[IC] DSA Discovery (original IC)

[japanitrat]

Hey guys,

I just wanted to quickly share what I did a few months ago but never got around to finish. It's missing a lot of things such as uniformly themed novelty keys, different kits, and so on. But I think the idea is cool and I should just share it for getting feedback and continue working on it maybe.

DSA Discovery is meant to be a dye sublimated DSA keyset, reminiscent of the white/grey/black/red exterior and interior designs of well known space crafts such as NASA space shuttles. In particular, I wanted it to feature Eurostile for the legends since it's a very distinct font used in many great science fiction movies. And I wanted it to be somewhat novel in terms of the general design, not just the colors.

Originally, it was supposed to be dark grey set with light legends. Unfortunately, just making the font molds for the legends is so expensive that this is not an option (as most of you may know, there is already a project for that, led by CQ_Cumbers, which didn't make any progress for quite a while now). So I focused on dye sublimation on bright base colors which led to quite a few new ideas. I experimented with subtle patterns, different shades of grey on the same key and adding different shapes uniformly to all keys, among other things. Here comes the base idea:

Light variant



Dark variant



As you can see, the distinct feature is the dark grey stripe at the bottom edge of each key. The mods have thicker ones with inverted legends to spice it up a little and to provide room for providing additional graphics in the main area of the key. It started out without the inverted legends but it looked very much like Granite, despite the different font, imho. Just for reference, here is a picture (not a favoring it, tbh):

More

3D renders

Just to see how this would roughly look. I don't have models for the modifiers so here is just a 1U ESC example:





Kerning is a bit off. Would fix that in the final stages.

Is that kind of print even possible?

Still unclear on that. I contacted SP and they replied that an edge-to-edge print is certainly possible. However, the tolerance space is 0.020 inches. As the design emphasizes the edges (and the inverted mods are even closer to them), it might be the case that even smallest deviations would kill the look (my assumption). I will try to get a sample and decide from there on.

Mod extensions

With the light and dark variant I was quite happy so I was starting to look into making this set more unique. I tried different things for the mods, like providing a sutble background pattern (doable using dye sub as far as I know), or adding additional horizontal bars:





Novelty ideas

The extended mod designs were okay-ish but what I actually wanted was novelty keys that really distinguish the set from others. So I started to play with just very simple but bold geometric shapes for the mods:



Or these ones, inspired by the movie "Moon":



Or these ones which are much finer and colorful (kind of reminds me of WipeOut):



What do you think?

This is all I have sitting around for months now. As I said, I feel that I struggle badly with the novelties and other things turned up in life so I had to put this on ice. Anyhow, I needed to get this off my chest and see if there is any interest in me pursuing this any further. All feedback is welcome. Ideas for novelties -- please shoot

Thanks for checking it out!

Updates
October 10: Added a couple of 3D renders for 1U key and added info from SP
October 7: Typos

[jchan94]

Mods look cool, but I don't know how I'd like it on my keyboard personally.

Can definitely see this being made + a lot of great boards with silver alu cases .

Definitely getting a space transporter type of vibe from it.

edit:

Would love a planetary set or lunar set or something along those lines.

[xondat]

...I actually really like it - but let me ramble a bit! Personally I prefer dark mods and lighter alphas, and also prefer the color variants to reflect on the F row. Light variant looks so much better than the dark variant. I like the first set of novelties and those only, although I don't think they should define a set as not everyone will get them (unless you do it all as one keyset, and not separate them). I think the two 2u keys on the numpad should have the thicker lines like the mods. The red line on the enter is nice, but would like to see a normal version too. I don't think the cyan fits the theme too well, but happy to see where you take it. The 2nd mod options look better.

[Vigrith]

I love it, that particular font is a favourite of mine and I'd 100% buy this for that sole reason.

...I actually really like it - but let me ramble a bit! Personally I prefer dark mods and lighter alphas, and also prefer the color variants to reflect on the F row. Light variant looks so much better than the dark variant. I like the first set of novelties and those only, although I don't think they should define a set as not everyone will get them (unless you do it all as one keyset, and not separate them). I think the two 2u keys on the numpad should have the thicker lines like the mods. The red line on the enter is nice, but would like to see a normal version too. I don't think the cyan fits the theme too well, but happy to see where you take it. The 2nd mod options look better.

I agree with all of this, pretty much - darker mods lighter alphas would look best imo, the first set of novelties is AWESOME the others I care very little for but I'm open to something new as I'm usually a sucker for quirky icons. I like the red on the enter, but a normal version would also be great so that people can choose what they'd want.

Second mods definitely look better. I don't mind the cyan accents but I feel I'd personally be using the standard keys most the time with this set - gives it a stealthy/vintage nerdy look without being overly futuristic/flashy. I'd definitely be open to other colours for accents though, I can't really think of what would look best but could you potentially just make them black? I think that'd be pretty cool. Red would also fit pretty good considering the red enter, I'd say.

[KHAANNN]

Can they dye-sub the edges of the keycaps in a pleasing manner tho, I think the dye-sub process is the bottleneck for this IC*

[japanitrat]

Mods look cool, but I don't know how I'd like it on my keyboard personally.

Can definitely see this being made + a lot of great boards with silver alu cases .

Definitely getting a space transporter type of vibe from it.

edit:

Would love a planetary set or lunar set or something along those lines.

Thanks for the feedback, jchan!

As for the set suggestions: do you have anything more specific in mind? Different alphas, mods, just colors, novelties? You're thinking moving the whole theme towards planets, or other astronomic entities (asteroids? moons? systems? galaxies? clusters? SUPERCLUSTERS? )

[japanitrat]

...I actually really like it - but let me ramble a bit! Personally I prefer dark mods and lighter alphas, and also prefer the color variants to reflect on the F row. Light variant looks so much better than the dark variant. I like the first set of novelties and those only, although I don't think they should define a set as not everyone will get them (unless you do it all as one keyset, and not separate them). I think the two 2u keys on the numpad should have the thicker lines like the mods. The red line on the enter is nice, but would like to see a normal version too. I don't think the cyan fits the theme too well, but happy to see where you take it. The 2nd mod options look better.

Haha, glad you ramble. Any kind of feedback is good. By first set of novelties you mean the more subtle ones, right? I will update the renders to contain the base set only, without the red enter, I suppose.

The numpad, yeah, problem is that the legend for "return" needs two rows. Can't do inverted legend here as the much thicker bar looks more odd than the current version. However, I could make the bar as thick as the other mods but add the legend on top .. gonna test it tonight.

Regarding the cyan: the idea is taken from the color of warp drives from Start Trek. Or exhaust tubes in sci-fi space ships in general (most are white/blue-ish I think). Going to look for some more inspiration, though.

Thanks!

[japanitrat]

I love it, that particular font is a favourite of mine and I'd 100% buy this for that sole reason.

...I actually really like it - but let me ramble a bit! Personally I prefer dark mods and lighter alphas, and also prefer the color variants to reflect on the F row. Light variant looks so much better than the dark variant. I like the first set of novelties and those only, although I don't think they should define a set as not everyone will get them (unless you do it all as one keyset, and not separate them). I think the two 2u keys on the numpad should have the thicker lines like the mods. The red line on the enter is nice, but would like to see a normal version too. I don't think the cyan fits the theme too well, but happy to see where you take it. The 2nd mod options look better.

I agree with all of this, pretty much - darker mods lighter alphas would look best imo, the first set of novelties is AWESOME the others I care very little for but I'm open to something new as I'm usually a sucker for quirky icons. I like the red on the enter, but a normal version would also be great so that people can choose what they'd want.

Second mods definitely look better. I don't mind the cyan accents but I feel I'd personally be using the standard keys most the time with this set - gives it a stealthy/vintage nerdy look without being overly futuristic/flashy. I'd definitely be open to other colours for accents though, I can't really think of what would look best but could you potentially just make them black? I think that'd be pretty cool. Red would also fit pretty good considering the red enter, I'd say.

Thanks for the feedback! Yeah, man, the font is awesome and we need sets using it!
For a version with darker mods than alphas, would you like higher contrast than what is shown in the "hidden" version below the two base versions? (click the "more" button)

As for the mods/novelties, yeah, will update the base versions to not contain the red enter. By first set of novelties, do you mean the actual noveltiy keys (with the very in-your-face icons)? Regarding the black keys: so a really dark key with even darker legends? Or just a darker grey? Or even the regular bright grey but with a much darker bottom bar?

[japanitrat]

Can they dye-sub the edges of the keycaps in a pleasing manner tho, I think the dye-sub process is the bottleneck for this IC*

That's the big question indeed. I think they can easily print to the edges. But I think for this set it would be critical that the grey bottom bars line up. There is not a lot of room for tolerance. Guess, I have to ask SP just to make sure.

Edit: Shot them a mail, let's see ..

[Vigrith]

As for the mods/novelties, yeah, will update the base versions to not contain the red enter. By first set of novelties, do you mean the actual noveltiy keys (with the very in-your-face icons)? Regarding the black keys: so a really dark key with even darker legends? Or just a darker grey? Or even the regular bright grey but with a much darker bottom bar?

These are my favourite novelties, I believe these are the ones Xondat was referring to also.



Regarding the black keys yea, might be hard to make those work seeing as the legends are already pretty dark - when I said that I was thinking of like matte black with lighter legends but then I realized the that'd be pretty hard to make work.

Regardless, what you already have is awesome with those novelties I linked so looking forward to developments!

[Data]

Pretty sure that white background is a no-go for dye sub, unless something's changed in the last few months. The red and blue should be OK though given the right base plastic color.

Really digging the design.

[japanitrat]

Pretty sure that white background is a no-go for dye sub, unless something's changed in the last few months. The red and blue should be OK though given the right base plastic color.

Really digging the design.

Mhh, what white background are you referring to? The base color on the mods is WAN. The bblue accents would be BFV most likely. For the alphas I didnt decide yet.
There is no white print, only grey and red.

[japanitrat]

As for the mods/novelties, yeah, will update the base versions to not contain the red enter. By first set of novelties, do you mean the actual noveltiy keys (with the very in-your-face icons)? Regarding the black keys: so a really dark key with even darker legends? Or just a darker grey? Or even the regular bright grey but with a much darker bottom bar?

These are my favourite novelties, I believe these are the ones Xondat was referring to also.

Show Image

Regarding the black keys yea, might be hard to make those work seeing as the legends are already pretty dark - when I said that I was thinking of like matte black with lighter legends but then I realized the that'd be pretty hard to make work.

Regardless, what you already have is awesome with those novelties I linked so looking forward to developments!

Gotya ;) will iterate on those. More updates soon™

[Data]

Pretty sure that white background is a no-go for dye sub, unless something's changed in the last few months. The red and blue should be OK though given the right base plastic color.

Really digging the design.

Mhh, what white background are you referring to? The base color on the mods is WAN. The bblue accents would be BFV most likely. For the alphas I didnt decide yet.
There is no white print, only grey and red.

I may have grossly misunderstood your renders then, I apologize.

I was referring mainly to this image:


It looks like you've got some diagonal stripes going on the mods along with the inverted legend colors.  But if you're saying the lighter color of the stripes is the base plastic, then I've got them flipped in my head.  It's sort of an optical illusion.  The slightly darker grey should work as a dye sublimated color in that case, at least in theory.

[japanitrat]

Oh. Man. You're right. It looks like it's a white print. My apologies. It is indeed just the "lit" top of the plastic. Even worse, the faint stripes are brighter than the sides.

Will try a 3d render to make this more clear. I already have DSA as a model somewhere, just need to take some time to get into blender again .. at least for a single key to see what the edge-to-edge print looks like in 3d

[japanitrat]

I actually managed to produce a 3D render that illustrates a regular 1U key. Did not find suitable models for the mods, unfortunately :/





I am also in contact with SP and confirmed that they would be able to do such a print. However, the tolerance is about 0.020 inches which might not be good enough for the mods in the base variant (as the inverted legends are very close to the edge). I am going to check if a test sample can be produced.

P.S.: Yes, the kerning is off. Would fix that in the later stages :>

[fax668]

Very nice. Could make the ESC key maybe in the same red as the Enter key?

[Data]

I actually managed to produce a 3D render that illustrates a regular 1U key. Did not find suitable models for the mods, unfortunately :/

Show Image

Show Image

I am also in contact with SP and confirmed that they would be able to do such a print. However, the tolerance is about 0.020 inches which might not be good enough for the mods in the base variant (as the inverted legends are very close to the edge). I am going to check if a test sample can be produced.

P.S.: Yes, the kerning is off. Would fix that in the later stages :>

Looks nice.  SP did some very fine detail subs for the LCARS set that brought the dye out very near to the edge of the cap.  It took them a few tries to get it right but they refined their process over the course of producing the set and I'm sure they could do it again.  Just make sure you get QC photos before you accept shipping on anything.

[japanitrat]

I actually managed to produce a 3D render that illustrates a regular 1U key. Did not find suitable models for the mods, unfortunately :/

Show Image

Show Image

I am also in contact with SP and confirmed that they would be able to do such a print. However, the tolerance is about 0.020 inches which might not be good enough for the mods in the base variant (as the inverted legends are very close to the edge). I am going to check if a test sample can be produced.

P.S.: Yes, the kerning is off. Would fix that in the later stages :>

Looks nice.  SP did some very fine detail subs for the LCARS set that brought the dye out very near to the edge of the cap.  It took them a few tries to get it right but they refined their process over the course of producing the set and I'm sure they could do it again.  Just make sure you get QC photos before you accept shipping on anything.

Wow, skimming through the IC and GB thread gave a pretty good (and reassuring) picture. If I understand this correctly, SP actually does the printing, contrary what's stated on keypuller.com, right?

[japanitrat]

Very nice. Could make the ESC key maybe in the same red as the Enter key?

Yeah, maybe. Would like to nail the style of the mods/novelties first, though. Still haven't got time to do more stuff in that direction, unfortunately.

[Data]

I actually managed to produce a 3D render that illustrates a regular 1U key. Did not find suitable models for the mods, unfortunately :/

Show Image

Show Image

I am also in contact with SP and confirmed that they would be able to do such a print. However, the tolerance is about 0.020 inches which might not be good enough for the mods in the base variant (as the inverted legends are very close to the edge). I am going to check if a test sample can be produced.

P.S.: Yes, the kerning is off. Would fix that in the later stages :>

Looks nice.  SP did some very fine detail subs for the LCARS set that brought the dye out very near to the edge of the cap.  It took them a few tries to get it right but they refined their process over the course of producing the set and I'm sure they could do it again.  Just make sure you get QC photos before you accept shipping on anything.

Wow, skimming through the IC and GB thread gave a pretty good (and reassuring) picture. If I understand this correctly, SP actually does the printing, contrary what's stated on keypuller.com, right?

You know, I'm not sure if we ever confirmed that one way or the other.  Good question.

[jrmobley]

Oh man, I really like what you were doing here!

The light alphas with darker mods, the Eurostile, the inverted legends on the modifiers... very nice.  Novelty keys in general don't do a thing for me.  And personally I don't think your design needs any of those variations you were struggling with either.  Just your original light variant is the best!

This has a lot of similarities to one of the first layouts I was playing with when I first discovered the MK scene, before I found out how hard it was to get keycaps, haha.



My design was inspired by the TRS-80 Color Computer, which features the same font and similar colors.



The only things I would suggest for your design would be to make the legends a little darker and the mods a little whiter, and to consider some colored accents on more of the modifiers, like you did for the return key.

But again, I really like what you have already!

-JR

[japanitrat]

Oh man, I really like what you were doing here!

The light alphas with darker mods, the Eurostile, the inverted legends on the modifiers... very nice.  Novelty keys in general don't do a thing for me.  And personally I don't think your design needs any of those variations you were struggling with either.  Just your original light variant is the best!

This has a lot of similarities to one of the first layouts I was playing with when I first discovered the MK scene, before I found out how hard it was to get keycaps, haha.

(Attachment Link)

My design was inspired by the TRS-80 Color Computer, which features the same font and similar colors.

(Attachment Link)

The only things I would suggest for your design would be to make the legends a little darker and the mods a little whiter, and to consider some colored accents on more of the modifiers, like you did for the return key.

But again, I really like what you have already!

-JR

That's an interesting bottom row, my friend! And thanks for the feedback!
I really appreciate that there is some love for lighter-mods-than-alphas most people tend to prefer the other way around.
I suppose you meant to make the legends on the alphas a bit darker but the base color of the mods light?

[Kominyetska]

If it's DSA, I'll likely buy it. I dig the look.

[jrmobley]

I suppose you meant to make the legends on the alphas a bit darker but the base color of the mods light?

Exactly!  Just a touch more contrast for readability.


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[breckstar]

This look awesome. Needs some orange mods

[japanitrat]

Last thing I did was to create all relevant DSA models in Blender and their UV maps. Next step was to create a full set and map their textures to the output of the Illustrator file I have. Never got to it but will try to make some free time in the coming days!

[iFreilicht]

This look awesome. Needs some orange mods

Oh god yes, orange mods with bright white alphas would look amazing!

[japanitrat]

Small update -- I finished mapping base alphas and base mods onto DSA models in Blender. Accidentally made the bars less tall in the process. Will probably revert to a more "SP-friendly" height (which won't cause massive issues if the accuracy is off a bit).





Didn't add colors yet because I want all keys mapped first. Fullsize first, specialties after that.
Then hunting for novelties again, and colors!

[Kominyetska]

I really like how clean and different this set looks. I hope it goes into production!

[japanitrat]

I really like how clean and different this set looks. I hope it goes into production!

Me too! Lots of work ahead

[yuppie]

pls

[rioc]

heya mate

How did I miss this until now? Would so be in on this set! Looks friggin awesome

[japanitrat]

heya mate

How did I miss this until now? Would so be in on this set! Looks friggin awesome

Hey, man!
Haha, thanks for your support there. I actually did a lot of additional stuff for this set which isn't on the thread, yet.
Going to update it once I finish _some_ Ergodox kit. Had to stop mid-March because of increased load at my day job :/
New stuff coming soon(tm), though :>

[Vigrith]

Food for thought - this might be worth running in XDA instead. Better profile, cheaper (probably), faster. Seems to be all darker legends on lighter background so dye-sub should be no problem.

[ricyuyc]

Food for thought - this might be worth running in XDA instead. Better profile, cheaper (probably), faster. Seems to be all darker legends on lighter background so dye-sub should be no problem.

Same here, just received my Milestone and thats quite good for me.

[rioc]

Food for thought - this might be worth running in XDA instead. Better profile, cheaper (probably), faster. Seems to be all darker legends on lighter background so dye-sub should be no problem.

better is personal preference... I prefer DSA over XDA, but no matter which one of those OP decides to roll with, I'm on board

[Vigrith]

better is personal preference... I prefer DSA over XDA, but no matter which one of those OP decides to roll with, I'm on board

I should've expanded on that. I mostly meant better surface area which usually tends to lead to a better typing experience overall. I do like DSA too, more than I like every other (SA, OEM, even cherry) profile but everyone I've spoken to that's been a fan of DSA for years enjoys the extra surface XDA provides. Definitely subjective though, no argument there.

[rioc]

better is personal preference... I prefer DSA over XDA, but no matter which one of those OP decides to roll with, I'm on board

I should've expanded on that. I mostly meant better surface area which usually tends to lead to a better typing experience overall. I do like DSA too, more than I like every other (SA, OEM, even cherry) profile but everyone I've spoken to that's been a fan of DSA for years enjoys the extra surface XDA provides. Definitely subjective though, no argument there.

Can well be, gotta type on my xda set a bit more then, only tried it once and it's now just on standby.
Got canvas alpha coming done time soon which I intend to use more

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[japanitrat]

I also received Milestone a week ago and I still have to adapt to it. So far I still like DSA more but that doesn't mean a lot. Need more time to get used to it.

I am going to do a test to see how the bars would look like on larger surface but even if XDA turns out to be much nicer, I am still worried about the accuracy of their sublimation process. I've seen quite a few misaligned legends on discord, their QC doesn't seem to be as good as SP's.

[japanitrat]

Food for thought - this might be worth running in XDA instead. Better profile, cheaper (probably), faster. Seems to be all darker legends on lighter background so dye-sub should be no problem.

Yeah, specifically designed for dye-sub! I don't think it's even possible to do those bars with double shots

[Vigrith]

Yeah, specifically designed for dye-sub! I don't think it's even possible to do those bars with double shots

Probably could but yea I figured it was designed for dye-sub, I was tired last night when I made the suggestion haha.

Regarding surface area, I actually think the bars would look really good that way - far as QC goes, I bought enough kits for a small family (enough to cover 4 boards up to 75% and then a bunch of random **** like novelties etc) and I have no caps suffering from any issues at all; their dye sub job seems as good as SP's, at least so long as there are no QC problems and all is done properly.

I'd imagine they have to up their game if there were problems with Milestone, they're taking on Canvas which was super successful on MD and I doubt they want to disappoint that many customers.

I'm in for this regardless, I love different sets, if you do go with DSA that's still perfectly fine!

[japanitrat]

Update: not dead, yet

[lovetree]

Update: not dead, yet

Show Image

Good to hear that.  :thumb:

[fax668]

Not bad. I think I prefer the clinical look of the original version however.

[simonyunhe]

Glad to see some progress here!  )

[Skull_Angel]

Update: not dead, yet

Show Image

That pretty hot

[AuthenticDanger]

Well I'm sold. So many excellent DSA sets being teased... my wallet can only take so much abuse!

[japanitrat]

I am getting into the sub kits right now (and one new mod novelty design variant):



In order: 60% kit, compatibility kit, 40% kit, ortho kit.
Missing from here are TKL and numpad, mainly because they don't have fancy icons or thick bars at the bottom (instead, they're more like the alphas in terms of design)

[pixelpusher]

Very nice work on the mods.  Creative and original but they totally make sense. 

[ricyuyc]

Good design, would be nice to include mods for egrodox 

[robotsokk]

Good design, would be nice to include mods for egrodox 

Seconded.

[japanitrat]

Very nice work on the mods.  Creative and original but they totally make sense.

Thank you!

[japanitrat]

Good design, would be nice to include mods for egrodox 

Seconded.

Already in the pipes! I have the first version ready but only with placeholders. Will likely go with unlabeled (or "faux" labeled) mods as left and right mods have different alignments and I don't want the kit to explode with too many keys as it'd be too expensive, probably

[robotsokk]

Already in the pipes! I have the first version ready but only with placeholders. Will likely go with unlabeled (or "faux" labeled) mods as left and right mods have different alignments and I don't want the kit to explode with too many keys as it'd be too expensive, probably

Cool beans. 'Faux labeled' would have my vote.

[jebbra]

The addition of icons for the mods is a big improvement

I thirded the ergodox. And I agree about the faux too since there are so many configuration unique to everyone but in the same time, I hate blank keys when the alphas is legended. So faux will do the justice here. A very nice example of faux legend is SA Godspeed novelties kit and G20 Semiotics.

[japanitrat]

The addition of icons for the mods is a big improvement

I thirded the ergodox. And I agree about the faux too since there are so many configuration unique to everyone but in the same time, I hate blank keys when the alphas is legended. So faux will do the justice here. A very nice example of faux legend is SA Godspeed novelties kit and G20 Semiotics.

Ye, I also liked Oblotzky's take in Oblivion.

[Vigrith]

Just passing by to say I still love this.

[japanitrat]

Just passing by to say I still love this.

[japanitrat]

Here is what I am currently thinking for the faux labels:



Uses the old striped mods version. Haven't gotten around to do the icons, yet.

The bottom row uses abbreviations of a bunch of NASA Spaceshuttle systems. The side mods will feature more relatable keywords.
If you have suggestions, please let me know!

[ricyuyc]

Here is what I am currently thinking for the faux labels:

Show Image

Uses the old striped mods version. Haven't gotten around to do the icons, yet.

The bottom row uses abbreviations of a bunch of NASA Spaceshuttle systems. The side mods will feature more relatable keywords.
If you have suggestions, please let me know!

Really Great  ;D

[Parva Ovis]

Here is what I am currently thinking for the faux labels:

Show Image

These are really appealing. I can't wait to see the icon version. My only critique is that "diagnose" should really just be "diag" since all the other labels are 4 letters or fewer.

[jebbra]

Err.. Sorry I got distracted by those ergodox case render 

I'm not sure about the 4 letters only tho, since on usual key there are confirm and also shift. But one thing I wanna make sure is: we still go with white alpha, right? That clinical look, pure and sterile!

[japanitrat]

Here is what I am currently thinking for the faux labels:

Show Image

These are really appealing. I can't wait to see the icon version. My only critique is that "diagnose" should really just be "diag" since all the other labels are 4 letters or fewer.

Oh wow, what a coincidence. I haven't actually planned on that as I was changing the labels quite often.  I wouldn't limit myself to four letters though but potentially change a few to have more letters. I'll try out your suggestion as well, though.

[japanitrat]

Err.. Sorry I got distracted by those ergodox case render 

I'm not sure about the 4 letters only tho, since on usual key there are confirm and also shift. But one thing I wanna make sure is: we still go with white alpha, right? That clinical look, pure and sterile!

So far I intend to run with to sets of alphas (dark grey and white) but let people vote on modifiers on r/mk potentially. What do you think?

[Slimko]

Any concrete plans on the novelties yet? I think nobody responded to the third option (the coloured ones), but I really love them.

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[japanitrat]

Any concrete plans on the novelties yet? I think nobody responded to the third option (the coloured ones), but I really love them.

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Nothing on that front, no. The colored ones you mentioned were meant to be extended to all mods but I don't think I am going to provide another voting option for completely new mods. It's just too much work and I still have ideas how to optimize the current versions (e.g. color accents, playing with patterns, additional artwork on much smaller scale, that kinda stuff).

That being said, I'd still like to have a nice kit of novelties (5 to 10 max), just not sure on the topic or style. I think, WipeOut-ish would look awesome but I am having trouble creating a reasonable story around them in relation to the current theme.

[Slimko]

I understand, and it sounds great. Hopefully there will be a few subtle splashes of colour in the novelties, but even if not, the set is awesome!

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[japanitrat]

I understand, and it sounds great. Hopefully there will be a few subtle splashes of colour in the novelties, but even if not, the set is awesome!

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Thanks, mate! Will see what I can do! Just looked at the date and it's over a year ago I started this thread Need to finish working on it at some point

[japanitrat]

A few icons need some more work (and should be on a different key) but a couple of them I am quite happy about!



A few color accents and the Ergodox kit should be good!

Edit: All of the side mods have four letters, Parva Ovis

[jebbra]

I don't mind a red accent on enter like you show in the past, kinda spice thins up, make it looks important so people will have a fair warning not to go near them. Anoher pair of 1u red will be appreciated as it can be used almost everywhere, if you make them novelites.

[Ouster]

This is an amazing looking set. The more Moon symbols you can incorporate the better! I love the look of that movie, perfect mixture of future yet worn and retro sci-fi.

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[jebbra]

I am getting into the sub kits right now (and one new mod novelty design variant):

Show Image

In order: 60% kit, compatibility kit, 40% kit, ortho kit.
Missing from here are TKL and numpad, mainly because they don't have fancy icons or thick bars at the bottom (instead, they're more like the alphas in terms of design)

Bumping with the kit which I think will look best :thumb:

[Slimko]

Now it's bumped, any progress?

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[japanitrat]

No progress on novelties (which I consider blocking on a wider IC), unfortunately.

In the meantime, tried to see if I can find a similar font for a Hiragana alphas kit:



I doubt that natives would approve of that choice would probably go for a more traditional font

[jebbra]

No progress on novelties (which I consider blocking on a wider IC), unfortunately.

In the meantime, tried to see if I can find a similar font for a Hiragana alphas kit:

Show Image

I doubt that natives would approve of that choice :P would probably go for a more traditional font

When I think it can't go any better, you make Hiragana alpha... Pls make it happen :rolleyes:

[japanitrat]

No progress on novelties (which I consider blocking on a wider IC), unfortunately.

In the meantime, tried to see if I can find a similar font for a Hiragana alphas kit:

Show Image

I doubt that natives would approve of that choice :P would probably go for a more traditional font

When I think it can't go any better, you make Hiragana alpha... Pls make it happen :rolleyes:

Haha, thanks, mate!
It's going to happen, question is only when ;)

[jebbra]

No progress on novelties (which I consider blocking on a wider IC), unfortunately.

In the meantime, tried to see if I can find a similar font for a Hiragana alphas kit:

Show Image

I doubt that natives would approve of that choice :P would probably go for a more traditional font

When I think it can't go any better, you make Hiragana alpha... Pls make it happen :rolleyes:

Haha, thanks, mate!
It's going to happen, question is only when ;)

What are you waiting for, exactly? Btw, I hear the company doing DSA Drifter is having a thicker DSA, maybe you should consider that

[Vigrith]

Just popping by to say I'm still here and I still love this set. The Hiragana is beautiful and fits the theme of the set wonderfully in ways Latin did not,and although in my personal opinion it sort of clashes with the Latin mods as per the render shown, I am certain this is something you are aware of already and can work on and deal with in time.

Very much looking forward to further developments.

[japanitrat]

No progress on novelties (which I consider blocking on a wider IC), unfortunately.

In the meantime, tried to see if I can find a similar font for a Hiragana alphas kit:

Show Image

I doubt that natives would approve of that choice :P would probably go for a more traditional font

When I think it can't go any better, you make Hiragana alpha... Pls make it happen :rolleyes:

Haha, thanks, mate!
It's going to happen, question is only when ;)

What are you waiting for, exactly? Btw, I hear the company doing DSA Drifter is having a thicker DSA, maybe you should consider that

Yeah, I also heard that they are slightly less accurate, though, due to the dye sub process they are using.

I am still waiting for a good idea for a novelty theme kit. I haven't had the time to attend to it fully but I hope to get to it real soon, again :/

[japanitrat]

Just popping by to say I'm still here and I still love this set. The Hiragana is beautiful and fits the theme of the set wonderfully in ways Latin did not,and although in my personal opinion it sort of clashes with the Latin mods as per the render shown, I am certain this is something you are aware of already and can work on and deal with in time.

Very much looking forward to further developments.

Thanks, Vigrith, much appreciated!

On the mismatch between the legends, yeah, I agree. Tried with the current icon kits but it's not working well either, unfortunately. I'll check if I can come up with a different mod kit that works well with both alpha variants.

Japanese keyboards usually have a bunch of special modifiers but others are still plain English, e.g. shift or enter. Maybe Katakana mods would work for those but I don't know how this floats with native Japanese folks, honestly.

[Aktavate]

Still following, this would be very cool even without mods though the icon mods are great looking as well!

[vewy_nice]

This is cool, Me likey!

I actually really like the original "dark theme" render in the OP. The striped mods in the ergodox render are cool, too!

[Aktavate]

Yea I really like the mods with the subtle hex pattern and icons!

[crtexcnndrm99]

This has some potential, very interested! Have a silver board that this would go perfectly with, just keep pushing that NASA theme and it’ll be great


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[schmoktopus]

This has some serious potential

[sevenseacat]

Would love some bright coloured modifiers in the same style...

[ucyo]

The set looks really nice. Especially with the renders. Did you do the blender renders from scratch or is there a repo for different keycap profiles? 

[vewy_nice]

This would look REALLY good on the Mars TKL that just hit GB!

I'm in for one of those, so now this just needs to go to GB so I can be in for this, too!

[japanitrat]

This would look REALLY good on the Mars TKL that just hit GB!

I'm in for one of those, so now this just needs to go to GB so I can be in for this, too!

It really would, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, I have to spend my evenings on other design stuff (job) atm. I don't think this is going to wider IC or even GB phase anytime soon.

[japanitrat]

The set looks really nice. Especially with the renders. Did you do the blender renders from scratch or is there a repo for different keycap profiles? 

Thanks for the appreciation!

I think I got the DSA base models from some Github repo but had to extend it quite a lot to accomodate for missing key sizes, stepped caps lock and ISO enter.

[japanitrat]

This has some potential, very interested! Have a silver board that this would go perfectly with, just keep pushing that NASA theme and it’ll be great

Agreed
and thank you!

[japanitrat]

Would love some bright coloured modifiers in the same style...

OK, but only after I have a novelties kit

[majinfraze]

This is exactly what I'm looking for!

I really liked this https://pimpmykeyboard.com/g20-semiotic-keycap-set/ Semitotic kit from Alien, but wanted actual letters instead of symbols.  Your board seems awesome.


When can I buy it!?

[Cobertt]

Id definitely be in for a set!

[vewy_nice]

This would look REALLY good on the Mars TKL that just hit GB!

I'm in for one of those, so now this just needs to go to GB so I can be in for this, too!

It really would, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, I have to spend my evenings on other design stuff (job) atm. I don't think this is going to wider IC or even GB phase anytime soon.

No rush, it'd be better to do it right than fast and sloppy!

[ipley]

when does it start?

[Aktavate]

! Any news?

[japanitrat]

! Any news?

Nope
Swamped with work.
I collected a lot of ideas for novelties and started doing sketches for them. Nothing for sharing, yet, though.

[-Rooster-]

Interested as well. Subscribing!

[dpranker]

Really like this set, count me in

[goodman247]

Love the Dark Variant!! Very unique design on the key symbols!! Please take my money!!

[jimirolln]

a fan of the light...im not trying to get in on any more gb's...but if the set were a staple on pmk thru design submission...i would rock it

[SingSong]

I'm a fan of the light variant. Screams 'science' and 'space shuttles' to me. XD Hope this is actually possible with the edge-to-edge colors.

[rioc]

I'm a fan of the light variant. Screams 'science' and 'space shuttles' to me. XD Hope this is actually possible with the edge-to-edge colors.

same, light version is more space agency like.
also, the edge-to-edge is defo possible with SPs dye-sub process (see the dsa gc numpad)

[mudcakehoney]

Is this still happening?

[rioc]

Is this still happening?

yeah, but not in a rush... real life comes first

check the end of page 2

[Avalai]

Damn, I didn't see the hiragana set until now. As much as it's not a "traditional" font, I would love to see more design variety in Japanese sets. The font matches the English set's feel very well.

[japanitrat]

I really appreciate all the love for the set, folks, I am glad you're checking in regularly!

As for progress, I am still in the trenches IRL. I wasn't able to make any progress since the last post.

Be assured, though, that this is definitely going to happen, one way or the other!

[Striker_]

This may be the only keyset where I prefer the light variant. I'd definitely love to have something like this in the office.

No rush with the design, real life should always come first.

[nimblejacks]

Loving this design, it's very unique. It's really channeling a Mass Effect vibe 

[ELLIOTTCABLE]

Those Ergodox renders are absolutely sex. Y_Y

[Kerasan]

a fan of astronomy like me, must have this set 

KMK Labs.

[rioc]

I really appreciate all the love for the set, folks, I am glad you're checking in regularly!

As for progress, I am still in the trenches IRL. I wasn't able to make any progress since the last post.

Be assured, though, that this is definitely going to happen, one way or the other!

Nur kein Stress mein Freund, die Community ist sich warten gewohnt und steht hinter dir.

[japanitrat]

I really appreciate all the love for the set, folks, I am glad you're checking in regularly!

As for progress, I am still in the trenches IRL. I wasn't able to make any progress since the last post.

Be assured, though, that this is definitely going to happen, one way or the other!

Nur kein Stress mein Freund, die Community ist sich warten gewohnt und steht hinter dir.

Merci vielmals, ma dude  

[Fate]

Subscribed to thread, very interested. I usually keep at least one of my boards in Semiotic Standard, and this'd be the perfect counterpart for my sim cockpit's board.

[rumlyne]

More

No progress on novelties (which I consider blocking on a wider IC), unfortunately.

In the meantime, tried to see if I can find a similar font for a Hiragana alphas kit:

Show Image

I doubt that natives would approve of that choice :P would probably go for a more traditional font

This looks like the console of the flagship of the japanese star trek spinoff I didn't know I wanted!

[William_S_Jones]

I like this set, I just came across this post & love this set. Even though I am a 40% user, I still hope this set may offer a 40s kit, please.


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[g_mr_p]

Not only do I like the look of this set, but it also offers a good selection of sub kits.  Hoping this project comes down the pipe at some point.

[thorin]

Show Image

Sploosh. Love it in white. I also really dig the third colorful novelty mods but I would love to see some novelties that don’t have mod legends. Maybe some inspiration from the Nostromo?

 And now I’m cracking up that Alien had “yoni” and “agaric fly” as button legends.

[pixelpusher]

Show Image

Sploosh. Love it in white. I also really dig the third colorful novelty mods but I would love to see some novelties that don’t have mod legends. Maybe some inspiration from the Nostromo?

Show Image

 And now I’m cracking up that Alien had “yoni” and “agaric fly” as button legends.

that ship has already sailed
https://deskthority.net/group-buys-f50/g20-semiotics-upcoming-sp-featured-set-of-the-month-t15115.html

[ArchDill]

Seeing this thread makes me realize how fast time flies. I remember when this IC came out.

[japanitrat]

It does :/
Did some work cleaning up the blender files, adding accent key sources, and a few novelty ideas. New IC is planned but no date yet.

[Oni74]

I prefer the light version. I do like the accents, but I think you should be careful to not make it look too busy. For uniform profile, I'd prefer XDA over DSA, however.

[japanitrat]

Mini update.
I got a few samples from SP!



I tried several contrast settings and confirmed that my original setting in the artwork is not dark enough. Here is a comparison with some other sets I had at hand:



I think the white on the second to last "Q" is spot on. On they grey one, I am not sure yet. Also, the color accents definitly require more contrast and likely a different base color.

I really like where this is going, though. I will revise some of the artwork.

[holtenc]

neato. looks good .

[pixelpusher]

Good to see this making progress.  I agree with all of your assessments of colors and contrast.

[arrowM]

Really liking this!

[vicissitude]

nice underline
so interesting 

[Aktavate]

Awesome to see this still coming along, definitely a unique set I'll be picking up for sure! 

[japanitrat]

For those who were watching this thread (and are still in the hobby), I created a new IC post which will I will use for further updates: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=120470.0.

Thanks a ton for your support and feedback over the years! I really appreciate you folks!