Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 29 August 2014, 01:00:02
Links to GB:
Parent deal: Base alphas http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/ (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/)
Base modifiers: http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-base-modifier-set-3/ (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-base-modifier-set-3/)
HHKB kit: http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-hhkb-kit-2/ (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-hhkb-kit-2/)
Tsangan kit: http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-tsangan-kit-2/ (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-tsangan-kit-2/)
ISO kit: http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-iso-kit-2/ (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-iso-kit-2/)
Inverted kit: http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-inverted-kit-2/ (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-inverted-kit-2/)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i243/aaron_maurice/Banner_zps98a63b1e.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/user/aaron_maurice/media/Banner_zps98a63b1e.jpg.html)
Also, not to confuse anyone, the alphas are black. The render just makes them look dark grey.
After much thought and going back and forth on stuff between Nubbinator and myself, I think we are ready for this IC to get started.
Delta Blues mockup with cherry font (thanks to numiru)
(http://i.imgur.com/LwpWTrn.png)
The goal is to get an Alps double shot DCS keycap set in ABS with the most adaptability for the custom Alps boards out there (and for the upcoming SPRiT pcb). In addition this will be a group effort to get as much input on what child-buys need to go along with the standard base set so that we can try to bring as much goodness to the land of Alps.
One thing of note right at the beginning is that SP does not make a spacebar for Alps in any size.
Colors chosen for this GB are BFQ/NN alphas, BFQ/GD mods and an inverted kit of GD/BFQ. Profile will be DCS and will use the Cherry font.
[attach=8]
Black based SoWaRe - BFQ/NN alphas and BFQ/GD mods (with Matias spacebar) Done as a 60% with a GD/BFQ backspace :thumb:
[attach=1]
Here are the specs for stabilizer spacing from SP:
[attach=2]
Sets are planned as follows:
Alpha (base)
Mods (base)
HHKB kit
Tsangan
ISO
Inverted
Pricing is below:
Alphas:
25 sets $50 per set
50 sets $45 per set
75 sets $43 per set
100 sets $42 per set
150 sets $41 per set
250 sets $40 per set
[attach=3]
Mods:
25 sets $72 per set
50 sets $50 per set
75 sets $43 per set
100 sets $40 per set
150 sets $36 per set
200 sets $34 per set
250 sets $33 per set
[attach=4]
Official render:
(http://i.imgur.com/lt3lGbH.png)
HHKB Kit:
10 sets $40 per set
25 sets $20 per set
50 sets $13 per set
75 sets $11 per set
100 sets $10 per set
150 sets $8 per set
[attach=9]
Tsangan:
10 sets $38 per set
25 sets $19 per set
50 sets $12 per set
75 sets $10 per set
100 sets $9 per set
150 sets $8 per set
250 sets $7 per set
[attach=6]
ISO Set:
10 sets $24 per set
25 sets $13 per set
50 sets $9 per set
75 sets $8 per set
100 sets $7 per set
250 sets $6 per set
[attach=5]
Inverted Kit:
10 sets $22 per set
25 sets $11 per set
50 sets $7 per set
75 sets $6 per set
100 sets $5 per set
200 sets $4 per set
[attach=8]
Post your thoughts so we can make an Alps set finally happen.
Special thanks to nubbinator (for letting me pick his brain), Numiru (for the beautiful renders), and everyone in this thread that helped to get this thing dialed in. :-*
Post by: Den441 on Fri, 29 August 2014, 03:25:49
Post by: CommonCurt on Fri, 29 August 2014, 03:57:08
Beige/grey for the win, and I love soware.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 29 August 2014, 05:19:17
Please make the colorway something a little more unique. I feel like 95% of colorways currently available from Alps boards are some form of beige/gray variant and it's depressing to me. Even a white on black set would be something unique and interesting in my opinion.
But regardless of the color, I'll be buying :)
Post by: nubbinator on Fri, 29 August 2014, 09:31:21
I'm in.
Please make the colorway something a little more unique. I feel like 95% of colorways currently available from Alps boards are some form of beige/gray variant and it's depressing to me. Even a white on black set would be something unique and interesting in my opinion.
But regardless of the color, I'll be buying :)
Different color sets were kicked around as well. A Famicon inspired set (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=Esc&_x:1&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=F1&=F2&=F3&=F4&_x:0.5&c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=F5&=F6&=F7&=F8&_x:0.5&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=F9&=F10&=F11&=F12&_x:0.5&c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=PrtSc&=Scroll%20Lock&=Pause%0ABreak%3B&@_y:0.5%3B&=~%0A%60&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=!%0A1&=%2F@%0A2&=%23%0A3&=$%0A4&=%25%0A5&=%5E%0A6&=%2F&%0A7&=*%0A8&=(%0A9&=)%0A0&=%2F_%0A-&=+%0A%2F=&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:2%3B&=Backspace&_x:0.5%3B&=Insert&=Home&=PgUp&_x:0.5%3B&=Num%20Lock&=%2F%2F&=*&=-%3B&@_w:1.5%3B&=Tab&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:1.5%3B&=%7C%0A%5C&_x:0.5%3B&=Delete&=End&=PgDn&_x:0.5&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=7%0AHome&=8%0A%E2%86%91&=9%0APgUp&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&h:2%3B&=+%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Caps%20Lock&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A'&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.25%3B&=Enter&_x:4&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=4%0A%E2%86%90&=5&=6%0A%E2%86%92%3B&@_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.25%3B&=Shift&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.75%3B&=Shift&_x:1.5%3B&=%E2%86%91&_x:1.5&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=1%0AEnd&=2%0A%E2%86%93&=3%0APgDn&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&h:2%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636&w:6.25%3B&=&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_x:0.5%3B&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92&_x:0.5&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636&w:2%3B&=0%0AIns&=.%0ADel), Yolch (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@_c=%23464746&t=%23ffac00%3B&=Esc&_x:1&c=%237d8181%3B&=F1&=F2&=F3&=F4&_x:0.5&c=%23464746%3B&=F5&=F6&=F7&=F8&_x:0.5&c=%237d8181%3B&=F9&=F10&=F11&=F12&_x:0.5&c=%23464746%3B&=PrtSc&=Scroll%20Lock&=Pause%0ABreak%3B&@_y:0.5%3B&=~%0A%60&_c=%237d8181%3B&=!%0A1&=%2F@%0A2&=%23%0A3&=$%0A4&=%25%0A5&=%5E%0A6&=%2F&%0A7&=*%0A8&=(%0A9&=)%0A0&=%2F_%0A-&=+%0A%2F=&_c=%23464746&w:2%3B&=Backspace&_x:0.5%3B&=Insert&=Home&=PgUp&_x:0.5%3B&=Num%20Lock&=%2F%2F&=*&=-%3B&@_w:1.5%3B&=Tab&_c=%237d8181%3B&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&_c=%23464746&w:1.5%3B&=%7C%0A%5C&_x:0.5%3B&=Delete&=End&=PgDn&_x:0.5&c=%237d8181%3B&=7%0AHome&=8%0A%E2%86%91&=9%0APgUp&_c=%23464746&h:2%3B&=+%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Caps%20Lock&_c=%237d8181%3B&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A'&_c=%23464746&w:2.25%3B&=Enter&_x:4&c=%237d8181%3B&=4%0A%E2%86%90&=5&=6%0A%E2%86%92%3B&@_c=%23464746&w:2.25%3B&=Shift&_c=%237d8181%3B&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&_c=%23464746&w:2.75%3B&=Shift&_x:1.5%3B&=%E2%86%91&_x:1.5&c=%237d8181%3B&=1%0AEnd&=2%0A%E2%86%93&=3%0APgDn&_c=%23464746&h:2%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:6.25%3B&=&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_x:0.5%3B&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92&_x:0.5&c=%237d8181&w:2%3B&=0%0AIns&=.%0ADel), Triumph Adler (preferably with a custom color to match the old TA teal) (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=Esc&_x:1&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=F1&=F2&=F3&=F4&_x:0.5&c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=F5&=F6&=F7&=F8&_x:0.5&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=F9&=F10&=F11&=F12&_x:0.5&c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=PrtSc&=Scroll%20Lock&=Pause%0ABreak%3B&@_y:0.5%3B&=~%0A%60&_c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=!%0A1&=%2F@%0A2&=%23%0A3&=$%0A4&=%25%0A5&=%5E%0A6&=%2F&%0A7&=*%0A8&=(%0A9&=)%0A0&=%2F_%0A-&=+%0A%2F=&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:2%3B&=Backspace&_x:0.5%3B&=Insert&=Home&=PgUp&_x:0.5%3B&=Num%20Lock&=%2F%2F&=*&=-%3B&@_w:1.5%3B&=Tab&_c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:1.5%3B&=%7C%0A%5C&_x:0.5%3B&=Delete&=End&=PgDn&_x:0.5&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=7%0AHome&=8%0A%E2%86%91&=9%0APgUp&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&h:2%3B&=+%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Caps%20Lock&_c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A'&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.25%3B&=Enter&_x:4&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=4%0A%E2%86%90&=5&=6%0A%E2%86%92%3B&@_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.25%3B&=Shift&_c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.75%3B&=Shift&_x:1.5%3B&=%E2%86%91&_x:1.5&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=1%0AEnd&=2%0A%E2%86%93&=3%0APgDn&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&h:2%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_c=%23c2c1b9&w:6.25%3B&=&_c=%234d8b92&w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_x:0.5%3B&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92&_x:0.5&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92&w:2%3B&=0%0AIns&=.%0ADel), Smith Corona (http://i.imgur.com/TnyVFNq.png), and some of the other typewriter sets were tossed around. I think if someone comes up with a killer set idea, we could swap it out.
The main issue was trying to keep a set that would look good with existing spacebars since SP can't make them.
Post by: engicoder on Fri, 29 August 2014, 09:35:13
Post by: exitfire401 on Fri, 29 August 2014, 09:37:02
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 29 August 2014, 09:39:10
I also wanna request a spacebar pack as well for those of us with weird layouts.
The main issue was trying to keep a set that would look good with existing spacebars since SP can't make them.
:( :( :(
I wonder if Tai Hao could get us spacebars? Anyways, please let me know if there's anything I can do to help this buy along. Like I said I'll be in regardless of the color since my Alps boards desperately need some custom keycaps :D.
Post by: mashby on Fri, 29 August 2014, 09:51:12
Post by: exitfire401 on Fri, 29 August 2014, 09:58:22
I also wanna request a spacebar pack as well for those of us with weird layouts.The main issue was trying to keep a set that would look good with existing spacebars since SP can't make them.
:( :( :(
I wonder if Tai Hao could get us spacebars? Anyways, please let me know if there's anything I can do to help this buy along. Like I said I'll be in regardless of the color since my Alps boards desperately need some custom keycaps :D.
Missed that second statement =(
Post by: nubbinator on Fri, 29 August 2014, 10:46:59
Quote from: CPTBadAss link=topic=62274.msg1453679#msg1453679
I wonder if Tai Hao could get us spacebars?
[/quote
I wonder if Tai Hao could get us spacebars?
[/quote
That was something I suggested. I don't know stabilizer placement on them though, so I don't know if they'd work.
Post by: AKmalamute on Fri, 29 August 2014, 11:24:16
Maybe I missed it but are we going with doubleshot ABS, or dye-sub PBT? I like the texture of PBT myself, and dyesub still gives us some good options. YBZ base could still take GSF legends, or redo Miami with RCH/RBH.
So: stab-holes. You'd normally have an insert that resembles a costar style clip, right? And that's about the same as the Cherry inserts. So, are we going with Cherry stab-stems? Because in the case of one-off plates to be hand wired, or private PCB that need custom plates anyway, I'd really like to be able to use cherry plate mounted stabilizers, simply because I hate costar and also I already have a plate that I've loaded with cherry stabs.
Okay enough rambling about stabilizers. Clearly, the solution is to recreate the phantom in ALPS, and use 7-bit layouts.
Everywhere.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 29 August 2014, 11:48:11
That was something I suggested. I don't know stabilizer placement on them though, so I don't know if they'd work.
Maybe we can find out what colors Matias is planning on releasing for their spacebars and we could go from there?
Post by: Den441 on Fri, 29 August 2014, 13:55:25
WA/BX, RAS/GSL http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/e8cb5f547fd1c50f9ef4ac24fdce6546 "Shogun" and
BBQ/GC, WA/GCV http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/4f9bc6a6dac0bfefd7965e136c09ebdb"BBQ Dolch"
I also like the Smith Corona. OP was was referencing SP ABS colors is his first post, so I am assuming ABS Doubleshots.
Post by: geniekid on Fri, 29 August 2014, 16:40:47
Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 29 August 2014, 17:09:16
I'm in.
Please make the colorway something a little more unique. I feel like 95% of colorways currently available from Alps boards are some form of beige/gray variant and it's depressing to me. Even a white on black set would be something unique and interesting in my opinion.
But regardless of the color, I'll be buying :)
Different color sets were kicked around as well. A Famicon inspired set (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=Esc&_x:1&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=F1&=F2&=F3&=F4&_x:0.5&c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=F5&=F6&=F7&=F8&_x:0.5&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=F9&=F10&=F11&=F12&_x:0.5&c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=PrtSc&=Scroll%20Lock&=Pause%0ABreak%3B&@_y:0.5%3B&=~%0A%60&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=!%0A1&=%2F@%0A2&=%23%0A3&=$%0A4&=%25%0A5&=%5E%0A6&=%2F&%0A7&=*%0A8&=(%0A9&=)%0A0&=%2F_%0A-&=+%0A%2F=&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:2%3B&=Backspace&_x:0.5%3B&=Insert&=Home&=PgUp&_x:0.5%3B&=Num%20Lock&=%2F%2F&=*&=-%3B&@_w:1.5%3B&=Tab&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:1.5%3B&=%7C%0A%5C&_x:0.5%3B&=Delete&=End&=PgDn&_x:0.5&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=7%0AHome&=8%0A%E2%86%91&=9%0APgUp&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&h:2%3B&=+%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Caps%20Lock&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A'&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.25%3B&=Enter&_x:4&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=4%0A%E2%86%90&=5&=6%0A%E2%86%92%3B&@_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.25%3B&=Shift&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.75%3B&=Shift&_x:1.5%3B&=%E2%86%91&_x:1.5&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=1%0AEnd&=2%0A%E2%86%93&=3%0APgDn&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&h:2%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636&w:6.25%3B&=&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_x:0.5%3B&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92&_x:0.5&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636&w:2%3B&=0%0AIns&=.%0ADel), Yolch (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@_c=%23464746&t=%23ffac00%3B&=Esc&_x:1&c=%237d8181%3B&=F1&=F2&=F3&=F4&_x:0.5&c=%23464746%3B&=F5&=F6&=F7&=F8&_x:0.5&c=%237d8181%3B&=F9&=F10&=F11&=F12&_x:0.5&c=%23464746%3B&=PrtSc&=Scroll%20Lock&=Pause%0ABreak%3B&@_y:0.5%3B&=~%0A%60&_c=%237d8181%3B&=!%0A1&=%2F@%0A2&=%23%0A3&=$%0A4&=%25%0A5&=%5E%0A6&=%2F&%0A7&=*%0A8&=(%0A9&=)%0A0&=%2F_%0A-&=+%0A%2F=&_c=%23464746&w:2%3B&=Backspace&_x:0.5%3B&=Insert&=Home&=PgUp&_x:0.5%3B&=Num%20Lock&=%2F%2F&=*&=-%3B&@_w:1.5%3B&=Tab&_c=%237d8181%3B&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&_c=%23464746&w:1.5%3B&=%7C%0A%5C&_x:0.5%3B&=Delete&=End&=PgDn&_x:0.5&c=%237d8181%3B&=7%0AHome&=8%0A%E2%86%91&=9%0APgUp&_c=%23464746&h:2%3B&=+%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Caps%20Lock&_c=%237d8181%3B&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A'&_c=%23464746&w:2.25%3B&=Enter&_x:4&c=%237d8181%3B&=4%0A%E2%86%90&=5&=6%0A%E2%86%92%3B&@_c=%23464746&w:2.25%3B&=Shift&_c=%237d8181%3B&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&_c=%23464746&w:2.75%3B&=Shift&_x:1.5%3B&=%E2%86%91&_x:1.5&c=%237d8181%3B&=1%0AEnd&=2%0A%E2%86%93&=3%0APgDn&_c=%23464746&h:2%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:6.25%3B&=&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_x:0.5%3B&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92&_x:0.5&c=%237d8181&w:2%3B&=0%0AIns&=.%0ADel), Triumph Adler (preferably with a custom color to match the old TA teal) (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=Esc&_x:1&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=F1&=F2&=F3&=F4&_x:0.5&c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=F5&=F6&=F7&=F8&_x:0.5&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=F9&=F10&=F11&=F12&_x:0.5&c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=PrtSc&=Scroll%20Lock&=Pause%0ABreak%3B&@_y:0.5%3B&=~%0A%60&_c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=!%0A1&=%2F@%0A2&=%23%0A3&=$%0A4&=%25%0A5&=%5E%0A6&=%2F&%0A7&=*%0A8&=(%0A9&=)%0A0&=%2F_%0A-&=+%0A%2F=&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:2%3B&=Backspace&_x:0.5%3B&=Insert&=Home&=PgUp&_x:0.5%3B&=Num%20Lock&=%2F%2F&=*&=-%3B&@_w:1.5%3B&=Tab&_c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:1.5%3B&=%7C%0A%5C&_x:0.5%3B&=Delete&=End&=PgDn&_x:0.5&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=7%0AHome&=8%0A%E2%86%91&=9%0APgUp&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&h:2%3B&=+%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Caps%20Lock&_c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A'&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.25%3B&=Enter&_x:4&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=4%0A%E2%86%90&=5&=6%0A%E2%86%92%3B&@_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.25%3B&=Shift&_c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.75%3B&=Shift&_x:1.5%3B&=%E2%86%91&_x:1.5&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=1%0AEnd&=2%0A%E2%86%93&=3%0APgDn&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&h:2%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_c=%23c2c1b9&w:6.25%3B&=&_c=%234d8b92&w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_x:0.5%3B&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92&_x:0.5&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92&w:2%3B&=0%0AIns&=.%0ADel), Smith Corona (http://i.imgur.com/TnyVFNq.png), and some of the other typewriter sets were tossed around. I think if someone comes up with a killer set idea, we could swap it out.
The main issue was trying to keep a set that would look good with existing spacebars since SP can't make them.
I am very much down for options on colors. I really like the Trumph-Adler set.
Which teal do you guys think is the best?
(http://www.pantone-colours.com/index_bestanden/pantone_color_chart317-371.gif)
Here is the Triumph-Adler set (pic courtesy of Deskthority)
(http://i.imgur.com/3dJxD.jpg)
Here is a little mockup of the Smith-corona:
[attach=1]
Post by: exitfire401 on Fri, 29 August 2014, 17:11:28
I'm in.
Please make the colorway something a little more unique. I feel like 95% of colorways currently available from Alps boards are some form of beige/gray variant and it's depressing to me. Even a white on black set would be something unique and interesting in my opinion.
But regardless of the color, I'll be buying :)
Different color sets were kicked around as well. A Famicon inspired set (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=Esc&_x:1&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=F1&=F2&=F3&=F4&_x:0.5&c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=F5&=F6&=F7&=F8&_x:0.5&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=F9&=F10&=F11&=F12&_x:0.5&c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=PrtSc&=Scroll%20Lock&=Pause%0ABreak%3B&@_y:0.5%3B&=~%0A%60&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=!%0A1&=%2F@%0A2&=%23%0A3&=$%0A4&=%25%0A5&=%5E%0A6&=%2F&%0A7&=*%0A8&=(%0A9&=)%0A0&=%2F_%0A-&=+%0A%2F=&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:2%3B&=Backspace&_x:0.5%3B&=Insert&=Home&=PgUp&_x:0.5%3B&=Num%20Lock&=%2F%2F&=*&=-%3B&@_w:1.5%3B&=Tab&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:1.5%3B&=%7C%0A%5C&_x:0.5%3B&=Delete&=End&=PgDn&_x:0.5&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=7%0AHome&=8%0A%E2%86%91&=9%0APgUp&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&h:2%3B&=+%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Caps%20Lock&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A'&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.25%3B&=Enter&_x:4&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=4%0A%E2%86%90&=5&=6%0A%E2%86%92%3B&@_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.25%3B&=Shift&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.75%3B&=Shift&_x:1.5%3B&=%E2%86%91&_x:1.5&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636%3B&=1%0AEnd&=2%0A%E2%86%93&=3%0APgDn&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&h:2%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636&w:6.25%3B&=&_c=%23733636&t=%23b0aea6&w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_x:0.5%3B&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92&_x:0.5&c=%23ccc4b3&t=%23733636&w:2%3B&=0%0AIns&=.%0ADel), Yolch (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@_c=%23464746&t=%23ffac00%3B&=Esc&_x:1&c=%237d8181%3B&=F1&=F2&=F3&=F4&_x:0.5&c=%23464746%3B&=F5&=F6&=F7&=F8&_x:0.5&c=%237d8181%3B&=F9&=F10&=F11&=F12&_x:0.5&c=%23464746%3B&=PrtSc&=Scroll%20Lock&=Pause%0ABreak%3B&@_y:0.5%3B&=~%0A%60&_c=%237d8181%3B&=!%0A1&=%2F@%0A2&=%23%0A3&=$%0A4&=%25%0A5&=%5E%0A6&=%2F&%0A7&=*%0A8&=(%0A9&=)%0A0&=%2F_%0A-&=+%0A%2F=&_c=%23464746&w:2%3B&=Backspace&_x:0.5%3B&=Insert&=Home&=PgUp&_x:0.5%3B&=Num%20Lock&=%2F%2F&=*&=-%3B&@_w:1.5%3B&=Tab&_c=%237d8181%3B&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&_c=%23464746&w:1.5%3B&=%7C%0A%5C&_x:0.5%3B&=Delete&=End&=PgDn&_x:0.5&c=%237d8181%3B&=7%0AHome&=8%0A%E2%86%91&=9%0APgUp&_c=%23464746&h:2%3B&=+%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Caps%20Lock&_c=%237d8181%3B&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A'&_c=%23464746&w:2.25%3B&=Enter&_x:4&c=%237d8181%3B&=4%0A%E2%86%90&=5&=6%0A%E2%86%92%3B&@_c=%23464746&w:2.25%3B&=Shift&_c=%237d8181%3B&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&_c=%23464746&w:2.75%3B&=Shift&_x:1.5%3B&=%E2%86%91&_x:1.5&c=%237d8181%3B&=1%0AEnd&=2%0A%E2%86%93&=3%0APgDn&_c=%23464746&h:2%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:6.25%3B&=&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_x:0.5%3B&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92&_x:0.5&c=%237d8181&w:2%3B&=0%0AIns&=.%0ADel), Triumph Adler (preferably with a custom color to match the old TA teal) (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=Esc&_x:1&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=F1&=F2&=F3&=F4&_x:0.5&c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=F5&=F6&=F7&=F8&_x:0.5&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=F9&=F10&=F11&=F12&_x:0.5&c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6%3B&=PrtSc&=Scroll%20Lock&=Pause%0ABreak%3B&@_y:0.5%3B&=~%0A%60&_c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=!%0A1&=%2F@%0A2&=%23%0A3&=$%0A4&=%25%0A5&=%5E%0A6&=%2F&%0A7&=*%0A8&=(%0A9&=)%0A0&=%2F_%0A-&=+%0A%2F=&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:2%3B&=Backspace&_x:0.5%3B&=Insert&=Home&=PgUp&_x:0.5%3B&=Num%20Lock&=%2F%2F&=*&=-%3B&@_w:1.5%3B&=Tab&_c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:1.5%3B&=%7C%0A%5C&_x:0.5%3B&=Delete&=End&=PgDn&_x:0.5&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=7%0AHome&=8%0A%E2%86%91&=9%0APgUp&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&h:2%3B&=+%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Caps%20Lock&_c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A'&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.25%3B&=Enter&_x:4&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=4%0A%E2%86%90&=5&=6%0A%E2%86%92%3B&@_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.25%3B&=Shift&_c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&w:2.75%3B&=Shift&_x:1.5%3B&=%E2%86%91&_x:1.5&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92%3B&=1%0AEnd&=2%0A%E2%86%93&=3%0APgDn&_c=%234d8b92&t=%23b0aea6&h:2%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_c=%23c2c1b9&w:6.25%3B&=&_c=%234d8b92&w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_x:0.5%3B&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92&_x:0.5&c=%23c2c1b9&t=%234d8b92&w:2%3B&=0%0AIns&=.%0ADel), Smith Corona (http://i.imgur.com/TnyVFNq.png), and some of the other typewriter sets were tossed around. I think if someone comes up with a killer set idea, we could swap it out.
The main issue was trying to keep a set that would look good with existing spacebars since SP can't make them.
I am very much down for options on colors. I really like the Trumph-Adler set.
Which teal do you guys think is the best?Show Image(http://www.pantone-colours.com/index_bestanden/pantone_color_chart317-371.gif)
Here is the Triumph-Adler set (pic courtesy of Deskthority)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/3dJxD.jpg)
Here is a little mockup of the Smith-corona:
(Attachment Link)
3252 and 3125 are my favorite. 322 isn't bad though.
Post by: Den441 on Fri, 29 August 2014, 18:31:48
I don't know how much extra a custom color costs from SP, I know the Soulfree Set used one like PMS 3155 though. Was a little too dark and the alpha legends too thin to be like TA caps imo.
There has been some interest for the TA set over the years, but nothing ever happened.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 29 August 2014, 18:38:18
Are there many Alps boards out there with DCS profile space bars? Or do we think the profile difference is negligible?
The profile are all different on Alps boards that are available. I don't know if there will be a profile match. Maybe the AT101?
I really like the following teals:
- PMS3115
- PMS3252
- PMS319
Post by: jacobolus on Fri, 29 August 2014, 18:48:50
Post by: nubbinator on Fri, 29 August 2014, 18:51:31
Post by: jacobolus on Fri, 29 August 2014, 18:54:23
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0As-LCp55OSYodE5TX3ZBYm5QZ3lqQktrb1JBSmZMcXc&usp=sharing#gid=0
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0As-LCp55OSYodDFiWDV4VkZhWWJ0R08yRFk5c25UZGc&usp=sharing#gid=0
By the way, if you ever stop by San Francisco, MassDrop has SP color rings. I don’t think they’ll mail it around though.
Post by: Hak Foo on Fri, 29 August 2014, 19:24:11
If you want to put decent caps on an AT101W, a Ducky 1008XM, a Sprit (did he ever release the ALPS boards?), Kingsaver, or GH122, you're almost certainly going to go mad trying to find a few modifiers.
I could see an inexpensive "super-Tsangan kit" being quite useful:
Bottom rows: a full set of 1.25x modifiers, as well as 1.5-1-1.5 1.5-1-1.5
ANSI 2.25x enter. 1.5x |\.
2.0x backspace
Potentially Kingsaver-sized right column keys
LED and non-LED lock keys
Potentially a function row for people scavenging from old boards with only ten function keys
Take that set, combine it with cheap caps from a Focus 2001, an Acer 6311, or some a random Chicony board, and you can cover a LOT of more modern layout needs.
Yes, not everyone would need every key, but I think this has to be a "You subsidize the parts I want, and in exchange I subsidize the ones you want" situation.
Post by: nubbinator on Fri, 29 August 2014, 20:06:04
That said, if that's something you're passionate about, you can come up with a super mod kit and start an IC to be run through SP.
Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 29 August 2014, 21:26:29
Beige and cream sets are easy to find and assemble for Alps boards. The point of the ideas we're looking at is to make it so you can add a little color to your Alps boards since you're basically stuck in beige and cream, black, and grey with some rare outliers that have more color.
That said, if that's something you're passionate about, you can come up with a super mod kit and start an IC to be run through SP.
Exactly this.
That said, I updated the OP with more color options :thumb:
Post by: Magna224 on Sun, 31 August 2014, 03:41:59
Post by: Heliosphere on Sun, 31 August 2014, 13:28:55
Post by: xixihaha2008 on Sun, 31 August 2014, 20:57:46
Post by: jacobolus on Sun, 31 August 2014, 21:47:17
As boring as it may be, a simple beige and white set could be hugely valuable as an "infill" thing.Not really useful for lots of old keyboards, since they use Alps-style stabilizers while SP only produces keycaps with MX/Costar-style stabilizer keycap mounts.
If you want to put decent caps on an AT101W, a Ducky 1008XM, a Sprit (did he ever release the ALPS boards?), Kingsaver, or GH122, you're almost certainly going to go mad trying to find a few modifiers.
Some Alps boards do have crappy pad-printed ABS keycaps and use Costar-style stabilizers though (e.g. ones from Monterey or Chicony), so you’d probably be able to get reasonable replacements from SP for some of those keycaps... good luck with the bigass enters though.
Post by: Den441 on Mon, 01 September 2014, 06:26:19
(http://i.imgur.com/T0jZKqD.jpg)
Post by: dustinhxc on Mon, 01 September 2014, 09:35:48
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=987 (http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=987)
Matias as good as vintage ALPS in your opinion or should I get a Duck Eagle or Viper?
(http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=62274.0;attach=75921;image)
Delicious.
Post by: JaccoW on Mon, 01 September 2014, 12:08:17
And Dustinhxc, you need both Matias 60% as well as a Duck. :P
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 01 September 2014, 12:11:11
Matias as good as vintage ALPS in your opinion or should I get a Duck Eagle or Viper?
Well you can put Matias switches into a Duck Eagle, Viper, or Mini. And you can put complicated Alps switches into a Matias board. So your question is a little confusing.
Do I think that complicated Alps are better than the Matias ones? I don't know. I really love the Matias switches. The Clicky switches they have remain some of my favorite switches.
Post by: dustinhxc on Mon, 01 September 2014, 12:15:29
Matias as good as vintage ALPS in your opinion or should I get a Duck Eagle or Viper?
Well you can put Matias switches into a Duck Eagle, Viper, or Mini. And you can put complicated Alps switches into a Matias board. So your question is a little confusing.
Do I think that complicated Alps are better than the Matias ones? I don't know. I really love the Matias switches. The Clicky switches they have remain some of my favorite switches.
Sorry, yes I dont know anything about ALPs haha So the difference is Matias vs Complicated? Matias are better in your opinion? Thats all I was wondering. Ive never owned ALPs so didnt know the different types. :)
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 01 September 2014, 12:29:50
Sorry, yes I dont know anything about ALPs haha So the difference is Matias vs Complicated? Matias are better in your opinion? Thats all I was wondering. Ive never owned ALPs so didnt know the different types. :)
Define better. You are more limited in what you can do with Mathias Alps switches, but they are nice...if you like the kinds of switches they offer. I still love my vintage Alps more than the Mathias Alps I've tried.
Post by: dustinhxc on Mon, 01 September 2014, 12:37:23
Sorry, yes I dont know anything about ALPs haha So the difference is Matias vs Complicated? Matias are better in your opinion? Thats all I was wondering. Ive never owned ALPs so didnt know the different types. :)
Define better. You are more limited in what you can do with Mathias Alps switches, but they are nice...if you like the kinds of switches they offer. I still love my vintage Alps more than the Mathias Alps I've tried.
I will rephrase this. I plan to own only one ALPs board. Maybe 2 though. I hear ALPs has a ton of switch styles. My favorite Topre are 45g. My favorite MX are clears with 62g. So not sure which ALPs Id like.
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 01 September 2014, 12:44:11
You might like Orange or Salmon Alps too. If you want a little of the rubbery goodness that Topre provides, dampened Cream Alps or Mathias Quiet Alps might be for you.
Post by: dustinhxc on Mon, 01 September 2014, 12:46:03
Probably tactile Green or Browns...you know, the super rare ones.
You might like Orange or Salmon Alps too. If you want a little of the rubbery goodness that Topre provides, dampened Cream Alps or Mathias Quiet Alps might be for you.
Thanks for the suggestions! I really like the Orange I saw Sifo had a year ago.. :thumb:
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 01 September 2014, 13:12:24
Thanks for the suggestions! I really like the Orange I saw Sifo had a year ago.. :thumb:
That wasn't Sifo's, he just posted a picture of it.
Sorry, yes I dont know anything about ALPs haha So the difference is Matias vs Complicated? Matias are better in your opinion? Thats all I was wondering. Ive never owned ALPs so didnt know the different types. :)
No, they're not better. If I had to pick my top three favorite Alps switches, it would be:
1) Complicated Blue Alps
2) Complicated Green Alps
3) Matias Clicky
Again, it's not better or worst, they're just like MX switches in that you find what you like. But Alps switches are far more complicated. Condition matters much more. There are many clones. There are complicated and simplified Alps switches.
Based on your fondness for 62g Clears, I think you'd like Salmon or Orange Alps. But it's hard to say until you try them for yourself.
Post by: dustinhxc on Mon, 01 September 2014, 13:15:26
Thanks for the suggestions! I really like the Orange I saw Sifo had a year ago.. :thumb:
That wasn't Sifo's, he just posted a picture of it.Sorry, yes I dont know anything about ALPs haha So the difference is Matias vs Complicated? Matias are better in your opinion? Thats all I was wondering. Ive never owned ALPs so didnt know the different types. :)
No, they're not better. If I had to pick my top three favorite Alps switches, it would be:
1) Complicated Blue Alps
2) Complicated Green Alps
3) Matias Clicky
Again, it's not better or worst, they're just like MX switches in that you find what you like. But Alps switches are far more complicated. Condition matters much more. There are many clones. There are complicated and simplified Alps switches.
Based on your fondness for 62g Clears, I think you'd like Salmon or Orange Alps. But it's hard to say until you try them for yourself.
Yes, not better but preferred is what I meant. Oh alright, thanks for the reply. Sounds like I may have to try out Orange or Salmon. Thank You,
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 01 September 2014, 13:21:07
Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/T0jZKqD.jpg)
I'd really like Yolch but it's hard to find black spacebars. I think the black AT101W and the Toshiba laptop keyboards are the only sources of dark spacebars that I can think of and the Toshiba spacebars I have are very odd sizes.
Post by: Hak Foo on Mon, 01 September 2014, 13:27:58
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 01 September 2014, 13:28:37
Post by: Hak Foo on Mon, 01 September 2014, 13:37:26
Matias is one of the latest in that tradition. Their switches are of a nice, uniform quality, and made with a clear enclosure which makes them amenable to some designs of backlit board that other ALPS switches couldn't easily do.
"Complicated" vs. "Simplified" is very much a personal taste thing. Complicated switches are no longer available except through buying and disassembling a vintage board.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 01 September 2014, 13:56:30
Anywho, I'm really stuck on the teal colors that Matt30 has for his Midnight set. Also people have been posting teal pictures like Den441 which I'm really into. Please the cream/white/grey + teal colors would make it easy to match spacebars.One option for a dark spacebar is to dye it yourself.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/T0jZKqD.jpg)
I'd really like Yolch but it's hard to find black spacebars. I think the black AT101W and the Toshiba laptop keyboards are the only sources of dark spacebars that I can think of and the Toshiba spacebars I have are very odd sizes.
As for keeping a teal/cream/beige/grey, I think that is where we are heading. With this community, I dont feel that the lack of a matching spacebar is going to stop us.
Post by: ComradeSniper on Mon, 01 September 2014, 14:24:50
As boring as it may be, a simple beige and white set could be hugely valuable as an "infill" thing.
If you want to put decent caps on an AT101W, a Ducky 1008XM, a Sprit (did he ever release the ALPS boards?), Kingsaver, or GH122, you're almost certainly going to go mad trying to find a few modifiers.
I could see an inexpensive "super-Tsangan kit" being quite useful:
Bottom rows: a full set of 1.25x modifiers, as well as 1.5-1-1.5 1.5-1-1.5
ANSI 2.25x enter. 1.5x |\.
2.0x backspace
Potentially Kingsaver-sized right column keys
LED and non-LED lock keys
Potentially a function row for people scavenging from old boards with only ten function keys
Take that set, combine it with cheap caps from a Focus 2001, an Acer 6311, or some a random Chicony board, and you can cover a LOT of more modern layout needs.
Yes, not everyone would need every key, but I think this has to be a "You subsidize the parts I want, and in exchange I subsidize the ones you want" situation.
I would love this, but wouldn't we have to pay big bucks for molds for the odd keycap sizes?
Post by: Matias on Mon, 01 September 2014, 15:01:21
I suggest asking Matias about how to source Alps spacebars.
We use and stock 1x7 and 1x5.5 spacebars in both white and black. If you want different colours, you could always dye the white ones.
We also have spacebar drawings for 1x1, 1x2.75, 1x4.5, 1x5.5, 1x6.25, 1x7, 1.5x2.5, and 1.5x4.5.
Tooling for 1.5x2.5 and 1.5x4.5 will be finished soon. For the others, we can do temporary tooling that produces spacebars in multiples of 20pcs.
Post by: jacobolus on Mon, 01 September 2014, 15:52:15
We also have spacebar drawings for 1x1, 1x2.75, 1x4.5, 1x5.5, 1x6.25, 1x7, 1.5x2.5, and 1.5x4.5.Personally I’m very excited about 1x1, 1x2.75, and 1.5x2.5. I’d also really love to see 1.5x1, 1x1.5, and maybe 1x2 caps in spacebar profile, but I understand there has to be a limit somewhere. :-)
Tooling for 1.5x2.5 and 1.5x4.5 will be finished soon. For the others, we can do temporary tooling that produces spacebars in multiples of 20pcs.
I think these new spacebar sizes, if the caps are relatively easily/cheaply available, will open up a lot of interesting layout possibilities.
Matias: have you see the Alt and Ctrl keys on the Wang 725? I really like the convex spacebar-ish profile on those, shown here on CaptainBadass’s awesome Kingsaver (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=58776):
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/14069807139_3d3626627d_k.jpg)
Kingsaver (https://flic.kr/p/nrirtH) by CaptainBadass (https://www.flickr.com/people/102186623@N07/), on Flickr
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 01 September 2014, 15:54:02
Post by: jacobolus on Mon, 01 September 2014, 15:56:31
They look cool, but they feel god awful to type with, IMO. I want to swap those Ctrl and Alt caps out because they feel terrible.Are you serious? Wow, I think they’re wonderful, the best modifier caps I’ve ever tried. :-)
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 01 September 2014, 15:59:25
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 01 September 2014, 16:03:55
Post by: jacobolus on Mon, 01 September 2014, 16:09:28
I think convex caps would be lovely in a layout like:
(http://i.imgur.com/hZQf1ow.png)
Post by: dustinhxc on Mon, 01 September 2014, 16:10:00
We also have spacebar drawings for 1x1, 1x2.75, 1x4.5, 1x5.5, 1x6.25, 1x7, 1.5x2.5, and 1.5x4.5.Personally I’m very excited about 1x1, 1x2.75, and 1.5x2.5. I’d also really love to see 1.5x1, 1x1.5, and maybe 1x2 caps in spacebar profile, but I understand there has to be a limit somewhere. :-)
Tooling for 1.5x2.5 and 1.5x4.5 will be finished soon. For the others, we can do temporary tooling that produces spacebars in multiples of 20pcs.
I think these new spacebar sizes, if the caps are relatively easily/cheaply available, will open up a lot of interesting layout possibilities.
Matias: have you see the Alt and Ctrl keys on the Wang 725? I really like the convex spacebar-ish profile on those, shown here on CaptainBadass’s awesome Kingsaver (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=58776):Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/14069807139_3d3626627d_k.jpg)
Kingsaver (https://flic.kr/p/nrirtH) by CaptainBadass (https://www.flickr.com/people/102186623@N07/), on Flickr
Now that is a beautiful TKL ALPs!!!!!!
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 01 September 2014, 18:21:51
We also have spacebar drawings for 1x1, 1x2.75, 1x4.5, 1x5.5, 1x6.25, 1x7, 1.5x2.5, and 1.5x4.5.Personally I’m very excited about 1x1, 1x2.75, and 1.5x2.5. I’d also really love to see 1.5x1, 1x1.5, and maybe 1x2 caps in spacebar profile, but I understand there has to be a limit somewhere. :-)
Tooling for 1.5x2.5 and 1.5x4.5 will be finished soon. For the others, we can do temporary tooling that produces spacebars in multiples of 20pcs.
I think these new spacebar sizes, if the caps are relatively easily/cheaply available, will open up a lot of interesting layout possibilities.
Matias: have you see the Alt and Ctrl keys on the Wang 725? I really like the convex spacebar-ish profile on those, shown here on CaptainBadass’s awesome Kingsaver (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=58776):Show Image(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/14069807139_3d3626627d_k.jpg)
Kingsaver (https://flic.kr/p/nrirtH) by CaptainBadass (https://www.flickr.com/people/102186623@N07/), on Flickr
Now that is a beautiful TKL ALPs!!!!!!
I agree :thumb:
Shouldn't the "yellow" key be, um you know, yellow? ;)
Awesome that we can get pure white or black spacebars. Updating op shortly with more color options based on white and black for more feedback.
Post by: tjcaustin on Mon, 01 September 2014, 18:24:21
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 01 September 2014, 19:04:15
If this is possible what are the chances of having that as an add on pack?
Post by: Elrick on Mon, 01 September 2014, 19:21:37
Definitely would want to buy extra Spacer Bars and Modifiers to furnish a Matias for years to come :thumb: .
Post by: jacobolus on Mon, 01 September 2014, 19:39:38
While I realize that this is mostly intended for the Spirit boards, does anyone know if SP has the capability to do top row (ESC row) with the stem rotated 90 degrees for compatibility with Apple boards?Pretty sure they don’t, but you could always ask them.
Also note that even the EX Alps mount is going to leave keys pretty low compared to the Apple F keys, which are quite elevated. (cf. http://keycapsdirect.com/pdfs/MountStyles.pdf)
I don’t think SP can do SA caps for Alps (currently asking them), but if they could you could try using SA row 3 caps with rotated legends for the F keys.
Edit: One other idea: get some Cherry MX caps for the F keys and use some of these: http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/cherry-to-alps-adapters-t4934.html
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 01 September 2014, 19:42:32
While I realize that this is mostly intended for the Spirit boards, does anyone know if SP has the capability to do top row (ESC row) with the stem rotated 90 degrees for compatibility with Apple boards?Pretty sure they don’t, but you could always ask them.
Also note that even the EX Alps mount is going to leave keys pretty low compared to the Apple F keys, which are quite elevated. (cf. http://keycapsdirect.com/pdfs/MountStyles.pdf)
I don’t think SP can do SA caps for Alps (currently asking them), but if they could you could try using SA row 3 caps with rotated legends for the F keys.
One issue for this current GB would be that the Cherry font is specific to DCS profile currently. Going SA would mean going back to the default SP font for those keys.
Post by: jacobolus on Mon, 01 September 2014, 19:45:04
If this up and coming Group Buy will be all for Alps switches then I'll buy a Matias to fill them in with. PLEASE say that the final design you'll choose will include complete fitment of any model of Matias keyboard?Note that SP Alps caps use a different mount for the stabilizer inserts (namely, an MX/Costar cross shape) than currently available Matias or most old Alps boards (a rectangular shape), so you could only use SP Alps caps on Matias or old Alps boards if you design and produce (3d print from shapeways?) some kind of stabilizer adapter.
On the other hand, Matias’s upcoming 60%-ish keyboard will use stabilizers that should work with both types of keycaps (they’re currently testing them out?), and the upcoming MassDrop 60%-ish keyboard will use Costar-style stabilizers which will work with SP keycaps.
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 01 September 2014, 21:19:30
I know I have had some old Alps boards that had an MX style stabilizer insert, so the trick may be to see if I can find some and if I can, to cast a ton of them..
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 01 September 2014, 21:27:43
The Mathias board also uses some massive oversized modifiers on the bottom row that will negate any benefit of a more standard cap.
I know I have had some old Alps boards that had an MX style stabilizer insert, so the trick may be to see if I can find some and if I can, to cast a ton of them..
I have a whole bag of them that I just pulled from my Chicony. They look exactly like the Costar inserts from my QFR. I will get a picture of them side by side tomorrow. Might be that we can get away with the standard stabilizer inserts.
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 01 September 2014, 21:30:53
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 01 September 2014, 21:34:00
And it wouldn't be too hard to do a plate designed with Costar style stabilizers in mind either instead of using the tiny PITA Alps stabilizers that like to pop out.
This was exactly my thought. Escpecially since SPRiT seems to like to do cases with his pcbs. :thumb:
Post by: Paranoid on Wed, 03 September 2014, 01:17:16
Post by: jacobolus on Wed, 03 September 2014, 01:56:24
Post by: Badwrench on Wed, 10 September 2014, 20:18:32
I still don't know which teal to use. Any preferences?
Teals with the NN
[attach=1]
Teals with the GD
[attach=2]
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 10 September 2014, 20:31:11
Well, here is what I am thinking for putting forward as an official IC: Black SoWaRe I was doing more research into SoWaRe and realized that it was actually a mistake trying to do a terminal WYSE replica. The standard grey for WYSE is GTD, but I feel that the set needs a little more contrast for the mods and as a result went with GD.
I still don't know which teal to use. Any preferences?
Teals with the NN
(Attachment Link)
Teals with the GD
(Attachment Link)
I prefer with NN over GD
Post by: Badwrench on Wed, 10 September 2014, 20:33:34
Well, here is what I am thinking for putting forward as an official IC: Black SoWaRe I was doing more research into SoWaRe and realized that it was actually a mistake trying to do a terminal WYSE replica. The standard grey for WYSE is GTD, but I feel that the set needs a little more contrast for the mods and as a result went with GD.
I still don't know which teal to use. Any preferences?
Teals with the NN
(Attachment Link)
Teals with the GD
(Attachment Link)
I prefer with NN over GD
NN with be the alphas and GD the mods. I am trying to figure out which of the teals you guys prefer with each.
Post by: exitfire401 on Wed, 10 September 2014, 20:34:39
Well, here is what I am thinking for putting forward as an official IC: Black SoWaRe I was doing more research into SoWaRe and realized that it was actually a mistake trying to do a terminal WYSE replica. The standard grey for WYSE is GTD, but I feel that the set needs a little more contrast for the mods and as a result went with GD.
I still don't know which teal to use. Any preferences?
Teals with the NN
(Attachment Link)
Teals with the GD
(Attachment Link)
I prefer with NN over GD
NN with be the alphas and GD the mods. I am trying to figure out which of the teals you guys prefer with each.
Gotcha. BBQ with NN and BFQ with GD in that case.
Post by: Badwrench on Wed, 10 September 2014, 20:44:30
Well, here is what I am thinking for putting forward as an official IC: Black SoWaRe I was doing more research into SoWaRe and realized that it was actually a mistake trying to do a terminal WYSE replica. The standard grey for WYSE is GTD, but I feel that the set needs a little more contrast for the mods and as a result went with GD.
I still don't know which teal to use. Any preferences?
Teals with the NN
(Attachment Link)
Teals with the GD
(Attachment Link)
I prefer with NN over GD
NN with be the alphas and GD the mods. I am trying to figure out which of the teals you guys prefer with each.
Gotcha. BBQ with NN and BFQ with GD in that case.
That is what I am leaning toward as well.
[attach=1]
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 10 September 2014, 20:59:21
BBQ with NN and BFQ with GD in that case.
I agree with exitfire :D
Post by: nubbinator on Wed, 10 September 2014, 21:04:44
Post by: Badwrench on Wed, 10 September 2014, 22:24:45
I'd rather do something more novel with the sets, but I'd still buy it even with with the black SoWaRe...though we need a better name, maybe something like Delta Blues since it's dark, smokey, and soulful.
Nothing is even close to being decided. It is just my favorite so far. I am planning on taking the mockups and doing a poll (hopefully with a few more color choices), and get a consensus to see what could possibly even make MOQ. Second choice for me being the Adler colorway. I would prefer to do something with either pure black or pure white for the alphas so that people have the option to buy new spacebars from Matias.
I like the name choice though. :thumb: Mine was not creative at all.
Post by: CommonCurt on Wed, 10 September 2014, 23:17:10
Well, here is what I am thinking for putting forward as an official IC: Black SoWaRe I was doing more research into SoWaRe and realized that it was actually a mistake trying to do a terminal WYSE replica. The standard grey for WYSE is GTD, but I feel that the set needs a little more contrast for the mods and as a result went with GD.
I still don't know which teal to use. Any preferences?
Teals with the NN
(Attachment Link)
Teals with the GD
(Attachment Link)
I prefer with NN over GD
NN with be the alphas and GD the mods. I am trying to figure out which of the teals you guys prefer with each.
Gotcha. BBQ with NN and BFQ with GD in that case.
That is what I am leaning toward as well.
(Attachment Link)
I'd prefer to not have black caps, but I'm sure I would still get the set anyways.
So the Matias spacebars are only available in white or black?
Post by: Paranoid on Thu, 11 September 2014, 07:16:44
Orange on dark grey also looks cool. Perhaps even mixed with teal. But I guess this is getting more like Dolch then
More
(http://i.imgur.com/az7fI.jpg)
Post by: Den441 on Thu, 11 September 2014, 07:43:30
Why not get the same teal for both? Seems like BFQ is a lot lighter, don't know how other kits have done this before. I just wouldn't want it too light (thinking of R2 retro), but those were on light grey caps.
Orange on dark grey also looks cool. Perhaps even mixed with teal. But I guess this is getting more like Dolch thenMoreShow Image(http://i.imgur.com/az7fI.jpg)
Yeah I like the idea of a Dolch-like colorway except with BBQ as the legends on the mods.
Post by: CommonCurt on Thu, 11 September 2014, 17:43:27
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 11 September 2014, 17:46:32
Why not get the same teal for both? Seems like BFQ is a lot lighter, don't know how other kits have done this before. I just wouldn't want it too light (thinking of R2 retro), but those were on light grey caps.
Orange on dark grey also looks cool. Perhaps even mixed with teal. But I guess this is getting more like Dolch thenMoreShow Image(http://i.imgur.com/az7fI.jpg)
I was trying to get more contrast. Using the lighter blue on the lighter background gives the illusion of both blues being the same but both the lighter color while getting the better contrast on the dark color.
Why not get the same teal for both? Seems like BFQ is a lot lighter, don't know how other kits have done this before. I just wouldn't want it too light (thinking of R2 retro), but those were on light grey caps.
Orange on dark grey also looks cool. Perhaps even mixed with teal. But I guess this is getting more like Dolch thenMoreShow Image(http://i.imgur.com/az7fI.jpg)
Yeah I like the idea of a Dolch-like colorway except with BBQ as the legends on the mods.
I am with CommonCurt on this one, too much Dolch going on lately.
Having said that, here are a couple options in a Dolch-ish colorway (different greys). Note also, that people would have to find their own spacebar to match (or dye a white Matias one).
BBQ dolch:
[attach=1]
BBQ/OAV dolch:
[attach=2]
Post by: pasph on Thu, 11 September 2014, 18:48:03
Post by: Hak Foo on Sun, 14 September 2014, 02:45:09
Being a single profile, that potentially increases the odds SP will have the right molds to cover everything, and it makes it far easier to support different layouts, both user-choice (DVORAK, COLEMAK) and international.
Do they have a master list of the molds they have on file that will take ALPS stems?
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 14 September 2014, 09:36:38
Silly question: While DCS is perhaps the most "OEM-like" profile, might we want to consider DSA or even all-row-3 SA?
Being a single profile, that potentially increases the odds SP will have the right molds to cover everything, and it makes it far easier to support different layouts, both user-choice (DVORAK, COLEMAK) and international.
Do they have a master list of the molds they have on file that will take ALPS stems?
The original reason I went with DCS was to allow the use of the Cherry font and so that people could source correct profile spacebars. I will ask about DSA, but would rather not go SA.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 14 September 2014, 09:39:20
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 14 September 2014, 09:53:28
Please no DSA
Noted. I prefer a contoured set as well.
Post by: Nuum on Sun, 14 September 2014, 10:02:49
I think, this would be a useful and successful addition for a very first Alps GB.
Post by: pasph on Sun, 14 September 2014, 13:29:31
I don't know if anyone already suggested this, but an International kit as e.g. in the Granite GB would be very nice and could gather quite a bit of attention between Non-ANSI users (especially if this GB gets advertised properly over at DT). This could be done with just a few important languages (to be chosen) to keep the cost down.
I think, this would be a useful and successful addition for a very first Alps GB.
+1
Post by: Nuum on Sun, 14 September 2014, 15:10:06
There might be quite a few people interested in this who don't frequent Geekhack that often.
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 14 September 2014, 21:15:57
@Badwrench: Do you plan to post this Interest Check on Deskthority as well?I am not a part of that forum, but if someone would like to share this there, that would be great. The more input we can get, the better.
There might be quite a few people interested in this who don't frequent Geekhack that often.
Post by: CommonCurt on Sun, 14 September 2014, 21:47:43
Please no DSA
Noted. I prefer a contoured set as well.
+1
Post by: Nuum on Mon, 15 September 2014, 15:01:21
If you'd like to get something changed, please tell me so, Badwrench.
Edit: Does SP have the tooling to make this set in Alps?
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 15 September 2014, 17:34:56
I made a thread for this IC over at geekhack: http://deskthority.net/group-buys-f50/alps-dcs-keyset-from-sp-t8765.html
If you'd like to get something changed, please tell me so, Badwrench.
Edit: Does SP have the tooling to make this set in Alps?
Thanks for getting that going. I will join DT so that I can provide additional input. :thumb:
SP currently has tooling for everything except spacebars. Standard mx style stabs on the larger keys.
Post by: mclarenman01 on Mon, 15 September 2014, 21:34:04
Also, bit of a keyboard noob question but will these be compatible with a Dell AT101W board? The initial images look to be the same sizes.
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 15 September 2014, 21:38:32
These look great! I have a couple of Alps boards that could donate switches to a project so I'd be in on the GB :)
Also, bit of a keyboard noob question but will these be compatible with a Dell AT101W board? The initial images look to be the same sizes.
I think the idea is to do a "super set" so that it has the sizes to work with most Alps boards, aside from those with the big ass enter caps.
Post by: mclarenman01 on Mon, 15 September 2014, 21:42:39
I think the idea is to do a "super set" so that it has the sizes to work with most Alps boards, aside from those with the big ass enter caps.
Excellent! I thought that would be the case, but also thought asking wouldn't hurt. Thank you :)
I really hope this GB goes ahead!
Post by: jacobolus on Mon, 15 September 2014, 22:04:53
I think the idea is to do a "super set" so that it has the sizes to work with most Alps boards, aside from those with the big ass enter caps.Once again, until someone 3d prints some stabilizer adapters (assuming it’s even possible), SP caps are not going to “work with most Alps boards” because the stabilizers don’t match.
SP caps are great if you have a new custom Alps board you’re making, or if you happen to be using one of the minority of old Alps boards which used costar-style stabilizers.
For most old Alps boards, they’re not compatible. As a case in point, they won’t work with Dell AT101s.
Post by: moemoe666 on Mon, 15 September 2014, 22:28:36
If a new custom keyboard for ALPS available soon, gonna take 1 set :)
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 18 September 2014, 18:19:32
As for stabilizer spacing, here are the specs:
[attach=1]
Updating op with this image.
Confirmed visually, this is cherry spacing for the stabilizers:
[attach=2]
Post by: prox on Tue, 23 September 2014, 05:16:45
Just trying to figure out what I'll be needing to purchase for my Matias Mini Quiet Pro / Secure Pro :thumb:
Post by: jacobolus on Tue, 23 September 2014, 05:20:06
I'm all in on a set of these, however I'm curious as to what you've conceptualised for Main Sets + Add-on packs?Note that the stabilizers on your keyboard aren’t going to work with the stabilizer insert mounts on SP keycaps. So for all the keycaps larger than 1.5x1, you can either go without stabilizers, stick with your current keycaps, or find old Alps keycaps somewhere.
Just trying to figure out what I'll be needing to purchase for my Matias Mini Quiet Pro / Secure Pro :thumb:
(Or alternately it might be possible to 3d print custom stabilizer inserts which would fit, but no one has tried that yet.)
Post by: prox on Tue, 23 September 2014, 05:35:49
I'm all in on a set of these, however I'm curious as to what you've conceptualised for Main Sets + Add-on packs?Note that the stabilizers on your keyboard aren’t going to work with the stabilizer insert mounts on SP keycaps. So for all the keycaps larger than 1.5x1, you can either go without stabilizers, stick with your current keycaps, or find old Alps keycaps somewhere.
Just trying to figure out what I'll be needing to purchase for my Matias Mini Quiet Pro / Secure Pro :thumb:
(Or alternately it might be possible to 3d print custom stabilizer inserts which would fit, but no one has tried that yet.)
Ahh! This is why I need to stay up to date with GH discussions. Thank you for the info!
I might have to source some of the white caps from a mac matias board and dye them then.... That could be fun :)
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 23 September 2014, 10:08:02
That is actually one of the reasons i am leaning toward a black base set.I'm all in on a set of these, however I'm curious as to what you've conceptualised for Main Sets + Add-on packs?Note that the stabilizers on your keyboard aren’t going to work with the stabilizer insert mounts on SP keycaps. So for all the keycaps larger than 1.5x1, you can either go without stabilizers, stick with your current keycaps, or find old Alps keycaps somewhere.
Just trying to figure out what I'll be needing to purchase for my Matias Mini Quiet Pro / Secure Pro :thumb:
(Or alternately it might be possible to 3d print custom stabilizer inserts which would fit, but no one has tried that yet.)
Ahh! This is why I need to stay up to date with GH discussions. Thank you for the info!
I might have to source some of the white caps from a mac matias board and dye them then.... That could be fun :)
I have added a few keys to the base and mod set that you dont normally see, but are more common to some more common alps boards.
Post by: Matias on Tue, 23 September 2014, 18:14:01
Ok, a little update. I have found out that we can do language packs, but the add-on legends would have to be pad printed.
As for stabilizer spacing, here are the specs:
(Attachment Link)
Updating op with this image.
Okay, this might work.
Do you have samples of these keys? If I sent you stabs and stab clips, would you be able to try them out?
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 23 September 2014, 23:01:20
Ok, a little update. I have found out that we can do language packs, but the add-on legends would have to be pad printed.
As for stabilizer spacing, here are the specs:
(Attachment Link)
Updating op with this image.
Okay, this might work.
Do you have samples of these keys? If I sent you stabs and stab clips, would you be able to try them out?
I will take some measurements of some caps I have at home. I don't have any of the mods in hand as they would have to be produced. I am pretty sure this is standard cherry spacing on the mod stabilizers, but will confirm first. The only alps board I have right now is a Chicony KB-5181, but I will measure both the stabilizer spacing on that and on a standard cherry cap to see what they are.
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 23 September 2014, 23:10:33
colorway is not finalized, these are just the ones I like the most.
Alphas:
[attach=1]
Mods:
[attach=2]
RGB:
[attach=3]
Post by: jacobolus on Tue, 23 September 2014, 23:14:54
I need to do some tests of laser cut acrylic plates for grabbing Matias switches anyway in the next few days, for some other projects, and I’ll be glad to make a post – provide the relevant vector files under open license – about making custom hand-wired Alps- or Matias-switch layered acrylic keyboards when I’m done.
Post by: jacobolus on Tue, 23 September 2014, 23:19:16
Mods:Again, note that these are only going to work on the subset of Alps keyboards that use MX/costar-style cruciform stabilizer inserts, which is a fraction of old Alps boards, and those tend to use “bigass enter” keys, which I’m not sure anyone is going to be able to match with new keycaps. So the 1u, 1.25u, and 1.5u caps will work great wherever, but the larger caps are only going to be useful on a handful of old keyboards or various new keyboard projects (like the upcoming Matias 60% board, or some of MassDrop’s planned keyboards).
(Attachment Link)
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 23 September 2014, 23:30:07
Mods:Again, note that these are only going to work on the subset of Alps keyboards that use MX/costar-style cruciform stabilizer inserts, which is a fraction of old Alps boards, and those tend to use “bigass enter” keys, which I’m not sure anyone is going to be able to match with new keycaps. So the 1u, 1.25u, and 1.5u caps will work great wherever, but the larger caps are only going to be useful on a handful of old keyboards or various new keyboard projects (like the upcoming Matias 60% board, or some of MassDrop’s planned keyboards).
(Attachment Link)
Very true. This mod set will have limited usability with older boards, but I am hoping that the current trend of more standard ansi (1.25/1.5 bottom row) layout boards using either harvested alps switches or Matias switches will continue to grow. This potential GB will definitely be a learning curve as it has yet to be done.
Post by: CommonCurt on Tue, 23 September 2014, 23:43:01
The Mathias board also uses some massive oversized modifiers on the bottom row that will negate any benefit of a more standard cap.
I know I have had some old Alps boards that had an MX style stabilizer insert, so the trick may be to see if I can find some and if I can, to cast a ton of them..
I have a whole bag of them that I just pulled from my Chicony. They look exactly like the Costar inserts from my QFR. I will get a picture of them side by side tomorrow. Might be that we can get away with the standard stabilizer inserts.
Badwrench,
Did you ever compare the inserts from your Chicony with the Costar inserts?
Post by: Badwrench on Wed, 24 September 2014, 00:07:38
Yeah, i did. I will post some picture tomorrow. They are very similar. The notches for the wire from the chicony are a couple mm shorter.The Mathias board also uses some massive oversized modifiers on the bottom row that will negate any benefit of a more standard cap.
I know I have had some old Alps boards that had an MX style stabilizer insert, so the trick may be to see if I can find some and if I can, to cast a ton of them..
I have a whole bag of them that I just pulled from my Chicony. They look exactly like the Costar inserts from my QFR. I will get a picture of them side by side tomorrow. Might be that we can get away with the standard stabilizer inserts.
Badwrench,
Did you ever compare the inserts from your Chicony with the Costar inserts?
Post by: Hak Foo on Wed, 24 September 2014, 00:20:39
I know the MX stepped keys tend to be ~1.25x with a .5x step.
Post by: jacobolus on Wed, 24 September 2014, 00:36:59
To note, the AT101W has a stepped key in Row 3. It's effectively a 1.5x with a .25x step on it,SP’s DCS family includes, for row 3:
I know the MX stepped keys tend to be ~1.25x with a .5x step.
1 x 1.75
1 x 1.75, .25 step right
1 x 1.75, .5 step right
1 x 1.75, .375 step L & R
Which should cover the great majority of keyboards, though there might be a few oddball examples of yet another type of step.
Post by: Hak Foo on Wed, 24 September 2014, 00:43:02
1 x 1.75, .375 step L & R
Exciting stuff!
Post by: jacobolus on Wed, 24 September 2014, 00:54:15
(http://deskthority.net/w/images/9/90/LeadingEdgeDC2014.png)1 x 1.75, .375 step L & RExciting stuff!
Post by: Hak Foo on Wed, 24 September 2014, 01:01:46
Post by: Matias on Wed, 24 September 2014, 01:48:51
Matias: will your stabilizer plate clips grab on a 1/16" acrylic plate (~1.6mm)? If so, I have various Alps keycaps with both standard Alps rectangular stabilizer inserts and with cruciform “costar-style” stabilizer inserts. I’d be happy to test various combinations out, if you have some samples of the stabilizer wired / clips / inserts.
Will have to try it and let you know. I have plates of various thickness. Can probably check tomorrow.
I need to do some tests of laser cut acrylic plates for grabbing Matias switches anyway in the next few days, for some other projects, and I’ll be glad to make a post – provide the relevant vector files under open license – about making custom hand-wired Alps- or Matias-switch layered acrylic keyboards when I’m done.
Great!
Post by: Badwrench on Wed, 24 September 2014, 12:06:31
Yeah, i did. I will post some picture tomorrow. They are very similar. The notches for the wire from the chicony are a couple mm shorter.The Mathias board also uses some massive oversized modifiers on the bottom row that will negate any benefit of a more standard cap.
I know I have had some old Alps boards that had an MX style stabilizer insert, so the trick may be to see if I can find some and if I can, to cast a ton of them..
I have a whole bag of them that I just pulled from my Chicony. They look exactly like the Costar inserts from my QFR. I will get a picture of them side by side tomorrow. Might be that we can get away with the standard stabilizer inserts.
Badwrench,
Did you ever compare the inserts from your Chicony with the Costar inserts?
The stabilizer mount from the Chicony is the slighly rounded one. The other (with some blue paint) is a Costar from my QFR. Once in the cap, the dimensions are the same, but the Chicony has a shorter stroke for the wire.
[attach=1]
Upon further investigation of the stab wires on the Chicony, there is a different bend to get around the switch housing, but the plate mounted slots are identical to costar.
[attach=2]
[attach=3]
Post by: Matias on Wed, 24 September 2014, 13:29:32
The stabilizer mount from the Chicony is the slighly rounded one. The other (with some blue paint) is a Costar from my QFR. Once in the cap, the dimensions are the same, but the Chicony has a shorter stroke for the wire.
(Attachment Link)
These stab clips should allow just about any balance bar (of appropriate width) to work with SP's ALPS caps.
Post by: Hak Foo on Thu, 25 September 2014, 23:07:05
If the board has ALPS-style stabilizer wires, no go. I just went and tested (board: Focus 2001; keycaps: from a Ducky 1008XM) -- on the biggest key I can test easily, the right shift, the stabilizer wires miss the inserts entirely. On other keys, they don't allow enough travel to seat the cap on the key.
I'm also unsure if you can swap the Costar wire... the ALPS clips are so far apart on right shift, that I'm not sure the Costar wires will fit. I suspect what we'd just need is to use Costar inserts, but a custom bent wire.
Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 26 September 2014, 00:20:20
Post by: Hak Foo on Fri, 26 September 2014, 00:34:49
1.5-1-1.5 mods are all but a necessity for vintage boards.
Also hat key
Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 26 September 2014, 20:15:00
Delta Blues:
(http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=62274.0;attach=76190;image)
Heavenly Blues:
[attach=1]
Triumph-Adler:
(http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=62274.0;attach=76182;image)
Note that this set would be done in the Cherry font so there will already be more contrast from the thicker letters/symbols.
Post by: c137 on Sat, 27 September 2014, 04:34:29
I would prefer the Delta Blues.
Also, I think the set would go well with the "Wraith" board I am doing an interest check on right now (if the Matias stabilizers work with these caps).
Post by: Matias on Sun, 05 October 2014, 15:30:19
Badwrench, see below....
GON (http://geekhack.org/?topic=63349.msg1490844#msg1490844) is interested in doing a PCB and Plate for ALPS, and is looking for a collaborator to work with SP to get keycaps for it. You should connect. It'll help get the numbers up on this IC.
He'll need samples from SP to test with his design.
If SP or Tai Hao(Tai Hao would be better for pricing) makes ALPS caps /w cross hole stabilizers(CHERRY type), I would design my board for it.
I prefer CHERRY PCB mount Stabilizers. Of course this PCB can fit ALPS original(like costar) stabilizers /w proper plate.
I think it would be great I can colaborated GB with someone who will be in charge of Keycaps from SP, so that I can concentrate on the PCB and the Plate. ;) If we GB in this way, I think we can reduce time dramatically.
As you see in NerD GH60 Housing GB(Later changed into NerD 60 due to delay of GH60 PCB release), NerD 60 Black PCBs GB that I ran, I don't like taking too much delay. I like fast process, only if the fund(payments) is raised fast enough. ;)
Post by: pasph on Sun, 05 October 2014, 16:12:15
Post by: Matias on Sun, 05 October 2014, 16:27:58
In what colors you can supply spacebars, only black and white?
We stock those colours. We can do other colours with a 500pcs MOQ.
Post by: pasph on Sun, 05 October 2014, 16:33:01
Post by: Matias on Sun, 05 October 2014, 16:39:46
So we better build the set around 1 of those 2 colors
Yes, the candidates in the poll are based on those 2 colours -- as stated in the IC post...
One thing of note right at the beginning is that SP does not make a spacebar for Alps in any size.We are going to have to base the set on at least one existing color so that a spacebar can be sourced from an exiting donor board. For this reason, we will probably be focusing on 6.25x and 7x sizes as those are the most common.Edit: We will be going for a black or white base set as Matias has spacebars available in those 2 colors :thumb:
Post by: inanis on Sun, 05 October 2014, 16:54:41
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 05 October 2014, 17:49:05
Post by: geniekid on Sun, 05 October 2014, 19:50:05
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 06 October 2014, 21:16:25
"Delta Blues"
Base kit:
[attach=6]
Modifier kit:
[attach=7]
HHKB kit:
[attach=1]
ISO:
[attach=2]
Inverted kit:
[attach=3]
Tsangan:
[attach=5]
If you see anything missing from the kits, please let me know.
Here are the colors together: BFQ/GD/NN
[attach=4]
Post by: CommonCurt on Mon, 06 October 2014, 22:02:39
Post by: geniekid on Mon, 06 October 2014, 22:08:28
As far as I can tell the sets are complete. It looks like the base set already has a R1 1x \| so I don't know that the HHKB set needs an additional one although some people may appreciate the option of having it in grey.
Also, the UK people might appreciate an R4 \| in black in the ISO kit.
It is my opinion that the inverted kit should feature an inverted Enter key instead of a Backspace, but this is purely personal preference and will not deter me from buying it regardless.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 06 October 2014, 22:12:40
I would like to get a kit with 4 or five of those GH caps :D
That was the reasoning of adding them among the kits. Personally liking the R4 one as it can be used in both the HHKB and Pure layouts.
I really like these colors :)
As far as I can tell the sets are complete. It looks like the base set already has a R1 1x \| so I don't know that the HHKB set needs an additional one although some people may appreciate the option of having it in grey.
Also, the UK people might appreciate an R4 \| in black in the ISO kit.
It is my opinion that the inverted kit should feature an inverted Enter key instead of a Backspace, but this is purely personal preference and will not deter me from buying it regardless.
Thanks for the heads up on the black R4 \|. I will add that and an inverted Enter. :thumb:
Post by: CommonCurt on Mon, 06 October 2014, 22:15:08
I really like these colors :)
It is my opinion that the inverted kit should feature an inverted Enter key instead of a Backspace, but this is purely personal preference and will not deter me from buying it regardless.
+1 for the inverted Enter key.
Post by: terrpn on Mon, 06 October 2014, 22:26:50
do like the inverted keys on the delta though
Post by: Hak Foo on Mon, 06 October 2014, 22:37:56
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 06 October 2014, 22:44:46
No hat key? Aww...
Not familiar with that one, can you link a pic?
Post by: Hak Foo on Mon, 06 October 2014, 23:20:45
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 06 October 2014, 23:26:37
It's formally "1 x 1.75, .375 step L & R" and looks like the Leading Edge board on the last page.
Oh, now I understand. I will have to check with SP on that one. Is there a specific legend that it is supposed to have? Would there be a matching pair for either side of the spacebar?
Post by: Hak Foo on Tue, 07 October 2014, 00:03:33
Post by: EppyKay on Tue, 07 October 2014, 01:10:38
Post by: Nuum on Tue, 07 October 2014, 02:31:10
Post by: kitsun8 on Tue, 07 October 2014, 04:21:51
Badwrench, see below....
GON (http://geekhack.org/?topic=63349.msg1490844#msg1490844) is interested in doing a PCB and Plate for ALPS, and is looking for a collaborator to work with SP to get keycaps for it. You should connect. It'll help get the numbers up on this IC.
He'll need samples from SP to test with his design.
If SP or Tai Hao(Tai Hao would be better for pricing) makes ALPS caps /w cross hole stabilizers(CHERRY type), I would design my board for it.
I prefer CHERRY PCB mount Stabilizers. Of course this PCB can fit ALPS original(like costar) stabilizers /w proper plate.
I think it would be great I can colaborated GB with someone who will be in charge of Keycaps from SP, so that I can concentrate on the PCB and the Plate. ;) If we GB in this way, I think we can reduce time dramatically.
As you see in NerD GH60 Housing GB(Later changed into NerD 60 due to delay of GH60 PCB release), NerD 60 Black PCBs GB that I ran, I don't like taking too much delay. I like fast process, only if the fund(payments) is raised fast enough. ;)
The only way I would be interested in this keyset is if that GON PCB group buy runs with the Matias ALPS switches :))
Post by: pasph on Tue, 07 October 2014, 04:35:44
Tsangan?
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 07 October 2014, 19:22:18
No love for international kits?
If I could get someone to render them, I can add them to the official IC on PMK.
Language packs (add-on legends would be pad printed)?
Tsangan?
Yup, the add-on legends would be pad printed. Also, thanks for pointing out the Tsangan, I had it made up but forgot to add it in there. It looks small since some of the caps are already included in the alpha and mods sets.
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 07 October 2014, 23:44:08
No, only one if it's row three. The goal is a caps lock you don't foul when reaching for A, but I'd expect it's even more valuable for people who have Control mapped there.
SP can do a 1.75 cap with Left and Right step ("hat" key). Would it be better as a Caps key or Control key? Also what set would it go best in?
Post by: Hak Foo on Wed, 08 October 2014, 00:15:28
Post by: Nuum on Wed, 08 October 2014, 05:55:46
Currently it includes DE/DK/SE/NO and I'd like to include IT/FR/UK as well, but I currently don't have the time for that. I used 7bit's Round 5 as a reference, the missing kits are these: (http://deskthority.net/w/images/9/93/HONEY_IT.png) (http://deskthority.net/w/images/2/21/HONEY_FR.png) (http://deskthority.net/w/images/1/1a/HONEY_UK.png)
I'd be very happy if someone else could include these in the mockup. I'll also post this on deskthority, there is a greater international community, I think.
Post by: intelli78 on Wed, 08 October 2014, 06:34:14
Post by: tyvar1 on Thu, 09 October 2014, 13:04:03
Language packs would be awesome with SW Nordic ÅÄÖ keys :)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 09 October 2014, 13:07:39
Post by: tyvar1 on Thu, 09 October 2014, 13:16:47
The JD40 doesn't support Alps as far as I know. How are you going to get Green Tea and this Alps set on there?Wopsie, i missed that it was Alps :-[ thank you for the warning!
Post by: mclarenman01 on Fri, 10 October 2014, 18:43:11
Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 10 October 2014, 21:51:12
I'm working on a mockup for the international kit here: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/6495b1a1ae2aa0cf5998e30edd60cba8
Currently it includes DE/DK/SE/NO and I'd like to include IT/FR/UK as well, but I currently don't have the time for that. I used 7bit's Round 5 as a reference, the missing kits are these:Show Image(http://deskthority.net/w/images/9/93/HONEY_IT.png)Show Image(http://deskthority.net/w/images/2/21/HONEY_FR.png)Show Image(http://deskthority.net/w/images/1/1a/HONEY_UK.png)
I'd be very happy if someone else could include these in the mockup. I'll also post this on deskthority, there is a greater international community, I think.
I have no way to do these mockups as I am on an ANSI board with Windows. For the UK layout, those keys make up the ISO kit.
If we want to include them, someone will need to put them together so that I can submit them to SP for price quoting. Thanks.
Post by: Nuum on Sat, 11 October 2014, 03:21:31
Post by: Badwrench on Sat, 11 October 2014, 12:05:08
I should have time tomorrow, so I'll finish it then.Sounds good. No rush as i am waiting for official mockups as well. Thanks.
Post by: Nuum on Tue, 14 October 2014, 15:02:53
Post by: Badwrench on Wed, 15 October 2014, 22:40:41
Not the exact sets, but close enough to give you a pretty good idea of how it will look.
(http://i.imgur.com/LwpWTrn.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/wgEbAMP.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/D321I9g.png)
I was leaning toward the Win7 logo for the winkeys, but would like some feedback so that we can make the most people happy.
Post by: geniekid on Wed, 15 October 2014, 22:51:49
I'd prefer a Win 8 logo but nothing you put on that Win key will stop me from supporting this GB :)
Post by: deci on Wed, 15 October 2014, 23:17:13
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-keyboard-kit
Perfect timing for some custom Alps keysets.
Will buy this regardless, but that White based Soware looks so nice.
Probably mentioned already (sorry if I missed) but can we get an addon with 1.75 r-shift and a 1x1 fn key?
Edit: Do you think enough people would be interested in a HHKB style addon pack?
Post by: CommonCurt on Wed, 15 October 2014, 23:35:22
numiru was kind enough to do some renders with the Cherry font.
Not the exact sets, but close enough to give you a pretty good idea of how it will look.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/LwpWTrn.png)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/wgEbAMP.png)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/D321I9g.png)
I was leaning toward the Win7 logo for the winkeys, but would like some feedback so that we can make the most people happy.
Looks good. Can't wait to see the renders.
Win7 is good with me. Just Please No win8 logo.
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 16 October 2014, 00:17:35
Infinty custom alps board is live on MD right now.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-keyboard-kit
Perfect timing for some custom Alps keysets.
Will buy this regardless, but that White based Soware looks so nice.
Probably mentioned already (sorry if I missed) but can we get an addon with 1.75 r-shift and a 1x1 fn key?
Edit: Do you think enough people would be interested in a HHKB style addon pack?
Here are all the packs I am planning. I will be including the 1.75x shift key with the standard set as a lot more people are going with the Pure style layout, but the R4 fn key is in the HHKB kit.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=62274.msg1492452#msg1492452 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=62274.msg1492452#msg1492452)
Post by: jacobolus on Thu, 16 October 2014, 00:19:14
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 16 October 2014, 00:22:29
Do you have any idea about pricing at different quantities? If so, could you add that info to the OP?
Not yet. I am actually going to submit it tomorrow for pricing now that the design is finally nailed down. I will update as soon as I have something.
Post by: deci on Thu, 16 October 2014, 00:28:47
Infinty custom alps board is live on MD right now.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-keyboard-kit
Perfect timing for some custom Alps keysets.
Will buy this regardless, but that White based Soware looks so nice.
Probably mentioned already (sorry if I missed) but can we get an addon with 1.75 r-shift and a 1x1 fn key?
Edit: Do you think enough people would be interested in a HHKB style addon pack?
Here are all the packs I am planning. I will be including the 1.75x shift key with the standard set as a lot more people are going with the Pure style layout, but the R4 fn key is in the HHKB kit.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=62274.msg1492452#msg1492452 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=62274.msg1492452#msg1492452)
Oh awesome. Sorry I didn't see it before.
:thumb:
edit: hmmm the more I look at it the more that Infinity keyboard on MD looks like a GON skinny clone with an HHKB layout.
Post by: Elrick on Thu, 16 October 2014, 19:55:47
Do you have any idea about pricing at different quantities? If so, could you add that info to the OP?
Not yet. I am actually going to submit it tomorrow for pricing now that the design is finally nailed down. I will update as soon as I have something.
Looking forward to this because it will encourage me to go out and buy some Matias Keyboards for this key-set ;) .
Post by: MahBoi on Thu, 16 October 2014, 21:10:37
Post by: jacobolus on Thu, 16 October 2014, 21:39:08
From what I understand, they make Alps caps quite a bit more expensive than MX, and Alps DCS in particular are very expensive.
To be honest, I think they’re going to over time lose their currently privileged position providing high-quality custom-designed keycaps to hobbyists, because their pricing is really opaque and confusing, and way too high.
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 16 October 2014, 21:49:08
You should really talk to SP about pricing ASAP, so you can give folks an idea of what kind of pricing they’ll be able to hit.
From what I understand, they make Alps caps quite a bit more expensive than MX, and Alps DCS in particular are very expensive.
To be honest, I think they’re going to over time lose their currently privileged position providing high-quality custom-designed keycaps to hobbyists, because their pricing is really opaque and confusing, and way too high.
Sets were submitted today for quotes. I am really hoping this will be somewhat similar in pricing to mx DCS. There are no custom caps and no spacebars, so hopefully it will fall close to current mx pricing.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 20 October 2014, 18:24:55
The pricing is pretty similar to MX. It seems high for the alphas and mods, but they include the numpad as well as some odd keys.
I am planning on putting the pricing starting at the minimums. Would people be against this, let me know. The possibility of having a very pricey tsangan/hhkb kit/inverted kit if they don't make the first price drop is unknown.
Pricing is below:
Alphas:
25 sets $50 per set
50 sets $45 per set
75 sets $43 per set
100 sets $42 per set
150 sets $41 per set
250 sets $40 per set
Mods:
25 sets $72 per set
50 sets $50 per set
75 sets $43 per set
100 sets $40 per set
150 sets $36 per set
200 sets $34 per set
250 sets $33 per set
HHKB Kit:
10 sets $40 per set
25 sets $20 per set
50 sets $13 per set
75 sets $11 per set
100 sets $10 per set
150 sets $8 per set
Tsangan:
10 sets $38 per set
25 sets $19 per set
50 sets $12 per set
75 sets $10 per set
100 sets $9 per set
150 sets $8 per set
250 sets $7 per set
ISO Set
Alphas:
10 sets $24 per set
25 sets $13 per set
50 sets $9 per set
75 sets $8 per set
100 sets $7 per set
250 sets $6 per set
Inverted Kit:
10 sets $22 per set
25 sets $11 per set
50 sets $7 per set
75 sets $6 per set
100 sets $5 per set
200 sets $4 per set
Post by: geniekid on Mon, 20 October 2014, 18:56:00
Prices seem okay to me. It's not great but one can't be all that picky when it comes to Alps caps at this time.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 20 October 2014, 22:56:27
Good to see progress :thumb:
Prices seem okay to me. It's not great but one can't be all that picky when it comes to Alps caps at this time.
If we can hit the 50 MOQ on the base sets and 25 on the others, it's not bad at all: $158 for all 6 sets.
Post by: Heliosphere on Mon, 20 October 2014, 22:59:47
Good to see progress :thumb:
Prices seem okay to me. It's not great but one can't be all that picky when it comes to Alps caps at this time.
If we can hit the 50 MOQ on the base sets and 25 on the others, it's not bad at all: $158 for all 6 sets.
Should be possible if we spread the word around enough. Alps-compatible custom keysets are few and far between so any Matias or Alps user should pick up a set.
Post by: CommonCurt on Mon, 20 October 2014, 23:00:15
Also, how is that going to work, are we going to have a separate GB for them?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 20 October 2014, 23:01:52
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 20 October 2014, 23:05:37
Since everyone is supposed to get their spacebars from Matias. Does Matias make 6.25 spacebars?
Also, how is that going to work, are we going to have a separate GB for them?
Yup, they do. I will get in contact with Matias to see what we need to do to get a GB started for some spacebars (6x (for those that got the Infinity in the HHKB style), 6.25x, and 7x) with cherry stabilizer mounts in black. Some people may not need a spacebar (those getting sets for the V60 or the Infinity board if they got the offered caps).
Post by: Blaise170 on Mon, 20 October 2014, 23:15:00
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 20 October 2014, 23:18:15
I will be interested in this for sure for my Chicony 5161. May have to sell off a keyboard to afford it though... :))
You will actually be able to use the entire base set on the Chicony since it uses Costar stabilizers, though you will have an empty space above the enter key where the top of the "Big Ass Enter" was. I might make a little plate for mine there and paint the whole thing black.
Post by: Matias on Tue, 21 October 2014, 00:34:33
Since everyone is supposed to get their spacebars from Matias. Does Matias make 6.25 spacebars?
Also, how is that going to work, are we going to have a separate GB for them?
Yup, they do. I will get in contact with Matias to see what we need to do to get a GB started for some spacebars (6x (for those that got the Infinity in the HHKB style), 6.25x, and 7x) with cherry stabilizer mounts in black. Some people may not need a spacebar (those getting sets for the V60 or the Infinity board if they got the offered caps).
This is a timely question... :-)
We just received our first keycap shipment. You can see the 7x spacebars in the top-right of the photo (below). We also just placed an order for 6.25x spacebars.
[attachimg=1]
Post by: Blaise170 on Tue, 21 October 2014, 12:53:27
You will actually be able to use the entire base set on the Chicony since it uses Costar stabilizers, though you will have an empty space above the enter key where the top of the "Big Ass Enter" was. I might make a little plate for mine there and paint the whole thing black.
Do you know if the Chicony I have will have the correct sizes for alphas/mods? If so, I'm definitely interested.
If not, I'll need to know how to measure them so that I can potentially order the different sizing.
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 21 October 2014, 13:01:40
I have the same board. Other than the bigass enter, the only thing you will need is the tsangan kit for the 1.5x R4 mods. A standard enter key will work in place of the big enter but will leave a gap above it. Ifyou justwent alpas, they will completely replace all light keys on your board.You will actually be able to use the entire base set on the Chicony since it uses Costar stabilizers, though you will have an empty space above the enter key where the top of the "Big Ass Enter" was. I might make a little plate for mine there and paint the whole thing black.
Do you know if the Chicony I have will have the correct sizes for alphas/mods? If so, I'm definitely interested.
If not, I'll need to know how to measure them so that I can potentially order the different sizing.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 21 October 2014, 13:02:27
Post by: geniekid on Thu, 23 October 2014, 13:56:47
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 23 October 2014, 15:29:09
Is the plan to run the GB through SP/PMK and have a separate GB for the Matias spacebar?Yes. The IC should be up soon at PMK and if that goes through to gb status I will set up something with Matias to get spacebars for those that want them.
Post by: geniekid on Thu, 23 October 2014, 15:30:18
Post by: Matias on Thu, 23 October 2014, 16:50:13
Is the plan to run the GB through SP/PMK and have a separate GB for the Matias spacebar?Yes. The IC should be up soon at PMK and if that goes through to gb status I will set up something with Matias to get spacebars for those that want them.
Spacebars will be available on our website soon, and will continue to be available on an ongoing basis. We have 7x spacebars in black and white now, and have 6.25x spacebars on order.
Post by: geniekid on Thu, 23 October 2014, 17:43:43
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 23 October 2014, 19:08:55
Geekhack makes me forget that sometimes you can just buy things through a website like a normal person.
Same. Thanks for the update Matias :thumb: Once they are up, pm or post the link and I will add it to the OP.
Post by: jacobolus on Thu, 23 October 2014, 20:04:37
Spacebars will be available on our website soon, and will continue to be available on an ongoing basis. We have 7x spacebars in black and white now, and have 6.25x spacebars on order.What about 2.5x1.5 or 4.5x1.5 spacebars? ;)
Also, what about tiny sizes (Japanese keyboards, etc.) like 2.5x1, 4x1, 4.5x1, etc. I don’t ever remember precisely which spacebar shapes you guys use for all your various keyboards.
Post by: Matias on Thu, 23 October 2014, 23:04:03
Geekhack makes me forget that sometimes you can just buy things through a website like a normal person.
Same. Thanks for the update Matias :thumb: Once they are up, pm or post the link and I will add it to the OP.
Will do...
Spacebars will be available on our website soon, and will continue to be available on an ongoing basis. We have 7x spacebars in black and white now, and have 6.25x spacebars on order.What about 2.5x1.5 or 4.5x1.5 spacebars? ;)
2.5x1.5 spacebars will be available as around the same time as the Ergo Pro. 4.5x1.5 spacebars will be available later.
Also, what about tiny sizes (Japanese keyboards, etc.) like 2.5x1, 4x1, 4.5x1, etc. I don’t ever remember precisely which spacebar shapes you guys use for all your various keyboards.
The smallest size we use for Japanese spacebars is 4.5x1. We can get some of those in if there's interest.
Post by: jacobolus on Thu, 23 October 2014, 23:17:46
2.5x1.5 spacebars will be available as around the same time as the Ergo Pro. 4.5x1.5 spacebars will be available later.Awesome. As soon as they’re available, I’m going to want like 20 white 2.5x1.5 keys to use in various projects. :-)
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 28 October 2014, 21:39:35
Official IC is pending with PMK :thumb:
Post by: CommonCurt on Tue, 28 October 2014, 23:04:27
Updating OP with official renders courtesy of Numiru.
Official IC is pending with PMK :thumb:
Great news :)
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 04 November 2014, 14:23:52
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65194.0 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65194.0)
Post by: ideus on Tue, 04 November 2014, 15:12:43
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 04 November 2014, 15:47:32
I'd like to have seen this had happened 2 years ago when I switched from ALPS to Cherry because of the lack of alternative sets for my boards. Two boards, one old and one relatively new went into the classifieds for cheap. Anyway, I am really happy to see some interest in them now at GH. BTW the Matias' boards did not get much demand at their last Massdrop's offers. Only a fraction of boards users appear to be interested in these, that are otherwise nice ALPS boards.
Yeah, I kept reading through the discussion on the Infinity buy and most people went with Cherry. Nothing wrong with that, I just like a bit of variety.
Post by: KatzenKinder on Tue, 04 November 2014, 19:49:24
Post by: Badwrench on Wed, 05 November 2014, 18:58:11
http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/ (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 05 November 2014, 19:02:07
Post by: CommonCurt on Wed, 05 November 2014, 19:31:36
IC is now live on PMK. Head on over and vote! Lets get this thing going.
http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/ (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/)
Voted :thumb:
Post by: geniekid on Wed, 05 November 2014, 19:51:24
Post by: terrpn on Wed, 05 November 2014, 20:00:03
Post by: KatzenKinder on Wed, 05 November 2014, 21:48:49
Post by: ideus on Wed, 05 November 2014, 23:06:30
Post by: Badwrench on Wed, 05 November 2014, 23:30:43
What type of stabilizer this set will have?Cherry/costar
Post by: geniekid on Thu, 06 November 2014, 07:18:03
Post by: pasph on Thu, 06 November 2014, 09:14:31
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 06 November 2014, 10:48:51
This set should be compatible with the Infinity keyboard from Massdrop if you get the HHKB pack.If you remap the Infinity for the 1x backspace, you are also good with the base sets.
Post by: intelli78 on Tue, 11 November 2014, 18:30:11
Post by: geniekid on Wed, 12 November 2014, 08:20:33
Post by: margo baggins on Wed, 12 November 2014, 09:27:32
Post by: pasph on Wed, 12 November 2014, 09:38:24
do they make a 7x alps space bar yet?! they didn't used to. and I'd kind of want one.Matias has those
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65194.0
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 25 November 2014, 19:56:27
Post by: dante on Thu, 27 November 2014, 23:54:18
Post by: Heliosphere on Fri, 28 November 2014, 01:41:32
I know this might go against SP's current Group Buy system but what about doing this off MassDrop? That place sells a crazy amount of stuff!That's a good idea, I think a lot more people frequent Massdrop than PMK. You can also reach more people who own Matias keyboards. The drawback is that group buys have shorter time windows and the logistics are a little more complicated.
Post by: trizkut on Mon, 01 December 2014, 13:39:29
Post by: geniekid on Thu, 04 December 2014, 09:27:13
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 04 December 2014, 11:00:41
56 votes so far!Yeah! Inching closer.
Post by: geniekid on Tue, 09 December 2014, 08:32:02
Post by: Heliosphere on Tue, 09 December 2014, 23:15:04
61! When does the IC close?
I don't think there is a deadline for the IC, maybe it just keeps going until it gets at least 100 votes and they decide to begin the gb?
Post by: Blaise170 on Thu, 11 December 2014, 16:30:31
Post by: BlueNalgene on Thu, 11 December 2014, 16:38:17
Post by: geniekid on Thu, 11 December 2014, 16:50:35
I'm planning to mod up an AEK II if this group buy goes live. Anyone know if the keycaps would fit properly?
The alphas should be fine but that's about it. The longer modifiers have MX-style cross shaped holes for the stabilizers which are not compatible with the stabilizers that come with an AEK II. Not sure if some kind of adapter exists.
Note also that an AEK II has 90 degree rotated switches for the F-row which means you will probably not want to use the caps from this set for that row (unless you're okay with the legends being turned).
Post by: BlueNalgene on Fri, 12 December 2014, 15:55:59
I know the stabs for the modifiers are not compatible with the AT101W alps, but will the alpha set be compatible?
Post by: CommonCurt on Fri, 12 December 2014, 16:09:39
So I thought about it a bit, and came up with a question.
I know the stabs for the modifiers are not compatible with the AT101W alps, but will the alpha set be compatible?
Yes the alphas will be compatible :thumb:
Post by: BlueNalgene on Fri, 12 December 2014, 16:31:43
So I thought about it a bit, and came up with a question.
I know the stabs for the modifiers are not compatible with the AT101W alps, but will the alpha set be compatible?
Yes the alphas will be compatible :thumb:
Ok, I thought so. I suppose the only things that won't play nice are Enter, Backspace, Numpad Enter, Numpad +, and shifts. I can work with that.
Post by: geniekid on Fri, 12 December 2014, 18:46:18
So I thought about it a bit, and came up with a question.
I know the stabs for the modifiers are not compatible with the AT101W alps, but will the alpha set be compatible?
Yes the alphas will be compatible :thumb:
Ok, I thought so. I suppose the only things that won't play nice are Enter, Backspace, Numpad Enter, Numpad +, and shifts. I can work with that.
I really really really don't like discouraging anyone who is interested in this set, but you should be aware that even though the alphas will work they have a different profile than the stock keys on an AT101W. It will be like mixing OEM profile caps with DCS/Cherry profile caps.
Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 12 December 2014, 19:38:22
This is true. Having said that though, I did some expermenting with my at101 and the caps from my chicony and found that with some tinkering and trimming of the stab mounts they will work on the at. The stock wire will need some adjustment for the width, but it still seemed to work. Very much a YYMV thing though if you just want it to work without some trial and error.So I thought about it a bit, and came up with a question.
I know the stabs for the modifiers are not compatible with the AT101W alps, but will the alpha set be compatible?
Yes the alphas will be compatible :thumb:
Ok, I thought so. I suppose the only things that won't play nice are Enter, Backspace, Numpad Enter, Numpad +, and shifts. I can work with that.
I really really really don't like discouraging anyone who is interested in this set, but you should be aware that even though the alphas will work they have a different profile than the stock keys on an AT101W. It will be like mixing OEM profile caps with DCS/Cherry profile caps.
You can see in the photos how thick the bottom of the stab insert is. With a little bit if filing you could get the key to fully depress. Without the stab insert in, the key only goes down about another millimeter or 2.
[attach=1]
[attach=2]
[attach=3]
Post by: BlueNalgene on Fri, 12 December 2014, 22:57:02
This is true. Having said that though, I did some expermenting with my at101 and the caps from my chicony and found that with some tinkering and trimming of the stab mounts they will work on the at. The stock wire will need some adjustment for the width, but it still seemed to work. Very much a YYMV thing though if you just want it to work without some trial and error.So I thought about it a bit, and came up with a question.
I know the stabs for the modifiers are not compatible with the AT101W alps, but will the alpha set be compatible?
Yes the alphas will be compatible :thumb:
Ok, I thought so. I suppose the only things that won't play nice are Enter, Backspace, Numpad Enter, Numpad +, and shifts. I can work with that.
I really really really don't like discouraging anyone who is interested in this set, but you should be aware that even though the alphas will work they have a different profile than the stock keys on an AT101W. It will be like mixing OEM profile caps with DCS/Cherry profile caps.
You can see in the photos how thick the bottom of the stab insert is. With a little bit if filing you could get the key to fully depress. Without the stab insert in, the key only goes down about another millimeter or 2.
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
This is what I was considering, and I am aware of the inherent risk. Might be a fun project.
Post by: CommonCurt on Fri, 12 December 2014, 23:05:45
So I thought about it a bit, and came up with a question.
I know the stabs for the modifiers are not compatible with the AT101W alps, but will the alpha set be compatible?
Yes the alphas will be compatible :thumb:
Ok, I thought so. I suppose the only things that won't play nice are Enter, Backspace, Numpad Enter, Numpad +, and shifts. I can work with that.
I really really really don't like discouraging anyone who is interested in this set, but you should be aware that even though the alphas will work they have a different profile than the stock keys on an AT101W. It will be like mixing OEM profile caps with DCS/Cherry profile caps.
Yes he is correct. They will be different profiles, but I thought that you were already aware of that.
Post by: Findecanor on Sat, 13 December 2014, 01:10:34
Post by: dante on Sat, 13 December 2014, 09:25:07
Yeah, it's missing a lot of keys but I planned around it using the Space-Fn programming. This in itself can eliminate a lot of issues.
Post by: geniekid on Fri, 19 December 2014, 10:30:07
Post by: RoflCopter4 on Fri, 19 December 2014, 17:19:07
Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 19 December 2014, 17:26:29
Could there be a bigass enter version??
There is too much variability in the bigass enter keys for this to be viable.
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 04 January 2015, 11:23:50
If you haven't voted and want to see this set go live, make sure you vote.
Post by: geniekid on Thu, 08 January 2015, 17:11:28
Post by: Blaise170 on Sat, 10 January 2015, 02:12:24
Post by: Badwrench on Sat, 10 January 2015, 02:13:10
Only 6 more needed. ^-^
I really hope that this has a chance to go live. :thumb:
Post by: dante on Sat, 10 January 2015, 10:40:44
I can't help but feel that without MD onboard this is going to lose potentially a hundred orders or more.
Post by: inanis on Sat, 10 January 2015, 10:57:00
Post by: geniekid on Sat, 10 January 2015, 13:24:24
Post by: rand77 on Mon, 12 January 2015, 02:42:39
Post by: crazystu on Mon, 12 January 2015, 04:00:20
Post by: geniekid on Mon, 12 January 2015, 09:21:35
Post by: geniekid on Mon, 12 January 2015, 09:26:42
Post by: rand77 on Mon, 12 January 2015, 21:05:15
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 12 January 2015, 22:50:21
Is this likely to go to group buy status once now that the 100 votes has been reached? Just asking because there are several other ICs that are even more popular (1976 and Think Different), and these might be chosen instead.
I am not really sure. I am going to call SP this week to discuss this set with them.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 12 January 2015, 23:10:05
Also, before this hits GB status I think R2 Delete in the HHKB set should have a light grey background instead of the black.
Change is made :thumb:
Does anyone else see any changes or additions that they feel should be made should this go live?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 13 January 2015, 06:45:32
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 13 January 2015, 22:32:04
I have a suggestion. Please change the colors to pink and purple ;).
That could be Alps round 2 :thumb:
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 22 January 2015, 11:14:48
Thanks.
Post by: geniekid on Thu, 22 January 2015, 12:15:18
Ok guys. I need a little input. Maybe I am tired or something, but I need to know if the "diamond" keys for the hhbk kit should be 1.5x or 1.75x? An actual hhkb uses 1.5x keys there so I just want to be sure before this thing goes live.
Thanks.
1.5x. I'm not sure I've ever even seen a 1.75x key on the bottom row for any layout.
Super excited about this!
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 22 January 2015, 12:39:19
Yeah, me neither.Ok guys. I need a little input. Maybe I am tired or something, but I need to know if the "diamond" keys for the hhbk kit should be 1.5x or 1.75x? An actual hhkb uses 1.5x keys there so I just want to be sure before this thing goes live.
Thanks.
1.5x. I'm not sure I've ever even seen a 1.75x key on the bottom row for any layout.
Super excited about this!
Remember kids: get your rest. Lack of sleep does odd things.
Also, this should be going live any time
Post by: RoflCopter4 on Thu, 22 January 2015, 12:42:28
Someday...
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 22 January 2015, 12:56:51
Would that the caps could be PBT...
Someday...
Matias was supposed to release PBT Alps caps (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45483.0). But I don't know what their timeline is for that anymore.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 22 January 2015, 14:24:52
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 22 January 2015, 14:25:44
Sorry for the double post but I got an email from PMK saying that this buy is live. Link is here (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/). But I'm confused, I don't see the modifiers. I only see the alphas.
Was wondering if maybe they just didn't have it fully updated or something, the entire PMK site is really slow for me.
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 22 January 2015, 14:49:33
Sorry for the double post but I got an email from PMK saying that this buy is live. Link is here (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/). But I'm confused, I don't see the modifiers. I only see the alphas.
Was wondering if maybe they just didn't have it fully updated or something, the entire PMK site is really slow for me.
That is my guess. There should be 5 child deals attached to the parent (Base Alpha) set. :thumb:
Updating the op now.
Post by: RoflCopter4 on Thu, 22 January 2015, 15:00:34
Post by: BlueNalgene on Thu, 22 January 2015, 15:03:28
Sorry for the double post but I got an email from PMK saying that this buy is live. Link is here (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/). But I'm confused, I don't see the modifiers. I only see the alphas.
Was wondering if maybe they just didn't have it fully updated or something, the entire PMK site is really slow for me.
PMK really needs to stop running this site through the touchscreen on the breakroom fridge. I tried to look at the ordering form, got about 30 minutes worth of writing done, then realized I was putting stuff in the cart without being logged in. At that point I promptly got all squinty and grumpy and pushed everything off of my desk in a fit of childish tantrum. Or maybe I just closed the window. Whatever. Close enough.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 22 January 2015, 15:04:35
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 22 January 2015, 15:06:08
I can't even load the site at all. Is it down?
Me neither. They are probably in the process of uploading the child deals.
Post by: exitfire401 on Thu, 22 January 2015, 18:23:48
I can't even load the site at all. Is it down?
Me neither. They are probably in the process of uploading the child deals.
Probably. As soon as mods get added, I'll put in my order for the full set.
Post by: RoflCopter4 on Thu, 22 January 2015, 20:27:01
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 22 January 2015, 20:38:49
I'm a little confused as to what they mean by "rectangular stabalizer mount". All my Alps keyboards have the same style of stabalizer and they're pretty varied as far as year and brand. I suppose the fk2001 has little clips rather than just an opening but they're still the same shape.
This is a traditional alps stabilizer mount
(http://red.dazoe.net/stuff/WIN_20141104_120509.JPG)
The caps from SP will all have the crucform mount (cherry mx mount) for the stabilizers and use costar mounts:
(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=62274.0;attach=77980;image)
Post by: RoflCopter4 on Thu, 22 January 2015, 21:39:44
Post by: geniekid on Thu, 22 January 2015, 22:38:28
So... they're not compatible with basically any Alps keyboard ever?
They will be compatible with the Massdrop Infinity keyboard. The first run sold over 300 and over 1k requests have been put in for another run.
I, too, regret not being to use this with my vintage Alps boards but unfortunately SP only has molds for the MX style stabilizers and they're the only ones willing to run a GB for the small number of people interested in this. I think Tai Hao was mentioned before but they had a 500 MOQ. Matias plans to eventually sell caps but I have doubts that anything other than black and white will be available in the near future.
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 22 January 2015, 23:02:56
So... they're not compatible with basically any Alps keyboard ever?There is no promised compatability especially considering the variety of layouts. That is the reason for the different kits and some of the extra keys in each. If you go back a page or two, you can see how a costar stabilizer may work with a custom bent wire if you are willing to tinler a bit (and take the gamble that you will even be able to use the stabilized mods at all).
So... they're not compatible with basically any Alps keyboard ever?
They will be compatible with the Massdrop Infinity keyboard. The first run sold over 300 and over 1k requests have been put in for another run.
I, too, regret not being to use this with my vintage Alps boards but unfortunately SP only has molds for the MX style stabilizers and they're the only ones willing to run a GB for the small number of people interested in this. I think Tai Hao was mentioned before but they had a 500 MOQ. Matias plans to eventually sell caps but I have doubts that anything other than black and white will be available in the near future.
Yeah, the infinity and hopefully in the near future possibly a Gon or Sprit based bpard as well.
For the vintage boards, i tried to get as much feedback as possible so that at the very least you would be covered on the alphas and dye your stock spacebar black to match.
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 22 January 2015, 23:14:58
Also, while it's true that the Costar stabilizer mounts will not work with your vintage Alps keyboard, it's always possible to design a new replacement plate for some of the popular vintage Alps keyboards, which would incorporate the new Costar stabilizer holes.
Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 23 January 2015, 01:00:50
So where the hell are the child deals? Or am I just not seeing them? PMK's web store is the worst. :mad:
Also, while it's true that the Costar stabilizer mounts will not work with your vintage Alps keyboard, it's always possible to design a new replacement plate for some of the popular vintage Alps keyboards, which would incorporate the new Costar stabilizer holes.
I am not sure where the child deals are. I talked to Melissa today around 2:30pm and she was working on them at the time. Probably ran out of time today. I am sure they will be up soon. And yes, their site is......leisurely. ;D
I like the idea of running plates for popular boards - AT101/W, FK, etc... it would definitely solve that issue.
Post by: pcnnnn on Fri, 23 January 2015, 03:00:22
Post by: pasph on Fri, 23 January 2015, 03:49:03
Post by: 00zeRO on Fri, 23 January 2015, 12:47:54
Group buy is now live on PMK. Head on over and buy it! The first significant price break comes in at 50 sets, lets get this thing going.
Link to GB: http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/ (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i243/aaron_maurice/Banner_zps98a63b1e.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/user/aaron_maurice/media/Banner_zps98a63b1e.jpg.html)
Also, not to confuse anyone, the alphas are black. The render just makes them look dark grey.
After much thought and going back and forth on stuff between Nubbinator and myself, I think we are ready for this IC to get started.
Delta Blues mockup with cherry font (thanks to numiru)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/LwpWTrn.png)
The goal is to get an Alps double shot DCS keycap set in ABS with the most adaptability for the custom Alps boards out there (and for the upcoming SPRiT pcb). In addition this will be a group effort to get as much input on what child-buys need to go along with the standard base set so that we can try to bring as much goodness to the land of Alps.
One thing of note right at the beginning is that SP does not make a spacebar for Alps in any size.We are going to have to base the set on at least one existing color so that a spacebar can be sourced from an exiting donor board. For this reason, we will probably be focusing on 6.25x and 7x sizes as those are the most common.Edit: We will be going for a black or white base set as Matias has spacebars available in those 2 colors :thumb:
Colors chosen for this GB are BFQ/NN alphas, BFQ/GD mods and an inverted kit of GD/BFQ. Profile will be DCS and will use the Cherry font.
[attach=8]
Black based SoWaRe - BFQ/NN alphas and BFQ/GD mods (with Matias spacebar) Done as a 60% with a GD/BFQ backspace :thumb:
[attach=1]
Here are the specs for stabilizer spacing from SP:
[attach=2]
Sets are planned as follows:
Alpha (base)
Mods (base)Language packs (add-on legends would be pad printed)- Not for this one. Too much for the first alps GB.
HHKB kit
Tsangan
ISO
Inverted
Pricing is below:
Alphas:
25 sets $50 per set
50 sets $45 per set
75 sets $43 per set
100 sets $42 per set
150 sets $41 per set
250 sets $40 per set
[attach=3]
Mods:
25 sets $72 per set
50 sets $50 per set
75 sets $43 per set
100 sets $40 per set
150 sets $36 per set
200 sets $34 per set
250 sets $33 per set
[attach=4]
Official render:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/lt3lGbH.png)
HHKB Kit:
10 sets $40 per set
25 sets $20 per set
50 sets $13 per set
75 sets $11 per set
100 sets $10 per set
150 sets $8 per set
[attach=9]
Tsangan:
10 sets $38 per set
25 sets $19 per set
50 sets $12 per set
75 sets $10 per set
100 sets $9 per set
150 sets $8 per set
250 sets $7 per set
[attach=6]
ISO Set:
10 sets $24 per set
25 sets $13 per set
50 sets $9 per set
75 sets $8 per set
100 sets $7 per set
250 sets $6 per set
[attach=5]
Inverted Kit:
10 sets $22 per set
25 sets $11 per set
50 sets $7 per set
75 sets $6 per set
100 sets $5 per set
200 sets $4 per set
[attach=8]
Post your thoughts so we can make an Alps set finally happen.
Special thanks to nubbinator (for letting me pick his brain), Numiru (for the beautiful renders), and everyone in this thread that helped to get this thing dialed in. :-*
None of the add-ons appear to be up yet...
Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 23 January 2015, 14:23:37
Group buy is now live on PMK. Head on over and buy it! The first significant price break comes in at 50 sets, lets get this thing going.
Link to GB: http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/ (http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/delta-blues-alps-dcs-set/)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i243/aaron_maurice/Banner_zps98a63b1e.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/user/aaron_maurice/media/Banner_zps98a63b1e.jpg.html)
Also, not to confuse anyone, the alphas are black. The render just makes them look dark grey.
After much thought and going back and forth on stuff between Nubbinator and myself, I think we are ready for this IC to get started.
Delta Blues mockup with cherry font (thanks to numiru)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/LwpWTrn.png)
The goal is to get an Alps double shot DCS keycap set in ABS with the most adaptability for the custom Alps boards out there (and for the upcoming SPRiT pcb). In addition this will be a group effort to get as much input on what child-buys need to go along with the standard base set so that we can try to bring as much goodness to the land of Alps.
One thing of note right at the beginning is that SP does not make a spacebar for Alps in any size.We are going to have to base the set on at least one existing color so that a spacebar can be sourced from an exiting donor board. For this reason, we will probably be focusing on 6.25x and 7x sizes as those are the most common.Edit: We will be going for a black or white base set as Matias has spacebars available in those 2 colors :thumb:
Colors chosen for this GB are BFQ/NN alphas, BFQ/GD mods and an inverted kit of GD/BFQ. Profile will be DCS and will use the Cherry font.
(Attachment Link)
Black based SoWaRe - BFQ/NN alphas and BFQ/GD mods (with Matias spacebar) Done as a 60% with a GD/BFQ backspace :thumb:
(Attachment Link)
Here are the specs for stabilizer spacing from SP:
(Attachment Link)
Sets are planned as follows:
Alpha (base)
Mods (base)Language packs (add-on legends would be pad printed)- Not for this one. Too much for the first alps GB.
HHKB kit
Tsangan
ISO
Inverted
Pricing is below:
Alphas:
25 sets $50 per set
50 sets $45 per set
75 sets $43 per set
100 sets $42 per set
150 sets $41 per set
250 sets $40 per set
(Attachment Link)
Mods:
25 sets $72 per set
50 sets $50 per set
75 sets $43 per set
100 sets $40 per set
150 sets $36 per set
200 sets $34 per set
250 sets $33 per set
(Attachment Link)
Official render:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/lt3lGbH.png)
HHKB Kit:
10 sets $40 per set
25 sets $20 per set
50 sets $13 per set
75 sets $11 per set
100 sets $10 per set
150 sets $8 per set
(Attachment Link)
Tsangan:
10 sets $38 per set
25 sets $19 per set
50 sets $12 per set
75 sets $10 per set
100 sets $9 per set
150 sets $8 per set
250 sets $7 per set
(Attachment Link)
ISO Set:
10 sets $24 per set
25 sets $13 per set
50 sets $9 per set
75 sets $8 per set
100 sets $7 per set
250 sets $6 per set
(Attachment Link)
Inverted Kit:
10 sets $22 per set
25 sets $11 per set
50 sets $7 per set
75 sets $6 per set
100 sets $5 per set
200 sets $4 per set
(Attachment Link)
Post your thoughts so we can make an Alps set finally happen.
Special thanks to nubbinator (for letting me pick his brain), Numiru (for the beautiful renders), and everyone in this thread that helped to get this thing dialed in. :-*
None of the add-ons appear to be up yet...
Hopefully today or it won't be done until next week. :thumb:
There should be 6 deals including the Base alphas (parent deal).
Post by: Matias on Sun, 25 January 2015, 21:42:37
So... they're not compatible with basically any Alps keyboard ever?
They will be compatible with the Massdrop Infinity keyboard. The first run sold over 300 and over 1k requests have been put in for another run.
I, too, regret not being to use this with my vintage Alps boards but unfortunately SP only has molds for the MX style stabilizers and they're the only ones willing to run a GB for the small number of people interested in this. I think Tai Hao was mentioned before but they had a 500 MOQ. Matias plans to eventually sell caps but I have doubts that anything other than black and white will be available in the near future.
They'll work with all ALPS keyboards as long as you have the correct size stabilizer wire ("balance bar").
SP doesn't stock those, so we'll be making them available. I've been knee-deep in balance bar samples this week, and will be bringing them back with me (from China) early next month.
Post by: exitfire401 on Sun, 25 January 2015, 21:48:23
So... they're not compatible with basically any Alps keyboard ever?
They will be compatible with the Massdrop Infinity keyboard. The first run sold over 300 and over 1k requests have been put in for another run.
I, too, regret not being to use this with my vintage Alps boards but unfortunately SP only has molds for the MX style stabilizers and they're the only ones willing to run a GB for the small number of people interested in this. I think Tai Hao was mentioned before but they had a 500 MOQ. Matias plans to eventually sell caps but I have doubts that anything other than black and white will be available in the near future.
They'll work with all ALPS keyboards as long as you have the correct size stabilizer wire ("balance bar").
SP doesn't stock those, so we'll be making them available. I've been knee-deep in balance bar samples this week, and will be bringing them back with me (from China) early next month.
There are times at which I don't know how I could love you any more, and then you make posts like this.
Post by: CommonCurt on Sun, 25 January 2015, 22:15:13
They'll work with all ALPS keyboards as long as you have the correct size stabilizer wire ("balance bar").
SP doesn't stock those, so we'll be making them available. I've been knee-deep in balance bar samples this week, and will be bringing them back with me (from China) early next month.
Yes :) Great news.
Will you be selling them on your website?
Post by: Blaise170 on Sun, 25 January 2015, 22:24:58
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 25 January 2015, 23:33:39
The modifiers are finally up but the price is way too high right now. It's literally going to be over $110 just for alphas and mods if more people don't buy into it.
This was always the risk. Alps keycaps are more expensive than their mx counterparts. At least the actual price is cheaper than the initial estimates from the op. :thumb:
Post by: nubbinator on Sun, 25 January 2015, 23:35:53
Post by: Badwrench on Sun, 25 January 2015, 23:38:29
Link for the mods? I only see HHKB.
I just updated the op with links to each of the kits. Their site is moving much quicker, but is still a touch wonky here and there.
Post by: Blaise170 on Sun, 25 January 2015, 23:52:03
The modifiers are finally up but the price is way too high right now. It's literally going to be over $110 just for alphas and mods if more people don't buy into it.
This was always the risk. Alps keycaps are more expensive than their mx counterparts. At least the actual price is cheaper than the initial estimates from the op. :thumb:
I won't mind $60-80, but that's going to require more purchases. :p
Post by: jacobolus on Mon, 26 January 2015, 04:15:23
They will be compatible with the Massdrop Infinity keyboard. The first run sold over 300 and over 1k requests have been put in for another run.I’m going to do the best I can fighting to make sure any future MassDrop Infinity project keyboards use Matias’s new stabilizer clips/bars which (assuming he can get it working) can be made to work with both Alps-style and MX-style stabilizers, as long as the plate is cut to support both. This will be slightly different stabilizers than the standard ones used on MX boards, but having the cross-compatibility will mean that people can use 20-year-old harvested Alps caps, or new keycaps from Matias, Tai Hao doubleshots (assuming anyone can hit their MOQ), Signature Plastics, or other future vendors, without worrying about which stabilizer mount the keycaps have.
No promises, but I really hope it can be made to work. Stabilizer compatibility is a really annoying thing to have to worry about.
Post by: geniekid on Mon, 26 January 2015, 07:27:30
Post by: Heliosphere on Tue, 27 January 2015, 00:35:25
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 27 January 2015, 02:52:27
Bought in, I really hope we get to at least 50 because the initial cost is crazy. Everyone interested should buy in early so as to make the goal appear closer to late arrivals. You don't get charged until after the buy ends anyway.
Awesome! I really am pushing this GB. I have it posted all over the place. KBP even posted it on their facebook page :thumb:
Post by: Matias on Tue, 27 January 2015, 05:54:41
Not only the wire is different but I think the costar wire is thicker and is not likely to fit in the existing alps mount of the V60?
Yes, the Cherry balance bar is 1.2mm thick while the ALPS one is 1mm thick. They conflict in a strange way...
1.2mm Cherry balance bars will snap into the ALPS mounting plate clips ok, but are too thick for the keycap-underside hooks.
1mm ALPS balance bars are thin enough for the Cherry keycap-underside hooks, but are too thin for the Costar plate hooks and just fall out.
Fortunately, this can all be dealt with fairly easily once you have the right balance bar size / shape / thicknesses sorted out. As I said, we'll have those available soon.
So... they're not compatible with basically any Alps keyboard ever?
They will be compatible with the Massdrop Infinity keyboard. The first run sold over 300 and over 1k requests have been put in for another run.
I, too, regret not being to use this with my vintage Alps boards but unfortunately SP only has molds for the MX style stabilizers and they're the only ones willing to run a GB for the small number of people interested in this. I think Tai Hao was mentioned before but they had a 500 MOQ. Matias plans to eventually sell caps but I have doubts that anything other than black and white will be available in the near future.
They'll work with all ALPS keyboards as long as you have the correct size stabilizer wire ("balance bar").
SP doesn't stock those, so we'll be making them available. I've been knee-deep in balance bar samples this week, and will be bringing them back with me (from China) early next month.
There are times at which I don't know how I could love you any more, and then you make posts like this.
I'm happy that you're happy... :-)
They'll work with all ALPS keyboards as long as you have the correct size stabilizer wire ("balance bar").
SP doesn't stock those, so we'll be making them available. I've been knee-deep in balance bar samples this week, and will be bringing them back with me (from China) early next month.
Yes :) Great news.
Will you be selling them on your website?
Yes, to keep things simple, we'll probably just sell a single package that includes all the different balance bar combinations. That way, you don't need to worry about ordering the size or type. (Of course, you'll still be able to order multiples of any size too, if you're mass producing keyboards, for example).
They will be compatible with the Massdrop Infinity keyboard. The first run sold over 300 and over 1k requests have been put in for another run.I'm going to do the best I can fighting to make sure any future MassDrop Infinity project keyboards use Matias's new stabilizer clips/bars which (assuming he can get it working) can be made to work with both Alps-style and MX-style stabilizers, as long as the plate is cut to support both. This will be slightly different stabilizers than the standard ones used on MX boards, but having the cross-compatibility will mean that people can use 20-year-old harvested Alps caps, or new keycaps from Matias, Tai Hao doubleshots (assuming anyone can hit their MOQ), Signature Plastics, or other future vendors, without worrying about which stabilizer mount the keycaps have.
No promises, but I really hope it can be made to work. Stabilizer compatibility is a really annoying thing to have to worry about.
That's great to hear!
If there's anything I can do to help that along, let me know...
Post by: geniekid on Tue, 27 January 2015, 07:57:22
With the Infinity, you could literally be one of the first people to have an Alps HHKB. With correct legends!
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 27 January 2015, 08:06:25
Post by: geniekid on Tue, 27 January 2015, 08:28:31
I'm only seeing the Alphas and HHKB kits on the main GB page. I can only access the modifiers and other kits through the links in the OP.
Tried it in 3 browsers before I realized you have to be logged in to see all the child deals from the main page. Otherwise it's still only showing the single HHKB kit. :mad:
Post by: Applet on Tue, 27 January 2015, 09:36:30
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 27 January 2015, 14:24:21
Just joined for modifiers and iso-kits, spacebars will be available here later? :) (and will they be available in white?)
I will chat with Matias to see how they want to move with the space bars: either wait and see if this GB goes through, or just get them ordered soon as people will probably want them either way. Oh, and yes, they have them in black and white: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65194.msg1525507#msg1525507 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65194.msg1525507#msg1525507)
Post by: Blaise170 on Tue, 27 January 2015, 15:59:21
Bought in, I really hope we get to at least 50 because the initial cost is crazy. Everyone interested should buy in early so as to make the goal appear closer to late arrivals. You don't get charged until after the buy ends anyway.
Awesome! I really am pushing this GB. I have it posted all over the place. KBP even posted it on their facebook page :thumb:
I just posted it to /r/mk.
Post by: Matias on Tue, 27 January 2015, 19:59:04
Just joined for modifiers and iso-kits, spacebars will be available here later? :) (and will they be available in white?)
I will chat with Matias to see how they want to move with the space bars: either wait and see if this GB goes through, or just get them ordered soon as people will probably want them either way. Oh, and yes, they have them in black and white: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65194.msg1525507#msg1525507 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65194.msg1525507#msg1525507)
We have the actual Spacebars in stock already (6.25u and 7u, black and white). We're just waiting on the balance bars.
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 27 January 2015, 20:52:12
Just joined for modifiers and iso-kits, spacebars will be available here later? :) (and will they be available in white?)
I will chat with Matias to see how they want to move with the space bars: either wait and see if this GB goes through, or just get them ordered soon as people will probably want them either way. Oh, and yes, they have them in black and white: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65194.msg1525507#msg1525507 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65194.msg1525507#msg1525507)
We have the actual Spacebars in stock already (6.25u and 7u, black and white). We're just waiting on the balance bars.
Nice!
Post by: Blaise170 on Tue, 27 January 2015, 22:20:54
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 27 January 2015, 23:01:20
Hey Badwrench, do you know if these are the right size for a Matias keyboard? I'm thinking about selling my Chicony 5161 and replacing it with a Matias Click.
I am not sure 100% if the stabilized modifiers will work (maybe Matias can chime in?). The only image I could find of a Quiet Click Pro showed the mods using Alps stabilizers:
(http://i.imgur.com/RbglUI2.jpg)
Without having that board, I cannot be sure that they will work. I still believe that with some tinkering of a costar insert and the correct bending of the Matias wire, that it can be made to work (again, untested other that playing with my Chicony caps on an At101, but that was only for clearance of the insert to the board as I had sold the stock wires with the caps).
Post by: CommonCurt on Tue, 27 January 2015, 23:39:39
Just joined for modifiers and iso-kits, spacebars will be available here later? :) (and will they be available in white?)
I will chat with Matias to see how they want to move with the space bars: either wait and see if this GB goes through, or just get them ordered soon as people will probably want them either way. Oh, and yes, they have them in black and white: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65194.msg1525507#msg1525507 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65194.msg1525507#msg1525507)
We have the actual Spacebars in stock already (6.25u and 7u, black and white). We're just waiting on the balance bars.
Nice!
Yep. Can confirm. I bought some white & black 6.25 spacebars, and they fit my V60 MTS perfectly.
Really glad to know that these balance bars will be available soon.
Post by: Matias on Wed, 28 January 2015, 10:07:59
Hey Badwrench, do you know if these are the right size for a Matias keyboard? I'm thinking about selling my Chicony 5161 and replacing it with a Matias Click.
I am not sure 100% if the stabilized modifiers will work (maybe Matias can chime in?). The only image I could find of a Quiet Click Pro showed the mods using Alps stabilizers:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/RbglUI2.jpg)
Without having that board, I cannot be sure that they will work. I still believe that with some tinkering of a costar insert and the correct bending of the Matias wire, that it can be made to work (again, untested other that playing with my Chicony caps on an At101, but that was only for clearance of the insert to the board as I had sold the stock wires with the caps).
See my earlier post...
They'll work with all ALPS keyboards as long as you have the correct size stabilizer wire ("balance bar").
SP doesn't stock those, so we'll be making them available. I've been knee-deep in balance bar samples this week, and will be bringing them back with me (from China) early next month.
Nice photo BTW.
Post by: geniekid on Thu, 29 January 2015, 00:23:37
I'm only seeing the Alphas and HHKB kits on the main GB page. I can only access the modifiers and other kits through the links in the OP.
Tried it in 3 browsers before I realized you have to be logged in to see all the child deals from the main page. Otherwise it's still only showing the single HHKB kit. :mad:
Okay THIS time everything is up and you don't have to be logged in. Everyone go!
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 29 January 2015, 15:22:09
Hey Badwrench, do you know if these are the right size for a Matias keyboard? I'm thinking about selling my Chicony 5161 and replacing it with a Matias Click.
I am not sure 100% if the stabilized modifiers will work (maybe Matias can chime in?). The only image I could find of a Quiet Click Pro showed the mods using Alps stabilizers:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/RbglUI2.jpg)
Without having that board, I cannot be sure that they will work. I still believe that with some tinkering of a costar insert and the correct bending of the Matias wire, that it can be made to work (again, untested other that playing with my Chicony caps on an At101, but that was only for clearance of the insert to the board as I had sold the stock wires with the caps).
See my earlier post...
They'll work with all ALPS keyboards as long as you have the correct size stabilizer wire ("balance bar").
SP doesn't stock those, so we'll be making them available. I've been knee-deep in balance bar samples this week, and will be bringing them back with me (from China) early next month.
Nice photo BTW.
Sorry, missed that one on Tapatalk. Great to hear though. Also, the photo was just one I found on google.
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 05 February 2015, 14:49:34
Post by: BlueNalgene on Thu, 05 February 2015, 15:43:01
Quick bump. This is still live! I know there are alps lovers like myself out there that want to see this happen and open the door for future custom alps keysets.
I'm a little apprehensive. What happened to everybody? I would buy in, but I don't think I can afford this unless it pushes past the first price point.
Post by: AKmalamute on Thu, 05 February 2015, 15:49:06
[What happened to everybody?
I've had serious financial changes since I commented on the [IC] so I'm very sorry to say I'm letting this one slide.
I do hope some people buy in ... maybe in a year I can look to the classifieds to get a set.
Post by: jacobolus on Thu, 05 February 2015, 16:29:36
Additionally, there’s a problem where most people with 20-year-old Alps keyboards or new Matias keyboards can’t use SP’s stabilized keycaps. There are only a few boards that can totally use the caps from this particular group buy, and they’re in relatively short supply, which makes it hard for very many people to commit here. Even most of the old keyboards (from Chicony, Monterey, Datacomp, etc.) that would accept the stabilized caps here have bigass enter keys, so still can’t be 100% swapped.
So the main market here for complete cap replacement is either people with MassDrop’s infinity board, or else people who are building new boards from scratch and cutting their own plates. This is a tiny group.
Alternately, there might people with other Alps boards who want to replace the unstabilized keycaps with these, and find stabilized keycaps somewhere else... Which means they need to match the color scheme with their existing keycaps. Some folks are probably happy with black-on-beige/gray modifiers and blue-on-black alphas, but that’s a fairly niche preference, I’m guessing.
Matias’s upcoming 60% board, as well as all MassDrop-made boards after another couple months (like Ergodoxes and Infinity keyboards etc.) should have stabilizers compatible with both types of Alps keycaps, so that should help somewhat to increase the number of people who could use SP Alps caps.
Beyond that, I think it would probably work better to start with buys for color schemes with a bit broader appeal.
Post by: RickyJ on Fri, 06 February 2015, 01:10:20
Even though I'm not crazy about SP's DCS or thin ABS, I'm considering getting in on this buy for a future Infinity board.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 06 February 2015, 12:15:01
It’s basically a big chicken-and-egg problem. MOQs / decent price points on Alps keycaps are hard to hit, because not too many people are looking for aftermarket Alps keycaps, because most of the people who care about colorful aftermarket keycaps use MX boards, because that’s where the colorful keycaps are. Very hard to outcompete that without more ecosystem of Alps parts.
Additionally, there’s a problem where most people with 20-year-old Alps keyboards or new Matias keyboards can’t use SP’s stabilized keycaps. There are only a few boards that can totally use the caps from this particular group buy, and they’re in relatively short supply, which makes it hard for very many people to commit here. Even most of the old keyboards (from Chicony, Monterey, Datacomp, etc.) that would accept the stabilized caps here have bigass enter keys, so still can’t be 100% swapped.
So the main market here for complete cap replacement is either people with MassDrop’s infinity board, or else people who are building new boards from scratch and cutting their own plates. This is a tiny group.
Alternately, there might people with other Alps boards who want to replace the unstabilized keycaps with these, and find stabilized keycaps somewhere else... Which means they need to match the color scheme with their existing keycaps. Some folks are probably happy with black-on-beige/gray modifiers and blue-on-black alphas, but that’s a fairly niche preference, I’m guessing.
Matias’s upcoming 60% board, as well as all MassDrop-made boards after another couple months (like Ergodoxes and Infinity keyboards etc.) should have stabilizers compatible with both types of Alps keycaps, so that should help somewhat to increase the number of people who could use SP Alps caps.
Beyond that, I think it would probably work better to start with buys for color schemes with a bit broader appeal.
I wonder if we could just request some Alps-mount blanks in a solid color scheme and take it from there, to drive down price and open up flexible layout options.
Post by: nubbinator on Fri, 06 February 2015, 12:30:22
Post by: jacobolus on Fri, 06 February 2015, 12:38:40
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 06 February 2015, 12:39:08
And ugh PBT dye sub? I'd be out for that.
Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 06 February 2015, 13:25:40
Kinda feels like the PMK site isn't really doing us any favors either. Buy was up for three days before the child kits were up. Then you need to be logged in to see everything but I've heard that some people have to change their passwords *every time* they log into PMK. Then they hold the price at $170 so I have to have that amount held first? Such a PITA.I agree. It is a tough situation with the pricing and as most people that have been in a gb or 2 buying early only helps things to get rolling by attracting those on the fence with lower prices.
And ugh PBT dye sub? I'd be out for that.
I knew from the beginning that this qould be a tough gb, but if it doesnt go through, i already have ideas for my next try to help the set to appeal to more people.
Post by: Paranoid on Fri, 06 February 2015, 14:23:35
Post by: engicoder on Fri, 06 February 2015, 14:59:14
It seems real tough to get the numbers indeed. I'm in for alphas, mods and iso, but I thought I only have to pay when the tipping points is reached? In checkout I only can pay directly via Paypal.. never ordered from PMK before.
It just authorizes the payment. It won't be charged until the deal ends. If it doesn't tip, you don't get charged.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 06 February 2015, 16:33:52
Basically, what I'm trying to say is an Alps keycap group buy that starts with a basically 60% or TKL set, then has child sets from there might be the best to go for the next attempt at an Alps-mount keycap group buy. This group buy is just way more than I am willing to pay.
Post by: jacobolus on Fri, 06 February 2015, 18:01:19
I think that most of us that desire Alps-mount sets are going to use them on a TKL or smaller custom board, [...] We have a prolific amount of plates and PCBs that are compatible with Alps switchesWhich TKL-or-smaller plates and PCBs do you have that support Alps switches with MX-style stabilizers? Or by custom do you mean you’re making it yourself?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 06 February 2015, 18:33:05
I think that most of us that desire Alps-mount sets are going to use them on a TKL or smaller custom board, [...] We have a prolific amount of plates and PCBs that are compatible with Alps switchesWhich TKL-or-smaller plates and PCBs do you have that support Alps switches with MX-style stabilizers? Or by custom do you mean you’re making it yourself?
The use of the word "prolific" was a little hyperbolic. Now the MX style stabilizers was something that slipped my mind. Not sure.
1. Samwise is doing that interest check for his very versatile 60%: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67815.0
2. The Massdrop Infiniti is Alps compatible, right? https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-keyboard-kit
3. There is the the Kingsaver floating around.
4. Jackhumbert is offering a Matias/Alps plate for his Planck keyboard: http://ortholinearkeyboards.com/planck-top-plate-mit-matias
5. I'm sure a few people would like some custom caps on their Keyboard Paradise V60. http://www.kbp.com.tw/product.html
6. Many of the ergo boards are slated to carry Matias switches, and maybe people would like custom keycaps for those. Keyboardio and Acidfire's board (I thought he mentioned a preference for using Matias).
That's all I can name off the top of my head.
Post by: Glod on Fri, 06 February 2015, 18:37:26
an example would be an obvious one, the Matias tactile pro. but other winkeyless boards out there as well. you could have at least offer blanks, it doesnt take much to offer blanks with PMK, i really dont know why there was opposition to offering them.
i also wish this included the "Big Ass Enter" key that many alps boards have, and you can't say SP doesnt make those because they do, i have gotten more than one big ass enter key in the crap bags, in doubleshot.
sorry i missed the original discussion on this.
oh well, thanks for at least making this finally happen, hope it works out
Post by: jacobolus on Fri, 06 February 2015, 18:40:51
> https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67815.0
Needs a plate
> 2. The Massdrop Infiniti is Alps compatible, right?
> https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-keyboard-kit
Yep, as I said these could use this buy. But there aren’t too many people who bought one with an intent to use Alps caps and didn’t buy caps with it. Future runs should help, as from what I understand they’ll support both MX- and Alps-style stabilized keys
> 3. There is the the Kingsaver floating around.
Stabilized keys from this buy won’t work, and the backspace, backslash, enter, and right shift are the wrong size anyway.
> 4. Jackhumbert is offering a Matias/Alps plate for his Planck keyboard:
> http://ortholinearkeyboards.com/planck-top-plate-mit-matias
Tiny niche product, with no pictures of the Alps version anywhere.
> 5. I'm sure a few people would like some custom caps on their Keyboard Paradise V60.
Stabilized keys from this buy won’t work on it.
> 6. Many of the ergo boards are slated to carry Matias switches, [...]
> Keyboardio and Acidfire's board
Months away from shipping, and the keyboard.io board uses all custom shaped caps.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 06 February 2015, 19:14:01
> 1. Samwise is doing that interest check for his very versatile 60%:
> https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67815.0
Needs a plate
> 2. The Massdrop Infiniti is Alps compatible, right?
> https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-keyboard-kit
Yep, as I said these could use this buy. But there aren’t too many people who bought one with an intent to use Alps caps and didn’t buy caps with it. Future runs should help, as from what I understand they’ll support both MX- and Alps-style stabilized keys
> 3. There is the the Kingsaver floating around.
Stabilized keys from this buy won’t work, and the backspace, backslash, enter, and right shift are the wrong size anyway.
> 4. Jackhumbert is offering a Matias/Alps plate for his Planck keyboard:
> http://ortholinearkeyboards.com/planck-top-plate-mit-matias
Tiny niche product, with no pictures of the Alps version anywhere.
> 5. I'm sure a few people would like some custom caps on their Keyboard Paradise V60.
Stabilized keys from this buy won’t work on it.
> 6. Many of the ergo boards are slated to carry Matias switches, [...]
> Keyboardio and Acidfire's board
Months away from shipping, and the keyboard.io board uses all custom shaped caps.
Reality bites. But you gotta believe.
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 February 2015, 19:36:52
The JD45 layout is mostly fixed, with the only options being whether to have a 6.0-unit spacebar on the bottom row, or the two 1.75-unit keys along with the complement of other 1.25- and 1.0-unit keys there.
The SD-60 on the other hand, has options for some of the modifiers, while the Alps bottom row is fixed. Again, for me to design an Alps plate would be trivial.
I had also planned on making a standard ANSI 87-key Alps TKL keyboard, with an aluminum housing and all, but the keycaps were the only thing holding up the project. There was quite a bit of interest shown in that project, but SP kept dragging their feet on the keycaps front.
Now that SP is ready to move with keycaps, it would be a great time to revive that TKL project. If the base set for this GB was pared down to a standard 87-key ANSI set, it would work with both the SD-60 and that planned TKL. But it may be a bit too much, asking people to buy keycaps before a new keyboard design is even completed.
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 06 February 2015, 19:39:14
I had also planned on making a standard ANSI 87-key Alps TKL keyboard, with an aluminum housing and all, but the keycaps were the only thing holding up the project.
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE
ahem.
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 February 2015, 19:49:02
I had also planned on making a standard ANSI 87-key Alps TKL keyboard, with an aluminum housing and all, but the keycaps were the only thing holding up the project.
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE
ahem.
You up for designing the alu case, bro?
Post by: Glod on Fri, 06 February 2015, 20:30:23
i can sort of dig that if that is the case.
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Fri, 06 February 2015, 21:54:19
some people have to change their passwords *every time* they log into PMK.
This is why I've been avoiding jumping on this GB. :-[
As lazy as it may sound, it's just a huge annoyance to have to do this *every* time I want to do anything on the site. Ugh. Currently waiting for the reset email to be able to join this.... :rolleyes:
(and to be clear, I have contacted Melissa and she is very responsive and hopefully it will be resolved soon - just venting ;) )
Post by: CommonCurt on Fri, 06 February 2015, 22:26:46
I had also planned on making a standard ANSI 87-key Alps TKL keyboard, with an aluminum housing and all, but the keycaps were the only thing holding up the project.
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE
ahem.
You up for designing the alu case, bro?
I would like a winkeyless ALPS TKL. Will definitely be interested as long as it's not a low-profile case.
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 February 2015, 22:51:19
I had also planned on making a standard ANSI 87-key Alps TKL keyboard, with an aluminum housing and all, but the keycaps were the only thing holding up the project.
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE
ahem.
You up for designing the alu case, bro?
I would like a winkeyless ALPS TKL. Will definitely be interested as long as it's not a low-profile case.
This isn't the thread for discussion, let me direct you here (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44576.0). :D
Post by: CommonCurt on Fri, 06 February 2015, 23:06:17
I had also planned on making a standard ANSI 87-key Alps TKL keyboard, with an aluminum housing and all, but the keycaps were the only thing holding up the project.
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE
ahem.
You up for designing the alu case, bro?
I would like a winkeyless ALPS TKL. Will definitely be interested as long as it's not a low-profile case.
This isn't the thread for discussion, let me direct you here (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44576.0). :D
Thanks :) Can't believe I haven't seen that thread.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sat, 07 February 2015, 07:19:43
so really the motivation for this is aimed at new alps/matias custom projects and not really existing alps keyboards.
i can sort of dig that if that is the case.
I don't think that was the original motivation for this group buy. But, in my view, in order to attract the most interest, a group buy focused on providing for Alps/Matias projects with the base set rather than a typical 104-key board might be worth consideration. Because it seems access to keycaps is holding back the development of some custom Alps/Matias projects.
Post by: Badwrench on Sat, 07 February 2015, 11:51:20
It was actually a little of both. I was interested in providing the most usefull set (by adding a few of the oddball keys for some older boards) and the ability for those of us tjat want to do something custom a full set of caps so that there were no limitations. However, hindsight being 20/20, I would have bundled the tsangan kit with the base mods.so really the motivation for this is aimed at new alps/matias custom projects and not really existing alps keyboards.
i can sort of dig that if that is the case.
I don't think that was the original motivation for this group buy. But, in my view, in order to attract the most interest, a group buy focused on providing for Alps/Matias projects with the base set rather than a typical 104-key board might be worth consideration. Because it seems access to keycaps is holding back the development of some custom Alps/Matias projects.
Post by: ideus on Sat, 07 February 2015, 13:33:42
Are there that few ALPS users? The Matias based 60% did not do well at MD also and all those ardent admirers posting at threads about Matias stuff are misleading. I cannot understand it.
Post by: jacobolus on Sat, 07 February 2015, 14:15:17
Only 10 sets purchased so far? Are there that few ALPS users? The Matias based 60% did not do well at MD also and all those ardent admirers posting at threads about Matias stuff are misleading. I cannot understand it.Well, I’m personally the wrong person to ask, since I have about 30 Alps-mount keyboards, so I don’t need any extra keycaps (except those new Matias 1.5x2.5 spacebars, those are hot), and most of what I want to build uses totally non-standard keycap arrangements making the stabilized keys somewhat useless to me.
But as I said before, my guess is that the problem is a combination of high price at early tiers, difficulty using the stabilized keycaps on most existing boards, niche-preference color scheme, and lack of custom keyboards that might use these caps. Relatively easy availability of used keyboards from ebay probably doesn't help. It’s much easier and cheaper to find used Alps-mount dyesubs than MX-mount dyesubs, for example.
I wonder if SP could make PBT DCS-profile Alps-mount blanks, in 3–4 colors. I think those might have an easier time selling.
Post by: ideus on Sat, 07 February 2015, 14:17:58
Only 10 sets purchased so far? Are there that few ALPS users? The Matias based 60% did not do well at MD also and all those ardent admirers posting at threads about Matias stuff are misleading. I cannot understand it.Well, I�m personally the wrong person to ask, since I have about 30 Alps-mount keyboards, so I don�t need any extra keycaps (except those new Matias 1.5x2.5 spacebars, those are hot), and most of what I want to build uses totally non-standard keycap arrangements making the stabilized keys somewhat useless to me.
But as I said before, my guess is that the problem is a combination of high price at early tiers, difficulty using the stabilized keycaps on most existing boards, niche-preference color scheme, and lack of custom keyboards that might use these caps. Relatively easy availability of used keyboards from ebay probably doesn't help. It�s much easier and cheaper to find used Alps-mount dyesubs than MX-mount dyesubs, for example.
I wonder if SP could make PBT DCS-profile Alps-mount blanks, in 3�4 colors. I think those might have an easier time selling.
Making sense as always pal. Jaco^2...
Post by: jdcarpe on Sat, 07 February 2015, 14:21:45
Maybe when we get the new Alps TKL keyboard ready for a GB, we can run a matching set of keycaps at the same time.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sat, 07 February 2015, 16:56:16
It was actually a little of both. I was interested in providing the most usefull set (by adding a few of the oddball keys for some older boards) and the ability for those of us tjat want to do something custom a full set of caps so that there were no limitations. However, hindsight being 20/20, I would have bundled the tsangan kit with the base mods.so really the motivation for this is aimed at new alps/matias custom projects and not really existing alps keyboards.
i can sort of dig that if that is the case.
I don't think that was the original motivation for this group buy. But, in my view, in order to attract the most interest, a group buy focused on providing for Alps/Matias projects with the base set rather than a typical 104-key board might be worth consideration. Because it seems access to keycaps is holding back the development of some custom Alps/Matias projects.
Sorry, I'm making assumptions, which I'm trying to do less of.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sat, 07 February 2015, 17:00:47
I wonder if SP could make PBT DCS-profile Alps-mount blanks, in 3–4 colors. I think those might have an easier time selling.
Me, too. Eliminate the added cost of printing of keycaps, and see if more people would be interested.
Post by: jdcarpe on Sat, 07 February 2015, 17:05:51
I wonder if SP could make PBT DCS-profile Alps-mount blanks, in 3�4 colors. I think those might have an easier time selling.
Me, too. Eliminate the added cost of printing of keycaps, and see if more people would be interested.
Just from my own perspective, I really like double shot abs, even thin DCS profile. I would never go for blanks, or pbt for that matter.
Post by: Heliosphere on Sat, 07 February 2015, 17:10:10
Post by: Badwrench on Wed, 11 February 2015, 22:43:23
Post by: Applet on Thu, 12 February 2015, 04:30:05
Post by: ideus on Thu, 12 February 2015, 07:27:05
I wonder if SP could make PBT DCS-profile Alps-mount blanks, in 3�4 colors. I think those might have an easier time selling.
Me, too. Eliminate the added cost of printing of keycaps, and see if more people would be interested.
Just from my own perspective, I really like double shot abs, even thin DCS profile. I would never go for blanks, or pbt for that matter.
Double shot abs are very nice. I also prefer them.
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 12 February 2015, 08:12:48
Post by: ideus on Thu, 12 February 2015, 08:15:26
Too many GBs going at once. All my money is tied up in Hack'd By Geeks and Hyperfuse. Also, there is Miami Twice going on, and the 1976 GB just started. :(
This market is small, so small, that the already tired wallets felt all abused, when they were almost recovered from the holidays all these tempting sets start to teasing them, one more time.
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 12 February 2015, 12:06:28
Too many GBs going at once. All my money is tied up in Hack'd By Geeks and Hyperfuse. Also, there is Miami Twice going on, and the 1976 GB just started. :(Yup. Pretty much exactly this. I will try again with a new IC for hopefully a more popular colorway.
Guess my Infinity is getting some chicony caps for now and a cut down big ass enter
Post by: mashby on Thu, 12 February 2015, 13:18:13
Yup. Pretty much exactly this. I will try again with a new IC for hopefully a more popular colorway.
*whispers* k l a x o n. . . ;)
Post by: jacobolus on Thu, 12 February 2015, 14:45:18
Guess my Infinity is getting some chicony caps for now and a cut down big ass enterSeriously, go find an Apple AEK II for $20–40 shipped. Best Alps keycap deal around.
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 12 February 2015, 14:58:12
Post by: geniekid on Thu, 12 February 2015, 15:19:42
Guess my Infinity is getting some chicony caps for now and a cut down big ass enterSeriously, go find an Apple AEK II for $20–40 shipped. Best Alps keycap deal around.
The Infinity doesn't support a full R-shift or the bottom row of an AEK. I think Badwrench should be forced to type on bare switches until he starts up the next IC ;)
Post by: jacobolus on Thu, 12 February 2015, 15:48:55
Post by: ideus on Thu, 12 February 2015, 17:15:51
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 12 February 2015, 18:45:27
Actually, I bet I have some Apple AEK II caps you can just have for free, Badwrench.
I appreciate the offer, but it's cool. I have the Chicony already and it is so awful to type on it is going to be parts anyways. The white alps from it might go on the infinity depending on how I like the quiet clicks.
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 16 February 2015, 01:23:32
Post by: CommonCurt on Mon, 16 February 2015, 02:37:59
3 days left.
I know. I hope by some miracle it goes through.
Post by: limitz on Tue, 17 February 2015, 21:14:13
Wish someone would rerun the Kingsaver GB.
Post by: CommonCurt on Tue, 17 February 2015, 21:41:09
Wish someone would rerun the Kingsaver GB.
+1 You and me both.
Post by: jdcarpe on Tue, 17 February 2015, 21:42:04
Wish someone would rerun the Kingsaver GB.
+1 You and me both.
How about something better than the Kingsaver? It's still a ways out, though.
Post by: RoflCopter4 on Tue, 17 February 2015, 22:42:03
Post by: limitz on Tue, 17 February 2015, 22:42:14
Alps doubleshot ABS keycaps are extremely easy and cheap to find. There is nothing interesting about this group buy at all.
I don't know too much about the Alps world at all.
Where are these cheap ABS doubleshots? Are you taking them off old Alps boards?
Wish someone would rerun the Kingsaver GB.
+1 You and me both.
How about something better than the Kingsaver? It's still a ways out, though.
Better than the Kingsaver? Would love to see.
You have something up your sleeve JD?
Post by: FrostyToast on Tue, 17 February 2015, 22:42:57
I just don't understand the point of this at all. If they were PBT caps then they would be very intruiging, but they're just ABS doubleshots. For the monstrous price they're going for right now they're not even remotely worth considering. Alps doubleshot ABS keycaps are extremely easy and cheap to find. There is nothing interesting about this group buy at all.
The idea was to have an appealing colorway for ALPS as well.
Post by: RoflCopter4 on Tue, 17 February 2015, 23:06:34
Alps doubleshot ABS keycaps are extremely easy and cheap to find. There is nothing interesting about this group buy at all.
I don't know too much about the Alps world at all.
Where are these cheap ABS doubleshots? Are you taking them off old Alps boards?
Of course. Look for a Focus 2001 board or something similar. They have some decent doubleshots, and because they (for some reason) all had a built in keyboard protector, you often see them in pretty good condition. Mine is practically pristine.
Post by: CommonCurt on Wed, 18 February 2015, 01:00:29
Wish someone would rerun the Kingsaver GB.
+1 You and me both.
How about something better than the Kingsaver? It's still a ways out, though.
I'll be waiting :)
Post by: bcredbottle on Mon, 13 April 2015, 13:55:51
I don't know too much about the Alps world at all.
Where are these cheap ABS doubleshots? Are you taking them off old Alps boards?
http://www.keyboardco.com/product/matias-keyset-us-white-pc-full.asp I think these are ABS. But yeah I wouldn't characterize the ALPS life as easy.
Post by: JaccoW on Mon, 13 April 2015, 16:45:23
You two are aware of the Orion TKL V2 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70864.0) with Alps PCB + plate right? ;)I'll be waiting :)Wish someone would rerun the Kingsaver GB.
+1 You and me both.
How about something better than the Kingsaver? It's still a ways out, though.