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avatar_Gryzor

Simulant retro/new keyboards

Started by Gryzor, 09:22, 23 July 19

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Gryzor

How about that?
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/simulant-retro-computer-usb-pc-keyboards-mice/coming_soon
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/simulant/retro-computer-inspired-usb-pc-keyboards-and-mice-by-simulant



They look nice, but:


-no cordless option, which I find indispensable, at least for the mouse
-no mechanical keyboard
-no price tag


So unless it's cheap enough to have around I don't seem me buying one.


Thoughts? (other than the usual discussions about IG, scammers etc :D )

robcfg

They do look nice indeed, but they should be quite cheap, as they are regular keyboards.

XeNoMoRPH

your amstrad news source in spanish language : https://auamstrad.es

HAL6128

They say: "..will work both on original retro computers & modern PCs, RetroPie setups & FPGA/emulators."
Work on original retro computer?
...proudly supported Schnapps Demo, Pentomino and NQ-Music-Disc with GFX

Gryzor

Oh yes I read that and then forgot about it. The video shows it running with an Amiga, I wonder how... too little info, really.

TotO

Wrong layout. Just CPC skin over PC... Useless.
"You make one mistake in your life and the internet will never let you live it down" (Keith Goodyer)

Gryzor

Well, yes. But I don't mind it - I was toying with creating a custom mechanical keyboard scheme to resemble the CPC but gave up due to lack of time - nobody pretends it's the real thing!

norecess464

My personal website: https://norecess.cpcscene.net
My current project is Sonic GX, a remake of Sonic the Hedgehog for the awesome Amstrad GX-4000 game console!

||C|-|E||

What I would really like to have is a proper mechanical keyboard in my real Amstrads  ;D

Gryzor

What 8bits had a mechanical keyboard, really?

Scarlettkitten

Quote from: norecess on 16:18, 23 July 19
I will keep my Apple Extended 2 keyboards, thanks  :P (https://lowendmac.com/2006/apples-extended-keyboard-ii-sequel-to-a-legend/)


Ohhh nice choice, my keyboard of choice is the adjustable apple keyboard. [size=78%]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Adjustable_Keyboard[/size]
Sophie Rose:- My musical works https://soundcloud.com/sophierosemusics

mr_lou

I'd like one of those CPC464 ones for my PC.

Quote from: HAL 6128 on 12:50, 23 July 19
They say: "..will work both on original retro computers & modern PCs, RetroPie setups & FPGA/emulators."
Work on original retro computer?

I used a PC keyboard for my Amiga 1200 back in the day, using a simple adapter. So why not.
Can't see how it should be possible with the CPC though.

simulant

#12
Quote from: Gryzor on 09:22, 23 July 19
How about that?
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/simulant-retro-computer-usb-pc-keyboards-mice/coming_soon


They look nice, but:


-no cordless option, which I find indispensable, at least for the mouse
-no mechanical keyboard
-no price tag


So unless it's cheap enough to have around I don't seem me buying one.


Thoughts? (other than the usual discussions about IG, scammers etc :D )
Hi Gryzor, thanks for posting this.

I am here to answer any questions or give more details if anyone needs them.

We've gone membrane mainly down to trying to keep these affordable for backers (we looked into mechanical but with custom coloured keycaps and different injection moulded plastics etc it really pushes the prices up high) so we went with a good quality membrane, I am a true believer in trying to keep these low in price - haha something I am sure Lord Sugar would of tried to do back in the day haha!! But in all seriousness I grew up in the 80s when our beloved home computers were all about good value.

With that said we aim to launch with a price of £50 plus postage for a combo of a mouse AND keyboard. This is about as low as I can negotiate it for the quality and also for using all the different coloured plastics and bespoke key symbols etc - if it looked more generic we could get them down cheaper but there is quite a bit of work in producing them for the factory.

And yes they are wired, again down to price and also I actually prefer wires just as I go through batteries too fast! :)

Also we've moved to Kickstarter due to community feedback, people seem to trust it more as full refunds are guaranteed if the goal total isn't raised - new links can be found here: https://www.simulant.uk/input/
(hopefully you can update the initial post link?? Thanks again)

I've also attached a bigger image of the CPC style design too. I hope it helps clear things up a bit but please feel free to ask any questions and I'll be glad to help - please back the campaign or click to be "notified" when it is live and help support it if you like the project. If you don't like it then I am really sorry and no offence was intended I promise!!
Amstrad BBS - https://amstrad.simulant.uk

Amstrad Hardware & Software: https://www.simulant.uk/shop/

Gryzor

Yes, I do understand the constraints; my comments were not a jab at the choices/quality, but merely reflecting my needs!

That said it does look very nice and it's also really nice that you used a font close to the original one!

Huh, the campaign page is down?

PS just took a look at your store, some interesting items in there :)

simulant

Quote from: Gryzor on 09:24, 20 November 19
Yes, I do understand the constraints; my comments were not a jab at the choices/quality, but merely reflecting my needs!

That said it does look very nice and it's also really nice that you used a font close to the original one!

Huh, the campaign page is down?

PS just took a look at your store, some interesting items in there :)
Thanks Gryzor, yes I know you are definitely trying to help and I really appreciate it.
Yes we moved to Kickstarter due to community feedback, I've put the new link in my post above (edited in) so I wonder if you can change it in your original post? Thanks again :)
Amstrad BBS - https://amstrad.simulant.uk

Amstrad Hardware & Software: https://www.simulant.uk/shop/

Gryzor

Quote from: simulant on 10:46, 20 November 19
Thanks Gryzor, yes I know you are definitely trying to help and I really appreciate it.
Yes we moved to Kickstarter due to community feedback, I've put the new link in my post above (edited in) so I wonder if you can change it in your original post? Thanks again :)

Done :)

TotO


I think there is best to do with this sort of project by adding in example TAPE buttons symbols on it for emulators.
A good example of 464 custom PC keyboard: http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=14688.0;attach=25290;image

Some feedbacks:
- The € symbol is not mandatory to be printed.
- The green home button is inappropriate. COPY is already ALT. (lets forget PC keys for the user)
"You make one mistake in your life and the internet will never let you live it down" (Keith Goodyer)

simulant

Quote from: TotO on 11:08, 20 November 19
I think there is best to do with this sort of project by adding in example TAPE buttons symbols on it for emulators.
A good example of 464 custom PC keyboard: http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=14688.0;attach=25290;image

Some feedbacks:
- The € symbol is not mandatory to be printed.
- The green home button is inappropriate. COPY is already ALT. (lets forget PC keys for the user)
Hi thanks for the feedback TotO - that is a fantastic idea! I'd be happy to add the TAPE symbols if users feel they're a worthwhile edition definitely.
The Alt button I'm unsure though, I don't want to completely forget PC users as some users will just want this keyboard hopefully to use for their PC just for its looks and nostalgia and not soley for emulators or CPC setups... But I am open to change key layouts and take a vote from the backers as I could be wrong.
The € symbol too, this was a way to initially get some sort of International layout established but I do want to also add stretch goals for German, Spanish, French and any other layouts backers may require if there is demand. So yes I am certainly happy to change things to please the majority and take votes from backers before production :)
Amstrad BBS - https://amstrad.simulant.uk

Amstrad Hardware & Software: https://www.simulant.uk/shop/

Gryzor

The Tape button is a lovely touch indeed!

As for the Euro symbol - I'm all for it, but on the other hand I wouldn't mind it replicating the £ symbol I had on my original CPC :D

TotO

I would like to said that ALT keys are already in green like the CPC COPY keys, not to change them by copy.
So, it is not required to change the colour of the home key and better to keep it in black.
"You make one mistake in your life and the internet will never let you live it down" (Keith Goodyer)

remax

Brain Radioactivity

simulant

Thanks, I'll take the feedback on board and keep it with other notes ready to further improve the product ready for launch :) I think the tape key extra symbols and home in black is definitely worth working into the design.
Amstrad BBS - https://amstrad.simulant.uk

Amstrad Hardware & Software: https://www.simulant.uk/shop/

simulant

Ok guys we've finally gone live now with the Kickstarter for the Amstrad CPC-style keyboard and mouse. I've also put a note about the new "tape keys" idea too :)
I've also gone with a modified better and stronger design and full size keycaps which has increased production costs to £38,000 per design. So we've got a lot to raise but hopefully we can make this happen.

I hope anyone interested can support the project and thanks for all your help:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/simulant/retro-computer-inspired-usb-pc-keyboards-and-mice-by-simulant/
Please spread the word :)
Amstrad BBS - https://amstrad.simulant.uk

Amstrad Hardware & Software: https://www.simulant.uk/shop/

remax

Is azerty an option or not ?
Brain Radioactivity

TotO

Currently, the 464-like keyboard mock-up don't push me to back the project.
I like a lot the Amiga versions.
"You make one mistake in your life and the internet will never let you live it down" (Keith Goodyer)

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