I'm not sure about the keyset, but those are fantastic renders! :)
How did you do them?
I really like the design, but absolutely despise DSA. I would love to see it tweaked some with the colors to make it workable as a dyesublmiation set... which would be a LOT cheaper too since there would be no need to have custom tooling made. The navy on red is possible, but it would need to be switch to red on beige for the main keys since red on navy wouldn't be possible with dyesub. Could put it on Cherry profile then too.
This I would buy in DCS dyesub. The earlier design for me felt like it was split/conflicting with the boldness of the blue red and the subtlety of the grey. The blue red dyesub has been done but I think the shade of blue navy is would make it impossible in this case. IMSTO's blue red dyesub (http://imsto.cn/index.php?route=product/product&path=62&product_id=62)I really like the design, but absolutely despise DSA. I would love to see it tweaked some with the colors to make it workable as a dyesublmiation set... which would be a LOT cheaper too since there would be no need to have custom tooling made. The navy on red is possible, but it would need to be switch to red on beige for the main keys since red on navy wouldn't be possible with dyesub. Could put it on Cherry profile then too.
Thanks for the feedback!
I haven't tried DSA caps myself - only own DCS caps, but I like the look of them. I don't really like the look of SA caps and have been just seeing a ton of them recently. I wouldn't be opposed to making them DCS if that's more popular though.
I made a quick mockup of those suggestions you had for making them work with dyesub:Show Image(http://aaron-hong.com/OtakuKeyboardu/img/dyesub.png)
I am personally much more fond of the navy keycaps, but I don't think these look bad. Also I haven't actually seen any dyesub keycaps with more color on them. Do you have any picture references? I would be somewhat concerned about the navy being discolored between the different colored materials.
Also this is probably a stupid question - but is it possible to make the keycaps red and dyesub everything but the legend navy? I would imagine it wouldn't be difficult as long as the printing area is enough to cover the keycap.
I really like the design, but absolutely despise DSA. I would love to see it tweaked some with the colors to make it workable as a dyesublmiation set... which would be a LOT cheaper too since there would be no need to have custom tooling made. The navy on red is possible, but it would need to be switch to red on beige for the main keys since red on navy wouldn't be possible with dyesub. Could put it on Cherry profile then too.
Put Homu on Homu button! ;D
On a serious note, maybe try using some kanji on the home cluster, I think it the whole keyset would look nicer if it was a bit more simplified. Also, the proper nineball is empty(⑨).
I like the revision. I really like the rising sun on the nav cluster. Have you considered using kanji in the circles on the function row? Have you considered using kanji on the modifiers instead of symbols or, if you want to keep the set pure katakana, using furigana instead of symbols? Although, furigana could make the modifiers look too cluttered if there are a lot of syllables.
I'm a bit confused OP. I was wondering how much you were quoted for the custom molds if we're doing doubleshots. Or have you decided to got with dyesubs?
SA please.SA please.DSA sucks :)) :)) :)) :))
Having Japanese labels on any non alpha keys is pretty rare... and it's looks awfully busy and generally kind of bad on the few I have seen that did. I think ICON style is a far better choice. It's nice and clean, and universal.
I like the changes... which of course since I suggested it... of course being cheaper and more possible to get manufacturer for a sane price, I think it says Japan more than the red on navy.
The black legends one above looks insanely better than the red legends, IMO
Like this idea very much and would like to see ISO (even JIS?) options.
Why keep those latin numerals?
What about a numpad (no latin of course...)?
Homing key indicators in various flavors (bump, deep dish) would be nice.
:thumb:
... Also, could someone please tell me what keys exactly should be included with the ISO kit? I have never owned an ISO keyboard, so I've been looking it up and have been finding all sorts of things. I'll probably put in the bump homing indicators as you suggested.I think normally accepted ISO keys are from a UK layout because they are most close to the US layout.
I considered removing those Latin numerals. I guess my reason for keeping them is mostly because of my own experience. I do a lot of coding and my main keyboard has blank keycaps. I find it somewhat hard to quickly locate a key on the numrow, especially when looking for a special character, without moving all of my fingers up. Otherwise, I don't really have any problems finding any other keys, so I thought this would help. Perhaps this is just a personal issue. Maybe this will be less of an issue with this set since there would still be katakana characters that I could associate with. I'll consider this. I would love to hear other people's input on this as well!I see this set for a western touch typist and personally prefer no latin characters whatsoever...
You have the correct mods for ISO on your website, just lacking a 2 with " and a 3 with the £ :thumb:
Consider making the beige keys a grey, perhaps to match the Ducky Mini silver bezel? tongue emoticon
... Also, could someone please tell me what keys exactly should be included with the ISO kit? I have never owned an ISO keyboard, so I've been looking it up and have been finding all sorts of things. I'll probably put in the bump homing indicators as you suggested.I think normally accepted ISO keys are from a UK layout because they are most close to the US layout.
Your current http://aaron-hong.com/OtakuKeyboardu/img/childdeals/ISO.png (http://aaron-hong.com/OtakuKeyboardu/img/childdeals/ISO.png)
is missing the AltGr optionand have an "extra" numrow key., and is too "western". I think "westen" symbols should not be used at all, even in the numpad, must you use: "# � x - +"?I considered removing those Latin numerals. I guess my reason for keeping them is mostly because of my own experience. I do a lot of coding and my main keyboard has blank keycaps. I find it somewhat hard to quickly locate a key on the numrow, especially when looking for a special character, without moving all of my fingers up. Otherwise, I don't really have any problems finding any other keys, so I thought this would help. Perhaps this is just a personal issue. Maybe this will be less of an issue with this set since there would still be katakana characters that I could associate with. I'll consider this. I would love to hear other people's input on this as well!I see this set for a western touch typist and personally prefer no latin characters whatsoever...
Thanks for the clarification! Since the alt keys are icons in this set, then I wouldn't think the kit would need a distinct AltGr keycap. Correct me if I'm wrong though. The numlock key is going to change, but I'm still trying to design a nice icon for it. Would you suggest I use "/ * - +" instead then? I like the "÷ x - +" in that they are pretty squarely proportional which makes them fit the look of the other icon-like legends.
Thanks for the clarification! Since the alt keys are icons in this set, then I wouldn't think the kit would need a distinct AltGr keycap. Correct me if I'm wrong though. The numlock key is going to change, but I'm still trying to design a nice icon for it. Would you suggest I use "/ * - +" instead then? I like the "÷ x - +" in that they are pretty squarely proportional which makes them fit the look of the other icon-like legends.
The AltGr is just a small detail, for me you can leave them both as Alt.
Better ask an hardcore ISO user how to manage Alt vs AltGr ;)
About the numpad operation symbols my question is just regarding the symbols being "western", not "÷" vs "/" or "x" vs "*". Would prefer "nice icons" for them...
This new render looks very nice.
Good job.
I had in mind, just japanese characters for every key :)
Sorry I kinda submitted the form and thought about this after but is anyone else not a fan on the dot Kanji for the numbers? I personally would prefer the regular Kanji letters like in the numpad kit for the regular set.
Some price ranges would help with the interest check.
I regularly see pictures I might be interested in and then someone quote 95$ us a set plus shipping and I quickly lose interest :)
I'm actually really interested in this.
Are you 100% set on using katakana for the alphas?
I would rather have hiragana, similar to how Japanese keyboards have it. Do you think you could do a mockup for it?
Here's a mockup of the Hiragana:
(http://i.imgur.com/mOUsPrr.png) (http://i.imgur.com/mOUsPrr.png)
I really like the design, but absolutely despise DSA. I would love to see it tweaked some with the colors to make it workable as a dyesublmiation set... which would be a LOT cheaper too since there would be no need to have custom tooling made. The navy on red is possible, but it would need to be switch to red on beige for the main keys since red on navy wouldn't be possible with dyesub. Could put it on Cherry profile then too.
Interesting.. That is the first time I have seen Katakana legends on a keyboard. I know that each Katakana glyph has a direct corresponding glyph in Hiragana. Is the Katakana layout corresponding to the layout of Hiragana on a regular Japanese keyboard?
BTW, "Otaku" was slang for blank keyboards for a little while. The use faded.
BTW 2. I am a little surprised that nobody from an Asian country other than Japan hasn't complained about the use of the Japanese Naval flag. There is a lot of hatred towards it because it represents Japanese occupation and oppression during WWII.
Hi, I just saw this set, and noticed that it was a bit similar to the set that I've been working on at https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72105.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72105.0). Seeing as we'd probably be releasing them to the SP interest check at around the same time, It might create a conflict of interest. Just something we probably need to think about.
Edit: If we somehow incorporated both sets into one interest check, say, by adding the modifiers that I'm using as a child deal to your set, it could eliminate the conflict of interest.
Also not a huge fan of the off-colored esc key as part of the base set, just feels really awkward for me.There will definitely at least be a regular colored esc key in the base set - maybe I'll make the off-colored one separate though. I am thinking I might have a color mod kit which would have the off color stuff as well as the red function row accents, and maybe some other stuff. The 2D graphic in the OP should show what I plan to include in the base set as of now.
Hey dude! Love the set! I was planning on picking up a set in both the Japanese and the Latin for myself, and possibly a set for my sister.
I'm digging the Katanaka, but I'd go either way. The black legends, to me, look SO much better than the red ones. I also like the yellow-orange escape key, adds a little bit of variety to the layout.
Your renders are great, really helped put it in my mind. I think everyone should do renders, haha. Definitely looking forward to this set, though!
I have decided to change the home cluster in the base kit to be more standard icon modifiers. The Windows key legend has also been changed to a more standard icon modifier. This is because the Rising Sun graphic seems to be a polarizing decision - people seem to love it or hate it, so it will only be included as a child deal. Of course, I do not intend for any parts of the keyset to be offensive, but I think the Rising Sun flag is a cool looking option which I am sure some people will enjoy as a child deal.
I have also added F and J deep dish homing keys to the core set.
Here is the new core set:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/wRbudFx.png)
Hiragana:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/SyJrrGr.png)
I have also reworked the child deals. These are not final, but they should be much closer to what will be available:
http://aaron-hong.com/OtakuKeyboardu/childdeals.html (http://aaron-hong.com/OtakuKeyboardu/childdeals.html)
I have decided to change the home cluster in the base kit to be more standard icon modifiers. The Windows key legend has also been changed to a more standard icon modifier. This is because the Rising Sun graphic seems to be a polarizing decision - people seem to love it or hate it, so it will only be included as a child deal. Of course, I do not intend for any parts of the keyset to be offensive, but I think the Rising Sun flag is a cool looking option which I am sure some people will enjoy as a child deal.
I have also added F and J deep dish homing keys to the core set.
Here is the new core set:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/wRbudFx.png)
Hiragana:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/SyJrrGr.png)
I have also reworked the child deals. These are not final, but they should be much closer to what will be available:
http://aaron-hong.com/OtakuKeyboardu/childdeals.html (http://aaron-hong.com/OtakuKeyboardu/childdeals.html)
I probably won't be able to get in on this unless there is a round 2, but I love everything about this set except the legends on the modifiers -- specifically, the shift keys, tab key, caps lock key, and control keys. The kana look great and I can't decide which one I like better. The orange escape key is a nice contrast and the kanji on the function row look fantastic. I'm sorry to see the Rising Sun flag get cut but I understand the reason for that. I was not previously aware that it is basically Japan's version of the Confederate flag. Being a roundeye, I just liked how it looked. I can imagine posting pictures with the Rising Sun flag nav keys on a Korean custom might cause a sh**storm with some people.
Japan's modern flag is such a simple design (maybe too simple?), it seems a shame not to have it as one of the 1.5u or 1.25u modifier keys, even though it wouldn't be consistent with the rest of the modifiers.
(Attachment Link)
Hey, Nostril, I'm jumping in a bit late, but just wanted to say that I really this set is great! I've got a very similar thing going, but with Cyrillic labeling.
One point I wanted to bring up, it doesn't seem like anyone has mentioned the fact that SP does not offer dyesub on SA keycaps, not sure why. (Note on the spec sheet (http://www.keycapsdirect.com/pdfs/SAFamily.pdf), only "two shot" and pad printing are offered.) Double-shot is an option, and it opens up the color possibilities, but SP's cost to strike a new brass legend plate is $45 per legend, which would make the up-front cost very high, although it would drop sharply as quantities rise, basically what we're seeing now with Modern Selectric.
tl;dr, if you're going with dyesub, SA is out.
To me, one of the best things about DSA is that the caps can be swapped out any way you like. I'm typing this on a Pok3r with DSA Dolch, where I have the numpad kit installed as a mono-legend number row, numpad + for my backspace key, etc. Previously, I've used the nav keys to map out the Fn layer.
On a set like this one, where the legends purely exist for novelty, there is very little reason to cap-swap, so a sculpted profile makes more sense to me. But with SA not an option, that only leaves DCS, but I hear complaints about the thickness.
Sorry to be raising problems without solutions!
The keyset looks really good! I think if you basically added the color mods that Bull1919's set has and had those as a child deal it would be really cool. The blue and green he has in his set look so good! Honestly I prefer his shade of red as well but yours looks good too.
I was not previously aware that it is basically Japan's version of the Confederate flag. Being a roundeye, I just liked how it looked. I can imagine posting pictures with the Rising Sun flag nav keys on a Korean custom might cause a sh**storm with some people.
I was not previously aware that it is basically Japan's version of the Confederate flag. Being a roundeye, I just liked how it looked. I can imagine posting pictures with the Rising Sun flag nav keys on a Korean custom might cause a sh**storm with some people.
I wouldn't actually say that it's like our confederate flag. Keep in mind that America stripped Japan at the end of WWII of this flag and the new one was used as a 'rebirth' of the nation, more or less. There was no internal civil war like the union v confederates. The flag is still used today by the Maritime Defense Force, but it's not the 'national' flag for Japan. I will note it can be offensive though to Chinese and Koreans though, due to the atrocities of the war. (Keep in mind those that would be theoretically those directly affected by the war, and therefore would be in their 60s to waaaay older). The fact that it is used so visibly I think we should be fine with the rays.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/bEiwXtE.jpg)
So what's the final layout design, Nostril? The katakana layout in the OP?
Looking forward for the GB, man :thumb:
I have been talking with Massdrop and we are planning to drop this keyset. First of all, the set might have a name change to make it more appealing - haven't decided on it yet though, PM me if you have any suggestions! For the drop, we will be changing the base set to be only the alphanumeric characters. We are planning for there to be two options for the base kit - one with katakana and one with hiragana characters - hopefully this will please everyone who is interested in the set!Wow, so this is some news! That's awesome to hear
Also, we would still like to do an interest check on Massdrop to get some numbers, so I will be putting a poll up soon. Hope you guys are excited as I am! :D
Massdrop
I have been talking with Massdrop and we are planning to drop this keyset. First of all, the set might have a name change to make it more appealing - haven't decided on it yet though, PM me if you have any suggestions! For the drop, we will be changing the base set to be only the alphanumeric characters. We are planning for there to be two options for the base kit - one with katakana and one with hiragana characters - hopefully this will please everyone who is interested in the set!
Also, we would still like to do an interest check on Massdrop to get some numbers, so I will be putting a poll up soon. Hope you guys are excited as I am! :D
Signed up just to say that this looks incredible. Just two questions: When do you think this will hit Massdrop? Is the set still dye-sub PBT? Your website says that it's doubleshot ABS.
I guess the decision to pull the imperial flag was a good idea. I think we kind of just gloss over how this could be offensive in our western culture and just associate it with the tendency to love everything Japan these days, but after reading up on a lot of what the flag symbolizes, it would pretty much be similar to putting the Nazi swastika on a keyboard and saying that, while acknowledging its potential offensiveness, it looked cool. It'd just be in poor taste either way. There are definitely people who just dig old military garb from that era without any real sympathies toward the axis groups, but...
Still, just a liiiittle insensitive, and this is coming from someone who really liked the rising sun design.
This has opened the door for every group that gets offended to get keysets censored. Bad idea.
This has opened the door for every group that gets offended to get keysets censored. Bad idea.
Yup, this opens up a worrying future :(
I can't believe PC culture has infiltrated the mechanical keyboard community.Hear, hear. Would love to see the designer do a separate GB outside MD. I'm in for two if he does.
If you don't like something, don't buy it.
i'm so sorry you won't get to have a flag associated with complex topics like industrial scale rape, genocide, and war crimes on your keyboard. that must be so hard for you. massdrop are such bastards for putting their business and common decency first.
guess what? sometimes, the right reaction is for people to be offended and **** to not get done. thats not censorship, thats good judgement checking a bad choice
SP probably wouldn't have caved, but they might have required a copyright waiver from the Emperor of Japan.I lol'd.
Thanks--I'm still smarting a bit from the Nuka Cola fiasco and felt like trying to lighten the mood a little :).SP probably wouldn't have caved, but they might have required a copyright waiver from the Emperor of Japan.I lol'd.
after reading up on a lot of what the flag symbolizes, it would pretty much be similar to putting the Nazi swastika on a keyboard
Native Americans used the swastika, as well as the Finnish prior to the nazis.after reading up on a lot of what the flag symbolizes, it would pretty much be similar to putting the Nazi swastika on a keyboard
To be fair, it is not just a symbol of Imperial Japan, it is also used by the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force.
It is not like the Nazi Flag which has become a symbol of hatred.
Speaking of Swastikas, you will actually see one (with reversed spin) on almost every street in Japan. It isn't a symbol of hatred in Japan, but a symbol for temples.
Society loses when we let hatemongers co-opt our symbols. I mean, just because I have a Hitler stache and slaughter innocents, doesn't mean I drive a high-emission German car like Volkswagen.Native Americans used the swastika, as well as the Finnish prior to the nazis.after reading up on a lot of what the flag symbolizes, it would pretty much be similar to putting the Nazi swastika on a keyboard
To be fair, it is not just a symbol of Imperial Japan, it is also used by the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force.
It is not like the Nazi Flag which has become a symbol of hatred.
Speaking of Swastikas, you will actually see one (with reversed spin) on almost every street in Japan. It isn't a symbol of hatred in Japan, but a symbol for temples.
Native Americans used the swastika, as well as the Finnish prior to the nazis.after reading up on a lot of what the flag symbolizes, it would pretty much be similar to putting the Nazi swastika on a keyboard
To be fair, it is not just a symbol of Imperial Japan, it is also used by the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force.
It is not like the Nazi Flag which has become a symbol of hatred.
Speaking of Swastikas, you will actually see one (with reversed spin) on almost every street in Japan. It isn't a symbol of hatred in Japan, but a symbol for temples.
Can someone tell me the color codes that were used in this keyset?
Colors: GQN RBD OBB