Post by: crusader_alex on Thu, 19 December 2019, 08:23:02
(https://i.postimg.cc/XYsKsMyw/banner-3.jpg)
Sparta
As you may or may not know GMK Sparta is a set that was run last month and was regretably cancelled after not being able to hit MOQ.
I know it is probalby too soon but i am making this post to discuss with you the future of Sparta as a project.
I know it is probalby too soon but i am making this post to discuss with you the future of Sparta as a project.
Where do we go from here?
Good news is that i plan to rerun the set,however all the details need to be ironed out first.
First things first i need to settle on the profile of the set.Due to the price and high MOQ's of GMK the set is unlikely to return in GMK form unless there is significantly more interest than last time.
Now there are alternatives to GMK and i feel using one of those manufacturers would be the most sensible option.
That said It would be great if you responded to this poll or this post so i can see what you would like in terms of material,manufacturer,profile and kits.Thank you in advance!!!
(https://i.postimg.cc/sDjgsQ65/Sparta-Boards-v1-2019-Nov-23-05-39-09-AM-000-Customized-View613519.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RhQhGwPZ/Sparta-Boards-v1-2019-Nov-23-05-39-15-AM-000-Customized-View616514.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Sx5S6ZyG/Sparta-Boards-v1-2019-Nov-23-05-09-16-AM-000-Customized-View209435.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/gcQCJ0Pt/sparta910.jpg)
Now there are alternatives to GMK and i feel using one of those manufacturers would be the most sensible option.
That said It would be great if you responded to this poll or this post so i can see what you would like in terms of material,manufacturer,profile and kits.Thank you in advance!!!
Poll: https://forms.gle/3SVXgC79R33daboF9
Old IC: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=101678.0
(https://i.postimg.cc/sDjgsQ65/Sparta-Boards-v1-2019-Nov-23-05-39-09-AM-000-Customized-View613519.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RhQhGwPZ/Sparta-Boards-v1-2019-Nov-23-05-39-15-AM-000-Customized-View616514.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Sx5S6ZyG/Sparta-Boards-v1-2019-Nov-23-05-09-16-AM-000-Customized-View209435.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/gcQCJ0Pt/sparta910.jpg)
Post by: Fredington on Thu, 19 December 2019, 08:28:43
You could also consider InfiniKey since they can do reverse dye sub as well. I would also suggest including dual legend Greek in the base kit, having separate Latin-only alphas, and abandoning the mono Greek keys.
Also might want to post the old kits here for reference in filling out your form.
Finally, I think the GB was ended too early. It may not have gotten the early numbers you were hoping for, but I think it would have made it to MOQ.
Post by: sent-by-an-iPerson on Thu, 19 December 2019, 08:29:09
I also think the GB was ended too early.
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Post by: crusader_alex on Thu, 19 December 2019, 08:32:17
Your form is only accepting a number response for the open ended prompt. I'll just leave my feedback here.
You could also consider InfiniKey since they can do reverse dye sub as well. I would also suggest including dual legend Greek in the base kit, having separate Latin-only alphas, and abandoning the mono Greek keys.
Also might want to post the old kits here for reference in filling out your form.
Finally, I think the GB was ended too early. It may not have gotten the early numbers you were hoping for, but I think it would have made it to MOQ.
Sorry,should be fixed now.Also I'll drop a link to the old IC so people can see the old kits like you mentioned.
Post by: Steezus on Thu, 19 December 2019, 08:39:02
Post by: Gondolindrim on Thu, 19 December 2019, 08:47:48
If it comes as KAT or a tall profile like SA it's instabuy for me.
εδώ είναι Σπάρτη!
Post by: DetectiveNio on Thu, 19 December 2019, 08:49:56
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Post by: Robosculpts on Thu, 19 December 2019, 08:56:51
Post by: Solotov on Thu, 19 December 2019, 08:58:39
Post by: renolo on Thu, 19 December 2019, 09:18:32
Post by: cldskt on Thu, 19 December 2019, 09:31:43
Post by: cyyz on Thu, 19 December 2019, 09:53:07
I would vote to keep it in GMK and use the same kits, however, if you really want to change the profile, i can suggest SA profile.
Post by: Shaphyna on Thu, 19 December 2019, 10:06:56
Post by: Ac1221 on Thu, 19 December 2019, 10:08:23
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Post by: kaisn on Thu, 19 December 2019, 12:16:07
Post by: ivu on Thu, 19 December 2019, 12:55:47
For legends it would be nice to try a couple of renders with the red color instead of gold in order for community to compare and decide. I think red might be better for contrast tbh.
You might want to consider additional alpha kit with red/gold like the mods. Would sell like hot bread.
Is it possible to achieve the same quality of colors in other profiles/materials ?
Post by: deathwalker113 on Thu, 19 December 2019, 13:41:13
Post by: Ensaum on Thu, 19 December 2019, 17:20:49
Post by: sent-by-an-iPerson on Thu, 19 December 2019, 17:44:05
Post by: ever9415 on Thu, 19 December 2019, 17:46:15
I don't like the current Alphas Key text color.
Post by: click clack jack on Thu, 19 December 2019, 18:04:48
Also, my one recommendation is to make Greek in the default, it fits the theme perfect and people dont wanna buy 2 kits
Post by: adxlk on Thu, 19 December 2019, 19:19:12
And..can I suggest R5 bottom row?
Post by: SUB01 on Thu, 19 December 2019, 21:29:39
Post by: senryo on Thu, 19 December 2019, 22:01:33
tbh I thought this was one of the better looking sets of this year. I think the only problem with the set is that it ran to close with too many hyped/anticpated sets of all time like olivia.exactly, and the payday too. It was shut down just way too early.
I hope the rerun will still be GMK, the quality and the profile are just the perfect match for the set.
Post by: Butterbeer on Thu, 19 December 2019, 22:52:45
A couple of observations/suggestions:
1. Get a DISCORD channel
- Helps with Feedback
- Helps with Updates
- Helps with Marketing/Hype
- Helps the Community Grow
2. Stick to a Group Buy date well in advance and do not change it
- Shows commitment
- People will buy and save according to a set purchase window
- Plan with vendors so that it's not sandwiched between big ass sets
Post by: nasp on Fri, 20 December 2019, 00:55:07
Post by: RobK_aka on Fri, 20 December 2019, 01:34:09
Post by: terrad on Fri, 20 December 2019, 04:10:34
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Post by: infinitykw on Fri, 20 December 2019, 06:11:02
Post by: Solotov on Fri, 20 December 2019, 06:29:13
Post by: ctrlshiftba on Fri, 20 December 2019, 06:48:41
This set is amazing and deserves GMK. Find a way to incentivize joining a GB early. Try to schedule it on an off month if it’s even possible. Also a 6 week GB period like Ursa could help.
Also what is it about the key company? I find them to be just as good as other top tier vendors but their key set GB numbers always come in surprising low???
Post by: Fredington on Fri, 20 December 2019, 07:00:41
So I observe this early cancellation as a way of getting more attention, and the set deserves GMK.
Agree with this.
Post by: yuuS0cut3 on Fri, 20 December 2019, 07:58:57
tbh I thought this was one of the better looking sets of this year. I think the only problem with the set is that it ran to close with too many hyped/anticpated sets of all time like olivia.
100% agree. Should GB on a time that isn't the same as some really hyped keyset, such as Olivia, Metaverse, Obvilion,...
Post by: kokugatsu on Fri, 20 December 2019, 10:52:19
Honestly I felt the cancellation in the middle of the month was premature, I was sure a lot more people would have joined once they got their paychecks, myself included.
Post by: SlurmsMacKenzie on Fri, 20 December 2019, 14:23:52
GMK for sure, only qualm I have is with the Rama design.
Honestly I felt the cancellation in the middle of the month was premature, I was sure a lot more people would have joined once they got their paychecks, myself included.
This is how I feel as well, though they must have been pretty sure it wasn't going to make it, I would have been curious to see what would have happened if they left it open for the full GB period. But yeah, I think the set is great the way it is, I was going to buy it as well. I really like the gold on white alphas personally.
Post by: SuddenlyDonkey on Fri, 20 December 2019, 18:43:08
Post by: sent-by-an-iPerson on Sat, 21 December 2019, 00:58:50
Legionnaire kit with red alphas and gold lettering :-*
As an alt set of alphas, definitely.
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Post by: euphxenos on Sat, 21 December 2019, 16:43:17
Post by: hyperdolch on Sun, 22 December 2019, 00:09:06
Post by: shansoft on Sun, 22 December 2019, 12:20:45
Post by: cldskt on Sun, 22 December 2019, 20:29:20
Post by: Tyson on Mon, 23 December 2019, 01:32:57
Keep it as what it is. The GB time is a bit off with other sets, and it closed way too early IMO.
I'm of the same mindset, I really liked the way the set looked, would love to buy it again at the right time.
Post by: JDwrx on Mon, 23 December 2019, 15:20:01
Post by: Hackerpilot on Mon, 23 December 2019, 22:06:11
Post by: ivu on Tue, 24 December 2019, 01:35:10
- Keep it GMK as it will look the best. Not sure how the colors would look like in PBT. Will do Moq for sure either way.
- Add a secondary alphas kit with red base and gold legends. Will be an instant buy for many ppl.
- Red legends might be a better choice for base alphas. Much better contrast.
- Request which might be only by me...1.5u R4 FN key. Not as important ofc ;)
Enjoy your holidays!
Post by: alternisciel on Tue, 24 December 2019, 08:17:13
Post by: midnatwili on Tue, 24 December 2019, 11:07:18
Post by: crusader_alex on Thu, 26 December 2019, 11:34:58
First things first,I want to wish you all a merry Christmas.This has been a great year even though we had some setbacks.
Since it's the holidays i would like to post a short update to not take much of your time.
To address a couple of things based on the current feedback:
- New kits will only be added if the set is not GMK unfortunately as right now it's impossible to hit MOQ
- The Greek Kit will probably be worked on to decrease the price,even though it's not ideal it's most likely getting slimmed down to just the mixed greek keys
- Some changes will most likely be made to the base like adding the second B for Alice users
- Regarding the maroon with gold alternate base keys I didn't include them in the first run mainly because of cost and secondly because I thought it would be too similar to Red Sam however if you'd like to see that I wouldn't be against adding it
- Finally I made a render using maroon legends instead of gold but it strays too much from my idea of the set so I don't think anything will be done with it
(https://i.postimg.cc/6QkK1JL0/untitled.png)
Thank you for bearing with me on this update and happy rest of the holidays!!!
Post by: gordonderp on Thu, 26 December 2019, 13:55:43
Post by: DanBe on Thu, 26 December 2019, 14:06:10
Yeah not really feeling it without the gold. Have you considered going with JTK?
Agreed, it's not very Spartan without the gold imo
Post by: SuddenlyDonkey on Thu, 26 December 2019, 14:22:41
Yeah not really feeling it without the gold. Have you considered going with JTK?
Agreed, it's not very Spartan without the gold imo
Well... we got what we asked for. I'm in agreeance that your original vision of gold lettering is superior; thank you for providing that render to prove it.
Post by: NoxNoxNox on Thu, 26 December 2019, 19:10:53
I bought (and refunded) every GMK kit and I won't buy it if its not one of those four profiles.
And put gold back its awful without it.
Post by: crusader_alex on Fri, 27 December 2019, 02:05:31
I'd prefer SA or MT3 or KAT if you don't go with GMK.
I bought (and refunded) every GMK kit and I won't buy it if its not one of those four profiles.
And put gold back its awful without it.
If I don't go with GMK I think KAT is the most likely option,and don't worry about the gold it never left.This was a "test" render so to speak because a decent number of people asked for it to see if the contrast was better.
Post by: sent-by-an-iPerson on Fri, 27 December 2019, 05:37:52
- red legends on existing white alphas for greater contrast (which is the new render you made)
- red alphas with gold legends (with gold on white mods) - basically an inversion of the base kit, as an alt. If it’s a possibility, that would be a cool render to see.
Regardless, the existing base kit is really great as is. Looking forward to the reissue.
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Post by: ivu on Fri, 27 December 2019, 05:51:40
Another idea... Moving the numpad to an additional kit might be worth it in order to reduce base price and make it more affordable. Based on popularity of 60, 65 and tkl which are dominating the market it is worth considering.
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Post by: Calesinator on Thu, 30 January 2020, 13:36:51
Post by: nsmk on Thu, 30 January 2020, 15:08:33
Personally, I thought the original Sparta design was/is perfect. I'd love/strongly prefer it to stay GMK, the gold text should also stay in my opinion. I would say the biggest issues I/other people had with Sparta is that the GB itself felt very disorganized and not very committed to at times and the run time was badly placed as well as cancelled insanely prematurely. I personally like the Greek kit as is with both the mono and mixed options, and feel like it'll sell better with the merged Greek kits. If you ran the GB right now as it was previously, I'd buy about every kit.
This. Bought in on all kits before it was cancelled.
Post by: TheUpperStateOfMind on Thu, 30 January 2020, 20:23:54
Post by: shansoft on Thu, 30 January 2020, 20:49:14
Honestly, I think it's closed way too early.
The biggest problem is due to visibility. I couldn't find any of the information regarding to the kit except Geekhack IC thread. It needs to be more visible throughout.
This is definitely one of those kit that will be most wanted after it shipped.
Post by: fishinaspacesuit on Fri, 31 January 2020, 00:26:59
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Post by: crusader_alex on Fri, 31 January 2020, 06:22:41
Post by: Gondolindrim on Fri, 31 January 2020, 10:42:59
Hello guys and thanks for all the feedback so far.So to address a couple of things.Working on the set has been tough for the past few months so sorry for the lack of updates so far.Now the majority of people would like to see the set return as a GMK set and to be completely honest I would love that too however doing that will require a lot of planning.Now as far as the kits go I will not add anything unless it's run in PBT and if the set it's going to run in GMK i'm thinking of cutting some novelties just to make the kit more affordable and i'm also thinking of working on the Greek kit again to lower the price.With that said running the set in GMK will require a significant amount of interest since many GMK sets are struggling at the moment,and to be fully transparent finding a vendor who is willing to run this and people who are willing to collab considering it failed in the past is going to be a challenge.
I'm gonna be honest here. This set has a lot of personality and it's not for everyone; the "meta" now is a set with plain colors and hiragana alphas. These days the recipe for a keyset is getting two colors that make a nice contrast -- one of those generally being black or white --, making a base kit with inverted mods, novelties and a japanese sub-legends kit. To be even more honest I'm really baffled as to why such GMK sets are making such huge sums of buys because I'm quite bored of GMK (set name here) with hiragana sublegends and the community has shown in streams like TopClack, MoD, OtC, Apiary that I'm not the only one. Then again, they look nice and all, and I'm sure the designers/runners put a lot of work on them, but it's been almost an year now that we have three of these per month. SA and DSA are really scarce; the high-profile lovers have only MT3 to get and since it's exclusive to Drop we have only a handful of sets like Godspeed and dev/tty.
That being said, I reiterate: I'd jump in this in a heartbeat and I have turned other keysets down just to save money for Sparta. I think it has already been cited in the thread before, but there are lots of options you could try -- KAT, KAM, SA, DSA, MT3, the latter being owned by Drop, but since Susuwatari they have the capability of doubleshotting MT3 so why not consider?
Post by: Robosculpts on Fri, 31 January 2020, 10:56:17
Post by: euphxenos on Fri, 31 January 2020, 11:46:06
Post by: Rilow on Fri, 31 January 2020, 15:12:52
Post by: Calesinator on Fri, 31 January 2020, 17:58:34
Post by: midnatwili on Fri, 31 January 2020, 18:17:52
Yeah not really feeling it without the gold. Have you considered going with JTK?
I agree, without the golden color, it's not Greek or having the Spartan army theme anymore. I really love the original set, just don't know why it didn't not hit MOQ
Post by: TheUpperStateOfMind on Fri, 31 January 2020, 19:33:24
Post by: ivu on Thu, 20 February 2020, 15:17:21
Post by: Obstsalatjaa on Fri, 21 February 2020, 20:49:55
Post by: Ac1221 on Sat, 22 February 2020, 03:08:50
Post by: crusader_alex on Sun, 23 February 2020, 07:09:26
Any update on the current status?Yep,sorry for the lack of updates,exam season was rough lol.I have good news however.I have decided to rerun the set (in GMK). I am currently trying to figure out how to go about it though.I will most likely be posting an update soon-ish.
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Post by: fishinaspacesuit on Sun, 23 February 2020, 07:13:42
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Post by: senryo on Sun, 23 February 2020, 12:00:00
Any update on the current status?Yep,sorry for the lack of updates,exam season was rough lol.I have good news however.I have decided to rerun the set (in GMK). I am currently trying to figure out how to go about it though.I will most likely be posting an update soon-ish.
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great news, thanks!
Post by: Obstsalatjaa on Mon, 16 March 2020, 21:15:42
Post by: Eddie_Caps on Thu, 19 March 2020, 00:19:03
Post by: Zenith10010 on Tue, 14 April 2020, 07:23:48