[Interest Check] IBM Red Alert key caps

[Half-Saint]

I had this crazy idea today about having IBM caps with red labels much like sixty's Red Alert set. I dropped a message to Jim Owens at Unicomp and here's what he says:

Thanks for the note. It is possible, but we would have to order a part
with red ink rather than black; this would cost approximately $500. If
you plan to purchase a large quantity, this may be acceptable, but not
for a few keyboards. Please let me know if you have other questions.

My question is, how many of you would be interested in such a set? I'm thinking US ANSI, UK ISO and no Win keys, to make things simple.

We'd need at least 20 buyers to bring this down to $25 per person + the cost of the actual sets + shipping. Waiting for some additional info from Jim.

Cheers,
SainT

[tsangan]

Would the cost of the keys be the same as the are now on unicomp?

$20/per set + $3 for spacebar and then the $500 divided among all the sets purchased?

If it is then would be in for 3-4 sets of US ANSI

Also would this be a one time thing? Or will they be offering this later on because the part has already been purchased? Or would it be our own part where no one else can order it?

Sigh, why can't Topre be like this too

[korne]

Half-Saint is there any posibilty to get ISO spanish layout? unicomp allready have the molds

[7bit]

I'm in for a 122 key set!!!!

[dirge]

OMG yes! UK Iso please!

Also is it possible to have the keys from the experimental set? If enough interest is generated?

[tsangan]

OMG yes! UK Iso please!

Also is it possible to have the keys from the experimental set also? If enough interest is generated?

I think this is just trying to reproduce the red on white look.

The experimental set was white on red which and just something special OTD/Deskthority made. Also it isn't possible thru unicomp since they stop producing white printed keys due to them not lasting very long, I made a inquiry about that since I wanted white on black keys

[Half-Saint]

Sorry but white dye sub text isn't possible.

[dirge]

Of course, I'm being daft sorry. My head just seems to think doubleshot...

If I wanted I could order some red keys with black text from their site. I've been on there tonight toying with what caps to get, so great timing!

[xbb]

count me in

[litster]

I am in for a set or 2. Might be cheaper to have someone order them in the US and the reship to EU.

[rodtang]

Would the layout really matter that much?

[xbb]

maybe we can simplify it ANSI US + UK kit

[Grond]

I think once they buy the red ink, they can print whatever layout. But it's just a guess.

[RC-1140]

I think once they buy the red ink, they can print whatever layout. But it's just a guess.

Exactly what I've been thinking too. I really hope so. Then they might even be able to do a Terminal Set in DE Layout. Then I would probably buy one as well.

[rodtang]

I think once they buy the red ink, they can print whatever layout. But it's just a guess.

Exactly what I've been thinking too. I really hope so. Then they might even be able to do a Terminal Set in DE Layout. Then I would probably buy one as well.

Which was my point, limiting it to a few layouts would just increase the cost of those who get to buy.

[RC-1140]

Maybe you should ask him what he meant. My understanding is, that they just need something new to apply the red dye, and then could use all their sheets, so they could make all layouts in red.

[Half-Saint]

Jim got back to me:

A printed US button set would be $25 plus shipping.

Jim and Chuck have one thing in common. Don't ask more than one question at a time or you won't get an answer

[Half-Saint]

While we wait...

A US proxy would certainly be welcome.

[Ascaii]

I would take an ISO set.

[litster]

While we wait...

A US proxy would certainly be welcome.

If you do it quick, may be you can catch the Phantom shipment, if you also ordered Phantom. Not sure if BiNiaRiS is up for it though.

[7bit]

This is how it would look:

[reaper]

If it comes in ANSI then I'd buy a set for my SSK.

[webwit]

I'm not sure yet if this will look good or just... wrong.

[guilleguillaume]

I'n not sure about the red looking good enough in Unicomp Beige keys

[litster]

Does Unicomp have plain white keycaps?

[Half-Saint]

Of course!

[kaiserreich]

In for 2 ANSI. 101-type

These group buys are killing everyone's wallet.

[laggy-gaga]

in for 2 ANSI 101 sets

[dfxdx]

I'll have an ANSI set.

[Half-Saint]

Another update from Jim:

Yes, if we have the parts needed to make a printed button set, it is $25 plus shipping. For example, French, German, US English, UK English etc.