[IC] Retro Cassette DSA

[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?