I’m glad kit pricing is a big consideration of yours, especially since so many good sets have run.

Latin looks clean. Way I see it, sets that do better with sublegend base kits do so because they have less emphasis on the novelties, where Latin-only makes the set look empty. With novelties that take up the entire top of the cap, I think subs get a little noisy. ANSI Hiragana kit looks like a great compromise. GL with this one!

[MOON]

I am freaking PUMPED that you brought back the UV subs. It is what makes the set unique in the first place. If they fade a bit over time, they will just fit the faded denim theme that much more. Excited for Feb.

[Hyperdimension]

what’s the point of the extra tab in the hiragana kit?

[Fredington]

what’s the point of the extra tab in the hiragana kit?

It’s so you can use the alphas on a 2nd board with the leftover mods from the base kit. I actually need to move the 2nd 2.25u Shift from the Extension kit to the Base kit to allow this to work, which will be made in the next update.

[Hyperdimension]

oh, this is actually awesome

[vishydesigns]

probably my computer screen, but im looking at physical ral color book, and colors appear to be way off, RAL 5000 looks closer to the mods than the alphas. All the other blues are pretty far off in the renders, still a dope looking set anyway

[sagarsiddhpura]

Can you please add rectangles.store as Indian vendor

[JumboFriedShrimp]

as a Japanese, I strongly want you to add the Japanese vendor since it is inspired by Japanese denim culture

[Fredington]

Hello!
I have an exciting update today: new artisans and a small kit update. Salvun and HIBI have graciously contributed a metal artisan each to this project. These were inspired by the details on one of my favorite denim brands, Samurai.


In collaboration with Salvun: Continuity
- R1 1u
- Copper w/ antique patina
- Laser engraved mitsudomoe design
- Clear coated








In collaboration with HIBI: Impermanence
- R3 2.25u
- Raw brass (no coating, will patina over time)
- Machine engraved crack w/ 2 through holes
- Mirror polished

HIBI is currently making a sample of this, so a photo should be coming shortly!








As for the kit update, the duplicate 2.25u SHIFT has been moved from the Extension kit into the Base kit to allow for a greater utility of the duplicate TAB in the Hiragana kit:

[sup3r170va]

The new artisans look good! Think I have to get at least one 

For the extension kit, Since the 3-key 40s support is moved there, can u consider also adding a R2 1u Esc key? Thanks.

[clayclws]

Looking really good! Hope the Hibi Enter has the same rugged outlook at Salvun’s artisan.

[Ustinj]

already commented on this once, but definitely in on this set's theme, NOVELTIES, and now with that new hibi enter ..

[Fredington]

As promised, here are a couple of photos of the HIBI artisan:





Being mirror-polished raw brass, it will pick up micro scratches over time that lend it additional character and you can already see the oxidation happening in the crack. Inspired by the Japanese phrase 諸行無常 – shogyō mujō – or the impermanence of worldly things, along with the sculptures of artist Daniel Arsham, this artisan will bring some wabi-sabi vibes to your keyboard.

[bert039]

Told myself no more gmk gb's until the queue times improve but this set is ridiculously good. Love the artisans and everything, definitely a must buy

[Fredington]

RnCables will be contributing an amazing cable to this project. Sample images are below:





NOTE: Please forgive the colors, which I know are not a perfect match. They have been busy moving studios and will go through another round of color matching after the GB to ensure the colors are correct for the final product.

Due to the nature of the sleeve fabric, this cable will only be offered in a straight variant. Space Cables will be offering a 2nd cable with a coiled option, which is currently being sampled. Stay tuned!

[MOON]

Just checked SpaceCables and it doesn't look like it's live yet. KBDfans is up so I just wanted to check if they are going live on different days?

[Fredington]

Just checked SpaceCables and it doesn't look like it's live yet. KBDfans is up so I just wanted to check if they are going live on different days?

Hey there, thanks for the interest! Yeah, KBDFans launched earlier than they were supposed to. We are waiting for some updated renders that will more accurately portray the colors chosen for this set. I'm expecting these on Monday, after which I'll post some pricing. The rest of the vendors will likely launch on Friday, February 11. Sorry for the confusion!

[oscdawg]

Is there a spacebar in the dark blue rinse color? Or only the two lighter shades of blue ?

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[Fredington]

Hi all,

Unfortunately, updated renders are taking longer than anticipated. We're hoping to be able to launch officially on Monday. Thanks for your patience.

Is there a spacebar in the dark blue rinse color? Or only the two lighter shades of blue ?

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

There will be no spacebars in the darkest blue.

[x-x-eternity-x-x]

I need this set.
will it be live this week?

[Fredington]

Hi all,

New renders are finally here--a big thank you to NathanAlphaMan for banging these out! Please see the OP for all updated images (there's a lot).

We will be officially launching the GB this Friday, February 18 on all vendors. Thank you very much for your patience!

[VXQN]

Holy moly, those new renders are amazing, they make the set look absolutely fantastic — I'm tempted to buy now where I wasn't before (GMK queues etc.). I have to say that this set more than most looks like it'll be made or broken by the colour matching, which is sort of what's putting me off purchasing.

[Fredington]

Holy moly, those new renders are amazing, they make the set look absolutely fantastic — I'm tempted to buy now where I wasn't before (GMK queues etc.). I have to say that this set more than most looks like it'll be made or broken by the colour matching, which is sort of what's putting me off purchasing.

Well, these being renders, they come with the usual disclaimer that they can only go so far as to representing the final product, which will be matched to the RALs chosen. If you want to know what a set will look like, I suggest purchasing a RAL fan deck. For the RAL Classic line, the K5 semi matte deck is a good resource and won't set you back too much.

In other news, Space has finished its cable prototype. It will be offered in both coiled and straight variants during the GB. The connector will be cerakoted and then wiped off while still wet to achieve a two-toned effect evident in the knurling and other crevices/corners.

[7]

Another great set from the man himself

[Fredington]

GB thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=116307.0