Author Topic: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue - GB Indefinitely Postponed  (Read 109187 times)

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Offline NoPunIn10Did

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[IC] GMK Prussian Blue - GB Indefinitely Postponed
« on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 11:23:55 »


Bear by Jacky. Render by Manzel. (Full Size)


GMK Prussian Blue
Dates & Vendors
TBD: The original Group Buy was canceled.  It is my hope that we'll be able to try again in the future, likely with some rework.  I've asked the mods to reopen this IC thread to track the future of this project, should such a future arise.

The Group Buy for this keyset will start 01 June 2022 and is expected to run through 01 July 2022.


Updates
09 Jun 2022 - Cancellation of original GB.
01 Jun 2022 - Start of original GB.
09 May 2022 - Updated international kit, added vendor list, and announced GB date.
11 Mar 2022 - Updated spacebar kitting to include both types of 6u bar; removed 1.75u bars.
04 Mar 2022 - Submitted for quotes via primary US vendor.

Background

More
What is GMK Prussian Blue?

GMK Prussian Blue is a custom keycap set to be manufactured in the Cherry profile by GMK Electronic Design GmbH. These MX-compatible keycaps will be made from ABS plastic and doubleshot legends (with UV front-print where needed). GMK Prussian Blue uses a simple color scheme with a GMK stock white (CP) for its legends and a custom color for the base: RAL 230 20 20 (Preußischblau).

Background: Prussian Blue

Prussian Blue is a chemical compound originally discovered in Berlin at the turn of the 18th century. It has been used in a variety of settings from art (Japanese woodblock painting) to architecture (a traditional blueprint dye) to medicine (a treatment for heavy metal poisoning).

Prussian Blue was also used for nearly two centuries to dye the military uniforms of the Kingdom of Prussia. The RAL standard and this keyset draw from this darker variant, and GMK Prussian Blue’s kitting takes further inspiration from the history of the Kingdom of Prussia itself.

The Kingdom of Prussia

The Kingdom of Prussia was established circa 1701 and existed until approximately 1918. Its borders changed frequently, with many of its parts split into separate enclaves and exclaves. Though it was ruled by a German-speaking monarchy, its reality was far more diverse, including regions of Germans, Poles, Lithuanians, and Silesians. For most of its existence, however, the majority of Prussian territory lay within the current borders of Germany and Poland.


Two Base Kits

As a reflection of the Kingdom of Prussia’s multilingual and multicultural footprint, GMK Prussian Blue will offer two distinct base kits: one Polish and one German.


Polish/US Base Kit. Render by Manzel (Full Size)


German Base Kit. Render by Manzel (Full Size)

The Polish / US Base kit will use the modern “Polish Programmers’ Layout,” whose similarity to US ANSI allows it to also serve as the primary base kit. Its modifier key legends will be a mix of icons and English language modifiers. Especially when paired with the Spacebars addon, it provides physical compatibility for very wide array of boards, including a majority of 40% boards as well as rarities like the Vortex Race 3 and Boardwalk.

The German Base kit will follow a German QWERTZ standard layout while also providing a QWERTY option. Its modifier key legends will use a mix of icons and German language modifiers, with most following the style of boards sold by GMK’s own Uniqey storefront. Its physical support for nonstandard keyboard layouts is intentionally more limited to control costs.

Child Kits


Spacebars kit. Render by Manzel (Full Size)


International Kit. Render by Manzel (Full Size)

The Spacebars kit provides a range of spacebar sizes for split & smaller keyboards.  It also includes two 6u spacebar keys: one with a centered stem and one with an off-center stem, allowing it to fit classic Cherry G80-1800 models.

The International Kit provides enough keys to convert the US / Polish base kit into a UK layout or into a more accurate US layout with no sublegends. Likewise, it contains the keys necessary to convert the German base kit into a Swedish, Finnish, Danish, or Norwegian layout.

Board Renders

Full resolution renders are available on the GMK Prussian Blue Home Page.

All renders provided by Manzel.

Renders may contain inaccuracies and should not be considered the final authority on the appearance of the caps.


Bear by Jacky with Polish / US base & spacebars kit.


Mech27 TKL with German base.

Set Comparison Chart
More
GMK Prussian Blue will include one new custom color (RAL 230 20 20). Its legends will be GMK stock white CP. Below is a diagram that compares the estimated RGB hex colors of several prior and upcoming GMK and Signature Plastics keysets with those of GMK Prussian Blue.


Full Size


Acknowledgements
Thanks to my amazing wife, who has remained supportive even as my home office fills with more keyboards, keycaps, color standards, and cardboard boxes.
Thanks to my adorable daughter, who brings me such joy.
Thanks to Afresh & konstantin for their immense help with getting the ogoneks right.
Thanks to Manzel for his professionalism and renders.
Thanks to hunghingdailo, who gifted me with a brilliant logo.



Profile Signature Code
If you would like to show your support and help advertise GMK Prussian Blue here on Geekhack!
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« Last Edit: Thu, 09 June 2022, 09:07:29 by NoPunIn10Did »

Offline Ella

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 11:26:39 »
Very cool, nice to see sets with focus on language support!

Offline Fredington

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 11:29:50 »
Excellent work as always

Offline MIGHTY CHICKEN

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 11:32:19 »
Let’s go


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Offline ad4m

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 11:33:43 »
so nice. from the kitting god himself

Offline paperassgasket

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #5 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 11:34:55 »

Offline ZavaZ86

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #6 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 11:51:12 »
Lez go

Offline nFaiz

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #7 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 12:02:20 »
great set nopun!


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Offline Michabc

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #8 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 12:02:54 »
Sehr schön!

Offline MaybeUnique

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #9 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 12:07:25 »
Nice colour, I like  :thumb:
Dont combine international kits plz, thx  :thumb:

Offline NoPunIn10Did

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #10 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 12:14:05 »
Nice colour, I like  :thumb:
Dont combine international kits plz, thx  :thumb:

Out of curiosity, which one do you need?

Offline Anthixious

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #11 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 12:36:42 »
Here we go again, NoPunIn10Did coming out with another great set. I love this hue of blue, I can definitely see myself using this.  :thumb:

Offline Xerunox

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #12 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 12:57:09 »
ZAMN
40% is the biggest I will go

Offline VoodooBear

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #13 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 12:58:38 »
Just gonna shoot my shot here: Please please pleeeeeease add at least 3-key (1.25u Tab, 1.75u BS, 1.5 Enter) 40's support to the German kit as well.

Offline novelflyer

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #14 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 13:04:07 »
Nice colour, GLWIC  :thumb:

Offline jtqx

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #15 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 13:06:05 »
i want this. can we move this up to q1 instead of q3 :stocks:
Big boys: JER1800, Cypher, IBM Model M, W1-AT
TKLs: F1-88, F1-8x_722, F2-84, EO87, Matrix ME, IBM 'SSK', Bias, NCR80
Small boys: HHKB Pro 2, KWa.6, Maggio
Others: Praxis, LZ Phase, Sagittarius

65% and 75% bad

Offline The0rigina1

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #16 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 13:08:15 »
wow oh wow i love this color

Offline NoPunIn10Did

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #17 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 13:23:04 »
Just gonna shoot my shot here: Please please pleeeeeease add at least 3-key (1.25u Tab, 1.75u BS, 1.5 Enter) 40's support to the German kit as well.

I will consider it, but it's highly unlikely.  The German base will probably need to aim for a lower MOQ, so I am keeping it quite trim.

Offline XiXora

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #18 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 13:23:55 »
Oooh. I like the concept behind this… including the kitting.

I'd suggest moving the R4 [|\] from US base to UK/Subless kit and the R4 [><] from the Nordic kit to the US base kit for Terminal ISO as default that most modern kits support this layout for ISO :)
Or is the double slash thing a Polish programmer thing? I'm not that up on many ISO layouts other than UK and Mac :P

(Ps. 1.5U Systems! woo!)

Offline Tweec

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #19 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 13:27:00 »
Interesting take on the no "fully" latin base kit, otherwise, amazing colors!

Offline herbologist

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #20 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 13:28:12 »
What a gorgeous color. Normally I prefer icon+text but I'm feeling this.

Offline Bachoo

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #21 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 13:32:57 »
Very well done nopun, best of luck with the IC -- I love the blue  :thumb:

Offline mymeepo

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #22 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 13:51:23 »
Wow, German support in a base kit. You have my Unterstützung.

Offline NoPunIn10Did

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #23 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 13:57:30 »
Oooh. I like the concept behind this… including the kitting.

I'd suggest moving the R4 [|\] from US base to UK/Subless kit and the R4 [><] from the Nordic kit to the US base kit for Terminal ISO as default that most modern kits support this layout for ISO :)
Or is the double slash thing a Polish programmer thing? I'm not that up on many ISO layouts other than UK and Mac :P

(Ps. 1.5U Systems! woo!)

So the double slash thing is indeed an intentional design decision.  I was reading up on the Polish Programmer's layout, and it seems like they are still officially an ISO layout even though it's built to resemble ANSI more.  I suspect that is the case so as to physically support Poles who need to revert to the old QWERTZ-based ISO layout.  So the second backslash isn't solely a Windows shortcut in this case, but a baked-in part of the spec.

Offline NoPunIn10Did

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #24 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 13:59:39 »
Interesting take on the no "fully" latin base kit, otherwise, amazing colors!

I mean, it's still Latin.  Just not English.

Offline vishydesigns

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #25 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 14:34:29 »
Awesome set NoPun! Love the simplicity, and all the extra touches. Will definitely be picking this up!

Offline boneandbee

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #26 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 14:41:30 »
digging on the deep teal - can't wait to see it on a white board! GLWIC!

Online phinix

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #27 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 14:44:27 »
Uuuu.. pierwszy raz widze polski set :)
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Offline stewfayew

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #28 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 15:25:31 »
Edit: there's no Ñ I'm blind

BUT still beautiful color and logo :)

Offline Rob27shred

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #29 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 16:04:52 »
Awesome work here, definitely one of the more interesting sets I've seen recently. I was planning on not getting any GMK sets for awhile due to their insane lead times recently, but this will be worth the wait!

Offline TyPo.mk

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #30 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 16:08:19 »
That is a nice blue. 2 base kits might be rough in this market though

Offline honoka

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #31 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 16:19:20 »
Super progressive kits.
I'm a sucker for sets without accented mods AND ISO-DE. So this is instantly a banger.

Offline mmayhem17

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #32 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 16:19:48 »
gmk stargaze is another set you should compare the blue imo.
Overall very good quality, i will consider.

Offline noorejji

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #33 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 16:38:07 »
Isn’t centered 6u stem more common than off-centered? I see that you want to support some classic Cherry boards; personally I have two boards using 6u centered (7V and FC660C).

Offline TomatoMan

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #34 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 17:33:58 »
killer minimal set, love the color as well   :thumb:

Offline NoPunIn10Did

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #35 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 17:35:31 »
Isn’t centered 6u stem more common than off-centered? I see that you want to support some classic Cherry boards; personally I have two boards using 6u centered (7V and FC660C).

I’m considering adding the 6u centered. I have a Cherry board that uses the off-center stem.

Offline NoPunIn10Did

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #36 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 17:36:55 »
That is a nice blue. 2 base kits might be rough in this market though

Maybe?

The advantage here is that there’s a lot less crossover in the audiences. The two are less likely to cannibalize sales from each other.

Offline NoPunIn10Did

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #37 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 17:57:15 »
gmk stargaze is another set you should compare the blue imo.
Overall very good quality, i will consider.

Do you know the color standard for that?

Offline sub0001

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #38 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 18:04:49 »
This is lovely, GLWIC! :thumb:

Offline Kacperoni

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[IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #39 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 19:09:05 »
Imma get one please
« Last Edit: Tue, 30 November 2021, 20:15:26 by Kacperoni »

Offline noorejji

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #40 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 19:16:15 »
Isn’t centered 6u stem more common than off-centered? I see that you want to support some classic Cherry boards; personally I have two boards using 6u centered (7V and FC660C).

I’m considering adding the 6u centered. I have a Cherry board that uses the off-center stem.
Thank you for your consideration. I suppose it wouldn't be a deal-breaker, since those that I have boards doesn't have ISO anyway, and this kit looks very choice for norde. Nice color, and quite unique with the special characters and mods.

Offline IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #41 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 20:07:29 »
Can we get a pic of the plastic chip for 230 20 20 at some point? Love the color chart, but sample next to the sets themselves is always my favorite.

If the German kits could use 3 key 40s from the other one, I’ll ship mine cheap from the states. Maybe others would too.

Offline NoPunIn10Did

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #42 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 20:39:08 »
Can we get a pic of the plastic chip for 230 20 20 at some point? Love the color chart, but sample next to the sets themselves is always my favorite.

If the German kits could use 3 key 40s from the other one, I’ll ship mine cheap from the states. Maybe others would too.

I can get a picture of the sample in my D2 book, but last I checked RAL was out of the plastic for this specific color (CORRECTION: they don’t offer official plastic for this color at all). Also I don’t own those other sets.
« Last Edit: Tue, 30 November 2021, 23:28:55 by NoPunIn10Did »

Offline IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #43 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 22:49:59 »
I’ve got 3 or 4 of those at home and if you want when I’m back (w my dad who’s very sick) I can mail you a cap of each.

Offline NoPunIn10Did

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #44 on: Tue, 30 November 2021, 23:27:33 »
I’ve got 3 or 4 of those at home and if you want when I’m back (w my dad who’s very sick) I can mail you a cap of each.

That’s a very kind offer. Message me on Discord and we can work out the details.

Offline knbbl

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #45 on: Wed, 01 December 2021, 00:51:54 »
Very well done!

Is there no F13 in the German base for a particular reason?

Offline stidal

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #46 on: Wed, 01 December 2021, 03:40:19 »
been waiting for a prussian blue set. so nice
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Offline NoPunIn10Did

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #47 on: Wed, 01 December 2021, 06:04:48 »
Very well done!

Is there no F13 in the German base for a particular reason?

The German base kit is likely to need to run at a lower MOQ, so I had to make a number of cuts. F13 didn’t make the cut.

Offline Afresh

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #48 on: Wed, 01 December 2021, 06:46:30 »
Dziękuję :)

Great seeing polish subs!

Offline NoPunIn10Did

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Re: [IC] GMK Prussian Blue
« Reply #49 on: Wed, 01 December 2021, 13:58:16 »
Profile Signature Code
I've added a forum signature version of the GMK Prussian Blue badge if anyone would like to help me promote the set on Geekhack.
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