[IC] GMK SoWaRe - Replica or Inspired?

[Karura]

I'd prefer a GMK SoWare with Cherry legends.

If this is going to be made by SP again then I will be sitting this one out.

Naw, this is 100% GMK, with consistent legend colours (the original Soware had inconsistent legend colours, it'd be better if it were consistent).

This will be in every way, more refined and solid than the original. I am super excited about this GB.

[calmfries]

So you bannering it because we're going with SoWaRe replica (which the beige is not)?

GMK SoWaRe replica...in

Would love to see if JT can do this...

+1 on JT

But lets wait and see how the Debut set is first.

Seen it, touched it. Feels pretty good overall. But it was a sample set, so can't really say much yet.

[VesperSAINT]

Hi guys ~ I may not be in charge of this IC but I would like to emphasize a few things to prevent any confusion/misunderstanding:

Please keep in mind, this is an INTEREST CHECK. NOT A GROUP BUY.

There is nothing in motion right now except just gathering interest.

There is no guarantee this will happen, or not happen, for a long time from now.

THIS GB WILL NEVER HAPPEN WITHOUT THE BLESSING/CONSENT OF THE ORIGINAL MAKERS.

If they do not want this to happen, a REPLICA will not happen from us. Period.

However, this does not mean something else inspired, or just something different, might not happen.

Please also note, in the case this set ENDS UP NOT BEING A REPLICA, IT WILL NOT BE CALLED SOWARE.

We have no plans on doing SP at this point in time.


We really do appreciate the feedback and interest. Thank you ~

[byker]

Hi guys ~ I may not be in charge of this IC but I would like to emphasize a few things to prevent any confusion:

Please keep in mind, this is an INTEREST CHECK. NOT A GROUP BUY.

There is nothing in motion right now except just gathering interest.

There is no guarantee this will happen, or not happen, for a long time from now.

THIS GB WILL NEVER HAPPEN WITHOUT THE BLESSING/CONSENT OF THE ORIGINAL MAKERS.

If they do not want this to happen, a REPLICA will not happen. Period.

However, this does not mean something else inspired, or just something different, might not happen.

Please also note, in the case this set ENDS UP NOT BEING A REPLICA, IT WILL NOT BE CALLED SOWARE.

We have no plans on doing SP at this point in time.


We really do appreciate the feedback and interest. Thank you ~

+1. VesperSAINT <3 says everything better than I can. 

[Air tree]

Can someone link me to some history on the original SoWaRe set? I know nothing about it, and I'm quite interested.

[sethk_]

Can someone link me to some history on the original SoWaRe set? I know nothing about it, and I'm quite interested.

http://keypuller.com/soware/

[ghostjuggernaut]

Can someone link me to some history on the original SoWaRe set? I know nothing about it, and I'm quite interested.

Long story short, it was intended to be a Wyse replica set. Somewhere along the way legend colors were chosen incorrectly and SoWaRe was born. Now, this is moslty heresay from some respectable members, but I trust it is correct. It explains many of the inconsistencies within the set.

[StormyMonday]

I did some mock ups over the weekend, because I wanted to see what this SoWaRe inspired theme would look like on a winkeyless G80-1800. In a word, it looks f'ing amazing! Survey response submitted.

I hope that you plan on showing some love to those of us who are packing dem big spacebars.

[Giorgio]

Gmk mockups are to different from what the set will actually look like. Can you post some pictures of the original set?

[Air tree]

Gmk mockups are to different from what the set will actually look like. Can you post some pictures of the original set?

Via  ghostjuggernaut's 365CL DGE

[jd29]

Edit: oh, I think you mean just the alphas will be beige. My bad, never mind

[jonathanyu]

will the legend color made in standard gmk color or custom color?

[LechnerDE]

will the legend color made in standard gmk color or custom color?

I assume only stock colors will be used because MOQ for custom colors is too high.

[Air tree]

will the legend color made in standard gmk color or custom color?

I assume only stock colors will be used because MOQ for custom colors is too high.

This is one of the reasons I hope JT will be considered, if possible.

[cooldiscretion]

will the legend color made in standard gmk color or custom color?

I assume only stock colors will be used because MOQ for custom colors is too high.

This is one of the reasons I hope JT will be considered, if possible.

I'll second this. Let's get this JT show on the road.

[Giorgio]

Please, original soware with Bars on f and j

[hwood34]

pls never bars

[yuktsi]

up up up

[billnye]

I'd rather get my set of JT caps and make a judgement on their quality before we decide to have JT manufacture them.

[Phirr]

pls never bars

^^^

[Air tree]

I'd rather get my set of JT caps and make a judgement on their quality before we decide to have JT manufacture them.

I've stated before, of course I'd like to get my JT set before forming if they are what I'd like. But as is and with everything we've seen, I'm leaning towards them. But, if anything should change and JTK turns out to be lower quality or something, then I'll have a different opinion.

Bunny seems pretty confident on the quality of the keycaps, but we shall see.

[Polymer]

pls never bars

IMO, bars/scoops should be extras as in, if you're doing scoops, bars should be extras.  It is so critical to the feel of the keyboard and they're keys you can't get around...

[Giorgio]

The cost of two 1u keys should be 1$ each

pls never bars

IMO, bars/scoops should be extras as in, if you're doing scoops, bars should be extras.  It is so critical to the feel of the keyboard and they're keys you can't get around...

[sethk_]

The cost of two 1u keys should be 1$ each

pls never bars

IMO, bars/scoops should be extras as in, if you're doing scoops, bars should be extras.  It is so critical to the feel of the keyboard and they're keys you can't get around...

Ah, so you're fine with comping it for my set? That's nice of you

[Karura]

The cost of two 1u keys should be 1$ each

pls never bars

IMO, bars/scoops should be extras as in, if you're doing scoops, bars should be extras.  It is so critical to the feel of the keyboard and they're keys you can't get around...

Ah, so you're fine with comping it for my set? That's nice of you

Me too! (monkey)

How about for everyone else as well? It's only $2 x 250, only $500.

[archer]

I'm down for any additional gmk soware you want to add onto the set! And if it's light grey alphas, I'll buy several sets  thanks for organizing this!

[Polymer]

The cost of two 1u keys should be 1$ each

pls never bars

IMO, bars/scoops should be extras as in, if you're doing scoops, bars should be extras.  It is so critical to the feel of the keyboard and they're keys you can't get around...

Which is why I'm not sure why more people aren't doing them like that.

I know there are a good number of people that like scoops, but plenty of people prefer bars...given bars are quite a bit more standard, I'm sure people wouldn't mind bars but some people dislike scoops..anyone using a Topre will be fine with bars...basically anyone using anything but GMK/Cherry will be fine with bars of some sort. 

I like added layouts..and understand why they're there..but seriously, some of the layout support probably covers less than 50 people on GH...

[Giorgio]

As long as you pay for all those who don't like scoops 

The cost of two 1u keys should be 1$ each

pls never bars

IMO, bars/scoops should be extras as in, if you're doing scoops, bars should be extras.  It is so critical to the feel of the keyboard and they're keys you can't get around...

Ah, so you're fine with comping it for my set? That's nice of you

Me too! (monkey)

How about for everyone else as well? It's only $2 x 250, only $500.

[Karura]

As long as you pay for all those who don't like scoops 

The cost of two 1u keys should be 1$ each

pls never bars

IMO, bars/scoops should be extras as in, if you're doing scoops, bars should be extras.  It is so critical to the feel of the keyboard and they're keys you can't get around...

Ah, so you're fine with comping it for my set? That's nice of you

Me too! (monkey)

How about for everyone else as well? It's only $2 x 250, only $500.

Haha, you do realize you're in the minority, right? A minority, yet a very, very vocal minority. I'd be down if you were serious. That would be like what? $2 x 2, $4?

Edit: Let's have some respect for Byker's IC and stop derailing the thread with this crazy "lines" talk.

[Sifo]

scoops are ****

then again so is gmk

[Giorgio]

The additional keys for ISO (R3 and R4) are both /:, wouldn't it be better to have a blank key on R4, near the shift, like Miami nights? Or even better to have /: on R4 and # on R3 near enter. We should refer to iso uk

[Polymer]

Haha, you do realize you're in the minority, right? A minority, yet a very, very vocal minority. I'd be down if you were serious. That would be like what? $2 x 2, $4?

Who is in the minority?  The people that prefer bars?  I think you'd be wrong in that...Most normal users I've had try my old cherry keyboards don't like the scoops at all.  Why would they?  It is completely different than the keyboards they use today...instead if you're slightly off center you feel the key in an oddball way...

It is like saying most users prefer 55g Topre....People on here will gush about them but the fact is, 45g is far more popular...that's not opinion, that is fact. 

[hwood34]

Haha, you do realize you're in the minority, right? A minority, yet a very, very vocal minority. I'd be down if you were serious. That would be like what? $2 x 2, $4?

Who is in the minority?  The people that prefer bars?  I think you'd be wrong in that...Most normal users I've had try my old cherry keyboards don't like the scoops at all.  Why would they?  It is completely different than the keyboards they use today...instead if you're slightly off center you feel the key in an oddball way...

It is like saying most users prefer 55g Topre....People on here will gush about them but the fact is, 45g is far more popular...that's not opinion, that is fact.

Oh, I forgot that this buy was aimed at the average person and not keyboard enthusiasts.

[clacktalk]

Haha, you do realize you're in the minority, right? A minority, yet a very, very vocal minority. I'd be down if you were serious. That would be like what? $2 x 2, $4?

Who is in the minority?  The people that prefer bars?  I think you'd be wrong in that...Most normal users I've had try my old cherry keyboards don't like the scoops at all.  Why would they?  It is completely different than the keyboards they use today...instead if you're slightly off center you feel the key in an oddball way...

It is like saying most users prefer 55g Topre....People on here will gush about them but the fact is, 45g is far more popular...that's not opinion, that is fact.

my sister who has no interest in keyboards also likes bars.

she's also also wrong

[VesperSAINT]

Jokes on you guys ~ We're doing nipples.




LOL. JK.

I'm glad to see people are passionate about what they like, and I don't mind a some fire ~ Just try not to hurt each other, okay (we're not there yet )?! Who am I kidding... go at it. HUE.

Sorry for the slow updates, but GMK is still on vacation, and we're also going sloowwww ~

If there are any updates, we'll be sure to let you guys know ASAP!

[Karura]

The argument that the average person prefers bars, due to the mere-exposure effect, should not and does not concern the keyboard enthusiast community at all.

I would argue that their opinions and thoughts are of zero value, due to the fact that they are:

1) Not part of the keyboard enthusiast community.
2) Not going to shell out $100+ for a keyset, specifically, this keyset.

If you want to push the argument further, I would like to bring up the question:

Why do you even care why the masses like bars? Like I mentioned already, that is merely due to the mere-exposure effect, since most OEM computer manufacturers have included bars on the keyboards bundled with their computers.

Why does it matter that the masses like bars; people here are enthusiasts, can think for themselves, and have most likely already formed their own opinions through experience (and owning a bunch of different keyboards).

I would prefer if people quit using the preference of the masses as an argument, because it is completely irrelevant.

Our community is the one that will buy this keyset, and the majority of the community (read: community, not some average joe using his office's Dell keyboard with bars) prefer scoops, since that's what Cherry/GMK keycaps are all about.

[taylordcraig]

scoops are ****

then again so is gmk

keyboards are ****

scoops > lines > nipples

[JaccoW]

It's been so long since I've used bars that I don't even know what they feel like anymore...

I believe my Microsoft Wedge mobile keyboard uses them? I can't remember, they simply don't register anymore.
I do remember bars getting dirty a whole lot sooner than scoops.

[hwood34]

It's been so long since I've used bars that I don't even know what they feel like anymore...

no bueno

[tbc]

pretty sure people only like lines because they've somehow associated it with doing 'lines of cocaine'

real nerds do 'scoops of cocaine'

[Polymer]

The argument that the average person prefers bars, due to the mere-exposure effect, should not and does not concern the keyboard enthusiast community at all.

I would argue that their opinions and thoughts are of zero value, due to the fact that they are:

1) Not part of the keyboard enthusiast community.
2) Not going to shell out $100+ for a keyset, specifically, this keyset.

If you want to push the argument further, I would like to bring up the question:

Why do you even care why the masses like bars? Like I mentioned already, that is merely due to the mere-exposure effect, since most OEM computer manufacturers have included bars on the keyboards bundled with their computers.

Why does it matter that the masses like bars; people here are enthusiasts, can think for themselves, and have most likely already formed their own opinions through experience (and owning a bunch of different keyboards).

I would prefer if people quit using the preference of the masses as an argument, because it is completely irrelevant.

Our community is the one that will buy this keyset, and the majority of the community (read: community, not some average joe using his office's Dell keyboard with bars) prefer scoops, since that's what Cherry/GMK keycaps are all about.

Scoops is not what GMK is all about.  Get an inferior set with scoops and no one wants them.  Get the same quality without scoops and people would still want them.  See BSP/IMSTO as an example.  There is nothing superior about scoops, they're just not the norm so people think they're something special. 

A majority of the users on here don't even have GMK...the most active of users do but there are tons of users that do not.  You keep saying the majority prefer them, no, the vocal users with a stronger opinion prefer them.  There is absolutely nothing to indicate users actually prefer them.  There is only the vocal users that show that.  Same with 55g Topre.  You'd think they're the most popular or the most preferred with Topre when factually, they're not. 

But going back to forming your own opinion...plenty of active users here actually do prefer bars, stop trying to push your position on them.  I see plenty of people follow the leader here without forming their own opinion....but why do you prefer scoops?  What makes them better?  They're certainly not better from an off center strike position.  I'd like to see why others are "wrong". 

[LechnerDE]

Oh boy, Giorgio brought this Scoop vs Bars **** to every interest check.

It's getting annoying...

plenty of active users here actually do prefer bars

That's just a bold statement without any evidence. Can you back that up somehow?

If anything most people might be indifferent, but among the enthusiasts most prefer scoops.

[hwood34]

But going back to forming your own opinion...plenty of active users here actually do prefer bars, stop trying to push your position on them.

Oh OK, but you coming in here and pushing your bars opinion on the rest of the buy is somehow different? Seems to be a few people are making some very bold statements on just how many people prefer bars

[jonathanyu]

The argument that the average person prefers bars, due to the mere-exposure effect, should not and does not concern the keyboard enthusiast community at all.

I would argue that their opinions and thoughts are of zero value, due to the fact that they are:

1) Not part of the keyboard enthusiast community.
2) Not going to shell out $100+ for a keyset, specifically, this keyset.

If you want to push the argument further, I would like to bring up the question:

Why do you even care why the masses like bars? Like I mentioned already, that is merely due to the mere-exposure effect, since most OEM computer manufacturers have included bars on the keyboards bundled with their computers.

Why does it matter that the masses like bars; people here are enthusiasts, can think for themselves, and have most likely already formed their own opinions through experience (and owning a bunch of different keyboards).

I would prefer if people quit using the preference of the masses as an argument, because it is completely irrelevant.

Our community is the one that will buy this keyset, and the majority of the community (read: community, not some average joe using his office's Dell keyboard with bars) prefer scoops, since that's what Cherry/GMK keycaps are all about.

Scoops is not what GMK is all about.  Get an inferior set with scoops and no one wants them.  Get the same quality without scoops and people would still want them.  See BSP/IMSTO as an example.  There is nothing superior about scoops, they're just not the norm so people think they're something special. 

A majority of the users on here don't even have GMK...the most active of users do but there are tons of users that do not.  You keep saying the majority prefer them, no, the vocal users with a stronger opinion prefer them.  There is absolutely nothing to indicate users actually prefer them.  There is only the vocal users that show that.  Same with 55g Topre.  You'd think they're the most popular or the most preferred with Topre when factually, they're not. 

But going back to forming your own opinion...plenty of active users here actually do prefer bars, stop trying to push your position on them.  I see plenty of people follow the leader here without forming their own opinion....but why do you prefer scoops?  What makes them better?  They're certainly not better from an off center strike position.  I'd like to see why others are "wrong".

How many people in this thread prefer bars, two people?

[byker]

Hey guys - debating scoops vs bars is kinda cool, but since we seem to be having the same discussion across multiple ICs right now. Perhaps we could make a specific thread for this discussion? Just an idea 

[hwood34]

The argument that the average person prefers bars, due to the mere-exposure effect, should not and does not concern the keyboard enthusiast community at all.

I would argue that their opinions and thoughts are of zero value, due to the fact that they are:

1) Not part of the keyboard enthusiast community.
2) Not going to shell out $100+ for a keyset, specifically, this keyset.

If you want to push the argument further, I would like to bring up the question:

Why do you even care why the masses like bars? Like I mentioned already, that is merely due to the mere-exposure effect, since most OEM computer manufacturers have included bars on the keyboards bundled with their computers.

Why does it matter that the masses like bars; people here are enthusiasts, can think for themselves, and have most likely already formed their own opinions through experience (and owning a bunch of different keyboards).

I would prefer if people quit using the preference of the masses as an argument, because it is completely irrelevant.

Our community is the one that will buy this keyset, and the majority of the community (read: community, not some average joe using his office's Dell keyboard with bars) prefer scoops, since that's what Cherry/GMK keycaps are all about.

Scoops is not what GMK is all about.  Get an inferior set with scoops and no one wants them.  Get the same quality without scoops and people would still want them.  See BSP/IMSTO as an example.  There is nothing superior about scoops, they're just not the norm so people think they're something special. 

A majority of the users on here don't even have GMK...the most active of users do but there are tons of users that do not.  You keep saying the majority prefer them, no, the vocal users with a stronger opinion prefer them.  There is absolutely nothing to indicate users actually prefer them.  There is only the vocal users that show that.  Same with 55g Topre.  You'd think they're the most popular or the most preferred with Topre when factually, they're not. 

But going back to forming your own opinion...plenty of active users here actually do prefer bars, stop trying to push your position on them.  I see plenty of people follow the leader here without forming their own opinion....but why do you prefer scoops?  What makes them better?  They're certainly not better from an off center strike position.  I'd like to see why others are "wrong".

How many people in this thread prefer bars, two people?

Just a handful of really loud people

Hey guys - debating scoops vs bars is kinda cool, but since we seem to be having the same discussion across multiple ICs right now. Perhaps we could make a specific thread for this discussion? Just an idea 

pls

[JaccoW]

Oh boy, Giorgio brought this Scoop vs Bars **** to every interest check.

It's getting annoying...

plenty of active users here actually do prefer bars

That's just a bold statement without any evidence. Can you back that up somehow?

If anything most people might be indifferent, but among the enthusiasts most prefer scoops.

I was thinking the same thing. No need to defile every single IC with that debate.

[Giorgio]

I need to raise the *bar*, before it's too late. What's annoying is not being able to buy what I want, and being told what I should like

Oh boy, Giorgio brought this Scoop vs Bars **** to every interest check.

It's getting annoying...

plenty of active users here actually do prefer bars

That's just a bold statement without any evidence. Can you back that up somehow?

If anything most people might be indifferent, but among the enthusiasts most prefer scoops.

I was thinking the same thing. No need to defile every single IC with that debate.

[Polymer]

That's just a bold statement without any evidence. Can you back that up somehow?

If anything most people might be indifferent, but among the enthusiasts most prefer scoops.

Sure, if you look through the threads you'll find plenty of people that do...

But for example..
CptBadass
Myself..
Khaaan
heedspantsnow
TacticalStache
Giorgio

You also have to ask, how many people can't deal with bars? Probably no one since that is pretty much the standard out there...Personally I don't mind scoops but I don't prefer them. 

People are ok with pushing oddball layouts onto people in the same of extensive layout support...even when those keyboards are not out there in quantity...People are ok with pushing their profile choices...but if you had to rank the qualities of keycaps..what would rank first?

For me:
Feel is number 1.  I don't know what it is for everyone else but given they go for GMK, Thick PBT, etc.  feel is pretty damn important to quite a few users.  Nibs/Scoops is feel and an important part of feel and yet many are quick to discard that for other users because they'd rather get more other keys, etc...

Some might say how it looks is number 1..
Some might say layout support (outside of standard).

But as long as the keycaps would support standard layouts, it could be ugly but I'd be ok with typing on it because it felt right. 
Can you say the same thing for the other qualities? 
Looks great but feels cheap and only supports standard layouts.
Supports every layout but feels cheap and looks like crap. 

That fact that people hit out at others because they actually care about how the keyboard feels is a perfect example of this community..you have plenty of very generous people but most people are out for themselves...it is no wonder we have such a huge problem with thieves on here...more so than any other enthusiasts community I've seen...

And before you say..well that is what I'm doing...no it isn't...I'm not banging on about my specific needs or layout without concerns for other stuff...I'm not even asking for things like getting rid of scoops..I'm merely saying 2 more keys would add a lot to the set rather than some of the more obscure layouts..and I believe that but if it was the option of these 2 keys or winkeyless, that's a no brainer...Winkeyless for sure...ISO, for sure...Even some other things like 75% or shorter R Shift.....

[JaccoW]

@Giorgio & Polymer: Please move this discussion to a separate thread.