[GB] KAT Lich - Shipping from NovelKeys and MyKeyboard!

[eskimojo]

Hey there!
I'm eskimojo, and have been in the community for a year or so. This is my first set, and I'm super excited to share this with you.
This set is inspired by the character Wiz from the anime Konosuba, who is a kindly undead shopkeeper.


IC link

Vendors
US - Novelkeys
EU - MyKeyboard
Asia - zFrontier (EN) zFrontier (CN)
Canada - DeskHero
Australia - SwitchKeys
Ukraine/Russia - FunKeys

Prices

Please note that the MOQs noted above are purely suggested, and Keyreative's MOQs work in a very different manner to any other manufacturer.
MOQ has now been hit, and all kits will be made.

KAT Lich launches on the 7th of January 2020, and run until the 31st!

The current estimated shipping date of this keyset is October 2020.


Kits

Base alphas for ANSI, ISO US and UK.


Modifiers for boards sized 60% to TKL. Includes ISO, tsangan, HHKB, and most others.
This also includes an R3 up arrow, as this was a feature from MT3 I particularly enjoyed and wanted for KAT.


Coverage for those inclined for smaller boards.


For those who like their board a little more gridlike.


Covers ergo boards and Boardwalk.


Covers ergo boards and Boardwalk.


Support for those who like their boards big and beautiful.


Add some magic to your board with these icons. Accent arrows also included.


For those who like their spacebars accented (or smaller). Includes extra B, for Alice users.


Adds coverage for northern international languages. Essentially a NorDe+ kit.


Adds coverage for those further south, covering both Spanish and Portuguese layouts along with Italian.


Coverage for AZERTY users (including France, Belgium and Northwest Africa).


Coverage for Dvorak and Colemak derived layouts.


Renders
Fjell (Mekanisk)

More

M65-A (Rama Works)

More

M60-A (Rama Works)

More

Tofu (KBDfans)

More

The below renders are from before the legends were tweaked to be thinner and smaller. The above renders are more accurate for legends.

Iron165 SE (Smith + Rune)

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Iron165 FE (Smith + Rune)

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M0llY (TheKeyCompany)

More

SP-111 (TheKeyCompany)

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Profile
I have chosen to design this set for KAT, as its silky smooth PBT surface combined with a comfortable and subtle sculpt makes it my favourite profile by far.
Additionally, they have the capability to do reverse dye sub, as seen in samples for KAT Eternal and KAT Oasis.
The MOQ system for KAT is also unique, and is done in such a way that allows for child kits that may not usually get enough support to be made. I've taken advantage of this by offering multiple international kits and colevrak support.

Colours
This set uses four Pantones as these are preferred for dye sublimation.
I have samples of these pantones in-hand to match to, and am happy with them.




I have a channel for updates and discussion in my Discord server, and will of course keep this thread updated.


Signatures
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Special Thanks

• Minterly/Nat and the neccsock crew - General advice (especially with kitting) along with the incredible support from the whole crew (love you guys). Special mention goes to bhk, who was a lifesaver for getting hold of Pantones. (Grinsepo also suggested lowercase legends, which turned out great)
• Rensuya - Support since the beginning (this set was originally conceived in the Discord channel for Ren's set PBT Aqua Goddess) along with advice and feedback.
• Manzel - Assisted with colour conversion very early in the process, along with providing the excellent renders for the Fjell, M65, M60 and Tofu.
• DepletedVespene/Miguel - Tireless feedback, and his awesome resources for international kits.
• OneCreativeMind - Feedback on the vector art in the set. Also created the arrow icons, which fit perfectly with the font.
• MKUltra - Assistance and feedback on the Ergo kit.
• MetallicCharles - Awesome renders for the Iron165, M0llY, and SP-111.
• All of my vendors - Amazing support and making this all possible!

Changelog

• 2020-01-07 - Initial GB post.

[stuey138]

Ne uwu avail

[nasp]

Good luck with GB 

[antx1701]

Never seen this anime, but I might get this. Love the colors.

[Mcnos]

GLWB! 

[QuickDelat]

Azerty gang!

[Capsy]

Good luck with GB !!

[KingOfMemes]

Just copped. Colemak bois eatin

[KuroTheCrazy]

In for the alphas, 40s, ortho and novelties. Can't wait for this gorgeous set.

[klutch]

In for the alphas, mods, and novelties. Excited for KAT Explosion and my wallet is thankful I am not in love with KAT Goddess.

[nathanchere]

One of the few kits released in the last year which feels genuinely inspired. Great work

[Slayer77]

What about rest of Asia?

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

[eskimojo]

What about rest of Asia?

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

I believe the English site for zFrontier should allow orders from outside of China - is this not the case?

[Slayer77]

What about rest of Asia?

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

I believe the English site for zFrontier should allow orders from outside of China - is this not the case?

Yes, it is usually the case, but the listing on English page is separate. For example GMK toxic not available on international zfrontier

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

[eskimojo]

What about rest of Asia?

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

I believe the English site for zFrontier should allow orders from outside of China - is this not the case?

Yes, it is usually the case, but the listing on English page is separate. For example GMK toxic not available on international zfrontier

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

Not sure I understand. My OP links to two separate Zfrontier listings - is neither of those what you're looking for?

[Slayer77]

What about rest of Asia?

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

I believe the English site for zFrontier should allow orders from outside of China - is this not the case?

Yes, it is usually the case, but the listing on English page is separate. For example GMK toxic not available on international zfrontier

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

Not sure I understand. My OP links to two separate Zfrontier listings - is neither of those what you're looking for?

My bad. I just checked the pricing table.

Sent from my GM1911 using Tapatalk

[eskimojo]

Not sure I understand. My OP links to two separate Zfrontier listings - is neither of those what you're looking for?

My bad. I just checked the pricing table.

Ahh gotcha. I may split the zF column into two, that's a good point

[eskimojo]

First numbers are in! Making steady progress - currently at 17.5% of MOQ.

Alphas - 44
Mods - 33
40s - 6
Ortho - 8
Ergo - 2
Ergo-Legends - 4
Numpad - 9
Novelties - 25
Spacebars - 6
North - 1
South - 0
French - 1
Colevrak+ - 3

As a quick reminder, KAT MOQ is based on overall unit numbers rather than specific kit sales, so don't be worried if your kit of choice isn't selling as much as you'd like. If MOQ is met, all kits get made regardless.

Our Ukranian/Russian proxy is also now live! Super glad to have them onboard <3

[stuey138]

First numbers are in! Making steady progress - currently at 17.5% of MOQ.

Alphas - 44
Mods - 33
40s - 6
Ortho - 8
Ergo - 2
Ergo-Legends - 4
Numpad - 9
Novelties - 25
Spacebars - 6
North - 1
South - 0
French - 1
Colevrak+ - 3

As a quick reminder, KAT MOQ is based on overall unit numbers rather than specific kit sales, so don't be worried if your kit of choice isn't selling as much as you'd like. If MOQ is met, all kits get made regardless.

Our Ukranian/Russian proxy is also now live! Super glad to have them onboard <3

Good stuff! UwU!

[dvorcol]

More

First numbers are in! Making steady progress - currently at 17.5% of MOQ.

Alphas - 44
Mods - 33
40s - 6
Ortho - 8
Ergo - 2
Ergo-Legends - 4
Numpad - 9
Novelties - 25
Spacebars - 6
North - 1
South - 0
French - 1
Colevrak+ - 3

As a quick reminder, KAT MOQ is based on overall unit numbers rather than specific kit sales, so don't be worried if your kit of choice isn't selling as much as you'd like. If MOQ is met, all kits get made regardless.

Our Ukranian/Russian proxy is also now live! Super glad to have them onboard <3

[eskimojo]

Week 1 Update

Exciting stuff! Including extras (the previous MOQ update didn't include extras, for those interested), we are now at 71% of MOQ. Once MOQ is hit, all kits will be made.

The sales numbers (not including extras) are below:

Alphas - 76
Mods - 61
40s - 8
Ortho - 11
Ergo - 1
Ergo-Legends - 6
Numpad - 21
Novelties - 46
Spacebars - 14
North - 2
South - 0
French - 6
Colevrak+ - 4

[dvorcol]

More

Week 1 Update

Exciting stuff! Including extras (the previous MOQ update didn't include extras, for those interested), we are now at 71% of MOQ. Once MOQ is hit, all kits will be made.

The sales numbers (not including extras) are below:

Alphas - 76
Mods - 61
40s - 8
Ortho - 11
Ergo - 1
Ergo-Legends - 6
Numpad - 21
Novelties - 46
Spacebars - 14
North - 2
South - 0
French - 6
Colevrak+ - 4

More

<-- history to date

[blizzara01]

Ne deskmat avail?

[eskimojo]

Ne deskmat avail?

Deskmat will hopefully be ran at a later date. There were CNY timing issues which prevented getting samples.

[eskimojo]

Week 2 Update

We are now over halfway through the GB period, and are at 85% of MOQ! (including extras)

Numbers for those interested: (excluding extras)

Alphas - 112
Mods - 85
40s - 9
Ortho - 19
Ergo - 2
Ergo-Legends - 16
Numpad - 30
Novelties - 68
Spacebars - 24
North - 2
South - 0
French - 6
Colevrak+ - 6

Thank you to all of the people who have supported so far!

[dvorcol]

More

Week 2 Update

We are now over halfway through the GB period, and are at 85% of MOQ! (including extras)

Numbers for those interested: (excluding extras)

Alphas - 112
Mods - 85
40s - 9
Ortho - 19
Ergo - 2
Ergo-Legends - 16
Numpad - 30
Novelties - 68
Spacebars - 24
North - 2
South - 0
French - 6
Colevrak+ - 6

Thank you to all of the people who have supported so far!

More

<-- history to date

[Caktuss]

Thanks for running a colemak set! Going to be in on all these konosuba sets, but not to pester... when is this desk mat? Going to have a nice rotation of setups depending on the mood.

[eskimojo]

Thanks for running a colemak set! Going to be in on all these konosuba sets, but not to pester... when is this desk mat? Going to have a nice rotation of setups depending on the mood.

Deskmat will hopefully be ran at a later date (after March) as we were unable to get samples due to CNY. Will update here once I know more 

[eskimojo]

Week 3 Update

Awesome news - we've hit MOQ! (including extras)
As a quick reminder, this means all kits will be made regardless of how many are ordered, so don't be afraid to pick up any kits!

The group buy will remain open until the 31st, so make sure to join before then if you're still on the fence 

Sales numbers are below, for those interested (excluding extras):

Alphas - 159
Mods - 125
40s - 13
Ortho - 26
Ergo - 3
Ergo-Legends - 16
Numpad - 43
Novelties - 90
Spacebars - 35
North - 7
South - 0
French - 8
Colevrak+ - 7

[Emir]

Congrats my man! <3 <3

[dvorcol]

Awesome news - we've hit MOQ! (including extras)
...all kits will be made!

More

<-- history to date

[Ronan]

I'm really tempted by this set. At what time will the set stop being sold on the 31st ? (So I can have 1 more day to decide  )

[eskimojo]

I'm really tempted by this set. At what time will the set stop being sold on the 31st ? (So I can have 1 more day to decide  )

Will vary per vendor - I believe NovelKeys closes at midnight EST, but don't know for other vendors. Will likely be late in the day (for each timezone).

[CarlQs]

Joined in on this, interesting profile and the perfect middle ground between phantom and taro, AND a Konosuba theme, with lower case legends?? Excellent, truly excellent. tyvm

[Ronan]

Joined aswell, the set is too good to pass and I know I will regret it if I don't get it !

Thanks for the amazing set 

[dvorcol]

[Kryptac]

I can't believe I missed this!  Any chance of another run?

[pegasus21]

I can't believe I missed this!  Any chance of another run?

You probably can get an extra

[Kryptac]

I can't believe I missed this!  Any chance of another run?

You probably can get an extra

How would I go about doing that?  I've just recently gotten into mechanical keyboards and was under the impression that if I missed the Group Buy I was just out of luck.

[pegasus21]

How would I go about doing that?  I've just recently gotten into mechanical keyboards and was under the impression that if I missed the Group Buy I was just out of luck.

Most vendors will usually purchase extras during a group buy then they make it available for sale either before the item has been manufactured or after the fulfilment to the people who purchased during the group buy.

[bakuretsu]

Fingers crossed I can get my hands on extra numpad and 40s sets. Really regretting not getting those since I ended up finding a left hand numpad keyboard I liked not long after this GB closed.

[Loveyuri]

I can't believe I missed this!  Any chance of another run?

You probably can get an extra

How would I go about doing that?  I've just recently gotten into mechanical keyboards and was under the impression that if I missed the Group Buy I was just out of luck.

Hope you're able to get the extras from vendor, or pay a premium on /mm

[Kryptac]

Any updates on the deskmat?

[eskimojo]

Any updates on the deskmat?

Planning to follow up on them very soon - it depends on the situation in China, whether we're able to get samples

[eskimojo]

Sorry for the lack of updates, I'm sure you can understand the last couple of months have been far from normal.

Here's what I can tell you:

General Updates

Order for Lich has been submitted. We are officially in the production queue after Eternal.

We do not currently have an updated ETA, but I will ask for one once colour samples are confirmed.

Speaking of, colour samples are in the works! I've seen pictures, and they're looking pretty good. I will reserve judgement until I see them in person though, and will put out an update with pictures once that happens.

Regarding deskmats: no progress has been made just yet, but I plan to follow up with my vendors very soon to investigate them.

Everything is very "take it as it comes" at the moment. I hope all of you are doing well!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask here, or I'm reachable via the discord link in the OP. 

[nasp]

Sorry for the lack of updates, I'm sure you can understand the last couple of months have been far from normal.

Here's what I can tell you:

General Updates

Order for Lich has been submitted. We are officially in the production queue after Eternal.

We do not currently have an updated ETA, but I will ask for one once colour samples are confirmed.

Speaking of, colour samples are in the works! I've seen pictures, and they're looking pretty good. I will reserve judgement until I see them in person though, and will put out an update with pictures once that happens.

Regarding deskmats: no progress has been made just yet, but I plan to follow up with my vendors very soon to investigate them.

Everything is very "take it as it comes" at the moment. I hope all of you are doing well!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask here, or I'm reachable via the discord link in the OP. 

Thanks, Eski! Looking forward to seeing this set IRL

[phxrbn]

SUPER excited for this set.

Purchased alphas, mods, & numpad- almost purchased south because my wife is Brazilian. These colors pretty much match our business colors and we also stylize our marketing material with all lowercase (but a sans serif font), and the fact that this is the same is pretty ridiculous, obv in a good way. 



This will be going on my wife's NYM96 in grey (which matches her macbook). Any rec's on how to accessorize this? Any other collabs expected for this kit- artisans, cables, etc? Looking for a solid cable to go with it- although most purples don't really match, so will likely end up with a black/carbon cable- black para with carbon techflex or maybe purple para with black or carbon techflex. I guess it'll match her mx3 although finding a detachable in the space grey has proven difficult too- so that will likely be black.

p.s. Only thing I was kinda disappointed about was that the mods kit has a 'cmd' key- but it won't work for her kb. Woulda loved a mac kit, or 1.25/1u included in the alphas/mods. Read: disappointed because there IS a 'cmd' key- otherwise I woulda not even thought anymore of it considering very few kits have them. lol

[eskimojo]

Update: R1/R2 Colour Samples

Full album (warning, some potato pictures)

The first colour samples are in! Overall I think they look great, and are very promising. I've fed back to Keyreative with some suggested tweaks, which I'll list below.

• Alphas (2085C) - Current samples appear to be more saturated than intended. I've requested a lighter version.
• Accent 1 (2008C) - Current samples appear to be a little darker than the pantone I have on hand. That said, I do like the current colour a lot. I've requested a lighter version, and will see which I prefer.
• Accent 2 (4119C) - Current samples are a little more blue than I'd like. I've requested for them to be made a little more purple/red.

I am satisfied with the modifier colour (4126C) - we were originally worried it would be too saturated, but after having some alternate pantone samples made up, I believe that the original colour is the best choice.

Minor update: Ergo
After discussion with a community member, it came to my attention that KAT R1 may not be the best choice of sculpt for the middle and thumb cluster keys in the ergo kits, as its faces would be pointing away from the thumb. As such, I have updated the kits to use R2, as shown below. This change has been confirmed with Keyreative.

[Rayndalf]

I was going to say that the changes to the thumb key profiles might look strange on a boardwalk, but I checked again and there are more than enough keys to make it work. Not that I even have a board for this set yet... I really need to work on that don't I?

[hungtranm18]

Do you have a shipping plan? I'm looking forward to it