Topre PBT Spacebar (SECOND RUN!)

[00zeRO]

I should order a few to help ya'll out but I'm worried about the resale. I have no interest in Topre but I think this is a cool project.

Maybe we can do this:

Anyone want to fill a swimming pool [hot tub] with Alps keycaps [Topre spacebars] with me?  )

 

[CPTBadAss]

Maybe we can do this:

Anyone want to fill a swimming pool [hot tub] with Alps keycaps [Topre spacebars] with me?  )

 

I would never say that. I hate hot tubs .

[FrostyToast]

Maybe we can do this:

Anyone want to fill a swimming pool [hot tub] with Alps keycaps [Topre spacebars] with me?  )

 

I would never say that. I hate hot tubs .

We'll make it purple.

[HoffmanMyster]

Maybe we can do this:

Anyone want to fill a swimming pool [hot tub] with Alps keycaps [Topre spacebars] with me?  )

 

I would never say that. I hate hot tubs .

And think of the warping!!   

[00zeRO]

Maybe we can do this:

Anyone want to fill a swimming pool [hot tub] with Alps keycaps [Topre spacebars] with me?  )

 

I would never say that. I hate hot tubs .

Okay, large cold kiddie pool...

[ctbear]

I am interested in at least 2 space bars. Do I fill in the 'purchase intent' form in OP?

[exitfire401]

I am interested in at least 2 space bars. Do I fill in the 'purchase intent' form in OP?

Correct

[ctbear]

I am interested in at least 2 space bars. Do I fill in the 'purchase intent' form in OP?

Correct

Thanks, filled. Hope this happens!

[swill]

So far, no luck.

They all turned down. I'm still waiting reply from a couple of stores. I'll keep you posted.

I was waiting till you contacted all the vendors, but maybe you could contact widebasket on ebay. He sells a bunch of Topre caps and may pick up a few hundred.

[Matt3o]

We are at 47%

Code: [Select]

    [Medium gray] => 50
    [Sky Blue/Light Blue] => 45
    [Red] => 44
    [Blue] => 35
    [Purple] => 35
    [Mint/Light Green] => 33
    [Orange] => 29
    [Green] => 27
    [Pink] => 26
    [Lavender] => 22
    [Beige] => 15
    [Yellow] => 12
    [Magenta] => 11
    [Brown] => 4
I'm still waiting for a reply from EK.

[00zeRO]

So far, no luck.

They all turned down. I'm still waiting reply from a couple of stores. I'll keep you posted.

I was waiting till you contacted all the vendors, but maybe you could contact widebasket on ebay. He sells a bunch of Topre caps and may pick up a few hundred.

Did you try this 'widebasket' fellow, Matt3o?

[sorijealut]

We are at 47%

Code: [Select]

    [Medium gray] => 50
    [Sky Blue/Light Blue] => 45
    [Red] => 44
    [Blue] => 35
    [Purple] => 35
    [Mint/Light Green] => 33
    [Orange] => 29
    [Green] => 27
    [Pink] => 26
    [Lavender] => 22
    [Beige] => 15
    [Yellow] => 12
    [Magenta] => 11
    [Brown] => 4
I'm still waiting for a reply from EK.

It would be such a natural pick up from EK. They already carry so manu Topre accessories.

[strict]

It would be such a natural pick up from EK. They already carry so manu Topre accessories.

Totally agree, of all places I would think EK would be one of the most likely. I thought I read somewhere that they are the exclusive vendor in North America for Realforce and HHKB boards?

Though it may not be that straight forward. Who knows how many replacement ABS spacebars they sell, it might be a fairly lucrative item for them and selling people PBT spacebars might mean less people returning to buy more since they don't shine up nearly as fast.

[00zeRO]

It would be such a natural pick up from EK. They already carry so manu Topre accessories.

Totally agree, of all places I would think EK would be one of the most likely. I thought I read somewhere that they are the exclusive vendor in North America for Realforce and HHKB boards?

at the moment...this is true...but it may not be the case forever...

[Sygaldry]

It would be such a natural pick up from EK. They already carry so manu Topre accessories.

Totally agree, of all places I would think EK would be one of the most likely. I thought I read somewhere that they are the exclusive vendor in North America for Realforce and HHKB boards?

at the moment...this is true...but it may not be the case forever...

Hmmm... can this be interpreted as MK working to distribute more Topre boards!?

[RoflCopter4]

It would be such a natural pick up from EK. They already carry so manu Topre accessories.

Totally agree, of all places I would think EK would be one of the most likely. I thought I read somewhere that they are the exclusive vendor in North America for Realforce and HHKB boards?

at the moment...this is true...but it may not be the case forever...

Hmmm... can this be interpreted as MK working to distribute more Topre boards!?

I'm sure they'd want to, but that doesn't mean they actually can or will.

[Sygaldry]

It would be such a natural pick up from EK. They already carry so manu Topre accessories.

Totally agree, of all places I would think EK would be one of the most likely. I thought I read somewhere that they are the exclusive vendor in North America for Realforce and HHKB boards?

at the moment...this is true...but it may not be the case forever...

Hmmm... can this be interpreted as MK working to distribute more Topre boards!?

I'm sure they'd want to, but that doesn't mean they actually can or will.

Yep. Which is why I asked if MK.com was working on doing so instead of asking if they were going to be doing so.

Looking at the FC660C, EK has indefinitely ceased stocking the board. If they stopped distributing the FC660C due to contractual reasons, there is a chance that this might be because their distribution agreement with Leopold expired. Further, Leopold is a distributor of Realforce boards. If MK were to somehow manage to close a distribution agreement with Leopold, it could possibly mean another distribution channel for Realforce boards into the US as well as the return of the FC660C to the US marketplace.

Of course, if EK simply lost interest in the FC660C or if Leopold is simply refusing to supply EK with FC660Cs to sell, then my considerations are moot.

Nonetheless, I do wish Topre boards were more available in the US. It was actually cheaper for me to buy an HHKB Type-S directly from PFU and get it shipped to the US than it would have cost me to buy a non-Type-S from EK (even while it was on sale).

On a side note, MK did pick up the Type Heaven after EK dropped it - which is why I was wondering if MK was working on getting more Topre flavors.

[Matt3o]

at this point I'd say that retailers are not interested in this venture. The MOQ scares the hell out of them and they are not willing to get even 1000 pieces because they believe it's too much of a niche market.

There's only one entity that seems still interested: MassDrop. I must say that BSP is not the easiest to talk with, keyboards are not their core business and we you talk with them it's like they are doing you a favor. Anyway in a couple of days I should know if this project has still a future.

[exitfire401]

at this point I'd say that retailers are not interested in this venture. The MOQ scares the hell out of them and they are not willing to get even 1000 pieces because they believe it's too much of a niche market.

There's only one entity that seems still interested: MassDrop. I must say that BSP is not the easiest to talk with, keyboards are not their core business and we you talk with them it's like they are doing you a favor. Anyway in a couple of days I should know if this project has still a future.

Even if it doesn't go through, thanks again for taking the time out to try.

[00zeRO]

at this point I'd say that retailers are not interested in this venture. The MOQ scares the hell out of them and they are not willing to get even 1000 pieces because they believe it's too much of a niche market.

There's only one entity that seems still interested: MassDrop. I must say that BSP is not the easiest to talk with, keyboards are not their core business and we you talk with them it's like they are doing you a favor. Anyway in a couple of days I should know if this project has still a future.

The one thing BSP has going for them is thick PBT in any color...that will be helpful going forward, although they can't dyesub 

[Flyersfan1]

at this point I'd say that retailers are not interested in this venture. The MOQ scares the hell out of them and they are not willing to get even 1000 pieces because they believe it's too much of a niche market.

There's only one entity that seems still interested: MassDrop. I must say that BSP is not the easiest to talk with, keyboards are not their core business and we you talk with them it's like they are doing you a favor. Anyway in a couple of days I should know if this project has still a future.

BSP even having spacebar molds is news to me..

[strict]

at this point I'd say that retailers are not interested in this venture. The MOQ scares the hell out of them and they are not willing to get even 1000 pieces because they believe it's too much of a niche market.

There's only one entity that seems still interested: MassDrop. I must say that BSP is not the easiest to talk with, keyboards are not their core business and we you talk with them it's like they are doing you a favor. Anyway in a couple of days I should know if this project has still a future.

Even if it doesn't go through, thanks again for taking the time out to try.

+1

You're a saint for taking on an endeavour as monumental as this. Thanks for all your hard work, Matt3o!

[Bucake]

at this point I'd say that retailers are not interested in this venture. The MOQ scares the hell out of them and they are not willing to get even 1000 pieces because they believe it's too much of a niche market.

There's only one entity that seems still interested: MassDrop. I must say that BSP is not the easiest to talk with, keyboards are not their core business and we you talk with them it's like they are doing you a favor. Anyway in a couple of days I should know if this project has still a future.

Even if it doesn't go through, thanks again for taking the time out to try.

+1

thanks a ton for the effort Matt3o : )

[00zeRO]

at this point I'd say that retailers are not interested in this venture. The MOQ scares the hell out of them and they are not willing to get even 1000 pieces because they believe it's too much of a niche market.

There's only one entity that seems still interested: MassDrop. I must say that BSP is not the easiest to talk with, keyboards are not their core business and we you talk with them it's like they are doing you a favor. Anyway in a couple of days I should know if this project has still a future.

Even if it doesn't go through, thanks again for taking the time out to try.

+1

thanks a ton for the effort Matt3o : )

^ I'm with these guys...thanks Matt3o.

[iamtootallforthis]

at this point I'd say that retailers are not interested in this venture. The MOQ scares the hell out of them and they are not willing to get even 1000 pieces because they believe it's too much of a niche market.

There's only one entity that seems still interested: MassDrop. I must say that BSP is not the easiest to talk with, keyboards are not their core business and we you talk with them it's like they are doing you a favor. Anyway in a couple of days I should know if this project has still a future.

Thanks for doing this Matt3o! This is a monumental task and hopefully Massdrop comes through, but the fact that you even attempted this is awesome. 

[redskull]

how about chinese manufacturers? are they capable of making a topre spacebar? and at maybe a lower+cheaper MOQ?

[Matt3o]

yes we are talking with alternative manufacturers!

It's not over yet!

I'll keep the "purchase intent" open another week!

there's still hope! keep ordering!

[Elrick]

yes we are talking with alternative manufacturers!

It's not over yet!

I'll keep the "purchase intent" open another week!

there's still hope! keep ordering!

Thanks Matt we desperately NEED this above all else.  Not enough love for any quality PBT space-bars these days and it has to happen soon. 

Anyone NOT wanting a PBT spacer better lock themselves in their safe-room soon because someone here shall visit you in the dead of night........ it won't be pretty at all  .

[nukec]

EliteKeyboards should pick this up, they are always prepared. And definitelly they could sell the rest on their website. People are just not informed, is this running on desktority?

[ideus]

Are Topre keyboards a niche market? Well, truth being told any mechanical keyboard type is within a niche market. But, these manufacturers believe Topre keyboards are within a niche market in the niche market of mechanicals?

[Matt3o]

"small" retailers are not clearly interested, but worry not, I have one last ace in the sleeve.

I hope everything will be finalized by the end of next week.

[Sturmfrau]

"small" retailers are not clearly interested, but worry not, I have one last ace in the sleeve.

I hope everything will be finalized by the end of next week.

Praying for good news

[iamtootallforthis]

"small" retailers are not clearly interested, but worry not, I have one last ace in the sleeve.

I hope everything will be finalized by the end of next week.

We are all rooting for you Matt3o! Hopefully this all works out!

[slickmamba]

Nevermind!  no clue how to do this. 

Thanks Matt3o!

[00zeRO]

Are Topre keyboards a niche market? Well, truth being told any mechanical keyboard type is within a niche market. But, these manufacturers believe Topre keyboards are within a niche market in the niche market of mechanicals?

If they are even mechanical. I am not wanting to begin that debate, but there are those who love their Topres unto the death which would have something to say about them being referred to as a mechanical keyboard. AFAIK they feature 'capacitance' switches with individual rubber membranes. Niche is definitely applicable to this whole situation, however.

Disclaimer: The above was merely an attempt by a non-user to explain a long held position by Topre users and by no means intended to defame or otherwise defraud any user of Topre Corporation keyboards.

[Matt3o]

We are at 50% !

Colors:

Code: [Select]

    [Medium gray] => 52
    [Sky Blue/Light Blue] => 51
    [Red] => 49
    [Mint/Light Green] => 36
    [Blue] => 35
    [Purple] => 35
    [Orange] => 30
    [Green] => 28
    [Pink] => 27
    [Lavender] => 23
    [Yellow] => 15
    [Beige] => 15
    [Magenta] => 12
    [Brown] => 4
As I said earlier, this week will be decisive for the future of this buy. I'll keep you posted!

[Sturmfrau]

We are at 50% !

Colors:

Code: [Select]

    [Medium gray] => 52
    [Sky Blue/Light Blue] => 51
    [Red] => 49
    [Mint/Light Green] => 36
    [Blue] => 35
    [Purple] => 35
    [Orange] => 30
    [Green] => 28
    [Pink] => 27
    [Lavender] => 23
    [Yellow] => 15
    [Beige] => 15
    [Magenta] => 12
    [Brown] => 4
As I said earlier, this week will be decisive for the future of this buy. I'll keep you posted!

Mah wallet is ready to go.

[Bucake]

upped from 4 to 8. i know it barerly makes a difference, but unfortunately i'm not rich

[strict]

I know its not much but I resubmitted my order with a color pack added in case I ever end up with an Anniversary Edition Realforce. If/When this goes through I'm sure my wife will be thrilled about me dropping $100 on just spacebars  )

- 4 black
- 2 white
- 1 Color pack (Medium Gray, Light Blue, Orange)

How close are we expecting the Light Blue to match the mods of the AE Realforce boards? In the same ballpark on somewhere else totally? I know the Medium Gray is supposed to be close to the color of the AE alphas but it crossed my mind that the it might look cool with a blue spacebar instead of gray.

[Sygaldry]

Just wondering, which community can be attributed to the most recent jump from 41% to 50%??

My guess is reddit but I can't be too sure. Every time this Purchase Intent form is posted to reddit, a bunch of people have signed up. if this is the case, I'm guessing meeting the goal wouldn't be impossible if we extended the deadline for a few more weeks and ensured the post stayed up on reddit by reporting it every day (there might have been a lack of participation from reddit but to be fair, the form has only been visible for no more than 4 days)

[Matt3o]

it took like 3 weeks to go from 40 to 50% it would take another 6 months to meet the goal our own and at that point many would have forgotten about their order or changed their minds.

regarding colors, the light blue is the blue PFU used for the recent "Color Key Top Set" ( PD-KB400KT01 ).

[strict]

it took like 3 weeks to go from 40 to 50% it would take another 6 months to meet the goal our own and at that point many would have forgotten about their order or changed their minds.

regarding colors, the light blue is the blue PFU used for the recent "Color Key Top Set" ( PD-KB400KT01 ).

Thanks for the info! From quickly glancing at some pictures of the two colors side by side it looks like that shade of blue is noticably lighter than the AE mods. Its like a powdery blue that almost makes the AE mods look like a dirty blue.

[sorijealut]

Just wondering, which community can be attributed to the most recent jump from 41% to 50%??

My guess is reddit but I can't be too sure. Every time this Purchase Intent form is posted to reddit, a bunch of people have signed up. if this is the case, I'm guessing meeting the goal wouldn't be impossible if we extended the deadline for a few more weeks and ensured the post stayed up on reddit by reporting it every day (there might have been a lack of participation from reddit but to be fair, the form has only been visible for no more than 4 days)

I only posted on reddit twice now, once 1/4, and then on 1/10. I saw about 3%-4% jumps each time.

[RoflCopter4]

Damn it all. I'll be so disappointed if this doesn't go through. Surely everyone who cares enough about keyboards to get a Topre board (and who isn't a business customer, obviously) also cares enough to want a PBT spacebar??

[Sygaldry]

Just wondering, which community can be attributed to the most recent jump from 41% to 50%??

My guess is reddit but I can't be too sure. Every time this Purchase Intent form is posted to reddit, a bunch of people have signed up. if this is the case, I'm guessing meeting the goal wouldn't be impossible if we extended the deadline for a few more weeks and ensured the post stayed up on reddit by reporting it every day (there might have been a lack of participation from reddit but to be fair, the form has only been visible for no more than 4 days)

I only posted on reddit twice now, once 1/4, and then on 1/10. I saw about 3%-4% jumps each time.

If only Ripster would have the maturity to set aside his feud with GH and sticky the form to the sub, then we probbly would be MUCH closer to the goal...

Since that won't hapoen, it might be better if we just post it every couple of days

[00zeRO]

Just wondering, which community can be attributed to the most recent jump from 41% to 50%??

My guess is reddit but I can't be too sure. Every time this Purchase Intent form is posted to reddit, a bunch of people have signed up. if this is the case, I'm guessing meeting the goal wouldn't be impossible if we extended the deadline for a few more weeks and ensured the post stayed up on reddit by reporting it every day (there might have been a lack of participation from reddit but to be fair, the form has only been visible for no more than 4 days)

I only posted on reddit twice now, once 1/4, and then on 1/10. I saw about 3%-4% jumps each time.

If only Ripster would have the maturity to set aside his feud with GH and sticky the form to the sub, then we probbly would be MUCH closer to the goal...

Since that won't hapoen, it might be better if we just post it every couple of days

How dare you mention Voldemort's name, Potter! (please know I'm joking)

[Matt3o]

it took like 3 weeks to go from 40 to 50% it would take another 6 months to meet the goal our own and at that point many would have forgotten about their order or changed their minds.

regarding colors, the light blue is the blue PFU used for the recent "Color Key Top Set" ( PD-KB400KT01 ).

Thanks for the info! From quickly glancing at some pictures of the two colors side by side it looks like that shade of blue is noticably lighter than the AE mods. Its like a powdery blue that almost makes the AE mods look like a dirty blue.

I'm not sure, but that seems lavender. I'm talking about this

[breaker9691]

pre-order moahahaha
i think this will be good, hope this handsome space will arrival soon

[Matt3o]

Status Update

All retailers backed off.

MassDrop is still willing to do it if we can find a cheaper manufacturer that we might have found. We are sending a sample spacebar to the new manufacturer that will make a quotation. This might require some time, I guess at least 2 more weeks. I hate this situation as much as you do, but honestly 1 month ago I had a quote from the manufacturers and 3 retailers fighting for the exclusive...

Fortunately I haven't asked anyone money yet.

-----------
side note

Admittedly I'm a bit fed up of manufacturers saying that they can do it, but they actually can't... of sending emails and receiving replies after weeks... of retailers super excited wanting to participate at all costs and then backing off... I believe the next time I will be much more cautious when evaluating the feasibility of a project.

[byker]

Thanks for all of your work in this Matt3o. We all appreciate it, and hopefully something can be made of this! Massdrop seems like a good route to go, as it will reach a far bigger audience then we can manage. I am hopeful that we can find a cheaper manufacturer.