[techkeys.us]THEY'RE HERE!!! Br/Ba Keycaps and Crystal Keys - Order in Post #3

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

There was already a thread on this here, but I decided to make it an official group buy!  NOTE: This IC/GB is being run by both me and i3oilermaker.  His experience in running GBs is going to greatly help us out here...  Also, I want to thank Batmann for coming up with the original idea for this IC/GB. 

So this is what we were thinking (concept art by Batmann):



UPDATED: Mock-ups by i3oilermaker:


And some darker ones:


UPDATED: More potential mock-ups by Batmann:





For the Br and Ba caps, I was considering doubleshots maybe...?  As for the blue "crystal" keys, I am unsure of where such keys could be manufactured.  Anyone have any ideas for that?  And I feel like we should make 4 crystal keys instead of three, that way the entire key set can replace the Insert, Delete, Home, End, and Page Up/Down keys.

Anyways, post here if you're interested.  If we can get enough interest (50+) I will go about making this a group buy.  I shall keep a tally of the number of sets people are interested in and I will post it in post #2 of this thread. PLEASE NOTE: Even if you posted your interest in the other thread, please post here as well.  It will make it easier for me to keep track of all the people who are interested and how many sets we will need to make.  Please post the number of sets you would be interested in buying.

Oh, and this is my first time running an interest check/group buy, so any help/advice from group buy experts is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!


UPDATE!!!!

The Meth Cap:

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

Official Interest Tally (number of sets): 91

Total number of crystal keys: 434

Interest List:
List subject to change.

Batmann - 2 sets (10 crystals)
Computer-Lab in Basement - 5 sets
i3oilermaker - 5 sets
boost - 1 set
elton5354 - 1 set
Dabboo - 1 set
Kensy - 1 set
tjcaustin - 1 set
fohat.digs - 1 set
jcrouse - 1 set
REAPER - 1 set
Xerobasix - 3 sets
danielucf - 1 set (plus 8-12x blue crystals)
WhiteFireDragon - 1 set
mkngrm - 2 sets
midg1t - 2 sets
Zwi - 1 set
neeb - 2 sets
ekw808 - 1 set (maybe more crystals)
Halverson - 2 sets
shadewolf - 2 sets (maybe more crystals)
shibbyllama889 - 1 set
ElTwig - 1 set (plus extra crystals)
eon - 2 sets
kinruan - 1 set
sirtetris - 1 set
osxoep - 1 set (maybe no crystal)
YoungMichael88 - 1 set
HRS2K - 1 set
poopmat - 1 set
winzds - 1 set
bnp70kr - 1 set
Lu_e - 1 set (plus extra crystal x6)
TheBackgammon - 1 set
Macrowave - 1 set
The_Beast - 1 set
JSchool - 1 set
Slavfot - 1 set
Armagedda - 3 sets (20 crystals)
lyk503 - 1 set
Paranoid - 1 set
tipo33 - 1 set
Rockfing - 1 set
Elrick - 4 sets (12 crystals)
precarious - 1 set
leesofi - 3 crystal sets (12 crystals)
JonDBurnett - 1 set (maybe 2)
2UX - 1 set
jean_popo - 1 set
voice - 1 set
Cobertt - 1 set
Binge - 2 sets
Acetrak - 1 set (maybe more crystals)
Permeability - 1 set of crystals (no Br/Ba keys, possibly more crystals...?)
kmiller8 - 3 sets (20 crystals)
red-se-o - 1 set
noog - 8 crystals
moonprismpwr - 4 crystals
Glissant - 13 crystals
AriesX - 1 set
megaforce93 - 1-2 crystals
singaporean123 - 1 set (3 crystals)
dreamingftw - 1 set
aggiejy - 2 sets
m00nshake - 1 set (at least 6 crystals)
mikelanding - 2 sets (3 crystals)
cancelx - 2 sets (plus Ge/H keys)
aeta - 3 crystals
Scoliosis Jones - 1 set

Let me know if the quantities in the list are incorrect and I will fix them ASAP.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

Please Read
There will be no formal group buy, the keys will be listed on techkeys.us when they arrive at the typical GB price (TBD).  After one week the price will go up to help hedge the risk of me buying lots of extras.  If you don't want to miss this window of buying at cost, sign up for product notifications at http://www.techkeys.us/contact-us.php This process will eliminate the need to manage a thread, respond to 100's of PMs, send 100's of invoices, break legs to pay, and have you out the cash for 3-4 weeks.  Instead when the keys arrive, you buy and they ship next day.

THEY"RE HERE!!!!

Get them here!

[i3oilermaker]

I can tell you that with a DS it would be quite difficult to get those atomic numbers to look right. 

The problem with dye sub is that you can't do it on a dark key.


Upon closer review this is actually quite doable.  Let me know if you want any help with SVGs or running the GB

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

Yeah I though that might be a problem.  If we go with DS the atomic numbers might have to be a little larger/bolder than the ones in the pic.  And I am thinking dye sub is out of the question for the exact reason that you brought up.

i3, I'll send you a PM.  I can definitely use the help.

[boost]

Inf1

[i3oilermaker]

More realistic mock-ups given the constraints of DS molding.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

More realistic mock-ups given the constraints of DS molding.


(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

It looks good.  I think the green should be a little bit darker though.

[elton5354]

In4aS

[i3oilermaker]

More realistic mock-ups given the constraints of DS molding.


(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

It looks good.  I think the green should be a little bit darker though.

Updated.

[DanGWanG]

QWERKeys could probably make something very similar to the OP's images

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

More realistic mock-ups given the constraints of DS molding.


(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

It looks good.  I think the green should be a little bit darker though.

Updated.

Perfect!  I'll add those to the OP.

[Dabboo]

More realistic mock-ups given the constraints of DS molding.


(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

It looks good.  I think the green should be a little bit darker though.

I've stolen those mockups that i3oilermaker created (I hope this isn't against rules and I mean no disrespect) and I darkened the green to the 2 shades of green shown on the original poster's image.



Also, I am interested.

Dave.

EDIT: In the time I took to recolour these i3oilermaker has already updated his original post, oops! but these are here anyway just in case the colour is more desirable to some.

[Kensy]

I'm interested !

[tjcaustin]

Still interested in a set here, too.

/grumbles about them not having the white border batmann added

[i3oilermaker]

The white border is not possible on a DS key as the mold-able area of the key top does not extend to the edge.

The only way to make that happen would be to dyesub on a white key, but then the sides of the cap would be white as well.

[tjcaustin]

I figured, just complaining.

[fohat.digs]

I could probably go for a set.

4 clear/blues might give a bit more flexibility, eg arrow keys.

[i3oilermaker]

Arrow keys would be a different profile keys....we would need to decide if these would be top or bottom row keys.

[boost]

Thread moved to "Group Buy" Section.

Thanks

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

Thread moved to "Group Buy" Section.

Thanks

Thank you sir!

[jcrouse]

I'll take a set.

[reaper]

Same here.  In for a set please.

[Batmann]

I contacted qwerkeys, they can do double shot green on black with white engraved prints, white border included. They can't provide clear blue though. I'll give you a quote with shipping costs later.
I'm waiting for SP proposition.
We are not in a hurry, let's wait for a detailed offer.

[Xerobasix]

I'd be interested in a periodic table set too, although I am interested in these.  This is something to put on my lab report writing board...

[danielucf]

I'm interested. I think the clear blue key should be available individually. I know that I want 8 or 12 of them and others will too making the price come down considerably.

[WhiteFireDragon]

I'll be interested in a set.

Just curious, what are the 3x blue crystal keys for?

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

I'll be interested in a set.

Just curious, what are the 3x blue crystal keys for?

They represent the blue meth that Walter cooks in the show.

[hashbaz]

I contacted qwerkeys, they can do double shot green on black with white engraved prints, white border included. They can't provide clear blue though. I'll give you a quote with shipping costs later.
I'm waiting for SP proposition.
We are not in a hurry, let's wait for a detailed offer.

Just FYI SP is closed on Fridays so you likely won't hear back until Monday.  Also, qwerkeys doesn't do doubleshots.  I believe their stuff is engraved and infilled.

edit: I am wrong, qwerkeys _can_ do doubleshots.

[mkngrm]

Interested in 2 sets.

[i3oilermaker]

I think he was referring to their "B-Series".  It is not technically a doubleshot, but it is two colors.

[midg1t]

I'd be in for 2 sets considering how much I love that show.

[Zwi]

I'm in for a set

[neeb]

So as it stands right now, are we calling one "set" the two Br/Ba keys + 4 blue crystal keys?

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

So as it stands right now, are we calling one "set" the two Br/Ba keys + 4 blue crystal keys?

As of right now yes, that is what we are calling one set.

[neeb]

So as it stands right now, are we calling one "set" the two Br/Ba keys + 4 blue crystal keys?

As of right now yes, that is what we are calling one set.

I would be interested in 2 sets!

[Batmann]

I think he was referring to their "B-Series".  It is not technically a doubleshot, but it is two colors.

True, it would actually look like the geekhack white/orange on black, they can engrave the white border on the green part of the cap. It seems we have more flexibility with B series regarding printing issues.

Things got out of control to be honest, I said I was running this in the Breaking Bad thread I started.
Before firing the Interest Check I figured that would be a good I idea to come up with a detailed offer: material, design, prices, shipping costs and so on.. I contacted QWERkeys and SP this morning and already got some answers but not enough to provide an exhaustive description.
I'm more than surprised to find this IC with almost nothing more than what I already proposed in the other thread, and even the keycaps are not the last update with the white border.
I want this set as much as you all do, there is no need to rush it and end up with something we won't be satisfied with.
I already started to deal with the manufacturers and now I want to carry this on, as I said earlier in the initial thread.
Nothing personnal here, I don't mean to hurt anybody.
 

And last but not least, SP is freshly molding translucent colored polycarbonate keycaps and I'm waiting for pictures, this set will see the light 

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

Things got out of control to be honest, I said I was running this in the Breaking Bad thread I started.
Before firing the Interest Check I figured that would be a good I idea to come up with a detailed offer: material, design, prices, shipping costs and so on.. I contacted QWERkeys and SP this morning and already got some answers but not enough to provide an exhaustive description.
I'm more than surprised to find this IC with almost nothing more than what I already proposed in the other thread, and even the keycaps are not the last update with the white border.
I want this set as much as you all do, there is no need to rush it and end up with something we won't be satisfied with.
I already started to deal with the manufacturers and now I want to carry this on, as I said earlier in the initial thread.
Nothing personnal here, I don't mean to hurt anybody.

It says in your first post that you didn't want to organize this whole thing.  So I did some of the organizing for you!   (Not to mention newbies can't post in the group buy sub-forum until they reach 60 posts )  I didn't mean to steal your thunder...

As for the whole "white border" thing, that probably won't happen.  In the interest of keeping costs lower, the simpler the keycap, the better.  Let's not get overly complicated here...

[i3oilermaker]

I just heard back from SP and they can do translucent blue.

I will stay out of the way unless Batmann wants me to take over.

[ekw808]

interested in 1, and maybe a few more ice's depending on how they turn out

[Halverson]

I've never even watched breaking bad, but those caps look too good to pass up. In for a set

[neeb]

I don't think anyone meant to step on your feet Batmann, their intentions are the same as yours; they want to make this awesome idea come to life! I understand that you want to be involved in this (rightfully so, it was your idea after all) but I don't see the harm in letting these guys collaborate with you on it. Just my two cents (for whatever that's worth, if anything, lol xD).

[tjcaustin]

I'd be willing to hear the cost of doing B series for the two elements before we say "no, cheap or bust"

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

We are open to all suggestions.  I will consider Batmann's suggestions over my own, since he did come up with the idea.

As it is, all I'm really doing here is managing the thread...

[i3oilermaker]

I don't think anyone meant to step on your feet Batmann, their intentions are the same as yours; they want to make this awesome idea come to life! I understand that you want to be involved in this (rightfully so, it was your idea after all) but I don't see the harm in letting these guys collaborate with you on it. Just my two cents (for whatever that's worth, if anything, lol xD).

Same here - I would be happy to run this, and front the cash for it, but only if Batmann wants me to.

[shadewolf]

interested in 1, and maybe a few more ice's depending on how they turn out

This for me as well!

[Batmann]

It says in your first post that you didn't want to organize this whole thing.  So I did some of the organizing for you!   (Not to mention newbies can't post in the group buy sub-forum until they reach 60 posts )
As for the whole "white border" thing, that probably won't happen.  In the interest of keeping costs lower, the simpler the keycap, the better.  Let's not get overly complicated here...

didn't you read the whole thread?
I'm not sure this is your call to decide whether the white border will be or not, plus you don't know yet what's possible since you didn't get in touch with manufacturers (as you said you had no idea who could produce the keys).
Don't get me wrong here, this is not about playing the tough guy. I've been thinking of it for a long time now (that's what made me join GH) and I already invested quite some time in this and I want it to be a success. This is not something I came accross and said "yeah, great idea!" although I'm trully glad you like it.
Concerning the 60 posts, I would understand If It was an issue (even if 61 posts don't make me more trustworthy imo) and I would figure something out.
Once again, I understand you baddly want it and I don't feel offended if that matters 

I'd be willing to hear the cost of doing B series for the two elements before we say "no, cheap or bust"

I already got quoted by SP and QWERkeys, I'm waiting for pictures and some answers to decide with you what is the best.
B series would match the exact description and would be around 2,10 GBP a key (I let you do the conversion)
Double shot would probably be around 2 dollars a key maybe but I'm not sure we can achieve the same result, I'm still discussing it atm.
I'll soon come back to you with all the details

[hashbaz]

Batmann is too new to run a buy, in any case.  No offense to you personally Bat.  You did say you had no idea how to run it, and we are familiar for the most part with what the manufacturers can do.

You can certainly do a lot of the interest check type stuff like designing the keys and gathering interested parties, but when it comes down to the money collection, sorting, and distribution, we need someone more established.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

Batmann is too new to run a buy, in any case.  No offense to you personally Bat.

He can certainly do a lot of the interest check type stuff like designing the keys and gathering interested parties, but when it comes down to the money collection, sorting, and distribution, we need someone more established.

Which is why I am getting assistance from i3oilermaker on this GB...

Way to make me feel out of place Batmann    I'm just trying to organize your ideas in a way that make it easier to manage.  No need to get all defensive, we are both trying to achieve the same goal here.  Again, like I said, all I'm doing is managing the thread.  So here's what I'm going to do:

- Batmann will have the final say on the design.  His design will trump all other designs. (So make it good, man! )
- i3oilermaker will handle the manufacturing / money collection / shipping for this GB.
- I will manage this thread and will see to it that everyone who wants one of these sets will get one.

I think that sounds fair for everyone, don't you think?  Feedback on this please...

[danielucf]

I ran a pretty decent group buy, I'd like to think, for the lambda keys only one month after creating an account. I didn't spend too much of the money in Tijuana Mexico

However if i3oilermaker runs it we know it'll all run smooth and if he is fronting some cash then it will get started sooner and everyone has meth on their keyboards sooner rather than later.

I think a simple solo key group buy is a good place to start though for someone new to running a group buy. I'm glad I didn't do anything more complicated for my first. Although Dan (sleabo) at QWERKeys is pretty easy to work with in my opinion.