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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: watduzhkstand4 on Sun, 13 September 2009, 18:52:50

Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Sun, 13 September 2009, 18:52:50: It is available at elitekeyboards.com
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,keycaps&pid=hh_redesc
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,keycaps&pid=hh_wasdn

What do you guys think about the price?
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Sun, 13 September 2009, 19:03:12: Quote from: ripster;117663
Awwwwww - there goes the neighborhood.

That's so cheap it just lost it's leet status.

I think my second post at Geekhack was "Why would anybody be crazy enough to pay $35 for a WASD and Red Key set on Ebay". Yep, that's what it was.

I asked stlensbar, he said he can do it for $28.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Sun, 13 September 2009, 19:30:54: lmfao I'm gonna get it no matter what but it kinda just surprised me when I saw that it was $22 shipped from elitekeyboards and $28 shipped from stlensbar and his location is Japan.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: o2dazone on Sun, 13 September 2009, 19:31:38: woot grabbed two! Kind of wish they didn't have "esc" on them, but that's ok, I can live with it
also $2.50 ground to Nevada
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: rdjack21 on Sun, 13 September 2009, 21:16:14: Nice. Now I guess I'm going to have to get a set as well. But wait a minute the dyed one I do have looks just as good! Hm maybe I will wait and get them when I get my next HHKB Pro.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Sun, 13 September 2009, 23:31:04: I just happily ordered a set for myself x]!
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: sggsix on Sun, 13 September 2009, 23:42:53: Good find HK. )))
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Sun, 13 September 2009, 23:44:09: Quote from: sggsix;117691
Good find HK. )))

hehehe are you gonna order a set for yours? =]
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: sggsix on Sun, 13 September 2009, 23:45:19: Probably, i hope it doesn't sell out too soon, cause i probably have to wait until next weekend.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: wellington1869 on Sun, 13 September 2009, 23:48:24: Quote from: o2dazone;117672
woot grabbed two! Kind of wish they didn't have "esc" on them,

you can always rub it out with one hand ;)
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: wellington1869 on Sun, 13 September 2009, 23:49:19: Quote from: watduzhkstand4;117660
It is available at elitekeyboards.com
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,keycaps&pid=hh_redesc
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,keycaps&pid=hh_wasdn

What do you guys think about the price?

Its a good thing it doesnt come with a controller board
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: yode on Mon, 14 September 2009, 01:35:17: Quote from: wellington1869;117694
you can always rub it out with one hand ;)

oh lawd
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: kyamei on Mon, 14 September 2009, 02:23:39: I was thinking of ordering 2 sets (101 and HHKB), but shipping for 1 set is $4.50, 2 sets is $12. Strange. Probably just going to order 1 set since HHKB keys feel a bit different from the 101 keys.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: AndrewZorn on Mon, 14 September 2009, 04:52:56: when the newsletter first said they were coming out i inquired about the price, he said $4+16 (it hasn't changed much)

but that is way
way
WAY
too much money for 4 keys
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: AndrewZorn on Mon, 14 September 2009, 11:05:41: im just saying that

4 keys: $20
60 keys: $60
60 keys and a board: $244
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: rdjack21 on Mon, 14 September 2009, 11:25:57: Na I prefer Japanese, Lexis and Acura but they are still the same as a BMW or Audi price wise. Maybe that is why I'm driving a Honda instead.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: MsKeyboard on Mon, 14 September 2009, 11:35:04: I can't speak to the price of this actual item, since it is not being supplied by me, but I would ask you to consider that what you are complaining about is the value of basically a custom order part.

You can't walk into a Walmart and put your hands on them, nor can you find them on Amazon. They are being supplied because someone voiced an interest, and the manufacturer responded by either making them themselves or special ordering them from their vendor. They will not match in any way the pricing of the keys the manufacturer could pull from inventory and supply as extra.

Supply and demand = pricing

Not really what you want to hear, but thought this should be put into perspective. These keys make your keyboard special, and special always costs more money.

Later.........
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: rdjack21 on Mon, 14 September 2009, 11:41:26: Quote from: AndrewZorn;117764
im just saying that

4 keys: $20
60 keys: $60
60 keys and a board: $244

What ripster is trying to say here is that the HHKB Pro is the Luxury keyboard of keyboards and like Luxury cars you will and do pay for the privilege of owning one including the high cost options. With all the price analyzing you are doing on the HHKB Pro it may not be the right keyboard for you no matter how good it is. You either want it or you don't if you do want it quit quibbling over the cost and just get it because they are not going to change the price to make you feel better about it.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: AndrewZorn on Mon, 14 September 2009, 11:47:06: calm down the thread starter said
Quote
What do you guys think about the price?
as the only conversation starter... and i think it is outrageous. not that the hhkb is that outrageously priced... it's a keyboard manufacturer making these, not some guy, they have been making colored keys on their realforce line for a while, so did it really take that much effort to put some out for the hhkb?

first day they are available for people who have been wanting them for a while. im just saying i think it is too much for pay and a lot of that money is going toward markup and not cost.
they are not making one key for each person that orders, they made many and will sell them off slowly.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: rdjack21 on Mon, 14 September 2009, 12:15:16: Again premium keyboard, premium parts cost.

Actually I'm not sure who is making the HHKB Pro. It has a Topre Switch and Topre may be selling some of the parts to PFU (domes, springs) but PFU may be doing all the rest. Personally I think Topre is making the HHKB as a OEM product but still the price of the key would be something like this:
Topre -> PFU (markup applied)
PFU -> Elitekeyboards (markup applied)
The double markup applied will affect your end cost.

I just wish Topre/Realforce would directly sell the keys which should bring them down a little but I bet not by much.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: MsKeyboard on Mon, 14 September 2009, 12:26:17: You are right, PFU is the owner of the HHKB Pro, and directly sets pricing and availability. Topre is only the manufacturer, not the distributor.

Topre keys should be available soon.

Later.....
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Mon, 14 September 2009, 14:22:00: I'm not complaining about the price, I was just wondering what you guys think about them. I bought a set myself.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: rdjack21 on Mon, 14 September 2009, 14:49:23: Quote from: MsKeyboard;117803
You are right, PFU is the owner of the HHKB Pro, and directly sets pricing and availability. Topre is only the manufacturer, not the distributor.

Topre keys should be available soon.

Later.....

Yep verified the HHKB Pro reports itself as a Topre keyboard to the OS when you plug it in.

As far as the price of the keys go I under stand the pricing structure and will get the Red escape with the next HHKB Pro I purchase. But don't need it for the one I have. I also have no use for the WSAD keys so will not get those.

Will most likely also get a set of blank white keys as well for dying/Plasti-dipping.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: AndrewZorn on Mon, 14 September 2009, 17:29:42: hey, i might not even have a keyboard by that time, so i won't really be late on the bandwagon.

red escape keys. what a bandwagon. they look cool but really.

EDIT and after typing this, i wonder just how blasphemous it is.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: microsoft windows on Mon, 14 September 2009, 18:21:47: That keyboard they pictured with the red Esc key would drive me nuts with its illegible keys.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: AndrewZorn on Mon, 14 September 2009, 20:08:28: despite my firm beliefs, it almost goes without saying that if i am already spending $244 on a keyboard and $17 for shipping that i would also go ahead and add on a $4.50 accessory.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: JulienC on Mon, 14 September 2009, 20:37:39: I'd like a red ESC key, but shipping to Canada is $20.00 ...
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Mon, 14 September 2009, 20:50:19: Quote from: JulienC;117947
I'd like a red ESC key, but shipping to Canada is $20.00 ...

lol that's very unfortunate =(
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: majestouch on Mon, 14 September 2009, 21:44:57: Quote from: JulienC;117947
I'd like a red ESC key, but shipping to Canada is $20.00 ...

Thanks for the heads-up, that was a mistake, sorry. The postage should be saner now.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: majestouch on Mon, 14 September 2009, 21:45:28: Quote from: ripster;117957
At least Majestouch left me one business opportunity. Wonder how many red Esc keys I can stuff in one of these?
Show Image
(http://www.saynotocrack.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/kasey-cutting-the-beaver.jpg)

The Beaver PC!
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: JulienC on Mon, 14 September 2009, 21:58:25: Quote from: majestouch;117964
Thanks for the heads-up, that was a mistake, sorry. The postage should be saner now.

Thanks for the quick response, now it's a reasonable shipping price, I just ordered one :)
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Mon, 14 September 2009, 22:22:19: @ Majestouch
How will you be shipping these keys? =D I was checking out and the shipping said it will be shipped via ground shipping. I didn't think you would ship it via UPS ground for a couple of tiny keys. I was just wondering what shipping service it would be. Thanks! =D
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: majestouch on Mon, 14 September 2009, 22:45:56: Quote from: watduzhkstand4;117972
@ Majestouch
How will you be shipping these keys? =D I was checking out and the shipping said it will be shipped via ground shipping. I didn't think you would ship it via UPS ground for a couple of tiny keys. I was just wondering what shipping service it would be. Thanks! =D

For the ground option, USPS First class with delivery confirmation. 2day is USPS Priority.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Mon, 14 September 2009, 23:06:12: Quote from: majestouch;117977
For the ground option, USPS First class with delivery confirmation. 2day is USPS Priority.

Thanks! I can't wait until they arrive =P
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: xyzzy on Tue, 15 September 2009, 03:39:14: Is there any difference between the red Esc and purple WASD for the HHKB and for the Realforce series?

I thought they were identicals but after reading some comments in this thread I'm not so sure now.

As far as I understand the HHKB keycaps will fit the Realforce boards but maybe there's some slight difference in shape/materials?
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: sggsix on Tue, 15 September 2009, 08:25:48: Quote from: xyzzy;118021
Is there any difference between the red Esc and purple WASD for the HHKB and for the Realforce series?

I thought they were identicals but after reading some comments in this thread I'm not so sure now.

As far as I understand the HHKB keycaps will fit the Realforce boards but maybe there's some slight difference in shape/materials?

My realforce 101 has different types of keys than my HHKB Pro 2. The texture and shape seem different.

The 87U might be the same though?
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 15 September 2009, 10:04:23: The last thing I would stuff into a beaver is red Esc keys.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: rdjack21 on Tue, 15 September 2009, 10:48:24: I have put HHKB Pro keys on my 86/87U and they fit perfectly. Same shape and feel as the originals. I've even put some of the bigger keys on as well with no issues.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: o2dazone on Tue, 15 September 2009, 21:36:55: Cost might be high...but $10 isn't exactly breaking the bank when you've dumped $250 on a keyboard. Also if you feel it's too high, don't buy it, problem solved on your end.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: Hofy on Wed, 16 September 2009, 08:58:10: Any news on the Alps Filco red Esc keys that where listed in the newsletter also?
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: sggsix on Wed, 16 September 2009, 11:36:11: W00t i just ordered mine. I was debating on blank or labeled since my HHKB is labeled. But, I ended up choosing blank and I dont know why. Unfortunately for me though, I think the Red ESC and Lavender WASD look cooler on the white HHKB and I have the black one.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 16 September 2009, 12:13:18: Quote from: sggsix;118454
W00t i just ordered mine. I was debating on blank or labeled since my HHKB is labeled. But, I ended up choosing blank and I dont know why. Unfortunately for me though, I think the Red ESC and Lavender WASD look cooler on the white HHKB and I have the black one.

I just got blank keys for my Filco, and other than my brain getting in the way (i.e. thinking about where the keys are) every once in awhile, I haven't really noticed a difference in my work. I don't even have any trouble with finding symbols on the number keys. The only other problem I have is finding the home row on occasion. I guess I used to look at the keyboard when I would stray from the home row.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Wed, 16 September 2009, 13:59:49: Quote from: sggsix;118454
W00t i just ordered mine. I was debating on blank or labeled since my HHKB is labeled. But, I ended up choosing blank and I dont know why. Unfortunately for me though, I think the Red ESC and Lavender WASD look cooler on the white HHKB and I have the black one.

I guess it's time to get a white one! =D
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: o2dazone on Wed, 16 September 2009, 23:08:34: woohoo
(http://kb.o2dazone.com/hhkbredesc02.jpg)
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: rdjack21 on Thu, 17 September 2009, 00:40:22: Nice it looks good on that white HHKB
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Thu, 17 September 2009, 00:55:26: Quote from: o2dazone;118639
woohoo
Show Image
(http://kb.o2dazone.com/hhkbredesc02.jpg)

where do you live o2dazone?! I still haven't received mine yet!
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: o2dazone on Thu, 17 September 2009, 10:25:10: from Diamond Bar to Las Vegas, it's about 250 miles.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: skriefal on Thu, 17 September 2009, 13:54:40: Got mine yesterday (in Utah), so they're on their way to the new owners.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 17 September 2009, 14:00:57: Quote from: skriefal;118798
Got mine yesterday (in Utah), so they're on their way to the new owners.

Provo, UT? Do you know an Alan Stanwyck?
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Thu, 17 September 2009, 16:33:45: got it and it looks sick =]
(http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp129/watduzhkstand4/Keyboard%20and%20Mouse/IMG_0815.jpg)
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: Hofy on Thu, 17 September 2009, 17:18:13: Looks nice watduzhkstand4, not sick at all.

I wonder if we will see blank red keys for the HHKB?
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: o2dazone on Thu, 17 September 2009, 18:05:30: Quote from: Hofy;118887
Looks nice watduzhkstand4, not sick at all.

I wonder if we will see blank red keys for the HHKB?

I'd shamefully order one if they provide em
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Thu, 17 September 2009, 18:06:05: I've never saw a blank red key in my life =P If they do, then I will probably get some. But I think they should make different color keycaps for different rows because different rows have different size/shape keys.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: skriefal on Thu, 17 September 2009, 19:02:05: Quote from: itlnstln;118801
Provo, UT? Do you know an Alan Stanwyck?

Salt Lake City.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: quadibloc on Thu, 17 September 2009, 20:26:26: Actually, I'm puzzled now. Why would you put cursor cluster keys on W, A, S, and D when the cursor keys on the HHKB are on {[, :;, "', and ?/ ? And, for that matter, in vi, H, J, K, and L are used for that function.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: o2dazone on Thu, 17 September 2009, 20:35:38: W,A,S and D is a common key mapping for first-person shooters (respectively up, left, down and right)
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Thu, 17 September 2009, 20:49:35: Quote from: o2dazone;118922
W,A,S and D is a common key mapping for first-person shooters (respectively up, left, down and right)

cosign that please =)
I was going to get a set for the arrow keys on the right side as well but I realized that the purple down arrow won't fit right because it's shape is different. too bad? =[
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: o2dazone on Thu, 17 September 2009, 20:55:12: it's a bit of a shame. I toyed with the idea of swapping black blanks on my white board where the arrows are, but I think it's ultimately too busy (and for people that don't know what that means, it just looks busy. Like boards on KBDMania where they highlight certain keys that don't make sense to stateside folks
http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/files/attach/images/30354/697/929/SNC00004.jpg
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Thu, 17 September 2009, 21:42:07: Quote from: o2dazone;118924
it's a bit of a shame. I toyed with the idea of swapping black blanks on my white board where the arrows are, but I think it's ultimately too busy (and for people that don't know what that means, it just looks busy. Like boards on KBDMania where they highlight certain keys that don't make sense to stateside folks
http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/files/attach/images/30354/697/929/SNC00004.jpg

you're right, I think they just want to make it look more colorful in an ugly way? lol. But I do want some colored keys. Do you know where those people got them? They seem to have all the colors too! lol
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: AndrewZorn on Fri, 18 September 2009, 01:28:16: awwww blank looks niiiiiceeeee

why cant i get any cool shots of the soon-to-be-mine printed version
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Fri, 18 September 2009, 01:41:37: Quote from: AndrewZorn;118957
awwww blank looks niiiiiceeeee

why cant i get any cool shots of the soon-to-be-mine printed version

post some when you get it =]
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: sggsix on Fri, 18 September 2009, 12:20:10: Quote from: watduzhkstand4;118960
post some when you get it =]

I will post a pic soon on my black one.

Also, yours looks very sexy HK. What kind of camera do you guys use for good photos? I have a cheap one, but need a nicer one. I only have the flip cam corder right now.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Fri, 18 September 2009, 12:21:48: Quote from: sggsix;119031
I will post a pic soon on my black one.

Also, yours looks very sexy HK. What kind of camera do you guys use for good photos? I have a cheap one, but need a nicer one. I only have the flip cam corder right now.

mine is horrible =[ I shot those with a Canon A590IS. I want to get a DSLR really soon
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: rdjack21 on Fri, 18 September 2009, 13:18:52: Quote from: watduzhkstand4;119034
mine is horrible =[ I shot those with a Canon A590IS. I want to get a DSLR really soon

LOL I would love to get a good DSLR (Nikon D300s or D300) But I keep buying keyboards :( So for the time being cheap point and shoot will have to do. But I'm also thinking on getting a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35K to replace my junk camera so the wife has something decent to haul around while I save of for my DSLR.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: sggsix on Fri, 18 September 2009, 14:11:34: o2zone, what camera do you use? your HHKB blank photos look ridiculously nice in my opinion.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: sggsix on Fri, 18 September 2009, 14:12:06: Quote from: o2dazone;118639
woohoo
Show Image
(http://kb.o2dazone.com/hhkbredesc02.jpg)

specifically these photos, i want to be able to take photos of this quality.
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: o2dazone on Sat, 19 September 2009, 04:52:34: Just a fixed 50 lens and a Canon Digital Rebel XTi. Surprisingly, the original is very similar. Glad you dig it :)
Title: red esc key & blank purple wasd keys for HHKB
Post by: xyzzy on Mon, 28 September 2009, 17:40:21: Just wanted to thank Elitekeyboards for the ultra quick and cheap service!

The red Esc for HHKB sold by Elitekeyboards fits perfectly the Realforce boards, at least the 87U. I can't seem to find any difference in shape between the "'standard" black Esc and this red one.