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geekhack Marketplace => Group Buys and Preorders => Topic started by: Input Nirvana on Wed, 29 June 2011, 14:10:25

Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Wed, 29 June 2011, 14:10:25: PLEASE USE THE INFORMATION BELOW:

Here is the pricing that is currently available from KSM. Please read the hyphen (-) notes below for additional price considerations to the matrix shown. The wood types available and the costs of each key individually and as a set are listed below. The keys as quoted come with an engraved legend, see photos for style. Keys can come with no legend, and/or be engraved by WASD Keyboards as an option. The keys are for Cherry MX switches. The wood keycaps have a lacquer coating.

-There may be a small price adjustment to reduce the cost, but that can't happen until the entire order is ready to go and KSM will decide how much (if any).
-There are delivery charges that are not calculated. They will be divided evenly 'per key' for the entire order. The larger the order, the less per key.
-The keys will come to California and be distributed from California to the final destination. Shipping charges will apply.
-Keys are available without legends, and there may be a reduction in price. This will depend on the order placed. A reduced price is not guaranteed at this time.
-Keys ordered without legends, to be engraved by WASD Keyboards will have a separate charge for the custom engraving by WASD Keyboards.
-KSM will need about 3-4 weeks to manufacture. Shipping time from Taiwan. Distribution time. Perhaps 5-6 weeks to get product from group order date.

FIRST COLUMN - Price per individual key.
SECOND COLUMN - Price per key for an entire keyboard set
THIRD COLUMN - Price per individual key. The "Stylish key top" are little figurine type tops made of wood, you can see these on their website.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]26121[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]26122[/ATTACH]

[/HR]
[/HR]BEGINNING POST:
Saw this company posted on deskthority, and contacted them about obtaining wood keycaps only, not an entire keyboard.

http://www.kunshiman.com.tw/p.asp?l=3&id=34

[ATTACH=CONFIG]19870[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]19871[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]19872[/ATTACH]

When I follow up with some pricing info, I'll post it here. I may buy 8 home row keycaps as samples to see how they are first.

This is their response:
____________________________________________________
Hello~

I'm glad you enjoy our keyboard.

We surely can just sell the keycaps you mentioned,

you can just offer your design , we will make them for you.

but we have MOQ for sets of keycaps,
and we also need to know what kind of wood you choose to use.

could you provide the photo of the set of keycaps for us first?

We can replicate them in wood, but we will charge you service fee and delivery fee.

thanks in advance~

--
Best Regard.

陳柏邑
KENT CHEN
Sales Department

KUNSHIMAN PRECISION TEC CO., LTD

F308, NO.12, 2ND RD., SOUTHERN TAIWAN SCIENCE PARK, TAINAN CITY, TAIWAN 74147 R.O.C

TEL: +886+6+5056433
Mobile:+886+975215270
FAX: +886+6+5056408

____________________________________________________
2011/6/29
Hello,

Your products are absolutely beautiful.

I want to know if it is possible to purchase any of the following:
-non legended keycaps
-keycaps of different styles

I have several keyboard projects, and I would love the opportunity to possibly purchase some keycaps if that is possible. This is a link to a website with my progress:

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:8110

I am mostly working on a Kinesis Contour keyboard. It uses about 12 different keycap profiles. Would it be possible for me to send you a set of keycaps and have you replicate them in wood?

Thank you,
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: reaper on Wed, 29 June 2011, 14:29:24: That looks interesting. Hope they put on some sort of termites treatment on those keycaps. =D
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Wed, 29 June 2011, 14:35:31: They have a redwood option, which termites don't care for.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ascaii on Wed, 29 June 2011, 15:42:23: Im very interested, been playing with the thought of emailing them myself...ill follow this thread closely :)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Mazora on Wed, 29 June 2011, 15:49:16: wow... interested too
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Wed, 29 June 2011, 16:05:08: My ongoing emails with them contain more than just the questions as listed below, This is just a summarization.

So far I'm asking:

1- a per MOQ keycap price with and w/o legends
2- a per MOQ keycap "set" price with and w/o legends
3- a Kinesis Contour keycap set price with and w/o legends
4- High-Low price estimate for different woods, if that's a factor
5- to have "spherical" keycaps made, is there a price difference from the "cylindrical"?
6- Can you confirm that your keyboard layout is exactly the same as a g80-3000? If so, please provide a price for a redwood keycap set.
7- Pricing for an 87 Tenkeyless.
8- Are there specific order minimums/requirements? If so, are you willing to work with one person to facilitate getting small, partial orders distributed to others?

I want to check the actual keys out before making any bigger decision.

I may opt to just get the 8 home row and 6 or 12 F-keys...those would all be the MOQ Cherry keycap they already make. It may not make sense for me to have the Kinesis Contour keycap set made. I sure love beautiful wood though :)

Please add any questions here in this thread over next couple days and I'll send a nice list to them at the end of the weekend.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: calavera on Wed, 29 June 2011, 17:14:44: Awaiting pricing response, this has me intrigued. :)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Wed, 29 June 2011, 17:23:59: I believe the keycaps are cylindrical. I'll add to the question list cost of spherical keycaps with and w/o legends.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: elitekeyboards on Wed, 29 June 2011, 17:27:09: These are cnc'd wooden keycaps with a plastic Cherry switch mount inserted in the back, the mount itself looks a little short/shallow at exactly 4mm, but does the job. Considering a keyboard from these guys costs $$$$, the keycaps should definitely be elite...pricewise:) And, no I don't have plans to bring this stuff in as of yet, though I've considered it.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Wed, 29 June 2011, 17:42:59: I assume the price will be silly high, but I think justifiably so. You get what you pay for... maybe wood escape keys :)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: guilleguillaume on Wed, 29 June 2011, 18:17:00: I'm interested in these Wood keycaps too.

Now I only have to find a way to make a custom wood case for one of my keyboards like the one from Nanu:

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6557
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: keyboardlover on Wed, 29 June 2011, 18:48:06: I'm interested.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Wed, 29 June 2011, 19:11:28: I went back up to POST #6 and made the list of questions in RED BOLD. If anymore questions come up, ask them in this thread, and I will add it to the list in post #6 before I send another email this weekend.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: dreamingftw on Wed, 29 June 2011, 20:12:46: I too am interested in a key, which is all I could probably afford.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Chobopants on Wed, 29 June 2011, 21:54:53: Quote from: dreamingftw;370332
I too am interested in a key, which is all I could probably afford.

I am interested in keys with legends. I'd consider without if that's the only option. An entire 87 tenkeyless set would be nice.

If the price is ridiculous I would definitely consider something like just an ESC key or the Function row as well.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Multiple on Wed, 29 June 2011, 23:22:20: Quote from: input nirvana;370135
They have a redwood option, which termites don't care for.

I would definitely go with the red sandalwood, a.k.a. Zitan!

With some polish (no lacquer needed) and some time it would look like black plastic, because there are no visible grains in this wood and it oxidases to black.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: aggiejy on Wed, 29 June 2011, 23:49:17: Totally interested.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: peda on Thu, 30 June 2011, 01:24:11: i am interested in those as well and i hope that the price is not ridiculous high... but unfortunately i think my hopes will be not fullfilt?!
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ascaii on Thu, 30 June 2011, 02:47:53: please ask them what one of their regular premade keysets would cost. Their layout looks exactly like g80-3000 layout, so all I would need is one set of their "regular caps. I already have my wooden case, ill need matching redwood caps for it (my case is european cherry)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: negidaku on Thu, 30 June 2011, 13:20:26: What are "wood minimum order quantity keycaps"?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Atenacius on Thu, 30 June 2011, 13:30:30: I would definitely be interested in a wooden ESC key for my Noppoo Choc Mini, it'll match the font color. Full sets are definitely going to be too much for me to justify.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: JAMM0N on Thu, 30 June 2011, 13:41:32: these would cost a lot. the cutting the polishing. it'll be nice but very costly. engraved also would be the sexxx
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Thu, 30 June 2011, 13:46:30: It's about midnight in Taiwan right now, but I'm sending the preliminary list of questions (see POST #6) in a different format in 4 or 5 hours so they have them in the morning. I'll add any specific questions I get before then. I'll clarify their inevitable questions that our questions will create. They have been very responsive.

I've sent them info for the manufacture of Kinesis Contour keycaps and am awaiting a quote along with a few other items. Hopefully will have a lot of info tomorrow, and the details a day or so after that.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 04 July 2011, 12:53:06: UPDATE:

I've gotten some general information today, (sorry, not the easy details of how much an individual key will cost).

-They have only sold entire keyboards up to this point.
-They are open to selling keys only.
-Some time is needed to rethink their ideas/expectations/pricing model, etc.
-Preliminary pricing for some of the things requested can be available in about a week.
-At this point, different woods have a different price. I feel that may change if we are talking about small quantities.

Anyone that wants to, PM me with EXACTLY what you would possibly want. I suggest you look at their website and keep it limited to their offerings as much as possible. But if you have other ideas, understand the pricing will take a while. I will sift and coordinate so that I don't bombard them with too much info, they are not set up for that at all. I can get run the items through my existing business that imports from material from about 6 miles away from them, so it's not a problem, it's just another piece of paper for me.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 04 July 2011, 13:36:18: Awesome, can't wait to hear more. I'm sure they'll be super pricey if they're selling the board for ~2k (http://cn.engadget.com/2011/06/04/computex2011-ksm-shows-off-wooden-mechanical-keyboard/), but you never know. Like someone said... if it's crazy, maybe we can just order a bunch of one top-row key.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 11 July 2011, 11:08:00: UPDATE:

EDITED PRICING AS BELOW---FOR FURTHER CLARIFICATION--

Still sorting through information. As a guideline, an individual keycap is about $7 (teak) to $17 (redwood) before shipping, with the other woods in between those 2 prices. I have been obviously mostly trying to get the individual keycap prices (the title of this thread). If a set of keycaps is purchased, there is a price of about $6.50 (teak) to $15.50 (redwood) per keycap (times the total number of keycaps in the set...ie. #104).

This is definitely a good candidate for a group buy, but not restricted to that by any means.

I will be posting more information as I clarify and confirm.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 11 July 2011, 11:18:26: Quote from: ripster;378180
Redwood is splintery. I like Cherry myself.

Cherry MX.

Cherry - Cherry MX. Get it?

Oh nvm.

You're on a roll, don't stop now.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: mmmty on Mon, 11 July 2011, 11:29:28: Thanks for finding more ways for me to spend my money :mmph:
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 11 July 2011, 11:36:37: You're complaining to MEEE?? I've spent more on keyboards in 2 years than on my first car!

I'll get a keycap asap so I can take detailed close-up 360 degree photos. That will have to do until Ripster gets his keys and the legos wear them as hats.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Multiple on Mon, 11 July 2011, 12:28:45: Quote from: ripster;378180
I'm interested in an ESC key to add to my collection.

Redwood is splintery. I like Cherry myself.

Cherry MX.

Cherry - Cherry MX. Get it?

Oh nvm.

Something does not add up here, Pterocarpus Santalinus is commonly known as Red or Purple Sandalwood (they write the wood title as Red Sandalwood), but they write the given latin name of the wood as Pterocarpus Papilionaceae (I do not know it). On the other hand Red/Purple Sandalwood (zitan) can be referring to four different species, three of them found in Brazil, the fourth found in India (the original source of zitan). None in Indonesia / Philippines.

It could turn out to be a problem with customs if the wood is CITES listed, so I think it is necessary to ask exactly what logs they are working on (hoping it really any of the zitan species, cause it is the most awesome wood).

Here's a detail from an old zitan chair I'm planning to restore:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]20386[/ATTACH]

But, what does "redwood" usually refer too?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 11 July 2011, 12:54:52: I'm a step or two away from wood verification. They haven't done this before (individual keycaps) so we are going over machining specs, costing and control, then wood type and costing. I'll address this issue in the next couple emaiis so the framework will be set up.

They are open to exploring, to a point. I'm sure this is mostly a marketing/exposure endeavor for them.

That chair looks spectacular. Full pics?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 11 July 2011, 13:12:04: Quote from: ripster;378239
Show Image
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515zjYMpuOL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)

Better than him looking down his pants.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: iMav on Mon, 11 July 2011, 13:26:01: Quote from: ripster;378249
Whatever happened to Woody?
Whatever happened to Whiskey in the Jar-o, Mikecase00, and SigonLegacy??

(looks like all of them posted as recent as last year)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Multiple on Mon, 11 July 2011, 13:35:33: Lil' late to snap pictures but here's some earlier shots

[ATTACH=CONFIG]20392[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]20393[/ATTACH]

Pretty comfy to sit in.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: woody on Mon, 11 July 2011, 14:19:01: Quote from: ripster;378249
Whatever happened to Woody?
Wha? I'm here, just bit busier than usually, but still some quick post here or there.

You seem to have missed my recent posts of infinite wisdom. That makes me a sad wannabe troll.
Damn ping whiners, they injected lots of sustained noise recently.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 11 July 2011, 23:27:23: Some keycap photos I've just received.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]20417[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20427[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20426[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20425[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20424[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20423[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20422[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20421[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20420[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20419[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20418[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20428[/ATTACH]

Note the one keycap underside showing the Cherry insert.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: reaper on Mon, 11 July 2011, 23:33:11: Some of those looks pretty cool. Maybe we should do a limited edition wooden Geekhack key cap.

Edit: Also your sig is very distracting.. but in a good way. lol =D
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 11 July 2011, 23:36:16: Sig photo is temporary. I'm applying pressure to Ripster. I think he's almost ready to crack. Or, it has zero effect. Dunno.

You probably shouldn't have me to run your presidential campaign.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ascaii on Tue, 12 July 2011, 01:52:18: edit: after your sneaky edit of the price per cap for an entire board there is no way im in for this, that is a ridiculous price.
Might still be in for 1 or two individual caps.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: 7bit on Tue, 12 July 2011, 02:26:11: Quote from: input nirvana;378177
...
Still sorting through information. As a guideline, an individual keycap is about $7 (teak) to $17 (redwood) before shipping, with the other woods in between those 2 prices. I have been obviously mostly trying to get the individual keycap prices (the title of this thread). If a set of keycaps is purchased, there is a price of about $6.50 (teak) to $15.50 (redwood) per keycap (times the total number of keycaps in the set...ie. #104).
...

What about prices if they do more than one set? Will costs reduce significantly?

$676 per keyboard is too much!

If pricing would be similar to SP, I would cancel all efforts in the direction of Round 4!

Quote from: Ascaii;378637
Can you please ask them if they can manufacture a set of g80-3000 (basically same as their keyboard uses) layout ISO-DE caps? The prices you mentioned are definitely in the realm of the possible, and those samples you got are incredible.

They can manufactuer any key caps for any keyboard ever.

That's the advantage of wood over plastic!

However, they are expensive in comparision to plastic when it comes to mass-production.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ascaii on Tue, 12 July 2011, 06:19:57: before the edit the prices were actually affordable...how come the drastic increase from what you originally posted?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: fortran on Tue, 12 July 2011, 09:22:13: they don't sell many keyboards - at 800 / board, no wonder
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Tue, 12 July 2011, 10:20:35: Quote from: Ascaii;378684
before the edit the prices were actually affordable...how come the drastic increase from what you originally posted?

I mis-read the price break as the actual pricing, when it in fact was the discount from the "per piece" price. My mistake, very sorry for that :(

Keep in mind, these are the exact and initial prices they have sent to me so far, and there may be some changes. Still investigating to see what all available options are.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: aggiejy on Tue, 12 July 2011, 10:39:58: Well, I'm certainly in for a few caps. Perhaps some arrow keys?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: iMav on Tue, 12 July 2011, 10:52:42: Can they make a Leopold/Achiss space bar?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Wibox on Tue, 12 July 2011, 11:11:24: I'm interested but not for $600 a keyboard ...
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Tue, 12 July 2011, 11:16:34: One very cool thing is that they say they can and will make anything. So that option sounds great. For whatever they CNC, they need to have a physical sample to work with. The quality appears premium, and I must touch and taste at least one keycap (even if it is damaged/defective) to be absolutely certain.

There is a fair amount of massaging that needs to occur, they are a volume-based manufacturer, and this concept is somewhat new to them, and their business model wasn't designed to make singles. There needs to be a middle-man that can make a very sizable purchase. More than a couple dozen keycaps.

I'm working on this every day.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ascaii on Tue, 12 July 2011, 12:13:01: if we can get the purchase price down to something a little more palatable I would be in for a full set...ill keep my eyes on this thread for any further updates.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Waterdr1nker on Tue, 12 July 2011, 13:52:23: I seriously want a wooden escape key. Doesn't even have to be engraved; I'm fine with blank!
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: mikeruth on Tue, 12 July 2011, 16:48:48: I would like to have 1 (maybe 2) ESC key.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ekaros on Tue, 12 July 2011, 18:00:15: I always wanted Ebony key... ;D
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: runeazn on Tue, 12 July 2011, 19:36:47: Quote from: Ekaros;379093
I always wanted Ebony key... ;D
oh you naughty boy :P
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: aggiejy on Tue, 12 July 2011, 20:03:56: Yes, blank is fine with me too if that's easier/cheaper.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Tue, 12 July 2011, 22:56:55: At this stage, the price is the same whether there is a legend or not. There are several steps to go, so nothing is settled or completely decided upon. I am working on getting more quantity to purchase, which is crucial.

I have the thought of making the Kinesis Contoured switch plate out of metal, and use wood keycaps on the Cherry switches, and no case, similar to this:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]20588[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20589[/ATTACH]

With an ultimate pimp-board such as this, I'm hoping to grease the wheels a bit with the participants and maybe get the pricing adjusted.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Wed, 13 July 2011, 00:19:38: I'm interested in the caps, but also in the inserts...
Any chance they will sell some inserts separately? :3
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Wed, 13 July 2011, 02:08:24: Quote from: TheSoulhunter;379325
I'm interested in the caps, but also in the inserts...
Any chance they will sell some inserts separately? :3

Good question, I hadn't gone there yet. I'll throw that in the hat asap :)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Son of Gnome on Wed, 13 July 2011, 23:38:34: id like an esc key for my growing collection of them i hope to fill up my entire f row with them ^^
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Thu, 14 July 2011, 02:13:01: I'm online with the manufacturer right now.
Curious: Are you looking for keycaps with legends, or without legends?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: jat4 on Thu, 14 July 2011, 08:55:02: I would be interested in arrow keys that look like the Page Up key in the photos you uploaded. What wood is it, and how much would the set cost?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Mazora on Thu, 14 July 2011, 09:05:23: hey input nirvana,

tks for this. Could you please update your first post with prices and stuff ? If you dont mind...

I'm interested but its not clear right now how much will it costs and what is available !:)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: reaper on Thu, 14 July 2011, 09:06:36: In for at least 1 Esc key and personally, I prefer them with legends. Also the darker the color of the wood used the better.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: demik on Thu, 14 July 2011, 17:22:45: What was the estimated price for keys? I'd like the 4 arrow keys for my leopold if the price isn't too bad. Or one esc key if it's on the pricier side. And I agree with reaper, dark wood perfered.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: hate on Thu, 14 July 2011, 19:14:42: i would be up for one redwood and teak esc, should look classy
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: aggiejy on Thu, 14 July 2011, 19:51:34: I'd prefer darker over light. But not some ebony wood that looks black. You need to be able to tell it's wood. Like perhaps a nice walnut equivalent.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Thu, 14 July 2011, 20:00:32: Look at their website for the 8 woods they "easily" offer. Keep in mind, woods vary in color and pitch. As a side note, wood can be stained or pigmented-laquer coated.

I'll post the estimated pricing on the very first post, as someone suggested recently. We're still talking about the best way they can supply keycaps that is efficient/cost effective and still be flexible so people get exactly what they want.

There may be a vendor forum set up here as well.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: fortran on Thu, 14 July 2011, 20:21:31: ebony?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: noodles256 on Thu, 14 July 2011, 22:28:13: Quote from: Son of Gnome;380043
id like an esc key for my growing collection of them i hope to fill up my entire f row with them ^^

that is what i am doing with my keycaps
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: RiGS on Fri, 15 July 2011, 13:34:38: Is it possible to get wooden topre keycaps?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Fri, 15 July 2011, 13:45:44: Yes, they can make almost anything. Nothing is "off the shelf". Please keep in mind, we (keyboard geeks) are helping create this business model for the manufacturer and industry. No one makes these, especially at this level. Look what it took for Clack Factory. I am posting on a couple different forums to generate more interest (there is no lack of that!) and see exactly what people want. Then to combine, make changes, price and pull the trigger. The manufacturer is monitoring this thread as well.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Son of Gnome on Fri, 15 July 2011, 13:58:46: im looking for an esc key with something sweet on it not just esc and hopefully if it isnt like to expensive i could get a set of arrows keys.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 18 July 2011, 01:24:29: We have just made some great headway towards being able to place orders for the wood keycaps. I have emailed iMav on some of the initial info for his approval/guidance/input, and will make a complete post in this thread for the process, options, costs, time. etc.

About a week or so we can have some hard points so everyone can begin making decisions.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Mazora on Mon, 18 July 2011, 08:27:26: Awesome.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 18 July 2011, 13:30:33: There is a chance this group buy may be a one-shot. Their minimum order is fairly expensive. They are not set up at this point to do individual keys. I will make a spreadsheet to post on the first thread a matrix of the woods, key sizes, prices, etc that are available without going custom. Hopefully I'll do this in a week or two. I'll get more pictures and sound samples of the keys being depressed, maybe a video as well.

Are there any other forums this can be posted/linked on? I want to include people that don't post here very often, include others to get the order higher and spread out the shipping cost, get the manufacturer more exposure (the happier they are the better), and promote the hobby in general. If I can post in a couple more places and get more interest, it will be that much easier to make special requests (like custom keys).
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Waterdr1nker on Mon, 18 July 2011, 13:32:48: Post on Deskthority and OCN, and see if they're interested.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 18 July 2011, 13:37:01: 2-3? Skimpy. I guess that's confirmation that geekhack is the Number One Keyboard Forum On The Planet.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 18 July 2011, 14:08:51: Quote from: ripster;382710
I deleted my snarky "Well, that will add about 2-3 comment" in case anybody is wondering about the lack of continuity here. I'm trying to be more like Switzerland.

You are riddled with holes? :)

I did on deskthority. I'll try a post/link on OCN and HardForum. It's for the cause.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: noodles256 on Mon, 18 July 2011, 14:17:09: $2500 for 104 keys?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Mon, 18 July 2011, 14:31:35: No.

They have a minimum order, as almost every manufacturer does. They don't do retail sales. I'll be posting a selection/pricing matrix in a week or two. Keys are about $7-$18 per key, depending on wood.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: zirrow on Wed, 20 July 2011, 18:23:54: definitely interested in a key or five, depending on pricing. I like the idea of the arrow cluster and the escape key.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: hashbaz on Fri, 22 July 2011, 00:19:21: Definitely in as well for at least an ESC, and possibly more. Thanks for doing all this leg work, input nirvana.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 22 July 2011, 01:16:35: Quote from: input nirvana;382733
No.

They have a minimum order, as almost every manufacturer does. They don't do retail sales. I'll be posting a selection/pricing matrix in a week or two. Keys are about $7-$18 per key, depending on wood.

A ~$45 set of arrow keys and a $14 escape key. I'd be all over that and I'm sure some others would. It's freaking wood! :) If you can't get enough, perhaps I'll buy a lot and sell the crap out of them on ebay or something. :)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Fri, 22 July 2011, 01:32:06: I made a decision that I am going to over purchase in the event this is a one time deal. Really want to make sure this happens. The more quantity, the easier to pull off. So I figured there are quite a few people I know that would like wooden keys as gifts. lol

The manufacturer has linked Geekhack on their website, how cool is that???

I really want a Kinesis Advantage with wood keys!
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: reaper on Fri, 22 July 2011, 11:34:35: Quote from: aggiejy;385162
A ~$45 set of arrow keys and a $14 escape key. I'd be all over that and I'm sure some others would.

Yup, that sounds pretty reasonable. I'd be in also if it's around that price range.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Asp on Fri, 22 July 2011, 16:37:05: Dunno if this has been mentioned before, but how much more would a wood spacebar cost?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: aggiejy on Fri, 22 July 2011, 20:04:32: Quote from: Asp;385543
Dunno if this has been mentioned before, but how much more would a wood spacebar cost?

Spacebars would probably be tricky since there are different fitting locations between some. (Filco vs Leopold/Steelseries, etc) But otherwise, the would be cool. I just want to hear the sound these things make bottoming out. :)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: tsangan on Sun, 24 July 2011, 11:41:48: I would be in for some arrow keys & esc key also or maybe my whole row of numeric keys/F1-12 ;o

Tempted to buy more since this opportunity won't come often
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sun, 24 July 2011, 22:06:15: The most important aspect is the exact info to display on an order spreadsheet very soon. Woods, prices, key sizes, etc. I'm waiting until I have the most accurate info before posting on OCN and HardForum. Geekhack is the cornerstone of this group buy. Then we can pick an ordering period (6-8 weeks?) after as many people as possible have seen and considered, then we could place the order. At this time, it's wise to consider this a one-time opportunity, but nothing is ever static, everything is negotiable.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: digitalleftovers on Wed, 27 July 2011, 19:40:01: Do they do purpleheart wood (Peltogyne)?

Its the darkest of these three types:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]22551[/ATTACH]
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Thu, 28 July 2011, 00:22:16: Yes, it's the same family I believe. :)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: digitalleftovers on Thu, 28 July 2011, 01:46:13: Awesome. I love that they added the geekhack banner to their website. If pricing is reasonable (hopefully less that titanium key caps) I may be interested in some. As much as I love blank keys, part of me feels that a key made out of a material that keys are not normally made from needs to have legends, otherwise they haven't fully transitioned into a key. For that reason, I would be interested in keys with legends (assuming that I like the font, etc...) I will keep an eye on this.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Stevieboy7 on Thu, 28 July 2011, 12:37:00: Id be in for an esc key or 2
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: GoodKnight on Fri, 29 July 2011, 18:19:08: :) Definitely in for a few keys!
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: csm725 on Tue, 02 August 2011, 06:02:26: In for an Esc key (blank or not). I hope nirvana gets this group buy up and running! I'd want a cherry/dark wood.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: csm725 on Wed, 03 August 2011, 08:56:46: Again I am interested in this!
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: mikeruth on Thu, 04 August 2011, 11:19:44: I would like an ESC key, maybe two.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: ladiesman2927 on Thu, 04 August 2011, 12:48:41: Would also like an ESC key
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: tsangan on Fri, 05 August 2011, 19:19:44: I check on this thread everyday hoping input nirvana has some new info for these keycaps lol
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: ironman31 on Fri, 05 August 2011, 19:30:59: Hopefully the wood won't snap when inserting a topre version, that loud pop always scares me
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Supergleep on Sat, 06 August 2011, 13:44:03: Interested in an Esc key or two with either 'Esc' or GeekHack on it
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 06 August 2011, 13:44:57: In for one Esc key.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: noodles256 on Sat, 06 August 2011, 13:59:13: in for one as well
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: iamtwon on Sat, 06 August 2011, 15:16:21: Esc key as well here.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: typetypetype on Sat, 06 August 2011, 21:30:34: Definitely interested in a few.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: mmmty on Sat, 06 August 2011, 21:37:20: So, when can I buy this thing??
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: noodles256 on Sat, 06 August 2011, 21:40:48: idk, i was just following kl
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 06 August 2011, 23:29:41: Sorry for the delay, I wanted to have the spreadsheet up a week ago. I need 2 more crucial bits of info for the ordering matrix (clarification), and then I can post it. I have not been working on this everyday or it probably could have been done by now.

I'm going to post on OCN and Deskthority as well, since this may be a one time shot, I'd like to not leave anyone out.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: mmmty on Sun, 07 August 2011, 02:39:58: Slacker... :yawn:
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: csm725 on Sun, 07 August 2011, 05:11:16: It's a'ight nirvana. PM me about how you want to post on OCN.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: ironman31 on Sun, 07 August 2011, 10:35:02: It'd be nice to buy an 87 key set, but I have a feeling that'll be a little expensive
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: tsangan on Sun, 07 August 2011, 10:44:22: Quote from: ironman31;394629
It'd be nice to buy an 87 key set, but I have a feeling that'll be a little expensive
At least it'll be cheaper then this
[ATTACH=CONFIG]23479[/ATTACH]
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sun, 07 August 2011, 11:11:16: Quote from: mmmty;394532
Slacker... :yawn:

I KNOW!!! :)

Yes, there's definitely been some of that on my part, mostly because it's not a 1, 2, 3 go sort of thing. Going to a company the builds the entire keyboard on a per unit basis, then having them price each individual part as a stand-alone...and it's the first time for them to do that, it's not the smoothest. The pricing questions are numerous. Are they making 8 keys or 300? What woods? What sizes? What legends on what keys (from a managing the product view, not a price issue). It's not quite like our new buddy WASD Keyboards who pulls the color/size out of stock and engraves it. These guys need to make the actual keys, so there are some legitimate business scaling concerns for them to address. And, I'm trying to do any footwork on this end to keep the contact minimal, focused, and with purpose (not a waste-time looky-loo).

It should be ready later this week. Keep in mind, to troubleshoot, after I get information, I process it and put it back through the meat grinder with them to make sure they haven't miscalculated or overlooked anything, and have them review and confirm. It would suck to have a 2 month group buy, collect money, place the order, and a couple weeks later hear that it turns out to not be feasible for some silly reason. It happens, and I don't want to be the point man if it did, I don't need a GH target painted on my head like a Seal on Osama. :)

I wish I had a keyboard of wooden keys already :)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sun, 07 August 2011, 11:11:58: What is that??? Looks interesting! A faux-metal painting look?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: reaper on Sun, 07 August 2011, 11:18:24: Quote from: input nirvana;394649
What is that??? Looks interesting! A faux-metal painting look?

Those are limited edition hand-painted key caps for HHKB and it's only available in Japan for a limited time. =(

(http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2007/0320/hot472_10.jpg)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sun, 07 August 2011, 11:35:06: Someone needs to get any/all info available on their painting process and post on GH. Obviously they wouldn't do it if it wasn't going to last?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: hashbaz on Sun, 07 August 2011, 14:35:03: Quote from: input nirvana;394647
I KNOW!!! :)
...

I appreciate that you're taking the time and trouble to get this right, and cultivating a good relationship with this company. No pressure man. Take your time.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ekaros on Sun, 07 August 2011, 14:36:31: So next gold plated metal key caps? ;D For serious waste of money, doubleshot gold-platinum-keys ;D
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ascaii on Sun, 07 August 2011, 15:34:32: Quote from: Ekaros;394748
So next gold plated metal key caps? ;D For serious waste of money, doubleshot gold-platinum-keys ;D

http://www.chihapaura.com/limited/lE04

Gold plated Silver. Stem of your choice.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: tsangan on Sun, 07 August 2011, 16:15:06: Quote from: Ascaii;394755
http://www.chihapaura.com/limited/lE04

Gold plated Silver. Stem of your choice.
I want that but I doubt I can justify the cost of it
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Mazora on Fri, 12 August 2011, 09:02:34: ofc you can, its gold bro ! GOLD !:)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: tsangan on Fri, 12 August 2011, 10:58:07: Quote from: Mazora;397609
ofc you can, its gold bro ! GOLD !:)
I emailed them to see the cost, but no email back yet
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Fri, 12 August 2011, 11:03:48: The final version of the info is on it's way back to me. The very nice person I have worked with has sadly, been injured, and is home recuperating, so there has been a contact change. I'll go over this latest version, simplify everything, combine what I can, and format. I may go ahead and post the order matrix with a gap or two, just to get it up for consumption. Fine tuning can occur in an update after a week or two.

-I will post on Deskthority
-csm725 will help with a joint post (for credibility) on OCN. I have only a couple posts there.
-Is there someone that can assist with a joint post or lead in, on HardForum? I registered, but have not posted.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: csm725 on Sat, 13 August 2011, 03:02:03: 121 rep points on OCN.
Been building it up. :P
I think along with WASDKB renewing interest we could get some great coverage on OCN. Lemme check with my buddy Tator Tot (managing editor for OCN) if there's anything he can do for it. :)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ascaii on Sat, 13 August 2011, 08:40:06: Quote from: csm725;398098
121 rep points on OCN.
Been building it up. :P
I think along with WASDKB renewing interest we could get some great coverage on OCN. Lemme check with my buddy Tator Tot (managing editor for OCN) if there's anything he can do for it. :)

yep, best talk to a mod there...I was pretty much forbidden from posting my doubleshots group buy on OCN, until I purchase a spot in OCNs vendor program...lets hope they dont try to pull that on you as well.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: csm725 on Sat, 13 August 2011, 10:10:04: I've got some pretty good connections and have posted a link to a Group Buy here before... but let me act on those and see what the higher-ups tell me. :D
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 13 August 2011, 12:42:36: Actually, I have already posted on Deskthority, so that is just waiting for the order form.

Thank you for the OCN work, it may turn out that we need every order possible to ensure the group buy goes through. I'm not certain yet, but if we have about 100 keys we should be in a good spot. I don't think that quantity will be hard to get.

Then there's HardForum....is there any other forum to consider?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: tsangan on Sat, 13 August 2011, 12:55:50: Quote from: input nirvana;398274
Actually, I have already posted on Deskthority, so that is just waiting for the order form.

Thank you for the OCN work, it may turn out that we need every order possible to ensure the group buy goes through. I'm not certain yet, but if we have about 100 keys we should be in a good spot. I don't think that quantity will be hard to get.

Then there's HardForum....is there any other forum to consider?
Considering this could be a one time opportunity, i'm sure a lot of people won't want to miss out, the 100 keys shouldn't be a problem at all
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: csm725 on Sat, 13 August 2011, 13:31:25: Tator Tot approves the group buy at OCN.
nirvana check your PM for additional details.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 13 August 2011, 19:19:24: Thanks for the info/work you guys!!!

[attach=config]24199[/attach]
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: csm725 on Sun, 14 August 2011, 03:32:08: Bad bad bad reception at OCN... once they realize it's only meant to be like 1-5 keys/person maybe they'd be in. The communty doesn't care o have a unique novelty item. We'll see though.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: jedcred on Tue, 16 August 2011, 00:42:40: I'd be interested as well, perhaps for an esc key and arrow keys. I'd love to buy at least all the lettered keys, but I'm sure something like that is several times the cost of my Filco, which is hard to justify...
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Tue, 16 August 2011, 02:05:48: Quote from: csm725;398607
Bad bad bad reception at OCN... once they realize it's only meant to be like 1-5 keys/person maybe they'd be in. The communty doesn't care o have a unique novelty item. We'll see though.

We could send Erkle over to OCN as an Emissary of Geekhack Wood Keys.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: csm725 on Tue, 16 August 2011, 13:23:35: Yes we could. Who's Erkle?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Tue, 16 August 2011, 18:28:36: OOPS!
It's URKEL, not Erkle. I've never seen it written, and I only saw the show on an old grainy tv in an old Wienerschnitzel converted to a taco stand.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]24509[/ATTACH]
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: guru on Wed, 17 August 2011, 05:06:07: I'm interested in a key.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: kip69 on Thu, 18 August 2011, 04:48:39: I did not read all but:
I live not for from the factory. I could take a day and go talk to them. Unfortunately my translator is in Canada until the end of the month. But they could ship me samples or something. Let me know :)
I did not see this on OCN. I must have been slacking. Let me know if you need any more OCN coverage as well. I can bump and link like no other.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: csm725 on Thu, 18 August 2011, 06:33:06: kip69, it's in my signature @ OCN.
http://www.overclock.net/keyboards/1091467-group-buy-would-you-want-wooden.html#post14572725
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: kip69 on Thu, 18 August 2011, 08:31:59: Ah. I can see why it is not going over so well at OCN. Different target market there. Here is for the gourmand there is more the McDonald crowd. Both are good but you don't sell $8 burgers at McD's.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Fri, 19 August 2011, 21:54:41: I got all the info, and am now streamlining and simplifying. Now, it will actually be very easy, you will look at it and wonder why this took so long :)

I'll post the info at the beginning of this thread as soon as I'm done in a few more days, and at Deskthority. I think once the hard info is up, and people digest it, it may get a little more momentum as well.

I don't want to speak out of place, but I believe WASD Keyboards may be in on this at some level. There is a possibility to have some keys (in different sizes/woods) blank, and have him engrave whateva. Wouldn't that be cool? I mention that so you guys don't think I'm not doing anything, I'm sure you can see me just hanging out at the beach with girls all day. WASD has been very responsive to our suggestions, and interested in the GH community, and I think this could be a nice match. What do you guys think?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: demik on Fri, 19 August 2011, 22:05:03: we appreciate all the work you're doing to make this possible!
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Marclgw on Sat, 20 August 2011, 02:39:31: Hey TS,
What's the MOQ at this point of time?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: gilgam on Sat, 20 August 2011, 05:26:07: Quote from: input nirvana;394663
Someone needs to get any/all info available on their painting process and post on GH. Obviously they wouldn't do it if it wasn't going to last?

It's japanese lacquer
about 10-40 layers hand painted of beautiful lacquer, very expensive (about 4000$ the keyboard if i remember well).
I don't know about life expectancy though, and an absolute shinny look and feeling

By the way i'm in for 2 top row and arrows in two sets dark wood and clear one.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 20 August 2011, 13:22:41: Quote from: Marclgw;402090
Hey TS,
What's the MOQ at this point of time?

That is still not settled at this point in time. There is flexibility on this order that may not be available in the future. That's a reason this may be a very infrequent opportunity. A couple thousand USD before shipping is a large amount compared with the average cost of $10 per item. It's in our best interest to think ahead, get as many people involved, buy a couple as b-day/xmas gifts, etc. so the order is robust. It sends a positive message to the manufacturer for future consideration.

Consider this...look at what some people are offering for Click Clacks keys now that they are not available? So that doesn't happen, I'm purchasing a bunch in the most popular woods that can be available to people in the future. No $50 wood keys here! But it would be a mistake for anyone to say "Hey, I'll just wait and buy one from Input Nirvana later" because there is no guarantee they will be available, or the ones that you want. The time to buy anything is over the next 8-10 weeks while we compile everyones orders for a Halloween order date so you can have the keys around the first week of Dec.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: noodles256 on Sat, 20 August 2011, 14:47:47: i got a lot for my tricolor click clack key
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 20 August 2011, 16:21:53: Well, I'm going to 'try' to buy more, but like anyone else, I have a variety of things my cash needs to go to, so the reality is that I may only get 10 keys. Like I said, no guarantees. If you want some wood keys, the time to buy will be now.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Quarzac on Sat, 20 August 2011, 17:50:22: I'd probably be in for 1. Maybe 2. Gotta watch the finances.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Waterdr1nker on Mon, 05 September 2011, 16:23:35: Hope this goes through!
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: sherryton on Mon, 05 September 2011, 19:33:25: I am interested in this. Maybe WASD, ESC, and Arrows.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: chenga91 on Tue, 06 September 2011, 07:46:50: I'm interested. (First geekhack post =O)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: chenga91 on Tue, 06 September 2011, 07:53:38: Wait..is this buy over? :(
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Tue, 06 September 2011, 10:31:00: Noooo, there is a delay in Taiwan. Our contact, Kent was unfortunately injured and at home recuperating, we started over with another person, then picked up again with Kent, and got the final pricing. I consolidated and formatted everything, and sent to them to make absolutely, positively, completely certain that everything is correct and that there are no mistakes/oversights. One final look from them with an "OK" stamp is all I want at this point. Remember, this business model is new for them (to sell keys only, not the entire keyboard) and being a complicated group buy, I don't want any chance of a screw up.

Also, an unfortunate and untimely event that affects me personally occurred suddenly without warning 2 weeks ago. That has caused several things that are not a "today" issue, or already in motion to be slightly delayed at my end. So anything that needs a prod from me is not getting it for another week or two as I get back up to speed. For that I'm sorry.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: chenga91 on Tue, 06 September 2011, 15:50:58: Ahh..gotcha. I'll continue to keep an eye on this thread then :D
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Thu, 08 September 2011, 13:11:42: I've posted the pricing and terms of the wood key group buy. There will be more info as questions are asked that I may not have addressed. Hopefully we can decide on an order time frame of November.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: csm725 on Thu, 08 September 2011, 13:18:20: Awesome, in for a teak Esc key.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ascaii on Thu, 08 September 2011, 14:33:14: definitely in for an ESC key in redwood. Also, I would like a set of Fir Arrow keys.

If we manage to somehow get a cheap price on blanks, I would be willing to spend 50-60$ for a blank 38 key Fir set.
Do we have any information how much engraving the caps will be? If I could get the blanks engraved with iso legends without tearing a huge hole in my wallet that would be beyond awesome.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: zirrow on Thu, 08 September 2011, 14:56:19: I'm in for a set of arrow keys in teak
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ekaros on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:02:32: Uuh, that is bit costly atleast for red wood I would like...
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:31:40: I added to the post that the keys come lacquer coated. If they are engraved by WASD Keyboards they will need additional coating, which can be done here no problem.

I hope the posting gives an "official" price and guideline that people can digest for a couple weeks to work out a couple bugs, then a timeline and create an order sheet to copy/email.

I've been in touch with Weyman at WASD Keyboards, and I'm wondering if everyone would be more comfortable going through WASD since he's shown to be a such a great vendor. Also, the idea that he would do custom engraving on (these) wood keycaps, AND the more recent idea that he could stock these items for ongoing purchases as they come up. One item to note, the prices as you see them are directly from KSM, then there will be various shipping charges, there is no mark up or profit from these items (a true 'group buy'). Going through WASD would probably require that a profit margin be added, rightfully so. There are a few details like if many people get custom engraving, etc. that may negate the need for a profit on the wood keys, but that remains to be seen as the orders are taken. All future orders (if through WASD) would probably be handled differently.

Open to hear thoughts and ideas. I've done my best to try and get a workable situation for everyone involved. Nothing is in stone, so the process can still have changes to make it as good as possible.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ekaros on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:34:30: BTW what is programming fee, or namely how much is it?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:40:45: Great question. I never asked though it's been in our correspondence repeatedly. I'll fire off an email now.

EDIT--- Email sent.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: tsangan on Thu, 08 September 2011, 15:52:59: Stylish key top look amazing lol damn these expensive keycaps!
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: aggiejy on Thu, 08 September 2011, 16:14:22: I'm in for some!

In my opinion, I think the best approach is to set a fixed price that you won't lose money at and a deadline for ordering along with ordering instructions (new thread, or WASD). People can then send money as they order. After the deadline (maybe a couple weeks?), lock it down, place the order. Any extra money can go towards your time organizing or to WASD. Variable pricing, loose deadlines, and uncertainly drag so many group buys out. I'm a fan of quick take-it-of-leave-it style... but I guess that's subjective. :)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Thu, 08 September 2011, 16:29:29: In the big picture you're absolutely correct. This has already been a challenge to get to this point it should be easy from here on out. I figured I'd get the info out and a couple weeks to digest, work out the couple questions/bugs, then choose the one course with a time limit. So the 2 weeks starts NOW :)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: tsangan on Thu, 08 September 2011, 19:06:58: ^Where do i place an order, haha ;p

Seriously thanks for setting this all up ;)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Thu, 08 September 2011, 20:54:32: From KSM:

"Programming fee depends on the how complicated your design is.
The fee would cost down If CAD file were provided."
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: csm725 on Fri, 09 September 2011, 00:39:16: Would be in for a Teak Esc key.
BTW... I recommend the engraving font to be Arial 10, Bold.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: vicpro on Sat, 10 September 2011, 01:11:33: Might be interest in a redwood spacebar.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: tsangan on Sun, 11 September 2011, 12:32:45: For the stylish keytops is there a selection we can choose from?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: sordna on Sun, 11 September 2011, 17:49:31: Can wood keycaps be laser engraved? If so, will it "burn" the engraved area to make it a nice black font ?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sun, 11 September 2011, 23:20:22: Quote from: sordna;414604
Can wood keycaps be laser engraved? If so, will it "burn" the engraved area to make it a nice black font ?

Yes, they can be laser engraved, we're talking with WASD Keyboards to do the engraving. I'll forward the black/burn question to Weyman.

Quote from: tsangan;414461
For the stylish keytops is there a selection we can choose from?

Yes, look at the first post, and then their website, I believe it shows what is standard available.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: mikeruth on Thu, 15 September 2011, 14:10:38: How do I order? I am ready to order some keys.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: wasdkeyboards on Fri, 16 September 2011, 14:29:01: Engraved wood products are much easier to work with than plastic keycaps. Laser engraved wood can have a variety of different engraving styles. You can make it very light to very dark by varying the speed and power.

Here are some examples of general laser engraving on wood: http://www.epiloglaser.com/photo_gallery.htm
(Click on the Wood products category)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: GoodKnight on Thu, 29 September 2011, 20:24:36: Bump! Any update on this?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: noodles256 on Wed, 19 October 2011, 14:16:51: lk
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: GoodKnight on Thu, 20 October 2011, 15:43:55: :) Any update on this?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: skwan on Fri, 21 October 2011, 04:55:49: Is this just for standard keys? or are space bars and other modifiers possible, sorry, i know i may be muddying the water with this question.

off topic: will you do another group buy for topre keys?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Skoobs on Wed, 16 November 2011, 03:43:57: very very interested in keys. hope we can do a group buy for a discount, because im lovin that dark wood.

and i want the keyboard in the BACKGROUND of this picture:

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=19872&d=1309405147)

so WASD is doing this? will they be stocking the keys in their store, or will it still be a group buy on here? would be awesome if they stocked the keys at their website.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: hashbaz on Wed, 16 November 2011, 11:03:22: Quote from: Skoobs;453128
very very interested in keys. hope we can do a group buy for a discount, because im lovin that dark wood.

and i want the keyboard in the BACKGROUND of this picture:

[image of beautiful wooden keyboards]

so WASD is doing this? will they be stocking the keys in their store, or will it still be a group buy on here? would be awesome if they stocked the keys at their website.

input nirvana has been working with the company that produces the keys, and I think WASD was going to engrave or laser etch them. This thread has been stale for a while though, I think the buy might be dead.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Wed, 16 November 2011, 11:33:28: I'm still in touch with KSM, and with WASD about this. WASD will be considering this after the holidays to possibly create a way to stock product. This is NOT definite, obviously it has to make sense and there has to be a demand. If there's not enough demand, a group buy will be the only way, and we will need about a $1,500 total sale. The MOQ is usually $2,000 plus all associated costs.

I've had to stop everything I'm doing (my first group buy, completing the Kinesis mod, selling off some of my keyboard stuff) due to some fairly traumatic and very severe circumstance that have occurred recently. I sincerely apologize, I didn't want to have this happen, hell, I wanted a dozen wood keys more than anybody. If nothing else becomes of this with WASD, I will keep the connection alive and put together the group buy after the holidays. Keep in mind, many people only want one or two key caps, and they are fairly pricey, and so getting a sizable amount seems somewhat difficult. That's a problem for the group buy, as well as for WASD to throw his hat in the ring.

I can follow up with this in a serious manner after the first of the year if this turns out to not be a good fit for WASD. I would like WASD to handle this for everyone, it would be more readily available on a regular basis, and could be custom etched. Perhaps if everyone with an interest were to contact WASD with their wants, he will have a good idea of the demand and can make a better informed decision.

Again, I'm sorry for how I'm not able to do a good job at this time on this :(
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Ascaii on Wed, 16 November 2011, 13:49:26: Well, **** happens. Dont sweat it, life takes precedence over keycaps. Im still very interested in this going through but the cost is prohibitive to most people.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: pannkakan on Tue, 17 April 2012, 05:40:50: I see that this thread is kind of dead.. but I'm very interested =)
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Tue, 17 April 2012, 11:39:10: Couple things transpired:

1) The MOQ is fairly substantial...probably about $2,000 USD.
2) The cost per key varies from about $7-$17 which seems to be too much for many people.
3) I personally am not the best person to run a group buy, there are others that are pros at it. I couldn't even try until I'm in a settled position....which would not be before the end of this year :)
4) WASD Keyboards MIGHT be interested in buying a bulk order, but there would need to be a substantial amount of interest/pre-orders.

There are some really awesome keys...I dig 'em. I'd still be involved, but I'm not certain at what level.

Figure this...if the average key is about $10 and we need an order of $2,000...then we need at least 200 keys to be ordered. Sooo......how many people (keys) are interested?
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: guilleguillaume on Tue, 17 April 2012, 12:20:32: With the upcoming wood cases for Poker and Filco Tenkeyless that will be appearing in Group Buy subforum I guess some people would be interested.

I know not everybody would be willing to pay the price for a complete set because it would require a lot of money but I can go with a complete set ( 87-88) after receiving any of the wood cases mentioned in this line.

I supose the best choice will be to go with blank set because for sure I'm not paying that amount of money to receive lettering engraved in any language that is not mine. Also if they're going to reproduce a complete set of keycaps I would prefer a Signature Plastics DCS or Cherry corp profile.

Count me in for this interesting Group Buy.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Gothic860 on Tue, 17 April 2012, 12:34:57: the idea is nice but there are 3 things i don't like:

1. The price is much too high (for me). Thats are at least 87 x 7 = 609$ + fees + shipping ... if you want a complete keyset.
2. I think they get shiny very soon or even worse the laquer will disappear and the keys get dirty
3. I think its much nicer to type on good DS Keycaps than on wood. A wood-case is nice but keycaps ... i don't think so.

but gl :)

btw.: I make my last steps on my Wooden Case i think i can start the IC on Friday.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: guilleguillaume on Tue, 17 April 2012, 12:53:44: Quote from: Gothic860;577089
the idea is nice but there are 3 things i don't like:

1. The price is much too high (for me). Thats are at least 87 x 7 = 609$ + fees + shipping ... if you want a complete keyset.
2. I think they get shiny very soon or even worse the laquer will disappear and the keys get dirty
3. I think its much nicer to type on good DS Keycaps than on wood. A wood-case is nice but keycaps ... i don't think so.

but gl :)

btw.: I make my last steps on my Wooden Case i think i can start the IC on Friday.

Will be looking into it for sure :yo:

The main problem of this Group buy is the price of each individual key. I really have the hope that they really make high quality keys so laquer disappearing and keys getting shiny won't be a problem in short time, if nto well then definetely is not a good idea.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Tue, 17 April 2012, 18:07:42: There may be another option.

I might be building a 3D printer towards the end of the year. If so, one of the things I want to know is if it will be able to make wood keys, not just plastic keys. Research.

See here:
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?23446-kinesis-advantage-keycap-replacement-limitations&p=577387&viewfull=1#post577387
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: oneproduct on Tue, 17 April 2012, 18:29:25: I'm tempted to just buy a plank of wood, cut it into cubes and drill holes into the bottom of them big enough to glue in a cherry MX stem shaft stolen from a regular ABS keycap. Would probably be super cheap and not that hard to do.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Elrobo on Tue, 17 April 2012, 18:43:33: After I finish some of my current projects I was going to try something similar oneproduct, drill a hole, then attempt to recreate a stem shaft by cutting a smaller dowel into 4 and wood gluing into the hole.

Then much later in summer once I have my raspberry pi I was pondering attempting to make a small scale CnC machine for small wooden objects.
Of course I'm a lot of talk and if any of this goes anywhere I will no doubt make a thread.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Input Nirvana on Wed, 18 April 2012, 00:30:15: Meh, it turns out the 3D printer is a bit more than I can handle :(

I'll just watch from the sidelines.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: h2oxide on Wed, 18 April 2012, 08:38:05: Very interesting, I would be keen for a wooden keycap set
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: dmbr on Wed, 18 April 2012, 16:35:11: I'd definitely be interested in a wasd set.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: megnin on Thu, 19 April 2012, 12:16:01: Quote from: input nirvana;577400
There may be another option.

I might be building a 3D printer towards the end of the year. If so, one of the things I want to know is if it will be able to make wood keys, not just plastic keys.

3D printers can't make wood.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: digitalleftovers on Thu, 19 April 2012, 13:29:39: Megnin, the fact that your typewriter actually types 'geekhack' is amazing...

Technically, you could use a laser cutting machine (the advanced ones can do depth) and cut a keycap shape into wood. Theres a lot of carbon left on the surface that you'd have to sand off or live with.
Title: Wood MOQ keycaps
Post by: Zehkul on Thu, 19 April 2012, 13:47:19: Laser cutting wood? What about water cut? Too expensive?