Custom Alps keycap run

[Phaedrus2129]

I'm talking with Randall Garrison over at Fentek about a run of custom double-shot Esc. keycaps for Alps keyboards, using the Overclock.net flame symbol. Details are still being worked out, but it looks like it will probably be available in three colors. Check out the OCN thread:
http://www.overclock.net/computer-peripherals/715227-ocn-custom-keycap-alps-only.html

Right now we've got ~35 interested people, so with back-outs and multiple orders we could see anywhere from 25 to 50 orders. With 25 the price is $7.20 per key, with 50 it's $4.50.

So, to the guys and gals of Geekhack.org, I ask: is anyone interested in a custom key for their Alps-compatible keyboard? The more orders we get the cheaper it is for everybody.

[NOMiS]

Get 50 key min, it's a cool logo and easy to mod for cherry keys.

[Phaedrus2129]

You saying you'd buy one/some? 'Cause I don't have the capital to finance the full run by myself. I can put in a fair bit and hope to recoup the expense, but once the details are worked out I'll need people to pay before-hand so we can actually afford the run.

[NOMiS]

Yeah comes to about $280 for 50, and $220 for 25. You're way better off getting 50. I will buy 2 for sure, it'll go nicely into my collection.

After these projects I've been thinking about doing my own set of keys, white on orange with a game logo on it. So I'm saving up for that risk.

[Phaedrus2129]

It's actually $225 for 50.

$3.90 per key + $30 for the mold = $225, or $4.50 per order. I'll probably end up charging $5 per, to cover shipping and a little extra for myself maybe.

We've got 41 votes in the poll now. Looking good, I'd say. There's probably a few people who will back out, or don't realize it's Alps-only, but there are also several people saying they'll buy several. We shall see.

[bitflipper]

The Mattias Tactile Pro is another modern Alps-like (fake, real, simplified, complicated, XM, Fukka, whatever) board that would be compatible with Alps keycaps. But it's marketed more for the Apple crowd than the OCN crowd.

I wouldn't think many members over at OCN own Alps boards aside from a few with the ABS M1. It might be a tough sell for the majority. Even most of the members here tend to be BS fans and Cherry fans. See poll.

That said, I would still buy a few sets. They might come in handy if I decide to sell my Filco Zero or TP2.

[Phaedrus2129]

The Mattias Tactile Pro is another modern Alps-like (fake, real, simplified, complicated, XM, Fukka, whatever) board that would be compatible with Alps keycaps. But it's marketed more for the Apple crowd than the OCN crowd.

I wouldn't think many members over at OCN own Alps boards aside from a few with the ABS M1. It might be a tough sell for the majority. Even most of the members here tend to be BS fans and Cherry fans. See poll.

That said, I would still buy a few sets. They might come in handy if I decide to sell my Filco Zero or TP2.

Alright.


Don't know if you know or not, but the ABS M1 recently went on sale for $20 and sold out... About a hundred or so people from OCN bought one, apparently. So there is a market, I think.

[bitflipper]

Alright.


Don't know if you know or not, but the ABS M1 recently went on sale for $20 and sold out... About a hundred or so people from OCN bought one, apparently. So there is a market, I think.

Yeah, I snagged one just to try it out and compare to my AT101Ws. I hope it's a decent board and they continue making them. It's hard on the wallet to keep wearing new $100+ boards shiny and wearing the paint off of certain red boards. We need an entry level mechanical to get the n00bs hooked. ;-)