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geekhack Marketplace => Group Buys and Preorders => Topic started by: .XL on Wed, 30 March 2011, 21:18:34

Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 30 March 2011, 21:18:34
Browns are spoken for...if I do not receive payment for some keyboards I will list them as available.

Prices for Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and CONUS have SHIPPING INCLUDED. Prices for other countries DO NOT include shipping, and you will pay for shipping when the keyboard reaches me and I can get a FULL QUOTE of the shipping price.

Pricing subject to change. I am awaiting response of a final shipping cost (the more keyboards shipped: the cheaper the shipping per kb)

CONUS: $100
Canada/Alaska/Hawaii: $110
Everywhere else: $93 + shipping

Payment info:

Paypal: REMOVED
Pay the above listed prices, include your Geekhack name, YOUR address, and an email I can reach you at. I will email each of you my ghetto version of a receipt (just confirmation that I received payment and what the payment is for) and I'll update you at that email address as opposed to here.
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DETAILS:

There are only TWELVE (12) MX Brown Choc Minis and FIVE (5) MX Blacks. Once they are gone, they are gone. Once all of the keyboards are spoken for and paid, the group buy ends unfortunately. If this works smoothly we might be able to do a second round for a PLU or something similar.

The following people expressed interest in my other thread, and so they have first dibs on keyboards. Since there are no MX Blues available, I will allow those people first dibs on Blacks until MIDNIGHT, APRIL 1ST, and then whoever has not responded will be removed from the list.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Current standings:

Pineapples - (Brown x1)
Calavera - (Brown x1)
Parallaxis - (Brown x1)
spdx - (Brown x1, Black x1)
morphine - (Brown x1)
tdh - (Brown x1)
bassjones - (Brown x1)
Dr.Pants - (Brown x1)
dudebro - (Brown x1) [Canada]
Boerta - (Brown x1) [Norway]
vhaarr - (Brown x1) [Norway]
jat4 - (Brown x1) [Finland]

Must choose another switch (Black):
Muftobration - (Blue x1)
drgnfang - (Blue x1)

For those who are in Europe and interested in these boards, PLEASE affirm the fact that you realize you will have to pay $35-$45 for shipping to Europe. I don't want to take your money just to have you realize you can't quite afford shipping. IF European Geekhackers have any interest in a group buy through one of the European members, I'd be happy to help set it up.

Those who have chosen Blues on the list and have not repicked by MIDNIGHT, April 1st (again EST) will be removed from the list.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: jat4 on Wed, 30 March 2011, 21:59:57
Quote from: .XL;321719
For those who are in Europe and interested in these boards, PLEASE affirm the fact that you realize you will have to pay $35-$45 for shipping to Europe. I don't want to take your money just to have you realize you can't quite afford shipping.


Just to be clear: I'm fine with this.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: vhaarr on Thu, 31 March 2011, 04:29:57
Quote from: .XL;321719
Everywhere else: $93 + shipping


While these shipping costs might be a new thing for you, Europeans who signed up for the group buy already know how high shipping costs are. It comes as no surprise to us, and we were already aware when we voiced our interest in the first thread ;)

In other words, it's fine by me.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: n12 on Thu, 31 March 2011, 04:39:08
Sorry, I am only interested in blues. Thanks for trying though!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 31 March 2011, 10:39:20
Quote from: vhaarr;321869
While these shipping costs might be a new thing for you, Europeans who signed up for the group buy already know how high shipping costs are. It comes as no surprise to us, and we were already aware when we voiced our interest in the first thread ;)

In other words, it's fine by me.


I just wanted to double check :p

Quote from: n12;321870
Sorry, I am only interested in blues. Thanks for trying though!


No problem!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Art of Payce on Thu, 31 March 2011, 11:30:47
Hi .XL,

I'm new to the forums and mechanical keyboards in general but I'd like to buy the MX brown version. Since I've never participated in a group buy before, I'm somewhat concerned about the protocol. Can you clarify the buying process? Do you know that your supplier is reliable? Have you dealt with him before? Thanks, just wondering...
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: noodles256 on Thu, 31 March 2011, 11:55:24
Quote from: Art of Payce;322016
Hi .XL,

I'm new to the forums and mechanical keyboards in general but I'd like to buy the MX brown version. Since I've never participated in a group buy before, I'm somewhat concerned about the protocol. Can you clarify the buying process? Do you know that your supplier is reliable? Have you dealt with him before? Thanks, just wondering...


welcome, supplier is aminglau and he is very reliable
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Boerta on Thu, 31 March 2011, 15:19:07
I want a brown switch one, sent to Norway, and I'm fine with all the shipping stuff.
(Shut up and take my money! :P)

Note, I'll be away until Sunday evening, local time, and probably won't be able to pay you until then at the earliest (Monday more realistic)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 31 March 2011, 16:46:56
Quote from: noodles256;322038
welcome, supplier is aminglau and he is very reliable


This^^

Quote from: Boerta;322159
I want a brown switch one, sent to Norway, and I'm fine with all the shipping stuff.
(Shut up and take my money! :P)

Note, I'll be away until Sunday evening, local time, and probably won't be able to pay you until then at the earliest (Monday more realistic)


okay, I'll put you on the list
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 31 March 2011, 16:49:53
Quote from: Art of Payce;322016
Hi .XL,

I'm new to the forums and mechanical keyboards in general but I'd like to buy the MX brown version. Since I've never participated in a group buy before, I'm somewhat concerned about the protocol. Can you clarify the buying process? Do you know that your supplier is reliable? Have you dealt with him before? Thanks, just wondering...


Sorry for the double post, I figured it was better as a separate post:

It's pretty simple: I put your name on the list, you pay me, when I get the keyboard I will send it your way. We're doing it was a group buy because we get the keybords cheaper (from the manufacturer and shipping) this way.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Boerta on Thu, 31 March 2011, 16:55:30
Incidentally, if vhaarr lives somewhere near me (oslo area) it might be easier/cheaper to send us one package, and then we can sort things out between us.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 31 March 2011, 17:16:43
Quote from: Boerta;322261
Incidentally, if vhaarr lives somewhere near me (oslo area) it might be easier/cheaper to send us one package, and then we can sort things out between us.


It will probably save you guys at least $10 each so if vhaarr is okay with it that's what I'll do!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Art of Payce on Thu, 31 March 2011, 17:41:18
Thanks for your responses noodles and XL.

.XL, any delivery estimate to Texas? Do you think a month is the usual length of the entire process?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 31 March 2011, 18:12:42
Quote from: Art of Payce;322293
Thanks for your responses noodles and XL.

.XL, any delivery estimate to Texas? Do you think a month is the usual length of the entire process?


I'm hoping we'll hit 15 keyboards in a week so I can get them shipped from Hong Kong on the 11th of April. ETA to my house from HK will be given when the keyboards are shipped, and I will ship with the cheapest shipping method from USPS to keep the price low. The whole thing should take about 6 weeks at the longest.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: bassjones on Thu, 31 March 2011, 19:14:24
I'll take a brown.

So, what's the typical procedure when paying through Paypal?  Mark it as a purchase or a gift?  If it's a purchase, should I use a fee calculator to take into account what Paypal is going to charge?  Or, is this fee already included in the quoted price?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 31 March 2011, 19:19:11
Quote from: bassjones;322362
I'll take a brown.

So, what's the typical procedure when paying through Paypal?  Mark it as a purchase or a gift?  If it's a purchase, should I use a fee calculator to take into account what Paypal is going to charge?  Or, is this fee already included in the quoted price?


 Fee is not included. Mark it as a gift please! And include everything I mentioned above in the comments.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: dudebro on Thu, 31 March 2011, 20:40:44
Was lurking for awhile, wasn't sure if I wanted to get a brown.

But the hell with it, here I am. Brown please. I'm in Canada.

Thanks for setting this up btw.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 31 March 2011, 20:47:59
Quote from: dudebro;322420
Was lurking for awhile, wasn't sure if I wanted to get a brown.

But the hell with it, here I am. Brown please. I'm in Canada.

Thanks for setting this up btw.

Ain't no thang. This thread seems to be bringing out quite a few lurkers :p

I'll put you on the list.

Browns are almost out!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: spdx on Thu, 31 March 2011, 22:01:16
Payment sent. Thanks
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Parallaxis on Thu, 31 March 2011, 22:12:35
payment sent, thanks for putting this together
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: stupefaction on Thu, 31 March 2011, 22:25:55
Does the $100 include shipping to my house?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 31 March 2011, 22:26:52
Quote from: Parallaxis;322480
payment sent, thanks for putting this together


I've received 3 payments, 2 without names. Can you pm your name please? I need to associate the GH name with your actual name.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 31 March 2011, 22:28:00
Quote from: stupefaction;322488
Does the $100 include shipping to my house?


If you live in the US, and if there is no unforeseen penalty imposed upon us by the Hong Kong Speedpost guys for not meeting the necessary 15 keyboards.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: stupefaction on Thu, 31 March 2011, 22:41:52
Why wouldn't you have fifteen keyboards in the shipment? I thought nearly all were spoken for already. Exactly how many browns do you have left?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Thu, 31 March 2011, 22:48:19
About to send payment, but will you have to order them after you've received ALL payments? I'd like to know the ETA on these keyboards.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 31 March 2011, 22:55:42
Quote from: stupefaction;322496
Why wouldn't you have fifteen keyboards in the shipment? I thought nearly all were spoken for already. Exactly how many browns do you have left?


1 Brown, 4 Blacks. The original shipping estimate was $13 per keyboard @ 15 keyboards.

@Calavera - the ETA would probably be around end of April, but I'll say 6 weeks just in case. I'll be able to give you guys a better timeframe once the keyboards are shipped from Hong Kong.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Dr.Pants on Thu, 31 March 2011, 23:33:48
I'll grab the last brown.

Yeah I've been lurking for a while.

E: Payment sent, you have an email with my username on it.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: pineapples on Fri, 01 April 2011, 02:29:23
Payment sent.  Username, email, everything included with the payment.  Thanks!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: vhaarr on Fri, 01 April 2011, 04:37:18
Quote from: Boerta;322261
Incidentally, if vhaarr lives somewhere near me (oslo area) it might be easier/cheaper to send us one package, and then we can sort things out between us.


Nah, I live in Kristiansand :)

Are we supposed to pay already?! oO
I am at work at the moment but will get right on it when I get home. So what was the total then for international shipping - $145?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: jat4 on Fri, 01 April 2011, 04:54:50
Quote from: vhaarr;322588
Are we supposed to pay already?! oO
I am at work at the moment but will get right on it when I get home. So what was the total then for international shipping - $145?


He doesn't know the exact amount yet, so you're only supposed to pay $93 now and the shipping costs later.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: jat4 on Fri, 01 April 2011, 04:58:33
Paid my keyboard today. \:D/

Now the waiting game begins..
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Fri, 01 April 2011, 18:39:50
I've received payment for 8 of the keyboards, and I am awaiting 5 more member's payments. I have sent an email to 'aming' to see if it is okay to ship only 13 keyboards, or if we will need to sell 2 more Blacks so shipping doesn't rise.

If he gives the greenlight, all I am waiting for is the other 5 members and I will send the order and money to Hong Kong. He's quite quick with shipping, so if the other 5 members stop in and send payments this will move much faster than planned :)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Fri, 01 April 2011, 19:10:45
just made payment. I didn't get any email though.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Fri, 01 April 2011, 20:49:43
Quote from: calavera;323058
just made payment. I didn't get any email though.


I'm not automated like 7bit :p I've been real busy with my new job, but I'll have time to send out confirmation emails to everyone I've received payments from tomorrow.

In these emails, I will include your order, payment, your address, and your name. For those of you in foreign countries, PLEASE correct the format of the address if I've messed it up. If everything is okay just simply send me a reply saying 'Everything okay'
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: dirtyb on Sun, 03 April 2011, 02:30:32
Still possible to get a brown or only blacks?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Art of Payce on Sun, 03 April 2011, 04:02:22
Sorry .XL,
Please remove me from the group because I jumped on the one Orphagn just put up (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=16831). Thanks for your time and good luck with the purchase.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Sun, 03 April 2011, 09:29:16
Quote from: dirtyb;323620
Still possible to get a brown or only blacks?


A brown just opened up :p

Art of Payce out, you in.

Gentlemen, I am awaiting payment from 3 more members. Once they have paid we can order these keyboards. I will send them a pm and remind them;  hopefully they remember they're part of the group buy...
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Sun, 03 April 2011, 10:11:14
Awesome, only 2 payments left and I can place the order!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Sun, 03 April 2011, 16:43:33
I have had inquiries into buying the last two Brown Choc Minis. Since two members have not paid yet (and I don't want to hold up the buy for people) I will give those two until tomorrow afternoon at 6PM EST (10p GMT) to pay. IF either of those members HAS NOT paid by then, I will remove them from the group buy and give the Brown to another member who is willing to pay. There's not reason to hold up the group buy for the other 10 people.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Boerta on Sun, 03 April 2011, 17:31:50
Just got back home.

I sent you my payment now :)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Sun, 03 April 2011, 17:33:53
Quote from: Boerta;323946
Just got back home.

I sent you my payment now :)


Superb! Only looking for one more now :) As soon as his payment comes through the keyboards will be ordered. I will post here with an update of when the keyboards have been shipped!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Sun, 03 April 2011, 21:05:50
All confirmation emails have been sent out. Double check them to make sure EVERYTHING is correct (especially those in Europe) so no packages get misplaced or sent back to me!

Still waiting on one more. He has said he will pay tonight/tomorrow.

I have let my partner in Hong Kong know that we are ready, and I will update this thread when he ships the keyboards.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Tue, 05 April 2011, 07:59:30
I have received 100% payment and the order has been sent to my partner in Hong Kong! I will update you all when I get more information!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: spdx on Tue, 05 April 2011, 09:33:50
Wonderful. Can't wait :)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 06 April 2011, 21:49:52
Bad new and good new folks!

Bad news first: At the moment, with estimated shipping to non-EU members, it looks like I may be down $11. However, I won't know if I've been charged by Customs so I *may* have to ask those members not in the EU to throw a few more dollars at me.

Right now it seems the culprits are the Canadians...their shipping ended up being estimated at $116. However, the fault of this is not in the Canadians, it is that we did not order enough keyboards! If we could have sold 2 more blacks, the price of shipping (per keyboard) from HK would be a few dollars lower per keyboard. That "wiggle room" I mentioned is looking awful tight...$0.83 for the US orders, to be exact.

This won't be an issue unless the Noppoo ends up being like 4.5lbs, which I doubt. If the final price (and I mean after I've paid for all US and Canada shipments) means I'm out some money, I will ask for a small donation. Nothing ridic, just enough to cover the extra. I will tell you the difference I'm looking to recover and then let you know when the donations hit the mark.

Now for the good news...

I have paid half of the price for the keyboards, and they will be (hopefully) shipping on Friday. If they do, depending on manner of shipment, I will receive them between Thursday, 14th of April and Friday, 22nd of April. From then I will have to wait to ship them as I am having them sent to my house (don't want to risk them being left outside my apartment while I'm in class or at work) and I'm not at home til Friday afternoon.

I will update you on the actual date of shipment, and let you know when I can expect to receive the keyboards!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: vhaarr on Thu, 07 April 2011, 02:23:48
Sounds good, and thank you for all your hard work so far :)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: speakeasy on Thu, 07 April 2011, 07:06:18
My Noppoo including packaging materials weighed 1.3kg. So estimate around there.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 07 April 2011, 09:12:26
Quote from: vhaarr;326026
Sounds good, and thank you for all your hard work so far :)


No problem :)

Quote from: speakeasy;326074
My Noppoo including packaging materials weighed 1.3kg. So estimate around there.


Thanks for this! Could you give me the exact box measurements? I used the keyboard size and used a best guess to figure out the dimensions I used to estimate.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: reaper on Thu, 07 April 2011, 17:38:56
Quote from: .XL;326110
Could you give me the exact box measurements?

W 6 7/8 in.
L  13 3/4 in.
H  2 in.

Hope that helps.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Sat, 09 April 2011, 16:50:25
Quote from: reaper~;326357
W 6 7/8 in.
L  13 3/4 in.
H  2 in.

Hope that helps.


Damn...it does help. Looks like it increases the price of the shipping by a couple bucks. I had assumed it was 13-7-2, and a box at 13.5'' is ~$1.50 cheaper for some damn reason. Sigh!

I won't know for sure, so I will send them all and then pray some people are nice enough to throw me a few extra bucks...
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Sun, 10 April 2011, 22:41:28
Great news guys! The package seems to have landed not 30 min driving distance from me this morning at 6am! That means I should have it some time early next week!

I'll update you when I receive the boards!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Chobopants on Mon, 11 April 2011, 00:26:56
The choc mini is probably the ultimate LAN party keyboard (do people do those anymore? I kind of miss them). I'm excited for all you guys to have these and to hear the impressions!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Mon, 11 April 2011, 12:33:51
Quote from: .XL;328314
Great news guys! The package seems to have landed not 30 min driving distance from me this morning at 6am! That means I should have it some time early next week!

I'll update you when I receive the boards!


(http://leafshq.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/do_want21.jpg)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Mon, 11 April 2011, 19:31:47
GAH! It seems they were sent 'Signature Required.' I won't be home til Thursday, and no one is at my house until 5p, so that creates a bit of an issue!

I'm hoping I'll have them tomorrow. I really hate signature required :( My family lives in a gated community...just leave the package! Hopefully my family is wise enough to sign the slip (if they left one) and/or go get the package from USPS themselves. I really don't want to have to drive 60 miles to pick it up >.<

ANYWAY, whether the keyboards get here tomorrow or Wednesday, I'll try to ship them out Friday as I get home on Thursday!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Tue, 12 April 2011, 20:03:01
The package has BEEN RECEIVED! I'll drive up tomorrow and grab it so you guys can get em a few days earlier :p

What I WILL need, though, is an extra $3 from every West Coast member and an extra $7 from every Canadian! I'll send you guys individual PMs tomorrow if you haven't paid. I checked with the post office and it turns out I will be losing out ~$25 if you guys don't pay me :(
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: jat4 on Wed, 13 April 2011, 14:25:14
Quote from: .XL;329712
The package has BEEN RECEIVED! I'll drive up tomorrow and grab it so you guys can get em a few days earlier :p

What I WILL need, though, is an extra $3 from every West Coast member and an extra $7 from every Canadian! I'll send you guys individual PMs tomorrow if you haven't paid. I checked with the post office and it turns out I will be losing out ~$25 if you guys don't pay me :(


How about us Europeans? :-)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 13 April 2011, 19:49:24
Quote from: jat4;330128
How about us Europeans? :-)


I'll probably need another $40-$50 from you guys :p I won't know until I go to the post office to mail out the ones for the US.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Wed, 13 April 2011, 22:04:57
Will you be testing each of them before shipping out? I ask because these seem to have a higher rate of defect.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 13 April 2011, 23:23:12
Quote from: calavera;330353
Will you be testing each of them before shipping out? I ask because these seem to have a higher rate of defect.


I've never heard that. I've read about more Filco DOA than Noppoo...

I can try them if you'd like, but I can't do anything about it. I'm not a reseller, just a guy who tried organizing a group buy :/
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 14 April 2011, 10:34:29
You guys are great! I'll be driving up to get them from my house and bring back to my apartment today (it's cool - I need to do laundry fo' free, too :p). I'm hoping to get the CONUS and Canadian people's sent out tomorrow.

IF the European members would like me to send the keyboards out for them tomorrow PLEASE send me US$45 on paypal and we can negotiate any refund or extra payment as necessary! Otherwise I will get an exact quote for you and send out the package Monday!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Thu, 14 April 2011, 11:53:39
I'm still waiting on my refund from 7bit so I can pay you the 3 bucks but I don't know when that will happen. Can you just ship my keyboard tomorrow though? I'll pay you once I get the money back from 7bit.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: jat4 on Thu, 14 April 2011, 13:45:56
Quote from: .XL;330586
IF the European members would like me to send the keyboards out for them tomorrow PLEASE send me US$45 on paypal and we can negotiate any refund or extra payment as necessary! Otherwise I will get an exact quote for you and send out the package Monday!


It's done, so please send the keyboard tomorrow.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 14 April 2011, 14:06:21
Quote from: calavera;330642
I'm still waiting on my refund from 7bit so I can pay you the 3 bucks but I don't know when that will happen. Can you just ship my keyboard tomorrow though? I'll pay you once I get the money back from 7bit.


Sure thing!

Quote from: jat4;330784
It's done, so please send the keyboard tomorrow.


YES SIR!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 14 April 2011, 23:45:16
Pics for you pleasure!

(http://i.imgur.com/qCQYh.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/XZp8m.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/yIyQv.jpg)

To the last two from Europe - I will let you guys know shipping tomorrow!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: reaper on Fri, 15 April 2011, 00:31:27
^ So many Noppoo Chocos. o.O
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Boerta on Fri, 15 April 2011, 07:02:53
Is it too late to send you $45 to get it shipped today? (I need to check the forums more often :P)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 07:46:14
Quote from: Boerta;331279
Is it too late to send you $45 to get it shipped today? (I need to check the forums more often :P)


Yeah, I'm sorry. I'm actually about to head out for work a bit early to drop them off and I didn't get yours ready :/

I might be able to swing by the post office AFTER work, though, if I get out a bit early. I can't make any promises though!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 15 April 2011, 07:54:54
Why not go on your lunch break? That's what I do.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 09:10:38
Quote from: keyboardlover;331296
Why not go on your lunch break? That's what I do.


I would, but I work at the school Tech store and it's an open house day :/ today will be hell!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Boerta on Fri, 15 April 2011, 09:46:51
Don't worry about it. I can wait :)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: spdx on Fri, 15 April 2011, 12:45:50
Those pictures look wonderful. Guess I'll receive a newegg box!?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 13:04:16
Quote from: spdx;331487
Those pictures look wonderful. Guess I'll receive a newegg box!?


Yessir! I bought a box for you at the Walmart Supercenter near my house (at like 1 am :p 24 hour shopping FTW) but I ended up not having enough packing peanuts for the box. So I just used a Newegg box I had lying around :p
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: spdx on Fri, 15 April 2011, 13:13:40
Quote from: .XL;331501
Yessir! I bought a box for you at the Walmart Supercenter near my house (at like 1 am :p 24 hour shopping FTW) but I ended up not having enough packing peanuts for the box. So I just used a Newegg box I had lying around :p


I like newegg :biggrin: Your help is very much appreciated.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 16:21:21
PMs being sent with tracking numbers (once I confirm them - so they'll be trickling into your PM box over the next hour)

To the Norwegians - shipping is $26 each. As soon as you send in shipping I'll package it up for ya!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 16:47:45
ESTIMATE ARRIVAL DATES:

For members on the west coast: Friday, April 22nd

For members on the east coast: Wednesday, April 20th

For those in Canada and Europe, I was not given any estimated date. Just check the tracking (though the USPS sucks at updating).
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Boerta on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:01:35
I just sent $26 down the wire in your direction :)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:09:10
Just wondering if you have any extra boards? I might want a blue switch one as well.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Fri, 15 April 2011, 19:26:33
Quote from: calavera;331826
Just wondering if you have any extra boards? I might want a blue switch one as well.


I couldn't get any blues :/ They were all sold out at the manufacturer.

Maybe for the next run I'll do only blues!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Tue, 19 April 2011, 18:48:22
Hey guys!

All packages have been shipped! I'd appreciate it if you could post in here or send me a PM when you receive it! Thanks!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Tue, 19 April 2011, 18:54:50
Quote from: ripster;333742
If you DON'T receive it .XL doesn't wanna hear about it.

Whiners.

YEAH, punks!

Seriously though...if they don't receive it, my girlfriend can say goodbye to her new necklace I was supposed to buy her a week and a half ago but haven't yet :p
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Tue, 19 April 2011, 18:55:40
Dude...tell your gf she ain't gettin' no necklace until she gets out of bed and buys you that damn bleach!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Tue, 19 April 2011, 18:59:31
Quote from: keyboardlover;333750
Dude...tell your gf she ain't gettin' no necklace until she gets out of bed and buys you that damn bleach!

That was my fault...I forgot to pick it up. It seems like we've got a bit of a clogged shower drain, so I'll need to go back to the supermarket for that anyway. I need to stop having lego pirate battles when I take my bubble baths!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Parallaxis on Tue, 19 April 2011, 19:40:06
I guess I was lucky enough to be closer to .XL than most everyone else as I got mine today :p Which is quicker than expected considering these were just shipped what, friday?

I hooked it up briefly and it seems to be in good working order.  I can't wait to use this everyday at work now.  Thanks again .XL for doing all of this,  I don't think I would have gotten one of these otherwise.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Tue, 19 April 2011, 20:04:53
Quote from: Parallaxis;333777
I guess I was lucky enough to be closer to .XL than most everyone else as I got mine today :p Which is quicker than expected considering these were just shipped what, friday?

I hooked it up briefly and it seems to be in good working order.  I can't wait to use this everyday at work now.  Thanks again .XL for doing all of this,  I don't think I would have gotten one of these otherwise.

No problem! Sorry for being a bit unorganized - this was my trial by fire! Future Group buys will go muuuch smoother :p

Also, I don't know if I will be offering spots in the next Group Buy to Europeans, as the shipping varies widely so I cannot estimate it. $21 with tracking to Finland, but I have to pay over $50 to ship to Norway with tracking? Wuuuh...?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Tue, 19 April 2011, 20:12:43
Screw Europe. USA is where it's at yo. :P
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Tue, 19 April 2011, 20:17:53
Quote from: calavera;333804
Screw Europe. USA is where it's at yo. :P

<-- From Europe

SEND ME THAT KEYBOARD BACK!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Boerta on Wed, 20 April 2011, 10:26:39
Quote from: .XL;333794
Also, I don't know if I will be offering spots in the next Group Buy to Europeans, as the shipping varies widely so I cannot estimate it. $21 with tracking to Finland, but I have to pay over $50 to ship to Norway with tracking? Wuuuh...?


That might have something to do with norwegian toll and VAT restrictions. They're quite.. strict. I'm anticipating my keyboard getting snagged in customs and them wanting all sorts of paperwork for it. At any rate, I reckon I'm not done paying for it :P
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Lpb45 on Wed, 20 April 2011, 10:53:45
Quote from: .XL;333809
<-- From Europe

SEND ME THAT KEYBOARD BACK!

Did you come up with a way to get 87u's from China or Japan yet?  Was it you who I was talking to this about?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 20 April 2011, 11:47:00
Quote from: Boerta;334169
That might have something to do with norwegian toll and VAT restrictions. They're quite.. strict. I'm anticipating my keyboard getting snagged in customs and them wanting all sorts of paperwork for it. At any rate, I reckon I'm not done paying for it :P

I doubt it. I marked it as a $35 used keyboard. That should be enough to get through customs with no issue. The keyboard box itself has no plastic on it so I don't know if they'd be able to tell if it's new without opening the box (it's firmly secured amongst lots of bubble wrap)


Quote from: Lpb45;334192
Did you come up with a way to get 87u's from China or Japan yet?  Was it you who I was talking to this about?

I don't know. I've made a few posts about it. I'm waiting on a quote for shipping before I sell my 103UB 55g to pay for the 87U 55g
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: panda-R on Wed, 20 April 2011, 11:53:19
I'm THREADCRAPPING!!! CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP!!!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: jnsjr on Wed, 20 April 2011, 11:59:11
Lol, the panda strikes.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: panda-R on Wed, 20 April 2011, 12:03:50
Oh man, i'm really sorry but I had corn on the cob last night.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 20 April 2011, 12:54:59
Classy!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 20 April 2011, 12:59:31
Panda ****s = small piles of bamboo shavings. Probably could make an art project out of them.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: panda-R on Wed, 20 April 2011, 18:54:49
Quote from: .XL;334456
I don't lie on customs forms. The keyboard is used. The value is stated. They rarely check used items.

Quote from: .XL;334226
I doubt it. I marked it as a $35 used keyboard. That should be enough to get through customs with no issue. The keyboard box itself has no plastic on it so I don't know if they'd be able to tell if it's new without opening the box (it's firmly secured amongst lots of bubble wrap)

you sir are bad for lying to me and for lying to customs.

I just thought I'd call you out on your contradictions thats all. Please continue this wonderful thread.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 20 April 2011, 18:58:58
Quote from: panda-R;334531
you sir are bad for lying to me and for lying to customs.

I just thought I'd call you out on your contradictions thats all. Please continue this wonderful thread.

Considering none of them are covered in plastic, 'used' is a fair assumption. $35 is about what the keyboard costs, right? I hope I didn't accidentally write the wrong value on there...

The other $70 was profit because, you know, they might charge me customs...
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: panda-R on Wed, 20 April 2011, 19:04:54
rationalizing your lies and contradictions still doesn't make it right, besides you're free to do whatever you like because I'm not the POPO. I think you'd have a harder time rationalizing your actions to the real POPO though.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 20 April 2011, 19:16:09
Quote from: panda-R;334540
rationalizing your lies and contradictions still doesn't make it right, besides you're free to do whatever you like because I'm not the POPO. I think you'd have a harder time rationalizing your actions to the real POPO though.

Nothing will come of it. Nothing at all. I'm not a major importer, I exported a handful of these things - Customs wouldn't even look my general direction.

Now, move on Panda. I already gave you my apologies.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: panda-R on Wed, 20 April 2011, 19:17:36
Quote from: .XL;334552
Nothing will come of it. Nothing at all. I'm not a major importer, I exported a handful of these things - Customs wouldn't even look my general direction.

Now, move on Panda. I already gave you my apologies.

you didn't give me any apologies, i'll stop harrasing u if u give me a HUG.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 20 April 2011, 19:19:14
Quote from: panda-R;334553
you didn't give me any apologies, i'll stop harrasing u if u give me a HUG.

 
.XL, watch out it's a trick!

The last time this happened:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]17503[/ATTACH]
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: panda-R on Wed, 20 April 2011, 19:20:06
Quote from: keyboardlover;334557
.XL, watch out it's a trick!

haha u mad bro cuz u were on the bottom!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 20 April 2011, 19:21:51
Panda: I waited until your business was done before I started asking questions. You couldn't show the same courtesy, I can see.

I apologized in your thread, stating that had I know that you were charged customs duties on both items I would not have commented.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: panda-R on Wed, 20 April 2011, 19:56:14
Quote from: .XL;334561
Panda: I waited until your business was done before I started asking questions. You couldn't show the same courtesy, I can see.

I apologized in your thread, stating that had I know that you were charged customs duties on both items I would not have commented.

i am a panda man, you ever tried reasoning with a panda that just wants to eat ur bamboo, wait no i want u to eat my bamboo...

besides i'm not threadcrapping your group buy, i think it's great whatever it is you are doing but I'mma still call you out on your lies and contradictions.

However I am willing to look the other way if u give me that hug u promised.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 20 April 2011, 20:02:19
Quote from: panda-R;334585
i am a panda man, you ever tried reasoning with a panda that just wants to eat ur bamboo, wait no i want u to eat my bamboo...

besides i'm not threadcrapping your group buy, i think it's great whatever it is you are doing but I'mma still call you out on your lies and contradictions.

However I am willing to look the other way if u give me that hug u promised.

I never promised any hug...

I never lied, either. The keyboards were tested in Hong Kong to see if they were functioning. They were used ;)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: panda-R on Wed, 20 April 2011, 20:04:18
Quote from: .XL;334589
I never promised any hug...

I never lied, either. The keyboards were tested in Hong Kong to see if they were functioning. They were used ;)

no hug no leave.

spock would be proud of your logic. I should be angry that amazon sold me a used keyboard then.

you have no integrity or honor. dood i caught u in ur big fat lies already u should just come clean already. your a customs form hacker.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 20 April 2011, 20:06:38
Quote from: panda-R;334592
no hug no leave.

spock would be proud of your logic. I should be angry that amazon sold me a used keyboard then.

you have no integrity or honor. dood i caught u in ur big fat lies already u should just come clean already. your a customs form hacker.

**** I wish I could hack.

And you're saying I have no integrity or honor because I marked several packages as used, and then said I don't lie on customs forms? LOL!

Hugs are forms of submission. I again refuse.

I can set you up a nice panda bed over there in the corner if you think you'll be spending the night...
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: panda-R on Wed, 20 April 2011, 20:10:36
Quote from: .XL;334595
**** I wish I could hack.

And you're saying I have no integrity or honor because I marked several packages as used, and then said I don't lie on customs forms? LOL!

Hugs are forms of submission. I again refuse.

I can set you up a nice panda bed over there in the corner if you think you'll be spending the night...

you aren't qualified to drive the ferd f-teenthousand because you can't man up and say you lie on customs forms.

panda's don't sleep on bed's stupid.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 20 April 2011, 20:13:29
Quote from: panda-R;334596
you aren't qualified to drive the ferd f-teenthousand because you can't man up and say you lie on customs forms.

panda's don't sleep on bed's stupid.

 
I prefer not getting 9 miles per gallon :wink:

Are you sure they don't?
(http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/463120/463120,1286751328,1/stock-photo-cute-animal-little-baby-giant-panda-in-bed-lhinping-in-chiangmai-zoo-thailand-62755594.jpg)








*hug*

Is everything okay now?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: panda-R on Wed, 20 April 2011, 20:17:27
Quote from: .XL;334598
Are you sure they don't?
Show Image
(http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/463120/463120,1286751328,1/stock-photo-cute-animal-little-baby-giant-panda-in-bed-lhinping-in-chiangmai-zoo-thailand-62755594.jpg)




*hug*

Is everything okay now?

lol yup we coo now :D

*HUGZ*
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: bassjones on Wed, 20 April 2011, 20:28:58
Received my board yesterday and as far as I can tell, it's in perfect working condition.

Thanks again for putting this group buy together.  The purchasing process was simple and it came faster than I expected.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Wed, 20 April 2011, 21:10:33
Quote from: bassjones;334614
Received my board yesterday and as far as I can tell, it's in perfect working condition.

Thanks again for putting this group buy together.  The purchasing process was simple and it came faster than I expected.

 
Not a problem! I'd appreciate a rating in the members ratings section if it's not too much trouble :)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: jat4 on Thu, 21 April 2011, 08:23:16
WOAH.  I can't believe this.  Today I received a letter that I've received a package.  Apparently the local post office tried to deliver the board to me *yesterday*.  That's ridiculously fast.

Aanyway, the keyboard is in perfect condition and feels really nice. :-)

Thank you so much!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 21 April 2011, 09:22:40
Quote from: jat4;334795
WOAH.  I can't believe this.  Today I received a letter that I've received a package.  Apparently the local post office tried to deliver the board to me *yesterday*.  That's ridiculously fast.

Aanyway, the keyboard is in perfect condition and feels really nice. :-)

Thank you so much!

That's insane! I sent it Friday with the cheapest shipping method ($21) and you got it 4 business days later...

I definitely didn't expect that to happen :p
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: tdh on Thu, 21 April 2011, 11:31:18
Just got mine today (although I have yet to test it). Thanks a lot for setting this up. Death to PayPal!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 21 April 2011, 12:27:09
Quote from: tdh;334917
Just got mine today (although I have yet to test it). Thanks a lot for setting this up. Death to PayPal!

Good to hear! Damn - USPS was really moving this week! I still can't believe it made it to Finland before California though....
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: spdx on Thu, 21 April 2011, 12:36:59
Quote from: .XL;334951
Good to hear! Damn - USPS was really moving this week! I still can't believe it made it to Finland before California though....

 
Still waiting ....................................................................... in California :yawn:
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: morphine on Thu, 21 April 2011, 13:27:18
Got mine yesterday. Mine has faded keys but I thankfully I don't care. The board is solid and the key action just right - love it.

Exceptional service and communication by XL throughout.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Thu, 21 April 2011, 13:28:19
Hey, I received my keyboard a day earlier than I expected. Thanks again for setting this up.

Now for the bad part... everything on the keyboard is fine except the printing is horrible. Most of the letters are barely visible while Q and T and a few numbers have higher contrast. That's noppoo's poo quality control right there.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: morphine on Thu, 21 April 2011, 13:31:53
calavera,

That's exactly the case with mine. The R is well defined but most of the other keys are heavily faded. My fiancee's first question was whether it was a used keyboard or exceptionally dusty.

I don't buy keyboards for aesthetics so it doesn't bother me in the least but I see how it could be an issue for some.

m
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 21 April 2011, 13:54:55
I think this is a frequent issue - I've read about it on here a few times before. The lasering process is inconsistent and the result is the look of the keys is inconsistent :/

I wish I had the ability to swap out keys for you guys, as both I and user 'aming' love the board and want to get it into as many people's hands as possible. A cosmetic problem like this steers some people away from the board, even though the keyboard itself works fine
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: popol on Thu, 21 April 2011, 14:23:21
This keyboard is a ****ing scam. The print on the keycaps are uneven, some keys are almost not printed and only one or 2 are really golden printed.
        Recommending that keyboard is really not willing to help people.

        High disapointment.

(http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/5297/p4210058.jpg)

        - look at the "{[" keys difference over the enter key: one is really printed the other one almost not at all.
        - look at the 2 keys on the left of the enter one: almost not printed at all.
        - The only really printed key (too much???) is the Q (by the way in phonetic "Q" means ass in French... ironic isn't it?) and almost the "7".

        And I'm not talking about the kind of white veil covering unevenly the keys...

        They don't do any QA.
        (Sorry for my bad English)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: tdh on Thu, 21 April 2011, 14:33:40
Same thing here with regard to the faded keys. Board seems to function great though, so I don't really care.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 21 April 2011, 14:44:26
Quote from: popol;335019
This keyboard is a ****ing scam. The print on the keycaps are uneven, some keys are almost not printed and only one or 2 are really golden printed.
        Recommending that keyboard is really not willing to help people.

        High disapointment.

        - look at the "{[" keys difference over the enter key: one is really printed the other one almost not at all.
        - look at the 2 keys on the left of the enter one: almost not printed at all.
        - The only really printed key (too much???) is the Q (by the way in phonetic "Q" means ass in French... ironic isn't it?) and almost the "7".

        And I'm not talking about the kind of white veil covering unevenly the keys...

        They don't do any QA.
        (Sorry for my bad English)

I already admitted the keyprinting isn't good...that's the biggest downfall of the board. However if you notice almost all people that own the Noppoo prefer the layout and the feel to Filcos/Leopolds/etc.

You pay for the experience, not just the printing. If you wanted great printing and didn't care about a quality typing experience you'd be fine with a quietkey...but of course that's not why we're here.

Most people that have their Noppoo's love them, some people say it's the best keyboard they own. Shoddy lasering on the keycaps shouldn't prevent you from getting a great board, and definitely doesn't warrant calling it a '****ing scam.'

What do you think about Filcos? Are they a ****ing scam because the keys get shiny? You can always swap the stock keys if you don't like them, anyway.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: popol on Thu, 21 April 2011, 15:00:03
Quote from: .XL;335038
I already admitted the keyprinting isn't good...that's the biggest downfall of the board. However if you notice almost all people that own the Noppoo prefer the layout and the feel to Filcos/Leopolds/etc.

You pay for the experience, not just the printing. If you wanted great printing and didn't care about a quality typing experience you'd be fine with a quietkey...but of course that's not why we're here.

Most people that have their Noppoo's love them, some people say it's the best keyboard they own. Shoddy lasering on the keycaps shouldn't prevent you from getting a great board, and definitely doesn't warrant calling it a '****ing scam.'

What do you think about Filcos? Are they a ****ing scam because the keys get shiny? You can always swap the stock keys if you don't like them, anyway.

Seriousl, I can understand what you say but here it's really not professional from a company. And the comparison with Filco keys is maybe a bit too much ;)
I can't imagine that stuff sold in Europe nor in US in stores.

Anyway, am i the only one to see only one or 2 highly printed keys and some almost not at all?

Based on what you said, I'll give it a try. Maybe I'll love it... if I manage to see the keys as i'm not an otaku-like typer ^^
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Parallaxis on Thu, 21 April 2011, 15:45:18
The build quality is fine as far as I can tell.  The laser etching is inconsistent on mine as well, the Q and Y keys are noticeably more gold than the rest, but it's just the keyprinting, I couldn't really care less.  It still feels and types the same, and I'm not constantly staring at the keys to type.  I bought it for being a compact mechanical keyboard, not because it's pretty and shiny to look at, so I don't really have an issue with the sketchy keyprinting QA myself.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 21 April 2011, 16:01:38
Quote from: popol;335047
Seriousl, I can understand what you say but here it's really not professional from a company. And the comparison with Filco keys is maybe a bit too much ;)
I can't imagine that stuff sold in Europe nor in US in stores.

Anyway, am i the only one to see only one or 2 highly printed keys and some almost not at all?

Based on what you said, I'll give it a try. Maybe I'll love it... if I manage to see the keys as i'm not an otaku-like typer ^^

I think you should use one before you call it a scam :wink: It's a great board, once you get past the printing issue.

And I've seen much worse sold in both the EU and US. The Blackwidow, namely. The legends on the keys come off really quickly. Most gaming keyboards are pretty crap.

And, as I said earlier, you can exchange the caps. POM are quite nice (better than the ABS on the Filcos) but if the lettering bothers you that much you can stick some other caps on there. It's like not buying a house because the you don't like the color of the walls...you can change that! :p
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: popol on Thu, 21 April 2011, 17:39:05
I'm trying.. but I can't see anything on the keyboard. So as I'm getting from ISO to ANSI that's making it harder ^^
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Parallaxis on Thu, 21 April 2011, 17:43:45
Quote from: popol;335118
I'm trying.. but I can't see anything on the keyboard. So as I'm getting from ISO to ANSI that's making it harder ^^

I don't believe the choc mini was intended to have all bright gold keys, I'm pretty sure it was intended to have the key symbols fairly faint for a somewhat stealth look.  I hope you didn't buy it thinking otherwise
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: jat4 on Thu, 21 April 2011, 17:52:37
Quote from: Parallaxis;335120
I don't believe the choc mini was intended to have all bright gold keys, I'm pretty sure it was intended to have the key symbols fairly faint for a somewhat stealth look.  I hope you didn't buy it thinking otherwise

Right.  Unfortunately, it is possible to take a picture of the board in a way that makes the key symbols clearly visible so that might throw people off if they don't do their research before buying the board.  It also doesn't help that there is a significant number of pictures floating around the internet with the "older" pad printed keys.  Those pictures have clear, white symbols on the keys.

But as already pointed out upthread, what the keyboard looks like doesn't really matter that much; it feels really great and it's compact and quite light too.  I personally bought this for gaming and traveling, and I think it is great for both. :-)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: noodles256 on Thu, 21 April 2011, 18:00:05
The argument vs Filco and Blackwidow is stupid. Those are two different cases, the Noppoo's lettering is faded due to bad QA. The Blackwidow and Filco faded lettering is due to heavy use.

NOT a fair comparison in my opinion
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 21 April 2011, 18:53:09
Quote from: noodles256;335133
The argument vs Filco and Blackwidow is stupid. Those are two different cases, the Noppoo's lettering is faded due to bad QA. The Blackwidow and Filco faded lettering is due to heavy use.

NOT a fair comparison in my opinion

Quite fair, actually. When the Filco keys get shiny after a month, the Blackwidow keys wear off after a month, and the Noppoo keys are the same that does matter.

My main point with that was there aren't many 'perfect' keys. For a keyboard that's in the $75-$80 range before shipping that's almost as good quality as the Filco and better than the Blackwidow I think we can allow a little leeway when 2 keys are a bit brighter than the rest. It's really just nitpicking.

The Noppoo WAS supposed to have the stealth look, that's the general consensus. The brighter keys are the anomaly, not the other way around.

This is like saying the Realforce keycaps are **** because you can't see the legends - they're dark on purpose. The different shades of gold between the regular keys and the 2 that are lighter is a shame but IMO not an actual issue at all.

I'd gladly own one of these if it didn't have issues running on OS X. I personally think it's a fantastic board and if the only complaint is that 2 letter have a more visible gold legend than the rest then I think it's safe to say it's quite a good board for the money.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: n12 on Thu, 21 April 2011, 19:08:52
Quote from: ripster;335172
People who bought the keyboard without reading the reviews deserve what they get.
I must have posted this pic 20 times and commented on the Poo Noppoo keys.
So suck it up and stop whining.
Totally... Anyone who took a look at any pictures of one before they bought it could tell "Hey, the printing on those keys look quite faint/dark."

Some may like that, some don't. Is it really that big of a deal if one key cap has a slightly stronger print? Saying that the keyboard is a scam because of this is just hilarious...
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: BaconKnight on Thu, 21 April 2011, 19:13:47
Sorry for the nub question but is it possible to replace all the keys on a Noppoo with something else if it bothers people so much?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 21 April 2011, 19:18:44
Quote from: BaconKnight;335180
Sorry for the nub question but is it possible to replace all the keys on a Noppoo with something else if it bothers people so much?

Yeah, I don't see why not. They're all Cherry MX keycaps. The only difference would be there would be no printing on media keys and the LED keys wouldn't have a window.

It'd be nice if Noppoo released a limited-run black PBT set with light gray or white letters. That would get everyone else to stop complaining. If they went with ABS, people would complain they're stupid for making the keys of lower quality. If they went the Realforce route, people would still hate them.

You just can't win if you're a Noppoo CS rep :p The bosses are bi-winning though :wink:
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Parallaxis on Thu, 21 April 2011, 19:29:08
Isn't the space bar an odd size also?  I thought that was brought up in the doubleshot group buy, someone wanting keys for their choc mini
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 21 April 2011, 19:49:06
Quote from: ripster;335190
Front row and far right column is going to be a big problem on the Noppoo (glad I posted that pic so I could check it out).  Also small RShift normally.

Quote from: Parallaxis;335191
Isn't the space bar an odd size also?  I thought that was brought up in the doubleshot group buy, someone wanting keys for their choc mini

L2Bandsaw keycaps!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: RedCloudFuneral on Thu, 21 April 2011, 19:50:39
I am thinking about buying one of these boards from the classifieds. The keys look fine, is this problem something to do with manufacturing or do they wear like this over time?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Thu, 21 April 2011, 20:06:03
I knew there were problems with quality control but didn't think it'd be that much noticeable. I don't really care about whether the prints are dark or light; it's the inconsistency of the prints that is the problem.

It bothered me for a few secs but I was planning on replacing all the key caps so it's not a big deal, but the whole "that's to be expected, deal with it" attitude isn't right either. Just because it's made in China doesn't give them the excuse to ship out half-assed key caps. People aren't "whining" because it's ABS or PBT or pad printed or whatever. It's like they set the laser to random before edging in the letters. lol

Anyways, as I said earlier even with this QC issue it's still a great keyboard. Compact size, plate mounted, thick key caps (this I liked a lot despite horrible prints)...etc.

Btw, can anyone check if the backspace came with stabil pieces? I don't know what they're called exactly. I was switching out key caps earlier and noticed it was missing the black plastic pieces that attach to the key cap side slots. Hard to explain. :P
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 21 April 2011, 20:08:31
Quote from: calavera;335205
I knew there were problems with quality control but didn't think it'd be that much noticeable. I don't really care about whether the prints are dark or light; it's the inconsistency of the prints that is the problem.

It bothered me for a few secs but I was planning on replacing all the key caps so it's not a big deal, but the whole "that's to be expected, deal with it" attitude isn't right either. Just because it's made in China doesn't give them the excuse to ship out half-assed key caps. People aren't "whining" because it's ABS or PBT or pad printed or whatever. It's like they set the laser to random before edging in the letters. lol

Anyways, as I said earlier even with this QC issue it's still a great keyboard. Compact size, plate mounted, thick key caps (this I liked a lot despite horrible prints)...etc.

Btw, can anyone check if the backspace came with stabil pieces? I don't know what they're called exactly. I was switching out key caps earlier and noticed it was missing the black plastic pieces that attach to the key cap side slots. Hard to explain. :P

The stabilizers? I think that may be a cherry/filco thing. Is the backspace sitting on only the switch?
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: fortran on Thu, 21 April 2011, 20:21:05
Quote from: RedCloudFuneral;335202
I am thinking about buying one of these boards from the classifieds. The keys look fine, is this problem something to do with manufacturing or do they wear like this over time?

manufacturing iirc http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:15003
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Thu, 21 April 2011, 20:25:32
Quote from: .XL;335207
The stabilizers? I think that may be a cherry/filco thing. Is the backspace sitting on only the switch?

Yes it's sitting on the switch only. The stabilizer bar? is there too, it's just the two black plastic pieces that hook to the bars and fit into the key caps that's missing.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Thu, 21 April 2011, 20:41:52
hey ripster, why are you ignoring my PMs. >:D

back on topic, the black plastic pieces I'm talking about is missing in those pics as well.

edit: Found them stuck somewhere. clumsy me :P
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Thu, 21 April 2011, 23:05:48
(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF1818.jpg)

group buy 3 can't come soon enough. :( moogle kits I need it...nao!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: BaconKnight on Thu, 21 April 2011, 23:29:32
That looks surprisingly better than I thought it would.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Thu, 21 April 2011, 23:39:18
Quote from: calavera;335293

group buy 3 can't come soon enough. :( moogle kits I need it...nao!

That looks awesome! Doubleshot noppoo is pretty beastly :p It's a shame you don't have the Fn keys visible now...guess you just have to memorize them :p
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Fri, 22 April 2011, 00:03:43
Quote from: .XL;335311
That looks awesome! Doubleshot noppoo is pretty beastly :p It's a shame you don't have the Fn keys visible now...guess you just have to memorize them :p

Actually that's why I only switched out DEL and PRT SC keys since I use them a lot but don't really use their secondary keys. On the other hand I use both PG UP/DN and their secondary keys so I won't switch them out until I get used to those. Other keys will be replaced once I get the moogle kit. I might also sand off the noppoo logo on the space bar.

I'll probably switch to beige/white double shots later. :)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: popol on Fri, 22 April 2011, 00:35:07
If you don't see anything it's not hilarious... but thanks for your interesting comment.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: BaconKnight on Fri, 22 April 2011, 00:53:50
Aside from the key cap printing issue, what's the general feel for the keyboard? Was thinking about getting one and keypad printing on it doesn't really matter to me. I read the reviews up on the site but was just wondering what people who might've received theirs from this group buy think about it.

EDIT: Actually went through the entire thread again and noticed some people already responded, it looks like general consensus is keypad printing does suck but the keyboard itself feels really solid. Actually sold me, picked up one for myself. :-)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: n12 on Fri, 22 April 2011, 03:33:46
Quote from: BaconKnight;335346
Aside from the key cap printing issue, what's the general feel for the keyboard? Was thinking about getting one and keypad printing on it doesn't really matter to me. I read the reviews up on the site but was just wondering what people who might've received theirs from this group buy think about it.

EDIT: Actually went through the entire thread again and noticed some people already responded, it looks like general consensus is keypad printing does suck but the keyboard itself feels really solid. Actually sold me, picked up one for myself. :-)

The keyboard feels solid. Perfectly fine. I also prefer the texture of the Choc's keycaps greatly over my Filco.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: BaconKnight on Fri, 22 April 2011, 04:03:47
Good to hear, can't wait till I get mines. The texture of the keycaps from pictures always intrigued me, part of the reason I wanted to try it out.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: spdx on Fri, 22 April 2011, 13:52:02
Received a brown and a black this morning. Thanks for managing this group buy.

I'm typing on the MX brown right now.
 
As people mentioned in this thread, keycap printing is inconsistent. the "7" key on my MX brown is the brightest and it's almost invisible on the MX black. However, I'm fine with that since I seldom look at them while typing. I feel that I may look at them more often due to the editing keys layout requires some time to get used to. The texture of keycaps feels very nice. More like my realforce 86UB. My typing speed and accuracy remains pretty much the same as on filco and realforce. Bottoming out seems to generate more noise comparing to my filco brown except spacebar, which is quieter than my filco. This is good to me because I use spacebar a lot while writing on a corporate wiki system.  Overall, I like this keyboard so far. :)
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Fri, 22 April 2011, 15:10:04
The printing is really a shame, as I think it brings down what is otherwise a great keyboard for the price. If you can get over that problem (and for me I don't think it would be an issue - this 103UB I'm typing on has made me a touch typist in a week flat :p) then it's definitely worth the money. And the keys do feel great...I like the POM! I still think the Realforce PBT are best feeling keycaps, though
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: popol on Fri, 22 April 2011, 15:48:38
I'm wondering what is KBC POKER overall quality compared to this Noppoo Choc Mini.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Fri, 22 April 2011, 16:13:29
Quote from: popol;335701
I'm wondering what is KBC POKER overall quality compared to this Noppoo Choc Mini.

 
It's not as solid, the keycaps aren't as nice (they're ABS). I wish the Poker was plate mounted - I love the solid feel of plate mounted boards.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Fri, 22 April 2011, 16:40:27
Quote from: .XL;335713
It's not as solid, the keycaps aren't as nice (they're ABS). I wish the Poker was plate mounted - I love the solid feel of plate mounted boards.

The next batch of poker x's are supposed to use PBT key caps and/or plate mounted. Which is why I only bought one poker-x this time. Still waiting on the aluminium case project which I don't think will happen any time soon sadly.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: .XL on Fri, 22 April 2011, 17:30:48
Quote from: calavera;335735
The next batch of poker x's are supposed to use PBT key caps and/or plate mounted.

If this happens, I'm definitely buying one! Though I have been thinking of getting a Poker and swapping it to clears (too hard for me to do on a plate mounted) and then getting the aluminum casing
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Dr.Pants on Sat, 23 April 2011, 02:57:04
I managed to get the keyboard yesterday.  Works dandy.  I left it at a friend's place for him to try it out for a while since he's the Windows user.

Side effect - I converted my friend into using mechanical keyboards

As a note, there's a consistent inconsistency in the "7" and "Q" keys in addition to another one or two that are off.
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Boerta on Thu, 05 May 2011, 03:12:47
Just got my keyboard yesterday. The Q and 7 buttons are a bit brighter than the others, but I don't really mind.

I really like the small size and the embedded media keys, but the pgdn next to the enter key will take some getting used to. Looking forward to spending more quality time with this board in the coming weeks!
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: Boerta on Thu, 05 May 2011, 03:15:12
Btw, the caps lock LED doesn't seem to work on linux. Worked fine on windows. Anyone solved that?

Oh, and thanks a lot for doing this group buy for us! :D
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: calavera on Fri, 06 May 2011, 01:04:26
Well, it seems the entire batch .XL got have the same Q and 7 print issues. I've been looking at other people who've bought the noppoo elsewhere and nobody had printing issues like us. Oh well, still a nice keyboard but the printing is disappointing. Time for me to sand them off once I have some time. :D
Title: Noppoo Choc Mini Group Buy
Post by: BaconKnight on Fri, 06 May 2011, 04:06:59
That's unfortunate. I got my Noppoo from ebay from someone .XL recommended because I just missed the group buy and don't have any Q & 7 issues. Still a great board though.