[Pre-Sale] SA Grand Budapest Round 2 – On Sale 11/6

[SP_Will]

Hey folks,

Will here from Signature Plastics. If you saw my interview with Taeha this week, you’ll know that he mentioned a set that many of us consider E N D G A M E and which doesn't come up for sale on the secondary market often. Well, little did he know, we’ve actually been working to bring you Round 2 for months, and the time has arrived.

SA Grand Budapest is finally making its way back, and it’s coming directly from us—Signature Plastics. Certified Authentic and in collaboration with original designer Madēo.

I’ve always wanted to post an Interest Check myself. Now I get to do it, and I want this to be as community-driven as possible. We’re here to build something with you.

Colors and Vibe

SA Grand Budapest is still that perfect mix of vintage and modern design. It’s got those rich purples, playful pinks, and a little european charm. But we’ll be updating and tweaking it to improve things from the original run with some more modern options.

What’s New in Round 2?

This isn’t just a straight-up re-run. We’ve kept what you loved from the original set, but we’re adding a few new touches—small things here and there to give this round something special.

If you weren’t in the hobby at the time, you might not know about the Elk key. The Elk novelty key was part of the original design, but never shipped. We wanted to include it in the original set, but it turns out, it was physically impossible for us to mold it the way it was envisioned. But we still want the elk to have its moment. I’m thinking maybe an artisan add-on or something that nods to the fleeting appearances of the elk in the movie. Open to suggestions here, because this one has been bugging me for a while.

Why Are We Doing an IC?

Fair question—why is a company like Signature Plastics doing an Interest Check instead of just rolling out the set?

Well, we want input from the community. We're not here to just launch something and hope it sticks. I want your input, your ideas. This set is as much yours as it is ours. Let’s figure this out together.

We Need Your Input!

So here’s where we need your help:

• Kitting options: We’ve made some tweaks that *we* think are important, but what changes would the community like to see?
• Novelties: Got any fresh ideas for novelties? We’re all ears.

How to Get Involved

• Fill out the Google Form https://forms.gle/zcyQF4Kbkh8maWxq7 and tell us what you’re looking for in this run.
• Join the Signature Plastics Discord https://discord.gg/x3S6gdrM. Share what you think. We’re listening. Seriously, we want this feedback. We’ve created a new channel just for this set.

What’s Next?

Once we’ve gathered your feedback, we’ll finalize the kits and make this set available for purchase directly through Signature Plastics. Pricing is subject to change as we gather feedback about kits.

Shipping

This set is currently planned to ship in late October or early November 2024.
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Vendors

SPKeyboards.com

Planned Kits (Looking for Feedback/Suggestions Here!)

We’re going to run Round 2 in the more modern SA row configuration of 1-1-2-3-4-3

Kit	Price (Est.)
Alphas	$77
60% TKL Extension	$57
Novelties	$32
Alternates	$39
40s	$54
Ergo/Ortho	$TBD
Numpad	$TBD
ISO	$TBD
International	$TBD

Renders are by ImperfectLink, who did us a last-minute solid. We appreciate you!

[Piperaceae]

Oof, not having even terminal ISO makes this a no-go for me. Bummer.

EDIT: I see an ISO kit with TBD pricing listed now. Optimism... rising...

[singabore]

SA IS BACK BABY

[NoPunIn10Did]

The kitting here is pretty antiquated. Separating alphas from mods really only works if (1) there’s an alternative alpha kit or (2) there’s an alternative comprehensive mod kit. The 40s kit could *almost* be that second one, but it’s missing too much.

These days 40s are so varied that a truly comprehensive option is much more varied than you might expect; lots of key sizes in 40s designs are used under the assumption that they’re in a base kit.

It’s not that you can’t do a comprehensive 40s kit (and probably aim for a 40s / ortho kit), but it might be a big one.

There are several other things missing from base mods, like physical ISO support or similar. If you’re looking for things to split off, numpad historically has been a reasonable child kit for SA sets.

[SP_Will]

> The kitting here is pretty antiquated.

We agree, that's why were doing the interest check and not running machines right now!!!  )

Please, folks, make suggestions. I'm literally standing by!

[Piperaceae]

Seeing an ISO kit appear in the IC just upgraded this to insta-buy status for me.

I generally like the kitting for sculpted SA Maestro. Alphas are in with the mods because there's no alternate version of either. ISO coverage is in the base too - no separate kit to sell out and never be obtainable on the aftermarket. 2u shift is there, for us 64-key 60% weirdos. Numpad and minibars are available if needed as child kits for the subsets of people who use each. Though Maestro doesn't have 40s support. I don't use 40's boards, so I'll leave kitting suggestions for that to other people.

For me, large base monokits are better because you don't have to worry about mods or alphas separately selling out, and it's easier for newbies who otherwise would be confused what they needed. The number of times I've seen new users complain on Reddit that the set they think they bought only included the letter keys...

Edit to add: If you're set on splitting kits up, the SA Standard Black and White sets are good. The 40s kit in that is comprehensive, and everything I listed above is there. It can just be difficult to know which kit has which key sometimes.

[MoarCoffeePlzzz]

Glad to see this come back. Please consider for DCS (popular now and competes with GMK).

[twitchytheinsideman]

omg

[IBMweMissU]

R2 1.5u Backspace and R1 1u Delete are missing from the kit diagrams, thought the renders show them

[paperassgasket]

hype.
Nopun has a good point about 40's. You're missing some important stuff there (like 1.25u tab). I would either get a little more comprehensive with that kit or just do 3-key/4-key in base.
edit: sa spectra has a pretty decent example of a 40's kit.

I would pay a premium for a bars kit that includes 6u and convex 3u, 2.25u, 2.75u

[warhopper]

Could this be a good opportunity to move away from how SA used to be run and into something more modern like the kitting that has been done by recent DCS sets.
9009 for example had excellent kitting for a number of the most popular layouts.
One comprehensive kit is going to be much more appealing than buying each kit piece meal to me.
To echo the earlier sentiment, a DCS run of this would be very cool.

[andromache]

based. i'm definitely in for this.

good luck with kitting. I feel like people will complain about not having a mostly comprehensive base kit if you don't go that route, but most people don't realize how expensive that will be in SA....

since it's all manu'd/sold in house though, maybe you can kit a lot more flexibly than designers/vendors usually do.do  a "gmk-style" base kit for people who want it, sell the alphas/mods/40s/numpad kits piecemeal for people who prefer that.

[ImperfectLink]

R2 1.5u Backspace and R1 1u Delete are missing from the kit diagrams, thought the renders show them

Well spotted! This is my fault.

[kim-kim]

Please. Make it. Happen. Again

[vhaarr]

Could this be a good opportunity to move away from how SA used to be run and into something more modern like the kitting that has been done by recent DCS sets.

Yes. Yes, it would be a good opportunity for that.

Might want to add R1 1u BS, R4 1.25u Fn, 1u R4 Ctrl, 1u R4 Alt, an extra B, and a few spacebars like 2u, 2.25u, 2.75u or 2x 3u for example.

But yes!

[mul7i]

Could this be a good opportunity to move away from how SA used to be run and into something more modern like the kitting that has been done by recent DCS sets.
9009 for example had excellent kitting for a number of the most popular layouts.

Show Image

One comprehensive kit is going to be much more appealing than buying each kit piece meal to me.
To echo the earlier sentiment, a DCS run of this would be very cool. ;D

rerun dcs 9009 in the meantime  :p :p :p

[paulgali]

Could this be a good opportunity to move away from how SA used to be run and into something more modern like the kitting that has been done by recent DCS sets.
9009 for example had excellent kitting for a number of the most popular  :thumb:layouts.

Show Image

One comprehensive kit is going to be much more appealing than buying each kit piece meal to me.
To echo the earlier sentiment, a DCS run of this would be very cool. ;D

rerun dcs 9009 in the meantime  :p :p :p

I want to - when I’m not given the insane prices I was being told before. I’ve emailed will for VOC so I’ll remind them of 9009 as well. Might as well see what can happen :thumb:

[LXVRGS]

been down so bad for this set for years

[IOVERCALLHISTIOCYTES]

Guy who used to try and sell for 700 is now down to 300

[twitchytheinsideman]

Kitting needs serious rework imho.

40s:
1.5u return, 1.25u tab for minivan support (most common 40s layout currently).
Also needs way more spacebars.
Please use SA Ambassador as an inspiration for a very good 40s kitting that will cover everything even stuff which I wont use, but others will: https://trashman.wiki/keycaps/sa-ambassador
Just copy the spacebars and mods kitting
You could also consider using the trashcons icon mods for just the 40s maybe? Not sure though. Maybe stick with classic text mods as it fits the novelties better.

Mods:
I feel like there is some stuff missing which is included in modern GMK and DCS sets.
Like 1800 support.
F13.
2x 1.5u System for HHKB.
2u, 2.25u, 2.75u bars for Alice.
R2 1.5u Backspace.
ISO support.
Nav cluster in mod colors.
Why are there two Esc?

Novelty:
Maybe it’s possible to design some new mods to bring in some freshness.

[macclack]

If you end up doing the Elk key consider offering it as a stand alone option for those who already own the set.

[nickthaskater]

Could this be a good opportunity to move away from how SA used to be run and into something more modern like the kitting that has been done by recent DCS sets.

One comprehensive kit is going to be much more appealing than buying each kit piece meal to me.

I like the a la carte kitting, particularly given my penchant for non-standard boards. I'd rather get the keys I need rather than have a ton of keys that are completely useless. This is the only reason I bothered buying SA Fledgling - I didn't need to buy a ton of expensive keys that would just sit in a box to kit out my Haitun40.

If Will / SP can get the pricing of a la carte kits to be on par or thereabouts with buying a base set (given equivalent selections of separate kits), then I don't see the issue with offering choose-what-you-need kits instead of a bundle.

[jiezhou]

Glad to know this keyset returns!

I need R2 1.5u Backspace in 60% TKL Extension kit(or Mods kit in the render) to cover my HHKB layout. And the following keys/kits are appreciated:

6u spacebar
Colevrak kit

[matrixzj]

Just wondering any approval or authorization from Madeo who was designer for this set.

[YoungManKim]

Just wondering any approval or authorization from Madeo who was designer for this set.

It's in the second paragraph of the post.

"Certified Authentic and in collaboration with original designer Madēo."

[TheManicGeek]

Going to fill out the IC as well, but here's my two cents:

Base kit needs to include everything needed to, at a minimum, build everything from TKL down in size, to include: TKL, 75%, 65%, 60%, Tsanagn/7U bottom row, stepped and regular caps, split and regular Backspace. for a full sculpt SA kit, a numpad should at least be an option, if not included in a standard base kit.

As a matter of person preference, I would LOVE to see this in a R3 SA set! R3 SA is one of my favorite uniform row sculpts, and I feel a mighty need to see more sett that can cover at LEAST up to a TKL. I think back to the way R3 SA Laser was kitted as an example of what I'd like to see there, with maybe split bar support (2U, 2.25U, 2.75U at a minimum) and a second "B" key included, as well as four key 40s support so the base kit for R3 looks appealing as a standalone despite the lack of a numpad.

If I get any other ideas I'll post them here, but I gotta say... this set is BEAUTIFUL, and I am super happy to see that SP is back in the game as a Round 3 SA Carbon, R3 SA Laser, and DSA Astrolokeys owner!

I still need DCS in my collection, tho...

[rowie]

This is my dream set. Wow I can’t believe it’s finally happening. Thank you for bringing this back. Would love the following keys in dark purple r1 home, and r4 end.  It’s missing and I wouldn’t want to use the lighter shade. The r1 home, r2 page up, r3 page down and r4 end is a common and popular layout for 65% and is a standard for a lot of people including myself. I also would like to see an arrows set which I used to see so many SA sets that would offer them back in the day when SA was popular awhile back at Massdrop (DROP).

Edit: I forgot and also if possible a Macros kit, or possibly even relegendables for that real old school classical look. 

[sarvopari]

Love this! I will +1 the request for a 6U centered spacebar for true HHKB layouts Otherwise, looking forward to the kitting changes as you receive feedback.

[Joshimitsu]

Where are the proposed kit diagrams / renders?

What's listed here and on reddit doesn't line up with the render images.

[Piperaceae]

I don't think they've been released yet, all the kit renders so far are from R1, which is the kitting they're looking to change.

[LXVRGS]

any updates avail?

[Piperaceae]

Hey all, this is live now on SPKeyboards and Novelkeys!

[mr_foggy]

Hey all, this is live now on SPKeyboards and Novelkeys!

no regional vendors? US only?

[Piperaceae]

Someone asked on their Discord, and they said they tried to get regional vendors but none have accepted so far

[SP_Will]

Hey all, this is live now on SPKeyboards and Novelkeys!

You beat me to it!  )

After taking in all your feedback and fine-tuning the details, SA Grand Budapest Round 2 is ready for pre-sale. We've kept everything you loved about the original - those rich purples, playful pinks, and that perfect blend of vintage charm and modern design. But we've also expanded the kitting to cover more modern layouts and finally solved the mystery of the Elk novelty.
Quick Details:

• Pre-sale starts: Today on SPKeyboards.com and Novelkeys.com
• Shipping: Early December (Yes, really—we're making these right now)
• Base kit: $139
• Novelties kit: $29
• Numpad kit: $19
• Concierge (Extended) kit: $29
• Zero (40s-Ortho) kit: $29
• Ergo kit: $49
• Elk artisan key: $50
• Keys artisan key: $50
• Facade deskmat: $30
• Aubergine deskmat: $30
• Mendl’s Box deskmat: $30

What's New In Round 2:

• The full SA experience, modernized with our 1-1-2-3-4-3 profile
• Everything from 40s to Ortho to ISO, because every layout deserves a touch of grandeur
• The Elk lives! As a brass artisan that feels like it was meant to be there
• A matching brass crossed-keys artisan, as elegant as the hotel itself
• Three deskmats that capture the essence of the Grand Budapest in its prime

We've got everything from base through ISO and 40s covered, plus some extras we think you'll love.
This set has been a community project from day one. From Madēo's original vision through all your IC feedback, it's been shaped by the people who love it. That's how we want to keep it.
Like M. Gustave himself once said: "There are still faint glimmers of civilization left in this barbaric slaughterhouse that was once known as humanity." In our case, those glimmers come in the form of perfectly color-matched purples and pinks.

Pre-sale is live now at SPKeyboards.com. Come join us in the Signature Plastics Discord if you have any questions, we'll be hanging out there to help and chat about the set.

[Kairo.works]

As much as i like the remake, going with exclusively NA vendours, means an extra 30-50$ shipping for everyone that is not american. Plus the hassle of dealing with imports.

Maybe consider adding some international vendours for future projects for at least asia, europe and down under.

Great to see this moving forward with lightspeed though.
I like this a lot!

[hewwra]

No NorDe kit, unlucky

[lecorsair]

On a slightly different note, why do you tease and not give?
(yes I know, but still...)

[twitchytheinsideman]

As much as i like the remake, going with exclusively NA vendours, means an extra 30-50$ shipping for everyone that is not american. Plus the hassle of dealing with imports.

Maybe consider adding some international vendours for future projects for at least asia, europe and down under.

Great to see this moving forward with lightspeed though.
I like this a lot!

On Discord they said that they were still looking into international vendors.

[twitchytheinsideman]

Live in EU

https://keeb.supply/products/sa-grand-budapest