[IC] GMK Indigo // GB Thread is Up

[Fredington]

GB Thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=116307.0

Hi all,

I'd like to unveil a project I've been working on in the background for a while now: GMK Indigo is inspired by Japanese denim culture, especially sashiko mending.





Specifications

Manufacturer: GMK
Profile: Cherry 1-1-2-3-4-4
Material: ABS
Legends: Doubleshot
Mod Style: Center-Aligned Icons



NEW IC Form & Social Media

As the kits have had a major revision, please do me a favor and fill out the NEW FORM! If you'd like, you can also follow me and my other projects on Instagram.

         



GB Details

This set is slated for a February 2022 GB window with the following vendors:

Worldwide: KBDFans
US: Space
CA: Desk[H]ero
UK: Proto[Typist]
EU: Salvun
SEA: iLumkb
OC: Daily Clack



Kits

Base

The updated Base kit now features Latin-only legends with support for 60% boards and up. Terminal-style ISO and F13 are included.



Hiragana

Due to costing, JIS support has been dropped, and this kit now features ANSI-only Hiragana support.



Extension

The Extension kit features a wealth of additional compatibility:

• R3/R4 PgUp/PgDn
• 2u Shift
• MacOS support
• 40s support
• Alice support

Spacebars

Alice support being moved to the new Extension kit made room for some more accents here.



Novelties

Accent arrows have been added here. The 1.25u and 1.5u novelty artworks have been swapped.





Render Gallery



























Deskmat





Collaborations

Red by Monokei
- R1 1u
- Anodized aluminum
- Engraved sashiko design w/ enamel infill





Continuity by Salvun
- R1 1u
- Copper w/ antique patina
- Laser engraved mitsudomoe design
- Clear coated







Impermanence by HIBI
- R3 2.25u
- Raw brass (no coating, will patina over time)
- Machine engraved crack w/ 2 through holes
- Mirror polished





Stitched Denim Straight Cable by RnCables

NOTE: This is a sample. There will be another round of color matching after the GB to ensure the colors are correct for the final product.





Two-Tone Cerakoted Aviator Cable by Space Cables







Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Kingk22, konstantin, and NathanAlphaMan.



Signature

If you'd like to support this project, please use the signature banner below:

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[url=https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=114461.0][img]https://i.imgur.com/o7PwjLD.png[/img][/url]

[Fredington]

Reserved.

[of_sam]

I'm not gonna lie this triggers my fight or flight response. Subs are super hard to read as well. GLWC though.

[dallman5]

Interested, really digging the colors, but not digging on the centered icons. GLWIC 

[sourmk]

Please consider OG icon mods, and subs on numpad. Base is lovely, like the colors a lot!

[Dinerenblanc]

Interesting, but not for me GLWIC

[hali]

actually like this a lot more than i thought i would. +1 for numpad subs and og alignment

[Kokaloo]

i remember the good ol days of not being forced into getting nonsensical sublegends in a base kit, rather them being offered in an alt it

[geohammy]

I really like the colors, but would definitely prefer OG icon mods as well
also the sublegends are kind of hard to read

[sup3r170va]

I really like the colours, and I like the low contrast of the hiragana sub-legends. Tbh it being difficult to read is not a problem for most users, I believe.

[nvh2092]

Overall I like it 

[Fredington]

I'm not gonna lie this triggers my fight or flight response. Subs are super hard to read as well. GLWC though.

Tryptophobia? Gotta say I wasn't expecting that!

Interested, really digging the colors, but not digging on the centered icons. GLWIC 

I really like the colors, but would definitely prefer OG icon mods as well
also the sublegends are kind of hard to read

Please consider OG icon mods, and subs on numpad. Base is lovely, like the colors a lot!

actually like this a lot more than i thought i would. +1 for numpad subs and og alignment

Not really a fan of OG icon alignment. If anything, OG icon-text could be on the table, depending on interest. Numpad sublegends, not so much.

[Havattack]

FINALLY! A keyset to match my Sugarcane Okinawa's... The keyset i never knew i needed.

[Havattack]

i remember the good ol days of not being forced into getting nonsensical sublegends in a base kit, rather them being offered in an alt it

Those were the horrible, old, bad times, when evil walked the land and rubber domes ruled all..
SUB-LEGENDS! ALWAYS, AND FOREVER!!!!!!

(I want each of my key-caps to look like the god damn Rosetta Stone!)

[AstralYT]

Ooof I absolutely dig the colour choices here, would really love a complete latin base kit like the hazakura had.

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

[sourmk]

Icon + text would be nice also, would like. Personal opinion, when the alphas are busy, it's nice for the numpad to match imho. Hope you might consider

[noahf]

ive been deep into the raw denim + japanese denim scene for 13ish years now and have a decent wardrobe of raw denim from brands like roy, momotaro, ironheart, sugarcane, oni, warehouse. So this feedback is coming from a person that wears 21oz  ironheart double knee overalls in the middle of summer:

i wish it were more based around either raw denim or the fade of the raw denim and a lot less on the repair of the denim. The novelties are almost exclusively repairs. I would consider double arches, red tags, some type of random cuff artisan. theres just so much more then the thread repair pattern to raw denim that i want to be more excited for this set.

also i would really love if latin were in the base and the "rosetta" stone version was the alt.

[Fredington]

i remember the good ol days of not being forced into getting nonsensical sublegends in a base kit, rather them being offered in an alt it

Ooof I absolutely dig the colour choices here, would really love a complete latin base kit like the hazakura had.

Depending on interest, perhaps a 2nd Latin base kit could be offered, as well.

ive been deep into the raw denim + japanese denim scene for 13ish years now and have a decent wardrobe of raw denim from brands like roy, momotaro, ironheart, sugarcane, oni, warehouse. So this feedback is coming from a person that wears 21oz  ironheart double knee overalls in the middle of summer:

i wish it were more based around either raw denim or the fade of the raw denim and a lot less on the repair of the denim. The novelties are almost exclusively repairs. I would consider double arches, red tags, some type of random cuff artisan. theres just so much more then the thread repair pattern to raw denim that i want to be more excited for this set.

also i would really love if latin were in the base and the "rosetta" stone version was the alt.

Thanks for feedback. This set was definitely inspired heavily by sashiko repairs, specifically the moyōzashi style of sashiko with its simple and practical stitches. Why? Simply put, because they look better on a keycap. The hitomezashi style in comparison, with its intricate patterns and shapes, needs more real estate to pull off successfully. This is why for example, I did not consider something like the shippō-tsunagi pattern that Sugar Cane employs on its back pockets. Also, I'd like to avoid any IP issues that might arise from using these brands' trademark imagery (i.e. Evisu's double arches, Momotaro's double stripes, etc.). Regarding more use of the red, I would also like to avoid any more similarities with GMK Denim, out of respect for t0mb3ry, which is why it is limited to the selvedge novelties.

[JohnYYZ]

Was thinking of the Indigo book store from NA when I saw Indigo looool.

Anyway, I really like the blues on this set. Novs are not my taste, but definitely getting a base kit + latin.

GLWIC

[Ustinj]

very very nice work.

[denibhoxha]

The subs are kinda hard to see and uv prnting drives the price way way up, so they're should at least be more visible. Novelties are super nice tho, deskmat too. GLWIC brah!

[dandruff]

Not everything HAS to contrast! Fan of the set with the current sublegend (or heavy fade if you do want to try more visibility, I love that blue). If you like how the sublegends look right now, I'd vote to keep it.

The only thing you should really look for is $$$ of UV print. Besides that, love the set!

[thestrayed]

Pretty noice. Instant buy especially desk mat 

[CookieFlow]

Although I don't wear this style of Japanese sashiko denim anymore, I still really enjoy the aesthetics of it and it makes for a surprisingly awesome set.

My only question would be did you consider other manu than GMK?
JTK does triple shot and are cheaper than GMK.
I know JTK isn't that fast either, but with GMK if this was entering GB in a couple of months we would probably look at Q2 2023 which personally I would have a hard time joining.

I am not sure if some newer manufacturer like MW can do pad/UV printing, but if yes that would be pretty awesome for the cost and delivery time.

[sup3r170va]

Not really a fan of OG icon alignment. If anything, OG icon-text could be on the table, depending on interest. Numpad sublegends, not so much.

Icon only mods please. I like the set as it is.

[sup3r170va]

Although I don't wear this style of Japanese sashiko denim anymore, I still really enjoy the aesthetics of it and it makes for a surprisingly awesome set.

My only question would be did you consider other manu than GMK?
JTK does triple shot and are cheaper than GMK.
I know JTK isn't that fast either, but with GMK if this was entering GB in a couple of months we would probably look at Q2 2023 which personally I would have a hard time joining.

I am not sure if some newer manufacturer like MW can do pad/UV printing, but if yes that would be pretty awesome for the cost and delivery time.

I’ve tried JTK and Domikey. It’s really not the same quality of ABS caps as GMK. I’ve not seen other PBT makers able to do this range of colour vibrancy as yet, although I’m waiting for Wuque Studio’s Kraken.

[Kinesiologist]

jeans

[dallman5]

icon + text would also be welcome, may also help differentiate it from GMK Denim a little bit more too (not like it really needs it)

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

My ratio of sets w Asian language sublegends sans Latin alpha kits to sets to purchased is under 1:100 (Striker). Keep those subs as you have em.

[Anorexus]

I really dig the colorway, love the icon mods also!
Personally, I would go with non-sub legend alphas for the base kit because UV printed sub legend might not for everyone

Anyway GLWIC

[kraiztmatte]

i really like the color, but sublegend pretty off, would be better in doubleshot and white sublegend, otherwise just put latin alpha in basekit.

[sudou915]

Would like to see a latin base kit.

And because of the theme I thought it be neat to see an add-on kit akin to how GMK Panels uses sporadic colors to replicate darning denim using shades of blue and white.(or any colors really)

[Fredington]

Although I don't wear this style of Japanese sashiko denim anymore, I still really enjoy the aesthetics of it and it makes for a surprisingly awesome set.

My only question would be did you consider other manu than GMK?
JTK does triple shot and are cheaper than GMK.
I know JTK isn't that fast either, but with GMK if this was entering GB in a couple of months we would probably look at Q2 2023 which personally I would have a hard time joining.

I am not sure if some newer manufacturer like MW can do pad/UV printing, but if yes that would be pretty awesome for the cost and delivery time.

I’ve tried JTK and Domikey. It’s really not the same quality of ABS caps as GMK. I’ve not seen other PBT makers able to do this range of colour vibrancy as yet, although I’m waiting for Wuque Studio’s Kraken.

Yeah, unfortunately GMK is still a cut above others in terms of the quality I'm looking for. They're also much easier to work with than say, JTK.

[Ustinj]

just want to chime in - i LOVE the subtlety / low contrast of the sublegends, and it's probably my favorite part about the set.

[Fredington]

I really dig the colorway, love the icon mods also!
Personally, I would go with non-sub legend alphas for the base kit because UV printed sub legend might not for everyone

Anyway GLWIC

Not everything HAS to contrast! Fan of the set with the current sublegend (or heavy fade if you do want to try more visibility, I love that blue). If you like how the sublegends look right now, I'd vote to keep it.

The only thing you should really look for is $$$ of UV print. Besides that, love the set!

My ratio of sets w Asian language sublegends sans Latin alpha kits to sets to purchased is under 1:100 (Striker). Keep those subs as you have em.

i really like the color, but sublegend pretty off, would be better in doubleshot and white sublegend, otherwise just put latin alpha in basekit.

The subs are kinda hard to see and uv prnting drives the price way way up, so they're should at least be more visible. Novelties are super nice tho, deskmat too. GLWIC brah!

just want to chime in - i LOVE the subtlety / low contrast of the sublegends, and it's probably my favorite part about the set.

Sublegend color will not be changing. Having the physical standards in front of me, I am confident that there will not be any legibility issues with these two blues.

[Puddsy]

we have moved past the need for pad print sublegends

but otherwise this looks nice

[HappyB0T]

Latin Alphas not in base doesn't make sense to me. Sublegends are hard to read. Colors are solid. Novelties are pretty sweet.

[JohnYYZ]

Although I don't wear this style of Japanese sashiko denim anymore, I still really enjoy the aesthetics of it and it makes for a surprisingly awesome set.

My only question would be did you consider other manu than GMK?
JTK does triple shot and are cheaper than GMK.
I know JTK isn't that fast either, but with GMK if this was entering GB in a couple of months we would probably look at Q2 2023 which personally I would have a hard time joining.

I am not sure if some newer manufacturer like MW can do pad/UV printing, but if yes that would be pretty awesome for the cost and delivery time.

I’ve tried JTK and Domikey. It’s really not the same quality of ABS caps as GMK. I’ve not seen other PBT makers able to do this range of colour vibrancy as yet, although I’m waiting for Wuque Studio’s Kraken.

Your set is not even close to being vibrant......The only vibrant color I see here is white and I am sure most manu will get that right.

[kbrick]

the colors and patterns really make me think of indigo denim pants

will definitely pick up the deskmat, maybe more (gmk lead times got mek  ).

good luck with IC / GB !

[darthcapn]

Me likey!!

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[HungHingDaiLo]

Nice! One thing I wished that may be a long shot is that the JIS in the base (non-JIS as extension).
Also I can imagine the F5-8 would look best in alpha color if there's any way you can include it on the Latin Alphas kit.

Can't wait to see the pricings 

[aerospice]

I'm curious to see how the sublegends will look in the red color; might help it pop a little more since some people here have been talking about the visibility of the text. I also feel it would match well with the enter novelties too, with the red/white stitching and all (would be cool to see something similar for the R1 esc key, maybe a stitched Japanese flag shown in the deskmat). Anyway, definitely looking forward to seeing more of this since I'm a fan of the overall concept!

[RelativeChance]

The sublegends need to be doubleshot in white imo the dark blue is illegible and doesn't look good and it causes it to be uv printed which kind of defeats the purpose of the gmk price tag. If you want it to look that way so bad at least switch the alphas in the alpha kit with the ones in the base kit

[AstralYT]

Off-topic but what are the keyboards you used for renders? One seem to be Vanquish, what are the other two?

[unusuaL_]

Colours are nice. Not too big fan of the subs though, would possibly like to have 2 base kits

[Fredington]

Off-topic but what are the keyboards you used for renders? One seem to be Vanquish, what are the other two?

F2-84 and Hyphen

[CookieFlow]

Although I don't wear this style of Japanese sashiko denim anymore, I still really enjoy the aesthetics of it and it makes for a surprisingly awesome set.

My only question would be did you consider other manu than GMK?
JTK does triple shot and are cheaper than GMK.
I know JTK isn't that fast either, but with GMK if this was entering GB in a couple of months we would probably look at Q2 2023 which personally I would have a hard time joining.

I am not sure if some newer manufacturer like MW can do pad/UV printing, but if yes that would be pretty awesome for the cost and delivery time.

I’ve tried JTK and Domikey. It’s really not the same quality of ABS caps as GMK. I’ve not seen other PBT makers able to do this range of colour vibrancy as yet, although I’m waiting for Wuque Studio’s Kraken.

Yeah, unfortunately GMK is still a cut above others in terms of the quality I'm looking for. They're also much easier to work with than say, JTK.

What about Domikeys?
As somebody mentioned this set isn't really about the vibrancy of the colors.

But if you are 100% set on GMK I understand, it's just I can't see myself joining a set that I will get mid 2023, but I'm sure plenty of people will. It looks great 

[Fredington]

Although I don't wear this style of Japanese sashiko denim anymore, I still really enjoy the aesthetics of it and it makes for a surprisingly awesome set.

My only question would be did you consider other manu than GMK?
JTK does triple shot and are cheaper than GMK.
I know JTK isn't that fast either, but with GMK if this was entering GB in a couple of months we would probably look at Q2 2023 which personally I would have a hard time joining.

I am not sure if some newer manufacturer like MW can do pad/UV printing, but if yes that would be pretty awesome for the cost and delivery time.

I’ve tried JTK and Domikey. It’s really not the same quality of ABS caps as GMK. I’ve not seen other PBT makers able to do this range of colour vibrancy as yet, although I’m waiting for Wuque Studio’s Kraken.

Yeah, unfortunately GMK is still a cut above others in terms of the quality I'm looking for. They're also much easier to work with than say, JTK.

What about Domikeys?
As somebody mentioned this set isn't really about the vibrancy of the colors.

But if you are 100% set on GMK I understand, it's just I can't see myself joining a set that I will get mid 2023, but I'm sure plenty of people will. It looks great 

It’s not about the color. ABS is ABS as far as color vibrancy goes. After going through color matching with GMK Red Devils, I don’t think GMK is all that great at color matching anyway.

I’m more concerned about legend consistency and alignment. I understand GMK has had some QC issues in recent sets, but they’re still a relatively known quantity whereas I have no experience with Domikey. I saw that they can do tripleshot, which is attractive. If someone could vouch for their quality, then I’m open to considering it.

[asciisii]

Good work on the initial IC! As a formerish raw denim-head who still wears his faded raws, this is clearly intriguing to me. Some comments:

-love the colours, I like this a lot more than GMK denim's colour scheme and the inclusion of novelties

-Although denim has heavy heavy Japanese influence and that's the overall theme of the set, I hope you'll consider making the base kit Latin Alphas and making the Japanese subs the additional kit. Two base kits is probably too risky I imagine, especially considering the several failed secondary base kits of the last six months

-Although I respect the novelties, I'm not a big fan of the sashiko theme. It's much too specific, niche, and I think there's more from the denim world (or Japanese denim world if you wish) that you could incorporate. For example (of course need to watch out for copy right and C+Ds but):

*Pure Blue Japan's leaf emblem
*Various Selvedge ID's
*Leather patch designs
*Metal buttons

I think some of the sashiko novelties are cool but not sure I'd purchase in its current state.

-Regarding kitting/legending again, F13 in base is nice. Don't care much for subs so I won't comment more on their visibility like others have. Bars in base would also be nice too I guess.

Overall, GLWIC will strongly consider buying if there are some revisions.
 

[sup3r170va]

Although I don't wear this style of Japanese sashiko denim anymore, I still really enjoy the aesthetics of it and it makes for a surprisingly awesome set.

My only question would be did you consider other manu than GMK?
JTK does triple shot and are cheaper than GMK.
I know JTK isn't that fast either, but with GMK if this was entering GB in a couple of months we would probably look at Q2 2023 which personally I would have a hard time joining.

I am not sure if some newer manufacturer like MW can do pad/UV printing, but if yes that would be pretty awesome for the cost and delivery time.

I’ve tried JTK and Domikey. It’s really not the same quality of ABS caps as GMK. I’ve not seen other PBT makers able to do this range of colour vibrancy as yet, although I’m waiting for Wuque Studio’s Kraken.

Yeah, unfortunately GMK is still a cut above others in terms of the quality I'm looking for. They're also much easier to work with than say, JTK.

What about Domikeys?
As somebody mentioned this set isn't really about the vibrancy of the colors.

But if you are 100% set on GMK I understand, it's just I can't see myself joining a set that I will get mid 2023, but I'm sure plenty of people will. It looks great 

It’s not about the color. ABS is ABS as far as color vibrancy goes. After going through color matching with GMK Red Devils, I don’t think GMK is all that great at color matching anyway.

I’m more concerned about legend consistency and alignment. I understand GMK has had some QC issues in recent sets, but they’re still a relatively known quantity whereas I have no experience with Domikey. I saw that they can do tripleshot, which is attractive. If someone could vouch for their quality, then I’m open to considering it.

Domikey’s legends are off. The spacing of the lettering of the mods aren’t great (“shif t”), the numbers for the hiragana are too small (compared to GMK), the texture of the keycaps aren’t as great.
I would pass if this becomes a Domikey set.