[IC] ePBT Superstar | GEEKKEY Collab | GB starts TOMORROW Feb 12!

[marshmellohs]

Group Buy: February 12th - March 12, 2022
GB Thread

Estimated delivery from ePBT is Q1 2023.

ePBT Superstar is inspired by one of my favorite video game monsters. The novelties pay homage to the game and elements of a true musical superstar. Hangul sublegends are included to reference the game’s Korean origin.

Interest Check Form | Discord for Updates


Colors:
Pantone color codes will be shared after the group buy ends - below is a photo of the plastic chips.
I took a lot of time after the initial IC to reassess the colors and overall legibility. Latin alphas are now a slightly darker shade of pink than the modifiers.

More

Click to expand image.

Kits:
Click for larger images.

$99 - BASE KIT - 200 MOQ

$33 - LATIN ALPHAS

$22 - NUMPAD

$28 - NOVELTIES

$34 - 40s

$20 - SPACEBARS

Renders by Izeri:
Click for larger images

Calliope by Yoot


Aella by Alchemist Keyboards


Austin by DriftMechanics



$20 -Deskmat by Phil Dragash:





Vendors
NA: Mekibo
CA: Ashkeebs
EU: MyKeyboard
KR: Swagkeys
OCE: SwitchKeys
SEA: iLumkb
UK: Proto[Typist]
Global: KBDfans


Pricing

Pricing is current as of 1/25/2022. If you don't see your vendor, it just means I'm still waiting to hear back from them.


Collabs

Hibi x ePBT Superstar

More

Melonkeys x ePBT Superstar


Namong Art x ePBT Superstar


GEEKKEEY x ePBT Superstar

More

Aumipon
GEEKKEEY
Kiyokaps
Latrialum
Namong Art
Melonkeys
Okeydokey Studio

If you are interested in a collaboration with Superstar, please feel free to drop me a DM on Discord! marshmellohs#3648


Signature

Code: [Select]

[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=111190.0][img width=331 height=120]https://i.imgur.com/SmYm4tm.png[/img][/url]



Thank Yous (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)
You for making it all the way here
Alan, Sen, Snowed, Izeri, Tom, Jenni

[marshmellohs]

CHANGELOG

More

1/4:

• Updated renders to remove double consonants

1/3:

• SEA Vendor added
• Artisan collabs

12/30: Honestly all new everything

• Updated manu, vendors announced
• New colors, new kits, new deskmat, updated novelties

2/23:

• Base Kit: +F13, +Mod R1 Keys in F-Row
• Novelties: +4 1U Novelties, +Accent R1 Keys (Swapped from OG Base)
• Latin Alpha Kit: Added

[Bub]

tasty

[Bachoo]

I love pink bean and pink bean accessories

[trung11.kb]

B>MAPLE THEME KEYCAPS SET@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

[Buburoo]

Noice 

[Paputcher]

I will keep my eye on this, GLWIC!

[iinko_mk]

noice color choices

[jaxball30]

Look amazing <3 

[MIGHTY CHICKEN]

Cute

[LittleAad]

Price is the only thing that concerns me, awesome job and GLWIC!! 

[dededecline]

Cute set, I feel like the accents are a little too bold against the white and soft pastel pink but maybe that's just me

[Zanhana]

we love ePBT Dreamscape don't we folks

[tsoiab10]

we love ePBT Dreamscape don't we folks

what? xD

[hali]

i think its cute, but im probably not the only one that doesnt enjoy not having mod coloured f5-f8, print, scroll, and pause in base

[eigenzerg]

Adorable colors, would insta-buy. I think the pink on white alphas are a little too soft, but I'm fine with the rest of the color choices

[misswaffle]

Theme and pink colour are super cute! Not a fan of blue accent coloured F5-F8 and above nav cluster keys in base at all though.

[Sunhwan Jeong]

I think alpha legend should be Violet.
Indeed can't see those legends well

[Tree_]

Nice colours and kitting. I like the pink legends.

Don't really care for the theme though and would rather see Latin only Alphas or at least a separate kit.

[Ireris]

Super cute, GLWIC!

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[marshmellohs]

Nice colours and kitting. I like the pink legends.

Don't really care for the theme though and would rather see Latin only Alphas or at least a separate kit.

I am highly considering including a Latin Alphas kit already! If there is healthy interest shown in the IC form data, I'll likely add that in.

i think its cute, but im probably not the only one that doesnt enjoy not having mod coloured f5-f8, print, scroll, and pause in base

Theme and pink colour are super cute! Not a fan of blue accent coloured F5-F8 and above nav cluster keys in base at all though.

To keep with the theme, I decided to have those keys be accent colored to represent Pink Bean's horns. I don't have plans to swap the accent keys with the mod keys into novelties because then it no longer feels like Pink Bean.

[Havattack]

Thank god it's not that chick that likes to sniff her arm pits, worst SNL character ever.

[Peko]

Has Nexon approved the novelty kit?

[Ravenoxidal]

Really like the colors of this set, so soft. Not really liking the accent tho, think it's too strong.

[marshmellohs]

Has Nexon approved the novelty kit?

While I have not reached out to Nexon on this set, I believe that my interpretations of the OwO and angry OwO faces fall under fair use. The official art and merchandise of Pink Bean have distinct differences from my inspired novelty designs, and everything was drawn without the use of tracing.

That being said, I have thought about this topic quite extensively and what options I would feel comfortable with moving forward with as the designer. While I love the novelties that I've created, I also think the colorway is strong enough on its own and is unique to run as-is without novelties.

I am also open to amending the novelties to create further differentiation from Nexon's artwork. My original draft of the novelties did not have the "point" over the right eye, which is the only thing separating it from a generic "OwO" face. I do still think that the faces themselves are cute enough that removing the point does not take away from the appeal.



The other novelties are all wholly original, so I do not believe that there's much discussion to be had there. I've spent time researching the trademarks registered to Nexon Korea and Nexon America online, and while I only see registrations and documentation for "MapleStory" and its subsequent logos, I believe that my renditions of the novelties are not in violation of any IP or trademark infringement.

[iluvdylan123]

omg maplestory nostalgia!! love this set, GLWIC

[Okonomiyaki#2832]

Would appreciate pink R1 Fkeys and Mods be part of the main kit instead of separating it from the base.
Accents on the other hand would be better on the novelties kits.

[Baka Bot]

sublegends has me in

[Faehriss]

Would also love to see plain latin alphas for a cleaner look! Lovely set but also not too thrilled about the pink R1 keys being in the novelties set despite every other purple key having an alternate pink version in the base kit.

If the pink R1 keys make their way into the base kit, we see some UK ISO keycaps (not just enter!! no point in having ISO enter and none of the keys to make the layout work) and this gets a UK vendor I'd be interested in getting in on this set 

[yh]

i want pink bean

[catamscott]

HAVE MONEY LOOKING FOR KEYSET
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in all seriousness, i like this quite a bit. reminds me a bit of dcs valentine but with (imo) a better pink and hangul sublegends. with good colors and plenty of nostalgia it's going to be hard to say no to this

[WilsonWan]

Really liking  this set for the Korean sublegends.

Won't say it reminds me of Maple Story tho besides the novelties.

Will you considering running this with a UK vendor also?

Buying from EU vendor is the same as importing now unfortunately.

I recommend contacting Prototypist for it!

[surreal19]

take my money!

[Avocadough]

An F1-F13 novelty kit with face emotes similar to those in maple would be insane, although not sure how practical that would be.

[JayOrDan]

i love these!

Sent from my SM-N960W using Tapatalk

[marshmellohs]

An F1-F13 novelty kit with face emotes similar to those in maple would be insane, although not sure how practical that would be.

I saw this suggestion in my IC form, and I'm considering how to implement some version of this. It would likely only be F1-F4 because it's a complete "group" in the F-Row... but as a frequent F5 and F6 abuser, I'd be sad to not include them. I'm also not sure the best way to implement these as I can't decide if they should follow mod coloring, accent coloring, or alpha coloring...

There are a few other novelties that I'll be adding overall - but once I've finished the latest addition to the novelties, I'm going to reach out to Nexon directly regarding the novelties and set as a whole.

After reviewing IP woes with White Wolf, Blink, and most recently Devoted, I'm hoping to clear this hurdle while I'm still in IC rather than having it happen during GB and vendors having to refund money or a GB slot being jeopardized. It'll be best for all parties involved if I get told that novelties have to get cut sooner rather than later (but I'm hopeful that the inspired novs are good to go).

[Rx003]

Yes more love for Hangul sub legends!! I love the colors imma keep this as saved for now. Wish you all the best for the IC!

[Ustinj]

imo there could be some borderline issues with readability just judging off the renders, but if you've checked your pantones and it's fine then looks good.

no comments on kitting, but please continue to render your sets on Bachoo's Nemui.

[Honey]

pls include f6.
also buying 60% gfa pls ty

[tofulo]

I love pink

[CardinalityTV]

Echo the same sentiments as the others who have pointed out the legibility of the legends is very difficult, judging from the renders anyway.

[marshmellohs]

٩(◕‿◕｡)۶ KITS HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN THE OP ٩(◕‿◕｡)۶

The accent-colored R1 keys in the F-Row have now been swapped into the novelties kit due to popular demand. I've also added several more general MapleStory-inspired novelties into the kit as well as renders for a Latin Alphas kit. The renders for the Evolv have also been updated to display the Latin Alphas kit, updated F-Row in base, and one of the new R4 1U novelties.

On the subject of novelties, I have been in direct contact with a representative of Nexon on the kit. My hope is that we can get clearance on the novelties kit to comply with GMK's new policies for IP-inspired sets. This is a hurdle that I want to clear prior to securing vendors and a GB slot, so we know sooner rather than later whether novelties have to be modified or cut.

On the subject of legibility concerns on the legends, I wanted to include a few IRL pics of the RAL swatch and comparisons against WS2 and WS1 (included because this is the more popular GMK stock white that you're more likely to own and can reference against).

More

Click to expand images



(Thank you to Bachoo for providing me with the WS2 comparison photos as the sample cap I ordered from someone's GMK Bleached kit is currently being held hostage by USPS)

While the pink is still considered a "light" pink rather than a "dark" pink, I like the soft look that it lends to the set overall. I do acknowledge that the renders lean bright, but please keep in mind that render lighting != your typical, everyday lighting. 020 80 20 looks even darker when I move the swatch book away from the window to my desk, so the contrast with WS2 is sufficient in my opinion. 

At the end of the day, it was always going to be a pink on white set, and I always intended it to be soft in nature. I do appreciate everyone's feedback and have been reading through each comment on here, Reddit, and my IC form responses thoroughly, so thank you again for reading ♡(｡- ω -)

[CardinalityTV]

While the pink is still considered a "light" pink rather than a "dark" pink, I like the soft look that it lends to the set overall. I do acknowledge that the renders lean bright, but please keep in mind that render lighting != your typical, everyday lighting. 020 80 20 looks even darker when I move the swatch book away from the window to my desk, so the contrast with WS2 is sufficient in my opinion. 

I don't mean to be condescending with my response here, so I apologize if it comes across that way. However, I'm not quite sure what you mean by "render lighting". Your render should be a representation of what the final product is going to look like in customer's hands, because you don't have/cannot get a prototype produced to show a physical picture of the colour. If your render doesn't accurately show how the colours should look in the real-world, the render is wrong. The IRL pics of your RAL reference alongside WS1 & WS2 is fantastic, but "render lighting" is anything you want it to be. If you think the render isn't accurately portraying the colours you've chosen, then it might be worth looking at them again to see if a more accurate representation can be achieved.

Aside from that, I think your colour combo is lovely and good luck with the project!

[Kura]

Have you considered doing this in another style like KAT, KAM, etc? I love the colors of this but would rather have the PBT caps. Definitely would buy if you did, GLWIC!

[Hiel]

Hope there is no copyright issue on this.
I remember that gmk blackpink had copyright issue and it was canceled for good..

[Jennisaurus]

༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ Pink ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ The novelties are super cute! GLWIC~

[Bub]

I disagree with the folks saying the pink legends are too soft. I think the base kit render makes them look like that maybe, but the board renders and final product will be fine.

[Honey]

if you're worried about not being able to fill out the frow with face expressions, you could use the cash shop expressions for f8-12 : D

[marshmellohs]

Have you considered doing this in another style like KAT, KAM, etc? I love the colors of this but would rather have the PBT caps. Definitely would buy if you did, GLWIC!

Not at this time. If all goes well with this IC/GB, then I may be open to other profiles in the future. I first need to get my hands on a KAT/KAM set though to see if I personally like the profile.

if you're worried about not being able to fill out the frow with face expressions, you could use the cash shop expressions for f8-12 : D

With all the monster novelties, it'd probably be too expensive of a kit with that many unique molds.

If Nexon feels that the monster novelties are infringing on IP, then I'll rework the novelties kit to have facial expressions instead as a Plan B since they're basically just emoticons. The monster novelties are definitely my preferred choice though.

Hope there is no copyright issue on this.
I remember that gmk blackpink had copyright issue and it was canceled for good..

Yes, this is why I've reached out to a direct representative of Nexon directly to help navigate this with their legal team early in the process. There is still time in IC to make changes to designs and modify the kits, but once a GB has started or even scheduled, any postponing event creates backlog for vendors, buyers, and any collabs involved. I want to avoid this headache for all involved parties.

I'll keep everyone updated with any news as it comes in. In the meantime, the deskmat design should be finalized fairly soon

[Vegas_]

super stoked for this set!! love the maplestory theme and huge fan of the colors you've chosen, gonna be keeping a keen eye out for any updates

[marshmellohs]

bump for deskmat, more renders (☆ω☆)

[Bub]

love that new deskmat

[catamscott]

love that new deskmat

came to here to say that too. i don't like most keyset deskmats but this one rocks, reminds me of being a stranded noob in orbis begging for mesos to get back to victoria island

[Ooga Booga]

Love the deskmat design, but not crazy on the color. Too much pink imo

[gnldud]

I'm in love with this set and so terrified of the upcoming price at the same time...

[marshmellohs]

Love the deskmat design, but not crazy on the color. Too much pink imo

My artist and I were considering offering a purple/“night” version of the mat as well, but I opted to just go for just 1 to keep it simple.

love that new deskmat

came to here to say that too. i don't like most keyset deskmats but this one rocks, reminds me of being a stranded noob in orbis begging for mesos to get back to victoria island

  Glad you were able to get out of there - traveling became so much easier over the years. It’s crazy to think about all the time I wasted going back and forth from Henesys to Ludi PQ. It’s now all instant travel with the Dimensional Mirror.

[boogiemochi]

Nemui has caught my eyes. I'm definitely interested

[gnldud]

Please tell me this is still ongoing...

[marshmellohs]

Please tell me this is still ongoing...

Yes, it is! I’m currently pursuing licensing with Nexon, as I think that will be the best thing for the set. I’ve been posting occasional non-update updates on my Discord (example: “Reached back out for an update on XX date”), but I’ve refrained from doing so here since there isn’t much that has changed.

The last update I received was that the request is sitting with Nexon Marketing since at least 3/25/2021. I’m currently working through/with a Nexon CM, but I did ask them today if there was an email address I could use instead to contact them directly for updates.

I’ve temporarily removed the novelty renders at this time as Nexon Legal did confirm that they couldn’t make a decision on anything that was not officially licensed.

My intention is still to wait until a decision has been made either way before securing vendors and moving forward with GB. I appreciate everyone’s patience on this.

To give full transparency, if we are not able to license this set, I’ll be redesigning the novelties to remove any references to the game and its assets. I’m also currently working with my deskmat artist on an entirely different design as the current one is inspired by one of the maps in the game.

I will likely offer the second one as an alternative deskmat option since MOQ for mats are low, and I understand the current one is not to everyone’s taste. I personally prefer offering a single deskmat design to keep things simple, but I want to make this second one available for those that prefer something not so pink.

There are some kitting updates that I’m considering (mostly slimming down of the base kit, namely the extra accent keys), but that is all contingent on the decision from Nexon first before announcing anything or requesting updated renders.

I am still reading through IC responses that trickle in. I will update this thread with any major announcements as soon as I know them as I know not everyone is a fan of updates posted in Discord only.

A lot of factors are contingent on this licensing decision, so I appreciate your patience and everyone else’s.

I’m hoping to post some updates soon.

[JKKEEBS]

The amount of pink gmk sets 

[gnldud]

Please tell me this is still ongoing...

Yes, it is! I’m currently pursuing licensing with Nexon, as I think that will be the best thing for the set. I’ve been posting occasional non-update updates on my Discord (example: “Reached back out for an update on XX date”), but I’ve refrained from doing so here since there isn’t much that has changed.

The last update I received was that the request is sitting with Nexon Marketing since at least 3/25/2021. I’m currently working through/with a Nexon CM, but I did ask them today if there was an email address I could use instead to contact them directly for updates.

I’ve temporarily removed the novelty renders at this time as Nexon Legal did confirm that they couldn’t make a decision on anything that was not officially licensed.

My intention is still to wait until a decision has been made either way before securing vendors and moving forward with GB. I appreciate everyone’s patience on this.

To give full transparency, if we are not able to license this set, I’ll be redesigning the novelties to remove any references to the game and its assets. I’m also currently working with my deskmat artist on an entirely different design as the current one is inspired by one of the maps in the game.

I will likely offer the second one as an alternative deskmat option since MOQ for mats are low, and I understand the current one is not to everyone’s taste. I personally prefer offering a single deskmat design to keep things simple, but I want to make this second one available for those that prefer something not so pink.

There are some kitting updates that I’m considering (mostly slimming down of the base kit, namely the extra accent keys), but that is all contingent on the decision from Nexon first before announcing anything or requesting updated renders.

I am still reading through IC responses that trickle in. I will update this thread with any major announcements as soon as I know them as I know not everyone is a fan of updates posted in Discord only.

A lot of factors are contingent on this licensing decision, so I appreciate your patience and everyone else’s.

I’m hoping to post some updates soon.

Man you don't know how glad I am to hear this! Good luck with everything, can't wait until everything is sorted. Take your time, I was kind of wondering if there were any updates.

[surplusofchairs]

hyped

[marshmellohs]

Bump for all new everything. Hope you enjoy the changes and hoping to update with collabs again soon~

[TyPo.mk]

Congrats on a date, this set has been a long time coming!

[catamscott]

great stuff, looking forward to GB!

[marshmellohs]

Bump for SEA vendor + artisan collab announcements ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა

[marshmellohs]

Bump for Melonkeys collab preview ٩꒰｡•◡•｡꒱۶ (also in the OP) 



All renders have also been updated to remove the double consonant Hangul sublegends after collecting feedback from the IC, my server, and a few of my Korean friends.

The base kit render has also been corrected to include the ₩ sublegend on the mod-colored 1.5 pipe key.

[SafeAtShore]

How do the new colors compare with ePBT Blank Pink (pantone 189c)? Wondering if I can mix the two sets.

[marshmellohs]

How do the new colors compare with ePBT Blank Pink (pantone 189c)? Wondering if I can mix the two sets.

I don't have the plastic chip for 189C or that set, but 189C in the book is more saturated and has more of a Fuschia/cool tone. The mod pink and Hangul subs in Superstar are more muted and are warmer/peachier. The color for the Latin alphas is darker, more of a muted rose.

It's a bit hard to gauge with just the Pantone books alone. I ordered a lot of chips, and most of them tend to be paler and less saturated when compared to the colors in the book.

If you're looking to use Blank Pink as mods and mix with Superstar alphas, it should look okay, but it's definitely not a perfect match. Your Latin legends will be darker than your mod color. If you mix the novelties in, I think that they'll stand out a bit too much.

[Ariamella]

Any way to get the purple arrows by themselves? I want the 40s kit with purple arrows arg

[marshmellohs]

Pricing is IN for Mekibo, MyKeyboard, and KBDfans!

[AstralYT]

looks like HAZAKURA but purple accents and PBT.

You sure you are not making a copycat??

[Ella]

looks like HAZAKURA but purple accents and PBT.

You sure you are not making a copycat??

are you sure? hazakura's IC came a month after superstar's

[surplusofchairs]

“it looks like a copycat except you’re using different colours” lol.. anyway

with all the bean colourway artisans, excited to have a set that matches them finally p: glwgb!

[Keeblet_257]

not a big pink fan yet I get the urge to buy this set.

[marshmellohs]

Happy to announce that we will have a Hibi collab and Latrialum collab for ePBT Superstar! The Hibi render has also been added to the main post.

More

[trung11.kb]

Happy to announce that we will have a Hibi collab and Latrialum collab for ePBT Superstar! The Hibi render has also been added to the main post.

Show Image

More

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Oooo this looks really nice! I usually don't buy metal artisans but this is going to be my first  ^-^

[marshmellohs]

Preview of the Namong x Superstar collab artisans has been added to the main post.

GB starts this Saturday!

[misotsu]

Ooh Just saw this. Looking pretty good. strongly considering it

[marshmellohs]

Another collab set from the team at GEEKKEEY.



20 of The Doctor and The Man will be raffled off. The Bulldog will be an unlimited GB.

Group buy starts tomorrow! I am beyond excited and thank you everyone who has supported me, provided feedback, or just clicked into this thread out of curiosity. Still finalizing prices with all vendors, so I appreciate everyone's patience.

This thread will be locked after my GB post is approved and I will share the link here.

Fun fact: The group buy begins exactly one year since I posted the original interest check.

[marshmellohs]

GB THREAD