Kickstarter campaign for Amstrad CPC inspired USB PC keyboards and mice :)

[simulant]

Hi I am hoping to generate some interest and get support if people like my Kickstarter campaign!
The Amstrad CPC doesn't always get the love it deserves compared to other 8-bit or retro computers but I had to include it in my Retro-inspired USB mice and keyboards project as I own various Amstrads and they've always been my all-time favourite machines

In short, I have the manufacturing and a prototype in place to make bespoke printed USB keyboards and mice. They are membrane to keep the costs down for backers, but they're nice to type on and well made. Injection moulded and colour keycaps in the style of Amstrad CPC464!

Here is the youtube video of my Amiga variant prototype:
https://youtu.be/RxsRw4scrOg

And here is my Kickstarter campaign info and link: https://www.simulant.uk/input/

I hope the Amstrad community can give me any support if you like the idea. If you don't like it of course I won't take offence and sorry to take up your time

Trademark note: As you may have noticed the old Amstrad logo is currently not included but may be added in future if Sky UK give blessing - to avoid trademark and copyright issues there are some other small differences too - the idea is the keyboard and mouse have a look to match a CPC but aren't official at this stage.
 

[Gryzor]

Following the project, but what about the price?

It's unfortunate, but I don't have a use for it, much as I'd like one At work I'm using a daskeyboard 4 and at home I'm not using a PC any more. I could use it instead of the Logitech one I'm using in the living room sometimes to control some devices, but it'd have to be wireless... Darn.

[simulant]

Following the project, but what about the price?

It's unfortunate, but I don't have a use for it, much as I'd like one At work I'm using a daskeyboard 4 and at home I'm not using a PC any more. I could use it instead of the Logitech one I'm using in the living room sometimes to control some devices, but it'd have to be wireless... Darn.

Thanks for the support Gryzor, it does mean a lot as when I started this I was looking at my own requirements and didn't know if it would be something people want or not. Just because I think it is cool doesn't always mean the community does haha so it has been really nice to get some positive feedback like on Twitter and forums etc
The price currently planned is £40 or less if possible for a keyboard. And £20 or less for a mouse. Plus shipping (under £5 tracked in UK). This may change but I really want to get prices down as low as I can, that was the whole point originally - I couldn't afford all the new retro input options out there or custom mechanical keyboards and such. I just wanted something nice but affordable to be available for my different machines or project builds.
I hope you can find a use for one haha, maybe a nice Amstrad CPC fpga or Raspberry PI??!! 

[Gryzor]

Well, of all my collection the only devices that have survived in the living room are the ShieldTV, the Analogue Mega and a Retropie setup in a Sega MD case. Of these only the RPie cab use a cabled keyboard, but even there I wouldn't want to mess with the cables... I'll really consider it though

[ASiC]

I'll definitely grab a couple of them!

[Redbug]

Use the original cpc layout and I buy it for sure. (Like the Recreated Sinclair ZX Spectrum)
It will be great with my MiST 

[simulant]

Thanks Redbug - it is almost original but we have to be careful about IP / trademark liability so the original logo isn't added and a few other differences (as well as different shape etc). Back in the ZX Recreated days the trademarks were a bit easier and Sky used to give their blessing more, unfortunately a lot of people got stung on the Vega 2 project and now Sky are a little more defensive understandably. Though colours are pantone colour-matched for keys. The design can be seen in the attachment on the first post. Thanks so much for the support guys - please share the project with anyone you know to hopefully help get it in production

[Gryzor]

Ok then, who can produce a few unofficial logo decals to buy separately? 😃 I'd pay for a few...