[IC] Command Key

[mashby]

Take The Poll

Take The Second Poll!

There appear to be quite a few Mac users amongst us here and after receiving the Raindrop key cap set it suddenly dawned on me that this is one of the only sets that I've purchased that came with a Command Key. Don't you wish other popular sets included a command key (⌘)? What about an Option key (⌥)?

My thought is that if there is enough interest perhaps we could put together a small group buy for just the command key, much like the GEEK HACK keys have been done in the past. The set would include 1 and 1.25 modifiers with the Command Key icon and would match popular group buys that have already come an gone.

Some examples might include:
   - Klaxon / Red Alert
   - CCnG
   - Retro DCS
   - Valentine

This is an interest check, so if you've got an opinion, I'd love to hear it!

[orlando]

I'm in! I really hope this happens.

[metafour]

White on black, Dolch, and 1.5x mods would be nice to see as well.

[n0rvig]

I get the retro vibe around here, but I've been really surprised at how seldom the Mac keys come up. This would be great.

[kelske]

Awesome idea

[ishtob]

DSA!

[rowdy]

+1

[Leslieann]

I wouldn't mind as well.
It would make a nice alternative to a Windows key if nothing else.

[rowdy]

What about Option keys too?

[tjweir]

I'd be in for 2 each of:
   - Klaxon / Red Alert
   - Retro DCS

And if we could get a traditional Cherry Black on White/Beige I'd get 2 of those as well.

[mashby]

What about Option keys too?

We might be able to include that too. I'll have to check and see if they have the mold.

White on black, Dolch, and 1.5x mods would be nice to see as well.

I hadn't thought about 1.5, I guess because I assumed those were only found on winkeyless boards. What boards use 1.5 modifiers?

[ctbear]

I will be very interested in some CCnG flavor...please make it happen 

[w3djyt]

I'm in! o7

[mashby]

Since there appears to be some interest, here are some more thoughts.

Let's say we start with CCnG for our first set. If we include 1x 1.25x and 1.50x modifiers then that means 6 key caps for each color. There are two colors in this series, so that'd mean a total of 12 key caps.  If we add in the Option key, then that'd bring the total up to 24 key caps.

I've never run a key cap group buy, so I don't know what Signature Plastics pricing is like other than to look at past group buys to give us a ballpark. Looking at Klaxon's Tsangan set as a reference, it might be something like $20 - $30 a set. Again, this is just a guesstimate at this point.

Given all the options, I've updated the OP and created a form for us to capture this information. Please fill out the form so we can get some better numbers on what people are looking for.

Thanks!

[w3djyt]

Any other options for color possibly? Red Alert or Valentine etc...? I'd buy, but I don't have any use for CCnG :/

[mashby]

Any other options for color possibly? Red Alert or Valentine etc...? I'd buy, but I don't have any use for CCnG :/

No color has been chosen at this point, we're just using CCnG as an example since it has two colors. The poll will indicate what the everyone's preferences are.

If there's enough interest and it goes well, then I can see doing this for all the popular color ways. Well, at least until more group buys include the key caps like Raindrop did. 

[ishtob]

DSA!

[tsangan]

DSA!

DSA!

Someone wants DSA I think?

[w3djyt]

Ah, sounds good! Filled out the form, then

[rowdy]

Form submitted.

How about adding the form link to the OP?

Also if it was just one colour, I would be likely to buy one set (as indicated on my form).  If it was 2 colours, I would be tempted to get two sets (depending on the colours, obviously).

As above I have nothing to match CCnG but black or white would go well.

Or even RGB-style?

[mashby]

Form submitted.

How about adding the form link to the OP?

I thought I did, but I'm on my phone, so it's hard to edit, so I'll double check it in the morning.

Liked you RGB color idea. What color would it be though? Yellow?

[rowdy]

Form submitted.

How about adding the form link to the OP?

I thought I did, but I'm on my phone, so it's hard to edit, so I'll double check it in the morning.

Liked you RGB color idea. What color would it be though? Yellow?

You read my mind - yellow

[rowdy]

Also just to mention relevant products:

http://www.qwerkeys.co.uk/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_72&product_id=117
http://www.qwerkeys.co.uk/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_72&product_id=118

Only 1x size though.

[ForestFunK]

I would be interested in white / grey cmd and alt keys in 1,25x. Filled out the form.

[mashby]

I just realize my earlier math came up a little bit short. There should be two modifier keys per color -- one for the left side and one for the right. This means the key cap count would be double.

If the end result of the kit is all three sizes (1x, 1.25x, 1.5x), two colors and we include the option key, then it'd be 48 key caps it total.

[tom88jerry]

Sound good too.
Will find a chance to fill the form.

[vivalarevolución]

I would be interested in this as well. Perhaps a great addition to the Ergodox.

[Megaweapon]

Also just to mention relevant products:

http://www.qwerkeys.co.uk/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_72&product_id=117
http://www.qwerkeys.co.uk/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_72&product_id=118

Only 1x size though.

What profile are these?  How are they printed?

[mashby]

This thread appears to be loosing steam. If you haven't taken the poll yet, I would encourage you to do so. :-)

[nightsnack]

Did the poll earlier. Still interested in this if it goes ahead

[rowdy]

Doesn't seem like there's that many Mac users around

[n0rvig]

Doesn't seem like there's that many Mac users around

Odd, because I see lots of macs in the background when people post pictures of their keyboards on here.

[ForestFunK]

I guess not everyone is checking the IC forums regularly.

[IvanIvanovich]

For those of you interested in dyesubs have a look here! Don't let me interrupt any other plans though.

[Poom]

Not only the command and option, but delete instead of backspace and return instead of enter.

Well, just like the ISO modifiers set, ill definitly order that everytime! and would order every group buys too.

[mashby]

For those of you interested in dyesubs have a look here! Don't let me interrupt any other plans though.

That's a great looking set Ivan. Thank you for posting a link so that us Mac users can better find it. Nice job!

Not only the command and option, but delete instead of backspace and return instead of enter.

Well, just like the ISO modifiers set, ill definitly order that everytime! and would order every group buys too.

Interesting, I didn't think about the other keys affected, but you're right, we do have some different legends. Hmmm....

[vorn]

I'd only be interested if the profile was DSA

But profile aside, if this set had an RGBY option it might make it fit more universally with existing keyboard setups.

If there was a DSA profile offering, my ideal would be white on GX dark grey (Dolch), or Blue Option and Yellow Command (to match my RGBY set). But that is very specific.

What are the most common colours used for modifiers?
White on black?
Black on beige?

[rowdy]

I'd only be interested if the profile was DSA

But profile aside, if this set had an RGBY option it might make it fit more universally with existing keyboard setups.

If there was a DSA profile offering, my ideal would be white on GX dark grey (Dolch), or Blue Option and Yellow Command (to match my RGBY set). But that is very specific.

What are the most common colours used for modifiers?
White on black?
Black on beige?

Heh you won't get me objecting to yellow

Bot not DSA - it wouldn't match anything else I have.

[aggiejy]

NICE!  I totally missed this thread, but I've been saying this for years.  In fact, I volunteered to pay for legends to any GB organizer that is making a set.  Of course, now I already have made the command key for RainDrop (assuming you like that size).  (And 7bit did one for Round3 that was bigger.)  The option would be nice too.  (Though, I use Caps as my options, but still...)

[YoungMichael88]

I would really love this in Klaxon RoG
And in other common colors also. Gotta get those windows keys out of my sets as an exclusive Mac user.

[mashby]

NICE!  I totally missed this thread, but I've been saying this for years.  In fact, I volunteered to pay for legends to any GB organizer that is making a set.  Of course, now I already have made the command key for RainDrop (assuming you like that size).  (And 7bit did one for Round3 that was bigger.)  The option would be nice too.  (Though, I use Caps as my options, but still...)

Thanks aggiejy! Raindrop was actually the inspiration for this IC.  So thank you for including it in your set.

Update
Based on the results of the poll thus far, it seems like $20 is the sweet spot price wise and most want both the Command Key and the Option key. Also, most folks are looking for a 1.25 modifier and not the 1.5 and 1x, so we'll probably start with just the 1.25

I like the idea of including a "Delete" key and "Return" key, but I don't know that we could include them and hit the $20 price point, but it's definitely worth looking into. Of course for those sets that used graphics for those keys, there's really no sense in replacing those.

Colors
Which brings us to the next question, which is what colorway should we start with? White on Black seems like the best first choice in that it's basic and has the broadest appeal. Next, it seems like a RGB companion would be popular as well. white on yellow / black on yellow would work for command key, but if we include the option key, then there needs to be a white on blue and black on blue key.

The White on Black set would be 4 keys with a single color way. The RGB set would be 8 keys and two colorways. So it seems like the White on Black would be the best call for a first set.

Thoughts?

[YoungMichael88]

I would be in for a white on black set

[Leslieann]

Colors
Which brings us to the next question, which is what colorway should we start with? White on Black seems like the best first choice in that it's basic and has the broadest appeal. Next, it seems like a RGB companion would be popular as well. white on yellow / black on yellow would work for command key, but if we include the option key, then there needs to be a white on blue and black on blue key.

The White on Black set would be 4 keys with a single color way. The RGB set would be 8 keys and two colorways. So it seems like the White on Black would be the best call for a first set.

Thoughts?

I think this will be the biggest hurdle, fragmentation. I have no need for either of the color sets you mentioned and by the time you break it all down, you may only get 10 people per color.

[aggiejy]

Agreed, but it could be set up like Elton set up the Tai Hao group buy.  Basically, you list the options and start taking orders.  Let it run until you have enough of some of the colors.  If some colors don't make it, you cut them.  I'm usually for fast group buys, but something like this you may need to let it percolate a bit so people see it.

[aggiejy]

As far as style options, there are a couple that have been done.

I did this one, only in 1.25x, for RainDrop:


In the original 7bit Round 3 group buy, he offered an optional command key.  I can't seem to find a picture, and mine is in some bag somewhere. It was the same as RainDrop, but bigger.

And it looks like he redid it in three sizes in round 4.  Here's a pic from the Noir set:

That's closer to what Apple does I guess, except middle left instead of top right.

So this brings up the question on the style we want to do.  That last photo would be cheapest obviously, assuming 7bit gives permission to use his legends, since we'd only have to cut the option keys.  But I guess it depends on how it matches with other set legend locations.  (I did a larger centered one because it's similar to a win key... though it's certainly not like what Apple does.)

[mashby]

I think this will be the biggest hurdle, fragmentation. I have no need for either of the color sets you mentioned and by the time you break it all down, you may only get 10 people per color.

I would hope that wouldn't happen, but I think 25 per color may not be that hard. Only one way to find out.
 

Originally, I was thinking that we'd run several small group buys and break them out to run every other month, or something to that effect. After talking with Aggiejy, I'm not so sure that's the best plan.  His suggestion of doing it as one big group buy and just kill whatever colors don't make the cut makes sense. With this approach, we could do Valentines, CCnG, B&W, RGB, Klaxxon, etc. and then make the call as to what the minimum would be. SP would probably prefer that approach and it may make it easier on the delivery end as well.

What I'm Thinking Right Now
1. Assuming that legend fees are that big of a deal with the command key, we could do those in 1x 1.25x and 1.5x sizes all in one set. 6 key caps total in each colorway. Running my preliminary numbers using White on Black as an example, we could get a set of these for ~$15 with 25 orders.

2. I'll check and see if SP has the option key and based on what they tell me, we can make a decision from there and if it makes sense to include it or not.

3. I don't think the "Delete" and "Return" keys will make the cut. Not saying anything definite, but it looks like they double the price of the set given that there's only one per set.

What Colorways?
Now that we're talking about doing one big group buy, instead of a bi-monthly, what colors would you like to see. So far, I have the following:

- White on Black
- Black on White
- Black on Beige
- WYSE
- Cream Cheese n' Green (2 colors)
- Klaxxon (3 colors)
- Valentines (2 colors)
- Yellow for RGB (2 colors, white text and black text)
- Sanctuary

Any other suggestions?

[rowdy]

As usual, there are too many great colours to choose from.

I'm not sure there are that many Mac users who would participate, but I'm sure a few non-Mac users would grab a few sets due to the novelty factor

BTW I was pleasantly surprised to find command and option keys on my HHKB!

[megaxpop]

yeah! +1

[w3djyt]

Okay, I guess I'm going to be the newb about this, then... can we get some examples or breakdowns for those color names? For example, what exactly is Sanctuary? ^^;

[mashby]

Okay, I guess I'm going to be the newb about this, then... can we get some examples or breakdowns for those color names? For example, what exactly is Sanctuary? ^^;

Sure w3djyt. See below:
   - Klaxxon (Red, White and Grey)
   - Cream Cheese and Green (CCnG) (Cream and Green)
   - Sanctuary (Red on Black)
   - Valentine (Light Pink, Dark Pink and White)
   - WYSE (Blue, Grey)
   - RGBY (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow with White and/or Black text)

[aggiejy]

I think we should at least cut the option legend at 1.25x. That'd be a $45 well spent.  However, I don't think it would look great big and centered.  Perhaps in the Round 4 style?  Or on the top left or right corner (which would require us to redo the command too)?  Whatever we do here, hopefully it sets a standard where full-set group buy organizers will consider using them going forward.

Anyway, my thought is to at least do the option for the white-on-black since it's likely to be most common.  Maybe just in 1.25x since it's most common too.

[mashby]

It's also a question of wether to do an image, or text.

If we're replacing the "Alt" key, then when I look at existing sets, they're all text so "Alt" becomes "Option". When I take a look at the Apple Keyboard they're using all text as well.

Personally, I like the idea of having the Option icon because I think it's looks cool.

That being said, there's also the question of balance. I don't know if adding another icon key throws off the look of the modifiers. Take the Valentine set for example. All of the other modifiers are icons, so it seems like the Option icon would be a good fit here.



With Klaxon however, the modifiers are mostly text based, so I don't know if the legend is the best fit.

Full-Red Set by Michael Ashby, on Flickr

So Here's My Question
How closely should we match existing sets?

[w3djyt]

Re Colors: Thanks. Sanctuary, Valentines, and the CCnG green mods look awesome.

Re Modifiers: The more modern Apple keyboards have all at least added text if not removed the images entirely save for the command key. That having been said, I'd still really like the pictures on at least one of the sets. The option and command logos are pretty nice, I think, and I'm even partial to how they icon the ctrl key.

2c

[aggiejy]

I think the "Option" key is entirely optional.  Especially since "Alt" is literally printed on an Apple option key too... it works.  But that said, I like the option symbol too, and it was printed on older Apple keyboards (I thought this, but I can't seem to find an example, so maybe not?).

As I explained to Mashby, the option keys actually count in the same qty discount as the command keys since they are the same profile/size/color. (Except on RGB obviously.)  So for 25 orders, you get the 100 key tier instead of the 50.  The overall cost of 4 keys vs two is only maybe a 25% increase.) 

Regardless, I think it would be work to do an option symbol even on primarily text-based designs.  Here are some various options to discuss.  there could be other ones:




Also, who here would need a 1x command key?  Most korean boards that have a 1x modifier would be where the option key goes, no?  If this isn't popular, Mashby could cut those two keys thus lowering the price.  (And perhaps 1x altogether, assuming whoever needs 1.5x already has some generic 1x key that would work.)  I think we can mostly agree that the command key is the big missing link for mac users on custom keyboard sets?

[w3djyt]

I've got at least 1 keyboard that could use a 1x command & option key.

[aggiejy]

I've got at least 1 keyboard that could use a 1x command & option key.

Just curious, what keyboard?  I'm just trying to get a feel for how popular this might be.

[mashby]

@aggiejy



LOVE, love, love the mock ups! Thank you!!!! 


Positioning
I think that should be dictated by the set depending on wether we go with text, or icon. Of course that could increase costs should we need to change placement. For Valentine, Klaxon, CCnG, Black on White and White on Black they would all match Style C (left, centered). For at least those colorways, we'd be set. However, should other colorways require a new legend fee, it may make it cost prohibitive.

I think the "Option" key is entirely optional.  Especially since "Alt" is literally printed on an Apple option key too... it works.  But that said, I like the option symbol too, and it was printed on older Apple keyboards (I thought this, but I can't seem to find an example, so maybe not?).

I looked on Wikipedia and it seems it was more popular in the early OS X days, but they've moved away from it with the aluminum keyboards entirely.

[snip]... and I'm even partial to how they icon the ctrl key.

2c

What icon is that? I can't seem to find one.

[aggiejy]

Yeah, unfortunately moving the legend is the same as creating a whole new legend.  So you'd have to pay $45 for each size.  If you did Option and Control, that'd be $90 for each size (1.25, 1.5, 1). 

[w3djyt]

I've got at least 1 keyboard that could use a 1x command & option key.

Just curious, what keyboard?  I'm just trying to get a feel for how popular this might be.

Keycool 84


picture posted by Blighty

[aggiejy]

Ah, thanks for posting.  So it has 1.25x mods on the left, and 1x on the right.   At least if we don't do 1x mods, the more common command key position would be covered.

[w3djyt]

And this one is actually KVM'd between a Mac and a PC so that solution could work well anyway

[Leslieann]

I've got at least 1 keyboard that could use a 1x command & option key.

Just curious, what keyboard?  I'm just trying to get a feel for how popular this might be.

Keycool 84

KBT Race also uses a single 1x key (Control), though I'm not really concerned with getting keys for that.

[aggiejy]

Control is typically left mapped in the same location for Mac users too, so I doubt you'd really want a cmd 1x on that location anyway.

[w3djyt]

No I'd want it on the alt 1x spot to the right of the space bar

[rowdy]

I think the "Option" key is entirely optional.  Especially since "Alt" is literally printed on an Apple option key too... it works.  But that said, I like the option symbol too, and it was printed on older Apple keyboards (I thought this, but I can't seem to find an example, so maybe not?).

As I explained to Mashby, the option keys actually count in the same qty discount as the command keys since they are the same profile/size/color. (Except on RGB obviously.)  So for 25 orders, you get the 100 key tier instead of the 50.  The overall cost of 4 keys vs two is only maybe a 25% increase.) 

Regardless, I think it would be work to do an option symbol even on primarily text-based designs.  Here are some various options to discuss.  there could be other ones:

(Attachment Link)


Also, who here would need a 1x command key?  Most korean boards that have a 1x modifier would be where the option key goes, no?  If this isn't popular, Mashby could cut those two keys thus lowering the price.  (And perhaps 1x altogether, assuming whoever needs 1.5x already has some generic 1x key that would work.)  I think we can mostly agree that the command key is the big missing link for mac users on custom keyboard sets?

Personally, I prefer option c.

Here are a couple of older Apple keyboards I have lying around, from 1994:



And from 2000:



The open Apple symbol is nice - I had forgotten about that

[aggiejy]

Personally, I prefer option c.

Me too!

[ForestFunK]

Option c looks best for me aswell. The current macbooks also have a similar design:

[aggiejy]

Option c looks best for me aswell. The current macbooks also have a similar design:

(Attachment Link)

Woah, what laptop is that, an Air?  The US layouts don't don't use any of those symbols except the command icon.  No shift, caps, or option symbols.

[n0rvig]

Option c looks best for me aswell. The current macbooks also have a similar design:

(Attachment Link)

Woah, what laptop is that, an Air?  The US layouts don't don't use any of those symbols except the command icon.  No shift, caps, or option symbols.

I've seen UK layouts like that too. The symbols look really good. My US layout has words. For us i think option c with symbols would be great.

[rowdy]

Is that the German layout, with Y where Z would otherwise be?

[ForestFunK]

Option c looks best for me aswell. The current macbooks also have a similar design:

(Attachment Link)

Woah, what laptop is that, an Air?  The US layouts don't don't use any of those symbols except the command icon.  No shift, caps, or option symbols.

Yes, it's an air in german ISO layout. I had no idea that other layouts have different symbols. Weird...

[w3djyt]

This is the current American English Macbook Air layout for comparison...

[rowdy]

Bit of a giveaway, seeing as how ForestFunK is from Germany

I think I've seen the option symbol in online documentation from Apple, possibly quite recently.

[aggiejy]

Yes, the option symbol is all over the place in OS X menus, etc.  Like at the bottom here:


Just didn't know they still put it on some keyboards.  Good to know, I like it!

[w3djyt]

Yeah, they still don't really make a distinction in the OS. It's mainly the squiggly image and occasionally you'll see the word "option key" but for the most part just the random icon that makes no sense if you haven't used a Mac before and have an American keyboard

I'm still on board for the squiggly icon on the key, though!

[rowdy]

Squiggly icon +1

[Poom]

Hey, actually what I would love to see also is all the media keys on the F-row, like brightness control, volume up and down, I dont think I ever need the F1-F12 on mac. but this might be too much to ask.

by the way, can we actually program the F keys to be media keys? what application or add-on can you guys recommend?

[w3djyt]

... the OS? I'm a little confused by your request. I just went into keyboard preferences and told it that F keys are always media keys regardless of the keyboard I have attached.

If you want to get more complex than that, though, I recommend KeyRemap4MacBook as a general remap / fixall for your Mac keyboard woes.

[Poom]

... the OS? I'm a little confused by your request. I just went into keyboard preferences and told it that F keys are always media keys regardless of the keyboard I have attached.

If you want to get more complex than that, though, I recommend KeyRemap4MacBook as a general remap / fixall for your Mac keyboard woes.

Oh can do that on the keyboard preferences? sorry I didnt know.
anyhow I was just thinking that it would also be nice to have the symbols printed on the keys too, so we Mac users can have a real mac mechanical keyboards, but again this might be too much to ask. but if future groupboys would design a mac set as an extra, like tsangan, iso etc, ill definitely pay for those extras. 

[w3djyt]

On the plus side, the Fn functions of my F keys on the Keycool 84 work seamlessly with the Mac... so depending on your keyboard, you may not always need it. Now my F keys still work as media keys as well (F1 & F2 for monitor brightness, cmd + F2 still switches inputs to my PC, etc...) so there's some overlap, but this way if you can't quite remember right, you can go for the Fn function on the keyboard. Honestly, between my iMac and my Air, I got used to the media keys pretty quickly. I just hope they don't go changing them again. It's such a pain in the neck to adjust muscle memory to it. :/

But then, I'll be glad just having a command key.

[Poom]

well, as it is I also have no problem, I just swap the windows key to be my command key, then everything is functional, its just for the looks and novelty aspect of having a keyboard that looks like its made for a mac that is all. in the end I rather type on a mech keyboard than rubber dome, or in the apple case scissor keys.

I am an ergodox incoming, that would be interesting to remap the keys around. anyone here use an ergodox with a mac and would like to share their layouts for ideas?

[w3djyt]

I'd be interested in hearing how that works out! But yeah, I'm generally in the same boat re: mech keys and making them match the Mac. It all becomes muscle memory eventually, so it 's just a matter of getting it to sink in (and Apple not changing around function keys with each new product. I sincerely hope they've worked themselves out of that phase by now).

[mashby]

OK, got word back from Signature Plastics and they do not have the legend for the option key icon. They do have the Option text though, so that's good.

What Does This Mean?
For each key (1x, 1.25x and 1.5x) there would be an additional $45 charge. For all three keys sizes, that would mean an additional $135. This cost would be absorbed by everyone's order, so you would only pay a fraction of the total cost with your order, but it does increase the overall cost of each set.

How Much Are We Talking About?
It's hard to project because we don't know how many orders we'll get. However, sticking with our existing example of 25 orders, it would add and additional ~$5.50 per order. This gets further diluted between each colorway, so it starts looking more affordable as more orders are placed in each category, but it's still more expensive.

Preliminary Numbers
Below are some "back of the napkin" calculations to give you an idea of how the pricing could breakdown.

   Option 1: Text Legend for Option Key
   Command Key with Icon in 1x, 1.25x and 1.5x
   Option Key with Text in 1x, 1.25x and 1.5x
   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   25 orders   = $22 per order, per color
   50 orders   = $16 per order, per color
   125 orders = $11 per order, per color

   Option 2: Icon Legend for Option Key
   Command Key with Icon in 1x, 1.25x and 1.5x
   Option Key with Icon in 1x, 1.25x and 1.5x
   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   25 orders   = $27 per order, per color
   50 orders   = $21 per order, per color
   125 orders = $12 per order, per color


How Can We Lower The Price?
1. Drop 1x and or 1.5x keys
If we were to drop the 1x key for both Command and Option, then the cost for a set with icons is ~$19.50 per set at 25 orders. That's a pretty significant cost savings over the $27 set cost. If we only go with the 1.25x then we're looking at ~$10 per set. Think about how many colors you're looking to get and you can see how this impacts what you'd like to purchase.

2. Drop Icon For The Option Key
We'd include all the keys, but just use text for the Option key and we're looking at ~$22 per set.

3. Sell A Ton Of Sets
That's the gamble. Our Interest check has only yielded 25 orders. It stands to reason that we'll receive more once this becomes an actual Group Buy, but there's no way of knowing at this point.

New Poll
We need more data, so please take a moment and respond to the new poll which focuses on the Option Key and Preferred Colors. This should provide us with more information on just how strongly everyone feels about the additional key cap sizes and what colors are most probable.

 

[aggiejy]

Well, I guess it's too late for the poll, but I'd propose this as a set:

2x: 1.25x Command Symbol
2x: 1.25x Option Symbol
2x: 1.5x Command Symbol
2x: 1x Option Symbol

There would only be two new legends, $90.  It would cover the most common uses for 1.5x keys.  (Which is usually either winkeyless, or a small winkey.)  Sure some rare layouts won't get full support, but better than nothing, and keeps costs down. 

My calculations for cost*, without the legends, would be:

@25:  $17.20
@50:  $11.30
@75:  $9.68
@125: $7.46

Legend fees won't add much to this if we do multiple color ways.  Heck, I'll pledge right here to personally pay any difference so that the legend fee won't raise the cost of a set by more than $1. (If we do this set that is... 2 new legends.)

These kind of prices are nice and low, encouraging more "just-in-case" orders, and perhaps even getting to a lower tier for some colorways.  Though, my gut says we probably will be lucky to get to 25 on some colors.  (But if the price is only ~$17 per color, perhaps people will be willing to buy two to make it happen!)

* Actual costs will be higher of course, after you figure buying extra for mashby/replacements/damage, shipping from SP, packing materials, whatever else.

[rowdy]

Um I clicked the link to the new poll and got to a page with the title "Welcome to Mashby.com" and "Sign in to your account at Mashby.com".

Was that supposed to happen?

[aggiejy]

I did as well, I think it's locked to be private or something currently.

[Poom]

we should definitely do the MIAMI colors as the Group buy is going pretty strong at the moment,
CCnG is another one, since it was quite popular.
the Toxic set also, its a large group buy, so i reckon there should be a few mac users in there.

I personally would go for all the three colors above. 1.25x size would do for me

[reiuorw]

I think dropping 1.5 key is better idea..

by the way, do I have to log in google to take second poll?

[mashby]

Sorry, I didn't see that I had locked it to the domain.

The poll has re-opened. Please try it again.

[YoungMichael88]

Filled out

[mashby]

Just looking over the results, which you can see here and we've had 12 responses. Below is a summary.

• Most people want all three sizes of modifiers
• The icon legend is clearly more popular than text
• The four most popular color ways are (in order): CCnG, Klaxon, White on Black and then Black on White

If you haven't already taken the new poll, please do so.

[remedyhalopc]

I'd be down for a SoWaRe set but I doubt there's enough interest for it.

[rowdy]

Unless there is really low MOQ, is it worth the hassle of a GB?

[reiuorw]

what about lily set modifier?

It is just invoicing phase but I wish lily set had more keys..

[mashby]

Unless there is really low MOQ, is it worth the hassle of a GB?

The MOQ that we've been working with has been 25. I think that's pretty low, is it not?

[nightsnack]

I've just put in my responses for the second poll. I'm in for this no matter what the final colour decision is.

[reiuorw]

any update? or lack of votes?

I'm really expecting this.

[mashby]

Nothing new to report. I put this on the back burner until after KeyCon 2013. We've had 23 responses in total so there hasn't been a TON of interest at this point.

I still want to make this happen though, I just need to figure out the pricing so that we can try and make it work and still be affordable and that's just going to take a little time to sort it all out. Time is in short supply at the moment, but after KeyCon there should be enough to nail it down.

[reiuorw]

Nothing new to report. I put this on the back burner until after KeyCon 2013. We've had 23 responses in total so there hasn't been a TON of interest at this point.

I still want to make this happen though, I just need to figure out the pricing so that we can try and make it work and still be affordable and that's just going to take a little time to sort it all out. Time is in short supply at the moment, but after KeyCon there should be enough to nail it down.

thanks,

[jondkinney]

I ran across this thread looking for at least a command key for my Coolermaster Quickfire Rapid (1.25). A 1.25 Option would be nice too, but I can live with Alt if necessary. I, however, do not really enjoy the Win key

Let me know if there is any progress on this. I'd be most interested in PBT white on black since my QFR has all black keys.

Thanks,
Jon

[tonyl0822]

in

[bueller]

PM'ed you Mashby, hopefully I can help!

[tjweir]

I'd be in for 4 x 1.5u Command keys.
I don't care which colour.

C'mon Mac users!

[polarpigs]

Interested in it for Klaxon!