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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: Kaptain Mike on Mon, 27 July 2026, 23:14:18

Title: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Mon, 27 July 2026, 23:14:18
Fill IC Form Here (https://forms.gle/AyV6cdtjFLQ5CsRW8)
(https://photos.kstj.us/Nights_Banner.png)



I would like to present: Nights

DCS Nights is a dark set that pairs black keycaps with soft luminous legends and a spectrum of colors.
This creates moments of color within a dark presentation, like walking through downtown at night and seeing flashes of color and light pop as you make your way.

DCS Nights will hopefully be offered in both Alps and MX switch compatibility.
I do have quotes for both that don't look bad right now tbh, but I will likely trim to push the cost lower.

Alps-compatible group buys are rare, and this project aims to provide the most common layout support through a TKL base kit and optional kits if you need em.

If you’d like to see this project happen, please share this IC link and fill out the interest check form so I can show vendors that people want to buy.
Community support is a huge part of making Alps projects like this possible.
Btw, I am quite inexperienced with Alps so I will be learning alongside a lot of you.




PROPOSED ALPS KITS


(https://photos.kstj.us/ALPS_Base_Branded.png)
The modifier legends follow an intended color sequence around the keyboard.
Kitting is slim because I expect a lower MOQ target for Alps that will increase the price.
I am likely going to trim more.



(https://photos.kstj.us/ALPS_Numpad_Branded.png)
For the numpad enjoyers! Lots of Alps boards are full size so make sure you pick this up.


(https://photos.kstj.us/ALPS_Extension_Branded.png)
Additional keys preserve the intended color arrangement for different layouts like WKL and BAE.


(https://photos.kstj.us/ALPS_Blanks_Branded.png)
These will glow if you charge em with a UV light ;) Great for macro/XT columns or anywhere else you want!
Can you live with these for XT columns or do you want black base with M legends?
I figured these would be cool as blanks and provide physical compatibility.



PROPOSED MX KITS


(https://photos.kstj.us/MX_Base_Branded.png)
The modifier legends follow an intended color sequence around the keyboard.
Additional/duplicate keys help preserve the intended color arrangement for layouts like WKL, 67/75 etc.
I am likely going to trim a bit.



(https://photos.kstj.us/Nights_MX_Numpad_Branded.png)
Whether you prefer a full size board or a standalone numpad, this kit is for you.


(https://photos.kstj.us/MX_Extension_Branded.png)
This kit adds support and color flow for true HHKB bottom row and the most common alice boards.


(https://photos.kstj.us/MX_6-key_40s_Branded.png)
I’m sorry for splitting this off from the base but it adds a lot to the cost.
Definitely taking feedback to see what reasonable changes can be made to this kit.



(https://photos.kstj.us/MX_Blanks_Branded.png)
Did I mention these will glow if you charge em with a UV light? Great for macro/XT columns, blank alphas, or anywhere else you want! Or do you just want black blanks or M legends?


COLORS & SPECS
All stock SP colors
Black (NN) base with YCA alphas and various colors for mods.
Manufacturer - Signature Plastics
Material - ABS plastic
Profile - DCS
Legends - Doubleshot Gorton
Shinethru are printed.
Text-icon modifiers.






RENDERS
Disclaimer: These renders attempt to convey the real life colors/textures.


SEAL80 by Sensy (https://www.instagram.com/sensy.lab/)
(https://photos.kstj.us/Seal80_2.png)


SEAL100 by  Sensy (https://www.instagram.com/sensy.lab/)
(https://photos.kstj.us/Seal100_2Corrected.png)


Cloudnine by  Machina (https://www.instagram.com/machina.syd/)
(https://photos.kstj.us/Cloundnine_x_Nights.png)


The render below emphasises the luminescence, it is NOT this strong in real life.
In typical use, ambient light and monitor brightness will wash out much if not all of the glow effect.
In fact, I would almost say it’s nonexistent in most cases.
If you charge it with a dedicated UV light, then it will glow stronger.
(https://photos.kstj.us/DCS_Nights_Tucked_In_Night.png)


Special thanks to @pensa (https://www.instagram.com/pensa.73) for the renders




VENDORS
  • United States: Sneakbox (https://sneakbox.com/)
  • UK: ProtoTypist (https://prototypist.net/)
  • Additional regional vendors: TBD.
    Please share this project with any vendor you think would be a great fit.


PRICING

TBD

COLLABORATIONS

TBD
Would you be interested in a collaboration board with Alps compatibility?


Do you want to collab? Message me via Discord, IG, or geekhack. I’ve got resources for you.





THANKS TO <3
  • The community for all the support! Joining my GB’s means so much.
  • My friends for all the honest feedback.

Join my discord where I leak upcoming projects and run private GB’s from time to time: Kaptain’s Quarters (https://discord.gg/TcqkuJ3Mww)


If you want to support this project, consider adding the banner below:

(https://photos.kstj.us/Nights_Banner.png)

Code: [Select]
[URL=https://discord.gg/TcqkuJ3Mww][img width=640 height=192]https://photos.kstj.us/Nights_Banner.png[/img][/URL]
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Mon, 27 July 2026, 23:15:05
Reserved
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: MartinThePolarBear on Tue, 28 July 2026, 00:55:44
NN is the base color right? Is the alpha legend color one of SP's stock colors that glow in the dark?
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Thebloodyez on Tue, 28 July 2026, 01:13:41
Its nice to see ALPS keycaps project.
Sir could you please consider 10U alps spacebar for ALPS?
I would love to get that for my NeXT layout board.

GLWIC  :cool:
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Gemmmmmmmmmmmmmy on Tue, 28 July 2026, 02:42:49
Would be cool to see BAE and 10u for MX as well. Other than that this looks like a banger set, ALPS is rare but always pleasant to see! GLWIC
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: SwearWolf on Tue, 28 July 2026, 09:42:40
GLWIC  :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Fraaaan on Tue, 28 July 2026, 09:52:10
Awesome set, GLWIC!
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: schizobovine on Tue, 28 July 2026, 10:56:16
Love it! I'm in for anything GITD :D
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: BossKeebs on Tue, 28 July 2026, 12:07:48
I would like to see a GB in this!
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Forvitni on Tue, 28 July 2026, 18:55:02
I'd love to grab the alps set for a future 8k build.

Question about the alps extension kit, does SP have molds for 1.5u supers? If they do I understand not including them in the base kit because of cost concerns but i'd love to see them in the extensions kit.
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Tue, 28 July 2026, 19:47:29
I'd love to grab the alps set for a future 8k build.

Question about the alps extension kit, does SP have molds for 1.5u supers? If they do I understand not including them in the base kit because of cost concerns but i'd love to see them in the extensions kit.

What keyboard is the 8k?

Regarding 1.5u Supers for Alps, is that for an HHKB Alps build? A niche within a niche. I'd love to support everyone but I doubt there will be many of those.
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Forvitni on Tue, 28 July 2026, 19:57:40
I am planning on doing a frog tkl 8k whenever I find someone willing to sell me one, it will have a tsangan bottom row but I like swapping the alt and super keys if I can because I use the super key more.
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 28 July 2026, 20:15:39
Hello i have been summomed for Alps. Thank you for doing something non MX  :-*
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: sgtfinley96 on Tue, 28 July 2026, 22:22:10
As the Alps guy, I fully support this keycap set and I will be purchasing one for myself. One suggestion to make is adding a proper XT F Column like found on the IBM Model F XT/AT. That would make this set great on boards with an XT Column like the Ion Zenith and 6.xx
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Randomlosername on Wed, 29 July 2026, 04:10:42
100% count me in.
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Wed, 29 July 2026, 18:59:42
100% count me in.
MX, Alps or both?
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: E.E.L. Ambiense on Wed, 29 July 2026, 19:33:26
If this runs, in for all Alps!  Thanks for offering this.
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: BossKeebs on Fri, 31 July 2026, 01:46:05
Does this keycap set support alps?
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Gemmmmmmmmmmmmmy on Fri, 31 July 2026, 06:58:41
Does this keycap set support alps?
Nah I don't think so.
[attachimg=1][attachimg=2]
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Fraaaan on Fri, 31 July 2026, 08:11:33
Does this keycap set support alps?
Nah I don't think so.
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

None of the comments mention it either so probably no Alps...
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: rayy on Fri, 31 July 2026, 09:22:59
Does this keycap set support alps?
Nah I don't think so.
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

None of the comments mention it either so probably no Alps...

Does this keycap set support alps?
Nah I don't think so.
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

None of the comments mention it either so probably no Alps...
beat them while they're down.  :)
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Fri, 31 July 2026, 12:56:04
Might be a good time to tease my next set: DCS Read  :))
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: hwalker84 on Mon, 03 August 2026, 15:37:12
Yeah I like this
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Keycap on Mon, 03 August 2026, 17:24:10
Logged on for the first time in forever just to say how gorgeous this is. I'm VERY interested in buying a set.
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Zealousy on Wed, 05 August 2026, 22:33:19
Looks good! I'd be interested in the Alps set.
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Wed, 12 August 2026, 10:43:44
Reminder to fill IC form if you haven't. And share with your servers too. The more data I have, the better. Kitting will be changing based on feedback I have so far. Looking to add 10u spacebar for alps, proper black F keys for alps XT column instead of blanks, shuffle some keys around, and trim some extra caps. Might even add a novelty, we'll see. Also working on potential collab board for alps and mx support. Any questions or comments? Thanks everyone!
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Forvitni on Tue, 18 August 2026, 04:04:13
Reminder to fill IC form if you haven't. And share with your servers too. The more data I have, the better. Kitting will be changing based on feedback I have so far. Looking to add 10u spacebar for alps, proper black F keys for alps XT column instead of blanks, shuffle some keys around, and trim some extra caps. Might even add a novelty, we'll see. Also working on potential collab board for alps and mx support. Any questions or comments? Thanks everyone!

any chance at all of getting a 1.5u super for the alps kitting? I don't know much about the SP molds for alps so I don't know if they exist but if they'd do it would really cool.
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Sun, 23 August 2026, 14:11:13
any chance at all of getting a 1.5u super for the alps kitting? I don't know much about the SP molds for alps so I don't know if they exist but if they'd do it would really cool.

a single 1.5u Super? what board/layout would you use it with? i dont think there will be enough demand to be honest. most people who will buy the Alps keyset are going to build standard TKLs, Full sizes, maybe WK/WKL 60s
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Forvitni on Mon, 24 August 2026, 08:29:15
any chance at all of getting a 1.5u super for the alps kitting? I don't know much about the SP molds for alps so I don't know if they exist but if they'd do it would really cool.

a single 1.5u Super? what board/layout would you use it with? i dont think there will be enough demand to be honest. most people who will buy the Alps keyset are going to build standard TKLs, Full sizes, maybe WK/WKL 60s

Either an 8k TKL or a 60%, it would just be nice to have a super for mac users in the proper key spot. I really don't enjoy using a 1.25u based bottom row. I understand its probably not very popular and that is fine I would likely just op to pass and skip an alps build in the future because I don't really want to use vintage beige caps.
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Mon, 24 August 2026, 11:14:56
any chance at all of getting a 1.5u super for the alps kitting? I don't know much about the SP molds for alps so I don't know if they exist but if they'd do it would really cool.

a single 1.5u Super? what board/layout would you use it with? i dont think there will be enough demand to be honest. most people who will buy the Alps keyset are going to build standard TKLs, Full sizes, maybe WK/WKL 60s

Either an 8k TKL or a 60%, it would just be nice to have a super for mac users in the proper key spot. I really don't enjoy using a 1.25u based bottom row. I understand its probably not very popular and that is fine I would likely just op to pass and skip an alps build in the future because I don't really want to use vintage beige caps.

Can you please share a picture of the board/layout so I can see where the key would go?
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Forvitni on Tue, 25 August 2026, 19:39:25
I think maybe the confusion is stemming from me requesting "one" instead of just saying 1.5u supers implying two. I just want to be able to do a mac bottom row.

any chance at all of getting a 1.5u super for the alps kitting? I don't know much about the SP molds for alps so I don't know if they exist but if they'd do it would really cool.

a single 1.5u Super? what board/layout would you use it with? i dont think there will be enough demand to be honest. most people who will buy the Alps keyset are going to build standard TKLs, Full sizes, maybe WK/WKL 60s

Either an 8k TKL or a 60%, it would just be nice to have a super for mac users in the proper key spot. I really don't enjoy using a 1.25u based bottom row. I understand its probably not very popular and that is fine I would likely just op to pass and skip an alps build in the future because I don't really want to use vintage beige caps.

Can you please share a picture of the board/layout so I can see where the key would go?
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: five on Wed, 26 August 2026, 08:24:20
if it is possible to have Mono-color Mods as additional kit
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Little4Real on Wed, 26 August 2026, 21:06:10
Any chance that you could add a 6U spacebar to the Alps kit?
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Thu, 27 August 2026, 19:37:23
Any chance that you could add a 6U spacebar to the Alps kit?
What board and layout would this be for?
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Gemmmmmmmmmmmmmy on Thu, 27 August 2026, 21:24:30
Any chance that you could add a 6U spacebar to the Alps kit?
What board and layout would this be for?

afaik, serendipity has alps support and can use a 6u bar for 1.5u mods, but that is incredibly niche already aside from true hhkb support.
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Fede_Feo on Thu, 27 August 2026, 23:35:38
Alps offering for this is a really good choice, thank you.
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: victoriarose101 on Sun, 30 August 2026, 09:19:19
love the inclusion of alps!
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: xyzzy42 on Tue, 01 September 2026, 20:02:37
I'd like an R4 backslash.  Backslash with split right shift was a common layout for vintage boards with a BAE.
Also 1.75u R3 control for alps.  Early boards from around the model F era have control there.
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: mashhh on Sun, 06 September 2026, 10:05:33
silly question, why no alps shorts space bar?
there are alice support in DCS Pingmaster. is the short space bar mold not open to use?
but beside that, nice color!
Title: Re: [IC] DCS Nights
Post by: Kaptain Mike on Thu, 10 September 2026, 21:07:12
silly question, why no alps shorts space bar?
there are alice support in DCS Pingmaster. is the short space bar mold not open to use?
but beside that, nice color!

I’m sure it’s open to use but I’ve only gotten maybe 5 people ask for small bars. Not enough to justify adding that support, still taking feedback though.