[GB] TGR x MXF Koala - 24-Hour Raffle opens 2/25/2022

[maxf]

TGR x MXF Koala

I'm pleased to announce the first TGR x MXF collaboration:
A high-end OTD Koala inspired TKL tailored with YOUR personal touch. 

Yuktsi from TGR never disappoints, his attention to detail and pursuit of perfection is ever present.  After a successful small private run, I'm pleased to announce this is certainly NO exception!  So with that, for the first time ever, TGR will offer custom engraving options!  Both Yuktsi of TGR, and maxf aim to provide a bespoke keyboard acquisition experience unlike any other.  Here's what you can expect:

• Feb 25, 2022 Raffle Opens -- we're leveraging Koi's Discord authentication raffle system to run a 24+ hour global raffle window from 12 Noon EST on 2/25 and then closing at 12 Midnight EST on 2/26
• Midnight Feb 26, 2022 -- Winners selected
• Winners are responsible for paying the initial invoice of $1500 within 24 hours or will be re-raffled to another participant.  Shipping will be calculated and invoiced at a later date.
• Winners will be invited to a private channel within maxf's Discord for customers service/questions.
• Winner's will select colors for their unit, and work to get their engrave selection and placement approved within the first week.
• We'll work with customers to ensure accuracy and satisfaction throughout the entire process.

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

Brand: TGR x MXF
Model: Koala TKL

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

• 2 build options: O-ring gasket or top mount
• Colors: Silver, Black, Red
• Materials: Anodized aluminum body, Two (2) brass weights both internal and external
• Typing Angle: 5deg
• Front Height: TBA
• Layout: WKL (w/ only split backspace and split right shift options)
• Custom USB-C PCB by Hiney

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

Price: $1500

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

Typing Videos by maxf

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

FAQ

How do I enter?
Please join the discord!  Koi's Discord Raffle and Instructions will be linked.

How many units will there be?
Twenty (20)

What plate options are available?
Aluminum only at this time!

Will you consider other color options?
NO - You will be limited to three (3) color options.  Silver, Black and Red.  You will be given the option to select one (1) color for each of the three primary components:
-Top Case
-Bottom Case
-Plate

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

max
https://instagram.com/maxfLIVE
https://discord.gg/FXJypMb


For more frequent updates, Please join the discord!

[HoffmanMyster]

This is insane, but also approved 

A bit of a unique case where users need to register on Discord in order to even enter the raffle, but still - do remember to post updates here in order to adhere to the GB rules.

[Neely_12]

Shame you can’t even pick a custom color for the case for $1500.

[Nvr_Smile]

How are you going to state the following, but then only offer three color options? Can you call a custom engraving a "bespoke keyboard acquisition"?

Both Yuktsi of TGR, and maxf aim to provide a bespoke keyboard acquisition experience unlike any other

Then you are charging $1500 USD for a basic two piece TKL with a hiney pcb? What separates this board from any other TKL that is a third of the price beyond the price tag and engraving? You can't argue it is the colors, as most GB's allow you to pick the color of your board. You could argue that it is the custom engraving, but does it really cost $1000 for custom engraving, or are you just trying to maximize your profits?

Furthermore, TGR still hasn't finished shipping the last batch of Janes, and we are quickly approaching the three year mark. Why are they running another GB when they still have note finished the last one? And how do you plan on alleviating this, will this be another three year group buy?

This entire board just screams "money grab". Please don't buy this.

[Darth_munkee]

Ok I have some legitimate questions about this board. Mainly what makes this worth $1500 other than people are willing to pay that much for it? I feel like this is way past the point of diminishing returns but I could be missing something.

[TypicalOranges]

While I can appreciate wanting Yuktsi to receive a larger amount of compensation for this project given the market value of some previous TGR products, if you expect the consumers to give back, I also think you should give back to the consumers. And while yeah, the flip prices on Janes and Alices are high and Yutksi sees none of that, what about the people that win the raffle and keep their TGRs forever? This is alienating to the real fans who HODL, no? Why not do something truly special with the clout the TGR brand has at the pricepoint you're targeting?

So few of the options (outside of engraving, which is quite cheap all things considered) are anywhere close to what I would call 'bespoke'. Commission pricing should have commission levels of options and details. I'd urge you to at least consider letting people who win the raffle vote on a collection of more custom colors to be offered for the buy, if not allowing for each individual to pick a custom ano/coating job.

Other enticing options might include more exotic materials: what about something like the Jane v2 CE rainbow weight? Or polished stainless accents?

For reference the GAF x TGR 910 project has a lot more going on than this and is cheaper. And I would even venture to say that the GAF branding is a much more desirable thing to have on a keyboard than the MAXF branding. So I'm really confused as to what the real value you're offering the community is here.

[pngu]

For more frequent updates, Please join the discord!

I joined the discord but can't find any updates, is there an update?

[7empest]

While I can appreciate wanting Yuktsi to receive a larger amount of compensation for this project given the market value of some previous TGR products, if you expect the consumers to give back, I also think you should give back to the consumers. And while yeah, the flip prices on Janes and Alices are high and Yutksi sees none of that, what about the people that win the raffle and keep their TGRs forever? This is alienating to the real fans who HODL, no? Why not do something truly special with the clout the TGR brand has at the pricepoint you're targeting?

So few of the options (outside of engraving, which is quite cheap all things considered) are anywhere close to what I would call 'bespoke'. Commission pricing should have commission levels of options and details. I'd urge you to at least consider letting people who win the raffle vote on a collection of more custom colors to be offered for the buy, if not allowing for each individual to pick a custom ano/coating job.

Other enticing options might include more exotic materials: what about something like the Jane v2 CE rainbow weight? Or polished stainless accents?

For reference the GAF x TGR 910 project has a lot more going on than this and is cheaper. And I would even venture to say that the GAF branding is a much more desirable thing to have on a keyboard than the MAXF branding. So I'm really confused as to what the real value you're offering the community is here.

I have to agree with this sentiment and many others expressing the same. To call this bespoke is more than just a misnomer. I can also appreciate the branding involved, I still don't see how it justifies the price, though that is just my opinion. As others have said: at least give the 20 people who actually pay this price the options for a REAL bespoke experience. This feels like it is far from that.

[Lil]

If we consider similar 'group commissions' like with Keycult - those are more expensive per unit from what i've heard, and are just a different ano colour, etc. This is different in design to some degree from a normal Jane, atleast: Jane's Koala. I am someone who wouldn't join those things, but at the same time I'm not sure why those products, and stuff like Geistmaschine are socially acceptable but this is not, when the margin overall here is alot less.

If this was just a 20 unit Vickrey auction, and people could have their engraving of choice - the price at the end would be alot higher; closer to market price for TGR products and people wouldn't be complaining.

Weird how human psychology works

[Puddsy]

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

[kiyoboard]

If we consider similar 'group commissions' like with Keycult - those are more expensive per unit from what i've heard, and are just a different ano colour, etc. This is different in design to some degree from a normal Jane, atleast: Jane's Koala. I am someone who wouldn't join those things, but at the same time I'm not sure why those products, and stuff like Geistmaschine are socially acceptable but this is not, when the margin overall here is alot less.

If this was just a 20 unit Vickrey auction, and people could have their engraving of choice - the price at the end would be alot higher; closer to market price for TGR products and people wouldn't be complaining.

Weird how human psychology works

I agree with what you said about what would have happened if this was Vickrey, but I think it is not as simple as that. I think it is about expectations getting shattered. Firstly there was quite a bit of hype about this board. Obviously having TGR name justifiably brings some hype and I think Max rebuilt the protos he has around 5473858437 times, so there were bunch of streams advertising it. Quite a bit of people wanted the board, including me without knowing the details.

Second issue is that I think people complaining about the price are the people who wouldn't join the Vickrey. If it was announced from the beginning that it will be Vickrey, most people would set their expectation based on that and people who can't afford Vickrey would have accepted that. People who can afford aftermarket or Vickrey are already going to buy it regardless of the price and method of sale, so it is the other group who were expecting a regular TGR priced GB that is complaining.

All that said, I personally don't see the reason to complain to be honest. Since it is possible to not like a board due to its look, layout, materials picked... and price. When you don't like a board for any other reason then price, you just skip the buy, and price is the same thing. I know the counter argument to this is that we should fight against prices getting ridiculous, but in my opinion if there are enough people joining expensive GBs then prices are going to naturally increase, and if there aren't they will decrease. Don't think it is something that can be solved with forum posts, as what matters in the end is how many people are paying for it.

[TypicalOranges]

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

I'm guessing it's a guess (and one that looks pretty wrong considering my experience with quoting machine time for parts in an industrial manufacturing setting)

[kiyoboard]

If we consider similar 'group commissions' like with Keycult - those are more expensive per unit from what i've heard, and are just a different ano colour, etc. This is different in design to some degree from a normal Jane, atleast: Jane's Koala. I am someone who wouldn't join those things, but at the same time I'm not sure why those products, and stuff like Geistmaschine are socially acceptable but this is not, when the margin overall here is alot less.

If this was just a 20 unit Vickrey auction, and people could have their engraving of choice - the price at the end would be alot higher; closer to market price for TGR products and people wouldn't be complaining.

Weird how human psychology works

I agree with what you said about what would have happened if this was Vickrey, but I think it is not as simple as that. I think it is about expectations getting shattered. Firstly there was quite a bit of hype about this board. Obviously having TGR name justifiably brings some hype and I think Max rebuilt the protos he has around 5473858437 times, so there were bunch of streams advertising it. Quite a bit of people wanted the board, including me without knowing the details.

Second issue is that I think people complaining about the price are the people who wouldn't join the Vickrey. If it was announced from the beginning that it will be Vickrey, most people would set their expectation based on that and people who can't afford Vickrey would have accepted that. People who can afford aftermarket or Vickrey are already going to buy it regardless of the price and method of sale, so it is the other group who were expecting a regular TGR priced GB that is complaining.

All that said, I personally don't see the reason to complain to be honest. Since it is possible to not like a board due to its look, layout, materials picked... and price. When you don't like a board for any other reason then price, you just skip the buy, and price is the same thing. I know the counter argument to this is that we should fight against prices getting ridiculous, but in my opinion if there are enough people joining expensive GBs then prices are going to naturally increase, and if there aren't they will decrease. Don't think it is something that can be solved with forum posts, as what matters in the end is how many people are paying for it.

Edit: Also I think it rubbed the people the wrong way that this is mentioned customizable but just with engraving(which is essentially free) and 3 colors.

Edit Edit: I wanted to add the edit to the previous post, but somehow posted it again Apologies

[whirlwind]

The real hobby is complaining.

Good luck with the GB, this is a fantastic keyboard and I am looking forward to it. 

[mcmcmc]

i have some questions. how much involvement did yuktsi have? what contribution did yuktsi have? what's yuktsi opinion on this pricing? having a TGR logo engraved on the board doesn't mean anything to me. i just don't want this to be like Hyte situation where they said "Alex (alexotos) Medeot and Marcia (apiary keyboards) Roberts have provided feedback on the design" which is not true. regarding the price i am not fond of it, and a lot of people have already taked about that. give us a price break down, so we know why it costs $1500 (although a rectangle shouldn't costs that much, but ok).

[TheInverseKey]

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|_______________________________________________________TGR|

This rectangle costs $2K USD. There we have it elegant design with the TGR logo with the same amount of context about what they contributed to the design. Please inform us all about the design process.

[dgneo]

xposting my thoughts from elsewhere

this is some incredibly low effort ****, which I think is what annoys me most about this. sure it's well designed, but it's just another OTD clone (with a TGR/maxf logo slapped on it), for $1500 + shipping.

really disappointing. it's not so much that it's $1500, commissions and **** have run for as much if not more.

what irks me is that it's a $1500 clone with the TGR name associated with it, and a ribbed weight. it's low effort work.

if yuktsi is gettin his bag from it, great. he's made some incredible boards, and he doesn't always need to push the envelope developing something new and great. just feels like a cash grab.

my .02

[SDKCAMPING]

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

no way - it has to be a guess (and probably a wrong one). this is a "basic b*tch" TKL for the most part designed for simple machining, while geist has huge, hollowed out elements. not to mention the materials used for the expensive geist he's referring to.

ither way, i find the appeal and aftermarket price with the TGR jane v2,alice etc are the age and how they heavily inspired a majority of the keyboard designs people are making today. there is a reason why so many people are selling their TOMO spots, it is because the TGR tomo doesn't have that same magic because it's not as groundbreaking and fundamental as the jane and alice. there is literally no reason this should be $1500 just because of the TGR name, because the TGR name itself is not what gives the original jane and alice value in my opinion. it's the design itself, and the time that these designs came to the market that makes them sell for so much. this is just a koala which has been dozens if not hundreds of times, with the TGR name stuck on there and a $1000 markup (because really this should be in the mid $400s)

[Puddsy]

More

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

no way - it has to be a guess (and probably a wrong one). this is a "basic b*tch" TKL for the most part designed for simple machining, while geist has huge, hollowed out elements. not to mention the materials used for the expensive geist he's referring to.



either way, i find the appeal and aftermarket price with the TGR jane v2,alice etc are the age and how they heavily inspired a majority of the keyboard designs people are making today. there is a reason why so many people are selling their TOMO spots, it is because the TGR tomo doesn't have that same magic because it's not as groundbreaking and fundamental as the jane and alice. there is literally no reason this should be $1500 just because of the TGR name, because the TGR name itself is not what gives the original jane and alice value in my opinion. it's the design itself, and the time that these designs came to the market that makes them sell for so much. this is just a koala which has been dozens if not hundreds of times, with the TGR name stuck on there and a $1000 markup (because really this should be in the mid $400s)

you're guessing too and that doesn't make you any better than the first guy

and as far as the price of this board goes, my opinion is as follows: it's not the first $1500 board, and it won't be the last. i think dgneo covers it well enough.

[.jan]

gmail lookin logo

[Lil]

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

Are you calling into question whether or not Geistmaschine is making orders of magnitude more net profit with their hundreds of units at a higher price? I don't see how that isn't obvious. The profit margin per board is multiplied by the number of units.

Everyone knows that the lower the unit count, the higher price quoted per unit by the manufacturer.
As someone who has gotten alot of quotes from the same manufacturer for different designs, and has seen the quotes my friends have gotten for their designs, it's not hard to estimate the price quoted with some degree of accuracy. Although as you can see above - that is not what I was saying originally.

I'm not sure why you, a person who has vested interest in and publicly hyped up a keyboard project that was a Jane clone with Koala sides that was significantly more expensive than the original, can turn around and say you agree with a comment that says this is a low effort project charging too much. Seems a bit hypocritical to say the least.

Personally as a designer I would always want to do something new for different projects. I agree there isn't much original here, but the market doesn't seem to care about that, as we have all seen. If anything, I don't see why it's acceptable for other people to cash out on the TGR brand, but not Yuktsi themselves.

[EnjoyMyInSec]

Sad that this green won't be available, was hyped for that color

[Puddsy]

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

a person who has vested interest

how do i have a vested interest in this board that i cannot afford

[kiyoboard]

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

a person who has vested interest

how do i have a vested interest in this board that i cannot afford

I think they are talking about CW80

[Lil]

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

a person who has vested interest

how do i have a vested interest in this board that i cannot afford

You can't afford it? You own it
Puddsy reading comprehension

[Puddsy]

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

a person who has vested interest

how do i have a vested interest in this board that i cannot afford

You can't afford it? You own it
Puddsy reading comprehension

(Attachment Link)

i have publicly said in a few places that i'm not making any money off cruel world projects i'm working on (by my own choice to keep prices down), nor am i ever going to sell that board as it was the first CW87 proto.

if you have beef with me you're welcome to DM me, i was giving you the benefit of the doubt since this isn't my thread.

[mta]

Is there a reason why this is literally being called a "Koala" and not something else? That's one of the stranger aspects of this board IMO.

[cruelworld]

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

a person who has vested interest

how do i have a vested interest in this board that i cannot afford

You can't afford it? You own it
Puddsy reading comprehension

(Attachment Link)

I don't really post on Geekhack that much as I find very little productive conversation happens here anymore but just to clarify I sold Puddsy my first prototype at a heavy, heavy discount as he's a friend of mine. There's no incentive for him to support what I do otherwise.

If you want to critique my use of referencing design language that I like/pass conjecture about the assumed costs of my project you're more than welcome to do it in my groupbuy thread - this post seems like a poor outlet for it. That said I'm excited to see this project come to fruition even if I can't afford to drop this kinda coin on keyboards myself.

[clik_clak]

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

a person who has vested interest

how do i have a vested interest in this board that i cannot afford

You can't afford it? You own it
Puddsy reading comprehension

(Attachment Link)

I don't really post on Geekhack that much as I find very little productive conversation happens here anymore but just to clarify I sold Puddsy my first prototype at a heavy, heavy discount as he's a friend of mine. There's no incentive for him to support what I do otherwise.

If you want to critique my use of referencing design language that I like/pass conjecture about the assumed costs of my project you're more than welcome to do it in my groupbuy thread - this post seems like a poor outlet for it. That said I'm excited to see this project come to fruition even if I can't afford to drop this kinda coin on keyboards myself.

I would think offering someone a heavy discount on your projects is incentive enough for anyone to give you a glowing review, regardless of the product.

Kind of a silly thing to say.

[bshendy]

With the (limited) personalization services being offered alongside the keyboard itself, this seems like a raffle for a handicapped commission more than anything else...

(Handicapped meaning there are only 3 colors to choose from)

[cruelworld]

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

a person who has vested interest

how do i have a vested interest in this board that i cannot afford

You can't afford it? You own it
Puddsy reading comprehension

(Attachment Link)

I don't really post on Geekhack that much as I find very little productive conversation happens here anymore but just to clarify I sold Puddsy my first prototype at a heavy, heavy discount as he's a friend of mine. There's no incentive for him to support what I do otherwise.

If you want to critique my use of referencing design language that I like/pass conjecture about the assumed costs of my project you're more than welcome to do it in my groupbuy thread - this post seems like a poor outlet for it. That said I'm excited to see this project come to fruition even if I can't afford to drop this kinda coin on keyboards myself.

I would think offering someone a heavy discount on your projects is incentive enough for anyone to give you a glowing review, regardless of the product.

Kind of a silly thing to say.

I should specify - he has no financial incentive to support my product as I thought was originally implied. He used it at a meetup and offered to buy it.

I guess I think it's a little disingenuous that a subsection of this hobby is offended that newer users are questioning the value and production costs of a project because of who it's produced by while it's readily encouraged for other 'similar' projects. Granted I'm of the opinion that if you don't like the cost of something based on what it offers, you simply skip it.

Perhaps if Lil took that energy and put it into making a large scale buy that didn't get cancelled due to lack of interest they wouldn't have so many soft feelings about what I'm doing or who supports me and would instead utilize this groupbuy thread to support its makers/talk about its manufacturing cost in a productive way.

[Puddsy]

More

the margin overall here is alot less

are you privy to this information or are you just guessing

a person who has vested interest

how do i have a vested interest in this board that i cannot afford

You can't afford it? You own it
Puddsy reading comprehension

(Attachment Link)

I don't really post on Geekhack that much as I find very little productive conversation happens here anymore but just to clarify I sold Puddsy my first prototype at a heavy, heavy discount as he's a friend of mine. There's no incentive for him to support what I do otherwise.

If you want to critique my use of referencing design language that I like/pass conjecture about the assumed costs of my project you're more than welcome to do it in my groupbuy thread - this post seems like a poor outlet for it. That said I'm excited to see this project come to fruition even if I can't afford to drop this kinda coin on keyboards myself.

I would think offering someone a heavy discount on your projects is incentive enough for anyone to give you a glowing review, regardless of the product.

Kind of a silly thing to say.

I should specify - he has no financial incentive to support my product as I thought was originally implied. He used it at a meetup and offered to buy it.

I guess I think it's a little disingenuous that a subsection of this hobby is offended that newer users are questioning the value and production costs of a project because of who it's produced by while it's readily encouraged for other 'similar' projects. Granted I'm of the opinion that you don't like the cost of something based on what it offers, you simply skip it.

i'm backing this up as true and i agree with the quoted part of the post.

if you want to fight out the rest of this beef you're welcome to DM either me or CW.

as always, at the end of the day it's just a keyboard.

[SixtyLife]

I would pay $1500 for a TGR board, but -$1000 for a maxf, so this board should be $500 imo

[elvenmonster]

They should keep this a private run like their first one was. Releasing 20 units publicly at this price point and just offering engravings without even custom colour options is simply condescension. I only get the vibe of “you aren’t our friend so you get a pseudo commisson for $1500” from this post.

Also comparing to keycult comissions is very unfair since almost anyone who wanted one was able to get in the queue last summer. That itself is worth the price for many people. With them, the product is truly bespoke. Not that I would ever buy it, but I wouldnt criticize it either. For this product, I feel the need to criticize.

Lastly, judging from talks in his discord, I think Maxf just posted it here because he thought the backlash was due to reddit being the wrong platform. Well, thats a tiny bit arrogant in denying that there is nothing wrong with your product’s offerings.

GLWS.

[Shvrk]

Lastly, judging from talks in his discord, I think Maxf just posted it here because he thought the backlash was due to reddit being the wrong platform. Well, thats a tiny bit arrogant in denying that there is nothing wrong with your product’s offerings.

Couldn't die on his feet I guess.

[August]

Also comparing to keycult comissions is very unfair since almost anyone who wanted one was able to get in the queue last summer. With them, the product is truly bespoke.

It's as bespoke as a JWK recolor; the same product made over in a different color.

[elvenmonster]

Also comparing to keycult comissions is very unfair since almost anyone who wanted one was able to get in the queue last summer. With them, the product is truly bespoke.

It's as bespoke as a JWK recolor; the same product made over in a different color.

People care a lot about unique anodization colours (which is much harder to achieve than just engraving). Just peek into the Matrix labs discord and you'll know.

[elvenmonster]

(lmao geekhack giving me skill issues)

[lonalde]

lol

[yemeisong]

cringe

[P103]

there is a reason why so many people are selling their TOMO spots, it is because the TGR tomo doesn't have that same magic because it's not as groundbreaking and fundamental as the jane and alice.

What magic are we talking about here? People don't even have TOMO in hand but they are selling it, and the first assumption is because there's no magic? Not that people are selling because they fomo'd themselves into buying it?

[SDKCAMPING]

there is a reason why so many people are selling their TOMO spots, it is because the TGR tomo doesn't have that same magic because it's not as groundbreaking and fundamental as the jane and alice.

What magic are we talking about here? People don't even have TOMO in hand but they are selling it, and the first assumption is because there's no magic? Not that people are selling because they fomo'd themselves into buying it?

yes, people are selling because they bought to flip, then realized it's just a very nice and solidly designed board but probably won't flip for insane prices.

to be honest i actually did some reading on other channels and see that some have said this is actually more  like a public commission so that explains the price tag.

[yuktsi]

Hi people, while I think people's response towards a $1500 board that they know nothing about is understandable, I feel I should say something. The Koala or the board you saw is a board that I made for Max, someone who has been supporting the TGR since the beginning. When he approached me to design a board for him, I agreed to help. He wanted a board with the Koala curves with the weight that I used in one of the Jane prototypes. So I did that and several other things that I think would make the board looks better. The bezels, the curves etc., based on the Jane v2 CE. A few units were then made for him and his friends. I was doing these all at my cost. Anyone who had gotten a commission directly from me would know. Heck, I even paid for the remake out of my pocket when the manufacturer accidentally engraved all the tops with Max’s signature. What did I gain from this? Probably some publicity from Max’s streaming and a bunch of perfectly working boards with his name engraved, that I have no use for.

Now, these 20 units and 1500. I agreed with many things mentioned above, but not cash grab. There are so many things that I could have done over the years if I want to do so. And seriously, how much cash to grab from 20 units? I probably don't even get enough pay an Alice from mm.

[DaaDaa]

i cant remember the last time i was less interested in new board lol

[SDKCAMPING]

definitely not a cash grab since it's only 20 units, but 1500 is off putting. I think this is better labelled as a group commission than a collaboration since that at least makes the price make sense because it implies you are getting paid for the commission work with most of the price tag. i have seen many group commissions from designers that cost similarly which i never batted an eye at, but this one was surprising at first since it didn't feel that way at all

[yuktsi]

Is there a reason why this is literally being called a "Koala" and not something else? That's one of the stranger aspects of this board IMO.

Personally, I think the curves is what made the Koala a Koala. I guess Max wants to pay homage and respect to the original Koala. Alight this might the least koala of all the koala inspired boards. I imagine if I designed Koala, I would prefer so. Rather naming it something else and call it his design.

[elvenmonster]

Heck, I even paid for the remake out of my pocket when the manufacturer accidentally engraved all the tops with Max’s signature. What did I gain from this? Probably some publicity from Max’s streaming and a bunch of perfectly working boards with his name engraved, that I have no use for.

Really pains to hear this and I totally sympathize. Will not claim to know anything about the internal processes but is accounting for such issues is the reason for the price tag? I feel the manufacturer should be held accountable for this though and not you or Maxf.

Another reason why I believe that engravings are the least appealing customization options, not just for the consumer now but sounds like also for the runners.

[yuktsi]

Heck, I even paid for the remake out of my pocket when the manufacturer accidentally engraved all the tops with Max’s signature. What did I gain from this? Probably some publicity from Max’s streaming and a bunch of perfectly working boards with his name engraved, that I have no use for.

Really pains to hear this and I totally sympathize. Will not claim to know anything about the internal processes but is accounting for such issues is the reason for the price tag? I feel the manufacturer should be held accountable for this though and not you or Maxf.

Another reason why I believe that engravings are the least appealing customization options, not just for the consumer now but sounds like also for the runners.

No manu would like to do only a few boards, and each with different logo engravings. Plus there's no plan to mass produce this. It's more of a favor when they agree to do so for you, and I don't it's right to make them pay. We also made 2 sets per commission unit, in case of any issues with the finishing.

[maxf]

Biggest mistake I made was not drawing more of a concise description for this. It really is a group commission, not a group buy.  To better explain, Yuktsi and I were chatting one day about the idea of an artisan commission process transferred to the keyboard.  Much of this angle comes from that idea.  With that:

I limit options (colors in this instance), set a standard design, and then allow for some custom elements (engraving was what I thought made this the most unique and special for the customer).

I won't draw comparisons to all other commission services that are out there, but if you research you'll find the price lower here than anywhere else.  As it should be since it's limiting options to help with QC/management and time/effort.  All that said - I'm still really excited to bring this to some more friends this time around. I might do a small raffle for some supporters in Discord/Stream perhaps and also might make another run more public in the future. 

Thanks for chiming in as well, Yuktsi.  You hit the nail on the head when you assumed my naming this was an homage to the OTD Koala.  I didn't mean to offend anyone with this.  That side profile has been worked and reworked so many times at this point that it feels like free domain.

[hineybush]

excited for this