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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: LightningXI on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:32:03

Title: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: LightningXI on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:32:03
(https://i.imgur.com/CYfnt37.png) (#post_a)

GMK Blue Alert R2
in GMK's CYL product, more commonly known as Cherry profile.

Runs in September 6 - September 27, 2024.

GB THREAD IS HERE (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=123626.0)

More

Background

Hello friends from Geekhack and the keyboard community ;D!

GMK Blue Alert (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=87895.0) is a keyset that was originally conceived as a spin off from the GMK Olivetti set, run by
Originative in 2013. In 2017, community member cmd enabled its singular pre-order through Originative,
with colors changed to the classic beige colors -- U9/L9 -- and V4 blue legends. Though once a niche
among enthusiasts, recent interest (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=111535.0) in "Alert"-styled sets (e.g. DCS Rebel / GMK Red Alert and their
 derivatives) prompted a renewed interest in this keycap set.

Its original runner, cmd, hoped to rerun the set, but has since passed on the torch to me to accomplish this
 with renewed styling and kitting choices, while keeping a few legacy items that preserve a distinguished
 detail from its prior run. Though there have been other sets that assimilate this hopeful "boring classic",
 I think none carry all of the features I wanted to see from a new release.

Original styling of the R1 set utilized classic Cherry icon-only modifiers (https://matrixzj.github.io/docs/gmk-keycaps/Blue-Alert/) with limited winkeyless compatibility
for Row 5 (a.k.a. R5, or row A for others) bottom-row layouts. This new run will feature extended Row 5
bottom-row support, a new Hangul sublegend kit (a community request made since my prior keyset run, Dolch R5 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107843.0)),
and a Blue Stripe kit -- to give the set its Rebel / Alert characteristic -- a number-row stripe accent with support
including the navigation cluster and numpad.

Without further ado, here are the features and kitting of the set, for which I have given deep consideration
to accommodate the community's needs and requests. Kitting is close to final, but comments are welcome.


Features

  - Cherry profile, ABS plastic, doubleshot keycaps manufactured by GMK in Germany.
  - Alphas: L9 cream base, V4 blue legends.
  - Modifiers: U9 beige base, V4 blue legends.
  - Accents: V4 blue base, U9 beige legends (Esc/Enter/Joker/Cherry).
  - Blue Stripe: V4 blue base, L9 cream legends (for increased contrast).
  - OG Cherry-style Icon-Text modifiers.
  - Complete R5 bottom row support.
  - Windows 95 icons - a condition from cmd in making this possible. (cmd: shoutout to nickheller)




Kits

Base
Coverage for most layouts, 4-key 40s w/ accents, US-ISO, Alice / split-bars, F13.

(https://i.imgur.com/6m7SZaG.jpeg)

Extension
Extras, windowed keys, legacy-style novelties, OS-agnostic Super keys, and spacebars.

(https://i.imgur.com/16qnZWe.jpeg)

Hangul
Korean sublegend kit, usable with legacy R1 set.

(https://i.imgur.com/916vzD2.jpeg)

Blue Stripe
Accent blue stripe for num-row placement.

(https://i.imgur.com/XmsN6UB.jpeg)

International

(https://i.imgur.com/1gWMEQg.jpeg)

Renders
Many thanks to Steven, a.k.a. FreshFromTheGrave (https://www.instagram.com/stevenolvercg/) for the amazing work.

Classic TKL by NovelKeys (https://www.instagram.com/novel.keys)

(https://i.imgur.com/81EgzVC.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/De7iwpq.jpeg) (https://i.imgur.com/UbSEBhJ.jpeg)

F1-8X by Geonworks (https://geon.works)

(https://i.imgur.com/Pu5auQh.jpeg) (https://i.imgur.com/Gg4QzFo.jpeg)

No. 2/65 by Keycult (https://keycult.com)

(https://i.imgur.com/3H7MwqM.jpeg) (https://i.imgur.com/XXDtyHH.jpeg)

Seis Cero by Daji Keyboards (https://www.instagram.com/dajikeyboards)

(https://i.imgur.com/n67MWhZ.jpeg) (https://i.imgur.com/q2iJC5H.jpeg)

Type K by gok (https://www.instagram.com/gok_nz)

(https://i.imgur.com/P4CME5K.jpeg) (https://i.imgur.com/29pxJlq.jpeg)

ASCII-F by enomooshiki

(https://i.imgur.com/ja7JzmV.jpeg) (https://i.imgur.com/aK54dh7.jpeg)

Banderole / Packaging
Thank you to Vheissu (https://www.instagram.com/vheissudotme) and LampKB (https://www.instagram.com/lampkb) for rapid, fun work on this banderole design.
(https://i.imgur.com/LZ7y19u.png)


Vendors & Pricing

  • United States: Novelkeys (https://novelkeys.com/lightning)
  • Canada: DeskHero (https://www.deskhero.ca)
  • Europe: Oblotzky Industries (https://oblotzky.industries)
  • United Kingdom: ProtoTypist (https://prototypist.net)
  • Southeast Asia: iLumKB (https://ilumkb.com)
  • China: zFrontier (https://en.zfrontier.com)
  • South Korea: GEONWORKS (https://geon.works)
  • Oceania: Daily Clack (https://dailyclack.com)

(https://i.imgur.com/oQoXyEk.png)


THANK YOU

  • Ragan of Space Cables, for kickstarting this project and overall support at the inception.
  • Mike, Riley, and the rest of the NovelKeys team, for taking on this project despite being yet another "boring beige" set. And for pushing the Hangul kit forward.
  • To the Lightningcord community for feedback, and for keeping the hope and hype for this set alive despite the few years we got stuck in limbo.
  • To cmd for the blessing to run this set and for his mutual enthusiasm of the Win95 logo.
  • To Steven, a.k.a. FreshFromTheGrave, for the keyboard and kit renders and extra graphics.
  • To Vheissu and LampKB for their design expertise and help in creating the amazing banderole.
  • To damonskv and zyxxke for their assist in having an improved vintage-styled Cherry icon.
  • To the vendors and collaborators who make this group-buy and re-run possible.


What's Next

  • Receive and announce pricing.
  • Collaborations.


Collaborations



Accessories
Matched cable via Space Cables (https://spaceholdings.net?aff=lightning). Details TBA.

Artisans
tentative and subject to change

  • Ahnuiya (https://www.instagram.com/ahnuiya/)
  • Alheckz (https://www.instagram.com/alheckz_/)
  • Alpha Keycaps (https://www.instagram.com/alphakeycaps/)
  • Artkey (https://www.instagram.com/artkey.universe/)
  • Azi Keycaps (https://www.instagram.com/azi.keycaps/)
  • BG Caps (https://www.instagram.com/bg_caps/)
  • BKM Caps (https://www.instagram.com/bkmkeycaps/)
  • Black Mage Caps (https://www.instagram.com/blackmagecaps/)
  • Bogan Caps (https://www.instagram.com/bogan.caps/)
  • CYSM (https://www.instagram.com/cysm_caps/)
  • Dalifu Caps (https://www.instagram.com/dalifu.caps/)
  • Goldenstar Keycap (GSK) (https://www.instagram.com/goldenstar_keycap/)
  • Hello / (https://www.instagram.com/hello__caps/) goodbye caps (https://www.instagram.com/goodbye__caps/)
  • Inkblot Caps (https://www.instagram.com/inkblot_caps/)
  • KUG Caps (https://www.instagram.com/kug.caps/)
  • Latrialum (https://www.instagram.com/latrialum/)
  • LAZERCAPS
  • Level Caps (https://www.instagram.com/level.caps/)
  • Maison of the West (https://www.instagram.com/maisonofthewest/)
  • Mastonon Kaps (https://www.instagram.com/mastonon.kaps/)
  • MFC (https://www.instagram.com/mfc.artisan/)
  • Myth Caps (https://www.instagram.com/myth_caps/)
  • Omniclectic (https://www.instagram.com/omniclectic/)
  • Primecaps (https://www.instagram.com/prime_caps/)
  • Raw Studio (https://www.instagram.com/rawstudio.art/)
  • Ritual Master Caps (https://www.instagram.com/ritualmaster/)
  • Rubrehose (https://www.instagram.com/rubrehose/)
  • Save Caps (https://www.instagram.com/lbsave/)
  • Sodie Caps (https://www.instagram.com/sodiecaps/)
  • Sonder Caps (https://www.instagram.com/sonder.caps)
  • Stupid Fruit Caps (https://www.instagram.com/stupidfruitcaps/)
  • TRMK Caps (https://www.instagram.com/trmkcaps/)
  • Wheatkeys (https://www.instagram.com/wheatkeys)
  • Zearoh (https://www.instagram.com/zearoh/)


Artisan keycap makers -- please feel free to message via GH, Discord (lightningxi)
or via IG (@lightningkeyboards) if you'd be interested in creating keycaps to go with the set!




If you want to support on Geekhack, consider adding the signature below to your profile:

(https://i.imgur.com/2z8e7Pi.png)

Code: [Select]
[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=123485.0][img width=516 height=120]https://i.imgur.com/2z8e7Pi.png[/img][/url]

Feel free to join my Discord server (https://discord.gg/mQKs4Mr) for occasional pings and updates with the blue-alert role.

:cool: Thanks for looking, and hope that you will consider supporting this set! :thumb:


Title: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:32:29
Changelog

- Add windowed Num Lock key to Blue Stripe kit.
- A couple of new board renders.
- Add U9 Cherry on V4 blue base to Extension kit.
- Corrections applied to Cherry icon in Extension kit -- thank you to damonskv and zxxyke.
- GB / preorder dates set. Final renders updated.
- International kit in discussion with Oblotzky Industries.

FAQ

Why is the Joker novelty not in all caps like in R1?
- It will stay as current for the main reason that Red Alert R2 (break's) had it as it is in my kit currently, and this set is much more attainable for current enthusiasts. For sake of consistency, I wanted to follow that than do the all caps version to have a bit of new and old elements in the set.

Can the Hangul kit have extra keys, like in Dolch R5, to enable using the same kits to dress multiple keyboards at once?
- I thought about this and it was included in an earlier version of the kit. You'd also have to include all punctuation keys, numrow, and Backspace/Tab keys. Assuming that the average buyer would not also have the Blue Stripe kit, I trimmed it out in the end in favor of slightly leaner kitting.

Is the International kit going to support all other languages, such as ES (Spanish) and FR (French)?
- The kitting will be decided by the two vendors in Europe who will be handling the sales of this kit entirely -- Oblotzky Industries and Jae[ProtoTypist]. Please direct any inquiries to them. Based on prior examples of INTL kits, it is likely to support NordeUK, but likely not ESFR. Please voice your concerns to the vendors running the kit for feedback and changes.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: HubertThemad on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:33:49
Let's goooooo. GLWIC Diego, in for all kits  ;D
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Choerry on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:35:16
Absolutely in love with the banderole design, I'll definitely keep an eye out for this.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: mongoose27 on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:36:38
Nicely done, Diego.  I need this in my life.  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Udyrstruidor on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:37:05
Let's go!! Have been waiting this for long!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: whirlwind on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:38:09
It’s hype time :cool:
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: lampmk on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:38:20
It's live! Finally!

Been waiting for this project for a really long time and I'm really glad I got to help out with it.

Can't wait to pick up a set! (or two) or three))

 :cool:

Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: AMZ on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:39:35
In for all kits for sure!! GLWIC
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: wigol2506 on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:40:30
It's been a long time coming! Can't wait for BA artisan collabs
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: mr_foggy on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:42:12
in for all kits
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:42:25
Kiwi banderole is undefeated. Can't wait to swipe on this so I can mix and match with my Olivetti set.

Edit: The extensions kit better hit MOQ. I need that GH novelty so bad.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: khai on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:48:05
i love everything about this. good luck lightning!!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: caap on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:48:40
finally a keyset to match my cap
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:49:17
more beige more better! good stuff!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Rob27shred on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:53:05
Diego makes keycap set, I buy keycap set... :p Seriously though, awesome work Diego! I am loving the way you kitted this out even though I plan on grabbing everything. Also love the banderole design! GLWIC/GB bud!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: MartinThePolarBear on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:55:14
Day 1 for me. Now we just need GMK Classic Blue to rerun


Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Futuresnot on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:57:10
Super awesome kitting and banderole. Can't wait. Woot!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Captain Shwah on Fri, 16 August 2024, 16:58:48
yay, this is awesome :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: NightFox99 on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:03:42
ESFR / NORDEUK kits in sight via European vendors ?
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:09:24
Quote from: NightFox99 on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:03:42
ESFR / NORDEUK kits in sight via European vendors ?

If Oblotzky / Jae would be keen on doing this for the EU/UK community, I would be happy to let it happen, but as it stands, there is no room for it as there's already four kits total.

Hope that's reasonable!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: busytimmy on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:10:41
Congrats on the IC, Diego <3

Def in for a base, extension and blue stripe kit  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: enomooshiki on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:23:30
OMG

would love to see this set with blue stripe on ASCII-F beige top

GLWIC!!!!!! I am definitely in for one
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: ej6 on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:28:36
Great set, I'm in!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: packman86 on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:31:21
Love the kit options. GLWIC!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: MoarCoffeePlzzz on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:32:08
Fantastic set and kitting. I’m in  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: smshark on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:47:01
great banderole. also, I realize it's a bit of a mismatch for the mods, but please consider xbox/mailbox 1.5u backspace. that + window icon variations are the best part of older sets
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: onedrunkman on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:49:39
 GLWIC :thumb:
 Kiwi deserves a snack for his efforts.
 ban reason :-X
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:53:16
Quote from: smshark on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:47:01
great banderole. also, I realize it's a bit of a mismatch for the mods, but please consider xbox/mailbox 1.5u backspace. that + window icon variations are the best part of older sets

Was under consideration at an earlier stage when the set was thought of as icon-only. The mismatch in modifier-type would break it for more people than not, and I personally do not advocate for the x-box key myself. I'm sorry but it won't be possible to include it.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: mozaic on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:59:12
Alert so hot right now!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Druah on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:59:39
awesome CEO cameo in the banderole :thumb: it looks great
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: crowcrowcrow on Fri, 16 August 2024, 18:18:45
Please please please please og split backspace like how it was in r1 Please please please :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Bokehhbob on Fri, 16 August 2024, 18:32:38
Alert kit in base kit would be awesome!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Fri, 16 August 2024, 18:54:30
Quote from: crowcrowcrow on Fri, 16 August 2024, 18:18:45
Please please please please og split backspace like how it was in r1 Please please please :'( :'( :'(

Sorry, as explained previously, x-box key won't be done!

Quote from: Bokehhbob on Fri, 16 August 2024, 18:32:38
Alert kit in base kit would be awesome!

They will stay separate. Cheers!

Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: NixieType on Fri, 16 August 2024, 19:12:27
Time to buy 2 sets, this is fire fr fr
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Cringelord on Fri, 16 August 2024, 19:39:25
Windows icon key, instabuy.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Dianoda on Fri, 16 August 2024, 19:47:37
Very down for this, love the nice additions compared to the first round. Good luck with IC (and GB)! :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: HungHingDaiLo on Fri, 16 August 2024, 20:51:51
R5 on base kit poggers - also love the classic Windows & Cherry icons  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Kokaloo on Fri, 16 August 2024, 21:51:34
thank god finally
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: ankit on Fri, 16 August 2024, 22:05:05
patiently awaiting tustum & mustom collabs…
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Maxximum on Sat, 17 August 2024, 00:44:41
Need this right now
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: boku on Sat, 17 August 2024, 00:59:55
I’m always down for more beige. Good job Diego for running another timeless set for us. I’ve got to add that V and Lamp absolutely killed the banderole game with this one. The vibes, the memes, just chefs kiss.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: ilikerustoo on Sat, 17 August 2024, 01:46:14
Yes, I'm in
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: densus designs on Sat, 17 August 2024, 04:03:37
lesss fricking goooo
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Sat, 17 August 2024, 06:07:27
A piece of feedback from B1oodTrail on Discord is likely to be implemented for kitting!

- Add one Num Lock windowed key to the Blue Stripe kit.

Any planned changes will be edited into the 2nd post in thread.

Thanks for all the encouragement, kind words, and support so far! Really feeling the enthusiasm from the community and very thankful for it.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Piperaceae on Sat, 17 August 2024, 06:19:39
A 2u shift in the extensions kit would be helpful, but otherwise this is great!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Sat, 17 August 2024, 06:32:03
Quote from: Piperaceae on Sat, 17 August 2024, 06:19:39
A 2u shift in the extensions kit would be helpful, but otherwise this is great!

This is actually already there! Sorry that the render didn't have key size legends added by accident.

The Shifts in Extension are 1u, 2u and 2.25u respectively.

If anybody else has questions about key sizing in current versions of the kits please feel free to ask!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: NightFox99 on Sat, 17 August 2024, 06:48:02
Quote from: LightningXI on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:09:24
Quote from: NightFox99 on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:03:42
ESFR / NORDEUK kits in sight via European vendors ?

If Oblotzky / Jae would be keen on doing this for the EU/UK community, I would be happy to let it happen, but as it stands, there is no room for it as there's already four kits total.

Hope that's reasonable!

I was more thinking about Eloquent Clicks who made ESFR kits real for GMK Blot and Black Snail. But anyway, set's looking very good, GLWGB !   
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Sat, 17 August 2024, 06:52:58
Quote from: NightFox99 on Sat, 17 August 2024, 06:48:02
Quote from: LightningXI on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:09:24
Quote from: NightFox99 on Fri, 16 August 2024, 17:03:42
ESFR / NORDEUK kits in sight via European vendors ?

If Oblotzky / Jae would be keen on doing this for the EU/UK community, I would be happy to let it happen, but as it stands, there is no room for it as there's already four kits total.

Hope that's reasonable!

I was more thinking about Eloquent Clicks who made ESFR kits real for GMK Blot and Black Snail. But anyway, set's looking very good, GLWGB !   

They'd have to reach out to make it possible but likely wouldn't also be able to sell the rest of the set since there'd be a division between EC and Oblo. They can feel free to create just the one kit though and run it through to MOQ.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Piperaceae on Sat, 17 August 2024, 07:30:58
Ah, got it! Yeah, I couldn't tell the sizes from looking on my phone. Yay, thank you!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: The Pig on Sat, 17 August 2024, 08:30:23
Wowza really great kitting and banner  ;D hope all kits reach moq  :p
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: TyPo.mk on Sat, 17 August 2024, 09:59:08
I’ll give you a dollar to put alert row in base
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Sat, 17 August 2024, 10:01:28
Quote from: TyPo.mk on Sat, 17 August 2024, 09:59:08
I’ll give you a dollar to put alert row in base

😔dollar put back on the table, sorry. Just get both kits!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: blacksimon on Sat, 17 August 2024, 11:49:07
This is lovely, thank you Diego!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Sat, 17 August 2024, 13:34:56
Just wanted to mention that there is possibility of an International kit. More news on this soon.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: IMZO on Sat, 17 August 2024, 15:11:16
first time in awhile im buying all the kits.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Nihadoid on Sat, 17 August 2024, 16:09:13
Quote from: LightningXI on Sat, 17 August 2024, 13:34:56
Just wanted to mention that there is possibility of an International kit. More news on this soon.


Hoping for this :) If it was to be done would it be possible to have the num row keys in the V4 colourway?
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: twitchytheinsideman on Sat, 17 August 2024, 16:36:32
in for all sets i think. or at least base and extension
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: culain on Sat, 17 August 2024, 16:58:05
Quote from: Nihadoid on Sat, 17 August 2024, 16:09:13
Quote from: LightningXI on Sat, 17 August 2024, 13:34:56
Just wanted to mention that there is possibility of an International kit. More news on this soon.

Good point!


Hoping for this :) If it was to be done would it be possible to have the num row keys in the V4 colourway?
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Adelscott on Sun, 18 August 2024, 05:50:56
Quote from: LightningXI on Sat, 17 August 2024, 13:34:56
Just wanted to mention that there is possibility of an International kit. More news on this soon.

I guess what you call International is in fact Nordeuk ?
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Yus on Mon, 19 August 2024, 01:48:42
Nicely done, Diego.  I need this for my keyboard.  :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Tue, 20 August 2024, 10:31:18
Will be adding a U9 beige Cherry on V4 blue base key to the Extension kit. Kitting (as shown in this thread) is now final and quotes are underway. Thanks for the interest and support, everyone!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Tue, 20 August 2024, 10:41:37
Quote from: Adelscott on Sun, 18 August 2024, 05:50:56
Quote from: LightningXI on Sat, 17 August 2024, 13:34:56
Just wanted to mention that there is possibility of an International kit. More news on this soon.

I guess what you call International is in fact Nordeuk ?

Yes, this would likely be the case. The kitting is not designed by me but by the two vendors running it -- Oblotzky and Jae[Prototypist]. It is likely there won't be ES/FR unless requests are made. I would suggest communicating this to them if there's significant interest.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Lhiebig on Tue, 20 August 2024, 14:07:33
An ESFR kit or a true international kit (like the one in GMK 2048 Extended) would be really awesome!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: extrapriusplease on Tue, 20 August 2024, 14:22:08
Can't wait dude!!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: MSA_Vision on Tue, 20 August 2024, 14:33:28
Very pog
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES on Tue, 20 August 2024, 18:13:01
> Will be adding a U9 beige Cherry on V4 blue base key to the Extension kit

Ayyy that’s awesome
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: udller on Tue, 20 August 2024, 23:52:53
oh yeah, the number rows got me excited. i love my blue alert. timeless classics/
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: EdgeOfInfinity on Wed, 21 August 2024, 18:00:21
glwic Diego!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: FoxandFoundry on Wed, 21 August 2024, 23:32:09
Is there any reason you're not using CP instead of L9? It would be cool if the alpha base color for GMK Blue Alert matched GMK Red Alert.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Wed, 21 August 2024, 23:34:52
Quote from: FoxandFoundry on Wed, 21 August 2024, 23:32:09
Is there any reason you're not using CP instead of L9? It would be cool if the alpha base color for GMK Blue Alert matched GMK Red Alert.
It’s the same colors as R1. Likewise, Red Alert replicated its first round which had those colors (CP for alpha base).

They didn’t run at the same time or by the same runner. They’re just different sets albeit close conceptually.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: FoxandFoundry on Wed, 21 August 2024, 23:45:47
Okay, no worries. Just asking because GMK Red Alert is perfection imho and it would make so much sense to build on that. Also for people who have both sets they would look really great together.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: FoxandFoundry on Wed, 21 August 2024, 23:48:56
Quote from: LightningXI on Wed, 21 August 2024, 23:34:52
It’s the same colors as R1. Likewise, Red Alert replicated its first round which had those colors (CP for alpha base).

They didn’t run at the same time or by the same runner. They’re just different sets albeit close conceptually.
Okay, no worries. Just asking because GMK Red Alert is perfection imho and it would make so much sense to build on that. Also for people who have both sets they would look really great together.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Razer1987 on Thu, 22 August 2024, 13:15:54
Espfr would be awesome
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: dyrdevil on Fri, 23 August 2024, 15:53:22
Really great to see this, thank you Diego!

Seems like my question will be too late, but I am curious if R4 bottom rows might make a return to modern base kits like this.  Would it increase the price of the base kit considerably?

I really appreciate the comprehensive coverage for Alice and f13 layouts in recent base kits, but I’ve found that I tend to prefer r4 bottom rows over r5. 

GL!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Fri, 23 August 2024, 16:41:05
Quote from: dyrdevil on Fri, 23 August 2024, 15:53:22
Really great to see this, thank you Diego!

Seems like my question will be too late, but I am curious if R4 bottom rows might make a return to modern base kits like this.  Would it increase the price of the base kit considerably?

I really appreciate the comprehensive coverage for Alice and f13 layouts in recent base kits, but I’ve found that I tend to prefer r4 bottom rows over r5. 

GL!

Hey! Thanks for the kind words.

I would say that generally the choice of bottom rows depends solely on the designer's choice. I think for cost effectiveness, it is necessary to choose either one and to stick with it.

At least in the case of Blue Alert, it was both a deliberate choice to keep it the same as its predecessor set (Blue Alert R1 that ran with Originative, except back then, the R5 1.25u molds did not exist), as well as a personal preference of mine, especially for classic schemes such as Beige/Classic Retro, WoB, and Dolch.

If you think about it the other way, a comprehensive kit that were to include both R4 and R5 keys to cover required layouts would imply adding at least a few dozen keys in R4 (even with 6.25u and 7u rows alone, you are thinking 20+ additional keys). Unfortunately, this either would have to be an additional kit to hit its own MOQ (150 units for stock color sets, 250 for custom colors), or a significant increase in kit pricing (especially the base, which matters most).

Hope this perspective helps inform folks wondering this across several sets they like.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: Amamiya_nana on Mon, 26 August 2024, 09:56:22
It's not often you see a single color OG keycap in a vibrant color anymore, I like it!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: LightningXI on Wed, 28 August 2024, 11:59:33
A few quick changes!



Thank you again all for your interest and support.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2
Post by: kno on Thu, 29 August 2024, 08:20:46
Lets goo!! So excited for this :D Like many others my keycap sets now rotates between WoB, beige and Dolch. Some more beige with some some vibrant color is always welcomed.  I'm in for all sets  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: macclack on Fri, 30 August 2024, 11:21:31
Happy this is running again. Planning on joining  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: udller on Fri, 30 August 2024, 11:26:33
i forgot to say this earlier, but this set would go great with a BAE in blue.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: VXQN on Mon, 02 September 2024, 03:00:01
Kinda wish that the Accent keys used alpha beige as the legend colour instead of mod beige. Even though it's "technically" correct, it looks a little off.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES on Mon, 02 September 2024, 11:50:01
I think the l9 vs u9 was a vote on discord. R1 also used mod (u9) didn’t it?
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: LightningXI on Mon, 02 September 2024, 11:51:57
Quote from: IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES on Mon, 02 September 2024, 11:50:01
I think the l9 vs u9 was a vote on discord. R1 also used mod (u9) didn’t it?
The Esc / Enter accents would have not changed regardless. But yes, R1 used U9 beige for all blue accents.

The only difference on this run is that there is a stripe kit and it will use the lighter cream L9 color for legends.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: LightningXI on Wed, 04 September 2024, 09:55:32
Hi all,

Blue Alert GB will open at the end of the week!

NovelKeys and ProtoTypist have provided pricing on their kits, which is as follows:

Base $135
Extension $55
Hangul $50
Blue Stripe $35

ProtoTypist prices with excluded / included VAT:

Base: £ 106.67 - 128.00
Extension: £ 43.33 - 52.00
Hangul: £ 39.17 - 47.00
Blue Stripe: £ 27.50 - 33.00

Prices will be updated onto the table in the OP as proxies follow-up with their final preorder pricing. You can expect other vendors' pricing to be similar or close.

Thank you for the interest!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: Kokaloo on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:28:10
Not to be that guy but I don't understand the trend of separating the stripe from the base kit. FTRO stripe is hard to get because they all sold out exceptionally faster than the base kits once in stock, and I feel this would be the same result if ran in a child kit. Not only that but it becomes far more expensive than just pairing it in base, and people are already going to want to attach the stripe kit so why not pair both together? I'd hate to miss out on the main gimmick once this hits in stock.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: LightningXI on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:44:00
Quote from: Kokaloo on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:28:10
Not to be that guy but I don't understand the trend of separating the stripe from the base kit. FTRO stripe is hard to get because they all sold out exceptionally faster than the base kits once in stock, and I feel this would be the same result if ran in a child kit. Not only that but it becomes far more expensive than just pairing it in base, and people are already going to want to attach the stripe kit so why not pair both together? I'd hate to miss out on the main gimmick once this hits in stock.

Because it'd bring the pricing of the base kit up a significant and non-negligible amount. The target is for the base kit to hit MOQ; the Blue Stripe is a luxury add-on that's happening this time around because it's possible. Totally understand wanting something in-stock that's paired together. At the same time, I think, if anything, past sales data on similar kitting shows that people prioritize a purchase on just the base, and the accents / novelties / add-ons are for those who can afford the extra luxury.

Hope that makes sense. It's unfortunately just the way it goes in making these concessions for kitting.

Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:47:09
Quote from: Kokaloo on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:28:10
Not to be that guy but I don't understand the trend of separating the stripe from the base kit. FTRO stripe is hard to get because they all sold out exceptionally faster than the base kits once in stock, and I feel this would be the same result if ran in a child kit. Not only that but it becomes far more expensive than just pairing it in base, and people are already going to want to attach the stripe kit so why not pair both together? I'd hate to miss out on the main gimmick once this hits in stock.

Be that guy if you are that guy. Why not buy during pre-order? Calling it a gimmick is a choice...
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: ZavaZ86 on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:51:02
Quote from: Kaptain Mike on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:47:09
Quote from: Kokaloo on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:28:10
Not to be that guy but I don't understand the trend of separating the stripe from the base kit. FTRO stripe is hard to get because they all sold out exceptionally faster than the base kits once in stock, and I feel this would be the same result if ran in a child kit. Not only that but it becomes far more expensive than just pairing it in base, and people are already going to want to attach the stripe kit so why not pair both together? I'd hate to miss out on the main gimmick once this hits in stock.

Be that guy if you are that guy. Why not buy during pre-order? Calling it a gimmick is a choice...

He just wants the stripe for his 40%  :(
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: Kokaloo on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:53:53
Quote from: Kaptain Mike on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:47:09
Quote from: Kokaloo on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:28:10
Not to be that guy but I don't understand the trend of separating the stripe from the base kit. FTRO stripe is hard to get because they all sold out exceptionally faster than the base kits once in stock, and I feel this would be the same result if ran in a child kit. Not only that but it becomes far more expensive than just pairing it in base, and people are already going to want to attach the stripe kit so why not pair both together? I'd hate to miss out on the main gimmick once this hits in stock.

Be that guy if you are that guy. Why not buy during pre-order? Calling it a gimmick is a choice...

It's called blue alert. It's called an alert row. It's integral to the design of this set.
And I simply don't buy during gb- sorry "pre order", especially when the designer himself is worried about moq to the point where we are using separating kits as a way to ensure it hits moq even though just the base kit is definitively more plain without the stripe.  Have been an in stock exclusive buyer for a while now after seeing everything this hobby has been though. I think many people would understand!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES on Wed, 04 September 2024, 12:00:21
Lets R1 people get it too, and that was also in play for red alert where r1 didn’t have the stripe and then you could buy it. GMK Toxic had both rows in base and I don’t think that’s the reason it didn’t sell well, but that does the idea no favors. FTRO goes for two colors and “making an expensive inclusive base kit”has been a bad idea for a long time. Was it also a condition for Blue Alert rerun permission or am I thinking of something else?

I suppose the opposite idea is to preorder two rows and sell one, as I think you’re right, the child kit will sell for a larger percent of preorder than base. You’re totally right on vendors dropping like flies too, to the point I get stuff from another countries vendor not the USA one, but Novelkeys changes the risk assessment for me.

Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: LightningXI on Wed, 04 September 2024, 12:04:23
Quote from: Kokaloo on Wed, 04 September 2024, 11:53:53
It's called blue alert. It's called an alert row. It's integral to the design of this set.
And I simply don't buy during gb- sorry "pre order", especially when the designer himself is worried about moq to the point where we are using separating kits as a way to ensure it hits moq even though just the base kit is definitively more plain without the stripe.  Have been an in stock exclusive buyer for a while now after seeing everything this hobby has been though. I think many people would understand!

The thing is this -- it's not. The set name and that particular perception of the set do not match up. The original sets that ran with GMK years back -- Red Alert (2015, photekq & Team Hammer) and Blue Alert (2017, Originative) -- neither of them had a colored row.

This set is effectively a re-run of that set with tweaks. I purposefully named the colored accent kit a Blue Stripe kit to avoid ambiguity with people's perception of "alert". The concept of stripe is taken from DSA Skull Squadron (2014) (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54334.0), which implemented it in a similar format.

For what it's worth, the very first set run with said "stripe" was in fact called DCS Rebel (https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=860) and dubbed "Red Alert" by the community. The stripe keys were simply add-on keys outside of the "full kit" and were just "inverse" colored keys. In fact, the second, GH-centric DCS run  (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=31887.0) did not even have the white-on-red keys either.  The idea of "Alert" is misconstrued and has changed over the years.


Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: bigmaxnonions on Wed, 04 September 2024, 12:31:20
Would you ever consider blue accent arrow cluster in the alert kit?
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: LightningXI on Wed, 04 September 2024, 12:38:25
Quote from: bigmaxnonions on Wed, 04 September 2024, 12:31:20
Would you ever consider blue accent arrow cluster in the alert kit?

Hey! Did consider accent arrows. Rid of them in favor of providing accents to the 40s community (Esc/Enter) in base, and at this point we have finalized the kitting. Sorry about that!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: airs on Thu, 05 September 2024, 17:37:42
Thanks for running this, I got in on the Originative run set back in 2017 and will be in on this for a number of kits. My only constructive criticism is that Geon's approach to kitting with Evil Dolch is a lot friendlier on the wallet.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: LightningXI on Thu, 05 September 2024, 17:51:10
Quote from: airs on Thu, 05 September 2024, 17:37:42
Thanks for running this, I got in on the Originative run set back in 2017 and will be in on this for a number of kits. My only constructive criticism is that Geon's approach to kitting with Evil Dolch is a lot friendlier on the wallet.

Glad to hear and thanks for the support.

I hear you on that. The main difference would be that GEON's approach requires a good amount of capital to ensure that certain MOQ levels are hit to maintain the price level they have, regardless of the final number of sales. I'm certain that it wouldn't be too cheap to split kits at lower levels. This was the only way to guarantee things would go smoothly for all the desired kits at the end. Thanks for the feedback!

Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: TyPo.mk on Thu, 05 September 2024, 17:52:17
Quote from: airs on Thu, 05 September 2024, 17:37:42
Thanks for running this, I got in on the Originative run set back in 2017 and will be in on this for a number of kits. My only constructive criticism is that Geon's approach to kitting with Evil Dolch is a lot friendlier on the wallet.

That kitting only works because geon has a million bajillion dollars to preemptively decide to buy out thousands of kits. Not feasible for every design or designer. If this was priced at 3000 moq it would be very affordable too
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: FatefulStranger on Fri, 06 September 2024, 02:33:48
I assume it’s too late for any kitting changes, but shouldn’t there be a blue ‘Pause’ key in the stripe child kit so as to fit G80-1800 layouts? Thanks!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: D3RS on Fri, 06 September 2024, 08:31:57
Is the groupbuy still happening on Novelkeys? Or do I have to get this shipped from outside the US?
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: HubertThemad on Fri, 06 September 2024, 08:53:03
Quote from: D3RS on Fri, 06 September 2024, 08:31:57
Is the groupbuy still happening on Novelkeys? Or do I have to get this shipped from outside the US?

It's going live in 8 minutes (or so it seems based on NK's discord)!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: LightningXI on Fri, 06 September 2024, 09:50:08
GB is now live, runs Sep 6 - Sep 27.

As of time of this post, GB open on Novelkeys, Prototypist, and Geonworks.

Should be live soon on Deskhero, Oblotzky, zFrontier, and iLumKB. Will update post as they announce.

----

We also have an International kit to cover Norde/DE/UK layouts

(https://i.imgur.com/1gWMEQg.jpeg)

These will need your support to hit MOQ.

GB thread on GH should go up soon, pending moderator approval.
Thanks for the support!

Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: LightningXI on Fri, 06 September 2024, 09:52:25
Quote from: FatefulStranger on Fri, 06 September 2024, 02:33:48
I assume it’s too late for any kitting changes, but shouldn’t there be a blue ‘Pause’ key in the stripe child kit so as to fit G80-1800 layouts? Thanks!

I didn't think folks would think to use it much on 1800 due to the cluster differences, but this certainly is correct. I will see if there can be any changes made, but I have my doubts. Sorry about that.
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: Thebloodyez on Fri, 06 September 2024, 09:55:59
GLWIC Diego :thumb:
The keyset is nice but box design is really amazing!
Title: Re: [IC] GMK Blue Alert R2 - Preorder runs Sep 6-27, 2024
Post by: LightningXI on Fri, 06 September 2024, 11:56:19
GB Thread is up!

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=123626.0