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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: bahamot on Mon, 16 September 2013, 12:47:03

Title: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: bahamot on Mon, 16 September 2013, 12:47:03
As per subject, massdrop doing GB for Vortex DS PBT keycaps:
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/vortex-keycaps

32.99USD if 100 target reached.

Edit: for those don't want join massdrop just to see the pics: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48639.msg1044268#msg1044268 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48639.msg1044268#msg1044268)
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: metalliqaz on Mon, 16 September 2013, 12:53:56
Good price, but I hate those legends.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: ComradeSniper on Mon, 16 September 2013, 13:00:15
Pretty tempting, but like metalliqaz said, the legends are ugly.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Lu_e on Mon, 16 September 2013, 13:04:18
Hate massdrop more... sometimes I can view the items sometimes I cant? I looked at a bunch of random items before? Ill make an account after I decide I want it based on pictures. Oh well, moving along.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: bahamot on Mon, 16 September 2013, 13:08:44
Well for 60% keyboard those legends are good enough for me ... just wanna wait a bit more...

edit: forget it, the capslock key's legend is upside down shift key's legend  :-\ :confused:
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: TLSC.wipeOut on Mon, 16 September 2013, 13:13:40
hmm that's a pretty sick price.. just contemplating on the legends used tho...
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: oaklandishh on Mon, 16 September 2013, 13:14:25
Thanks.  Signed up for 100 orders price. Hopefully it gets there.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Defying on Mon, 16 September 2013, 13:31:12
That font  :eek:
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: slip84 on Mon, 16 September 2013, 13:37:35
Pictures for those of us who refuse to sign up?
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: bahamot on Mon, 16 September 2013, 13:40:20
Pictures for those of us who refuse to sign up?

There you go ...
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: keymaster on Mon, 16 September 2013, 13:44:59
$33 for thick, double-shot PBT? That's a sick price. The legends aren't THAT bad.

Vortex should do a Dolch replica. Now that would sell like crazy.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: elttaboi on Mon, 16 September 2013, 13:52:19
Wow, this is an amazing price. I was expecting these to go for more than $100.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: slip84 on Mon, 16 September 2013, 14:52:22
Pictures for those of us who refuse to sign up?

There you go ...
Many thanks!
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 16 September 2013, 15:17:15
DS PBT? :)

Now if only the modifiers were WoB.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 16 September 2013, 15:34:37
I've been waiting for those!  I'm in for a set for sure, but...  blue legends...  Does anyone know who is in charge of that Group Buy?  I know there are many colors offered by vortex, but only Blue is shown on the GB page.  Blue is pretty much the last color I want :(
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: watterrbottle on Mon, 16 September 2013, 16:20:02
I thought PBT doubleshots were impossible. Isn't that why all the double shot group buys are ABS?  :confused:
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Michael on Mon, 16 September 2013, 16:21:03
That typeface is such a tragedy...
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Photoelectric on Mon, 16 September 2013, 16:22:22
That typeface is such a tragedy...

Luckily, it's more of a romantic comedy for some other people.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: o2dazone on Mon, 16 September 2013, 17:08:45
those legends are angled, which implies that they're moving fast - I hope to get a 5-10 wpm boost when typing on those keycaps
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: sth on Mon, 16 September 2013, 17:15:42
those legends are angled, which implies that they're moving fast - I hope to get a 5-10 wpm boost when typing on those keycaps

vtec just kicked in, yo

and yeah. c'mon massdrop, the whole point of your operation is to muscle for what buyers want... and you pick the bottom of the barrel legends? and blue on white? it's not the worst but it seems like a white+beige set would be a no brainer.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: PilotChup on Mon, 16 September 2013, 17:29:49
They can't change the font without redoing the casts since its a double shot...

They arent THAT bad! You have realize this is a no brainer at 40$, other thick PBT (non double shot) go for $100+!

Props to massdrop for being able to secure such a find, I havent seen ANYONE else have these double shot PBT caps available since vortex announced them over a month ago. These complainers will always be complainers...
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Artichoke on Mon, 16 September 2013, 19:25:08
Pretty cheap considering, but that MSRP is making me wary. I mean if we could get a decent font/set of legends for $13 more that probably be worth it.

On the other hand, this might look nice with the Tai Hai blue mods. Kind of like a crappy raindrop set.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: sth on Mon, 16 September 2013, 22:47:33
They can't change the font without redoing the casts since its a double shot...

They arent THAT bad! You have realize this is a no brainer at 40$, other thick PBT (non double shot) go for $100+!

Props to massdrop for being able to secure such a find, I havent seen ANYONE else have these double shot PBT caps available since vortex announced them over a month ago. These complainers will always be complainers...

do you just buy everything that's cheap just because it's a good deal?
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 16 September 2013, 23:34:25
I'm vaguely wondering about combining this with Tai Hao WoB to make my dream set.  The legends on the F-row would be distracting.

So, what is Massdrop?  When I click the link all I see is a nearly full-screen picture of a wooden speaker and an invitation to sign up.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: sth on Mon, 16 September 2013, 23:37:00
I'm vaguely wondering about combining this with Tai Hao WoB to make my dream set.  The legends on the F-row would be distracting.

So, what is Massdrop?  When I click the link all I see is a nearly full-screen picture of a wooden speaker and an invitation to sign up.

its a good way to get 'low' prices on things nobody needs :P
basically it's a group buy organizing service. you can submit products and then people vote. if enough people want something, they contact the manufacturer and work out a price tier scheme for X number of orders. a lot of times things will have a decent discount but i've found next to nothing worth buying on their site.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: demik on Mon, 16 September 2013, 23:41:57
comic sans > this crap font
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Neebio on Tue, 17 September 2013, 00:16:52
Dat font...

Also, what do people have against making a throw away to see massdrop listings? Any time it complains I need to log in, I just hit sign up, throw in a BS email with some BS password and away I go!  (if I was actually going to buy something, sign out and register a more legit account!)
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: ComradeSniper on Tue, 17 September 2013, 00:31:13
comic sans > this crap font

I'd buy a set with comic sans just for the humor of it.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Hak Foo on Tue, 17 September 2013, 01:02:57
Dat font...

Also, what do people have against making a throw away to see massdrop listings? Any time it complains I need to log in, I just hit sign up, throw in a BS email with some BS password and away I go!  (if I was actually going to buy something, sign out and register a more legit account!)

To me, it just speaks to their priorities.  "We want your email address, above all else."  It also means that it's a pain in the ass to seek information... like "What is this product being referred to vaguely with a link?"
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: elttaboi on Tue, 17 September 2013, 01:53:07
y'all trippin. the font isn't that bad
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Cottonsox on Tue, 17 September 2013, 01:55:55
Shipping cam can bw very expensive for all but smaller items to australia rowdy.  I gor my poker 2 from there for 97ish delivered tho.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 17 September 2013, 01:56:52
y'all trippin. the font isn't that bad

In and of itself, no.

But the inconsistency between the alphas, the function keys and the modifiers, and Esc while we're at it, grates on my sensibilities.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: bahamot on Tue, 17 September 2013, 06:53:40
Wow just need 29 sets to go...
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Tue, 17 September 2013, 08:11:20
Looks like a great deal!
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: JPG on Tue, 17 September 2013, 08:14:46
Looks like a great deal!

The legend will never fade (compared to pad printing) and it is more precise than dyesub and you can use any color (you can't wit dyesub). It's the technique that delivers the best result, but cost the more to produce.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Moosecraft on Tue, 17 September 2013, 08:17:06
A good deal sure, but id prefer if they were white on white :P
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: last_sd on Tue, 17 September 2013, 11:03:21
Any guess on low MSRP($45)? I thought PBT are generally more expansive and this being DS would be even more expansive.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: keymaster on Tue, 17 September 2013, 11:17:20
Any guess on low MSRP($45)? I thought PBT are generally more expansive and this being DS would be even more expansive.

They're probably mass-produced in China which means inexpensive labor and inexpensive materials.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: MythicalWagyu on Tue, 17 September 2013, 11:51:14
The inconsistency of the alignment is pretty grating (arrow keys, F-keys, Alphas, etc have different alignment) but they're PBT doubleshots for under $40! (I'm holding out for lowest drop because I'm fairly sure it'll reach that - 7 days to go and we're close)

BTW, if anyone wants to see Massdrop items without logging in/ making a throwaway, just add "?mode=guest_open" to the end of the URL; it's something I noticed from their emails.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Hellmark on Tue, 17 September 2013, 13:08:46
These are probably cheaper because of being a trial run, with a combo of odd colors and fonts.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: PilotChup on Tue, 17 September 2013, 13:16:13
They can't change the font without redoing the casts since its a double shot...

They arent THAT bad! You have realize this is a no brainer at 40$, other thick PBT (non double shot) go for $100+!

Props to massdrop for being able to secure such a find, I havent seen ANYONE else have these double shot PBT caps available since vortex announced them over a month ago. These complainers will always be complainers...

do you just buy everything that's cheap just because it's a good deal?

do you just complain about everything that is a good deal?

If it was expensive as ****, then sure, if you don't like something about it complain all you want.
I don't think you understand these are thick pbt doubleshots (have you ever had the chance to buy doubleshot pbt before? at this price?)

Looks like it hit the $32 mark, wow!
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Wildcard on Tue, 17 September 2013, 13:50:26
I AGREE THE VORTEX LEGENDS MAKE ME TWITCH.

Seems like a good deal though


(http://imgur.com/MDwQA.png)
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: sovano on Tue, 17 September 2013, 14:01:14
I'm getting them for the PBT feel of the keycaps more than anything else, so the font doesn't bother me really (I think it's okay for the most part though). It'd be nice to switch back to PBT after having to use ABS for quite a while now.

Question though as this is my first time using MassDrop. Do they charge once the group buy is closed?
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: PilotChup on Tue, 17 September 2013, 14:08:14
I'm getting them for the PBT feel of the keycaps more than anything else, so the font doesn't bother me really (I think it's okay for the most part though). It'd be nice to switch back to PBT after having to use ABS for quite a while now.

Question though as this is my first time using MassDrop. Do they charge once the group buy is closed?

yes, once the group buy closes, they will charge your credit card if you joined the buy. IF you only committed to the lowest price and didnt JOIN the group buy, they will only charge you if the buy reaches the lowest price.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: sovano on Tue, 17 September 2013, 14:15:24
Cool :) Can't wait to get these then.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: jameslr on Tue, 17 September 2013, 15:32:29
Well, it looks like they officially hit the lowest price mark of $33 shipped to USA. That's hard to pass up for just about any PBT keycap set much less thick PBT (regardless of legends). I'm in for a set.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Tue, 17 September 2013, 18:20:09
I have a similar set of keycaps from Vortex, but they're thick PBT dye-sub..would these be an upgrade over them? I'm kind of torn whether or not to join, the price is really good I'm just not sure I'd get too much use out of them, I only have one MX board.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: demik on Tue, 17 September 2013, 19:35:31
Dat font...

Also, what do people have against making a throw away to see massdrop listings? Any time it complains I need to log in, I just hit sign up, throw in a BS email with some BS password and away I go!  (if I was actually going to buy something, sign out and register a more legit account!)

this is why ill never support massdrop. the fact you a stupid account just to look at stuff.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: JPG on Tue, 17 September 2013, 19:38:55
I have a similar set of keycaps from Vortex, but they're thick PBT dye-sub..would these be an upgrade over them? I'm kind of torn whether or not to join, the price is really good I'm just not sure I'd get too much use out of them, I only have one MX board.

They will be VERY similar. They are a very good deal, but they will not improve your dyesub vortex set by much other than the color and maybe precision of the font.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: oscillik on Tue, 17 September 2013, 19:39:28
Dat font...

Also, what do people have against making a throw away to see massdrop listings? Any time it complains I need to log in, I just hit sign up, throw in a BS email with some BS password and away I go!  (if I was actually going to buy something, sign out and register a more legit account!)

Generally, I've found that if a site requires you to sign up to look at stuff, it's due to them selling your details on to marketers and advertisers. Even if it's not the case that massdrop doesn't do this, surely they send out newsletters and such to their own members, which would construe a form of marketing...

if they don't do any of this, then it makes it even more ludicrous that they would require people to sign up.

Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: sth on Tue, 17 September 2013, 19:40:22
Dat font...

Also, what do people have against making a throw away to see massdrop listings? Any time it complains I need to log in, I just hit sign up, throw in a BS email with some BS password and away I go!  (if I was actually going to buy something, sign out and register a more legit account!)

this is why ill never support massdrop. the fact you a stupid account just to look at stuff.

well who knows if they're selling email addresses, but they did give us a pretty reasonable explanation when they hosted the meetup. basically, companies don't let people publicly advertise lower prices than their minimum; having an account makes the site non-public so they don't get busted for advertising lower price tiers.

of course... you have to trust them ;)
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: JPG on Tue, 17 September 2013, 19:46:00
I had some very good experiences with massdrop. The products are often interesting (coming from votes most of the time) and the price are usually good (not always best deal ever, but really interesting).

If you don't want to make an account fine, but damn people can't stop talking about it. You don't want to make an account and be able to see some good deals? Fine, but don't whine each time there's an interesting GB on massdrop!
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: oscillik on Tue, 17 September 2013, 20:07:09
I had some very good experiences with massdrop. The products are often interesting (coming from votes most of the time) and the price are usually good (not always best deal ever, but really interesting).

If you don't want to make an account fine, but damn people can't stop talking about it. You don't want to make an account and be able to see some good deals? Fine, but don't whine each time there's an interesting GB on massdrop!

Well, it's the first time I've mentioned anything about this, since I'm new here and everything...but duly noted. I won't harp on about it.

For the record, good deal or not, the legend typeface looks terrible, and I wouldn't buy them even if they were £0.10 per keycap.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 17 September 2013, 20:10:32
Dat font...

Also, what do people have against making a throw away to see massdrop listings? Any time it complains I need to log in, I just hit sign up, throw in a BS email with some BS password and away I go!  (if I was actually going to buy something, sign out and register a more legit account!)

this is why ill never support massdrop. the fact you a stupid account just to look at stuff.

Put "?mode=guest_open" at the end of the URL, as MythicalWagyu suggested above.  It works!
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: bahamot on Tue, 17 September 2013, 20:21:25
Guys if you want to discuss bout mass drop, please discuss it somewhere else.
And if you don't like the caps then just don't buy it, no need to discuss it here.

Wanna complain bout the caps, then post it on vortex's thread (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47177.0)

Edit: I guess I just lock it then, after all I just share the massdrop deal that I found it as good deal.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: demik on Tue, 17 September 2013, 20:29:53
nah im good, i'll do both here.

Dat font...

Also, what do people have against making a throw away to see massdrop listings? Any time it complains I need to log in, I just hit sign up, throw in a BS email with some BS password and away I go!  (if I was actually going to buy something, sign out and register a more legit account!)

this is why ill never support massdrop. the fact you a stupid account just to look at stuff.

Put "?mode=guest_open" at the end of the URL, as MythicalWagyu suggested above.  It works!

thanks!
Dat font...

Also, what do people have against making a throw away to see massdrop listings? Any time it complains I need to log in, I just hit sign up, throw in a BS email with some BS password and away I go!  (if I was actually going to buy something, sign out and register a more legit account!)

this is why ill never support massdrop. the fact you a stupid account just to look at stuff.

well who knows if they're selling email addresses, but they did give us a pretty reasonable explanation when they hosted the meetup. basically, companies don't let people publicly advertise lower prices than their minimum; having an account makes the site non-public so they don't get busted for advertising lower price tiers.

of course... you have to trust them ;)

they could leave the prices out until you sign in. like most places do
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: AuRinBei on Wed, 18 September 2013, 14:50:51
Man, people don't seem to like blue. I think dark-ish blue looks a hell of a lot better than dark-ish red, but I would definitely like bright red more than bright blue on white caps.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 18 September 2013, 15:16:07
Man, people don't seem to like blue. I think dark-ish blue looks a hell of a lot better than dark-ish red, but I would definitely like bright red more than bright blue on white caps.

If nothing else, the blue gives a good contrast with the white.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: longweight on Wed, 18 September 2013, 15:16:27
Damn those legends are awful!
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: Hellmark on Thu, 19 September 2013, 10:02:05
For me, the blue itself isn't a problem, but the white. I am not a fan of white keycaps, because they're a ***** to keep clean. White shows every bit of dirt. Beige, or other colors hides it a bit more.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: chill1217 on Thu, 19 September 2013, 12:01:54
for those of you who don't know...

Q) Do I have to make an account on massdrop?
A) Fortunately/unfortunately, yes. By making all of its users sign up, Massdrop can legally be classified as something other than a retailer, meaning that the manufacturers have no say in how Massdrop prices the items. This allows the site to sell things at a lower price (-15% for 20% fewer people on the Bitfenix alchemy cables)

amazon has something similar with its "click here to show price" thing.  also gilt, park and bond, etc.
Title: Re: Vortex DS PBT Keycaps@massdrop
Post by: bahamot on Thu, 19 September 2013, 13:41:59
Since the deal had ended due to overwhelming high demand (205), so I'm gonna lock this thread again.