[IC] GMK Muted Magenta

[codywanks]

(Link to bigger image)

Idea & Inspiration
I've been using the GMK CMYW mod pack for a month now, and just can't get over how gorgeous the Magenta (MG1) looks. It's easily my favorite color in GMK's repertoire and I know of several others who feel the same. This led to me thinking - why not design an entire keyset around it?

I've decided on 2M as the secondary color to complement MG1. I feel that both colors play nicely off each other with just the right amount of contrast. Using pure white (WS1) did come into consideration, but I found the contrast a little too bright/too jarring while making comparisons, plus there is already an abundance of X-on-WS1 GMK sets on the market. The decision to go with an off-white color alongside MG1 also forms the basis for the set's name.

Finally, I'm also toying with the idea of including a small accent kit (V4 on MG1) for that subtle-yet-distinct spark which also serves to enhance this set's identity. I hope the accent kit will be well-received, but am open to tweaking it/swapping it out for other keys based on feedback from the community.

     
(Link to bigger image)                                                                 (Link to bigger image)

Key Features (subject to change)
• 87 key ANSI base kit + 17 key numpad
• Text + Icon mods
• Bumped homing keys because scoops are prone to light bleed
• Winkeyless kit, currently includes two 1u R4 blanks which will probably get omitted to cut cost
• 1800 adapter kit
• 4-key accent kit (Esc, backspace, enter, caps lock)

Please comment below if you think additional features are necessary, but do bear in mind that the price GMK has quoted for this set in its current form is already a little on the high side. My current priority is making this set ISO compatible without it undergoing a drastic price increase.

GB Info/About Me
GMK requires a minimum order of 150 sets for this GB to come to fruition.

If the response to this IC is positive, I will be looking to run the GB on my own instead of partnering up with a vendor (purely in the interest of passing down as much savings as possible).  I have experience in setting up/operating multiple webstores in the past and would be comfortable with creating one for this GB. In terms of operations and logistics, I am equipped to handle up to 250 orders but I highly doubt we’ll reach anywhere near that figure.

For the best interests of the community, I shall try to implement a system where people can opt to pay a deposit instead of the full amount (similar to what Justnits did for his 9009 buy). The mechanics of this are still being fine-tuned as I'll probably have to front some money out of my own pocket.

As for myself: I've been a mechanical keyboard user since 2013 and joined Geekhack in late-2015. I'm Malaysian and I moderate our local keyboard forum as well as the Malaysian MKB Facebook Group. I'm not sure what more to say here, but if there’s anything else you’d like to know about me, feel free to ask!

Rough Timeline
Friday 19/8 - Launch IC and collect feedback from community
Friday 30/9 - Compile/consolidate feedback, implement changes (or close IC if response is poor)
Friday 14/10 - Announce final revisions & pricing, make 3D renders
Friday 28/10 - Launch GB
Friday 25/11 - Close GB and submit orders

List of Revisions
Friday 19/8 - v1.1

[codywanks]

FAQs
1) Isn’t there a Magenta IC/GB already going on?
Yes! Effectiveduck has an upcoming GMK Magenta Mod Pack GB. If MG1 mods are all you're looking for, please head on there to support him!

jchan94 also has a PBT Magenta GB in the works, which is worth checking out.

2) Why do the colors in the GMK render look different from the sample keycaps in your photos?
The short answer is GMK’s renders are notorious for not looking anything like the final product.

3) Why do the keycap colors look so different in each photo?
GMK keycaps respond differently to photography under different lighting conditions, or against different backgrounds. This forms part of their appeal. For what it’s worth, the photos were taken in natural light with no image processing or filters applied. I'd say the iPhone pics are probably the most accurate from a daily-use perspective.

4) How is this different to GMK Valentine?
I've addressed this over here.

5) I’ll add more stuff to this section over time.

[honeynugget]

I like it. Would be in for a set

[boo]

perfect with my gmk cyan 

[WOMBO]

I like it a lot, would definitely take this over the JTK Sophomore Valentine I have right now.

[Vigrith]

I really like that, I'd buy it!

[effectiveduck]

I really love this idea, especially the accent pack, I think the magenta + dark-ish blue combination would look awesome.

However I would rather see WS1 or CP used instead of N2 though, I've had a few sets that were off white and it kind of ruined those sets for me. I also think they don't mix well with other mod packs because of it, but it's up to your discretion. There are also a few other small changes/additions that I'd like to see; add a stepped caps lock, add a 1u fn key, change 'ctrl' to 'control', change numpad legend to text only, and have arrow keys in the accent pack (potentially replacing backspace and caps lock).

Really great stuff OP, I'll be paying close attention to this one

[Cony_WANG]

No stepped caps lock? I think stepped caps lock should be added.


从我的 iPhone 发送，使用 Tapatalk

[jchan94]

I'd love a 6u spacebar

[WNovizar]

Any difference with GMK Valentine?

[juahenza]

support wabbit

[codywanks]

The response seems generally positive so far. Thanks honeynugget, boo, wombo, vigrith and all the rest!

However I would rather see WS1 or CP used instead of N2 though, I've had a few sets that were off white and it kind of ruined those sets for me. I also think they don't mix well with other mod packs because of it, but it's up to your discretion.

Thanks for your comments I'd have to respectfully disagree, Hyperfuse alphas are 2M and IMO mod packs work great with it.

WS1 is definitely out of the running. I spent some time with a set of GMK Valentine which uses UN0001, and as mentioned above the contrast and overall feel were too bright for my liking. Not too sure about CP either for the same reason.

There are also a few other small changes/additions that I'd like to see; add a stepped caps lock, add a 1u fn key, change 'ctrl' to 'control', change numpad legend to text only, and have arrow keys in the accent pack (potentially replacing backspace and caps lock).

I've noted down your suggestions in a spreadsheet 

Any difference with GMK Valentine?

I was expecting this question to come up sooner or later. The reality is that many people might not realize how different 2M is from WS1/UN0001, and I hope this gets put to bed once the 3D renders are prepared.

No stepped caps lock? I think stepped caps lock should be added.

Thanks for reminding me! Not sure how I forgot this. I personally need it as well.

[swimmingbird]

Any difference with GMK Valentine?

 

[renne]

much better layout than GMK Valentine
im in

[William_S_Jones]

I love this set!

[Skuloth]

Hey, I'd love to see magenta \| and `~ for those of us that prefer a symmetric look / use 60% boards.

Also any chance of 1.25u bottom row fn keys?

[JaccoW]

What other keysets/packs used those specific colors of pink? I might be able to shoot some comparison pictures.

Edit: I have plenty of Magenta (cmyw,cmyk) but I'm wondering about that other pink color.

[sambarugh]

Isn't effectiveduck already running a GMK magenta IC?

[codywanks]

Hey, I'd love to see magenta \| and `~ for those of us that prefer a symmetric look / use 60% boards.

Noted - If there are other people who feel they need these please comment below!

Also any chance of 1.25u bottom row fn keys?

I'd personally replace the 1.25 Menu key for Fn as it's something I never use, but I may be in the minority. Someone else has asked for a 1u Fn key as well. I'll see if they can be accommodated.

What other keysets/packs used those specific colors of pink? I might be able to shoot some comparison pictures.

Edit: I have plenty of Magenta (cmyw,cmyk) but I'm wondering about that other pink color.

Only one shade of pink is being used (MG1). The secondary color (2M) is off-white and perhaps best known for being in Hyperfuse. More comparison pics are always welcome!

Isn't effectiveduck already running a GMK magenta IC?

You must have totally missed the FAQs section 

[sambarugh]

You must have totally missed the FAQs section 

Still too much overlap.

[codywanks]

Bump!

Awaiting updated 2D render from GMK showing revisions & additional keys (stepped Caps Lock etc.)

Would appreciate more comments in the meantime!

[poolside]

Hoping this set will make it through to GB stage. 

I was planning at first on getting the GMK WoB Magenta add-on to bright up some sets with MG1 accents. I am now however reconsidering that as this set would obviously get me a complete magenta modifiers kit and some sexy alphas.

There are also a few other small changes/additions that I'd like to see; add a stepped caps lock, add a 1u fn key, change 'ctrl' to 'control', change numpad legend to text only, and have arrow keys in the accent pack (potentially replacing backspace and caps lock).

I second the accented arrow keys.

[WOMBO]

this happening is mostly why i don't think i care for the magenta mods happening right now (sorry o-co)

[codywanks]

Thanks poolside & wombo.

There are a couple of small updates, namely:
1) I'm waiting for Christoph from GMK to revert with an updated 2D render containing a few important revisions, including some of the suggestions above. However, I believe he has been away for a prolonged period, so a reply might not be forthcoming soon.
2) I've also been in touch with a 3D render artist - no prizes for guessing who! I'm impressed with the preliminary/early-stage draft he's sent me, but the holdup from #1 means I'm not comfortable with asking him to start work on the 3D render just yet.

Although there is only 1 page of responses so far (was hoping for 2-3 pages by now), I'll do my best to ensure the 3D render gets made and seen by you guys before deciding whether it's worthwhile to take this set to GB stage or not.

[greywinthrop]

I'm definitely interested in this, especially since the current Magenta mod GB probably isn't going to reach moq.

[WOMBO]

Thanks poolside & wombo.

There are a couple of small updates, namely:
1) I'm waiting for Christoph from GMK to revert with an updated 2D render containing a few important revisions, including some of the suggestions above. However, I believe he has been away for a prolonged period, so a reply might not be forthcoming soon.
2) I've also been in touch with a 3D render artist - no prizes for guessing who! I'm impressed with the preliminary/early-stage draft he's sent me, but the holdup from #1 means I'm not comfortable with asking him to start work on the 3D render just yet.

Although there is only 1 page of responses so far (was hoping for 2-3 pages by now), I'll do my best to ensure the 3D render gets made and seen by you guys before deciding whether it's worthwhile to take this set to GB stage or not.

you're all good on my end - the gmk render looks like the exact kind of magenta i want (rather than the hot pink that's on almost every non-gmk valentine set)

[ntw]

this is too close to GMK Valentine. but if the price is going to be much lower than that, you will get much order from GH

[megaforce]

Is this still happening?