Post by: norbauer on Sat, 20 May 2017, 12:22:03
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/pic1.jpg)
Roddenberry Entertainment, the creators of Star Trek, have recently asked me to work with the keyboard hobbyist community to design and bring a licensed Galaxy Class keyset into being, with its design inspired by the in-universe "LCARS" computer graphical interfaces used in Star Trek: The Next Generation. This new set will include trademarked Star Trek insignia keys, custom Roddenberry collector's packaging, and a special artisan keycap. Roddenberry has a long tradition of making Star Trek-branded desk/office accessories, stretching back into the 1960s and 1970s, so they're very eager for this to be a new evolution of a category of product that they have long supported. The fact that we're doing this during TNG's 30th anniversary is a fortuitous bonus.
(If you don't necessarily follow GH threads religiously, you can also sign up on my email list (http://eepurl.com/cnnEwr) to be notified when this product (and others I make) becomes available.)
More details
The current plan is to offer the set first through MassDrop as a group buy with an exclusive artisan keycap, and at some point subsequently through Roddenberry.com after the GB has shipped. (Note that Roddenberry will actually be producing the sets, packaging, etc., and shipping the product to group buy participants from its facility in Los Angeles.)
Roddenberry is a company that has a long history of profound respect for the fans, so they're not just willing but eager to incorporate input and feedback from the community on what this set should include. Hence this IC thread. :)
We've added Starfleet and United Federation of Planets insignia to the Print Screen / Num Lock / Pause buttons. And we'd like to do a special artisan.
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/FirstDraft.png?raw=1)
Because we'd like to include some nice custom collector's packaging for the set, we'd ideally like to have a single set for sale, not lots of different sub-sets. My current thinking is therefore that the core, numpad, and ISO sets from previous group buys would be included. We'll probably also do a smaller "upgrade" set to include the logo keys and the artisan for those who want to add those special trademarked keys to existing sets.
Pricing is still uncertain, but expect it to be fairly standard for keysets manufactured at Signature Plastics, with some extra to cover the add-ons discussed above, such as the artisan, fancy packaging, etc. Of course, as usual, everything depends on quantities.
These are just some tentative/preliminary ideas. I look forward to hearing what you think!
Roddenberry Entertainment Inc: Star Trek and related marks and logos are Trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All rights reserved.
PS: Thanks, as ever, to community member moz for originally long ago suggesting the concept of a TNG-inspired set here on GH.
Post by: zslane on Sat, 20 May 2017, 12:33:08
How critical is it for this set to be compatible with the previous set? For instance, is it out of the question to make this a PBT SA set instead of DSA?
Post by: Oblotzky on Sat, 20 May 2017, 12:34:47
Also this is more of a R2 no?
Post by: Atredl on Sat, 20 May 2017, 12:46:34
Post by: ArchDill on Sat, 20 May 2017, 13:23:24
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 20 May 2017, 13:54:30
The icon on ScrollLock looks to detailed to work for dyesub, will need a more minimalistic version
Also this is more of a R2 no?
This set has been ran before right?
In a sense this is an r4, but it's not completely identical to previous runs, and the fact that this is a licensed design means we can now use trademarked/copyrighted elements rather than just having something vaguely inspired-by.
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 20 May 2017, 13:56:12
How critical is it for this set to be compatible with the previous set? For instance, is it out of the question to make this a PBT SA set instead of DSA?
DSA is a core aspect of the way in which the design evokes the flat-panel LCARS style from the show, and it has become a characteristic element of the Galaxy Class style, so I don't think that particular aspect is likely to change.
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 20 May 2017, 13:57:13
Any chance you could add the spacebar in a couple of the alpha/mod colors, not just gray?
Absolutely. It'll likely be a second spacebar in purple, included in the set for those who prefer that.
Here is an example I found of what that looks like (image not mine):
(http://i.imgur.com/ZssIF4X.jpg)
Post by: ArchDill on Sat, 20 May 2017, 14:01:26
Nice, thanks for the clarification!The icon on ScrollLock looks to detailed to work for dyesub, will need a more minimalistic version
Also this is more of a R2 no?This set has been ran before right?
In a sense this is an r4, but it's not completely identical to previous runs, and the fact that this is a licensed design means we can now use trademarked/copyrighted elements rather than just having something vaguely inspired-by.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Post by: zslane on Sat, 20 May 2017, 14:07:29
How critical is it for this set to be compatible with the previous set? For instance, is it out of the question to make this a PBT SA set instead of DSA?
DSA is a core aspect of the way in which the design evokes the flat-panel LCARS style from the show, and it has become a characteristic element of the Galaxy Class style, so I don't think that particular aspect is likely to change.
Well, the use of DSA suggests to me a desire for spherical dishing, not flatness. Uniform R3 SA has essentially the same surface area and dishing depth as DSA, so I'm not sure what DSA buys you aside from compatibility with previous rounds. However, uniform R3 SA has the benefit of being thicker, taller, and smoother than DSA.
(If you really want to evoke a flat aesthetic, then you should go with G20. Unfortunately, that profile doesn't have an ISO return or a 7u spacebar yet, so there would be some compromises there.)
Post by: Marvellion on Sat, 20 May 2017, 14:43:50
Post by: bciamny on Sat, 20 May 2017, 14:57:35
Post by: Oblotzky on Sat, 20 May 2017, 14:59:39
Please don't include the numpad in the base kit, TKL is fine but numpad adds an extra $15 at least.
They want to run a single kit if possible, and quite a few people want Numpads. (like a fourth or even third going by recent MD SA sales)
Post by: Skull_Angel on Sat, 20 May 2017, 22:23:55
Post by: digisax on Sat, 20 May 2017, 23:34:31
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 20 May 2017, 23:41:01
Since this is dye-sub PBT are there any thoughts of doing it in XDA as opposed to DSA-ish?
XDA is a very cool profile, but I think it's best to stick with Signature Plastics and their DSA profile for this since they've already worked out how to render the small detailed legends of the set properly, and folks already associate the Galaxy Class with DSA, I feel. However, we are very open to changes of the graphics/legends, and particularly the subject of what type of Trek-themed artisan to make.
Post by: Unforgivable on Sun, 21 May 2017, 03:18:59
Will this be possible to do via dye sub?
I think adding HHKB/Winkeyless compatibility would be beneficial.
Post by: PollandAkuma on Sun, 21 May 2017, 03:39:53
Post by: Marvellion on Sun, 21 May 2017, 04:21:20
Please don't include the numpad in the base kit, TKL is fine but numpad adds an extra $15 at least.
They want to run a single kit if possible, and quite a few people want Numpads. (like a fourth or even third going by recent MD SA sales)
Having a second mini box for everything else other than TKL base kit would't be a bad idea.
Post by: consolation on Sun, 21 May 2017, 05:24:55
Then, have two expansions packages a TKL + Numpad and a freaky one for the Ergodox/Plank crowds. You can theme them so the core one will be Federation with their iconography, the expansion can have say a Klingon theme and the ErgoPlank can be umm.. Romulans? That way, more casual customers are not wasting money / resources and hardcore fans can get the expansion packs for the alternate themes. And people who need specific setups can get just the sets they need - say core+ergodox. Oh, and the upgrade package which can be bit of everything, that will also appeal to ST fans who don't care about keyboards but just want a few different keys.
This approach will also let you release expansion kits in the future for say; col/mak in new themes with some themed modkeys to use with the original packs. Just an idea; the aim being to lower the buy in cost and give your customers a reason to buy future releases - while reducing waste.
I'm attaching the numbers from the Miami drop, close to the end - since they had excellent granularity on their kits, you can get an idea of how the numbers stack up.
(http://i.imgur.com/QVB73eh.jpg)
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 21 May 2017, 11:14:32
Having a second mini box for everything else other than TKL base kit would't be a bad idea.
That's a good point, actually. Maybe a Core TKL kit and then an "everything else."
Post by: dante on Sun, 21 May 2017, 11:17:21
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 21 May 2017, 11:49:21
Put the special logos on the main mod kits rather than burying them in an obscure nav cluster key.
The reason the logo keys are up there is because the set has some special design challenges relating to the fact that we've offset all the legends to the bottom-right. This properly evokes the LCARS aesthetic, but it means that if I put keys next to it that are vertically and horizontally center-aligned it feels haphazardly designed and all wrong to me for some difficult-to-articulate reason.
What do you guys think?
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/CenteredLogos.png)
excellent granularity
I personally think extreme granularity should be avoided whenever possible. Not only does it make it really confusing for most casual keyboard hobbyists to figure out what they need to order, but more importantly it adds all sorts of hidden costs into production that only naively seem cheaper. (This especially true when you're paying for sorting work done in the USA at our high labor costs.) I realize that may seem counterintuitive, but let me try to explain. On paper, with high-granularity sets, you only see the prices after all that complexity and labor overhead have been factored in to each set and sub-set. So, sure, if you take the numpad out of your cart at that point, it looks like you're saving money. But it's absolutely the case that the core TKL set costs more as a result of having to have lots of SKUs in the run, a fact that is hidden from view once the final prices have been set. So you end up with a situation where the people who want all the keys are actually paying more per key as a result of giving some people the option to omit some keys—which seems morally and economically kind of backwards to me. When it comes to manufacturing (as with most forms of human endeavor), complexity nonlinearly explodes costs and risks, so it's always best to limit it as much as possible. Doing so in this case averages cost-savings between people buying more keys and people buying fewer, instead of uniformly favoring those people who are contributing least overall to the run. And, anyway, from a purely self-interested standpoint for the buyer: if you ever want to resell the set to someone else (which folks seem to do pretty frequently), you're going to be better off if you have a "complete" set that is universally applicable rather than some narrow range of keys only specific to your particular needs.
That all being said, to be fair, I do think we can do custom packaging for two SKUs instead of one if we need to break out the numpad or the long-tail stuff like Tsangan and ISO. I just wouldn't want to add much more than that or things start to get crazy with extremely rapidly diminishing returns on the (simultaneously rapidly exploding) complexity and labor.
Also, frankly, speaking from a purely practical perspective: given what SP charges for its sets, any margins on this will be razor thin to nonexistent, so in order to keep the pricing palatable it leaves me with very little budget to cover stuff like designing, prototyping, and sampling multiple packaging designs for lots of different sets. And one of the Roddenberry design requirements is that their sets ship in nice fancy packaging that they can be proud of, including their standard Certificate of Authenticity (with the CBS copyright/trademark notification), etc., so we can't forgo that aspect of the project.
So, anyway, yeah that's a lot of words to say that I'd really like (and sort of need) to keep the number sets to an absolute minimum. :)
Post by: buzzking00 on Sun, 21 May 2017, 12:29:49
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 21 May 2017, 12:36:26
Will this have compatibility for popular layouts such as 65%, 75% and 96? I am very interested, but would like it if it fits my 96 key layout!
Could you tell me what's required to be compatible with 96? I'm just a boring old TKL guy, so it's hard for me to keep up with all the exotic layouts. ;)
I would like to make this set as widely compatible as possible and as such just need to know what people need. Any and all info would be much appreciated. :)
Post by: Vigrith on Sun, 21 May 2017, 12:53:27
(http://i.imgur.com/JiPMCZQ.jpg)
PS: credit to Thesiscamper for his wonderful render and project (Kira).
Post by: buzzking00 on Sun, 21 May 2017, 12:56:59
http://cfile23.uf.tistory.com/image/257FC03B589FADBE1CB326 (http://cfile23.uf.tistory.com/image/257FC03B589FADBE1CB326)
http://cfile29.uf.tistory.com/image/210E4E3B589FADBD1B153E (http://cfile29.uf.tistory.com/image/210E4E3B589FADBD1B153E)
Here are some possible layouts. Extra 1u's and Definitely a 1.75u right shift will be very useful for the special layouts that are popular right now.
Post by: FSund on Sun, 21 May 2017, 13:08:06
I think blank alphas and numbers would be a nice compromise.
As far as I understand the legends are printed after the keys are produced, so a blank set shouldn't be that hard to produce.
Post by: zslane on Sun, 21 May 2017, 14:50:01
That's why I think a TKL Base + Numpad + ISO/Int + Alternates is the way to go, as a general rule. Put all the novelty keys in the base kit so nobody misses out on them, but offload the expense of marginal kits like ISO and Alternate where they belong: separate from TKL Base and Numpad. You still won't make ErgoDox users happy unless you supply lots of blanks or a dedicated kit just for them, but with four kits you'll hit 90% or more of the customer base (depending on how comprehensive you make ISO/Int and Alternates). You just can't do that with only two kits unless one of them balloons to a size nobody will be happy with.
Post by: unterTboot on Sun, 21 May 2017, 15:12:45
I'm definitely in for this Galaxy Class set, but I would like to request that there be some consideration made for ortholinear users in the form of a separate kit. I personally use a Let's Split at the moment and will be picking up an Ergodox soon. It would be great to have the extra keys to make Galaxy Class viable on these boards. I understand there are a number of issues surrounding this (which you explained in detail above re having many SKUs), but I know there are a number of folks who would be into an extra set of blanks to make this work. Perhaps those blanks don't even have to be through Roddenberry (to avoid fancy packaging costs) if there's no printing on them...? That sounds like it would introduce more complexity rather than solve any problems, but figured I'd throw it out there.
Regardless, very excited for this set. Thanks for putting it together and for including the community!
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 21 May 2017, 15:32:56
All the folks with standard ANSI full-size boards will scream over having to pay for (potentially) dozens of keycaps they will never use.
Haha. Well, this will be my fourth keycap group buy and my sixth GeekHack group buy in general, and I've learned that people screaming isn't really information (it's merely a sign that one is on the Internet). My general philosophy is to take as much input as possible from my fellow community members but ultimately to try to make something that I would want myself (or that makes sense to me) in hopes that others who share that perspective will want to join up. It's almost impossible until you offer something up for sale and let people vote with their wallets to see where the majority really rests—and whether it is a silent majority (as it often is). The question ultimately is not whether people will consider it sub-optimal to have to buy some "extra keys" but whether it will entirely preclude their participation. I put the term there in quotes because I still also think this notion of "having to pay for keys you don't use" (and that the alternative is a significant cost savings) proceeds from some factually false assumptions based on a misapprehension of how design and manufacturing costs work. However, I would want to provide some hard numbers to demonstrate this more clearly, and in this project we aren't that far along yet.
Just for the sake of intellectual exploration (I'm not trying to make a rhetorical point), I'm curious: has anyone ever done a GH group buy of keysets and only offered a single 100%+ set? Did it totally flop as a result? It's an interesting question, and I wonder if it's an untested hypothesis.
I recently bought a set of awesome thick PBT keycaps from MassDrop. It was a one-click purchase and I refreshingly didn't have to think about what a Tsangan kit was and whether I needed it, nor does it keep me up at night knowing that I have an ISO enter sitting unused somewhere in a box in my closet—and that I may have paid an extra dollar for it compared to a group buy where I have to spend ten minutes cobbling together the right micro-sets to cover my extremely standard keyboard. That plus the people who needed the extra keys got what they needed. I find this simplicity appealing.
There are two issues here. One is providing more keys such that we support a wide range of options, meaning some people will end up having to get keys that they don't end up using. Up to a point, I personally think this is fine. The other issue is not going too terribly far in supporting very unusual layouts, which I also favor. On that second point, I hasten to add, however: I get that the whole point of our community is to support weird and wacky keyboard pursuits (of which I am extremely in favor, of course), but I kind of feel like a Star Trek keyset has already thrown us well into the weeds, so some measure of restraint is perhaps called for in how far beyond that we venture. Remember that, with any luck, we'll be pulling in folks who are more Star Trek fans than necessarily mech keys diehards, and I don't want to make it too hard for them to figure out what's going on or what they need to buy to just cover a standard keyboard.
That's why I think a TKL Base + Numpad + ISO/Int + Alternates is the way to go, as a general rule. Put all the novelty keys in the base kit so nobody misses out on them, but offload the expense of marginal kits like ISO and Alternate where they belong: separate from TKL Base and Numpad. You still won't make ErgoDox users happy unless you supply lots of blanks or a dedicated kit just for them, but with four kits you'll hit 90% or more of the customer base (depending on how comprehensive you make ISO/Int and Alternates). You just can't do that with only two kits unless one of them balloons to a size nobody will be happy with.
This sounds like a reasonable strategy in general terms, though I don't relish having to design and test four separate custom boxes. =\
OK, so TKL + Numpad + International I get, but what would the alternates include? Again, I'm just a boring TKL guy, so you have to really spell out the details of odd layouts for my unlearned brain.
I'd be happy to cover 80% of potential interested people; 90% would be icing. As I recall, when Galaxy Class was originally being designed, I heard endless commentary on the subject of Ergodox compatibility and spent a lot of time designing for that and making mockups. When the drop finally happened, it turned out that like two people bought an Ergodox set. :rolleyes:
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 21 May 2017, 15:34:52
Created an account on GH to contribute to this conversation.
I'm definitely in for this Galaxy Class set, but I would like to request that there be some consideration made for ortholinear users in the form of a separate kit. I personally use a Let's Split at the moment and will be picking up an Ergodox soon. It would be great to have the extra keys to make Galaxy Class viable on these boards. I understand there are a number of issues surrounding this (which you explained in detail above re having many SKUs), but I know there are a number of folks who would be into an extra set of blanks to make this work. Perhaps those blanks don't even have to be through Roddenberry (to avoid fancy packaging costs) if there's no printing on them...? That sounds like it would introduce more complexity rather than solve any problems, but figured I'd throw it out there.
Regardless, very excited for this set. Thanks for putting it together and for including the community!
Thanks for joining and commenting! I hope I can come up with something you'll like and want to use, though for all the reasons I mentioned above, I have to be careful about getting too arcane with this particular run.
I have done blank sets in the past, though I think that would be beyond the scope of this particular project (whose goal is to do something explicitly Trek-themed and branded).
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 21 May 2017, 15:44:10
Post by: Mr_BeastQuake on Sun, 21 May 2017, 15:52:39
For WKL would like 7u spacebar, x2 1.5u "Ctrl", x2 1.5u "Alt"
For HHKB an additional 1u "Fn" type key, 1.5u Backspace, and 1.75u RShift (possibly covered in above kit). Also possibly 1u pipe key I can't remember if that isn't covered in something else.
These are fairly popular layouts. Important for us to remember DSA doesn't have the profile issues SA and Cherry sets have so compatibility isn't too difficult to achieve by adding a couple keys.
I don't mind buying one large kit that provides keys for many popular layouts (1800, WKL, HHKB) but would prefer to not go down "the rabbit hole" chasing every single layout with the base kit.
Less popular than the above 3 layouts but maybe also worth consideration is an additional 2.25u Shift for the Clueboard owners out there.
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 21 May 2017, 16:05:02
Another idea is to soften the numpad nav wheel graphics my making them gray rather than black. I think this is a major aesthetic improvement, as there was always something about the nav graphics that bothered me and I was having trouble coming up with what it was. I think they were just too prominent in black compared to the rather delicate and small text legends.
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/light-gray-numpad.png)
Post by: Marvellion on Sun, 21 May 2017, 18:26:54
A nice suggestion from Reddit was to add an "LCARS" key. I think I'll use that for the Winkeys.
Another idea is to soften the numpad nav wheel graphics my making them gray rather than black. I think this is a major aesthetic improvement, as there was always something about the nav graphics that bothered me and I was having trouble coming up with what it was. I think they were just too prominent in black compared to the rather delicate and small text legends.Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Galaxy%20Class%20r3/light-gray-numpad.png)
I think you're spot on about numpad. But not sure about making it gray, now it does not match well with the legends imo, maybe the wheel could be smaller or the numbers' base color could be purple rather than light blue?
Post by: consolation on Sun, 21 May 2017, 19:02:48
Put the special logos on the main mod kits rather than burying them in an obscure nav cluster key.
What do you guys think?Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Galaxy%20Class%20r3/CenteredLogos.png)excellent granularity
By granularity I meant that: "by taking one for the team," the Miami drop gave us some actual numbers on what people need in terms of kits (DSA wise anyway). It lets us see what proportion you will exclude, and what proportion will feel like you are putting an unnecessarily long hand in their pocket :rolleyes: , based on how you break down the kits. I definitely think that the days of core kits, larger than TKL, are past; the big advantage of DSA/XDA is that profile consideration don't keep people from re-purposing keys. To that end, icons > legends, as icons can be assigned arbitrary meaning by the user.
I see your kerning issues, but the fed icons look so much better on the big keys, is there any issue stopping aligning them BR. TBH, I'd avoid the issue completely by making the modifier key all have "theme" icons; that way having them centred, won't look out of place...
Post by: consolation on Sun, 21 May 2017, 19:20:27
Another idea is to soften the numpad nav wheel graphics my making them gray rather than black. I think this is a major aesthetic improvement, as there was always something about the nav graphics that bothered me and I was having trouble coming up with what it was. I think they were just too prominent in black compared to the rather delicate and small text legends.
I think that whole graphic is problematic; it removes functionality from the navpad without adding much from the looks perspective; if you fade it, it will just look like the caps are aging badly. How about fading it a lot more and overprinting contrasting numbers on top? If you really want to go with that kind of design, maybe something along the lines of model M terminal pad?
(http://i.imgur.com/Q8U3GbK.jpg)
Apologies for the awful image with missing key, it's from when I first picked up my board, before it got a clean... That's 25 years of character, that is!
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 21 May 2017, 19:48:43
This motif is seen through a number of TNG-era Trek designs.
(http://orig12.deviantart.net/760c/f/2009/262/f/e/lcars_console_a001_by_altovar.jpg)
Post by: zslane on Sun, 21 May 2017, 23:13:28
Important for us to remember DSA doesn't have the profile issues SA and Cherry sets have so compatibility isn't too difficult to achieve by adding a couple keys.
That's very true.
However, to accommodate all the alternate layouts out there you'd have to supply Shift keys in every size (and more than one in some sizes). There are also a few sizes of Backspace and/or Delete that are needed. The number of bizarre layouts grows with every passing year, and it's getting to the point where you can't cover them all without a rather large Alternate layout kit. Look at the proliferation of bottom row layouts with every conceivable combination of 1u, 1.25u, and 1.5u modifiers around the spacebar. When you consider the Star Trek-based novelty keys that are being targeted for that bottom row, making them available in all those sizes starts to get expensive.
Post by: Mr_BeastQuake on Sun, 21 May 2017, 23:33:22
However, to accommodate all the alternate layouts out there you'd have to supply Shift keys in every size (and more than one in some sizes). There are also a few sizes of Backspace and/or Delete that are needed. The number of bizarre layouts grows with every passing year, and it's getting to the point where you can't cover them all without a rather large Alternate layout kit. Look at the proliferation of bottom row layouts with every conceivable combination of 1u, 1.25u, and 1.5u modifiers around the spacebar. When you consider the Star Trek-based novelty keys that are being targeted for that bottom row, making them available in all those sizes starts to get expensive.
Ya. Frankly, I've got multiple boards that this should fit at least one of. My pointing out what some of the layouts needed was more because OP was inquiring about it. I think 1800, WKL, and HHKB are probably 3 of the more popular alternative layouts and wouldn't really require a vast number of keys added. I'm not well versed with how pricing works outside of more caps = more money and am aware that "No" is a word that at some point needs to be used or the set will just explode to an unreasonable level.
Curious to see what happens with the numpad. I can see its inspiration but if there was one thing about this set I've not been particularly fond of, it's the design on the numpad. Not using it is an option for me too but just agreeing that reworking it a bit is time well spent.
Post by: unterTboot on Mon, 22 May 2017, 02:20:11
Also, have a suggestion re the numpad. Rather a few separate suggestions that may interact well together or not...
- consider using yellow keys rather than blue for the nav wheel, and maybe use purple for the other numpad keys? (this is linked to the next two suggestions and I throw this out both for contrast and for replicating the LCARS interface coloring of the nav wheel)
- for the actual icons on the nav cluster what if you moved away from a circular print to simply having arrows in all directions (so for instance the bottom left key would be an arrow pointing SW)
- your nav keys are actually inverted in relation to the actual LCARS interface and I wonder how it would look if you did it with a black rectangle with an arrow cutout in the center to show the key color. (Not sure if this is a clear explanation as its midnight and my brain is tired.)
- if you're determined to stick with the round theme, then what about a thinner outline of a circle rather than total fill? I'm thinking it would look like a surrounding ring so your arrows would look like they're point at parentheses... Terrible description, I know. And you could have just a small filled circle on the center key?
Just some tired thoughts on this. Looking forward to seeing this set evolve!
Edit: added clarification to final bullet.
Post by: Latin00032 on Mon, 22 May 2017, 11:23:40
Post by: zslane on Mon, 22 May 2017, 12:18:31
This is amazing! I feel like the mech keyboard community is hitting the big time.
Hmm. Hitting the big time (in the sense of attracting this kind of attention) may not be such a good thing...
I think it's cool that Roddenbury Inc. has decided to become a partner rather than threaten to sue for some kind of IP infringement (which is the normal first move in the Entertainment Legal Dept. Playbook). But I wouldn't get too excited about this setting any sort of positive precedent. A lot of keysets only exist by flying under the radar of these large entertainment entities, and practically none of them would grant a license, much less participate directly, for something so small and insignificant as a custom keycap set. But they sure would shut it down right quick if they thought it would be worth rattling their sabre and sending a C&D letter.
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 22 May 2017, 12:26:38
This is amazing! I feel like the mech keyboard community is hitting the big time.
Hmm. Hitting the big time (in the sense of attracting this kind of attention) may not be such a good thing...
I think it's cool that Roddenbury Inc. has decided to become a partner rather than threaten to sue for some kind of IP infringement (which is the normal first move in the Entertainment Legal Dept. Playbook). But I wouldn't get too excited about this setting any sort of positive precedent. A lot of keysets only exist by flying under the radar of these large entertainment entities, and practically none of them would grant a license, much less participate directly, for something so small and insignificant as a custom keycap set. But they sure would shut it down right quick if they thought it would be worth rattling their sabre and sending a C&D letter.
I think an important element here is that we were very careful not to violate any IP in the earlier versions of the set. I never used any Trek logos or even any copyrighted phrases, and we never advertised it as a Trek set. And the font used was a publicly available one, for which I paid to have the right to use. The earlier versions of the set were just sort of loosely inspired by the LCARS aesthetic. This was in opposition to a lot of people jostling for Starfleet logos and such in the original interest check thread (you can go back and see the debates in the original IC). It was a hard line to hold but I'm glad I did or I think this new project wouldn't have been possible. I also never made any money from the original run, so it was truly a community-driven not-for-profit project.
When folks appropriate trademarked or copyrighted elements for keyboard projects without any official imprimatur, especially on for-profit projects, it makes me very uneasy, and I think it's generally a bad idea. Relying on "flying under the radar" is a very tenuous sort of strategy.
It's also worth noting in this case the CBS is the rights holder. Roddenberry just happens to have a longstanding exclusive arrangement with CBS (previously, it was Paramount) that allows them to produce items for direct sale to consumers that use Star Trek IP. This project is an example of the latter.
Post by: chuckdee on Mon, 22 May 2017, 14:14:41
I think an important element here is that we were very careful not to violate any IP in the earlier versions of the set. I never used any Trek logos or even any copyrighted phrases, and we never advertised it as a Trek set. And the font used was a publicly available one, for which I paid to have the right to use. The earlier versions of the set were just sort of loosely inspired by the LCARS aesthetic. This was in opposition to a lot of people jostling for Starfleet logos and such in the original interest check thread (you can go back and see the debates in the original IC). It was a hard line to hold but I'm glad I did or I think this new project wouldn't have been possible. I also never made any money from the original run, so it was truly a community-driven not-for-profit project.
When folks appropriate trademarked or copyrighted elements for keyboard projects without any official imprimatur, especially on for-profit projects, it makes me very uneasy, and I think it's generally a bad idea. Relying on "flying under the radar" is a very tenuous sort of strategy.
It's also worth noting in this case the CBS is the rights holder. Roddenberry just happens to have a longstanding exclusive arrangement with CBS (previously, it was Paramount) that allows them to produce items for direct sale to consumers that use Star Trek IP. This project is an example of the latter.
Thanks for this post and the explanation!
Post by: zslane on Mon, 22 May 2017, 14:28:28
Relying on "flying under the radar" is a very tenuous sort of strategy.
Yes, indeed, but of course it is the norm. My comment wasn't so much aimed at the legitimacy of the new Galaxy Class set, as it was aimed at the dubious notion that we should celebrate "making the big time" with respect to landing on the radar of large entertainment entities. For designers and hobbyists who would like to see the flow of Marvel- and Star Wars-inspired keycaps (to name just two examples) to remain unhindered, this is not a trajectory they should be excited about.
Post by: Latin00032 on Mon, 22 May 2017, 14:35:22
That's interesting.This is amazing! I feel like the mech keyboard community is hitting the big time.
Hmm. Hitting the big time (in the sense of attracting this kind of attention) may not be such a good thing...
I think it's cool that Roddenbury Inc. has decided to become a partner rather than threaten to sue for some kind of IP infringement (which is the normal first move in the Entertainment Legal Dept. Playbook). But I wouldn't get too excited about this setting any sort of positive precedent. A lot of keysets only exist by flying under the radar of these large entertainment entities, and practically none of them would grant a license, much less participate directly, for something so small and insignificant as a custom keycap set. But they sure would shut it down right quick if they thought it would be worth rattling their sabre and sending a C&D letter.
I think an important element here is that we were very careful not to violate any IP in the earlier versions of the set. I never used any Trek logos or even any copyrighted phrases, and we never advertised it as a Trek set. And the font used was a publicly available one, for which I paid to have the right to use. The earlier versions of the set were just sort of loosely inspired by the LCARS aesthetic. This was in opposition to a lot of people jostling for Starfleet logos and such in the original interest check thread (you can go back and see the debates in the original IC). It was a hard line to hold but I'm glad I did or I think this new project wouldn't have been possible. I also never made any money from the original run, so it was truly a community-driven not-for-profit project.
When folks appropriate trademarked or copyrighted elements for keyboard projects without any official imprimatur, especially on for-profit projects, it makes me very uneasy, and I think it's generally a bad idea. Relying on "flying under the radar" is a very tenuous sort of strategy.
It's also worth noting in this case the CBS is the rights holder. Roddenberry just happens to have a longstanding exclusive arrangement with CBS (previously, it was Paramount) that allows them to produce items for direct sale to consumers that use Star Trek IP. This project is an example of the latter.
It's cool seeing how the innerworkings panned out.
Post by: rioc on Mon, 22 May 2017, 17:35:47
Yay, that's mine :)Any chance you could add the spacebar in a couple of the alpha/mod colors, not just gray?
Absolutely. It'll likely be a second spacebar in purple, included in the set for those who prefer that.
Here is an example I found of what that looks like (image not mine):Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/ZssIF4X.jpg)
I've already got two sets, but I'm in for a third. Eta on this?
Sent from my MHA-L09 using Tapatalk
Post by: xtrafrood on Mon, 22 May 2017, 23:43:52
As a bit of background: the Nav wheel design on the numpad is meant to be evocative of the helm controls wheel on the Enterprise LCARS interface, as seen in the Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual.
This motif is seen through a number of TNG-era Trek designs.Show Image(http://orig12.deviantart.net/760c/f/2009/262/f/e/lcars_console_a001_by_altovar.jpg)
Another book to add to the collection, thank you. I hope to see more updates about this licensed keyset very soon
Post by: Zanduby on Tue, 23 May 2017, 09:37:30
As a bit of background: the Nav wheel design on the numpad is meant to be evocative of the helm controls wheel on the Enterprise LCARS interface, as seen in the Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual.
This motif is seen through a number of TNG-era Trek designs.Show Image(http://orig12.deviantart.net/760c/f/2009/262/f/e/lcars_console_a001_by_altovar.jpg)
I've always enjoyed the original galaxy class set, but i've always thought it would looks a lot better with more colors, and this picture confirms that. Any chance at getting a v2 made with more oranges and other purples/blues?
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 23 May 2017, 11:10:20
As a bit of background: the Nav wheel design on the numpad is meant to be evocative of the helm controls wheel on the Enterprise LCARS interface, as seen in the Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual.
This motif is seen through a number of TNG-era Trek designs.Show Image(http://orig12.deviantart.net/760c/f/2009/262/f/e/lcars_console_a001_by_altovar.jpg)
I've always enjoyed the original galaxy class set, but i've always thought it would looks a lot better with more colors, and this picture confirms that. Any chance at getting a v2 made with more oranges and other purples/blues?
That picture is fan art and isn't accurately representative of the colors used on the original show. I own several original LCARS translites from the TNG set, and the colors of the current set were matched to those.
Post by: thekiddzac on Thu, 25 May 2017, 09:04:44
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 25 May 2017, 10:33:14
Love this! Just got into mechanical keyboards and this is the first set that made me think "I gotta have that". Super stoked on the design, not so stoked on waiting, currently practicing patience....
Awesome! Thanks for the kind words. :) Hopefully it won't be too long in waiting. I spoke with SP yesterday by phone and hammered out some logistics. The main task now is just figuring out how to break up the sets, and how many we need to have.
Post by: rioc on Thu, 25 May 2017, 10:42:01
But not too soon either... Can't afford anymore the next two/three months, too much has been going down robbing my wallet emptyLove this! Just got into mechanical keyboards and this is the first set that made me think "I gotta have that". Super stoked on the design, not so stoked on waiting, currently practicing patience....
Awesome! Thanks for the kind words. :) Hopefully it won't be too long in waiting. I spoke with SP yesterday by phone and hammered out some logistics. The main task now is just figuring out how to break up the sets, and how many we need to have.
Sent from my MHA-L09 using Tapatalk
Post by: Auk on Thu, 25 May 2017, 10:56:21
Can you include some of the battle bridge keys? Even if it's not the full option from the previous drop and just the WASD + say the red Esc?
Since this is a dye sub set, can it include some language sets? Even if they're plain package Massdrop exclusive items and not part of the Collectors Box package.
Since this is happening in conjunction with Roddenberry, does that open the door to additional retail partnership with stores such as ForbiddenPlanet? potentially an opportunity to find a wider market that might even justify country/language specific collectors box sets?
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 25 May 2017, 11:04:10
I like the grey legends on the numpad, definitely an upgrade!
Can you include some of the battle bridge keys? Even if it's not the full option from the previous drop and just the WASD + say the red Esc?
Since this is a dye sub set, can it include some language sets? Even if they're plain package Massdrop exclusive items and not part of the Collectors Box package.
Since this is happening in conjunction with Roddenberry, does that open the door to additional retail partnership with stores such as ForbiddenPlanet? potentially an opportunity to find a wider market that might even justify country/language specific collectors box sets?
The old Battle Bridge set is basically being absorbed into Core this time around. Having studied (via Google Image search) what configurations people seem to use most on the web, it seems like the vast majority opt for the red Esc, so I'm just making that the default color and ditching the regular Esc this time around. Since we'll also be including a special artisan, I think we've got the Esc key pretty well covered. ;)
I've added the idea of contrasting WASD keys to my list. If anybody else wants this, please chime in.
Regarding retail partnerships, that's something that Roddenberry will have to decide, but it's possible. I know that have existing relationships with companies like Entertainment Earth and ThinkGeek.
Post by: Auk on Thu, 25 May 2017, 11:10:02
Regarding retail partnerships...
Here's hoping then. ISO and language kits continue to be troublesome getting the numbers on Massdrop. If Roddenberry can organize something quickly I would hope the retail stores would be able to get a mailshot out and invite preorders from outside the regular keyboard fans.
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 25 May 2017, 11:17:31
Post by: Auk on Thu, 25 May 2017, 11:27:22
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Post by: PollandAkuma on Thu, 25 May 2017, 11:41:08
Post by: mr scooty on Thu, 25 May 2017, 11:52:05
Post by: rioc on Thu, 25 May 2017, 11:53:27
Post by: thad on Thu, 25 May 2017, 11:54:21
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Post by: Auk on Thu, 25 May 2017, 11:57:18
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Post by: norbauer on Thu, 25 May 2017, 12:07:20
another thought: lighter gray matched to the new numpad?
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
I've been down the road of trying to match SP dyes to SP plastics before, and I can tell you it's not fun. :|
I think that the purple spacebar (or light blue) probably evokes the characteristic right-angle frames of LCARS design best. Purple is probably also best because it doesn't orphan those two purple 1.25 keys off to the right of the spacebar.
Post by: Auk on Thu, 25 May 2017, 12:12:58
I've been down the road of trying to match SP dyes to SP plastics before, and I can tell you it's not fun. :|
You've just nicely preemptively answered the question I was about to ask on that very subject! i.e. does the base color came from the plastic itself or is the whole key dye subbed, but I'm still curious: could the whole key be dye subbed or would it come out unevenly colored?
Since there is no legend on the spacebar I'm guessing it would be possible to get a color match, but it would look unacceptable and unprofessional if was uneven.
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 25 May 2017, 12:19:55
I've been down the road of trying to match SP dyes to SP plastics before, and I can tell you it's not fun. :|
You've just nicely preemptively answered the question I was about to ask on that very subject! i.e. does the base color came from the plastic itself or is the whole key dye subbed, but I'm still curious: could the whole key be dye subbed or would it come out unevenly colored?
Since there is no legend on the spacebar I'm guessing it would be possible to get a color match, but it would look unacceptable and unprofessional if was uneven.
The underlying base color of the keycap isn't from dye; it is inherent in the plastic resin itself. With doubleshot, you have two colored resins injected together to form a single keyface in two colors. With dyesub you have one colored resin with dye infused into its face to form the two colors.
In general, the dye sub process is somewhat limited, unfortunately. Even the numpad design as it is is a bit tricky, as they don't always get the registration perfect and my graphics run to right to the edge of the key face. (You don't notice registration issues as much when it's just a letter that is offset from the face a bit.)
Dye sublimation results are also a bit tricky to predict because the color you apply in dye mixes with the substrate color a bit in generating the final look of the legend on the keycap.
Post by: Auk on Thu, 25 May 2017, 13:02:57
Dye sublimation results are also a bit tricky to predict
Thank you for indulging my questions :)
As for which spacebar color. I think if the choice comes down to the original gray, purple or light blue, I slightly prefer the purple.
Since you also mentioned the two purple modifier keys being orphaned, you clarified why the dark blue didn't look quite right as well. You could change the orphaned key colors, but I'm not sure if that quite fits either.
[attach=1] [attach=2]
Post by: zslane on Thu, 25 May 2017, 13:25:53
Post by: Auk on Thu, 25 May 2017, 19:18:06
...I don't think the LCARS motif justifies violating the standard expectation that the spacebar will match the alphas.
The writers and designers of the Star Trek universe put so much effort into continuity, I think fans would appreciate the attention to detail if the set gets closer to the LCARS conventions even if it breaks with the traditional pattern of alphas and modifiers. If a keycap set can justify breaking with tradition, Galaxy Class looks like a good candidate to do so.
Post by: Elrick on Thu, 25 May 2017, 20:55:06
Roddenberry Entertainment, the creators of Star Trek, have recently asked me to work with the keyboard hobbyist community to design and bring a licensed Galaxy Class keyset into being, with its design inspired by the in-universe "LCARS" computer graphical interfaces used in Star Trek: The Next Generation. This new set will include trademarked Star Trek insignia keys, custom Roddenberry collector's packaging, and a special artisan keycap. Roddenberry has a long tradition of making Star Trek-branded desk/office accessories, stretching back into the 1960s and 1970s, so they're very eager for this to be a new evolution of a category of product that they have long supported. The fact that we're doing this during TNG's 30th anniversary is a fortuitous bonus.
Hey, that is one brilliant acknowledgment from Hollywood here, that your key-set has been noticed by the propaganda machine in LA :thumb: .
Don't take my comment as a negative because this is the place that can make you into something important, simply because you have produced something that promotes their by-gone productions. Hollywood has always been about making money on everything, including past productions.
You should also note that you need to use their own registered LOGOs this time because it will make this key-set far more legitimate in everyone's eyes, especially among the Star Trek fanatics which this key-set is targeting. If this proves even more successful then you should watch out for any future endorsements in regards to other movie franchises. If you've got noticed in Hollywood for this set then there is hope for other movie production promos that might use (need) specifically designed key-sets.
Always keep your options open for anything because this is after all, the home of dreams for any individual.
Good luck on this :thumb: .
Post by: zslane on Thu, 25 May 2017, 21:35:49
...I don't think the LCARS motif justifies violating the standard expectation that the spacebar will match the alphas.
The writers and designers of the Star Trek universe put so much effort into continuity, I think fans would appreciate the attention to detail if the set gets closer to the LCARS conventions even if it breaks with the traditional pattern of alphas and modifiers. If a keycap set can justify breaking with tradition, Galaxy Class looks like a good candidate to do so.
Except that LCARS panels don't conform to the form and layout of our computer keyboards to begin with. So the fact that there are F-row keys, and a numpad, and a spacebar at all are all concessions to the need to adapt LCARS to a conventional keyboard layout. I see no value in going out of the way to treat the spacebar as a special case, and for no reason (that I can discern) other than to make it "stand out".
Post by: rioc on Fri, 26 May 2017, 00:47:17
...I don't think the LCARS motif justifies violating the standard expectation that the spacebar will match the alphas.
The writers and designers of the Star Trek universe put so much effort into continuity, I think fans would appreciate the attention to detail if the set gets closer to the LCARS conventions even if it breaks with the traditional pattern of alphas and modifiers. If a keycap set can justify breaking with tradition, Galaxy Class looks like a good candidate to do so.
Except that LCARS panels don't conform to the form and layout of our computer keyboards to begin with. So the fact that there are F-row keys, and a numpad, and a spacebar at all are all concessions to the need to adapt LCARS to a conventional keyboard layout. I see no value in going out of the way to treat the spacebar as a special case, and for no reason (that I can discern) other than to make it "stand out".
I think the purple spacebar matches best since it makes a nice frame-half alongside the yellow mods and numbers around the alpha cluster
Post by: Skull_Angel on Fri, 26 May 2017, 02:00:33
Post by: ski_ on Mon, 29 May 2017, 12:17:28
Post by: Seelen on Wed, 31 May 2017, 08:36:58
When I think of TNG, my mind immediately moves towards that 90s-futuristic rich royal purple, with a subdued vibrance that "pops" without being overwhelming.
Otherwise, I love it and will likely be in for it!
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 07 June 2017, 14:46:02
I think this is the likely break-down:
- Core including ISO
- Numpad
- Alternate extras w/7u spacebar
As shown in the three groupings below:
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/sets.png?raw=1)
I'm working on the design for the artisan today and will post once I have something to share there.
Post by: Vigrith on Wed, 07 June 2017, 15:08:09
Post by: Auk on Wed, 07 June 2017, 15:13:17
- Numpad
are you dropping the nav wheel graphic?
EDIT: I just realized that image for the key groups has none of the Galaxy Class legends, so that's probably why there is no nav wheel graphic on the numpad...
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 07 June 2017, 16:31:31
- Numpad
are you dropping the nav wheel graphic?
EDIT: I just realized that image for the key groups has none of the Galaxy Class legends, so that's probably why there is no nav wheel graphic on the numpad...
Your edit is correct. This is just the key breakdown. I'll turn it into graphical mock-ups next.
Post by: Mr_BeastQuake on Wed, 07 June 2017, 17:33:24
Many thanks to livingspeedbump for helping me work out some ways to break up sets into three subsets that will hopefully work for the most amount of people and layouts without getting too crazy down the rabbit hole or forcing people to pay for too many more caps than they want.
I think this is the likely break-down:
- Core including ISO
- Numpad
- Alternate extras w/7u spacebar
As shown in the three groupings below:Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Galaxy%20Class%20r3/sets.png)
I'm working on the design for the artisan today and will post once I have something to share there.
:thumb:
Post by: consolation on Fri, 09 June 2017, 14:55:16
Your edit is correct. This is just the key breakdown. I'll turn it into graphical mock-ups next.
I would just add one suggestion to your kits, add a handful of blank (purple?) keys in "common odd" sizes to the "extended" kit; 1u, 1.25u, 1.5u, 1.75, 2.0u. Five blank kits won't add much to the price, but (because DSA profile is row agnostic) it will exponentially increase the odd layouts it will be able to accommodate. For example, split backspace and split r shifts, 1u tab and 1.25 caps lock compact designs, etc..
The other option, is to beef up the blanks into a separate kit by having the keys in yellow and purple colours, plus, adding a 2x 3u split spacebar key; since split spacebar designs are all the rage atm. Going the separate blanks kit route would also help Japanese (JIS) board users.
I really like the way you used the purple and yellow to recall the Lcars interface in an earth style keyboard. Maybe carry it on to the numpad by having the purple go along the top (from the 3 purple logos) then down the middle of the keypad (963 column) splitting it into two areas of different colour either side.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 14 June 2017, 12:51:28
Below are the proper graphical mockups of the kits as suggested by livingspeedbump. You can consider this a working draft of the sets that will be offered. :) I'll probably also add some alternate logo keys with Ferengi, Romulan, etc. artwork.
I'm a little concerned about the maximum resolvable detail, however, so Melissa at SP is currently printing us some samples of the UFOP logo on a 1u key to see if it looks good with all those tiny details.
Oh, and I'm about half way finished with the 3D model for the artisan cap and will post that as soon as I have it.
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy-class-roddenberry-core.png?raw=1)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy-class-roddenberry-iso.png?raw=1)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy-class-roddenberry-numpad.png?raw=1)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy-class-roddenberry-alternate-layouts.png?raw=1)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy-class-roddenberry-notes.png?raw=1)
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 14 June 2017, 21:29:54
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/artisan-concept.png?raw=1)
Post by: robotsokk on Wed, 14 June 2017, 23:02:46
Post by: eksuen on Thu, 15 June 2017, 01:25:25
Here is one concept I had for the artisan. This would be cast in bronze.Show Image(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7116954/Galaxy%20Class%20r3/artisan-concept.png)
Damn, that's snazzy. Norbauer, going where no man has gone before.
Post by: mr scooty on Thu, 15 June 2017, 11:18:22
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 15 June 2017, 11:46:50
any idea how much time I have to prepare my wallet for this? this set is looking more and more like an instabuy for me
I'm still trying to work that out. There are a lot of moving parts to this with the packaging, artisan, and core caps all coming from different vendors, and then coordinating final details with both Massdrop and Roddenberry, so I'd say your wallet can rest easy for at least a month or two. ;) But hopefully not too much longer than that.
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 15 June 2017, 19:44:11
Post by: TomBodet on Fri, 16 June 2017, 07:28:03
OK, the artisan model is now at the metal casting workshop in New England and they're going to make me up a prototype in brass/bronze. They've done amazing work for me and Roddeberry in the past. Here is a video I made about the Vulcan IDIC that they manufactured from my design. These guys are top notch, and the owner happens to be a big Star Trek fan. :)
sweeeet.
Post by: LensBlair on Mon, 03 July 2017, 23:25:48
One tiny nitpick: "CON" (the Insert key) should probably read "CONN". In the shows and films where the navigational controls are referred to as "the conn," subtitles spell it with two Ns. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!)
Again, really minor thing. Really looking forward to buying the keyset when it's ready!
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 04 July 2017, 00:45:34
@norbauer Love the keyset so far, glad it's making an official return!
One tiny nitpick: "CON" (the Insert key) should probably read "CONN". In the shows and films where the navigational controls are referred to as "the conn," subtitles spell it with two Ns. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!)
Again, really minor thing. Really looking forward to buying the keyset when it's ready!
That's interesting. You're right. I'll change that. I got confused because the term is short for "Flight Controller," so I have no idea where the extra n comes from, but it's totally the correct spelling.
Post by: amnesia0287 on Tue, 04 July 2017, 01:41:46
The conn is control of the ship. It literally means the act of conducting (where the word originates) a ship. Because big ships are complex and can't be run effectively they always have a single person in charge. It's used a bit odd because you will hear the saying "you have the conn" when it actually means is you have control/command.
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 04 July 2017, 11:20:16
Conn is a nautical term. Not one for flight controller.
The conn is control of the ship. It literally means the act of conducting (where the word originates) a ship. Because big ships are complex and can't be run effectively they always have a single person in charge. It's used a bit odd because you will hear the saying "you have the conn" when it actually means is you have control/command.
In Star Trek, the terminology is somewhat muddled.
http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Flight_controller
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 09 July 2017, 12:00:19
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/packaging1.png)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/packaging3.png)
When I say "cardboard," I mean solid board, not corrugated.
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/packaging4.png)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/packaging5.png)
Post by: BaconEggandCheeseBagel on Sun, 09 July 2017, 12:50:14
Post by: Oblotzky on Sun, 09 July 2017, 12:52:52
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 09 July 2017, 13:49:53
Norbauer, just wanted to thank you for all the hard work and passion you've put into this project. As a avid and lifelong Star Trek fan myself (one of the biggest influences in my child and adult life), the amount of thought you've put into this is clearly visible. Looking forward to this project (and your realforce case) immensely! Keep up the awesome work!
Thanks so much! Perhaps needless to say, Star Trek (and TNG in particular) has been one of the biggest influences on both my childhood and adult selves as well. :)
Post by: FuriousGeorge on Mon, 10 July 2017, 13:49:33
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Mon, 10 July 2017, 14:29:08
Post by: flyingalbatross1 on Tue, 18 July 2017, 14:32:18
Sent from my MI 5 using Tapatalk
Post by: mr scooty on Mon, 07 August 2017, 13:09:25
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 07 August 2017, 16:19:48
This still happening?
Of course. I actually got the brass artisan sample today and will post pics when I get chance to shoot some. It looks fantastic!
Post by: pixelpusher on Tue, 08 August 2017, 20:13:39
Post by: Pluto19 on Sat, 12 August 2017, 04:21:12
Post by: evd198111 on Sun, 27 August 2017, 08:52:43
This still happening?
Of course. I actually got the brass artisan sample today and will post pics when I get chance to shoot some. It looks fantastic!
Do you have a update on this ?
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 28 August 2017, 20:11:09
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy-artisan%201.jpg)
I'm currently waiting for the packaging sample to arrive so I can test fit it with the keys. Still hoping for a fall launch.
Also, incidentally, I'm currently offering a special finish on my Cooler Master keyboard cases (https://shop.norbauer.com/products/cnc-aluminum-case-for-cooler-master-tkl-boards-round-2-5) that is designed to complement this set.
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1571/5135/products/galaxy-console_2_922cf440-9c0b-4dd5-98da-ebe13fe9d83e_1024x1024.jpg?v=1503875966)
It is meant to be reminiscent of the characteristic textured tan finish seen on computer consoles throughout TNG.
(http://discuss.fleetworkshop.org/uploads/db1714/original/2X/1/1506c0e1b4bee8453c5b7fd1186820967c174a8e.png)
Post by: Dominathan on Mon, 28 August 2017, 22:44:20
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 28 August 2017, 22:49:33
I just started bingeing TNG, up to season 6 already, and I'm soooooooo glad I didn't miss this! (Obviously missed the first time). I want this so hard
OMG, season 6. So good. I just watched "Time's Arrow" last night!
I seem to remember meeting a TNG-loving guy named Nathan at the NorCal meetup at Facebook a while back. Are you the same person, or is that just a ridiculous coincidence?
Post by: pixelpusher on Mon, 28 August 2017, 22:52:08
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 28 August 2017, 22:59:30
Any chance of adding finishes like this to the realforce board? :p
I don't see why not. If I end up using the vendor I'm thinking about using for this project, the machine shop is literally just down the road from the powder shop. Silicon Valley synergies! Here under the palm trees, the keyboard cases roll off the line next door to the Teslas. :cool:
And, yes, by virtue of being entirely made in the USA, if that's how this one plays out, I'm afraid this is going to be a pretty pricey run. But this project is my dearest child, so I want it to be the ultimate high-end bespoke keyboard case to end all keyboard cases, which means I want to do myself, in person, at the factory. (As I've said in many venues, though, I have absolutely nothing against free trade or China manufacturing; this is purely a practical concern, and a way to mix things up a bit.)
Post by: millifoo on Tue, 29 August 2017, 12:30:00
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 29 August 2017, 12:32:54
gack.. wrong thread. Sigh. Please ignore.
Haha. I had already written a reply and didn't even notice. See you over in the correct thread shortly. ;)
Post by: Dominathan on Tue, 29 August 2017, 15:33:10
I just started bingeing TNG, up to season 6 already, and I'm soooooooo glad I didn't miss this! (Obviously missed the first time). I want this so hard
OMG, season 6. So good. I just watched "Time's Arrow" last night!
I seem to remember meeting a TNG-loving guy named Nathan at the NorCal meetup at Facebook a while back. Are you the same person, or is that just a ridiculous coincidence?
Sadly missed the NorCal meetup, but I'll be there for the next one! We'll definitely have to talk! :D
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 30 August 2017, 22:06:02
I just started bingeing TNG, up to season 6 already, and I'm soooooooo glad I didn't miss this! (Obviously missed the first time). I want this so hard
OMG, season 6. So good. I just watched "Time's Arrow" last night!
I seem to remember meeting a TNG-loving guy named Nathan at the NorCal meetup at Facebook a while back. Are you the same person, or is that just a ridiculous coincidence?
Sadly missed the NorCal meetup, but I'll be there for the next one! We'll definitely have to talk! :D
Awesome. Yes, please come track me down! :)
Post by: amnesia0287 on Thu, 31 August 2017, 02:34:52
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: poolside on Sat, 02 September 2017, 14:03:00
Post by: norbauer on Sat, 02 September 2017, 21:17:23
The keyset mockups seem to be gone from the OP.
Ugh. Dropbox sucks so hard. They switched off their public folders as of 8/1 and now I'm going to have to go back through all my forum posts and change the links. Sorry about that. Will do when I get a chance early next week. Thanks for alerting me to the problem!
Post by: mrhead on Sun, 03 September 2017, 20:15:48
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 04 September 2017, 11:27:19
Don't bother with photobucket - they did the same thing.
Yeah, I decided to put the images on my CDN (via Microsoft Azure) instead so I'm not beholden to these flaky services from now. Images should be working again. Sorry for the interruption.
Post by: vilagefool on Wed, 13 September 2017, 06:03:22
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 13 September 2017, 10:16:00
This set looks awesome, nicely done! When can I throw money at my screen for it?
We're getting very close now. Production preparation is done, and I have an email out to Yanbo at MassDrop to figure out the final logistical details. Norm from Tested also mentioned that he was going to do a sort of "unboxing" video on an assembly of the keyset onto an MX keyboard, and we're hoping to make that coincide with when the drop is live, so to some extent that may determine the timeline more than anything else. But I'm hoping the drop could go live within the next month or so.
Post by: elfick on Wed, 13 September 2017, 11:01:24
Heh... I hope MD can handle the load that Tested's viewer base may generate. :DThis set looks awesome, nicely done! When can I throw money at my screen for it?
We're getting very close now. Production preparation is done, and I have an email out to Yanbo at MassDrop to figure out the final logistical details. Norm from Tested also mentioned that he was going to do a sort of "unboxing" video on an assembly of the keyset onto an MX keyboard, and we're hoping to make that coincide with when the drop is live, so to some extent that may determine the timeline more than anything else. But I'm hoping the drop could go live within the next month or so.
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 02 October 2017, 12:14:02
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(1%20of%207).jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(2%20of%207).jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(3%20of%207).jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(5%20of%207).jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(6%20of%207).jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(7%20of%207).jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(natural).jpg)
Post by: thad on Mon, 02 October 2017, 12:16:29
Getting closer. Here are some of the studio product shots. :)Ohhhhhhhhhhh my!Show Image(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(1%20of%207).jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(2%20of%207).jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(3%20of%207).jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(5%20of%207).jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(6%20of%207).jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(7%20of%207).jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20(natural).jpg)
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Post by: vilagefool on Mon, 02 October 2017, 13:13:56
Ohhhhhhhhhhh my!
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Indeed!
I may have to get a full size board just for this set!
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Mon, 02 October 2017, 13:34:46
Very excited for this set. I'm certainly going to need to get a numpad so I can enjoy the whole set.
Hell, this makes me want to embed a keyboard into a glossy black desk and make a nice looking ST:TNG console.
Post by: rehael on Mon, 02 October 2017, 14:02:00
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 02 October 2017, 21:39:59
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20-%20artisan%20(3%20of%203).jpg)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20-%20artisan%20(2%20of%203).jpg)
Also, looks like we'll be conducting the Group Buy right on Roddenberry.com. I was concerned about the high cost of the set already, and doing it through Massdrop was just going to add too much to the price. I think we'll be better off this way.
Post by: pixelpusher on Mon, 02 October 2017, 22:20:13
Post by: DanielT on Tue, 03 October 2017, 12:34:06
Artisan Photos now. These are made by hand in New England: cast, polished, and antiqued using traditional methods by skilled actual artisans. :)Looks awesome. Will this be available as a separate item? As an owner of the original Galaxy Class GB set I would love this little thing :thumb:Show Image(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20-%20artisan%20(3%20of%203).jpg)Show Image(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy%20class%20-%20artisan%20(2%20of%203).jpg)
Also, looks like we'll be conducting the Group Buy right on Roddenberry.com. I was concerned about the high cost of the set already, and doing it through Massdrop was just going to add too much to the price. I think we'll be better off this way.
PS: My Galaxy Class 60% , was it 3 years ago the first GB ? I remember it was really crazy and fun and in the end I got a set I really love.
(https://imgur.com/kNWYxhu.jpg)
Post by: norbauer on Tue, 03 October 2017, 13:43:07
Will this be available as a separate item? As an owner of the original Galaxy Class GB set I would love this little thing :thumb:
Yes, absolutely. We're also going to do a retrofit kit that includes the Starfleet and UFOP logo keys.
Post by: poolside on Tue, 03 October 2017, 16:13:23
Hmmm, I would love a full set of these bubblegum pink caps :cool:
Post by: Dominathan on Wed, 04 October 2017, 10:40:21
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Post by: mogo on Wed, 04 October 2017, 11:16:59
Artisan Photos now. These are made by hand in New England: cast, polished, and antiqued using traditional methods by skilled actual artisans. :)
That is so appropriate, it makes my head tingle.
Post by: TomBodet on Wed, 04 October 2017, 13:04:45
****, those pics look good. Can't wait to get some of that D! 1701D, that is! I want a giant one of those in my apartment! They should make a galaxy class-sized artisan
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
They did kinda: https://qmxonline.com/products/star-trek-the-next-generation-enterprise-d-artisan-replica
Post by: norbauer on Fri, 13 October 2017, 11:04:13
Post by: redbanshee on Fri, 13 October 2017, 11:06:28
Hi all. I'm happy to report that the Group Buy for this should be live starting around November 1st at shop.roddenberry.com. I'll of course start a GB thread here at GH, but if you don't necessarily always check GH for new GBs, you can join my email list email list (http://eepurl.com/cnnEwr) and I'll also announce it there too when it's live. :thumb:
Official colab, that is awesome!!!
Post by: norbauer on Fri, 13 October 2017, 11:09:11
Hi all. I'm happy to report that the Group Buy for this should be live starting around November 1st at shop.roddenberry.com. I'll of course start a GB thread here at GH, but if you don't necessarily always check GH for new GBs, you can join my email list email list (http://eepurl.com/cnnEwr) and I'll also announce it there too when it's live. :thumb:
Official colab, that is awesome!!!
The people at Roddenberry are so awesome, and I feel very fortunate to be able to work with them. They were very open to hearing about the keyboard community and helping to bring this project into reality for us. I've even won some converts among them who are excited to have this set on keyboards around their offices in Hollywood. :)
Post by: sevenseacat on Sat, 14 October 2017, 12:40:29
Post by: Atnevon on Wed, 18 October 2017, 06:38:35
(I see yellow or white light being the best pick)
Post by: mogo on Wed, 18 October 2017, 09:11:01
This looks absolutely amazing! I am excited and cannot wait for the Nov 1st date. Nonetheless I will be buying and placing on my work keyboard at the office. Do the keys allow for backlit to shine through? I look at many and cannot tell, it would not be the end of the world if not; I am just wondering if were to get a new board on my own for the sole purpose of these keycaps that I pick the right color to shine through.
(I see yellow or white light being the best pick)
These are not shine-through. There has never been a set of DSA or SA profile caps to feature legend shine-through, for a few reasons related to the double-shot process and legend location. (most legends are right over the stem, where light wouldn't fill in very well from the off-center LED).
Post by: Atnevon on Wed, 18 October 2017, 09:45:45
I would assume these caps fit Cherry MX boards such as the CM Storm QuickFires, Corsair Vengeance, or Logitech G610; for example. This is the case, right?
Trying to do my shopping early because I'll be ordering no matter what.
Post by: mogo on Wed, 18 October 2017, 10:03:07
The one thing you have to keep in mind with gamer boards is that many of them have weird bottom row key sizes. The Razer Blackwidow uses a 6u spacebar, there are Corsair and Logitech boards that use 6.5u spacebars, and this affects the sizes and locations of the neighboring functionality keys. The standard for the majority of these aftermarket keysets are made for 6.25u spacebars. Some sets offer additional sized bottom row keys (for extra cost). See this article from maxkeyboard (http://blog.maxkeyboard.com/dwkb/keycap-compatibility-size-chart/) to see what I'm talking about.
From personal experience, I'll just recommend going with a Ducky brand board or KBT/KBTalking because they almost all have standard layouts. There are tons of resources here in the forum to do more research for shopping. I would start with the FAQ (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40501.0) by CPTBadAss. Cheers :thumb:
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 18 October 2017, 12:53:00
To that end, what 100% and TKL boards could I use as examples to suggest people buy that might be a good starter keyboard to go with a core set (or core + numpad)? It would need to have a standard bottom row and spacebar to make things easy for people (i..e, not require the "alternates" set).
I was thinking of recommending the Corsair K66 (http://www.corsair.com/en-us/k66-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-cherry-mx-red-na) and the Corsair K65 (http://www.corsair.com/en-us/vengeance-k65-compact-mechanical-gaming-keyboard). Would those be good starter boards for people to go with this set? Their advantage is that they're readily available on Amazon and comparatively inexpensive. I prefer the aesthetics of something like a Filco, but those are often hard to track down.
EDIT: Come to think of it, those Corsair boards appear to not have 1.25u modifiers all across the bottom row (looks like 1u RWin and Menu keys). Can anyone recommend a better alternative?
Post by: xondat on Wed, 18 October 2017, 13:00:36
Leopold, Varmilo, and Das to name a few more.
Post by: Blazestorm on Wed, 18 October 2017, 13:19:36
Any of the MasterKeys, it's more mainstream and they might actually see it in local stores. They use standard sized keys, which is nice.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 18 October 2017, 13:19:42
Can you guys think of any a TKL board that might fit the bill? The criteria are: no backlighting, relatively cheap, standard spacebar row keys (1.25 modifiers), and readily available in MX red (the safest bet for neophytes, I feel) via Amazon Prime.
Post by: clappingcactus on Wed, 18 October 2017, 13:23:10
Both come in black/white, one slightly has a cute fancy layout in case anyone wants to be adventurous or differentiate their new Star Trek keyboard from the one they already have, both can't be beat in retail value/out of the box quality.
Post by: FSund on Thu, 19 October 2017, 00:25:56
Post by: eksuen on Thu, 19 October 2017, 01:16:52
Post by: Puddsy on Thu, 19 October 2017, 01:37:00
Post by: Atnevon on Thu, 19 October 2017, 06:59:48
Gamers are the LED RGB light run-and-gun and CS:GO-with-CS-Flow; and then the Expert Typists I notice are LED-less and want keyboards made from recycled Abrams Tank material :P
While I am a gamer I am looking for a board solely for these caps to satisfy my fandom and do so at the office. At home I have the Corsair Strife RGB MX Silent. (I personally don't like blue switches for the clakity)
From what I see the Cooler Master seems to be a good hybrid of the two. Its budget friendly for the gamers and typers alike. Hopefully.....idk, just shooting from the hip with my newb insight contributions.
Nonetheless, a good easy-to-read instructions on how these fit for first time cappers like myself would be SUPER helpful. I just know in my case I want a good budget board to cap these for the office keyboard (that I need to buy soon :) ) I know lots of people possibly with boards and never thought to recap them are huge Trek fans. I bet this is a product that will surely inspire those like myself to go for the plunge.
Post by: Dominathan on Thu, 19 October 2017, 09:53:06
While I am not the expert at all at boards I could guess however you have 2 big audiences with mechanical keyboards: The Expert Typists and the Gamers.
I'd go with Professional typist over expert.
. I'm terrible at typing, and I can't be the only engineer who is.
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 19 October 2017, 11:03:10
Post by: eksuen on Thu, 19 October 2017, 11:09:23
Nonetheless, a good easy-to-read instructions on how these fit for first time cappers like myself would be SUPER helpful. I just know in my case I want a good budget board to cap these for the office keyboard (that I need to buy soon :) ) I know lots of people possibly with boards and never thought to recap them are huge Trek fans. I bet this is a product that will surely inspire those like myself to go for the plunge.
All you need is a wire keycap puller to remove the keycaps already on the keyboard. WASD sells them (https://www.amazon.com/WASD-Keyboards-Wire-Keycap-Puller/dp/B00AZCGF7K), but they are pretty widely available. Installing the new caps is straightforward as well: line up the keycap stem with the cruciform slider of your switch and push down (it's difficult to mess up the orientation because you can see the legends on top of the keycaps).
Post by: vilagefool on Thu, 19 October 2017, 11:59:03
Post by: FSund on Fri, 20 October 2017, 02:21:44
Thanks for all the insights and suggestions everyone. After much vacillation and rumination, I think the best solution is just to recommended the WASD TKL and tenkey barebones keyboards, both because they're readily available (in all MX switches) and don't even require the buyer to remove keycaps.
I didn't even think of the WASD keyboards. That seems like a good solution.
Post by: Dominathan on Fri, 20 October 2017, 09:51:47
what, no commemorative TNG themed keycap puller?!?! :p
It could have been a phaser!
Post by: flyingalbatross1 on Wed, 25 October 2017, 13:56:18
How long will it run for?
Cheers
Sent from my MI 5 using Tapatalk
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 25 October 2017, 14:08:06
What format will the group buy take - open for a time period to all comers, limited quantity, raffle etc?
How long will it run for?
Cheers
It will run the entire month of November, open to anyone who wants to participate, of course.
Below is what we're currently looking at in terms of pricing, btw. I tried my best to keep the prices as low as financially feasible, but all the fancy multi-layered packaging, official "Star Trek" licensing, jewelry-grade artisan, etc., makes this a sort of "premium" set in terms of cost—and ultimately the pricing decision wasn't mine to make. But I do think we're still within the realm of what I see on Originative and similar locations for some sets. This is the first "official" keyset that I know of featuring a major Hollywood franchise, so I think it's kind of special thing, and I hope you guys will be willing join me in supporting it. :)
Core $99
Core + Numpad $149
Core + Alternates $149
Core + Numpad + Alternates $199
Legacy Upgrade Kit $19
Bronze Artisan $48
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy-class-roddenberry-core.png?raw=1)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy-class-roddenberry-iso.png?raw=1)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy-class-roddenberry-numpad.png?raw=1)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy-class-roddenberry-alternate-layouts.png?raw=1)
(https://cdn.norbauer.com/webshares/galaxy-class-r3/galaxy-class-roddenberry-notes.png?raw=1)
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 25 October 2017, 14:29:10
What format will the group buy take - open for a time period to all comers, limited quantity, raffle etc?
How long will it run for?
Cheers
It will run the entire month of November, open to anyone who wants to participate, of course.
Below is what we're currently looking at in terms of pricing, btw. I tried my best to keep the prices as low as financially feasible, but all the fancy multi-layered packaging, official "Star Trek" licensing, jewelry-grade artisan, etc., makes this a sort of "premium" set in terms of cost—and ultimately the pricing decision wasn't mine to make. But I do think we're still within the realm of what I see on Originative and similar locations for some sets. This is the first "official" keyset that I know of featuring a major Hollywood franchise, so I think it's kind of special thing, and I hope you guys will be willing join me in supporting it. :)
Core $99
Core + Numpad $149
Core + Alternates $149
Core + Numpad + Alternates $199
Legacy Upgrade Kit $19
Bronze Artisan $48
Did you post these sets earlier. I'm not seeing them. What is the Legacy Upgrade kit?
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 25 October 2017, 14:31:28
What format will the group buy take - open for a time period to all comers, limited quantity, raffle etc?
How long will it run for?
Cheers
It will run the entire month of November, open to anyone who wants to participate, of course.
Below is what we're currently looking at in terms of pricing, btw. I tried my best to keep the prices as low as financially feasible, but all the fancy multi-layered packaging, official "Star Trek" licensing, jewelry-grade artisan, etc., makes this a sort of "premium" set in terms of cost—and ultimately the pricing decision wasn't mine to make. But I do think we're still within the realm of what I see on Originative and similar locations for some sets. This is the first "official" keyset that I know of featuring a major Hollywood franchise, so I think it's kind of special thing, and I hope you guys will be willing join me in supporting it. :)
Core $99
Core + Numpad $149
Core + Alternates $149
Core + Numpad + Alternates $199
Legacy Upgrade Kit $19
Bronze Artisan $48
Did you post these sets earlier. I'm not seeing them. What is the Legacy Upgrade kit?
I just updated the post above with images.
The Legacy Upgrade kit is just the purple Trek logo keys.
Post by: mogo on Wed, 25 October 2017, 14:39:45
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 25 October 2017, 14:43:37
This is looking great! The pricing is understandable as well. There are Trek logo keys on the top right in the "Core Keyset" image, are those the Legacy Upgrade Kit you mentioned or no?
Thanks! And, yes, it's just the three 1u purple keys that have the Trek logos, for folks who have earlier generic (non-Trek) versions of the keyset.
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 25 October 2017, 14:56:07
Post by: redbanshee on Wed, 25 October 2017, 15:02:44
Post by: Nuum on Wed, 25 October 2017, 16:17:34
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 25 October 2017, 16:45:25
Do you plan to offer international kits as well? I love this set since I first saw it, but I need my ISO DE keycaps!
The core set comes with ISO keys! :)
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 25 October 2017, 16:46:12
norbauer, out of curiosity who will be handing fulfillment? if its Roddenberry Ent. I sure hope they are ready!
Roddenberry Entertainment will be handling fulfillment, just like any normal item ordered through their store. All the sets will go from Signature Plastics to the Roddenberry warehouse in LA before being shipped to GB participants.
Post by: pr0ximity on Wed, 25 October 2017, 17:01:46
Post by: Nuum on Thu, 26 October 2017, 07:52:38
Do you plan to offer international kits as well? I love this set since I first saw it, but I need my ISO DE keycaps!
The core set comes with ISO keys! :)
So, no real international kit with all the different alpha keys? :-[
Post by: norbauer on Thu, 26 October 2017, 10:53:15
Do you plan to offer international kits as well? I love this set since I first saw it, but I need my ISO DE keycaps!
The core set comes with ISO keys! :)
So, no real international kit with all the different alpha keys? :-[
The ISO kit was something developed a long time ago in collaboration with a GeekHack member in Germany (LechnerDE), as my experience with non-ANSI keyboard layouts is limited. As I recall, he mentioned at the time that it wasn't necessarily a comprehensive solution but that it would be a good way to cover the maximum number of people with the minimum numbers of additional keys.
Particularly for this set, since we have to use a single gift box to fit all the different options, it was important to choose a sort of middle ground that would reach and satisfy the widest group of people without getting too deep into the long tail of possible key permutations. So this was our solution, for better or worse.
Post by: norbauer on Fri, 27 October 2017, 13:08:54
Post by: Pendleton on Fri, 27 October 2017, 15:39:34
[attachimg=1]
just kidding. but i am suuuuper stoked for these official keys. thank you for organizing this!
Post by: pixelpusher on Fri, 27 October 2017, 16:23:53
I'm so pumped for this. What about a SHUTUP WESLEY key? ... what about an entire SHUTUP WESLEY keyboard theme..
(Attachment Link)
This needs to go to IC immediately!
Post by: norbauer on Fri, 27 October 2017, 16:25:15
I'm so pumped for this. What about a SHUTUP WESLEY key? ... what about an entire SHUTUP WESLEY keyboard theme..
(Attachment Link)
just kidding. but i am suuuuper stoked for these official keys. thank you for organizing this!
lol. I love it.
Thanks for the kind words and your support!
Seriously, if this run is successful, Roddenberry may consider other Trek series such as Klingon, TOS, etc.
Post by: AuthenticDanger on Fri, 27 October 2017, 16:37:01
I'm so pumped for this. What about a SHUTUP WESLEY key? ... what about an entire SHUTUP WESLEY keyboard theme..
(Attachment Link)
just kidding. but i am suuuuper stoked for these official keys. thank you for organizing this!
lol. I love it.
Thanks for the kind words and your support!
Seriously, if this run is successful, Roddenberry may consider other Trek series such as Klingon, TOS, etc.
Gunna need an IC for a Cardassian set ASAP :)
Post by: Norde on Sat, 28 October 2017, 04:00:18
btw.
I think Norde kit without tertiary legends would look very nice in this key set. Just like MiTo Canvas Norde kit (29 keycaps). You can even combine Ö/Ø , Ä/Æ and Ü/Å and save three keys and it would still look very nice.
Who wants to organize a GB? ;)
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 29 October 2017, 14:32:47
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1571/5135/products/galaxy-console_2_1024x1024_5a63e5d4-fbf8-45e8-8a23-187bbcceaef7_1024x1024.jpg?v=1509125179)
I realize that's a ton of money to spend all at once on a full keyboard set, but I figured people will ask, so I'm trying to figure out if it might be feasible.
Post by: graefeln on Sun, 29 October 2017, 18:30:40
Edit: I am buying a board for this set though... and now I can't stop thinking about your case.
Post by: pixelpusher on Sun, 29 October 2017, 19:04:26
Quick question: would anybody be interested in my offering a parallel group buy on my site for a full keyboard and aluminum case combo that complements this set? They would be essentially the "Norbatouch" cases with a MasterKeys S PBT keyboard included instead of a Novatouch. Price would be like $369. Switch options: brown, red, blue, green, silver.Show Image(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1571/5135/products/galaxy-console_2_1024x1024_5a63e5d4-fbf8-45e8-8a23-187bbcceaef7_1024x1024.jpg?v=1509125179)
I realize that's a ton of money to spend all at once on a full keyboard set, but I figured people will ask, so I'm trying to figure out if it might be feasible.
Stupid question probably, but does the Masterkeys S PBT fit in that case with the new indicator leds relocated?
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 29 October 2017, 19:05:17
Quick question: would anybody be interested in my offering a parallel group buy on my site for a full keyboard and aluminum case combo that complements this set? They would be essentially the "Norbatouch" cases with a MasterKeys S PBT keyboard included instead of a Novatouch. Price would be like $369. Switch options: brown, red, blue, green, silver.Show Image(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1571/5135/products/galaxy-console_2_1024x1024_5a63e5d4-fbf8-45e8-8a23-187bbcceaef7_1024x1024.jpg?v=1509125179)
I realize that's a ton of money to spend all at once on a full keyboard set, but I figured people will ask, so I'm trying to figure out if it might be feasible.
Stupid question probably, but does the Masterkeys S PBT fit in that case with the new indicator leds relocated?
I would be making a new case that fits the Masterkeys S PBT. It would just be a slight modification to the other one.
I feel like the Masterkeys S PBT is well suited to Galaxy Class because it isn't backlit, is fairly affordable, and I have a reliable source for at least 50 or so of them. :)
Post by: pixelpusher on Sun, 29 October 2017, 19:15:07
Post by: norbauer on Sun, 29 October 2017, 19:16:41
Nice. Are you going to have holes for the indicator LEDs to shine through?
Yup. The design modifications required are pretty simple: reduce plate well slightly, add three LED through-holes, adjust USB bracket screw locations, modify ferrite core pocket location.
Post by: pixelpusher on Sun, 29 October 2017, 19:35:05
Nice. Are you going to have holes for the indicator LEDs to shine through?
Yup. The design modifications required are pretty simple: reduce plate well slightly, add three LED through-holes, adjust USB bracket screw locations, modify ferrite core pocket location.
You terrible man. I already have 2 cases and this will probably get me to buy another. Grrr.
Post by: norbauer on Mon, 30 October 2017, 15:58:19
Nice. Are you going to have holes for the indicator LEDs to shine through?
Yup. The design modifications required are pretty simple: reduce plate well slightly, add three LED through-holes, adjust USB bracket screw locations, modify ferrite core pocket location.
You terrible man. I already have 2 cases and this will probably get me to buy another. Grrr.
Mea culpa. :)
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Post by: Pwner on Wed, 01 November 2017, 09:42:22
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 09:43:46
The group buy will be live as soon as the folks at Roddenberry get into the office today. :)
Post by: graefeln on Wed, 01 November 2017, 09:45:15
The group buy will be live as soon as the folks at Roddenberry get into the office today. :)
I've been looking at that page off-and-on all morning waiting. I know it's for the whole month, but still...
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 01 November 2017, 10:13:50
more closeup glam shots, but still cool. I’ll join the GB ASAP. :thumb:
Post by: mogo on Wed, 01 November 2017, 10:27:37
The group buy will be live as soon as the folks at Roddenberry get into the office today. :)(https://media.giphy.com/media/8sDQ7nUXrGktG/giphy.gif)
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 10:37:44
https://shop.roddenberry.com/products/galaxy-class-keyset
I'm going to go work on creating a proper GB thread now. :)
Post by: rioc on Wed, 01 November 2017, 10:41:28
It's live!
https://shop.roddenberry.com/products/galaxy-class-keyset (https://shop.roddenberry.com/products/galaxy-class-keyset)
I'm going to go work on creating a proper GB thread now. :)
damn, for how long? (will I have time till end of november?) I really need v.2 in my collection
edit: I just saw 29days remaining. Thank Q!
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 10:42:17
It's live!
https://shop.roddenberry.com/products/galaxy-class-keyset (https://shop.roddenberry.com/products/galaxy-class-keyset)
I'm going to go work on creating a proper GB thread now. :)
damn, for how long? (will I have time till end of november?) I really need v.2 in my collection
edit: I just saw 29days remaining. Thank Q!
Yes indeed! Runs to the end of the month.
Post by: xtrafrood on Wed, 01 November 2017, 10:48:55
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 01 November 2017, 10:51:27
It's live!
https://shop.roddenberry.com/products/galaxy-class-keyset (https://shop.roddenberry.com/products/galaxy-class-keyset)
I'm going to go work on creating a proper GB thread now. :)
damn, for how long? (will I have time till end of november?) I really need v.2 in my collection
edit: I just saw 29days remaining. Thank Q!
Yes indeed! Runs to the end of the month.
Am I crazy or are some of the legends and icons on the numpad grayed out in the options images?
Post by: rioc on Wed, 01 November 2017, 10:53:39
Post by: rioc on Wed, 01 November 2017, 10:55:49
It looks like it, but not sure if final version will be blacker. If not I'll mix and match with my v.1 setIt's live!
https://shop.roddenberry.com/products/galaxy-class-keyset (https://shop.roddenberry.com/products/galaxy-class-keyset)
I'm going to go work on creating a proper GB thread now. :)
damn, for how long? (will I have time till end of november?) I really need v.2 in my collection
edit: I just saw 29days remaining. Thank Q!
Yes indeed! Runs to the end of the month.
Am I crazy or are some of the legends and icons on the numpad grayed out in the options images?
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Post by: xondat on Wed, 01 November 2017, 10:58:47
Post by: graefeln on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:01:20
oh well, thats 250$ gone at the end of the month... steep price for DSA, but I guess that's the included mark-up for roddenberry? still, won't stop me from getting it ;) (they know the fans will just get it)
norbauer actually said the markup is pretty much non-existent (they raised Core by 10$ just to make a profit; otherwise, they were losing money).
Post by: avid on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:01:41
Post by: xondat on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:04:04
For the alternate kits, it says the off-center caps lock is 1.25u (should be 1.75).
I presume the ISO enter is DCS?
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:06:24
It's live!
https://shop.roddenberry.com/products/galaxy-class-keyset (https://shop.roddenberry.com/products/galaxy-class-keyset)
I'm going to go work on creating a proper GB thread now. :)
damn, for how long? (will I have time till end of november?) I really need v.2 in my collection
edit: I just saw 29days remaining. Thank Q!
Yes indeed! Runs to the end of the month.
Am I crazy or are some of the legends and icons on the numpad grayed out in the options images?
Yes, I opted to go with gray for the numpad nav wheel graphics. It is subtler than the black, which can look a bit clunky compared to the minimally sized other legends, and also makes any slight dyesub mis-registration less noticeable.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:08:00
There is an issue with the key layout image.
For the alternate kits, it says the off-center caps lock is 1.25u (should be 1.75).
Oh, thanks! I'll fix that.
I presume the ISO enter is DCS?
Why do you say that? I have an unprinted sample SP sent me and it appears to be normal DSA like all the rest.
Post by: xondat on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:10:09
I presume the ISO enter is DCS?
Why do you say that? I have an unprinted sample SP sent me and it appears to be normal DSA like all the rest.
Oh maybe I haven't paid attention recently but older DSA sets always used DCS ISO since DSA didn't exist. Do you have a picture?
Post by: avid on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:10:52
Why do you say that? I have an unprinted sample SP sent me and it appears to be normal DSA like all the rest.
I posted this in the "[IC] Enchanting Doublefeature - DSA Arcane and DSA Plague"
when i asked for ISO support:
"What? Are you saying DSA enter dont exists? DSA Run (candykeys) have a iso enter for example."
and response from Oblotzky
"Correct, all DSA sets with ISO return keys have used the mold from DCS. It doesn't quite fit since DCS is cylindrical while DSA is spherical, also different thickness."
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:12:56
How does the 150 MOQ work - is it 150 per set or if 150 core are sold, will num/alternate be made even if they fall under? Also, I noticed there no non-bumped F and J included with alternate; is it something that was left out of the render or are those using Dvorak/Colemak going to be using four homing keys?oh well, thats 250$ gone at the end of the month... steep price for DSA, but I guess that's the included mark-up for roddenberry? still, won't stop me from getting it ;) (they know the fans will just get it)
norbauer actually said the markup is pretty much non-existent (they raised Core by 10$ just to make a profit; otherwise, they were losing money).
A surprising amount of the extra cost goes into that fancy box. :O FWIW, this project is way, way, way less than Roddenberry.com normally prefers to get on stuff they sell in order to cover their overhead, but they wanted to do this project anyway just because it seems like such a fun way to do something for two overlapping fan communities. Seriously, the guys there are awesome. :thumb:
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:14:11
Why do you say that? I have an unprinted sample SP sent me and it appears to be normal DSA like all the rest.
I posted this in the "[IC] Enchanting Doublefeature - DSA Arcane and DSA Plague"
when i asked for ISO support:
"What? Are you saying DSA enter dont exists? DSA Run (candykeys) have a iso enter for example."
and response from Oblotzky
"Correct, all DSA sets with ISO return keys have used the mold from DCS. It doesn't quite fit since DCS is cylindrical while DSA is spherical, also different thickness."
Interesting. I shall try to excavate the sample they sent me and post a pic when I get a chance.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:18:02
Post by: rioc on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:20:53
Anybody thinking of picking up a set, incidentally, it would be awesome if you could order earlier rather than later to help show a bit of momentum for the group buy. I sincerely hope we're able to hit the MOQ. :S
Haven't ordered yet since I'm waiting for payday at the end of the month. (Or will money only be charged at the end of the GB? If so I'll pop in my order now.)
Post by: avid on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:21:32
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:25:20
How does the 150 MOQ work - is it 150 per set or if 150 core are sold, will num/alternate be made even if they fall under? Also, I noticed there no non-bumped F and J included with alternate; is it something that was left out of the render or are those using Dvorak/Colemak going to be using four homing keys?
Anything purchased counts towards the MOQ. This is sort of a workaround for the limitations of the GB plugin they're using on Shopify, but it should work out, since it's really sales of the Core set that matter most in terms of our MOQs (again, driven more by the box factory than Signature Plastics).
Any inclusions or non-inclusions in the Alternates set were just a compromise between trying to please as many people as possible and not overloading the set with too many keys, since we could only do one extra set. But, honestly, I took my cues from livingspeedbump on that set, since I don't know too much about alternates (being a boring TKL guy myself). If you think it might have been an error, I can look into it.
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:26:40
Anybody thinking of picking up a set, incidentally, it would be awesome if you could order earlier rather than later to help show a bit of momentum for the group buy. I sincerely hope we're able to hit the MOQ. :S
Haven't ordered yet since I'm waiting for payday at the end of the month. (Or will money only be charged at the end of the GB? If so I'll pop in my order now.)
Again due entirely to limitations with how Shopify works, they have to charge immediately and just refund at the end of the month if MOQ isn't hit.
Post by: redbanshee on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:50:22
Post by: rioc on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:51:27
/r/startrek needs thisDefinitely
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Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:52:13
/r/startrek needs this
hehe. Please feel free to post this far and wide. I'm not super plugged into the social internet, so I can leave that to you guys. ;)
Post by: graefeln on Wed, 01 November 2017, 11:59:00
/r/startrek needs this
hehe. Please feel free to post this far and wide. I'm not super plugged into the social internet, so I can leave that to you guys. ;)
I posted it to /r/mk (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/7a4bu7/galaxy_class_gb_is_up_on_roddenberrycom/) earlier - right after I ordered my set!
Post by: snarfel on Wed, 01 November 2017, 12:14:43
And thinking about it, I don't know if you can get a color layout that would make you think LCARS as much on an ErgoDox to begin with, but I'm a mk newbie.
Post by: redbanshee on Wed, 01 November 2017, 12:14:44
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 12:21:11
Also, may want to remove the survey link in the first post and get a link to the actual buy in the first post, or is there an actual GB post (didnt look yet)?
Good thinking. Done. :)
Post by: snarfel on Wed, 01 November 2017, 12:30:12
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 12:31:23
"keyboard with a housing machined from solid aluminum" on store page links to an access denied Evernote page.
I've got them working on fixing that. We clearly scrambled a bit to get the page up in time for the Tested video. :))
Post by: eksuen on Wed, 01 November 2017, 13:06:28
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 13:48:46
Since the artisan is an individual add-on, am I correct in assuming I can purchase it by itself? I kind of wish it was the Voyager, but I'm sure the Enterprise D satisfies more Star Trek fans. The set looks lovely, but unfortunately, I don't like the typing experience on DSA profile.
Yes, you can absolutely get the artisan by itself! If the artisan proves popular, maybe they'll consider doing a Voyager one too. :)
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 01 November 2017, 13:51:05