I'm leaning most towards Option 1. Go big or go home!
Also, if the wait is outrageously long (like notably longer than normal)... would you ever consider trying to get a quote from Maxkeys, just to see what the competition might offer?
Right.
Bear in mind that there's a lot more to this package than just the keycaps. I want to put together a (MassDrop) group buy that involves the keycaps, a (60%) keyboard, a custom aluminum case (hopefully designed by Rama), and a color-matched cable. Each of these components could be ordered separately, of course, but I really want buyers to have the opportunity to get an entire keyboard (+cable) in one beautiful, deluxe package if they want. Pulling all this together will take quite a bit of time, and so I don't foresee this being a 2017 thing in any case.
Shady as hell.
I think PBT was a secondary option as an alternative to the doubleshot SA backlog. I don't currently see anything on the PMK site noting 2018 for PBT sculptured right now but hopefully that's not the case as I'd like to see SP expand their PBT color options so we've got more colorway possibilities there.
Given the time to pull all the other components together, waiting on SP seems fine. Also, although I'll probably get the whole kit when it's available, I would love to have the option to put these keys on a larger (at least TKL) keyboard.
...it seemed like they have problems with tooling...
...it seemed like they have problems with tooling...
I believe it has more to do with the fact that there is only one person at SP responsible for creating new dye-sub setup boards, and he has many other higher priority tasks on his plate. Sure, it would be nice if they could hire someone new and train them to do his job, but you have to realize where SP is located; finding new employees is extremely challenging.
Hi, zslane,
The render picture you put up above was a concept rendor several weeks ago, not the final design. The finall design is attached.Show Image(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4DV8q8q/0/X3/i-4DV8q8q-X3.jpg)
As I PMed you, I'm sorry that for some reason I did copy the idea of Hermes typewriter, and NOW I stopped and cancelled the groupbuy.
SA Vintage Typewriter/ Forgive Her will not happen anymore, I'm so sorry for your inconvinient.
I do not want to annoy you, and I don't want to break the rules here,
I will pay close attention don't let this happen again.
Hi, zslane,You such a fkin copier! As a Chinese I feel shame for your lies. Back to Xianyu and QQ group, my original designer! You are not belong here.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170401/a6a48e98e261fc1c6b0eb4d369ae1563.jpg)
The render picture you put up above was a concept rendor several weeks ago, not the final design. The finall design is attached.Show Image(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4DV8q8q/0/X3/i-4DV8q8q-X3.jpg)
As I PMed you, I'm sorry that for some reason I did copy the idea of Hermes typewriter, and NOW I stopped and cancelled the groupbuy.
SA Vintage Typewriter/ Forgive Her will not happen anymore, I'm so sorry for your inconvinient.
I do not want to annoy you, and I don't want to break the rules here,
I will pay close attention don't let this happen again.
hey, the announcement CLEARLY said that the GB is cancelled. Why are you calling him a lier? Are you blind or what? Is it wrong to express the wish to design a much better SA set??Hi, zslane,You such a fkin copier! As a Chinese I feel shame for your lies. Back to Xianyu and QQ group, my original designer! You are not belong here.
The render picture you put up above was a concept rendor several weeks ago, not the final design. The finall design is attached.Show Image(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4DV8q8q/0/X3/i-4DV8q8q-X3.jpg)
As I PMed you, I'm sorry that for some reason I did copy the idea of Hermes typewriter, and NOW I stopped and cancelled the groupbuy.
SA Vintage Typewriter/ Forgive Her will not happen anymore, I'm so sorry for your inconvinient.
I do not want to annoy you, and I don't want to break the rules here,
I will pay close attention don't let this happen again.Show Image(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170401/a6a48e98e261fc1c6b0eb4d369ae1563.jpg)
通过我的 ONEPLUS A3010 上的 Tapatalk发言
He lied to Chinese buyers. It's not the first time he copy other designer's design. Look at my pics. Could you tell me it's original or not?(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170401/ed31f268baf8d23ad6c6aa023e31585c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170401/1a28544221b76f322b19469150fb510d.jpg)hey, the announcement CLEARLY said that the GB is cancelled. Why are you calling him a lier? Are you blind or what? Is it wrong to express the wish to design a much better SA set??Hi, zslane,You such a fkin copier! As a Chinese I feel shame for your lies. Back to Xianyu and QQ group, my original designer! You are not belong here.
The render picture you put up above was a concept rendor several weeks ago, not the final design. The finall design is attached.Show Image(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4DV8q8q/0/X3/i-4DV8q8q-X3.jpg)
As I PMed you, I'm sorry that for some reason I did copy the idea of Hermes typewriter, and NOW I stopped and cancelled the groupbuy.
SA Vintage Typewriter/ Forgive Her will not happen anymore, I'm so sorry for your inconvinient.
I do not want to annoy you, and I don't want to break the rules here,
I will pay close attention don't let this happen again.Show Image(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170401/a6a48e98e261fc1c6b0eb4d369ae1563.jpg)
通过我的 ONEPLUS A3010 上的 Tapatalk发言
Hi Supervan, This planck key set did used the creamy orange color way, if a color way means copying, I believe SP will collapse some day for that no designer can use the same color , I have explained once in some other thread. I don't want to talk it again with you such a immature coward.Why you think it's a good reason for copying? I don't agree with you. I think t0mb3ry also don't agree with you. As a designer you suck so bad. Shameless of you.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170401/252852a0392c01129f506e301c3071e4.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170401/4e6862631650b57eb9203f16c11051db.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170401/61d0170bd13ca39b981620eca40a8672.jpg)
From My iPhone 9.99
That enter key legend looks rather phallic.
Damn it! I have the same idea last year, too bad I can't make it happen! Here is my render in Nov, 2016 (Just sharing for fun!). Great work though!!. :D
It would be awesome if your set become real, I'm very interest! (Waiting here for your dasher, teehee.) :DDamn it! I have the same idea last year, too bad I can't make it happen! Here is my render in Nov, 2016 (Just sharing for fun!). Great work though!!. :D
I'd really like to put the whole subject of copying keycap sets to rest here, if possible. The other GB has been shelved, and I'm not interested in hashing out that thorny issue in this thread. But I do want to make my position on the subject clear, so we can just move on.
I fully acknowledge that colorways can't be "owned", especially since very few of them are truly unique or original. Many folks will come up with the same (or very similar) color schemes independently. I absolutely do not claim any special ownership of the simple idea of a keycap set composed of green keys. In fact, if Rocketeer was just a set of green keys, I wouldn't even bother with it; there's nothing special about that.
What makes the Hermes Rocketeer project special, at least to me, is that its concept is driven by the vintage Hermes Rocket typewriter. The color of the keycaps were specifically chosen to match, as closely as possible, the colors of that typewriter. And, in fact, the MassDrop group buy I am trying to put together is not just a green keycap set, but a complete bundle with 60% keyboard, keycaps (with themed novelty keys, BTW), custom aluminum case designed by other notable community designers, and color-matched cable. I am pretty sure that none of the other proposals for "lovely green keycaps" have made the same effort to deliver anything of this scope.
That's why I take no issue with anyone else putting together a green colorway. None of us can claim "ownership" to the idea of green keycaps, and seeing other people's colorways--even ones similar to my own--is interesting to me, not bothersome. In this particular case, however, I was disappointed that the proposed set was not only an exact color match (for the alphas), but the name and concept was appropriated as well. That's more than just a case of hitting on the same colors by accident.
As for your render, it offers green keycaps but not a full keyboard package tied to a particular concept, and so I wouldn't consider it a copy or even a competitor for the Rocketeer group buy.
(And just for the record, my first render/description for this was posted on Aug-23-2016: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=25674.msg2246628#msg2246628)
Well, that depends on how open folks are to dye-sub over double-shot. The consensus seems to be to wait for double-shot. But if there is a big shift in interest towards MT3 over SA, I'll certainly consider it. Especially since it appears that MassDrop has established a vendor relationship with the manufacturer in China.
However, there are two other open questions that need to be answered:
1. Are the necessary shades of green available?
2. Can they deliver keycaps in semi-gloss finish?
Well, that depends on how open folks are to dye-sub over double-shot. The consensus seems to be to wait for double-shot. But if there is a big shift in interest towards MT3 over SA, I'll certainly consider it. Especially since it appears that MassDrop has established a vendor relationship with the manufacturer in China.
However, there are two other open questions that need to be answered:
1. Are the necessary shades of green available?
2. Can they deliver keycaps in semi-gloss finish?
more to this package than just the keycaps....
...a (60%) keyboard, a custom aluminum case (hopefully designed by Rama), and a color-matched cable
I don't foresee this being a 2017 thing in any case
I've read your earlier comments that you're intent is for this to be a 60% product only, and I wouldn't want to you compromise on the small and portable inspiration that is at the heart of this project, but...
Will you be waiting to see first hand the final manufactured version of Matt3o's MT3 before making a final decision?
I've read your earlier comments that you're intent is for this to be a 60% product only, and I wouldn't want to you compromise on the small and portable inspiration that is at the heart of this project, but...
I fully understand this will exclude many potential buyers, but I'm staying on concept for this. The objective is not broadest reach (or maximum revenue), but finest implementation (of a singular concept). I expect only modest interest in this (comparable to the Minivan), but as long as MassDrop is not concerned about that, then neither am I.QuoteWill you be waiting to see first hand the final manufactured version of Matt3o's MT3 before making a final decision?
No. I believe MT3 will be a terrific keycap family (I'm typing on the prototypes right now). But I want to exhaust all reasonable possibility of doing this with semi-gloss, double-shot SA first before resorting to a textured dye-sub format.
If this ends up being fully sculpted (MT3 or Double Shot SA) i will definitely get in. I know you said youll be sticking with the 60% only, but if there was anyway to get a 1.75u shift in there I'd love you. Would at least make 65% boards feasible with this then since I could just cover the extra 1us with artisans or something.
In the meantime, here's a glimpse at an artisan Return keycap I'm hoping to make available as a separate drop. It is inspired by the fact that the Hermes Rocket typewriter has a metal carriage return arm.
(Attachment Link)
Here is a concept render I made for one possible take on the custom case design. Please note that the final case that MassDrop comes up with will most likely not look exactly like this, nor is there any guarantee that an engraved logo will be economically feasible (even as a premium option). But this gives you an idea of the sort of thing I'd like to see for the Rocketeer.Woah! That looks amazing! :thumb:
Here is a concept render I made for one possible take on the custom case design. Please note that the final case that MassDrop comes up with will most likely not look exactly like this, nor is there any guarantee that an engraved logo will be economically feasible (even as a premium option). But this gives you an idea of the sort of thing I'd like to see for the Rocketeer.
(Attachment Link)
Here is a concept render I made for one possible take on the custom case design. Please note that the final case that MassDrop comes up with will most likely not look exactly like this, nor is there any guarantee that an engraved logo will be economically feasible (even as a premium option). But this gives you an idea of the sort of thing I'd like to see for the Rocketeer.
(Attachment Link)
Looks great! It seems to be expensive to have the metal enter key, with engraved legend. Hope it's an option not to have it.
Here is a concept render I made for one possible take on the custom case design. Please note that the final case that MassDrop comes up with will most likely not look exactly like this, nor is there any guarantee that an engraved logo will be economically feasible (even as a premium option). But this gives you an idea of the sort of thing I'd like to see for the Rocketeer.
(Attachment Link)
Any chances for text mods? ;D
Here is a concept render I made for one possible take on the custom case design. Please note that the final case that MassDrop comes up with will most likely not look exactly like this, nor is there any guarantee that an engraved logo will be economically feasible (even as a premium option). But this gives you an idea of the sort of thing I'd like to see for the Rocketeer.Having had the original Hermes Rocketeer render as my desktop wallpaper for the better part of a year, I have to say that the new render is superior in every way. The shape of the case is not just an homage to the original typewriter, it has a retro-futuristic design that makes it look like it belongs in a 50s science fiction film. The name change is not only a nicely sly reference to this board's inspiration, the increased length of "Mercury" over "Hermes" gives the logo a more balanced weighting and reinforces a space theme. You have 2 cohesive themes existing simultaneously and symbiotically. And the chrome enter key is the perfect homage to the carriage return arm -- it's orders of magnitude better than the original carriage return novelty key. It's a shame that the real thing will not look like this render because that thing should be on display in a museum. The keys look as good as ever. If the colors on the real keys are as vibrant as they are in the render, that will be great. I hope they develop a good shine with use, too. It seems like the whole point of this set is the execution of the concept, so it makes sense to refuse compromises that would expand the market while diluting the concept.
(Attachment Link)
I genuinely love the colours here but does it not have ISO support?
Here is a concept render I made for one possible take on the custom case design. Please note that the final case that MassDrop comes up with will most likely not look exactly like this, nor is there any guarantee that an engraved logo will be economically feasible (even as a premium option). But this gives you an idea of the sort of thing I'd like to see for the Rocketeer.
(Attachment Link)
This set is looking absolutely gorgeous! My only request is that you either offer an enter key with text (ENTER) or ditch the carriage lever - it really looks like a hockey stick / p3nis (sorry) and really doesn't fit the rest of the aesthetic.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/yRTngHW.jpg)
This set is looking absolutely gorgeous! My only request is that you either offer an enter key with text (ENTER) or ditch the carriage lever - it really looks like a hockey stick / p3nis (sorry) and really doesn't fit the rest of the aesthetic.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/yRTngHW.jpg)
This set is looking absolutely gorgeous! My only request is that you either offer an enter key with text (ENTER) or ditch the carriage lever - it really looks like a hockey stick / p3nis (sorry) and really doesn't fit the rest of the aesthetic.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/yRTngHW.jpg)
Yeah, it's not my favorite bit of graphics either.
I'd rather leave it blank than put any text on it though.
Sounds like SP retired DSS back in the 80s. Did the recently resurrect it?This set is looking absolutely gorgeous! My only request is that you either offer an enter key with text (ENTER) or ditch the carriage lever - it really looks like a hockey stick / p3nis (sorry) and really doesn't fit the rest of the aesthetic.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/yRTngHW.jpg)
Yeah, it's not my favorite bit of graphics either.
I'd rather leave it blank than put any text on it though.
Any Chance of maybe getting this run through the new DSS tooling? I think the colours and inspiration will surely fit the styling of the sculpt.
Sounds like SP retired DSS back in the 80s. Did the recently resurrect it?This set is looking absolutely gorgeous! My only request is that you either offer an enter key with text (ENTER) or ditch the carriage lever - it really looks like a hockey stick / p3nis (sorry) and really doesn't fit the rest of the aesthetic.Show Image(https://i.imgur.com/yRTngHW.jpg)
Yeah, it's not my favorite bit of graphics either.
I'd rather leave it blank than put any text on it though.
Any Chance of maybe getting this run through the new DSS tooling? I think the colours and inspiration will surely fit the styling of the sculpt.
https://pimpmykeyboard.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/204415935-The-Origin-of-SP-Keycap-Families
DSS Resurrection threadThank you!
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=93584
So I have a question for the community. Which of these two product features is more important?
1. A case that can accommodate Pok3r (and Pok3r-compatible) boards?
...or...
2. An easily detachable cable? (i.e., detachable without opening the case)
In other words, if the industrial design of the case made it impractical to provide for both, which of the two would be more important? I guess you could answer this in two contexts: which is more important to you personally, and which do you think would be more important to the overall potential customer base?
So I have a question for the community. Which of these two product features is more important?
1. A case that can accommodate Pok3r (and Pok3r-compatible) boards?
...or...
2. An easily detachable cable? (i.e., detachable without opening the case)
In other words, if the industrial design of the case made it impractical to provide for both, which of the two would be more important? I guess you could answer this in two contexts: which is more important to you personally, and which do you think would be more important to the overall potential customer base?
This project is nearing completion!
With luck, the next big announcement will be in about a month... :thumb:
This project is nearing completion!
With luck, the next big announcement will be in about a month... :thumb:
This project is nearing completion!
With luck, the next big announcement will be in about a month... :thumb:
I just realized - I haven't seen anything about layouts. Is it only the one layout?
This project is nearing completion!
With luck, the next big announcement will be in about a month... :thumb:
I just realized - I haven't seen anything about layouts. Is it only the one layout?
I mean, what are you looking for?
There's an ISO kit so that would mean ISO support is available-- even though the metallic enter looks much better.
60% are usually lacked with room to budge unless you get into 65% territory
Long story short:
For the first run of this GB there is only one layout: ANSI. That's because MassDrop is designing/producing the custom PCB themselves and they only want to do one layout at first.
You have to disregard the kit renders I did earlier since they represent a version of this project that allowed existing 60% boards to fit into the custom case. That may happen in the future if enough people tell MassDrop they want to be able to do that, but for this first round the GB is for a fully built-out keyboard product in just the ANSI layout.
Long story long:
The unusual shape of the custom Rocketeer case places the rear USB cable connector port a fair distance from any 60% PCB's USB connector. The solution to this problem for MassDrop's PCB (which uses USB-C, BTW) is to manufacture a small daughterboard that bolts onto the PCB and essentially "extends" the USB-C port all the way to the back of the case. In order for other 60% boards to work inside this case, they too would need a daughterboard like this. MassDrop is willing to make daughterboards for micro-/mini-USB PCBs, but they aren't willing to do that until they discern a strong enough customer demand for it.
Long story short:
For the first run of this GB there is only one layout: ANSI. That's because MassDrop is designing/producing the custom PCB themselves and they only want to do one layout at first.
You have to disregard the kit renders I did earlier since they represent a version of this project that allowed existing 60% boards to fit into the custom case. That may happen in the future if enough people tell MassDrop they want to be able to do that, but for this first round the GB is for a fully built-out keyboard product in just the ANSI layout.
Long story long:
The unusual shape of the custom Rocketeer case places the rear USB cable connector port a fair distance from any 60% PCB's USB connector. The solution to this problem for MassDrop's PCB (which uses USB-C, BTW) is to manufacture a small daughterboard that bolts onto the PCB and essentially "extends" the USB-C port all the way to the back of the case. In order for other 60% boards to work inside this case, they too would need a daughterboard like this. MassDrop is willing to make daughterboards for micro-/mini-USB PCBs, but they aren't willing to do that until they discern a strong enough customer demand for it.
Wow, if it has a cool retro case like that I'm in for sure. Not sure I can handle the p|nus enter key though, hopefully that metal artisan one happens.
In all honesty, I have no idea what the price will be like. But it won't be cheap. This thing is all custom and all top-shelf materials.
For the first GB this will only sell as a fully built-out keyboard. The idea here isn't to sell green keycaps, or a 60% PCB+plate. It is to provide a complete keyboard product. Maybe a future GB will break things out into separate components; this first GB will be used to assess the demand for that sort of thing (based on comments/questions in the drop's Discussion page).
I know ISO isn't part of this run, but if/when you do, the ISO return artisan should be the rocket image you have in the render between "Murcury" and "Rocketeer" at the top of the case. :cool:
In all honesty, I have no idea what the price will be like. But it won't be cheap. This thing is all custom and all top-shelf materials.
For the first GB this will only sell as a fully built-out keyboard. The idea here isn't to sell green keycaps, or a 60% PCB+plate. It is to provide a complete keyboard product. Maybe a future GB will break things out into separate components; this first GB will be used to assess the demand for that sort of thing (based on comments/questions in the drop's Discussion page).
The Rocketeer PCB is a hotswap board, and so I feel that ordering without switches is a totally reasonable option. I will try to nudge MassDrop towards making that option available.
The final keyboard will look virtually identical to my renders. Here is what the latest prototype case looks like (the brass plate will probably be an upgrade option during the drop):
(Attachment Link)
That looks damn good- although the color turned out a little lighter.
The Rocketeer PCB is a hotswap board, and so I feel that ordering without switches is a totally reasonable option. I will try to nudge MassDrop towards making that option available.
The final keyboard will look virtually identical to my renders. Here is what the latest prototype case looks like (the brass plate will probably be an upgrade option during the drop):
(Attachment Link)
The final keyboard will look virtually identical to my renders. Here is what the latest prototype case looks like (the brass plate will probably be an upgrade option during the drop):
(Attachment Link)
The plate is flat, zero angle, by default. But when you add the rubber feet in the back, it gives the board a 3° angle.
The drop announcement is coming any day now. Stay tuned! :thumb:
I believe it is going to begin tomorrow morning at 6am PDT.
I expect it supports more layout like hhkb and has more kits which contains keys like 1.75u shift, 7u spacebar and more novelties keys like previous kit layout shows. Anyway, nice work!
According to John.Yu on massdrop, the PCB uses the standard mounting hole pattern so theoretically you could cut your own plate and build your own adapter to use any 60% PCB you wanted. Massdrop probably just didn't want the headache of supporting that and I don't blame them.
According to John.Yu on massdrop, the PCB uses the standard mounting hole pattern so theoretically you could cut your own plate and build your own adapter to use any 60% PCB you wanted. Massdrop probably just didn't want the headache of supporting that and I don't blame them.
I think someone mentioned that the space bar stabilzer is 180° switched and therefore many pcbs won't be compatible, also this pcb's footprint is rather small so other pcbs may be too big.