[IC] Retro Cassette DSA

[nubbinator]

Based on some retro laptops with DSA style caps and with a built in cassette deck.  I'll get a proper IC later, but for now, just comment in the thread if it's something that sounds interesting to you.

Cap set:




Inspiration(s):

[Vibex]

I like the colours, I would scrap the orange though and find a nicer font. I also think that either all the keys should have a single icon, or that it should follow normal keyboard key design. Not the semi-mono legend that your preview has.

[hashbaz]

Colors look great, but boo to DSA.

[Flyersfan1]

This looks fantastic Nubbinator! Definitely interested.

[strict]

I like the colours, I would scrap the orange though and find a nicer font. I also think that either all the keys should have a single icon, or that it should follow normal keyboard key design. Not the semi-mono legend that your preview has.

I agree with Vibex, I think it should either be full mono-legend or full standard legend. I do like the mono legend look if I were to pick just one. Regardless, I would be very tempted to order a set. I do like the orange though.

[nubbinator]

I like the colours, I would scrap the orange though and find a nicer font. I also think that either all the keys should have a single icon, or that it should follow normal keyboard key design. Not the semi-mono legend that your preview has.

If it's DSA, it has to be large and centered (and it goes with the original).  If it's DCS, it can be Cherry.  The pic is just a rough idea though.

And,  to be honest, the orange is really what makes it for me.  I could probably add in a more "normal" option, but then it's practically inverted Dolch. I guess I need to buy an SP color ring so I can show off a nice dark orange (or get them to do a custom orange) and show what the colors would actually be.  I just have a hard time dropping $40 on a color ring to make SP money.

Colors look great, but boo to DSA.

What profile would you prefer?  I'd do GMK, but they don't have anywhere near the right colors.  I'd love some of the Devlin profiles, but they only work through QWERkeys and after my last GB with them, I refuse to work with them ever again.

Would DCS be better?  I refuse to do SA, so it would be between DCS and DSA.

[Vibex]

I like the colours, I would scrap the orange though and find a nicer font. I also think that either all the keys should have a single icon, or that it should follow normal keyboard key design. Not the semi-mono legend that your preview has.

If it's DSA, it has to be large and centered (and it goes with the original).  If it's DCS, it can be Cherry.  The pic is just a rough idea though.

And,  to be honest, the orange is really what makes it for me.  I could probably add in a more "normal" option, but then it's practically inverted Dolch.

Oh I just ment the font in general. I know that if it's DSA it will have to be large and centered. I just think you can find a better font. And to each their own when it comes to colours. I've just never been found of the colour orange (or yellow for that matter). I just think it's a meh colour over all.

[hashbaz]

Personally I'd definitely prefer DCS.

And,  to be honest, the orange is really what makes it for me.  I could probably add in a more "normal" option, but then it's practically inverted Dolch.

Yeah the orange is great.  The alphas look like they have some brown in them in the pics though?

[SSIPAK]

ooo I like this, great idea nubb! That color combo on the first picture is awesome! (chocolate alphas with brownish-grey mods) Why not go with this color combo? 

[nubbinator]

Personally I'd definitely prefer DCS.

And,  to be honest, the orange is really what makes it for me.  I could probably add in a more "normal" option, but then it's practically inverted Dolch.

Yeah the orange is great.  The alphas look like they have some brown in them in the pics though?

Thanks man.  I don't know why, but the orange makes it for me.  Otherwise it's kind of bland.  Just look at the orange WASD cluster that was an option with the DSA Dolch set and how much that sexed it up.

That's kind of the intent (the brown in the alphas that is).  I need to get the color ring again.  I seem to remember an almost black brown that SP has that would be perfect.  I'm really just doing a rough rough mock up with this tool and it doesn't seem to have the right brownish color for it that I remember being in the ring.

[jacobolus]

You should put the CTRL key back in its proper place, like your inspiration keyboards. Also, use the right name for RETURN.

[strict]

You should put the CTRL key back in its proper place, like your inspiration keyboards. Also, use the right name for RETURN.

It would be cool to have RETURN instead of ENTER 

[nubbinator]

You should put the CTRL key back in its proper place, like your inspiration keyboards. Also, use the right name for RETURN.

And next you'll be wanting a shift lock cap.

Changing enter to Return is a good idea that I think I'll do, but, since I'm proposing DSA, you can **** with the CTRL wherever you want.

[Data]

I dig it.

You should play with a red Esc key. Both of your examples have a conspicuous red button in that area of the keyboard.

[Sent]

I'm definitely in,  nubs. Looks great and I hope DSA stays an option.   

[SonOfSonOfSpock]

The splash of color with the orange and red is great!

[LechnerDE]

I like the color scheme.

Please offer a "boring joe kit" like Matt3o does that contains the standard keys (like light grey scroll lock etc.).

[rowdy]

Maybe the numpad Enter could be red too?

And the num lock and scroll lock could have red legends to match caps lock?

[mno]

Love it.  Especially since it's DSA.  Sex if PBT, might still buy if ABS.

Hope it see it go into production with some kits/mods. 

Agree on the added reds.

[rowdy]

Love it.  Especially since it's DSA.  Sex if PBT, might still buy if ABS.

Hope it see it go into production with some kits/mods. 

Agree on the added reds.

Welcome to Geekhack!

Planning on spending money already?  You'll fit right in around here

[clacktalk]

I'm interested for sure, both in the profile and colors involved. I agree with what Vibex said about the font and what jacobolus said about the CTRL/CapsLock swap. Is it possible to get an add-on for the latter? This HHKB's been spoiling me so hard. I need to maintain a certain quality of life now : ' [

[Crazyhendrix]

I was just wondering if anyone would make keysets that look like that. Looks like wishes do come true. I'm definitely interested.

[Vibex]

And next you'll be wanting a shift lock cap.

Changing enter to Return is a good idea that I think I'll do, but, since I'm proposing DSA, you can **** with the CTRL wherever you want.

Shift Lock, make it happen!
But seriously, making it return is a good idea. And thats why DSA is the best, it's so versatile.
Also sent you some PM's when you get a chance.

[terrpn]

i like the orange and this is very "old skool"

kudo's..............would buy

[terrpn]

yeppers..............this is really nice!

would be nice if there were a few extra keys for a ducky?

the colors and some of the suggestions could be put in a added pack, but i agree the orange really does it for me as well- i like the contrast

...............and yes i am old enough to remember these

these would look pretty awesome if put on an 1800-- of course there has to be enough of "i wants" to justify

[mer]

And,  to be honest, the orange is really what makes it for me.  I could probably add in a more "normal" option, but then it's practically inverted Dolch. I guess I need to buy an SP color ring so I can show off a nice dark orange (or get them to do a custom orange) and show what the colors would actually be.  I just have a hard time dropping $40 on a color ring to make SP money.

SP has images of their available colors here:
http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/resources/

Aren't these the same as the color ring?

[Gamingnow]

I like it a lot. I think DSA profile is perfect, and the orange is a nice contrast for me. I would buy a set.

[zhihuichan]

seem to be another Dolch?

[nubbinator]

It's inverted from Dolch and I'm also aiming for more of a dark almost brownish color for the Alphas like in the first pic.  I need to get a color ring again to get the colors set.

[SpAmRaY]

It's inverted from Dolch and I'm also aiming for more of a dark almost brownish color for the Alphas like in the first pic.  I need to get a color ring again to get the colors set.

I think the brown color you want is TAA.

[Vibex]

It's inverted from Dolch and I'm also aiming for more of a dark almost brownish color for the Alphas like in the first pic.  I need to get a color ring again to get the colors set.

I think the brown color you want is TAA.

Yeah, thats what I'm using as my accent colour in my Burnt Papyrus IC. It's a really deep brown colour.

[Crazyhendrix]

Brown or Grey, they're both nice and well coordinated with the rest of the colour scheme. 

[Hazel]

I have to ask, because I noticed this on the Royal Apollo set as well:
What's with the shifted < > ? " : [ ] legends?
Mono legends are cool, but why not unshifted  , . / ' ; { } ?

[Manchias]

Once again, I feel like there are alot of DSA set out there. I would purchase this set for sure.

[Evilcamels]

I was working on a very similar design before someone suggested your GB on Deskthority, here is what I thought would be a good recreation of the Epson keyset.



http://imgur.com/a/HtviC is the Imgur album of all my work on it. I thought it should be DCS to keep it consistent with the original design and to separate itself from all of the DSA sets being made right now. I also went with brown legends for the modifiers which gives them more pop in my opinion.

Hopefully this set can come to fruition, if you want any help with more photos of my PX-8 or of my design ideas, I would love to contribute.

[ideus]

The colors do a very good match in between. I'd prefer DSA, and I suggest you to include options for most common special keyboard layouts as FC660M, choc mini, and the likes.

[nubbinator]

I was working on a very similar design before someone suggested your GB on Deskthority, here is what I thought would be a good recreation of the Epson keyset.

Show Image

http://imgur.com/a/HtviC is the Imgur album of all my work on it. I thought it should be DCS to keep it consistent with the original design and to separate itself from all of the DSA sets being made right now. I also went with brown legends for the modifiers which gives them more pop in my opinion.

Hopefully this set can come to fruition, if you want any help with more photos of my PX-8 or of my design ideas, I would love to contribute.

Well, the plan is to do something like this, pending color rings and choosing from those:





The brown is TBN, which isn't well represented on the mock up site.

The 60% symmetry set at the bottom will be built into the main set as will the color set.  Then you have a Tsangan and an ISO set.  The modifiers will be the same between the two, but you can buy the grey or the brown Alphas.  Even though the legends will be different from Retro DSA colors, the brown is the same color, so letting you choose which Alpha lets you use your Retro DSA Alphas if you already have the set.

DSA is the planned profile since the HX-20 and HX-40 that inspired the set are DSA.

And in before Elrick says SA because it's the best profile ever and everything should be done in SA.  DCS is a possibility, but SA will not be done.

[Badwrench]

Here is a link to the scans for all the colors:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/compactkey/sets/72157634628432952/with/9294353672/

GH is Error 500ing hard right now at won't let me post any pictures. 

[Heliosphere]

Do want. Gib me, nubbinator.

[Elrick]

Well, the plan is to do something like this, pending color rings and choosing from those:

Show Image

And in before Elrick says SA because it's the best profile ever and everything should be done in SA.  DCS is a possibility, but SA will not be done.

Hey, hey, hey........ If you are going to make the above colour-way then I'll buy it in DSA profile easily.  I may be a rabid crack-ho for SA but I will transgress towards the DSA regime when the colours provide a genuine attraction.

We need some decent warm tints for a colour-way the screams, welcome - come use me as soon as possible.

[Data]

I was working on a very similar design before someone suggested your GB on Deskthority, here is what I thought would be a good recreation of the Epson keyset.

Show Image

http://imgur.com/a/HtviC is the Imgur album of all my work on it. I thought it should be DCS to keep it consistent with the original design and to separate itself from all of the DSA sets being made right now. I also went with brown legends for the modifiers which gives them more pop in my opinion.

Hopefully this set can come to fruition, if you want any help with more photos of my PX-8 or of my design ideas, I would love to contribute.

Well, the plan is to do something like this, pending color rings and choosing from those:

Show Image

Show Image

The brown is TBN, which isn't well represented on the mock up site.

The 60% symmetry set at the bottom will be built into the main set as will the color set.  Then you have a Tsangan and an ISO set.  The modifiers will be the same between the two, but you can buy the grey or the brown Alphas.  Even though the legends will be different from Retro DSA colors, the brown is the same color, so letting you choose which Alpha lets you use your Retro DSA Alphas if you already have the set.

DSA is the planned profile since the HX-20 and HX-40 that inspired the set are DSA.

And in before Elrick says SA because it's the best profile ever and everything should be done in SA.  DCS is a possibility, but SA will not be done.

This is great man.  Nice to see the red Esc made it in there.   :thumb:

Prefer the dark gray, personally.  And I'd echo Elrick's sentiments about DSA.  It just seems to fit this theme really well.

[ApocalypseMaow]

I was working on a very similar design before someone suggested your GB on Deskthority, here is what I thought would be a good recreation of the Epson keyset.

Show Image

http://imgur.com/a/HtviC is the Imgur album of all my work on it. I thought it should be DCS to keep it consistent with the original design and to separate itself from all of the DSA sets being made right now. I also went with brown legends for the modifiers which gives them more pop in my opinion.

Hopefully this set can come to fruition, if you want any help with more photos of my PX-8 or of my design ideas, I would love to contribute.

Well, the plan is to do something like this, pending color rings and choosing from those:

Show Image

Show Image

The brown is TBN, which isn't well represented on the mock up site.

The 60% symmetry set at the bottom will be built into the main set as will the color set.  Then you have a Tsangan and an ISO set.  The modifiers will be the same between the two, but you can buy the grey or the brown Alphas.  Even though the legends will be different from Retro DSA colors, the brown is the same color, so letting you choose which Alpha lets you use your Retro DSA Alphas if you already have the set.

DSA is the planned profile since the HX-20 and HX-40 that inspired the set are DSA.

And in before Elrick says SA because it's the best profile ever and everything should be done in SA.  DCS is a possibility, but SA will not be done.

DSA all the way and I'm in love. Awesome job as usual nubs!!!  :thumb:

[nathairtras]

Wish this were PBT over ABS...

[nubbinator]

Wish this were PBT over ABS...

It's impossible to do in PBT.  You can't dyesub light on dark and SP can't do doubleshot PBT.  I love PBT, but you work with the tools you have.

[Heliosphere]

Wish this were PBT over ABS...

It's impossible to do in PBT.  You can't dyesub light on dark and SP can't do doubleshot PBT.  I love PBT, but you work with the tools you have.

At least SP's ABS keycaps should be relatively thick and high quality, right?

[nubbinator]

Wish this were PBT over ABS...

It's impossible to do in PBT.  You can't dyesub light on dark and SP can't do doubleshot PBT.  I love PBT, but you work with the tools you have.

At least SP's ABS keycaps should be relatively thick and high quality, right?

SP DSA is thicker than DCS, but thinner than Cherry/GMK.

If the quality wasn't good, GH wouldn't do most GBs with them.

[nubbinator]

Playing around with the idea of some WASD clusters:

[MiTo]

Playing around with the idea of some WASD clusters:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Hi nubb.

I love the last one, with the blue WASD.

Are you going to use SP standard font?

[ApocalypseMaow]

Playing around with the idea of some WASD clusters:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Orange looks good with grey and brown, but the blue seems to only work with the grey... IMO... 

[Arcoril]

Wish this were PBT over ABS...

It's impossible to do in PBT.  You can't dyesub light on dark and SP can't do doubleshot PBT.  I love PBT, but you work with the tools you have.

Vortex seems to be having a lot of luck with doubleshot PBT. Even SP has small quantities of doubleshot PBT caps. I think we're just a few years away from seeing fully doubleshot PBT sets as an option from SP.

[ConscienceDrop]

The more i look at these colors the more I'm in love with this set. Keep up the good work, the brown and grey both look good; i lean slightly towards grey myself, but I would be interested in both schemes. 

[Data]

I keep telling myself it's an optical illusion, but the brown alphas appear to lend a brown tone to all the other keys, which makes the image look washed out or artificially aged to me.  I think it would probably look much better in person.

Still kinda prefer the gray.

[Sent]

I keep telling myself it's an optical illusion, but the brown alphas appear to lend a brown tone to all the other keys, which makes the image look washed out or artificially aged to me.  I think it would probably look much better in person.

Still kinda prefer the gray.

Think you're right about the brown alphas.  I was trying to figure out why that set looked much much older. 

I love gray but...so many gray caps, already.  If this becomes a GB, I really don't know which set I'd go for. 

[DzyDzyDino]

I'd be in for sure, although may I point out this would also look really nice in SA profile also?

[deci]

Wow love that last one. I don't have enough keyboards for all the nice sets coming out recently....

[-blind]

Loving this, what color are those legends going to be?  Could pop some color in there on the gray set like you had going with the Royal Apollo set (...I really wish that had tipped )

[Sent]

Wow love that last one. I don't have enough keyboards for all the nice sets coming out recently....

Time to buy more boards.

[Elrick]

Wow love that last one. I don't have enough keyboards for all the nice sets coming out recently....

Time to buy more boards.

You're now a Geekhacker, ALWAYS buy more keyboards even if you don't need them now, but in the future you will  .

[deci]

Wow love that last one. I don't have enough keyboards for all the nice sets coming out recently....

Time to buy more boards.

You're now a Geekhacker, ALWAYS buy more keyboards even if you don't need them now, but in the future you will  .

Lol I've already bought 3 in the short time I've been here... 

Although I guess I haven't built a 60% yet... hmmm I see a nice black GON pcb GB and an IC for a one with hot swappable switches and LEDS.   

[ConscienceDrop]

Lol I've already bought 3 in the short time I've been here... 

Although I guess I haven't built a 60% yet... hmmm I see a nice black GON pcb GB and an IC for a one with hot swappable switches and LEDS.   

I just got a 60% that i think this set is destined for . . . 

The pursuit never ends. I'm gonna have to get into making stuff instead of being on the buying end! 

[nubbinator]

I'd be in for sure, although may I point out this would also look really nice in SA profile also?

You may, but I won't run it as SA until after DSA is made.

Loving this, what color are those legends going to be?  Could pop some color in there on the gray set like you had going with the Royal Apollo set (...I really wish that had tipped )

I'm aiming for WCK or one of the other beige/creams to give it an aged look.  There will be some color with some of the oranges and reds, but it will be a little more laid back outside of the possibility of some mod packs.  If anyone has any ideas for mod packs they'd like to see, please pipe up.

[Data]

If you did something similar to Granite's Ergodoxian that would be super sweet.  Just a few 1.5u and 2u mods with legends would make it a must-buy kit.  There might be a few limitations with the legend orientation since this set is doubleshot, but I doubt that would be a big problem.

[-blind]

I'd be in for sure, although may I point out this would also look really nice in SA profile also?

You may, but I won't run it as SA until after DSA is made.

Loving this, what color are those legends going to be?  Could pop some color in there on the gray set like you had going with the Royal Apollo set (...I really wish that had tipped )

I'm aiming for WCK or one of the other beige/creams to give it an aged look.  There will be some color with some of the oranges and reds, but it will be a little more laid back outside of the possibility of some mod packs.  If anyone has any ideas for mod packs they'd like to see, please pipe up.

I approve of WCK - that'll look very sweet.  Some ideas I've had for mod kits:

• Icon mod set
• CMYK (or some other color) mod legends - for those who would like a bit of color but keep the classy gray scheme (I think this would be really cool - like look at how the yellow interacts with the midnight alphas: http://i.imgur.com/qxQnya1.jpg)
• WASD legends inverse - like what you got, but keep the cap gray and the blue / orange for legends instead?
• Definitely add an ISO kit for our friends across the pond

I'd certainly be willing to goof around in Blender a bit and mock up some renders for this if you'd be interested - could you PM me the list of colors please?

[nubbinator]

Tell me more about what you mean by icon mod set. 

ISO is definitely planned.  I just need to get a better idea of what should be included in it. It sees every GB has different caps in their ISO kit.  That makes it kind of tough to figure out the ideal caps.

And for the Ergodox mentioned above, I don't have one, so it helps if you list the special caps needed for an e-dox kit.

[Data]

This is what Matt3o did for Granite R2.



The biggest difference is that Signature Plastics can only do doubleshot legends parallel to the longest side.  So in this case all of the 2u legends would be rotated 90 degrees, and same with some of the 1.5u.  You can probably guess from the image which keys.

I have some suggestions for additional keys if you're curious.  Let me know what font and RGB color codes you're working with and I can do a mock-up.

[-blind]

Tell me more about what you mean by icon mod set. 

ISO is definitely planned.  I just need to get a better idea of what should be included in it. It sees every GB has different caps in their ISO kit.  That makes it kind of tough to figure out the ideal caps.

And for the Ergodox mentioned above, I don't have one, so it helps if you list the special caps needed for an e-dox kit.

You know, like icon mods like at wasd (thinking about it, I don't know if SP can doubleshot mold them - worth asking though):

[prophit]

Ya I am down love the colors on the common set.

[ConscienceDrop]

+1 for icons, if possible. I'm very fond of that clean text-less aesthetic.

[Data]

This is just me messing around in Photoshop.  Hope I'm not stepping on any toes.



That would probably be an expensive set, so you might have to trim a few keys to hit a decent price point.  Not sure.  I do think it covers a lot of common ErgoDox layouts though.

It's my understanding that Tab and Backslash keys are already 1.5u in a standard ANSI layout.  If I'm wrong someone please correct me.  Since this is DSA they could be dropped into an ErgoDox with no profile issues.

[Supergeek]

I love the retro colors, and I love DSA.

The only thing I would add is maybe a couple novelties, like a Commodore 64 C= logo or a pixel sprite like a Space Invader or something.

[Arvid]

Wow, really like the retrodox.

[spenghammer]

Ooh I like the looks of this set Count me in   It might be asking too much, but an Amiga logo cap would be killer!

[vimx]

Playing around with the idea of some WASD clusters:

Show Image

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Liking the orange wasd with the brown,  and the blue wasd with the gray.   Very interested!

[Zeroblade]

Playing around with the idea of some WASD clusters:

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

Liking the orange wasd with the brown,  and the blue wasd with the gray.   Very interested!

Agreed. A DSA profile with large centered text (or icon) legends in these colors would just be amazing.

[Acanthophis]

SA pls?

[Data]

SA pls?

Top of the page:

I'd be in for sure, although may I point out this would also look really nice in SA profile also?

You may, but I won't run it as SA until after DSA is made.

Also, I'm pretty sure this set is on "permanent hold" at least until several other GBs have run their courses.

[ctrlX]

Really nice! I am definitely up for it. 

Base set, ISO, the lot actually. 

[Oobly]

If this set ever runs in SA profile (either 2,3,3,3,4 or 1,2,3,4,3) I would order at least one set

[caffo]

Would buy the hell out of this.

[Asininity]

I have a interest in this set.

[ideus]

DSA is a faithful profile for the set to match the original. Of course, some does not care about fidelity in the reproduction, instead they care just about what they want, another this, or another that. Therefore, fulfill the dream of the masses, who cares about retro-sh...

[nubbinator]

DSA is a faithful profile for the set to match the original. Of course, some does not care about fidelity in the reproduction, instead they care just about what they want, another this, or another that. Therefore, fulfill the dream of the masses, who cares about retro-sh...

Kind of how I feel.


That said, I now have a PX-8 and HX-40 in person.  The caps are interchangeable between the two even though one is RD and the other Hirose switches. 

The PX-8 caps, while low profile, are closer in shape to GMK caps, the HX-40 is closer to DSA.  Personally, I think the DSA profile is awesome.

Since we now have DMK Dolch out in the wild, I'm debating two ways for this.  While not a perfect match while it doesn't have the nice brownish notes I want, it would be possible to make a GMK modifier set that you could use with Dolch and get a similar look.  The second is to go with my original plan and do a DSA set. 

If none of those work, I can look into SS (though I think it's retired) or, as much as I hate it, SA.  I wouldn't mind Devlin, but they won't work individuals last time I contacted them and I really don't want to do anything through QWER (if they're even around still) since Devlin told me I had to go through them.  The only other real options are lower quality caps.

[nubbinator]

Here's two rough GMK color mockups.


Here it is as a Dolch add-on:




Here it is as an independent full set:

[TheOpposition]

I'm in on this, looking good

[nubbinator]

And a GMK color mockup with the SP template.

[Data]

How faithful is the GMK colorway, in your opinion?

I'm still on board for a DSA set.  Stick with the original plan, I say. 

[nubbinator]

How faithful is the GMK colorway, in your opinion?

I'm still on board for a DSA set.  Stick with the original plan, I say. 

Faithful to Epson?  The Alphas aren't but the mods are.  I still think GMK looks great.

I'll need to order some SP rings to scan and make some SP mock ups with.  I'm just having a hard time dropping ~$50 with shipping.

And I got an e-mail from Melissa. SS is totally retired.  I can only do DSA, DCS, SA, or KT.

[Data]

How faithful is the GMK colorway, in your opinion?

I'm still on board for a DSA set.  Stick with the original plan, I say. 

Faithful to Epson?  The Alphas aren't but the mods are.  I still think GMK looks great.

I'll need to order some SP rings to scan and make some SP mock ups with.  I'm just having a hard time dropping ~$50 with shipping.

And I got an e-mail from Melissa. SS is totally retired.  I can only do DSA, DCS, SA, or KT.

SP raised the price of their color rings recently.  Which chips do you need?  I might be able to loan you some from the ABS ring.

[nubbinator]

I really couldn't say.  I was planning on scanning them in so I could play with them and figure out the best colors.  It would have to be the reds, browns, and greys at the least.

[Data]

I really couldn't say.  I was planning on scanning them in so I could play with them and figure out the best colors.  It would have to be the reds, browns, and greys at the least.

Don't forget that Krogenar did this with the ABS chips back in 2013.  Just putting it out there.

[Oobly]

I really couldn't say.  I was planning on scanning them in so I could play with them and figure out the best colors.  It would have to be the reds, browns, and greys at the least.

Don't forget that Krogenar did this with the ABS chips back in 2013.  Just putting it out there.

The Deskthority ABS colours are very accurate (about as accurate as you can get, IMHO): http://deskthority.net/wiki/Signature_Plastics_ABS_colours

I have yet to see an accurate GMK colour chart, though. Peeps need to do some proper colour sampling...

[jacobolus]

I don’t have the link handy (I can look it up in a few days), but there are google docs spreadsheets showing the spectrophotometer readouts (IIRC reflectance samples for wavelengths spaced 5 nm apart throughout the visible range) for all the ABS and PBT color chips. If you want, you can use that to calculate the appearance under any arbitrary light source, such as cloudy or sunny daylight, incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs, etc.

[hairy9802]

no news regarding this set?

[nubbinator]

no news regarding this set?

There were way too many SP sets going on at once and PMK hasn't really been a great avenue, so it's on hold.  I still really want to do the set, but I'm trying to find a better way of doing it.

[pizza_is_a_lie]

I'm gonna put it out there - if you make the light grey match the light grey of the silver Ducky Mini and the dark grey the darker Ducky Mini, you're on to something

[ideus]

no news regarding this set?

There were way too many SP sets going on at once and PMK hasn't really been a great avenue, so it's on hold.  I still really want to do the set, but I'm trying to find a better way of doing it.

That is wise, there is just too many GBs running now; however I think the idea is great. It took me a while to get accustom to DSA profile, but now it is second nature, and the look is just far better than most of the other profiles available. I have one main driver with DSA, and my second one with a Cherry set.

[nubbinator]

no news regarding this set?

There were way too many SP sets going on at once and PMK hasn't really been a great avenue, so it's on hold.  I still really want to do the set, but I'm trying to find a better way of doing it.

That is wise, there is just too many GBs running now; however I think the idea is great. It took me a while to get accustom to DSA profile, but now it is second nature, and the look is just far better than most of the other profiles available. I have one main driver with DSA, and my second one with a Cherry set.

They're also much more versatile in terms of alternate layouts since the uniformity doesn't punish you and you can more easily add four additional deeper scooped home caps than you can completely change the layout.

Hopefully buys die down a little so I can launch this.  That and proper rendered mockups would be huge.

[ideus]

When the GB comes, I strongly recommend to include the ISO enter and a couple of blank 1u keys as part of the main set ala GMK buys style, the recent history of SP buys showed that only Granite and Skull Sq.'s ISO keys barely reached MoQ. That may motivate Euro brothers to join. Of course, the proposal has its selfish side: I have configured my favorite GON with ISO enter key, and I'd love to use this set on it also.

[nubbinator]

The big problem with ISO support is twofold.  First off, no matter how you do it someone complains and you get threats that unless you do it a certain way someone won't join.  Those often include region and language specific keys instead of blanks.  Those threats are a huge impact on reason two.  Secondly, they add a considerable amount of money to the set (~$10-20) which is often a barrier to participation and you get the majority ANSI users complaining about the additional cost that they're subsidizing. 

If I can run it on CtrlAlt (and handle distro myself and/or with volunteers) where people buy because Bunny, I'd do something like you suggest.  If it's on PMK (as much as I hate the site), it will likely be a split set since the ISO kit will really hit hard.

I'd love to have built in ISO support, but, realistically, it's highly contingent upon how it's done as to whether or not ISO support is added.

[pizza_is_a_lie]

Well, I'm in it if there's ISO in any way/shape/form. 

[My_Thoughts]

Tell me more about what you mean by icon mod set. 

ISO is definitely planned.  I just need to get a better idea of what should be included in it. It sees every GB has different caps in their ISO kit.  That makes it kind of tough to figure out the ideal caps.

And for the Ergodox mentioned above, I don't have one, so it helps if you list the special caps needed for an e-dox kit.

I think the modern selectric interest check on PMY has an interesting way of doing ISO. There is a base set, and then separate deals for  UK/DE/FR/ES/Nordic. 

Though putting all the ISO keys into a separate giant deal gives it a higher chance to drop, it really pumps up the cost.

[ideus]

The big problem with ISO support is twofold.  First off, no matter how you do it someone complains and you get threats that unless you do it a certain way someone won't join.  Those often include region and language specific keys instead of blanks.  Those threats are a huge impact on reason two.  Secondly, they add a considerable amount of money to the set (~$10-20) which is often a barrier to participation and you get the majority ANSI users complaining about the additional cost that they're subsidizing. 

If I can run it on CtrlAlt (and handle distro myself and/or with volunteers) where people buy because Bunny, I'd do something like you suggest.  If it's on PMK (as much as I hate the site), it will likely be a split set since the ISO kit will really hit hard.

I'd love to have built in ISO support, but, realistically, it's highly contingent upon how it's done as to whether or not ISO support is added.

The argument makes a lot of sense and I really appreciate you took the time to write such a well articulated answer to my awkward request, I am afraid though, that the odds are against ISO support, so I should stick to my beloved GMKs, Granites and Skulls sets. Thank you Nubbi.

[nubbinator]

Welcome and it's not an awkward request.  It's one that gets asked a lot, it's just often not viable due to the cost and very low numbers of people who buy ISO kits.

My dream is to do a minimalist set that helps the maximum number of people.  If I can do it in Cherry profile with JTKeycaps, it should be cheaper  and easier to make a set that's a similar profile to one of the sets this is based on and include ISO, G80-1800, HHKB, etc.  If I can't, then it will be DSA which will be much more expensive and more diverse unless the hype train gets rolling.

Also, if I remember correctly, there wasn't an ISO enter available in DSA when I started this, but they have one now and that's why it wasn't in the original plan as part of the main set. 

[furiousatama]

I dig it! Like the DSA, too.

[LieutenantJesus]

It's funny, a friend of mine was just showing me some of the old keyboards that had cassette players in them, and I always loved the look of them.

The orange arrows really make this set stand out. I know some don't like them, but they're awesome. Really hoping this makes it to a buy.

[MagicMan]

I would be interested in this too. I would use ANSI keys though. I like the font of the second picture too.

[temporal]

Mm this could be my first DSA set, very nice

[nubbinator]

I still want to do it, but not sure of the best way of doing it yet, especially since PMK is such a mess.

[Mattr567]

Its been some time since the last reply, update?

I really love this set, the gray variant especially.

The one addition I would need is a 2U right shift key for my G80.

Thanks.

[nubbinator]

Still planning on doing this set, just not sure what's the best way to run it and debating mixing up the profile.

[just66in]

Loving the color scheme however I'm not much of a DSA fan. DCS wld have easily won me over - any chance of having this in DCS?

[LechnerDE]

Still planning on doing this set, just not sure what's the best way to run it and debating mixing up the profile.

I think this would be the perfect set for JT Keycaps.

This is hoping their quality is as good as the previews suggest.

I guess we will find out soon 

[nubbinator]

Loving the color scheme however I'm not much of a DSA fan. DCS wld have easily won me over - any chance of having this in DCS?

I just hate how thin DCS is and know I would never use the set.  SP options really are DSA and SA for thicker caps.  I'm not a fan of SA, but I may move that route since people seem to prefer SA to DSA.  I just like DSA since it makes it easier for more people to use the caps with varied layouts.

Still planning on doing this set, just not sure what's the best way to run it and debating mixing up the profile.

I think this would be the perfect set for JT Keycaps.

This is hoping their quality is as good as the previews suggest.

I guess we will find out soon 

I would love that as an option, not sure if it will.  I feel like there's enough interest, but bunny has his own ideas of what he'd like to run.

[ctrlX]

I'd love to see this set happen. Couldn't join the Carbon massdrop because of limited funds after the vacation. Still I find the color scheme in this set sexier than the Carbon set.

SA profile is trickier yes... But I'd still opt for SA profile to achieve a true retro feel and look.

[ideus]

DSA is more similar to the original Cassette computer's keyboards, that the set tries to emulate, I do not see how SA, with its taller profile, may resemble those boards. Maybe just the color.

[ctrlX]

DSA is more similar to the original Cassette computer's keyboards, that the set tries to emulate, I do not see how SA, with its taller profile, may resemble those boards. Maybe just the color.

True. I just find SA profile more retro. But you are absolutely correct. DSA resembles the board more correctly.

[kevral]

I am very interested - but in ISO Nordic or Norwegian. I have been looking for a Dolch set, but like this colorway more. And DSA is also my favorite.

[Oobly]

A pity DSA is matte only. I'd love to have a set like this, but in "squashed SA", low profile, but with wider keytops than DSA and in semi-matte or even gloss.

Perhaps something like Devlin Q series: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Devlin_Q_series

[ctrlX]

I am very interested - but in ISO Nordic or Norwegian. I have been looking for a Dolch set, but like this colorway more. And DSA is also my favorite.

+1 for ISO Nordic (Swedish).

[nubbinator]

A pity DSA is matte only. I'd love to have a set like this, but in "squashed SA", low profile, but with wider keytops than DSA and in semi-matte or even gloss.

Perhaps something like Devlin Q series: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Devlin_Q_series

Last I talked to Devlin they would only with with QWERkeys.  They were also about as expensive as GMK with an equally high MOQ.  I also believe Q series is missing certain cap sizes you'd needed.

[spectre]

very interesting... does SP make glossy DSAs?

[nubbinator]

No plan of doing anything glossy.

[Oobly]

A pity DSA is matte only. I'd love to have a set like this, but in "squashed SA", low profile, but with wider keytops than DSA and in semi-matte or even gloss.

Perhaps something like Devlin Q series: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Devlin_Q_series

Last I talked to Devlin they would only with with QWERkeys.  They were also about as expensive as GMK with an equally high MOQ.  I also believe Q series is missing certain cap sizes you'd needed.

Darn.. oh well... I'm hoping Gateron or JT Keycaps eventually make some spherical top caps. SP needs some competition in the "reasonable MOQ" spherical keycaps market.

SP only has matte molds for DSA. I do love SA, but sometimes I'd like a lower profile set and I don't like the smaller tops of DSA or the matte finish.

[JeremyFXDWG]

I would be in for a set or 2. Could I please request Mac modifiers and maybe media keys.

[Zorox]

I would also dig it if there is ISO support nice set imho

[ideus]

I'd may be in for a set of alphas, the color is awesome. If it had ISO enter, I would buy one as well.

[nubbinator]

When I do this, I'd want to do an all or nothing style buy (like Hacked by Geeks) with ISO, tsangan, and some other small things built in.  I know that might put some people off due to cost, but I think it would be the best way to do it. 

I still need to finalize if I want to do it in DSA or succumb to the zealots and do SA or if I want to try another manufacturer.  The major hurdle is platform.  I don't want to do it on PMK when it pops up again, but the whole GH/Google spreadsheet causes problems too.

[neverused]

There are too many SA sets lately, my vote would be to do DSA to match the original more closely. Devlin also recently showed some new spherical caps as well.

[nubbinator]

There are too many SA sets lately, my vote would be to do DSA to match the original more closely. Devlin also recently showed some new spherical caps as well.

I've reached out to Devlin in the past and they weren't willing to work with individuals to do a GB.  They stated that anything would have to go through QWERkeys.  I'm not sure how it is now.  They also wouldn't send me a color ring even when I asked if I could buy one.

[neverused]

That's too bad, maybe UKKeycaps could help out?

[Oobly]

Y, UKKeycaps is looking like the replacement for QWERKeys, so hopefully they step up and show us some Q profile awesomeness.

Another option for this design could be in all Row 3 SA with a possible new font (hint, hint) that may become possible in a while... (it'll match the first inspiration photo font pretty darn well).

[nubbinator]

Y, UKKeycaps is looking like the replacement for QWERKeys, so hopefully they step up and show us some Q profile awesomeness.

Another option for this design could be in all Row 3 SA with a possible new font (hint, hint) that may become possible in a while... (it'll match the first inspiration photo font pretty darn well).

I well and truly hate SA, but I do want to see this happen.

[CQ_Cumbers]

I like your design and your inspiration is completely different, but if you switched to Row 3 SA and replaced the grey keys with more red keys, it would start looking like the Olivetti Valentine typewriter, which is an Italian design legend that I like even more.

If that's not the direction you want to go though, no problem. I just really like the Valentine.

[nubbinator]

Definitely not the way I want to go with it.  I do have my typewriter inspired sets as well.

[ideus]

It is not clear how SA could be related with Olivetti Valentine more than any other key cap; because, the Valentine is a mechanical typewriter, whose "keys" are actually levelers.

It is clear some advocate SA over DSA, but the original idea here, the cassette computers, carried DSA style key caps, that by the way are an SP original; thus, there is no vintage device that actually had them, as part of their OEM design.

[nubbinator]

It is clear some advocate SA over DSA, but the original idea here, the cassette computers, carried DSA style key caps, that by the way are an SP original; thus, there is no vintage device that actually had them, as part of their OEM design.

SP was not the originator of the profile.  Cherry actually had a dished cap set (like this, this, and this) that I believe they did for their M8 switches that I would kill for and would kill to do this set in, but I have no clue who holds the molds, how much it would be, and if they would have all the caps available.

[ideus]

It is clear some advocate SA over DSA, but the original idea here, the cassette computers, carried DSA style key caps, that by the way are an SP original; thus, there is no vintage device that actually had them, as part of their OEM design.

SP was not the originator of the profile.  Cherry actually had a dished cap set (like this, this, and this) that I believe they did for their M8 switches that I would kill for and would kill to do this set in, but I have no clue who holds the molds, how much it would be, and if they would have all the caps available.

True, I meant the DSA design in particular; but of course, the low profile spherical concept for key caps predates anything SP made, as the examples you shown in your OP demonstrate.

[ideus]

Wow, those keys are awesome. I just reproduce the image here as a teaser.

[CQ_Cumbers]

It is not clear how SA could be related with Olivetti Valentine more than any other key cap; because, the Valentine is a mechanical typewriter, whose "keys" are actually levelers.

It is clear some advocate SA over DSA, but the original idea here, the cassette computers, carried DSA style key caps, that by the way are an SP original; thus, there is no vintage device that actually had them, as part of their OEM design.

If nubbinator doesn't want to go in that direction, you can forget about the Valentine (with regards to this thread). I don't have a really strong opinion about keycap profiles other than that they make sense for the keycap set and the people who are using them; Row 3 SA has larger tops and different finish options, and may have a nice font, is all. I'm not a fanboy, I just think the options should be carefully considered.

[ideus]

It is not clear how SA could be related with Olivetti Valentine more than any other key cap; because, the Valentine is a mechanical typewriter, whose "keys" are actually levelers.

It is clear some advocate SA over DSA, but the original idea here, the cassette computers, carried DSA style key caps, that by the way are an SP original; thus, there is no vintage device that actually had them, as part of their OEM design.

If nubbinator doesn't want to go in that direction, you can forget about the Valentine (with regards to this thread). I don't have a really strong opinion about keycap profiles other than that they make sense for the keycap set and the people who are using them; Row 3 SA has larger tops and different finish options, and may have a nice font, is all. I'm not a fanboy, I just think the options should be carefully considered.

That is true, and Mr. Nubbi has been working with the community for a long time, tossing and rounding the idea of this set; that I hope will be a success when run. A simple, in nice colors set with a vintage touch.

P.D.: Welcome to GH.

[Oobly]

Y, UKKeycaps is looking like the replacement for QWERKeys, so hopefully they step up and show us some Q profile awesomeness.

Another option for this design could be in all Row 3 SA with a possible new font (hint, hint) that may become possible in a while... (it'll match the first inspiration photo font pretty darn well).

I well and truly hate SA, but I do want to see this happen.

well that's put paid to that. DSA sets can sell well, too. Just look at Granite. A good design that people want will sell well. Hell, I even ordered DSA Dolch when it looked like it would be the only way to get the colourway easily. That turned out to be a very big mistake, though, considering how that GB went. I got my fix finally with GMK Dolch from Ivan.

And you're not alone, there are many other DSA-lovers out there.

I'll ask about if the font can be used also with DSA, it may be possible. Anyway, still gonna be a while before that gets off the ground, though.

[Data]

I think people jumped on Granite also because it's PBT. 

[ideus]

Granite:

Good:

Great color combination.
Awesome design, specially the icons.
PBT = long lasting.


Not so good, for some:

DSA, not a bad trade-off to get a very nice, useful, flexible, and long lasting set.

[trenzafeeds]

Granite:

Good:

Great color combination.
Awesome design, specially the icons.
PBT = long lasting.


Not so good, for some:

DSA, not a bad trade-off to get a very nice, useful, flexible, and long lasting set.

Agreed, I'm not a big fan of DSA, but it replicates the original style not too badly, and I'd like to have this in PBT.

[Oobly]

Granite:

Good:

Great color combination.
Awesome design, specially the icons.
PBT = long lasting.


Not so good, for some:

DSA, not a bad trade-off to get a very nice, useful, flexible, and long lasting set.

Agreed, I'm not a big fan of DSA, but it replicates the original style not too badly, and I'd like to have this in PBT.

Sigh... SP don't doubleshot PBT, so unless you want this with pad printed legends, you're stuck with ABS since you can't dyesub a light colour onto a dark cap.

And unfortunately legend molds cannot be used across profiles, so our SA font (if it gets made) will not be usable on DSA profile without the cost of cutting the legends again for it, which will cost a fair chunk of money (109 legends * $50 = lots).

[irae]

Colors look great, but boo to DSA.

Same here

Edit: Prefer DCS or SA, browns, WASD also browns (no highlight)

[undefinedmechanicalmind]

*interest

Fluke 1720A is really the color scheme I'm after. https://imgur.com/a/erUCZ

Here's the Retro SA expired group buy. https://ctrlalt.io/buys/sa-retro

Back to earth tones.  Think musty basement. Also looking for Apple modifiers

[-musubi]

I'm a fan of DSA, I think we need more! Too many SA keysets out there (plus super long queue for them).

[MarvinMerlin]

Im feelin it

[undefinedmechanicalmind]

I'm a fan of DSA, I think we need more! Too many SA keysets out there (plus super long queue for them).

If there's so many, how come I can't find any ? Are there no artists left ? It really annoys me , this term "artisans". How it refers to ONE keycap, where's the full keyset with wacky textures and custom pantone colors?

[romevi]

I'm a fan of DSA, I think we need more! Too many SA keysets out there (plus super long queue for them).

If there's so many, how come I can't find any ? Are there no artists left ? It really annoys me , this term "artisans". How it refers to ONE keycap, where's the full keyset with wacky textures and custom pantone colors?

Picasso is overrated.

[-musubi]

I'm a fan of DSA, I think we need more! Too many SA keysets out there (plus super long queue for them).

If there's so many, how come I can't find any ? Are there no artists left ? It really annoys me , this term "artisans". How it refers to ONE keycap, where's the full keyset with wacky textures and custom pantone colors?

You can always just buy 108 artisan keycaps and make your own set

[turboloser]

Absolutely.

This is the 80's I love.

[zslane]

I'm a fan of DSA, I think we need more! Too many SA keysets out there (plus super long queue for them).

If there's so many, how come I can't find any ?

Because all the SA sets "out there" are on people's keyboards, not sitting in some warehouse waiting to be bought.

Group buys typically have a very narrow window of opportunity for purchase, and they generally only make enough stock to fill the pre-orders. So if you missed out on the group buy(s), you are out of luck. Unless, of course, someone wants to sell their (used) set, which is pretty rare for SA sets.

[undefinedmechanicalmind]

I'm a fan of DSA, I think we need more! Too many SA keysets out there (plus super long queue for them).

If there's so many, how come I can't find any ?

Because all the SA sets "out there" are on people's keyboards, not sitting in some warehouse waiting to be bought.

Group buys typically have a very narrow window of opportunity for purchase, and they generally only make enough stock to fill the pre-orders. So if you missed out on the group buy(s), you are out of luck. Unless, of course, someone wants to sell their (used) set, which is pretty rare for SA sets.

Yea,  I get it.  I'm just publicly venting. And I'm hoping to get another plastics manufacturer on board the SA train. Signature plastics has ruled long enough.

[nubbinator]

This is way off topic.  Looking temporarily because I want to keep more active ICs at the top.