[GB] GMK Umbra | Completed | Nov. 1 - Dec. 16, 2019

[Pach]

GMK Umbra
Group Buy Status: CLOSED

Pokédex Entry #197 - Umbreon

Umbreon evolved as a result of exposure to the moon's waves.
It hides silently in darkness and waits for its foes to make a move.
When darkness falls, the rings on the body begin to glow,
striking fear in the hearts of anyone nearby.


Update: 20 January 2020

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Greetings from 2020!

Due to some conflict in RAL colors with GMK, I was required to find replacement colors for RAL 270 20 10 and RAL 270 30 10.
This is not a huge deal though, as the new colors are very close and have very little differences.
The new colors are RAL 260 30 10 and RAL 260 20 05. They are reflected in these official GMK renders:

Update: 2 February 2020

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After the announcement of the recent color changes, I commissioned Abec13, who did the previous Iron165 renders, to re-render them with the new colors. Here is the result:

(Click more for old colors)

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Update: 24 February 2020

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Samples have finally arrived!

Took a while, but here we are.
My review: The accent color is perfect, and the alpha color matches really well. The only problem is the modifier color; it seems a bit too dark so I will need to revise it. I took two pictures comparing all of them: The first one is outside, rainy afternoon, and the second one is inside with a little warm lighting from my lamp, comparing the color to my HHKB (Pro 2) and deskmat (Godspeed Laser). Keep in mind that none of these samples have blue legends, so if you feel like something's missing/off, that's probably it

There are still no updates for estimated shipping, so around June is my fair bet. Matching the modifier color will probably add a few weeks if I do request samples.
Deskmat orders should be shipping in the US from Kono.store by now. For other regions, I have not gotten details yet, so you can ask your regional vendor for more information regarding deskmats.
Cables are going to be manufactured and sent out sooner or later; the cable maker said there is still a queue for other group buys so I will update with any available information in the future.
RAMA Caps will be manufactured and an estimated shipping time will be announced after I have confirmed the final colors with GMK for production.

Please feel free to share any opinions about the colors of these samples. If you have any requests for photos of the samples in different settings, I'd be happy to do it within my reach.

Update: 11 March 2020

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Sorry for the wait.
I have decided to proceed with the existing colors. I'll attach some images comparing the samples to CR. Notice the color difference - it's not nearly as dark as it seems. Don't worry about the colors, it's really hard to gauge colors from photos, especially different ones taken by a phone camera, and everyone's monitor is different. GMK has matched the original colors as close as they can be.

Update: 12 March 2020

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GMK Final Renders. Made a couple of small changes: "Lock" and "Num Lock" changed to "Scroll" and "Num" for consistency. Dakuten on Hiragana "modernized."
New estimated shipping: August - GMK gives a rough 23-25 week estimate from the invoice date for projects now, and that's what I'm basing this off of.

Update: 7 April 2020

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A small update:

GMK requested for Umbra to use the new packaging, so the packaging design has changed a little bit.
I don't have any new renders but they aren't really needed because the design still remains largely the same.

If you have concerns about the new packaging and watched some videos where it wasn't very good (8008, for example), GMK is already revising the new packaging and I hope that will be reflected before this set gets made and shipped out. However, I have no control over how quickly GMK will resolve the new packaging issues, but I'm hoping for the issues to be fixed before then.

If you don't know about this change or want more info, here is the link to the official announcement: https://uniqey.net/en/blog/detail/sCategory/8/blogArticle/16

Update: 9 April 2020

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RAMA x Umbra
Unfortunately, RAMA's manufacturer only anodizes with Pantone references, so the exact modifier color cannot be represented in this artisan cap.
I have decided to use Pantone 433 C, as it is the closest color to RAL 260 20 05 that I could match.
The difference in the colors means that the artisan cap will be darker than the modifiers, however I believe that the darker color can serve as a nice accent piece to Esc or F13.

Update: 26 June 2020

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The sets have arrived at Mykeyboard! Shipping to other vendors will commence soon, I expect most to have their sets by the end of next month.

Disclaimer: Pictures are pictures, they will vary a lot from screen to screen, and they are not comparable to viewing them in real life. However, I think these pictures are an accurate representation of GMK Umbra (albeit a little undersaturated). I think it turned out great!

Proxies
US - Kono
Canada - Deskhero
Europe - Mykeyboard
Asia / Oceana - Daily Clack

MOQ Status
cred. dvorcol
Week 1 (11/1 - 11/9)

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Week 2 (11/10 - 11/16)

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Week 3 (11/17 - 11/23)

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Week 4 (11/24 - 11/30)

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Week 5 (12/1 - 12/7)

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Week 6 (12/8 - 12/16)

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Extras Purchased

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Base: 98
Hiragana: 39
Spacebar: 40
Deskmat: 40
RAMA: 20

Kits

Ooh, shiny... Featuring a numpad, full UK ISO, and ortho support!
145 USD / 137 EUR / 200 CAD / 205 AUD


A tribute to the OG Pokémon game. Featuring hiragana subs with full UK ISO.
70 USD / 65 EUR / 97 CAD / 102 AUD


Need some extra items for your journey?
30 USD / 29 EUR / 47 CAD / 44 AUD

Deskmat

Complement your Umbreon!
17 USD / 19 EUR / 24 CAD / 25 AUD

Cable

Nice tail.

RAMA x Umbra

Gaze into the ring.
45 USD / 49 EUR / 64 CAD / 68 AUD


Renders

Packaging


Dawn - crykn



En Dash - wouldworks







Iron165 - Smith+Rune








Colors Used
■ RAL 260 20 05
■ RAL 260 30 10
■ RAL 240 60 40
■           GMK CP
■           GMK CR


Discord Server
For group buy update notifications and more projects, join here!
https://discord.gg/jXfQDKU


Signature Decal (Support the set!)

Code: [Select]

[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103209.0][img]https://i.imgur.com/JNXkuRF.png[/img][/url]

[HoffmanMyster]

Approved

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

That cable is sweet!

[midnatwili]

  joined group buy on kono. Blue is my favorite color, and this looks nice.

[Rayndalf]

Nice base kit.
Glad to see UK ISO, Ortho and numpad included for only ~$30 more than a smaller set, when normally any one of those costs at least that much.

[ryn1x]

.

[duxbridge]

This colour combinations working really well.
All the best for the GB!

[Pach]

Week 1 numbers are in (No extras)! Numbers are looking fine for now considering this is a slow month, we should be able to hit MOQ on everything.

[nasp]

Nice base kit.
Glad to see UK ISO, Ortho and numpad included for only ~$30 more than a smaller set, when normally any one of those costs at least that much.

This!

With GMK pricing it's usually better to go for a somewhat all inclusive base kit, unlike the many smaller kits of SA, KAT, DSA, and the like.

Pachriksu, thanks for making this possible 

[dvorcol]

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MOQ Status
Status will be posted every Monday.

Week 1 (11/1 - 11/9)
Base Kit - 44/250
Hiragana Kit - 17/100
Spacebar - 10/100
Deskmat - 16/0
RAMA Cap - 17/50

[dvorcol]

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<-- history to date

[visualcookie]

I love the colors. Just saved mine before they are gone.

Any update on shipping or is it still approx May 2020?

[Pach]

I love the colors. Just saved mine before they are gone.

Any update on shipping or is it still approx May 2020?

Updated shipping approximations will come a while after the Group Buy. Right now it’s still projected to be Q2 2020.

[JimmyJim]

It would be cool if we can choose between standard and hiragana for the Base kit

[Pach]

It would be cool if we can choose between standard and hiragana for the Base kit

It would, if sets weren't limited by MOQ 

[KrasH]

How's the set doing? Two more weeks. I already joined.

[Rayndalf]

How's the set doing? Two more weeks. I already joined.

Yeah, its looking a little rough, but many buys have been struggling this month, so I think this will pick up next week (well at least by one since I'm hoping to buy my set then)

[DukeEsquire]

This one is looking a little rough unfortunately.

[Mcnos]

Just saw that it's been extended.

What are the sales at now?

[dvorcol]

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<-- history to date

[thornkin]

Oof. That is a high moq...

[Beerbezerker]

So keen for this set!

[Pach]

Oof. That is a high moq...

It is, but I believe we will make it

[thornkin]

I hope so. I really like this kit.

[dvorcol]

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<-- history to date

[SwitchKeys]

Tidy spike. Nice work guys. This is such a nice set.

[thornkin]

Good to see some momentum.

[dvorcol]

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<-- history to date

[dvorcol]

13 Dec updated, including some extras.
A few days left, and more extras to come.

[duxbridge]

What happens if this set doesn't meet MOQ? 

[Pach]

What happens if this set doesn't meet MOQ? 

Then everyone is refunded and it doesn’t get made. But don’t worry, we can make MOQ.

[Mcnos]

What happens if this set doesn't meet MOQ? 

Then everyone is refunded and it doesn’t get made. But don’t worry, we can make MOQ.

Will deskmat still be made? I want that furry tail

[dvorcol]

What happens if this set doesn't meet MOQ? 

Then everyone is refunded and it doesn’t get made. But don’t worry, we can make MOQ.

Graphs for 13 Dec updated above.

[Pach]

What happens if this set doesn't meet MOQ? 

Then everyone is refunded and it doesn’t get made. But don’t worry, we can make MOQ.

Will deskmat still be made? I want that furry tail

Desk mats should ship around next month!

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

Pachriksu, I think your advertising and updates on this set have been nothing short of amazing, and I'm glad to see you near to MOQ.

[nasp]

This set is so close to reaching MOQ that I don't see it failing to do so. I wouldn't be surprised if this hit 300+ sets sold at the end

[Pach]

Pachriksu, I think your advertising and updates on this set have been nothing short of amazing, and I'm glad to see you near to MOQ.

Thank you so much! It's been a tough 1.5 months for GMK sets but I'm happy about the decisions I've made for this set. Hope to see everyone on the other side of MOQ

This set is so close to reaching MOQ that I don't see it failing to do so. I wouldn't be surprised if this hit 300+ sets sold at the end

Haha, that would be a dream

[Pach]

Today is the last day to pick up a set!

[Rayndalf]

Joined a couple minutes ago (figured I had to put my money were my mouth is and support sensible 'all in one' kit design. I get basic ortho, full UK ISO and numpad coverage for 2/3s the price of one child kit. I'd basically be losing money if I missed out )

[Pach]

The GMK Umbra group buy is now over. Thank you so much to everyone that joined for a wonderful and successful extended month! I'll continue to update this thread in the future with shipping information, samples, etc. Graphs will be posted shortly.

[fatboycarney]

Great job, your efforts didn't go unnoticed!! Congrats on MOQ 

[dvorcol]

[Pach]

Update posted.

[sevenseacat]

Not sure I like the new blue :/ But we'll see how it looks in real life...

[nasp]

Not sure I like the new blue :/ But we'll see how it looks in real life...

It's a GMK render so I would be careful. They are notorious for completely inaccurate colors. Most designers don't even post them because they are so off from community renders.

[DukeEsquire]

I know it's all renders, but that's a very different blue.

[Melanie]

Inspired by the Pokemon Umbreon, this set lurks in the darkness waiting for its foe (your wallet) to make its move.
This monochrome, Dark-Type set features soft dark blues that contrast with the luminescent brighter blues: truly capturing the Umbreon theme MyPrepaidCenter

[Pach]

Second update rolled out.

[Pach]

Another update rolled out

[duxbridge]

Samples look good! When do you think the sets will be ready for shipping?

[Pach]

Samples look good! When do you think the sets will be ready for shipping?

My prediction is around June, but GMK is pretty backed up right now with all the group buys that have happened, so I can’t say for sure.

[Pach]

New Update Posted.

[Pach]

Updayt

[bobfrink]

I'm late to this group buy. How are the extra sets planning to be distributed? I am interested in a Hiragana set and potentially also a base set.

[DukeEsquire]

I'm late to this group buy. How are the extra sets planning to be distributed? I am interested in a Hiragana set and potentially also a base set.

Extras will be sold by the vendors. You'll need to check with them.

[Bpendragon]

Just creating a GH account and chiming in to say that I love this set and can't wait till I get mine in hand. (I found out through Kono).

My quarantine project has been designing and buying the materials for an endgame built around this set. So thank you for bringing this to fruition.


Layout (note media key cluster, '00' key, and status LED location): http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/7abe0f9944f72517c9f9f7b989548eb5

Case design:

Shiny Umbreon is my favorite pokemon design of all time, I am definitely dedicated to this one.

[Pach]

Update Bump!

[sevenseacat]

awesome!!

[Tyson]

Nice update, glad to see the set shipping. As for the renders, I went back and grabbed my RAL Deck and looked at the Colors IRL, they do not match the board renders. The alpha color is drastically darker irl and in your pic than in the renders. I also noticed that in your Feb 2nd update you mentioned that Abec went back and re-rendered the set with the new colors. So are the old colors the ones used for the set, or was there just a miscommunication with the renders from Abec using the wrong alpha color? The render from GMK looks more accurate then the board renders.

[Pach]

Nice update, glad to see the set shipping. As for the renders, I went back and grabbed my RAL Deck and looked at the Colors IRL, they do not match the board renders. The alpha color is drastically darker irl and in your pic than in the renders. I also noticed that in your Feb 2nd update you mentioned that Abec went back and re-rendered the set with the new colors. So are the old colors the ones used for the set, or was there just a miscommunication with the renders from Abec using the wrong alpha color? The render from GMK looks more accurate then the board renders.

The renders from Abec on the thread match the colors of the actual set. The alpha color isn't darker, if you're referring to the newest pictures, I said that they were undersaturated and the samples I have on hand do match the RAL colors.

Edit: Look at the March 11th update for sample comparison to RAL deck

[Dave_Lister]

I'd have to agree that the alphas look significantly darker than expected. Blue looks great though and I'm excited to recive the set soon. Can't believe I'm going to end up getting this before Dracula!

[Tyson]

After seeing the set on r/mk I knew I had to try to get the set in extras! Instead I got inpatient and bought the set on Mechmarket. I'm super excited to get it in! There might be a chance that it'll arrive before the set ships to everyone in the US too!

[Anthixious]

Just creating a GH account and chiming in to say that I love this set and can't wait till I get mine in hand. (I found out through Kono).

My quarantine project has been designing and buying the materials for an endgame built around this set. So thank you for bringing this to fruition.


Layout (note media key cluster, '00' key, and status LED location): http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/7abe0f9944f72517c9f9f7b989548eb5

Case design: (Attachment Link)

Shiny Umbreon is my favorite pokemon design of all time, I am definitely dedicated to this one.

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

I would LOVE a full-size aluminum case and PCB like this 

[Tyson]

Just got my set in from the person in the EU, the set is definitely darker than the pic I saw on reddit. No worries though, it's still turned out looking nice. The main issue that I have with this set is that there are NO SCOOPED HOMING KEYS.... IDK how this was left out, there are only barred F,J,5 and flat F,J,5 keys. My Spacebars are also warped, but I'm still using the 7u just fine, so it's not bothering me, but it will definitely bother others if their spacebars don't work. Other than those two things the set turned out just fine. I plan on using it on my Bauer for a while!

[Pach]

Just got my set in from the person in the EU, the set is definitely darker than the pic I saw on reddit. No worries though, it's still turned out looking nice. The main issue that I have with this set is that there are NO SCOOPED HOMING KEYS.... IDK how this was left out, there are only barred F,J,5 and flat F,J,5 keys. My Spacebars are also warped, but I'm still using the 7u just fine, so it's not bothering me, but it will definitely bother others if their spacebars don't work. Other than those two things the set turned out just fine. I plan on using it on my Bauer for a while!

Show Image

I'm glad you like the set! No scooped homing keys were actually my decision, as I at the time was not aware that scooped keys were standard (as shown in the renders). I really hope GMK sorts out their QC issues, especially with the spacebars these days.

[Pach]

double post

[Rayndalf]

So it's no homing and bar homing instead of scoop homing and bar homing? That's actually pretty funny. Bars arent too bad though.

[Tyson]

So it's no homing and bar homing instead of scoop homing and bar homing? That's actually pretty funny. Bars arent too bad though.

Yeah, I'm used to both, but prefer using scooped for a cleaner asthetic. I think this might be the first set that does not have scooped caps lol.

[Rayndalf]

This is the first GMK set I've seen with normal (non homing) F and J, but it was a thing on some vintage terminal boards including those manufactured by Cherry. Scoop/dish are best, but bar >>> scoop and bar so I think we'll be ok.

[Clay333]

Anyone know if there will be extras sold? I missed this kit and really want to try my luck at getting extras.

[ljyel]

Anyone know if there will be extras sold? I missed this kit and really want to try my luck at getting extras.

I know deskhero already sold their extras a while ago and I think other vendors sold theirs as well

[cpt-nic]

Anyone know if there will be extras sold? I missed this kit and really want to try my luck at getting extras.

I know deskhero already sold their extras a while ago and I think other vendors sold theirs as well

mykeyboard.eu as well

[Morgan3Wheeler]

The two keys of the Hiragana Kit were printed differently from the rendering.

[Contrakey]

If this had blue alpha lettering it would have been perfect for me. Still one of my favorite sets though.

[SuddenlyDonkey]

Scared to look. Here's how my Hiragana arrived...



Kono need to get their sh*t together.

[Pach]

The two keys of the Hiragana Kit were printed differently from the rendering.

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Yes, I addressed this in one of my early updates on the thread.

Scared to look. Here's how my Hiragana arrived...
(Attachment Link)


Kono need to get their sh*t together.

Sorry your kit came like that... It's GMK's job to make the packaging secure enough for rough shipping; personally I like their old packaging better.

[SuddenlyDonkey]

Scared to look. Here's how my Hiragana arrived...
(Attachment Link)


Kono need to get their sh*t together.

Sorry your kit came like that... It's GMK's job to make the packaging secure enough for rough shipping; personally I like their old packaging better.

Thank you. I certainly don't blame you and agree about GMK's new packaging; however, I think this is a Kono shipping issue. NK_ for example, boxes what they ship as well as wrap deskmats in protective covers. Everything in this pic was shipped from Kono. It included multiple deskmats, Umbra, and RAMA artisans.

[dvorcol]

The two keys of the Hiragana Kit were printed differently from the rendering.

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Yes, I addressed this in one of my early updates on the thread.

The GMK kit renders visible by expanding the 12 March update in the OP (see below) exactly match the kits that were made, right?

If so, consider making these GMK renders visible by default, and moving the currently-displayed kit renders into the expandable portion of the March update.  This would help minimize future misunderstandings.

Update: 12 March 2020
{MORE}
GMK Final Renders. Made a couple of small changes: "Lock" and "Num Lock" changed to "Scroll" and "Num" for consistency. Dakuten on Hiragana "modernized."
New estimated shipping: August - GMK gives a rough 23-25 week estimate from the invoice date for projects now, and that's what I'm basing this off of.

Show Image

Show Image

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[mr_foggy]

any chance we could ever see a R2 of this set? too good to not run again.

[AstralYT]

Just doing my duty, echoing R2.

[Nexy]

Really love this set but the prices on used market are ridiculous. Hoping for r2.

[OmegaZero55]

Yeah, I always wanted this set, but it wasn't in the budget at the time. I'm hoping for an R2 sometime as well.

[YoungTerror]

+1 for R2, but I could see the reasoning for waiting for things to settle down .

[tngpq]

One of my favorite sets indeed but for R2 please no dixie mod.

[Esperianterra]

Adding my voice for a r2, this is impossible to find even on the used market

[Dmitri]

R2

[hyperfix8]

R2 equivalent is happening with PBTFans

[mr_foggy]

R2

no

[Ranker2]

R2 equivalent is happening with PBTFans

Will the set have the same name? Haven't seen it pop up on any IC

[CaesarAZealad]

R2 equivalent is happening with PBTFans

Will the set have the same name? Haven't seen it pop up on any IC

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=118416.msg3141430#msg3141430

[CircuitHero]

R2 ask. Not in the hobby when this set came out and it looks awesome in person.

[AMZ]

R2 please.

[tactilesbad]

seconding the R2 request. pbtfans version unsurprisingly ****ed the colors up and the set looks nothing like the og