[GB] JTK Hana (all orders shipped)

[Vala]

Group buy ended as of May 27th, 2018
Status: All orders should be shipped! Extras will be released within the coming days.
Extras will be available (soon)!







Base:


Base kit includes 154 keys featuring a Kanji Flower novely and classic JTK novelties that allow you to wear it on various layouts.

Extras:


Hana's novelties includes 59 keys with the iconic designs from DSA Hana in three different color ways.


Colors

• Rose Purple: RCJ
• Cherry Blossom Pink: RCS
• Spring-bud: VAT
• Floral White: WFK

Compatibility

• ANSI layout (60% / 80% / 100%)
• Cherry G80-3000, 3494
• Leopold FC660M / 980M
• WinKeyLess layout
• 1800 WinKeyLess layout
• Customized 60% / 75% / 80% / 100% layouts
• HHKB layout (Duck Viper / Eagle)

Specs

• Cherry profile
• High quality 1.5mm doubleshot ABS plastic
• Packaging: sorting trays
• Manufactured by JTK
• Made in China

Timeline
Group buy: 28th Apr 2018 - 27th May 2018.
Estimated shipping date: Oct 2018

Shipping
Ship from Shanghai, China via DHL
Free shipping over $100


Color samples (from 7/15)

Thanks to JTK, zFrontier and the community for helping this set become reality.

[Photoelectric]

Approval bump!
Potential group buy participants, please keep this post in mind.

[M]

Disappointed that I can't buy just the novelties.

[bciamny]

do these happen to come with the JTK trays?

[chuckdee]

Very nice price on this.  I'll probably be joining if funds permit!

[meiosis]

Looks good, any improvement on the mods or alphas by chance? Not sure how many revisions have happened. The only one that really bothered me was the bold "S" in shift

[Vala]

do these happen to come with the JTK trays?

Yes, two trays if you get both kits.

Looks good, any improvement on the mods or alphas by chance? Not sure how many revisions have happened. The only one that really bothered me was the bold "S" in shift

Legends have been greatly improved over previous JTK iterations. I've seen pictures myself and they look great

[Auxo]

Any idea if JTK has ever fixed their legend inconsistencies?

Thanks!

[Puddsy]

Any idea if JTK has ever fixed their legend inconsistencies?

Thanks!

They're working on it. I've seen the improved legends as well, and they look good. It's a vast improvement from previous sets.

[Auxo]

Any idea if JTK has ever fixed their legend inconsistencies?

Thanks!

They're working on it. I've seen the improved legends as well, and they look good. It's a vast improvement from previous sets.

Freaken sweet. Thank you for the response!

[Ammomruoy]

Whats missing in order for it to fit a 40% (minivan) dvorak?

[avid]

Any idea if JTK has ever fixed their legend inconsistencies?

Thanks!

They're working on it. I've seen the improved legends as well, and they look good. It's a vast improvement from previous sets.

On what set is the legends improved?

Set design is a bit weird.
x4 ctrl 1.5
JTK + cherry keys
x4 1.25 win-key
x4 1u win-key
missing text on 1.75 shift
x2 star + anchor 1u
x4 1.25 ctrl

Probably still getting a set, but can't understand why we need doubles and quadruples of all the keys.

[Zuology]

Any idea if JTK has ever fixed their legend inconsistencies?

Thanks!

They're working on it. I've seen the improved legends as well, and they look good. It's a vast improvement from previous sets.

On what set is the legends improved?

Set design is a bit weird.
x4 ctrl 1.5
JTK + cherry keys
x4 1.25 win-key
x4 1u win-key
missing text on 1.75 shift
x2 star + anchor 1u
x4 1.25 ctrl

Probably still getting a set, but can't understand why we need doubles and quadruples of all the keys.

Ctrl != Control, different legends. Some are particular about which they prefer.
Win7 != Win10 legends. Some are particular about which they prefer.
JTK/Cherry/Star/Anchor are standard for JTK sets.

I believe JTK Aqua is the basis for claims of improved/fixed legends, though these claims have not been publicly displayed or shown yet (having been shown in confidentiality to certain sources).

[donutcat]

I do have to agree with Avid on this one, there is a lot of frankly unnecessary fluff to this kit that just isn't contributing in a meaningful manner: the duplicate Control/Ctrl keys, the dupe windows keys, dupe menu keys, all the JTK novelties that don't really have much of a place in this set. This is all just unnecessary and raising the cost when it could either be lower or use those spots for thematically appropriate novelties in the base kit.

The difference between Control and Ctrl is purely aesthetic, and a minimal difference at that, so I don't see the need for adding 4 more keys to the kit for ones that already exist. Anyone buying into a GMK GB has to deal with it being either Ctrl or Control and not getting much of a choice, so I don't see why this should be different especially so when JTK is meant to be a budget alternative to GMK and stuffing the base kit with functionally useless keys is contrary to that.

Same goes with the windows keys, except they shouldn't really be windows icons anyhow, they should be either "Code" or novelties that fit with the set for the sake of being OS agnostic and being able to fit in with more layouts.

Menu keys is the same dealio, don't need 2 different designs, should just be "Menu" and be done with it.

And no need for all these JTK specific novelties in the kit, the cherries I could tolerate as they're pretty neutral and relevant to the Cherry profile, but there's no reason to have the JTK logo and the star and anchors in there taking up useful space and money in the kit. Each of those keys could either be removed for lower kit cost or replaced with any of the numerous thematically appropriate novelty designs available for this set.

I'd also like to point out a few minor issues I see with the set: 1.75u shift has no text just icon wtf is this, numpad enter doesn't have an icon with the text R4 End key when there's already a R4 PgDn, 1.5u backspace is kinda uggo.

In the end of the day, I'll probably still be buying this because it's an amazing colorway finally in a profile I like better than DSA, but the kit design doesn't make me feel all that good about what I'm actually paying for here and what I could potentially be paying for instead of this.

[Puddsy]

Any idea if JTK has ever fixed their legend inconsistencies?

Thanks!

They're working on it. I've seen the improved legends as well, and they look good. It's a vast improvement from previous sets.

On what set is the legends improved?

Set design is a bit weird.
x4 ctrl 1.5
JTK + cherry keys
x4 1.25 win-key
x4 1u win-key
missing text on 1.75 shift
x2 star + anchor 1u
x4 1.25 ctrl

Probably still getting a set, but can't understand why we need doubles and quadruples of all the keys.

aqua/raindrop will be the first sets i believe

they won't reduce price by taking those keys out, they're standard in the set

if you look at the yolch render they're in there as well

costs nothing to have them there and doesn't lower the price to remove them

no idea about the 1.75u shift, i'll ask about that

[Photoelectric]

I do have to agree with Avid on this one, there is a lot of frankly unnecessary fluff to this kit that just isn't contributing in a meaningful manner: the duplicate Control/Ctrl keys, the dupe windows keys, dupe menu keys, all the JTK novelties that don't really have much of a place in this set. This is all just unnecessary and raising the cost when it could either be lower or use those spots for thematically appropriate novelties in the base kit.

The difference between Control and Ctrl is purely aesthetic, and a minimal difference at that, so I don't see the need for adding 4 more keys to the kit for ones that already exist. Anyone buying into a GMK GB has to deal with it being either Ctrl or Control and not getting much of a choice, so I don't see why this should be different especially so when JTK is meant to be a budget alternative to GMK and stuffing the base kit with functionally useless keys is contrary to that.

Same goes with the windows keys, except they shouldn't really be windows icons anyhow, they should be either "Code" or novelties that fit with the set for the sake of being OS agnostic and being able to fit in with more layouts.

Menu keys is the same dealio, don't need 2 different designs, should just be "Menu" and be done with it.

And no need for all these JTK specific novelties in the kit, the cherries I could tolerate as they're pretty neutral and relevant to the Cherry profile, but there's no reason to have the JTK logo and the star and anchors in there taking up useful space and money in the kit. Each of those keys could either be removed for lower kit cost or replaced with any of the numerous thematically appropriate novelty designs available for this set.

I'd also like to point out a few minor issues I see with the set: 1.75u shift has no text just icon wtf is this, numpad enter doesn't have an icon with the text R4 End key when there's already a R4 PgDn, 1.5u backspace is kinda uggo.

In the end of the day, I'll probably still be buying this because it's an amazing colorway finally in a profile I like better than DSA, but the kit design doesn't make me feel all that good about what I'm actually paying for here and what I could potentially be paying for instead of this.

That's their "base" kit, not even sure you can remove those caps.  For $78 *shipped* the full base kit is substantially cheaper than the equivalent GMK kit would be.
I've modded someone's keyboard that had JTK black on light cream base set, and that was an earlier set, I think.  It did not in any way disappoint me, and I have multiple GMK sets and also vintage Cherry doubleshots. 

And in terms of legend improvement discussion, let's not forget about the uneven legend width in Cherry/GMK sets for certain caps which is completely accepted and glossed over.  Also some mold issues some recent GMK sets had (on the underside of the caps) as well as some colors being pretty bad for LED bleed-through.  If you want high quality at low price and don't mind some shine, just stick with vintage Cherry doubleshots.  If you want new colorways, then both manufacturers have their issues, but one costs much less than the other.

[donutcat]

Hmm, I had assumed it was JTK shoving all the extra keys in, but I didn't figure that there wouldn't even be a price drop without them. It's odd to be sure, but I guess there's really not much to be done about it. At least most of the keys are there and I'll be able to find something to take the space of the (imo)ugly windows icons. Maybe I'll get lucky and the 1.75u shift will be fixed like was mentioned above.

[Puddsy]

Hmm, I had assumed it was JTK shoving all the extra keys in, but I didn't figure that there wouldn't even be a price drop without them. It's odd to be sure, but I guess there's really not much to be done about it. At least most of the keys are there and I'll be able to find something to take the space of the (imo)ugly windows icons. Maybe I'll get lucky and the 1.75u shift will be fixed like was mentioned above.

i had to specifically ask for them to not include the anchors and stars in yolch, it did not reduce the cost

i'll post in here when i find out about the shift, i suspect that they'll tell me to pay for a custom legend

[lee jeong woo]

join!

[Muiju]

joined been waiting for this for over a year

[monkt]

Could you cover a Plank or Minivan with this set?

[Auxo]

joined, hopefully everything turns out great for this buy!

[Vala]

Picture of the new legends for those who are worried, they look quite good imo.

[xondat]

Show Image

Picture of the new legends for those who are worried, they look quite good imo.

Looks pretty good, definitely an improvement. Personally I'd say still a bit to go though. Things are too bold.

[chuckdee]

Show Image

Picture of the new legends for those who are worried, they look quite good imo.

Nice!  Thanks for sharing them!

[Photoelectric]

How are the order numbers doing?

[crzone]

This is a good question, especially since a mail mentioning only 3 days left just came in.

[zF_ScrambledEggz]

This is a good question, especially since a mail mentioning only 3 days left just came in.

How are the order numbers doing?

We are well over 200 orders

[Auxo]

How's the progress going on this? Hoping that there are no delays! 

[Puddsy]

How's the progress going on this? Hoping that there are no delays! 

production won't start on this at least until it starts on RR and yolch (at least last i spoke to jtk)

so probably no real movement yet

they're all gonna get made at the same time so uhh

my bad

[Vala]

Quick update: just got some color samples! Progress is looking good.

[Aerizu]

Looking nice. Will there be extras?

[sana]

.

[Darknight00z]

Updates plz?

[okidna]

Updates plz?

JTK Hana

Under production. Slightly delayed due to Buddha getting married recently.

https://en.zfrontier.com/blogs/project-updates/project-updates-sept-25-2018

[Xyzac]

Did not know they had a blog post update, will check there often in the future. Thanks!

[Vala]

Hana has finished production, and is moving into sorting.

[get_weird]

Are there gonna be any extras available?

[lovetree]

Hana has finished production, and is moving into sorting.

Yeah~~~

[Auxo]

Hana has finished production, and is moving into sorting.

Yes!!! Thanks for the update

[megaforce]

gmk when

[Puddsy]

Are there gonna be any extras available?

there should be from what i have heard

[Auxo]

gmk when

IF GMK Hana becomes a thing... 100% in...

[crzone]

This is cool! Can't wait for it to arrive as it's my first JTK set. I'm anxious to see it in person and to compare it to the colors of DSA Hana and to compare the general quality to the GMK sets.

If JTK fixed the legends wouldn't a GMK version be somewhat redundant? SA Hana would be more interesting but with SP orders taking one year to fulfill it would be a long wait. As for Maxkey, I'm not so sure they can do so many novelties at a convenient price nor am I confident about their color matching.

[supernova]

 更新下进度吧

[OracleKev]

If JTK fixed the legends wouldn't a GMK version be somewhat redundant?

They feel/sound different. Prefer GMK.

[monkt]

If JTK fixed the legends wouldn't a GMK version be somewhat redundant?

They feel/sound different. Prefer GMK.

I've never seen a clear description of the difference in feel. Could you describe?

[Photoelectric]

If JTK fixed the legends wouldn't a GMK version be somewhat redundant?

They feel/sound different. Prefer GMK.

Have you tried both on the same keyboard?  For example, the same switches will feel and sound differently on a different keyboard design.  The same switches will even sound different on the same keyboard in different locations on the plate (for example middle vs. top left).

[chuckdee]

If JTK fixed the legends wouldn't a GMK version be somewhat redundant?

They feel/sound different. Prefer GMK.

Have you tried both on the same keyboard?  For example, the same switches will feel and sound differently on a different keyboard design.  The same switches will even sound different on the same keyboard in different locations on the plate (for example middle vs. top left).

I have.  I had GMK then JTK on my KB75.  I liked the feel/sound of the GMK better, though the JTK was very good for the cost, and I'd purchase again.

[Zuology]

IMO JTK has a little bit of a smoother tackier (as in slightly "sticky") feeling finish than GMK does (slightly more powdery/textured) out of the box. Aesthetics/legends quality/consistency aside, I find them similar but the surface finish is different.

[Puddsy]

they both shine so they end up feeling about the same after a month or two

[OracleKev]

IMO JTK has a little bit of a smoother tackier (as in slightly "sticky") feeling finish than GMK does (slightly more powdery/textured) out of the box. Aesthetics/legends quality/consistency aside, I find them similar but the surface finish is different.

This is right on.  Perhaps GMK preference is purely subjective acquired taste thingy.
I'd buy JTK with signature design if the legends problems are fixed.

[LightningXI]

Any updates?

[Vala]

Update! Here's the set fully made and in the tray. Lookin' good.

[Auxo]

Update! Here's the set fully made and in the tray. Lookin' good.

Show Image

Those look fantastic!! The legend inconsitency looks to be addressed from a quick glance :)

[donutcat]

I see they never bothered to fix the H after getting it wrong.

[Mcnos]

I see they never bothered to fix the H after getting it wrong.

What's the matter with the H

[Puddsy]

I see they never bothered to fix the H after getting it wrong.

What's the matter with the H

same question

looks fine in that pic

[dantambok]

ohhh will zf have extras?

[blizzara01]

Looks like this


I will try to buy the logo mods to see if the same 

[donutcat]

I see they never bothered to fix the H after getting it wrong.

What's the matter with the H

same question

looks fine in that pic

The ends of it are squared off instead of rounded off like the rest of the alpha legends, maybe all of the rest of the legends. Looks like it's just Helvetica Bold vs the Helvetica Rounded Bold that Cherry font is modified from. IIrc it was pointed out a bunch a few months ago when their adjusted legends were shown off.

[Photoelectric]

I see they never bothered to fix the H after getting it wrong.

What's the matter with the H

same question

looks fine in that pic

The ends of it are squared off instead of rounded off like the rest of the alpha legends, maybe all of the rest of the legends. Looks like it's just Helvetica Bold vs the Helvetica Rounded Bold that Cherry font is modified from. IIrc it was pointed out a bunch a few months ago when their adjusted legends were shown off.

It's barely noticeable...  I mean I could also complain about the difference in thickness of Cherry/GMK legends, but it is what it is   No one's really talking about that for GMK sets, but JTK gets flack for legend inconsistencies, when overall the legends seem quite consistent now.

[Puddsy]

I see they never bothered to fix the H after getting it wrong.

What's the matter with the H

same question

looks fine in that pic

The ends of it are squared off instead of rounded off like the rest of the alpha legends, maybe all of the rest of the legends. Looks like it's just Helvetica Bold vs the Helvetica Rounded Bold that Cherry font is modified from. IIrc it was pointed out a bunch a few months ago when their adjusted legends were shown off.

It's barely noticeable...  I mean I could also complain about the difference in thickness of Cherry/GMK legends, but it is what it is   No one's really talking about that for GMK sets, but JTK gets flack for legend inconsistencies, when overall the legends seem quite consistent now.

im biased but pretty much this yeah

part of the reason i just use blanks now

[donutcat]

The ends of it are squared off instead of rounded off like the rest of the alpha legends, maybe all of the rest of the legends. Looks like it's just Helvetica Bold vs the Helvetica Rounded Bold that Cherry font is modified from. IIrc it was pointed out a bunch a few months ago when their adjusted legends were shown off.

It's barely noticeable...  I mean I could also complain about the difference in thickness of Cherry/GMK legends, but it is what it is   No one's really talking about that for GMK sets, but JTK gets flack for legend inconsistencies, when overall the legends seem quite consistent now.

Well sure we could, but how many times has GMK said "hey, we're fixing our ****ed up legends" only for things to still be ****ed up? My main issue isn't so much the H itself just magically being a different font/typeface than the rest of the letters, but more that there was attention on it when these "fixed" legends were shown off and apparently nothing was ever done to fix the "fix". Plus I really don't see how you mess up that badly with mold costs as high as JTK's where I'd expect a bit more scrutiny going into the process.

[ns90]

Wow this actually came out better than I thought it would. Now I need a board to put it on....

[Vala]

Brand new photos courtesy of zFrontier are in the OP! The set came out amazing, and there will be plenty of extras if you missed out!

[blizzara01]

Nice! How much was the base and extras in GB stage?

[Tom Jr]

The base set with extras cost $136USD.

[dantambok]

i wonder how much the extras would be

[Auxo]

Just got my (US) shipping notifcation!! Expected delivery Thursday!! 

[tomu]

Just received my set, it's definitely an improvement from previous JTK keysets but I noticed some fairly major issues with legend consistency. 

Pictures and descriptions are in the album: https://imgur.com/a/kTuSA0v

There were other inconsistencies but they were a lot more minor and I'm too lazy to take pictures.

[megaforce]

Just received my set, it's definitely an improvement from previous JTK keysets but I noticed some fairly major issues with legend consistency. 

Pictures and descriptions are in the album: https://imgur.com/a/kTuSA0v

There were other inconsistencies but they were a lot more minor and I'm too lazy to take pictures.

you could park a bus in between the four panes of the windows key lmao

[xoxox1029]

are there gonna be an extra set?

[Aerizu]

are there gonna be an extra set?

Extras are already available in zFrontier.