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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: ai03 on Fri, 31 May 2019, 19:23:32

Title: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - GB has begun
Post by: ai03 on Fri, 31 May 2019, 19:23:32
(https://kb.ai03.me/img/hotlink-ok/simpleja/simpleja-polaris-2.jpg)
SimpleJA

Current status: GB is live; GB thread here (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=101855.0).


SimpleJA attempts to recreate the vintage "cross-positioned" legends which were common on many vintage Japanese keyboards.

Many hours of research were conducted to create legends that are as genuine to the originals as possible.

Historically used legends from vintage boards were implemented wherever possible; those that did not exist were crafted carefully to match the others.

(https://i.imgur.com/azf6eXp.jpg)


Design Decisions

The basic white/beige color scheme was chosen as a neutral colorway that matches both the vintage style of the keyset as well as newer sleek keyboards.

The modifier keys were kept all-Japanese for a uniform look.


(https://kb.ai03.me/img/hotlink-ok/simpleja/simpleja-base.jpg)
(https://kb.ai03.me/img/hotlink-ok/simpleja/simpleja-extras.jpg)

Kits

Base Kit
Enough keys to fill most form factors below TKL size.

Spacebars Kit
1x 6U Convex
2x 3U Convex
1x 2.75U Convex
1x 2.25U Convex
1x 2U Convex
2x 1.5U Convex
2x 1U

Numpad Kit
Keys to fill a numpad, whether regular, all-1U, or part of a 1800 layout.
The order of the 1U modifiers are based on the style found on the NEC PC-8801 and PC-9801 series.

Ortho Kit
Many 1U keys which can help fill ortholinear and smaller ergonomic boards.

Function Kit
Includes both a vertical M1-M10 cluster for XT/AT inspired layouts, as well as a F13-F24 cluster for 122-key inspired battleships.

Renders

The legends in the renders appear a tad thinner than the source graphic for some reason.

(https://kb.ai03.me/img/hotlink-ok/simpleja/simpleja-8x2.jpg)
(https://kb.ai03.me/img/hotlink-ok/simpleja/simpleja-polaris.jpg)
(https://kb.ai03.me/img/hotlink-ok/simpleja/simpleja-polaris-2.jpg)

Timeline

Once samples are confirmed and pricing is set, GB will begin.


Push updates

If you would like to receive push updates for the project, please join my Discord server (https://discordapp.com/invite/qA5JD9y) and obtain the simple-ja role by running the following command: .iam SimpleJA
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ai03 on Fri, 31 May 2019, 19:23:46
FAQ

Q. Who will produce this keyset?
A. Likely EnjoyPBT. I still need to get quotes and all if there is enough interest.

Q. How much will it cost?
A. Unknown as of now, although I'll guesstimate that it'll be close to existing ePBT sets. If there seems to be enough interest, I'll grab a quote and report back.

Q. What keyboards did you reference for the legends?
A. Quite a few. Mainly the NEC PC-82/88/9801 series, Sharp X1/68000, Fujitsu FM-Towns, Oasys, and various others.

Q. I don't like the winkeys. Can I use something else in its place?
A. The 拡張機能 (Extended Functionality) keys will likely be the best replacement.

Q. Why are there so few convex keys in the spacebar kit?
A. Mainly due to ePBT mold limitations.

Q. Will there be other colorways available for the legends later?
A. Possibly in the future, but for now I'll stick to the milk white/beige coloring.

Q. Why is the row numbering on the kit images reversed?
A. For some reason, ePBT numbers them that way, reverse of the usual.

Q. Why are <insert keys> missing?
A. Because I'm terribly uneducated regarding keyset compat beyond the typical ANSI. If I'm missing something obvious, please let me know and I'll add it in ASAP.

Q. What boards are those in the renders?
A. Polaris and KBD8X MKII.

Q. Are the F13-F24 keys in the function kit really necessary?
A. Yes.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Pwner on Fri, 31 May 2019, 19:24:27
Yes
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: fcoury on Fri, 31 May 2019, 19:26:40
Love it. There's a Leopold vibe to the legend proportions that I really dig.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Paddel06 on Fri, 31 May 2019, 19:27:02
Finally a set with the bottom ろ!
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: jaang on Fri, 31 May 2019, 19:28:13
Excited for this, can't wait!
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: KawabataLuis on Fri, 31 May 2019, 19:33:01
Count me in :D
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: InvidiousIgnoramus on Fri, 31 May 2019, 19:33:23
I'm setting aside money immediately. That function kit is an absolute deal breaker for me, finally being able to have function columns with proper rowing. Accurate legends is a major plus too!
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: .Udon on Fri, 31 May 2019, 19:38:32
GB when
(https://i.imgur.com/8GYU9kU.gif)
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: _ODIN_ on Fri, 31 May 2019, 19:56:16
Very nice, highly interested.

Gesendet von meinem H8416 mit Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Capsy on Fri, 31 May 2019, 20:17:57
Well that's some entry into keyset design Ai

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Tom_Kazansky on Fri, 31 May 2019, 20:30:40
vertical functions keys...
Numpad: 1u Enter, "," key

 :eek: ohohohohohohoh
(https://i.imgur.com/8GYU9kU.gif)

this set match so well with my upcoming board
guess I'm buying everything except ortho...  :-X
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ullr on Fri, 31 May 2019, 21:49:00
I'm in, looks great OP. Love the JIS support.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: barkerjames on Fri, 31 May 2019, 22:30:42
LOVE
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: macclack on Fri, 31 May 2019, 22:34:06
So clean. Definitely in.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: pixelpusher on Fri, 31 May 2019, 22:37:14
I mean, if I can get like 4 of each stabilized key included in the base set for when they don't fit properly on the stabilizers

P.S... can we get these in GMK instead? :)
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ai03 on Fri, 31 May 2019, 22:51:46
I mean, if I can get like 4 of each stabilized key included in the base set for when they don't fit properly on the stabilizers

P.S... can we get these in GMK instead? :)

Sure; if you pay the several hundred thousand dollars for the molds, I'll happily do it for you
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: pixelpusher on Fri, 31 May 2019, 22:55:18
I mean, if I can get like 4 of each stabilized key included in the base set for when they don't fit properly on the stabilizers

P.S... can we get these in GMK instead? :)

Sure; if you pay the several hundred thousand dollars for the molds, I'll happily do it for you

I wish there was some way to fix the darn stabilized keys.  I've got 3 sets of ePBT that I can't use.  They look and feel nice, but I kinda need my space bar to come back up after I press it down :(
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ai03 on Fri, 31 May 2019, 23:20:51
I mean, if I can get like 4 of each stabilized key included in the base set for when they don't fit properly on the stabilizers

P.S... can we get these in GMK instead? :)

Sure; if you pay the several hundred thousand dollars for the molds, I'll happily do it for you

I wish there was some way to fix the darn stabilized keys.  I've got 3 sets of ePBT that I can't use.  They look and feel nice, but I kinda need my space bar to come back up after I press it down :(

1. Heat spacebar with hairdryer until somewhat pliable
2. Ever so slightly overbend beyond neutral
3. Dunk into cold water or under running water, retaining the shape
4. Dry completely. Enjoy
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: smoian on Sat, 01 June 2019, 00:21:22
I really like this!
Title: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: nguyenhimself on Sat, 01 June 2019, 00:22:37
Heh, accidental kaomoji.

(https://i.imgur.com/Gea5l3s.jpg)

I'm in. This is the sort of wacky-yet-classic sets that ẸnoyPBT should be known for. Keep it weird!
Title: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: nguyenhimself on Sat, 01 June 2019, 01:29:55
[deleted upon reconsideration]
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: hpdung99 on Sat, 01 June 2019, 07:20:23
Finally JIS support xD
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ddnomad on Sat, 01 June 2019, 09:03:03
Do like the keyset! Looking forward to the GB.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Nigolski on Sat, 01 June 2019, 16:23:02
very interested!
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: pixelpusher on Sat, 01 June 2019, 19:53:26
I mean, if I can get like 4 of each stabilized key included in the base set for when they don't fit properly on the stabilizers

P.S... can we get these in GMK instead? :)

Sure; if you pay the several hundred thousand dollars for the molds, I'll happily do it for you

I wish there was some way to fix the darn stabilized keys.  I've got 3 sets of ePBT that I can't use.  They look and feel nice, but I kinda need my space bar to come back up after I press it down :(

1. Heat spacebar with hairdryer until somewhat pliable
2. Ever so slightly overbend beyond neutral
3. Dunk into cold water or under running water, retaining the shape
4. Dry completely. Enjoy

The space bars I have from my slate set are all perfectly flat. If you measure from stem to stem they are about ~1mm off.  Flatness isn’t the issue for me
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: hpdung99 on Sat, 01 June 2019, 23:33:07
Since this is kind of a JIS support set, is there any chance that we can get a 4.5u spacebar?

Also because I'm not so sure, is the current set fully support a minila air JIS?
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ai03 on Sat, 01 June 2019, 23:39:21
Since this is kind of a JIS support set, is there any chance that we can get a 4.5u spacebar?

Also because I'm not so sure, is the current set fully support a minila air JIS?

I'm pretty sure that EnjoyPBT doesn't own all of the molds required for full JIS bottom row.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: senryo on Sun, 02 June 2019, 00:32:50
Will there be 9009 themed accents to match this color?
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: RSC on Sun, 02 June 2019, 05:20:54
101% in for this! Looks amazing.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: stoic-lemon on Sun, 02 June 2019, 08:51:55
This is really cool.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: dantambok on Sun, 02 June 2019, 09:29:49
100% in baby!
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: voight-kampff on Sun, 02 June 2019, 09:41:57
very nice
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: equalunique on Sun, 02 June 2019, 11:45:30
This set meets so many of my requirements, it's pretty amazing!

To completely work on Filco JIS boards, it's gonna need a 4.5u spacebar: https://imgur.com/a/kBFKi7j

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ullr on Sun, 02 June 2019, 12:02:33
Unfortunately I don't think that Enjoy PBT has 4.5u or 2.5u space bars that so many JIS boards use. I wonder if there isn't some other manufacturer they could be sourced from, though.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: equalunique on Sun, 02 June 2019, 12:44:20
Unfortunately I don't think that Enjoy PBT has 4.5u or 2.5u space bars that so many JIS boards use. I wonder if there isn't some other manufacturer they could be sourced from, though.
Well, maybe they'll see the interest here, and decide to make some? They went ahead and created 3u convex spacebars. Both 2.5u & 4.5u would follow a similar process.

If not then I will go with SA 128K since SP already has the necessary molds for a bottom now - they've done it already for Filco's fullsize and TKL JIS boards. The likleyhood of compatibility is higher, but unfortunately not cherry profile.

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk

Title: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: nguyenhimself on Sun, 02 June 2019, 13:18:10
Unfortunately I don't think that Enjoy PBT has 4.5u or 2.5u space bars that so many JIS boards use. I wonder if there isn't some other manufacturer they could be sourced from, though.
Well, maybe they'll see the interest here, and decide to make some? They went ahead and created 3u convex spacebars. Both 2.5u & 4.5u would follow a similar process.

If not then I will go with SA 128K since SP already has the necessary molds for a bottom now - they've done it already for Filco's fullsize and TKL JIS boards. The likleyhood of compatibility is higher, but unfortunately not cherry profile.

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
I imagine, ROI-wise, it’d be a hard sell for them.
The 3.0u’s mold exists because the Filco Minila Air is a big hit in various Asian countries, including China.
It’s practically the main reason why every set needs a 3.0u keycap.
Only Japanese folks use JIS, and judging from the recent Tokyo meetup, they don’t seem to mind non-JIS layouts.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Genuine.Senpai on Sun, 02 June 2019, 14:16:41
Bookmarked this thread for an hopeful update. I'd buy it.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Emir on Sun, 02 June 2019, 14:38:58
Kind of difficult to pass up, let's get it
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Blank on Sun, 02 June 2019, 15:23:43
must have
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ai03 on Sun, 02 June 2019, 17:06:49
Seems like there's enough positive feedback so far to go ahead; I'll tune up the kits and send it into ePBT for a quote.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: barrel on Sun, 02 June 2019, 17:32:09
Surely in such a beautiful Japanese Keyset we can't be missing out on JIS Support, can we? There's basically two kinds of JIS You'd actually have to cater to; Realforce JIS (Proper JIS) and HHKB JP (Lots of 1Us)

Here is a picture of a Realforce JIS Board, I'll get accurate key sizes in a little bit.
(https://btopc.jp/2017/12/08/realforce-r2sa.jpg)
Meanwhile, here is a picture of a HHKB Type JP, something I know a few people here have with Novatouch stems who would most likely love your set.
(http://i.imgur.com/hY5rCoN.jpg)

Generally you need a 1U backspace, a Yen key on the top row, two 1.25U keys for changing scripts and 4.75U Spacebar (I think) for JIS.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: vexl on Sun, 02 June 2019, 17:45:48
this looks awesome, i'm interested
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: nguyenhimself on Sun, 02 June 2019, 20:00:48
Surely in such a beautiful Japanese Keyset we can't be missing out on JIS Support, can we? There's basically two kinds of JIS You'd actually have to cater to; Realforce JIS (Proper JIS) and HHKB JP (Lots of 1Us)

Here is a picture of a Realforce JIS Board, I'll get accurate key sizes in a little bit.
Show Image
(https://btopc.jp/2017/12/08/realforce-r2sa.jpg)

Meanwhile, here is a picture of a HHKB Type JP, something I know a few people here have with Novatouch stems who would most likely love your set.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/hY5rCoN.jpg)


Generally you need a 1U backspace, a Yen key on the top row, two 1.25U keys for changing scripts and 4.75U Spacebar (I think) for JIS.
This is not a Topre set though?
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ullr on Sun, 02 June 2019, 21:30:41
Customs occasionally support JIS right shift (GH60, Clueboard, Noxary 268 pcb but not plate - off the top of my head) but much more rarely a bottom row with enough keys for a JIS layout, and the vast majority of mass produced JIS keyboards have spacebars that don't really exist in custom sets (2.5u, 4.5u). To me it makes sense to compromise most on the bottom row for this reason. It appears that there are at least just enough 1u and 1.25u keys though? There aren't enough 1.5u keys for some other Realforce layouts on the other hand.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: voight-kampff on Mon, 03 June 2019, 00:29:27
Regarding the colours, personally I would prefer a greyish set, there are guite a few beige kits with japanese sublegends already.

Sent from my MIX using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: stoic-lemon on Mon, 03 June 2019, 06:16:07
I'd say ai03 is pretty familiar with Japanese keysets.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Pheyn on Mon, 03 June 2019, 11:06:12
Regarding the colours, personally I would prefer a greyish set, there are guite a few beige kits with japanese sublegends already.

Sent from my MIX using Tapatalk

+1 for this. I mean, I'm probably still in even if it ends up beige. But if you look at all the epbt sets out there, like 90% are beige so I'd be down for a more granite/muted look instead.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: barrel on Mon, 03 June 2019, 11:44:33
Surely in such a beautiful Japanese Keyset we can't be missing out on JIS Support, can we? There's basically two kinds of JIS You'd actually have to cater to; Realforce JIS (Proper JIS) and HHKB JP (Lots of 1Us)

Here is a picture of a Realforce JIS Board, I'll get accurate key sizes in a little bit.
Show Image
(https://btopc.jp/2017/12/08/realforce-r2sa.jpg)

Meanwhile, here is a picture of a HHKB Type JP, something I know a few people here have with Novatouch stems who would most likely love your set.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/hY5rCoN.jpg)


Generally you need a 1U backspace, a Yen key on the top row, two 1.25U keys for changing scripts and 4.75U Spacebar (I think) for JIS.
This is not a Topre set though?

Plenty of people use Novatouch or JTK MX Compatible stems on those boards and wat something that fits into a Japanese aesthetic, it's also more options in terms of split spacebar layouts, I just happened to choose Topre boards because they're what I wanted to show it off on.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: riesz on Mon, 03 June 2019, 18:34:24
Very interested if this stays PBT.
Title: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: nguyenhimself on Wed, 05 June 2019, 11:57:35
I’m in either way, but OP, would you consider a more... muted colorway while still keeping the beige look?
I’m not talking “GMK Muted” muted, but something like a lighter share of brown for the mods.  Similar to what GMK Modern Dolch did to Dolch.
Just some thoughts :)
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: cepate11 on Wed, 05 June 2019, 15:49:08
The only thing I would say is I think the grey on the modifiers can be a tad bit lighter. Love this set!
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: monkt on Wed, 05 June 2019, 18:22:49
Unlike a couple other opinions offered, I really like the colors exactly as you have them in the renders right now. I think what you have captures the intended aesthetic perfectly. I would buy this without hesitation.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: dr_unconscionable on Wed, 05 June 2019, 18:57:41
This looks great. Clean and classy. I think the colours are good as is, but small adjustments to the mod colour wouldn't trouble me by any means.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: 1corazon on Fri, 07 June 2019, 06:50:01
Count me in !!!!!!! Cant wait for this!!!!!
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Magik on Fri, 07 June 2019, 10:04:05
Soo lit! love it!
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ai03 on Fri, 07 June 2019, 19:42:56
The shade of beige will probably differ from the render a bit.
I'm planning on asking ePBT to use the same color they use for their super generic white/beige sets.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: 8BitDuck on Sat, 08 June 2019, 09:01:47
Absolutely love this set
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Freakenstein on Sat, 08 June 2019, 12:32:24
TOOOOOOOOOOO many Japanese keysets……Just getting tired of it.
But I'm in
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Blank on Fri, 14 June 2019, 16:36:16
Any updates?
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ai03 on Sun, 16 June 2019, 19:39:46
Any updates?

Currently discussing with ePBT regarding new homing keys (I.e. scooped only) that don't interfere with the cross legends. Once such things are finalized, I'll ask for a quote and start the GB.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: hansikhouse on Mon, 17 June 2019, 15:37:46
Very excited for this!
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: BigBabyJesus on Mon, 17 June 2019, 15:38:04
Yes!
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: coffeeshopcoder on Mon, 17 June 2019, 23:50:06
Yes . lets get going on this...
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: SuddenlyDonkey on Tue, 18 June 2019, 18:41:09
This look so clean. 
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: c3h on Fri, 21 June 2019, 01:10:16
Looks pretty nice, though I'm a fan of a shorter spacebar. (Finding a custom PCB that supports such layout is going to be a pain :( )

Also a few things to point out.

1. The placement of ~(tilda)
Keys [@`~] and [^ヘ] should be grouped [@`゛] and [^~ヘ].
Interesting that the PC-98s had it the other way around.

2. The [半角 全角] key
 The [半角 全角] key usually has a /(slash) next to 半角 so making it [半角/ 全角] might look nicer :)

3. The [_ロ] key
Many retro keyboards and modern Mac keyboards still have [_ロ] but the modern [_ロ] key usually also has a \(backslash) so making it [\_ロ] should be nicer.
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: SmithersDotTV on Fri, 21 June 2019, 12:44:50
I’m interested
Title: Re: [IC] SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ai03 on Fri, 28 June 2019, 09:21:00
Looks pretty nice, though I'm a fan of a shorter spacebar. (Finding a custom PCB that supports such layout is going to be a pain :( )

Also a few things to point out.

1. The placement of ~(tilda)
Keys [@`~] and [^ヘ] should be grouped [@`゛] and [^~ヘ].
Interesting that the PC-98s had it the other way around.

2. The [半角 全角] key
 The [半角 全角] key usually has a /(slash) next to 半角 so making it [半角/ 全角] might look nicer :)

3. The [_ロ] key
Many retro keyboards and modern Mac keyboards still have [_ロ] but the modern [_ロ] key usually also has a \(backslash) so making it [\_ロ] should be nicer.

1. Those legends mainly follow the PC-8801 boards on this keyset.
2. Having a trailing slash looks strange.
3. I will focus on recreating vintage legends, since that is the theme of this set.

Also, the files have been sent in for quotes/samples.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: hammerbrotha on Sun, 30 June 2019, 01:47:33
Looks great, i'd be in for a set for sure if it's ePBT.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: Kaiju on Sun, 30 June 2019, 10:36:37
Definitely in for this. Pretty much everything I'm looking for in a set. Muted colors, modern look with a classic vibe, Japanese sub-legends, pbt, it's my perfect set haha.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: nguyenhimself on Sun, 30 June 2019, 11:56:40
Muted colors
It won't be muted. OP is shooting for the classic EnjoyPBT beige look.
This is my only sticking point right now, though that's just 'cause I already have 2 sets of EnjoyPBT and would prefer something a bit different :)
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: megaforce on Sun, 30 June 2019, 14:22:57
yes
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: lightsout714 on Wed, 03 July 2019, 14:42:00
These are very clean, interested.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: EMC Labs on Wed, 03 July 2019, 19:02:41
Looks very clean. Very original idea.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: c3h on Wed, 03 July 2019, 22:33:59
From what I know, there are two variations of PC-8800 series keyboards regarding the legends.
The earlier variants feature katakana legends, have no ~`{} keys and have , instead of 、with the ネ(ne) key.
The later variants, the ones with split spacebar, feature hiragana legends, do have {} keys, have ¦(earlier variants have |), have ~ where ` is in modern keyboards but still have no ` key.
It is somewhere in the PC-9800 series era that the ` key was introduced to the NEC keyboards, although it was initially placed where the ~ is in modern keyboards.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: EMC Labs on Wed, 03 July 2019, 22:52:47
From what I know, there are two variations of PC-8800 series keyboards regarding the legends.
The earlier variants feature katakana legends, have no ~`{} keys and have , instead of 、with the ネ(ne) key.
The later variants, the ones with split spacebar, feature hiragana legends, do have {} keys, have ¦(earlier variants have |), have ~ where ` is in modern keyboards but still have no ` key.
It is somewhere in the PC-9800 series era that the ` key was introduced to the NEC keyboards, although it was initially placed where the ~ is in modern keyboards.

I didn't even know the legends were from a keyboard. Interesting.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ilpsxnus on Fri, 05 July 2019, 04:32:23
console 0,25,0,1

The alphas are a dead ringer for my old NEC PC-8001. The mods were all English though.
Love that the function keys are prefixed with a small "f".

Will get one for sure!
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: SuddenlyDonkey on Wed, 17 July 2019, 08:49:08
still waiting on quotes and samples?
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Vintage-Styled Japanese Keyset
Post by: ai03 on Wed, 17 July 2019, 22:55:05
still waiting on quotes and samples?

Sample seems to be just about ready.

(https://i.imgur.com/TQVgQlG.png)

Still waiting on quotes.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: Boy_314 on Wed, 17 July 2019, 23:06:33
will the stepped control (コントロール) key be offered in any of the kits?
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: ai03 on Thu, 18 July 2019, 00:12:39
will the stepped control (コントロール) key be offered in any of the kits?

Likely yes. I'll finalize the kits after verifying that the samples turned out fine, and then post a final kits list afterwards.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: voxkey on Thu, 18 July 2019, 07:33:07
This looks great, can't wait.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: ai03 on Thu, 18 July 2019, 09:57:59
For reference, here is the planned final list of kits that was used to produce the sample.
Base kit became somewhat sizable in the end.

(https://i.imgur.com/YZHUcHR.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/DZ22NoU.png)
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: SuddenlyDonkey on Thu, 18 July 2019, 11:30:33
alpha samples look crisper than the creaminess of the render. 

Thank you for the update!
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: Lil on Thu, 18 July 2019, 16:04:43
The samples are great
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: mrkevint on Thu, 18 July 2019, 17:47:20
Really excited for the group buy. Love the historical inspiration and attention to detail on this key set.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: hammerbrotha on Thu, 18 July 2019, 18:29:51
Those samples look off the hook, easy buy for me. i'm in. any ideas who the vendor will be for the GB?
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: ai03 on Thu, 18 July 2019, 18:59:45
Those samples look off the hook, easy buy for me. i'm in. any ideas who the vendor will be for the GB?

It'll likely be through KBDfans, since they're one of the few vendors that have the capacity to handle another keyset gb at the moment (most other vendors are currently overloaded with the massive number of GMK sets).
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: vicissitude on Fri, 19 July 2019, 03:25:14
Interested.
Love the traditional colorway.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: Tom_Kazansky on Fri, 19 July 2019, 03:58:36
For reference, here is the planned final list of kits that was used to produce the sample.
Base kit became somewhat sizable in the end.

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/DZ22NoU.png)


hi,
about the Spacebars kit, in the third row, are there two 1.5u keys?
can you replace one with 1.25u key? as I think people who use split spacebar would want 2.25u, 1.25u, 2.75u keys. (I'm one of those people  :)) )
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: rockydbull on Fri, 19 July 2019, 07:32:38
Those samples look off the hook, easy buy for me. i'm in. any ideas who the vendor will be for the GB?

It'll likely be through KBDfans, since they're one of the few vendors that have the capacity to handle another keyset gb at the moment (most other vendors are currently overloaded with the massive number of GMK sets).

I really appreciate you helping to keep these epbt sets coming. Everybody and their mother these days wants to run a GMK kit.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: nguyenhimself on Fri, 19 July 2019, 09:16:35
Those samples look off the hook, easy buy for me. i'm in. any ideas who the vendor will be for the GB?

It'll likely be through KBDfans, since they're one of the few vendors that have the capacity to handle another keyset gb at the moment (most other vendors are currently overloaded with the massive number of GMK sets).

I really appreciate you helping to keep these epbt sets coming. Everybody and their mother these days wants to run a GMK kit.
Yea, I love that he (I guess?) is doing all sorts of fun custom legends stuffs, which is simply impossible with GMK or SA.
Same with the upcoming PBT Sanctuary set with its custom fonts:
This is dye-sub PBT’s strength. We should lean more into that.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: ai03 on Tue, 23 July 2019, 07:59:43
Samples to arrive at the same time as Polaris prototypes, which will arrive before 8/2 to prepare for display at Maker Faire Tokyo.
Once the samples are checked, GB will begin.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: 1corazon on Fri, 26 July 2019, 07:36:26
I need this so badly, PLEASE tell us once this is ready for sale. TAKE ALL MY MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have a case ready for this set.

Thank you again for doing this !!!

Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: Gudbeers on Fri, 26 July 2019, 14:55:49
Really like the look of this. Any chance of getting colemak support though?
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: nguyenhimself on Fri, 26 July 2019, 21:26:26
Really like the look of this. Any chance of getting colemak support though?
Those old Japanese keyboards didn’t use Colemak.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: ai03 on Sat, 27 July 2019, 05:36:49
Really like the look of this. Any chance of getting colemak support though?

Since the goal is to recreate the vintage legends and samples for the GB have already been produced, there will be no Colemak support.

Samples have been shipped out. Once they arrive and are confirmed fine, GB will begin.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Samples shipped out
Post by: Lil on Sat, 27 July 2019, 05:38:10
Do you know what pricing will be and how long the gb will run for?
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Samples shipped out
Post by: ai03 on Sat, 27 July 2019, 06:08:06
Do you know what pricing will be and how long the gb will run for?

I'll be finalizing price once everything is set kit-wise.

GB will likely run for 30 days or so, unless there is significant reason not to.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Sample produced and awaiting shipment
Post by: ohetfi on Tue, 30 July 2019, 19:07:38
For reference, here is the planned final list of kits that was used to produce the sample.
Base kit became somewhat sizable in the end.

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/YZHUcHR.png)

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/DZ22NoU.png)


I really love all your works and definitely interested in buying this set. I just want to ask about MX HHKB compatibility, please help me to confirm whether the keycap options are there:
1. 1.5u Backspace (R3)
2. 1u Fn (R1)
3. 1.75u Right Shift (R1)
4. 2u Control non-stepped (Caps Lock replacement, R2)
5. 7u Spacebar (R1)
6. 1.5u Command/Code x 2 (WinKey replacement, R1)
7. 1u Alt x 2

I have little knowledge about Katakana and none about Kanji. I saw the layout and seems like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are already there. Not really sure about 6 and 7. I looked at the FAQ about the WinKey replacement and I saw the "Extended Functionality" button, but looks like it can only be a replacement for ANSI layout (no 1.5u). Is it possible to have them also? And what about point 7?

Thank you!
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Samples shipped out
Post by: SuddenlyDonkey on Tue, 30 July 2019, 22:06:00
Do you know what pricing will be and how long the gb will run for?

I'll be finalizing price once everything is set kit-wise.

GB will likely run for 30 days or so, unless there is significant reason not to.

Are you happy with the samples?  The renders look a lot warmer while the samples look mostly flat gray and white
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Samples shipped out
Post by: ai03 on Wed, 31 July 2019, 01:02:56
Do you know what pricing will be and how long the gb will run for?

I'll be finalizing price once everything is set kit-wise.

GB will likely run for 30 days or so, unless there is significant reason not to.

Are you happy with the samples?  The renders look a lot warmer while the samples look mostly flat gray and white

The samples have yet to arrive

My spec to epbt was to use their generic white/beige colorway, so I'd say it turned out exactly as expected.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Samples shipped out
Post by: forelsket on Wed, 31 July 2019, 04:40:19
everything about this set is perfect. count me in!
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Samples have arrived
Post by: ai03 on Thu, 01 August 2019, 21:05:26
Some quick eyecandy.

(https://i.imgur.com/lCVbJTh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UW3LLyZ.jpg)

GB will begin as soon as pricing is set.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Samples have arrived
Post by: Boy_314 on Thu, 01 August 2019, 21:15:53
Can you slip in support for the following from top down 65% column: Home, PgUp, PgDn, End

I think it currently supports Home, End, PgUp, PgDn
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Samples have arrived
Post by: SuddenlyDonkey on Thu, 01 August 2019, 21:20:49
Some quick eyecandy.

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/lCVbJTh.jpg)

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/UW3LLyZ.jpg)


GB will begin as soon as pricing is set.

 ;D woot!  Looks great
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Samples have arrived
Post by: Tom_Kazansky on Thu, 01 August 2019, 22:06:46

Some quick eyecandy.

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/lCVbJTh.jpg)

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/UW3LLyZ.jpg)


GB will begin as soon as pricing is set.

look great!!!  :thumb:


Can you slip in support for the following from top down 65% column: Home, PgUp, PgDn, End

I think it currently supports Home, End, PgUp, PgDn

we can't have all the combinations, can we? :-\
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Samples have arrived
Post by: Boy_314 on Thu, 01 August 2019, 22:08:27

Can you slip in support for the following from top down 65% column: Home, PgUp, PgDn, End

I think it currently supports Home, End, PgUp, PgDn

we can't have all the combinations, can we? :-\

haha I know, it was offered in kuro/shiro which was also epbt, and also offered in gmk, so I figured I might as well ask :p
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - Samples have arrived
Post by: hammerbrotha on Thu, 01 August 2019, 22:24:06
Some quick eyecandy.

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/lCVbJTh.jpg)

Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/UW3LLyZ.jpg)


GB will begin as soon as pricing is set.

oh man i can't wait, these samples look awesome.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - GB has begun
Post by: ai03 on Fri, 02 August 2019, 06:58:09
And out of the blue, the GB has begun.

GB thread prepared; maybe it'll get approved before GB ends.
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - GB has begun
Post by: Sup on Fri, 02 August 2019, 07:26:39
Oof this is a special set joined for sure  :)
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - GB has begun
Post by: SuddenlyDonkey on Fri, 02 August 2019, 09:09:38
(https://i.imgur.com/kdE8vR5.jpg)

Made my purchase, thanks
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - GB has begun
Post by: rockydbull on Fri, 02 August 2019, 09:24:07
on the kbdfans website it says the split spacebars are convex. Does that mean they will be normal spacebar shape and not the shape of shift keys?
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - GB has begun
Post by: hammerbrotha on Fri, 02 August 2019, 18:03:32
GB Prices are lower than i expected, easy buy!! :cool:
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - GB has begun
Post by: 1corazon on Sat, 03 August 2019, 08:17:52
PAID !!!!! Cant wait to get this, THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!

Love this Set!!!
Title: Re: [IC] ePBT SimpleJA - GB has begun
Post by: ai03 on Tue, 06 August 2019, 07:53:07
GB thread is approved.
For future discussion, please use the thread located here (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=101855.0).