DSS Distortion- Punk Rock Inspired DSS Set - Potential Move to GMK

[madmax13]

Manta by Bowl Keyboards

This set is designed to pay homage to the aesthetics of early punk rock and post-punk. Pink and black were a common color combination in early punk art and album covers, as seen below.



Interest check Form
Designer Discord
Designer Instagram


Details

• Designed By Madmax13
• Novelties by Switchbox Studio
• Doubleshot ABS by Signature Plastics
• Using Stock SP colors, shown below

Inspiration

I have always admired the fashion style associated with punk and post-punk. I also think there is space for a set using a very vibrant pink. This set has undergone numerous incarnations, beginning as an SA set and later spending time in the Cherry profile. Recently, I have become interested in designing a DSS set, having tried it on many 40s keyboards at meetups, and find the height and sculpted spherical profile agreeable. So, this became a DSS set, mainly because the SP stock colors really pop, and I am tired of people telling me SA is too tall.

Vendors

SEA- Ktechs

Kitting

There has been some debate recently about which is preferable, a set of self-contained base kits ot an alpha kit with modifier kits. So, I developed both and plan to take it to a vote. Please let me know which direction you think this should take, and it'll inform the kits I send in for quotes. I am delaying quotes mainly because I want to have a good idea what the kits look like, shape-wise, before I start making the necessary economic adjustments. Another thing I've tried is for the 40s, using DSA as a kind of "R5," which I will discuss a bit more below. I have also included a. DSA R5 kit as one of the "Child Kits."

All bars smaller than 6U are DSA

Base Kits





Alpha + Mods







Child Kits


Extra accents, 65 compat, and 6u spacebars.




If opting for small kits, UK is on its own





I decided to include a kit option for the DSA R5 because I was a fan of it in MT3; here is a comparison below. The Flat R5 MT3 is somewhat goofy-looking, but fantastic to type on.




Punk Rock and Distortion Inspired Novelties- the broken speaker was a nod to the original distortion- punctured speaker cones on an amplifier for the Kinks- She Really Got Me, which is also proto-punk.

Thanks
Piperaceae for helping with legends.
Switchbox.Studios for fantastic novelty design.
Alas for permission to use Lightcycle Arrows.
Keyboard Designer's Forum for feedback and encouragement.
Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, Big Black, Minutemen, Husker Du, and The Clash for being my soundtrack. 

Additional Board Renders





Manta by Bowl Keyboard





Echo by Beardgrylls





Capy60 by Bowl Keyboards (with Novelty Kit)



F2-40 By Geonworks



V4NGON by Trashman



Austin by Drift Mechanics (Yes, Simon, it has a numpad)




KBD8X MKII By KBD Fans




 







 

[madmax13]

Reserved (Why? I don't know)

[basilkeys]

Woohoo! It's great to see this set reach IC best of luck!

[Xury46]

Looks fantastic, I'm so happy to see more DSS sets

Edit: I left a response on the IC. I would love to see a couple more keys to support the Cutiepie layout: https://www.mechdreams.com/product/cutiepie-dual-stagger-hotswap-pcb/

1.5u Z, 1.5u P, A non-accent colored, mod color Q and 1.25u return.

I would also prefer Trashcon mods for the eldritch kit, but I understand if that's too big of a change: https://trashman.wiki/keycaps/trashcons

Finally, it's a long shot, but I would love to see someone commission a Big Ass Enter mold for DSS, and I think it would look great in this set

[raijba]

I'm in for this set either way, but as someone who loves punk and loves the distortion theme in general, but doesn't care for The Ramones or The Misfits, I wish the distortion pedal novelty was the default novelty escape option. A number of my favorite bands use the Big Muff Pi, and I would love to put a nov on my keyboard that commemorates such an iconic distortion sound. But I'm not certain that I'll have a place for a single r4 novelty on the board I eventually put this on. Which is a shame because I think it's the novelty that is most emblematic of the distortion theme. On a related note, I wonder if the demand for a Ramones and Misfits themed XT column has much demand. I'd rather just have a cheaper novelty kit that removes the XT support and gives me an extra r1 and r2 distortion pedal Esc nov. But I do love the inclusion of the r4 speaker novs!

On second thought I know even some 40s have double xt columns and big boards like the Diversity TKL and some battleship-inspired boards are having a moment right now, so XT support is probably important. But I've never been a fan of XT novelties like these, where each column is a repeat of a single novelty design. I know kits are pretty finalized now, but how sick would it be if the xt support keys were alternating in mod color and accent pink, echoing the 2nd wave ska checkerboard motif? I'd take NEX and RPF checkered blanks for XT over the Ramones and Misfits novs personally.

But like I said, in for this great set either way. And probably in for the novs too since the ISO goes so hard. Would love to put this on a Qazikat or something else with prominent ISO.

[Livid]

I'm in for this set either way, but as someone who loves punk and loves the distortion theme in general, but doesn't care for The Ramones or The Misfits, I wish the distortion pedal novelty was the default novelty escape option. A number of my favorite bands use the Big Muff Pi, and I would love to put a nov on my keyboard that commemorates such an iconic distortion sound. But I'm not certain that I'll have a place for a single r4 novelty on the board I eventually put this on. Which is a shame because I think it's the novelty that is most emblematic of the distortion theme. On a related note, I wonder if the demand for a Ramones and Misfits themed XT column has much demand. I'd rather just have a cheaper novelty kit that removes the XT support and gives me an extra r1 and r2 distortion pedal Esc nov. But I do love the inclusion of the r4 speaker novs!

On second thought I know even some 40s have double xt columns and big boards like the Diversity TKL and some battleship-inspired boards are having a moment right now, so XT support is probably important. But I've never been a fan of XT novelties like these, where each column is a repeat of a single novelty design. I know kits are pretty finalized now, but how sick would it be if the xt support keys were alternating in mod color and accent pink, echoing the 2nd wave ska checkerboard motif? I'd take NEX and RPF checkered blanks for XT over the Ramones and Misfits novs personally.

But like I said, in for this great set either way. And probably in for the novs too since the ISO goes so hard. Would love to put this on a Qazikat or something else with prominent ISO.

I sorta agree the novelties lean a little too heavily into those bands, just because they have album covers with black and pink? Not to mention I think Sex Pistols were actually the earliest to use that theme. The theme and more general novelties are pretty great though!

[madmax13]

I'm in for this set either way, but as someone who loves punk and loves the distortion theme in general, but doesn't care for The Ramones or The Misfits, I wish the distortion pedal novelty was the default novelty escape option. A number of my favorite bands use the Big Muff Pi, and I would love to put a nov on my keyboard that commemorates such an iconic distortion sound. But I'm not certain that I'll have a place for a single r4 novelty on the board I eventually put this on. Which is a shame because I think it's the novelty that is most emblematic of the distortion theme. On a related note, I wonder if the demand for a Ramones and Misfits themed XT column has much demand. I'd rather just have a cheaper novelty kit that removes the XT support and gives me an extra r1 and r2 distortion pedal Esc nov. But I do love the inclusion of the r4 speaker novs!

On second thought I know even some 40s have double xt columns and big boards like the Diversity TKL and some battleship-inspired boards are having a moment right now, so XT support is probably important. But I've never been a fan of XT novelties like these, where each column is a repeat of a single novelty design. I know kits are pretty finalized now, but how sick would it be if the xt support keys were alternating in mod color and accent pink, echoing the 2nd wave ska checkerboard motif? I'd take NEX and RPF checkered blanks for XT over the Ramones and Misfits novs personally.

But like I said, in for this great set either way. And probably in for the novs too since the ISO goes so hard. Would love to put this on a Qazikat or something else with prominent ISO.

I'm in for this set either way, but as someone who loves punk and loves the distortion theme in general, but doesn't care for The Ramones or The Misfits, I wish the distortion pedal novelty was the default novelty escape option. A number of my favorite bands use the Big Muff Pi, and I would love to put a nov on my keyboard that commemorates such an iconic distortion sound. But I'm not certain that I'll have a place for a single r4 novelty on the board I eventually put this on. Which is a shame because I think it's the novelty that is most emblematic of the distortion theme. On a related note, I wonder if the demand for a Ramones and Misfits themed XT column has much demand. I'd rather just have a cheaper novelty kit that removes the XT support and gives me an extra r1 and r2 distortion pedal Esc nov. But I do love the inclusion of the r4 speaker novs!

On second thought I know even some 40s have double xt columns and big boards like the Diversity TKL and some battleship-inspired boards are having a moment right now, so XT support is probably important. But I've never been a fan of XT novelties like these, where each column is a repeat of a single novelty design. I know kits are pretty finalized now, but how sick would it be if the xt support keys were alternating in mod color and accent pink, echoing the 2nd wave ska checkerboard motif? I'd take NEX and RPF checkered blanks for XT over the Ramones and Misfits novs personally.

But like I said, in for this great set either way. And probably in for the novs too since the ISO goes so hard. Would love to put this on a Qazikat or something else with prominent ISO.

I sorta agree the novelties lean a little too heavily into those bands, just because they have album covers with black and pink? Not to mention I think Sex Pistols were actually the earliest to use that theme. The theme and more general novelties are pretty great though!

Point well taken. I feel like the Pistols are represented by R1 2U novelty with the safety pin. I chose the Ramones and Misfits for their strong iconography in their logos, which is something the Pistols didn't have.

Likewise, for the big muff, I listed it as R4 1U because it seems appropriate for a stompbox. On SA/DSS, that's FN for Tsangan 60s, 65s, and TKLs, which everyone uses to switch layers. It also looks better in Pink on black than the inverse, which is a prerequisite for an Escape novelty (looks good in mod and accent colorway).

For the actual escape novelty, I chose the heart with an arrow through it as an homage to Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers, which (with the NY Dolls), to me represents the "first modern punk."

I appreciate the feedback! Thank you for checking it out!

[TheSoulhunter]

I wish the alpha font size would be a bit smaller.
The difference to modifier font size is huge...
Still, I'd be in for a Cherry profile set.
I love the colors!

[drfilco]

The time for tasty jams hath arrived, so sayeth the jam taster

[Kool-Keys]

I'm liking this, just because Rocket to Russia is part of the inspiration 

[Dingo_Seven]

GLWIC!

Gawd this got me thinking of making some audio-themed sets to make a love letter to 90s Eurodance :0

Maybe I should give that a go sometime...

[madmax13]

I'm liking this, just because Rocket to Russia is part of the inspiration 

One of my favorite albums. The first four Ramones albums could compete with any other run in rock history.

GLWIC!

Gawd this got me thinking of making some audio-themed sets to make a love letter to 90s Eurodance :0

Maybe I should give that a go sometime...

I like using music as an inspiration- I have previously run a set using City Pop as an inspiration, and my next set is likely going to be an MF DOOM inspired DCS set.

Thanks all for your feedback!

[LXVRGS]

wish this was dcs or sa

[HappyB0T]

I like the color way been out of the hobby but would pick this up. 

[madmax13]

wish this was dcs or sa

This actually started life as an SA set, but I wanted to run a DSS set, and thought this would get people interested in the profile.

I like the color way been out of the hobby but would pick this up. 

Thank you so much!

10/9- Based on feedback from here and other forums, updated Base kitting- Added R3 Pipe.

General observations for the IC. Base kitting appears to be gaining traction over alpha+. Secondly, about half the people like the novelties, which is about right. Lastly, and very interestingly, about half the respondents like the DSA R5.

[zlobin356]

Looks interesting. GLWIC!
From my perspective i would maybe use less hot-pink shade and rather go with more powder pink/soft pink option or maybe with something more purplish, nonetheless very cool set! Would be nice to explore other music genres in keycaps, but i guess we are pretty limited in frames of what keycap set is. If R2 will happen, will it be "post-punk"? 

[nebulazy]

I love this colorway and DSS good. GLWIC!

[Ammonite]

Definitely going to get this set if it goes to gb! Hopefully global vendors?

[madmax13]

Definitely going to get this set if it goes to gb! Hopefully global vendors?

That's the idea- to sell it worldwide.


10/14- Added Iso2 to NorDE kit.

[Tune Lab]

This is what I want

[madmax13]

The reaction for this set is overwhelmingly positive—just a quick update on a few things.

A bit more than half wanted the novelties, which I take as good as it will get.

About two-thirds wanted the base kits, which aligns with my expectation. Depending on who sells the set, I will push this as the option.

About 40 percent wanted the "R5" kit, so I will ensure that it is offered. It's one of those things that the more people use, the more people will accept it. 

[madmax13]

I am thinking of offering the "Fancy Function keys" as part of this design, like in DSS microcomputer. What does everyone think?

[madmax13]

11/10- Updated 60s-80s mod kitting, as well as changed function row legends to "BBC Micro" style.

[madmax13]

11/17: Decided with base kitting, DSA R5, Keeping "BBC Micro" style function keys, and potentially adding 3-1-3 space to the extras kit.

[madmax13]

12/9- Received enough interest, will pitch to SP. Failing that, will start getting quotes and laying the groundwork for a GB.

[madmax13]

1/4- Made Pitch to SP, was told they do not have the bandwidth for further community sets.

I am currently undecided on the next step. So, I can see if I can find vendors to work with, which would be my first community run.

Alternatively, I made all the artwork compatible with both SP and GMK standards. So a conversion to GMK CLY is in the cards. I have done a mockup using GMK ABS Stock colors, which I will post below, and see what the reaction is.

[madmax13]

1/4- Made Pitch to SP, was told they do not have the bandwidth for further community sets.

I am currently undecided on the next step. So, I can see if I can find vendors to work with, which would be my first community run.

Alternatively, I made all the artwork compatible with both SP and GMK standards. So a conversion to GMK CLY is in the cards. I have done a mockup using GMK ABS Stock colors, which I will post below, and see what the reaction is.

Here is what a pretty standard GMK Base kit would look like with stock GMK colors.

[incrediblejr]

GMK CYL I can get behind, with proper OG Icon mods that is. Maybe with some Xbox backspace and purse Caps Lock

GMK CR/N9/MG1 was used to match the SP colors ?

[schizobovine]

1/4- Made Pitch to SP, was told they do not have the bandwidth for further community sets.

I am currently undecided on the next step. So, I can see if I can find vendors to work with, which would be my first community run.

Alternatively, I made all the artwork compatible with both SP and GMK standards. So a conversion to GMK CLY is in the cards. I have done a mockup using GMK ABS Stock colors, which I will post below, and see what the reaction is.

Booooooooo We need more DSS! I've got dozens of Cherry-profile sets, and precisely 3 DSS sets.

It's a shame, too, since DSS is unique to SP but they seem to be eschewing it in favor of the more popular Cherry profile DCS. And while this is probably a controversial take, I find DCS "meh" at best if we're talking Cherry profiles -- it's thin and feels/sounds cheap compared to modern double-shot sets from GMK/KKB/Domikey/etc. DSS has similar thinness, but it's a unique profile at least.

I would get this in GMK CYL, as it's a unique colorway for me and GMK's quality is worth it; I wouldn't bother if it was another manufacturer.

[madmax13]

1/4- Made Pitch to SP, was told they do not have the bandwidth for further community sets.

I am currently undecided on the next step. So, I can see if I can find vendors to work with, which would be my first community run.

Alternatively, I made all the artwork compatible with both SP and GMK standards. So a conversion to GMK CLY is in the cards. I have done a mockup using GMK ABS Stock colors, which I will post below, and see what the reaction is.

Booooooooo We need more DSS! I've got dozens of Cherry-profile sets, and precisely 3 DSS sets.

It's a shame, too, since DSS is unique to SP but they seem to be eschewing it in favor of the more popular Cherry profile DCS. And while this is probably a controversial take, I find DCS "meh" at best if we're talking Cherry profiles -- it's thin and feels/sounds cheap compared to modern double-shot sets from GMK/KKB/Domikey/etc. DSS has similar thinness, but it's a unique profile at least.

I would get this in GMK CYL, as it's a unique colorway for me and GMK's quality is worth it; I wouldn't bother if it was another manufacturer.

DSS is still my first choice, but they do not have the bandwidth ATM to run community sets through their storefront ATM. My concern with DSS running it through vendors is that it is very difficult to run a non-40s set. Hence the potential shift to GMK/Cherry.

[tavapataor]

What is it that makes it difficult to run a non-40s set?

[dvorcol]

Booooooooo We need more DSS! I've got dozens of Cherry-profile sets, and precisely 3 DSS sets.

It's a shame, too, since DSS is unique to SP but they seem to be eschewing it in favor of the more popular Cherry profile DCS. And while this is probably a controversial take, I find DCS "meh" at best if we're talking Cherry profiles -- it's thin and feels/sounds cheap compared to modern double-shot sets from GMK/KKB/Domikey/etc. DSS has similar thinness, but it's a unique profile at least.

I would get this in GMK CYL, as it's a unique colorway for me and GMK's quality is worth it; I wouldn't bother if it was another manufacturer.

DCS profile is slightly different from Cherry profile, as shown in this comparison from CannonKeys. I doubt the small differences – for example the taller, sharper spacebar – change your stance. I just don't want anyone to mistakenly think SP makes Cherry profile.

[madmax13]

What is it that makes it difficult to run a non-40s set?

It's just a very challenging market for keyboard stuff ATM. DSS is a niche product that never caught on with regular keyboard users, even though every other 40s keyset group buy is DSS. I hoped Microcomputer would push that out, but it's still a very slept-on, but very nice profile.

Right now, just weighing my options. I've got four sets in IC, and I'm trying to get two of them to GB at the moment. This set is one I am particularly excited about and would like to see come to pass in some shape or form.

[P.P]

This color really pinks!!! A little bit like Nana theme!

[schizobovine]

DCS profile is slightly different from Cherry profile, as shown in this comparison from CannonKeys. I doubt the small differences – for example the taller, sharper spacebar – change your stance. I just don't want anyone to mistakenly think SP makes Cherry profile.

TIL! I'd always made the assumption that it was the same. Seems like it's mostly <1mm difference except for the space bar, which is slightly taller.

DSS is still my first choice, but they do not have the bandwidth ATM to run community sets through their storefront ATM. My concern with DSS running it through vendors is that it is very difficult to run a non-40s set. Hence the potential shift to GMK/Cherry.

That makes sense, yeah. And yeah, doing DSS sets via vendors is definitely a risk -- the only one I can recall was DSS Font Awesome, I think?

It's just a very challenging market for keyboard stuff ATM. DSS is a niche product that never caught on with regular keyboard users, even though every other 40s keyset group buy is DSS.

Why did 40's take to DSS while larger builds didn't, I wonder?

[madmax13]

It's just a very challenging market for keyboard stuff ATM. DSS is a niche product that never caught on with regular keyboard users, even though every other 40s keyset group buy is DSS.

Why did 40's take to DSS while larger builds didn't, I wonder?

I don't know for sure, but I suspect its because DSS is the sculpted "cousin" of DSA- to the point they use the same legend plates.

Also, SP has been super friendly about small runs- they're the only game in town for doubleshot runs for more niche products.