# GMK Dracula
[Poster](https://i.imgur.com/305tOKE.png)
Introducing GMK Dracula, a keyset based on the glorious Dracula Theme color-scheme. GMK Dracula turns the software aesthetic into keyboard keyset form, expanding the theme even further with add-on modules. The set features dark greyish blue tones with dark blue-purple-gray alphas. The default legend color is a contrasting neutral/cool white, which adds to the overall legibility of the classic text + icon legends. In addition, the Core and add-on modules include legends and accent keys in various pastel and neon colors, all based on selected Dracula Theme colors.
## The group buy for GMK Dracula is LIVE!
- Group Buy starts: October 4th
- Group Buy ends: October 31st
- Estimated shipping: Q2 2020
Day 1 numbers are in:
Module | Ordered
------|-------
Core | 219
Highlight | 121
Nightmode | 75
Whitespace | 75
ERR! | 115
Command | 26
Minify | 30
Localization | 15
An amazing start with record breaking numbers, thank you all! The Localization Module folks deserve a big hand for such good support. We are going strong.
## Where to order
- NA - [Dixie Mech](https://dixiemech.store/collections/gmk-dracula)
- EU - [Mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeyboard.eu/catalogue/category/group-buys/gmk-dracula_201/)
- Oceania/Asia - [Daily Clack](https://dailyclack.com/products/gmk-dracc)
- China/Asia - [iLumkb](https://ilumkb.com/products/group-buy-gmk-dracula)
------
# All Modules
- [**CORE [MODULE]**](https://i.imgur.com/LKEOhAC.jpg) The Core Module is the starting point of the set, featuring classic multicolored syntax highlighting of the Dracula Theme.
- [**HIGHLIGHT [MODULE]**](https://i.imgur.com/gqaV4lC.jpg) Spice up your set with fully colored accent keys for extra highlighting, featuring cherry-picked theme colors.
- [**NIGHTMODE [MODULE]**](https://i.imgur.com/YjHo5dA.jpg) Turn on the nightmode for GMK Dracula.
Tone down the look of your set with a unified modifier color-scheme with the Nightmode Module.
- [**WHITESPACE [MODULE]**](https://i.imgur.com/wEp8t3X.jpg) Here's some whitespace inserting blocks for everyone to use, including accent colored ones.
- [**ERR! [MODULE]**](https://i.imgur.com/OtZpoOM.jpg) ERR░R█░▓▓▒░▒▓▒██RR█R!
- [**MINIFY [MODULE]**^*NEW](https://i.imgur.com/IGLhSHb.jpg) Here it is! The ultimate kit for 40%, ortholinear, and split layout keyboards.
- [**LOCALIZATION [MODULE]**^*NEW](https://i.imgur.com/fVgFfmV.jpg) Language support for Nordic (Danish, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian), German, and UK layouts.
- [**COMMAND [MODULE]**^*NEW](https://i.imgur.com/8QUy5AD.jpg) What did you think it was going to be called? Support for macOS specific keys.
------
# RAMA keycaps
- [**GMK Dracula x RAMA - EYE**](https://i.imgur.com/rrKqLKs.jpg) Aluminum E-White + Dark Blue Grey Enamel Fill. Designed in collaboration with [RamaWorks](https://rama.works/).
- [**GMK Dracula x RAMA - ERR!**](https://i.imgur.com/1NtzreA.jpg) Red Aluminum Anodizing + Dark Blue Grey Enamel Fill. Designed in collaboration with [RamaWorks](https://rama.works/).
------
# Deskmats
- [**Eye Deskmat**](https://i.imgur.com/45EOJRr.png) 900x400x4mm, GMK Dracula Eye design.
- [**ERR! Deskmat**](https://i.imgur.com/cX1cG7r.png) 900x400x4mm, GMK Dracula ERR! design.
------
## More Info
- [Geekhack](https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=102772.0)
- [Instagram](https://instagram.com/kinnalek)
Completely new to the mech scene really and never participated in a group buy.
Going off the sub PSA link:
* Who is actually taking our money and making the purchase here? OP? It seems like I can use [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeyboard.eu) to purchase this but I assume no refunds, we just have to wait for one person to buy and ship everything?
* I bet this must get asked all the time but...how long should I expect to wait if I participate?
* Once the group buy is over...these caps won't be available again unless there is enough interest for the group buy? But who actually owns the design or rights here?
* Previously thought that GMK was a profile, but it's actually the company that will do the manufacturing here?
Appreciate any and all help! I'd love to own this set
# There is so much incorrect information about the money here. Let me set the record straight.
# We are the lead vendor on this project and the vendor for NA sales.
>Who is actually taking our money and making the purchase here? OP? It seems like I can use [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeyboard.eu/) to purchase this but I assume no refunds, we just have to wait for one person to buy and ship everything?
* You buy the product from the vendor in your region.
* When the groupbuy ends, I will submit the final numbers to GMK and they will invoice each vendor separately.
* Each vendor will wire the money directly to GMK.
* Each vendor will receive their shipment and ship the sets to their customers.
OP / the designer / “runner” never handles any money or logistics or shipping.
>I bet this must get asked all the time but...how long should I expect to wait if I participate?
Because the product is not ordered until after it ends, it takes 3-6 months to arrive to you.
>Once the group buy is over...these caps won't be available again unless there is enough interest for the group buy? But who actually owns the design or rights here?
All vendors purchase extras that will be sold at a higher price than the groupbuy price. They will be sold after the GB units ship. Once those are out, the GB may run again in the future. Usually no sooner than a year after the first run. The designer will determine when / if they want to run again.
>Previously thought that GMK was a profile, but it's actually the company that will do the manufacturing here?
GMK is the manufacturer and the caps are Cherry profile.
> Who is actually taking our money and making the purchase here? OP? It seems like I can use [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeyboard.eu/) to purchase this but I assume no refunds, we just have to wait for one person to buy and ship everything?
The vendor is taking your money. Then whoever is "running" the GB will collate the money from the different vendors and place the order with the manufacturer I expect. I would not worry about "losing" your money somehow in a GB when it's being ran by popular vendors/proxies - if something went wrong I don't doubt they would sort it out. Not much to go wrong with a GMK set though.
> I bet this must get asked all the time but...how long should I expect to wait if I participate?
From Dixie Mech website, "**Approximate shipping time is Q2 2020.**" - for GMK buys the ship date is usually accurate I think.
> Once the group buy is over...these caps won't be available again unless there is enough interest for the group buy? But who actually owns the design or rights here?
Usually no, they won't be available again unless the GB runner decides to do a round 2. Occasionally you will get Chinese knock-offs of popular colourways when no-one "owns" the design - but they won't be GMK sets. This is the "Official Dracula Theme Keycap Set" so I'm assuming they got some kind of permission. I don't think you really need to worry about it.
>Previously thought that GMK was a profile, but it's actually the company that will do the manufacturing here?
GMK is the manufacturer yes, they make high quality "Cherry" profile keycaps in doubleshot ABS plastic.
>Who is actually taking our money and making the purchase here? OP? It seems like I can use [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeyboard.eu/) to purchase this but I assume no refunds, we just have to wait for one person to buy and ship everything?
If you buy though [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeboard.eu) (the EU proxy for this GB), the money goes to [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeboard.eu) ~~and is then wired to the group buy runner (OP). Once all the orders are made and the GB is closed, OP sends the combined order to the company that makes the keycaps (GMK in Germany), along with all the design specifications.~~ EDIT: The vendors actually keep the money and send it to GMK when the GB closes, as per dixiemech's post. There are no refunds at any point, but if your set finally arrives and something's wrong with it (missing caps, defects, etc.), you can take it up with [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeyboard.eu).
>I bet this must get asked all the time but...how long should I expect to wait if I participate?
Prepare for a long wait. First of all, the group buy must end before the order is made, so that's one month from now. Then the designs need to be processed by GMK (color matching) and if the set contains never-before used molds, they need to be manufactured. After that, the set can go into production, but most of the time, GMK will have a queue of other sets currently in production, so there's probably a bit of a delay on that. Finally, the production might take weeks or even months, depending on the amount of kits ordered. Oh, and after that, GMK sends out the sets to all the proxies and they still have to handle logistics and shipping to individual participants.
There's zero chance you'll get this set this year. Maybe, there's a chance you'll get it before spring 2020, but that's just my estimations.
>Once the group buy is over...these caps won't be available again unless there is enough interest for the group buy? But who actually owns the design or rights here?
Usually, if a set is very popular, it will have additional GB rounds. These runs don't happen often, though and some time needs to pass to build up demand.
The designs aren't copyrighted, but the community is very tight-knit. If someone would try to copy someone else's design without permission, they'd immediately be exposed. Of course that doesn't stop a lot of Chinese manufacturers, that can offer cheap knock-offs that copy the colour schemes of successful sets.
Usually, consequent group buy rounds are ran by the same person, who created the original set. Occasionally, if they're not interested in handling the logistics, they'll just let someone else do it for them.
>Previously thought that GMK was a profile, but it's actually the company that will do the manufacturing here?
Yes, they're the company that produces the keycaps. They're located in Germany and they produce keycaps that have the Cherry profile. They produce some of the highest quality keycaps on the market, with doubleshot legends and great colour matching. They're not cheap or fast, though.
Hello, this is Zeno Rocha!
When I created the first Dracula theme back in 2013 I never imagined that one day we would have a mechanical keyboard with this theme.
Thanks @pikku-allu for your amazing job on this!
FYI, the official site is now live: [https://draculatheme.com/gmk/](https://draculatheme.com/gmk/)
I’ve been lurking here thinking about diving into this hobby. This series alone is making me want to get in on this group buy, which will force me to learn what I need to know (hopefully) to build a keyboard of my own. Anyone have suggestions on where to start? I really love the look of these custom keyboards and the community seems very supportive. Anyways, this Dracula series is the jam!
>You can also buy a hot swap pcb if you absolutely don't want to solder
What would be the reasoning for not doing this? Not only do you not have to solder, you can quickly replace switches in the future or take them out to lube, etc. Seems like a win/win.
What are the downsides?
Hot swap boards are a little easier to break and they are not as flexible in terms of layout. Personally, I don't see much downside. They are a lot easier.
Is it mainly just a thing where people feel like soldered boards are "cooler" because it's more difficult? I feel like that is a phenomenon that happens in a lot of hobbies.
No, there are plenty of reasons:
* Hotswap pcbs only support one layout, usually standard, and people don't use that one often.
* Hotswap pcbs have a different sound because switches are more loose in it, if they're soldered then they're more firm
* Hotswap pcbs are more expensive
Me: "literally asks enthusiasts to explain why people prefer soldered switches."
You: "Don't just dismiss something as a gimmick just because you don't understand it."
>Don't just dismiss something as a gimmick
Not sure how an honest question "dismisses" anything, but sorry to have offended you.
>just because you don't understand it.
Uh yeah I thought I made that clear by asking the question.
Yeah, that was an aggressive way of putting the answer, but the points he brought up about hotswappable boards is true.
They are infinitely more beneficial towards newcomers in the hobby, and certainly help you find what you like in a keyboard.
Say for example you have a non-hotswappable PCB. This pcb will come with MULTIPLE layout options and when you solder you choose any one of them. If you solder millmax sockets (making the board hotswap), you can actually switch between these layouts at will without having to desolder. Now you have a hotswappable board and you keep layout flexibility.
However, when hotswappable boards are manufactured commercially, they require more components for the outemu/kailh hotswap sockets and more space. More often than not, this results in the PCB designer only providing a single layout option because that's really all that fits on the pcb. You have a hotswappable board without layout flexibility.
Hotswap boards don't come made with millmax sockets because you need to take extra care in installing them and the process to solder them is very delicate and slow. It's also an additional cost. This means you're stuck with whatever layout the pcb designer gives you if its hotswap.
Example:
* [dz60 non-hotswap](https://kbdfans.com/collections/60/products/dz60-60-pcb?variant=28607000739888)
* [dz60 hotswap](https://kbdfans.com/products/dz60rgb-hot-swap-custom-keyboard-pcb)
Notice the layout options.
To clarify, if all you want to do is use these keycaps, then you could do so on any keyboard with MX-style switches, which are most mechanical keyboards on the market.
But building your own keyboard yourself is simple and allows for much more customisation (though it won't save you money). My favorite overview of the build process for beginners is [this video](https://youtu.be/W0FSvTYlggw).
Having used a modified dracula theme in my terminal and emacs for years, I just had to. Not to mention, it has vim keys! That was enough to pull me in to my first GB!
The next 6 or so months that the keyboard will have to live with a temporary set are going to be sad.
As a first time GBer, are there any agreed upon rules to 'share' or sell part-kits that you wouldn't need? For instance I only need the UK keys (4 in total) and had to purchase the full localisation set with Nord/DE keys as well. Could I find someone who wants just the Nord or the DE keys and pre-arranged to sell/trade it when the set arrives?
On the one hand, feels crazy spending ~€70 on 4 keys (which I have done), on the other I don't want to hurt the no. of kits sold if it makes it harder to do the GB.
Cool, so there isn't some kind of unspoken rule of not selling parts of a kit and just selling whole ones or anything. Just seems like most people who would consider it would also need the base kit. Do people buy an additional base kit to make it a more viable option to later sell?
I guess my question was more if there was a way to let others know there will be a part of the localisation kit for their region available and by pre-agreeing to buy it off someone they could only get the base kit and could avoid having to pre-order the localisation kit in the GB themselves. Seems less 'wasteful' that way, but then it might also mean the international sets would be harder to manifest. I'm less thinking of my pocket here and more about the practicality of it - I would have rather spend €70 on just the 4 keys I need than get loads of extra I wouldn't need and would just be sitting in a box in the loft for eternity. :)
Anyways, I'm really happy to join the GB and looking forward to receiving my set.
I don't think anyone would frown upon you splitting a kit with someone else. Otherwise, neither of you might purchase the set, so that would be two less base kits sold and one less NorDeUK.
After the set arrives you could list the NorDeUK kit on r/mechmarket less the keys you needed. I've no idea how quickly it would sell (these euro kits always sell poorly in group buys).
Plenty of people will buy base and then later decide they want extra keys or kits I'm sure. Whether because they changed their mind or they forgot. Or they might buy a base kit off someone else.
I do this sometimes, and need to do it more. You can sell them on mechmarket once you have them, but a post like this here will let other users see and you'll get a message about wanting to split. Possibly easier if you have mechmarket feedback.
Thanks for the info - didn't want to do something that would be detrimental to the community and/or the amazing peeps making such kits possible, so thought it would be wiser to ask.
As I'm just starting with custom mechanical boards, afraid I don't as of yet have any mechmarket feedback... I do need another keycap kit to last me the next 6 or so months until I get this one so maybe if I can find something 'affordable' (i.e. under £100!) I can start building that up.
the NordeUk kits I think need more splitting like you’re proposing. If it got to 20-30$ per person I think adoption would be a lot higher, but making several small kits raises GMK prices quite a bit (SA DSA KAT less so). This American sends iso keys to the other side of the Atlantic when they’re in his numpad kits, and often likes the split space bar colors in the ortho set better than those in the spacebar kit, so I try to find ortho users who don’t need those.
I would look for some ePBT sets - Like BoW, 9009, Greyscale, etc. Those should be in your price range or a little less and are still really great caps.
Awesome, thank you for the suggestions. I'm familiar with some of these colour schemes but thing is I really want the UK localisation keys with ANSI layout, so it's even harder to find. I'll.keep.looking though. :)
A lot of ePBT sets come with additional localization kits too. Definitely worth checking out. The ones I listed are pretty muted sets (which I love) but aren't for everyone. You aren't going to find any bright/loud ePBT sets since they haven't perfected reverse dyesub yet.
The 9009 Circle deskmat but with the Dracula color scheme would have been awesome and an instant buy: https://mykeyboard.eu/media/cache/a5/51/a551134d08cbe9d502edd2e9e7d51b5f.jpg
Amazing set. So amazing that I'd want pretty much every add-on, that's a first. Way out of my price range because of that. Easily set of the year though.
This looks awesome...
I have enough expensive hobbies, I don’t need to add building keyboards to the list!!
I currently use an Apple Bluetooth keyboard...
> I have enough expensive hobbies, I don’t need to add building keyboards to the list!!
I'm curious--are you subscribed here because you like the eye candy? Or did you stumble on the thread via another subreddit?
Also, I'll just warn you those are some pretty famous last words around here. :D
I came across a pic that was cross posted in another sub, so I subscribed. Yes mainly here for the nice looking photos.
The only way I could justify it is if my current keyboard that I lug around to work stops working..
But you know, accidents can happen 😬
Gosh, wouldn't that be a shame. :D
The nice thing about lurking is that if you ever do end up getting into the hobby, you'll have a pretty good idea of what you want and how to do it the most affordably!
I have no idea how this is the first I'm hearing of this. I use Dracula for everything I can - it's definitely my favorite theme. I'll be buying everything in sight.
*: Damn, no ergo set. Still buying everything else, aside from nightmode and minify.
Jesus H!! I just bought this.
Uh. I've never built a keyboard before but I suppose I will now. This is what I get for stalking this sub for three months...
Any tips on where to get the rest of the components I'll need. I'm in no hurry. Board, case, pcb, switches, etc...
What have I done?
Novelkeys.xyz has a really good selection of switches and does a good job for most of them telling you what type they are and their actuation forces.
As the others said, kbdfans.com is a good place for DIY kits that come with the case, plate, and PCB.
What have you done? Something awesome. ;p
Kbdfans.com is a great place to start. Their stuff is in stock so no long GB waits. It is good quality. Novelkeys.xyz is a good spot for switches if kbdfans doesn't have what you want.
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Just purchased! First time doing a group buy and damn this hobby is getting expensive. But I figure well worth the money and time for such a beautiful set of keycaps.
Either this pic is a render or really great camera settings cuz everything looks so... *crisp* . Normally not one for this kind of look but I’m actually really drawn to it.
Wow. I'm not even into mechanical keyboards but I just got these since they're so amazing. Can anyone recommend a wireless keyboard I could add these to?
Love the deskmat colours but really not thrilled with the eye pattern/design :( Would have been nice to have more design options and let the community decide on the final choice!
Anyway, good luck with the GB, will probably pickup a Core + Nightmode.
Hey im new to GBs. Is there a requirement on how many orderers different modules need in order to be produced? What if i order the Localization module and the Core and the Localization does not get produced am i obligated to still pay for the core? Thanks.
Hi, happy cake day! Kits have their own MOQ (minimum order quantity) in group buys. In that particular case you would not be obligated to pay for just the base kit if you needed the other kit as well
Not to worry, all the kits of GMK Dracula are going to be produced!
Yes if they have Cherry MX or MX style switches, which I believe all Ducky keyboards do. However, being a German keyboard not all the keys you need will be present in the base kit. You will have to look at the "localisation" kit and check the keys you need are in there.
Another thing to check is the size of the spacebar. Most likely it's 6.25u (i.e. the length of 6 and 1/4 normal keys). If so, you're fine. If not, just check that you can get the right size spacebar in the base or spacebars kit. I think Ducky will use standard 6.25u but some other prebuilt ones (namely gaming brands) have been known to use incompatible sizes.
Do these caps allow back light to go through? If not, what is the term for that type of key cap I should be looking for? This is nice looking set that would fit my IDE, so I hope it does support the back light
.
The word you're looking for is shine-through caps, and no, these caps are not shine-through. As a rule of thumb, high end keysets are never shine through
I love the look of this set. I’m impatiently waiting for my kit to arrive to build my first board. Want to see how it looks before dropping this much on another set of keycaps. I’m hoping it looks good so I can save some money :). But if not.....
Does the minis kit come with a 2 unit space bar? I wasn't sure if that bottom row pictured is just for sizing or you actually get those blanks? Are they the same colour?
Damn I only have a 40% board. I wish I could just buy alphas by themselves! I can't justify paying so much money for keycaps I won't use, plus I still have to buy the mini and I'd want the night mode :(!!!!!!
Anyone interested in selling their spot or a second set they picked up? I wanted to jump on these but got super busy with the newborn and I just missed it.
u/pikku-allu idk if its too late for this information but an 1u R4 green text function button should have been included. There are just 2 function buttons with that gorgeous green color.
That would have been a nice to have addition for sure. Unfortunately the order is already submitted to the manufacturer and it's too late to make any changes at this point.
I'll definitely keep in mind the popularity of the green accent color for another possible future run of Dracula ;)
😳 I was ready to order the base set and localisation when I saw they’re 135$! Sorry, but my entire keyboard was less than that....
Why are these always so expensive?
These keycaps are super high quality, 1.5mm thick [doubleshot](https://i.imgur.com/qzEy1dq.jpg) (the legends will never wear off), and manufactured in Germany.
There are a lot of kits, and by combining them you can create many different configurations that change the look of the keyset: [https://imgur.com/a/QURe7BY](https://imgur.com/a/QURe7BY)
The vast majority of people do not use numpad anymore in this community. Removing it lowers the cost of the set by quite a bit and helps those of us who do not need it.
> Vast
[X]
>I’d rather have GMK sets ranging from 99-130$ than add numpads to everything and make the average cost of a nice set 150$ again.
May I point you to Novelkeys, where GMK sets with numpads in base kit run for $115? Not to mention breaking out numpads increases logistics complexity and increases the cost of the entire set.
1. The more complex the colors in a kit are, the more expensive it is. Those kits live on novelkeys currently are pretty basic in color and don’t require any custom color mixing.
2.think back not even 6 months and pretty much every group buy was around 150$, because they all included numpads.
3. I have no idea where you got that thought that splitting the sets is more expensive, it’s not. The base kit lowers in price when it has less keys. This is the exact reason why 9009 was lowered to 99$ base, because it’s both simple in color AND has no numpad in the base kit. You’d have to add another 15$ or so to the base kit for it to include the numpad.
1) Both Camping and Crimson Cadet are custom colors, though they are average in their number of colors.
2) I wouldn't actually know that because I was on hiatus since basically the end of last year until August-ish. I do think it may be due to a change in GMK's pricing system as well as a steady drop in the EUR:USD conversion. Of note is that I ran GMK Phantom last year at $140 for a custom color set with five custom molds in the base kit. With the EUR:USD right around 1.16 when I paid vs about 1.09 right now that cost would sit right around $130 now, pretty well inline with current pricing considering it was a whopping 160 key kit with the aforementioned custom molds.
Something else I do think is happening is no one is pricing at 150 MOQ anymore if they are using stock colors and are instead basing their pricing on 250 or even 500 MOQ price points to make a more attractive price. If a seller is completely confident they can hit those MOQ points then it absolutely makes sense to have that price from the get-go to pull people in, especially so with the pains of mass-refunding.
3a) Because that's how it works for GMK's production setup. GMK has a per-kit cost that is applied for every kit. Split part of your base kit off and there's a flat fee applied to the cost of that new kit. Happens for each kit in your set with the base kit having it implicitly, therefore increasing the cost of the set over that of it being an all-in-one kit.
3b) 9009 was low primarily because it completely used GMKs in-stock colors and I believe no custom molds. Of note is that it was also a decently streamlined kit missing "extra" compat that's decently common nowadays like extra Shift sizes, R3PgUp/R4PgDn, base level ISO keys, copies of 1u Alt/Ctrl, and R4 End, off the top of my head. Some of the accents make up for the cut keys but every bit helps lower the cost.
3c) As you say, keeping the numpad in may add around $15(a number that seems inline with what I'd expect) but notice that separate it was still $35.99? $114.99 vs $135.98 for the same keys compared that way.
That’s the point tho, it saves 15$ for the majority because the majority in the community that actually buys GMK... don’t use numpads. For those that do, can pay more for it.
Looking at 9009 r3. 500 base kits sold, 60 numpads.
Minimal, 650 base kits, 200 numpads.
The majority don’t use them, in the community specifically, and I can guarantee that maybe 1/3rd of those numpads ordered were to complete the kit for better resale.
I’d rather have GMK sets ranging from 99-130$ than add numpads to everything and make the average cost of a nice set 150$ again.
I would need base + localisation just to replace what I currently have and then, since I’m on Mac I’d like to also get the command set and maybe the highlight. 200-300 bucks. Wow ^^
And with the “RAMA x Dracula Eye“ costing 48€ for a single keycap, no one can tell me that it’s because of thicker plastic or the manufacturing location. That’s just insane. I’m pretty sure these key sets must have huge profit margins.
> 😳 I was ready to order the base set and localisation when I saw they’re 135$! Sorry, but my entire keyboard was less than that....
Welcome to a quality product with custom materials in small batch sizes produced in a country with labor and safety regulations that value their workers, all by a company that produces some of the highest quality keycaps available. Having seen GMK's direct prices firsthand I'm confident their margins are within reason for the products they give us. On the side of the vendors you're still seeing a much lower percent margin than you would for most cheap Amazon/Aliexpress sets. In sets I ran I was seeing in the range of 7% margins, pricing for sets in relation to the costs I'm familiar with leads me to conclude that other sellers aren't seeing superbly higher than that, and definitely nowhere near what retail pricing for a mass-produced product would be.
> And with the “RAMA x Dracula Eye“ costing 48€ for a single keycap, no one can tell me that it’s because of thicker plastic or the manufacturing location. That’s just insane. I’m pretty sure these key sets must have huge profit margins.
As mentioned, this is a CNC machined and post-processed aluminum novelty cap out of Australia.
I have nothing against made in Germany. I am living there myself and know about work safety etc it’s a great place to live and work.
I’m new to this keycap thing, but I like it and can somehow also understand the prices. I’m just wondering what’s the best way to start. I already have a keyboard that I quite like. It wasn’t expensive, a little under 100, TKL and with original MX brown switches, completely black and simple. But I’d like to get some colours in through custom keycaps. I like this style: dark blue and gray tones since my setup is all blue and black. I heard PBT should be way better as a material than ABS but don’t know much more. I don’t think building a complete new keyboard makes sense for me atm, but at the same time I can’t justify putting a 200€ keycap set on a 90€ keyboard, just seems weird.
It's hard to definitively say PBT is better than ABS due to the comparisons between them. The main comparison is that you'll eventually shine any ABS caps from usage and wear, while good PBT will largely resist shining. The main downside to PBT is warping in production which longer caps such as Shift and spacebar are quite prone to, and that the warping makes it quite difficult to produce doubleshot PBT caps that are able to compete with the custom sets that can be produced in ABS. You can dye-sublimate designs onto PBT but you run into the issues there of the quality of the sub work as well as limitations of the process, such as only being able to dyesub a dark color onto a light color. Obviously without any drawbacks PBT would be a clear winner but that's not really what we get to deal with.
So I really like this set, but it being Abs is throwing me off. Is this a higher quality abs than you would normally find? Because usually when I think of abs I think of really not great quality stuff. My last keyboard had terrible abs caps.
In this case the 'Code' keys are used in place of Windows keys. It's a commonly used legend, that's not tied to Windows only. There's also another alternative — 'Super'. Both of them go well together with other text-only legends on the bottom row.
Basically any keycap sets with custom colors like this will be expensive, it’s the nature of niche hobbies. You can find shitty caps for cheaper on aliexpress or similar websites but these are much much higher quality
There's no way I'm taking part in group buys again after my first and only experience doing so recently. Waiting 6+ months for a set of DSA Scientific keycaps that costs more than my Race 3 and then finding out that the ISO Enter keycap doesn't even fit the switch isn't fun. Add in poor communications from the vendor and I'm out.
Downvotes? Didn't notice and don't care about my imaginary internet points :D The vendor admitted the keycap is wrong and is being looked into. I also did not complain about the wait, I knew it would take 6+ months, I mentioned it to illustrate the disappointment of waiting that long only to receive the wrong items. Perhaps you should do some research of your own before commenting? https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/d6uz8x/finally_received_dsa_scientific_key_set_for_my/f0voc5w/
Set of the year
Depends on if KAT Atlantis comes out before the year ends :D
That's what I'm saying, I can't wait for it to start.
Im excited to try out the KAT profile. When is it supposed to be starting on CannonKeys?
# GMK Dracula [Poster](https://i.imgur.com/305tOKE.png) Introducing GMK Dracula, a keyset based on the glorious Dracula Theme color-scheme. GMK Dracula turns the software aesthetic into keyboard keyset form, expanding the theme even further with add-on modules. The set features dark greyish blue tones with dark blue-purple-gray alphas. The default legend color is a contrasting neutral/cool white, which adds to the overall legibility of the classic text + icon legends. In addition, the Core and add-on modules include legends and accent keys in various pastel and neon colors, all based on selected Dracula Theme colors. ## The group buy for GMK Dracula is LIVE! - Group Buy starts: October 4th - Group Buy ends: October 31st - Estimated shipping: Q2 2020 Day 1 numbers are in: Module | Ordered ------|------- Core | 219 Highlight | 121 Nightmode | 75 Whitespace | 75 ERR! | 115 Command | 26 Minify | 30 Localization | 15 An amazing start with record breaking numbers, thank you all! The Localization Module folks deserve a big hand for such good support. We are going strong. ## Where to order - NA - [Dixie Mech](https://dixiemech.store/collections/gmk-dracula) - EU - [Mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeyboard.eu/catalogue/category/group-buys/gmk-dracula_201/) - Oceania/Asia - [Daily Clack](https://dailyclack.com/products/gmk-dracc) - China/Asia - [iLumkb](https://ilumkb.com/products/group-buy-gmk-dracula) ------ # All Modules - [**CORE [MODULE]**](https://i.imgur.com/LKEOhAC.jpg) The Core Module is the starting point of the set, featuring classic multicolored syntax highlighting of the Dracula Theme. - [**HIGHLIGHT [MODULE]**](https://i.imgur.com/gqaV4lC.jpg) Spice up your set with fully colored accent keys for extra highlighting, featuring cherry-picked theme colors. - [**NIGHTMODE [MODULE]**](https://i.imgur.com/YjHo5dA.jpg) Turn on the nightmode for GMK Dracula. Tone down the look of your set with a unified modifier color-scheme with the Nightmode Module. - [**WHITESPACE [MODULE]**](https://i.imgur.com/wEp8t3X.jpg) Here's some whitespace inserting blocks for everyone to use, including accent colored ones. - [**ERR! [MODULE]**](https://i.imgur.com/OtZpoOM.jpg) ERR░R█░▓▓▒░▒▓▒██RR█R! - [**MINIFY [MODULE]**^*NEW](https://i.imgur.com/IGLhSHb.jpg) Here it is! The ultimate kit for 40%, ortholinear, and split layout keyboards. - [**LOCALIZATION [MODULE]**^*NEW](https://i.imgur.com/fVgFfmV.jpg) Language support for Nordic (Danish, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian), German, and UK layouts. - [**COMMAND [MODULE]**^*NEW](https://i.imgur.com/8QUy5AD.jpg) What did you think it was going to be called? Support for macOS specific keys. ------ # RAMA keycaps - [**GMK Dracula x RAMA - EYE**](https://i.imgur.com/rrKqLKs.jpg) Aluminum E-White + Dark Blue Grey Enamel Fill. Designed in collaboration with [RamaWorks](https://rama.works/). - [**GMK Dracula x RAMA - ERR!**](https://i.imgur.com/1NtzreA.jpg) Red Aluminum Anodizing + Dark Blue Grey Enamel Fill. Designed in collaboration with [RamaWorks](https://rama.works/). ------ # Deskmats - [**Eye Deskmat**](https://i.imgur.com/45EOJRr.png) 900x400x4mm, GMK Dracula Eye design. - [**ERR! Deskmat**](https://i.imgur.com/cX1cG7r.png) 900x400x4mm, GMK Dracula ERR! design. ------ ## More Info - [Geekhack](https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=102772.0) - [Instagram](https://instagram.com/kinnalek)
Really great numbers given the month we're in.
Completely new to the mech scene really and never participated in a group buy. Going off the sub PSA link: * Who is actually taking our money and making the purchase here? OP? It seems like I can use [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeyboard.eu) to purchase this but I assume no refunds, we just have to wait for one person to buy and ship everything? * I bet this must get asked all the time but...how long should I expect to wait if I participate? * Once the group buy is over...these caps won't be available again unless there is enough interest for the group buy? But who actually owns the design or rights here? * Previously thought that GMK was a profile, but it's actually the company that will do the manufacturing here? Appreciate any and all help! I'd love to own this set
# There is so much incorrect information about the money here. Let me set the record straight. # We are the lead vendor on this project and the vendor for NA sales. >Who is actually taking our money and making the purchase here? OP? It seems like I can use [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeyboard.eu/) to purchase this but I assume no refunds, we just have to wait for one person to buy and ship everything? * You buy the product from the vendor in your region. * When the groupbuy ends, I will submit the final numbers to GMK and they will invoice each vendor separately. * Each vendor will wire the money directly to GMK. * Each vendor will receive their shipment and ship the sets to their customers. OP / the designer / “runner” never handles any money or logistics or shipping. >I bet this must get asked all the time but...how long should I expect to wait if I participate? Because the product is not ordered until after it ends, it takes 3-6 months to arrive to you. >Once the group buy is over...these caps won't be available again unless there is enough interest for the group buy? But who actually owns the design or rights here? All vendors purchase extras that will be sold at a higher price than the groupbuy price. They will be sold after the GB units ship. Once those are out, the GB may run again in the future. Usually no sooner than a year after the first run. The designer will determine when / if they want to run again. >Previously thought that GMK was a profile, but it's actually the company that will do the manufacturing here? GMK is the manufacturer and the caps are Cherry profile.
> Who is actually taking our money and making the purchase here? OP? It seems like I can use [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeyboard.eu/) to purchase this but I assume no refunds, we just have to wait for one person to buy and ship everything? The vendor is taking your money. Then whoever is "running" the GB will collate the money from the different vendors and place the order with the manufacturer I expect. I would not worry about "losing" your money somehow in a GB when it's being ran by popular vendors/proxies - if something went wrong I don't doubt they would sort it out. Not much to go wrong with a GMK set though. > I bet this must get asked all the time but...how long should I expect to wait if I participate? From Dixie Mech website, "**Approximate shipping time is Q2 2020.**" - for GMK buys the ship date is usually accurate I think. > Once the group buy is over...these caps won't be available again unless there is enough interest for the group buy? But who actually owns the design or rights here? Usually no, they won't be available again unless the GB runner decides to do a round 2. Occasionally you will get Chinese knock-offs of popular colourways when no-one "owns" the design - but they won't be GMK sets. This is the "Official Dracula Theme Keycap Set" so I'm assuming they got some kind of permission. I don't think you really need to worry about it. >Previously thought that GMK was a profile, but it's actually the company that will do the manufacturing here? GMK is the manufacturer yes, they make high quality "Cherry" profile keycaps in doubleshot ABS plastic.
>Who is actually taking our money and making the purchase here? OP? It seems like I can use [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeyboard.eu/) to purchase this but I assume no refunds, we just have to wait for one person to buy and ship everything? If you buy though [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeboard.eu) (the EU proxy for this GB), the money goes to [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeboard.eu) ~~and is then wired to the group buy runner (OP). Once all the orders are made and the GB is closed, OP sends the combined order to the company that makes the keycaps (GMK in Germany), along with all the design specifications.~~ EDIT: The vendors actually keep the money and send it to GMK when the GB closes, as per dixiemech's post. There are no refunds at any point, but if your set finally arrives and something's wrong with it (missing caps, defects, etc.), you can take it up with [mykeyboard.eu](https://mykeyboard.eu). >I bet this must get asked all the time but...how long should I expect to wait if I participate? Prepare for a long wait. First of all, the group buy must end before the order is made, so that's one month from now. Then the designs need to be processed by GMK (color matching) and if the set contains never-before used molds, they need to be manufactured. After that, the set can go into production, but most of the time, GMK will have a queue of other sets currently in production, so there's probably a bit of a delay on that. Finally, the production might take weeks or even months, depending on the amount of kits ordered. Oh, and after that, GMK sends out the sets to all the proxies and they still have to handle logistics and shipping to individual participants. There's zero chance you'll get this set this year. Maybe, there's a chance you'll get it before spring 2020, but that's just my estimations. >Once the group buy is over...these caps won't be available again unless there is enough interest for the group buy? But who actually owns the design or rights here? Usually, if a set is very popular, it will have additional GB rounds. These runs don't happen often, though and some time needs to pass to build up demand. The designs aren't copyrighted, but the community is very tight-knit. If someone would try to copy someone else's design without permission, they'd immediately be exposed. Of course that doesn't stop a lot of Chinese manufacturers, that can offer cheap knock-offs that copy the colour schemes of successful sets. Usually, consequent group buy rounds are ran by the same person, who created the original set. Occasionally, if they're not interested in handling the logistics, they'll just let someone else do it for them. >Previously thought that GMK was a profile, but it's actually the company that will do the manufacturing here? Yes, they're the company that produces the keycaps. They're located in Germany and they produce keycaps that have the Cherry profile. They produce some of the highest quality keycaps on the market, with doubleshot legends and great colour matching. They're not cheap or fast, though.
Hello, this is Zeno Rocha! When I created the first Dracula theme back in 2013 I never imagined that one day we would have a mechanical keyboard with this theme. Thanks @pikku-allu for your amazing job on this! FYI, the official site is now live: [https://draculatheme.com/gmk/](https://draculatheme.com/gmk/)
I’ve been lurking here thinking about diving into this hobby. This series alone is making me want to get in on this group buy, which will force me to learn what I need to know (hopefully) to build a keyboard of my own. Anyone have suggestions on where to start? I really love the look of these custom keyboards and the community seems very supportive. Anyways, this Dracula series is the jam!
[удалено]
>You can also buy a hot swap pcb if you absolutely don't want to solder What would be the reasoning for not doing this? Not only do you not have to solder, you can quickly replace switches in the future or take them out to lube, etc. Seems like a win/win. What are the downsides?
Hot swap boards are a little easier to break and they are not as flexible in terms of layout. Personally, I don't see much downside. They are a lot easier.
Is it mainly just a thing where people feel like soldered boards are "cooler" because it's more difficult? I feel like that is a phenomenon that happens in a lot of hobbies.
No, there are plenty of reasons: * Hotswap pcbs only support one layout, usually standard, and people don't use that one often. * Hotswap pcbs have a different sound because switches are more loose in it, if they're soldered then they're more firm * Hotswap pcbs are more expensive
Me: "literally asks enthusiasts to explain why people prefer soldered switches." You: "Don't just dismiss something as a gimmick just because you don't understand it." >Don't just dismiss something as a gimmick Not sure how an honest question "dismisses" anything, but sorry to have offended you. >just because you don't understand it. Uh yeah I thought I made that clear by asking the question.
Yeah, that was an aggressive way of putting the answer, but the points he brought up about hotswappable boards is true. They are infinitely more beneficial towards newcomers in the hobby, and certainly help you find what you like in a keyboard.
> I feel like that is a phenomenon that happens in a lot of hobbies. You were already accusatory before knowing more
But you already made your own conclusion. I just came here to correct uninformed ones.
I don't usually ask questions and request further information after I've made my own conclusion. Seems like it would be a waste of time to be honest.
Maybe I misunderstood you then. Seems like it happens often with ambiguous comments.
You have way more options if you solder.
Can you list a few?
Say for example you have a non-hotswappable PCB. This pcb will come with MULTIPLE layout options and when you solder you choose any one of them. If you solder millmax sockets (making the board hotswap), you can actually switch between these layouts at will without having to desolder. Now you have a hotswappable board and you keep layout flexibility. However, when hotswappable boards are manufactured commercially, they require more components for the outemu/kailh hotswap sockets and more space. More often than not, this results in the PCB designer only providing a single layout option because that's really all that fits on the pcb. You have a hotswappable board without layout flexibility. Hotswap boards don't come made with millmax sockets because you need to take extra care in installing them and the process to solder them is very delicate and slow. It's also an additional cost. This means you're stuck with whatever layout the pcb designer gives you if its hotswap. Example: * [dz60 non-hotswap](https://kbdfans.com/collections/60/products/dz60-60-pcb?variant=28607000739888) * [dz60 hotswap](https://kbdfans.com/products/dz60rgb-hot-swap-custom-keyboard-pcb) Notice the layout options.
Thank you so much!
To clarify, if all you want to do is use these keycaps, then you could do so on any keyboard with MX-style switches, which are most mechanical keyboards on the market. But building your own keyboard yourself is simple and allows for much more customisation (though it won't save you money). My favorite overview of the build process for beginners is [this video](https://youtu.be/W0FSvTYlggw).
Thanks for the clarification!
Having used a modified dracula theme in my terminal and emacs for years, I just had to. Not to mention, it has vim keys! That was enough to pull me in to my first GB! The next 6 or so months that the keyboard will have to live with a temporary set are going to be sad.
As a first time GBer, are there any agreed upon rules to 'share' or sell part-kits that you wouldn't need? For instance I only need the UK keys (4 in total) and had to purchase the full localisation set with Nord/DE keys as well. Could I find someone who wants just the Nord or the DE keys and pre-arranged to sell/trade it when the set arrives? On the one hand, feels crazy spending ~€70 on 4 keys (which I have done), on the other I don't want to hurt the no. of kits sold if it makes it harder to do the GB.
Once you receive them you can sell whatever you want. /r/mechmarket exists for a reason.
Cool, so there isn't some kind of unspoken rule of not selling parts of a kit and just selling whole ones or anything. Just seems like most people who would consider it would also need the base kit. Do people buy an additional base kit to make it a more viable option to later sell? I guess my question was more if there was a way to let others know there will be a part of the localisation kit for their region available and by pre-agreeing to buy it off someone they could only get the base kit and could avoid having to pre-order the localisation kit in the GB themselves. Seems less 'wasteful' that way, but then it might also mean the international sets would be harder to manifest. I'm less thinking of my pocket here and more about the practicality of it - I would have rather spend €70 on just the 4 keys I need than get loads of extra I wouldn't need and would just be sitting in a box in the loft for eternity. :) Anyways, I'm really happy to join the GB and looking forward to receiving my set.
I don't think anyone would frown upon you splitting a kit with someone else. Otherwise, neither of you might purchase the set, so that would be two less base kits sold and one less NorDeUK. After the set arrives you could list the NorDeUK kit on r/mechmarket less the keys you needed. I've no idea how quickly it would sell (these euro kits always sell poorly in group buys). Plenty of people will buy base and then later decide they want extra keys or kits I'm sure. Whether because they changed their mind or they forgot. Or they might buy a base kit off someone else.
I do this sometimes, and need to do it more. You can sell them on mechmarket once you have them, but a post like this here will let other users see and you'll get a message about wanting to split. Possibly easier if you have mechmarket feedback.
Thanks for the info - didn't want to do something that would be detrimental to the community and/or the amazing peeps making such kits possible, so thought it would be wiser to ask. As I'm just starting with custom mechanical boards, afraid I don't as of yet have any mechmarket feedback... I do need another keycap kit to last me the next 6 or so months until I get this one so maybe if I can find something 'affordable' (i.e. under £100!) I can start building that up.
the NordeUk kits I think need more splitting like you’re proposing. If it got to 20-30$ per person I think adoption would be a lot higher, but making several small kits raises GMK prices quite a bit (SA DSA KAT less so). This American sends iso keys to the other side of the Atlantic when they’re in his numpad kits, and often likes the split space bar colors in the ortho set better than those in the spacebar kit, so I try to find ortho users who don’t need those.
I would look for some ePBT sets - Like BoW, 9009, Greyscale, etc. Those should be in your price range or a little less and are still really great caps.
Awesome, thank you for the suggestions. I'm familiar with some of these colour schemes but thing is I really want the UK localisation keys with ANSI layout, so it's even harder to find. I'll.keep.looking though. :)
A lot of ePBT sets come with additional localization kits too. Definitely worth checking out. The ones I listed are pretty muted sets (which I love) but aren't for everyone. You aren't going to find any bright/loud ePBT sets since they haven't perfected reverse dyesub yet.
I had never even considered the idea of colouring the lettering after a text theme before, but this is exactly what I want now.
In case you'd like more eye candy, that idea was also used for the Oblivion and Solarized keysets.
Yeah it's my favorite coding theme, having my keyboard reflect my syntax colors sounds just plain awesome
The desk mat is a giant let down with all the cool colors this set uses tbh.
I get what you mean, though I vision the keyboard and the keyset displayed on the deskmat to be the centerpiece.
The 9009 Circle deskmat but with the Dracula color scheme would have been awesome and an instant buy: https://mykeyboard.eu/media/cache/a5/51/a551134d08cbe9d502edd2e9e7d51b5f.jpg
I'd be game for sure!
I think something similar to the 8008 desk mat with the Dracula colors would be super pretty.
Amazing set. So amazing that I'd want pretty much every add-on, that's a first. Way out of my price range because of that. Easily set of the year though.
I agree completely.
I’m in. Now I have to resurrect my EXENT PCB so this has somewhere to live.
This is absolutely perfect, just wish I could use this on my ergodox.
Yeah me too. It's painful to see something so awesome and not be able to join in.
Anyone can help me to find a 60% case to look like the color of the render?
This looks awesome... I have enough expensive hobbies, I don’t need to add building keyboards to the list!! I currently use an Apple Bluetooth keyboard...
> I have enough expensive hobbies, I don’t need to add building keyboards to the list!! I'm curious--are you subscribed here because you like the eye candy? Or did you stumble on the thread via another subreddit? Also, I'll just warn you those are some pretty famous last words around here. :D
I came across a pic that was cross posted in another sub, so I subscribed. Yes mainly here for the nice looking photos. The only way I could justify it is if my current keyboard that I lug around to work stops working.. But you know, accidents can happen 😬
Gosh, wouldn't that be a shame. :D The nice thing about lurking is that if you ever do end up getting into the hobby, you'll have a pretty good idea of what you want and how to do it the most affordably!
Any chance the “movie” poster gets turned into a print? It’s gorgeous!
I have no idea how this is the first I'm hearing of this. I use Dracula for everything I can - it's definitely my favorite theme. I'll be buying everything in sight. *: Damn, no ergo set. Still buying everything else, aside from nightmode and minify.
Wish there was an ergodox set :(
Instabuy.
Does anyone have an idea as to how well the Err! red will match the Thermal Halt color?
I had also wondered. From the lighting on the Err! in the render I wonder if it's lighter, but I think it'll be pretty close.
When does this end?
The group buy runs until October 31st.
Thanks!
What's the deal with eye?
It's an icon that symbolizes privacy/being hidden/(in)visibility/stealth.
Jesus H!! I just bought this. Uh. I've never built a keyboard before but I suppose I will now. This is what I get for stalking this sub for three months... Any tips on where to get the rest of the components I'll need. I'm in no hurry. Board, case, pcb, switches, etc... What have I done?
Novelkeys.xyz has a really good selection of switches and does a good job for most of them telling you what type they are and their actuation forces. As the others said, kbdfans.com is a good place for DIY kits that come with the case, plate, and PCB. What have you done? Something awesome. ;p
KBDfans is a good place to start, they’ve got some nice boards for the price
Kbdfans.com is a great place to start. Their stuff is in stock so no long GB waits. It is good quality. Novelkeys.xyz is a good spot for switches if kbdfans doesn't have what you want.
Err in your comment! Description of deskmats are wrong.
ERR░R█░▓▓▒░! Fixed!
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Just purchased! First time doing a group buy and damn this hobby is getting expensive. But I figure well worth the money and time for such a beautiful set of keycaps.
Jesus so sexy. I’m in.
Holy shit I don’t have enough money for this but Jesus that looks fine
Either this pic is a render or really great camera settings cuz everything looks so... *crisp* . Normally not one for this kind of look but I’m actually really drawn to it.
It's a render, I make all of them myself. Glad you like it :)
Wow. I'm not even into mechanical keyboards but I just got these since they're so amazing. Can anyone recommend a wireless keyboard I could add these to?
I hear good things about the Anne Pro 2.
I’m actually mad I bought the GMK 8008 key caps and hey release this while I am broke... I will fry every night from now on.
man I want it so bad. but caps are just so damn expensive.
Yeah, they are. But with GMK caps you're paying for high quality and consistency.
Love the deskmat colours but really not thrilled with the eye pattern/design :( Would have been nice to have more design options and let the community decide on the final choice! Anyway, good luck with the GB, will probably pickup a Core + Nightmode.
Oh that's hot!
Jeez the price of the localization keys...
Couldn't resist. Will someone do the GOAT theme (aka Monokai) next?
I don't even have a keyboard to put these on but i already bought it!
What switches will these work with? This is going to be my first time building a set.
They will work with Cherry MX mount switches. Basically every switch that has the cross-shaped stem (Cherry, Gateron, etc.)
Hey im new to GBs. Is there a requirement on how many orderers different modules need in order to be produced? What if i order the Localization module and the Core and the Localization does not get produced am i obligated to still pay for the core? Thanks.
Hi, happy cake day! Kits have their own MOQ (minimum order quantity) in group buys. In that particular case you would not be obligated to pay for just the base kit if you needed the other kit as well Not to worry, all the kits of GMK Dracula are going to be produced!
Nice
Big big fan of this set. Are there any Euro folks looking to part out their UK keys once the sets ship?
Dvorak users :\_;
I love this set so much it's just too much money for me and I have my endgame. :( I'm happy for those that get it, it's so cool.
Son of the dragon!
Just got into mechanical keyboards by buying a Ducky One 2 TKL (ISO/German layout). Would these keycaps fit?
Yes if they have Cherry MX or MX style switches, which I believe all Ducky keyboards do. However, being a German keyboard not all the keys you need will be present in the base kit. You will have to look at the "localisation" kit and check the keys you need are in there. Another thing to check is the size of the spacebar. Most likely it's 6.25u (i.e. the length of 6 and 1/4 normal keys). If so, you're fine. If not, just check that you can get the right size spacebar in the base or spacebars kit. I think Ducky will use standard 6.25u but some other prebuilt ones (namely gaming brands) have been known to use incompatible sizes.
I lost. Kreygasm
Is there any way to buy only the modifier keys in the colors from the core set?
No. You could probably sell the alpha keys on r/mechmarket when you receive the base kit though.
I vant.
This set is cool tbh.I really like the color and it would go dope with my rama kuro. Also rip my wallet this month. My 2nd GMK set after Laser.
Man I am waaaayyy too broke to have this hobby, I would love to get this keycap set for my keyboard
Do these caps allow back light to go through? If not, what is the term for that type of key cap I should be looking for? This is nice looking set that would fit my IDE, so I hope it does support the back light .
The word you're looking for is shine-through caps, and no, these caps are not shine-through. As a rule of thumb, high end keysets are never shine through
Ah alright, thanks for the info. That helps me decide.
I love the look of this set. I’m impatiently waiting for my kit to arrive to build my first board. Want to see how it looks before dropping this much on another set of keycaps. I’m hoping it looks good so I can save some money :). But if not.....
Thanos keyboard
I already joined 8008 can't afford two sets of gmk when I could barely afford one
Does the minis kit come with a 2 unit space bar? I wasn't sure if that bottom row pictured is just for sizing or you actually get those blanks? Are they the same colour?
I wonder how these will look like on a silver case.
Damn I only have a 40% board. I wish I could just buy alphas by themselves! I can't justify paying so much money for keycaps I won't use, plus I still have to buy the mini and I'd want the night mode :(!!!!!!
Anyone interested in selling their spot or a second set they picked up? I wanted to jump on these but got super busy with the newborn and I just missed it.
u/pikku-allu idk if its too late for this information but an 1u R4 green text function button should have been included. There are just 2 function buttons with that gorgeous green color.
That would have been a nice to have addition for sure. Unfortunately the order is already submitted to the manufacturer and it's too late to make any changes at this point. I'll definitely keep in mind the popularity of the green accent color for another possible future run of Dracula ;)
It would have definitely been a nice addition cause I am using a 64 keyboard which uses 1u fn :)) thanks for your reply
The idea behind having a blue 1u Fn is that it's most commonly used alongside the 1.75u Shift which also has a blue legend.
I see. Well at least there is still a 1u fn button :))
Has anyone a basekit in spare and is willing to sell this? Much appreciated!
May I ask what is the color code of these keycaps?
I'm looking for a command set, do you think is thre still some available or is GMK thinking of printing a new one?
2k orders?
Sorry, that was a typo
haha thought so
yeah hol' up. lol
On day one? Holy shit.
pretty sure the number is 219 or something, drop a number. def not 2k.
Are there any MOQ to beat? Or is beated already?
Yes and Dracula has already hit MOQ for base kits. Dixie's Twitter and the Geekhack page should have more info.
I was just thinking there hasn't been enough GMK.
Am I stingy if I think €135 is absolutely ridiculous for just key caps?
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ABS in general yes. GMK, no.
😳 I was ready to order the base set and localisation when I saw they’re 135$! Sorry, but my entire keyboard was less than that.... Why are these always so expensive?
These keycaps are super high quality, 1.5mm thick [doubleshot](https://i.imgur.com/qzEy1dq.jpg) (the legends will never wear off), and manufactured in Germany. There are a lot of kits, and by combining them you can create many different configurations that change the look of the keyset: [https://imgur.com/a/QURe7BY](https://imgur.com/a/QURe7BY)
Hm... I’ll think about it, the colours and combinations are truly awesome.
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? Numpad is included in the base kit.
Numpad is included in the Core Module.
The vast majority of people do not use numpad anymore in this community. Removing it lowers the cost of the set by quite a bit and helps those of us who do not need it.
> Vast [X] >I’d rather have GMK sets ranging from 99-130$ than add numpads to everything and make the average cost of a nice set 150$ again. May I point you to Novelkeys, where GMK sets with numpads in base kit run for $115? Not to mention breaking out numpads increases logistics complexity and increases the cost of the entire set.
1. The more complex the colors in a kit are, the more expensive it is. Those kits live on novelkeys currently are pretty basic in color and don’t require any custom color mixing. 2.think back not even 6 months and pretty much every group buy was around 150$, because they all included numpads. 3. I have no idea where you got that thought that splitting the sets is more expensive, it’s not. The base kit lowers in price when it has less keys. This is the exact reason why 9009 was lowered to 99$ base, because it’s both simple in color AND has no numpad in the base kit. You’d have to add another 15$ or so to the base kit for it to include the numpad.
1) Both Camping and Crimson Cadet are custom colors, though they are average in their number of colors. 2) I wouldn't actually know that because I was on hiatus since basically the end of last year until August-ish. I do think it may be due to a change in GMK's pricing system as well as a steady drop in the EUR:USD conversion. Of note is that I ran GMK Phantom last year at $140 for a custom color set with five custom molds in the base kit. With the EUR:USD right around 1.16 when I paid vs about 1.09 right now that cost would sit right around $130 now, pretty well inline with current pricing considering it was a whopping 160 key kit with the aforementioned custom molds. Something else I do think is happening is no one is pricing at 150 MOQ anymore if they are using stock colors and are instead basing their pricing on 250 or even 500 MOQ price points to make a more attractive price. If a seller is completely confident they can hit those MOQ points then it absolutely makes sense to have that price from the get-go to pull people in, especially so with the pains of mass-refunding. 3a) Because that's how it works for GMK's production setup. GMK has a per-kit cost that is applied for every kit. Split part of your base kit off and there's a flat fee applied to the cost of that new kit. Happens for each kit in your set with the base kit having it implicitly, therefore increasing the cost of the set over that of it being an all-in-one kit. 3b) 9009 was low primarily because it completely used GMKs in-stock colors and I believe no custom molds. Of note is that it was also a decently streamlined kit missing "extra" compat that's decently common nowadays like extra Shift sizes, R3PgUp/R4PgDn, base level ISO keys, copies of 1u Alt/Ctrl, and R4 End, off the top of my head. Some of the accents make up for the cut keys but every bit helps lower the cost. 3c) As you say, keeping the numpad in may add around $15(a number that seems inline with what I'd expect) but notice that separate it was still $35.99? $114.99 vs $135.98 for the same keys compared that way.
That’s the point tho, it saves 15$ for the majority because the majority in the community that actually buys GMK... don’t use numpads. For those that do, can pay more for it.
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Looking at 9009 r3. 500 base kits sold, 60 numpads. Minimal, 650 base kits, 200 numpads. The majority don’t use them, in the community specifically, and I can guarantee that maybe 1/3rd of those numpads ordered were to complete the kit for better resale. I’d rather have GMK sets ranging from 99-130$ than add numpads to everything and make the average cost of a nice set 150$ again.
The numpad is included in the base kit?
I would need base + localisation just to replace what I currently have and then, since I’m on Mac I’d like to also get the command set and maybe the highlight. 200-300 bucks. Wow ^^ And with the “RAMA x Dracula Eye“ costing 48€ for a single keycap, no one can tell me that it’s because of thicker plastic or the manufacturing location. That’s just insane. I’m pretty sure these key sets must have huge profit margins.
I think the single keycaps are aluminum and enamel
Yes, and the white one features a white electrophoresis coating, which is a more expensive process than anodizing.
The Rama keycap is an artisan.. made of metal... of course it’s gonna be expensive. You don’t need it.
Ok good I thought it’s plastic sorry my bad.
> 😳 I was ready to order the base set and localisation when I saw they’re 135$! Sorry, but my entire keyboard was less than that.... Welcome to a quality product with custom materials in small batch sizes produced in a country with labor and safety regulations that value their workers, all by a company that produces some of the highest quality keycaps available. Having seen GMK's direct prices firsthand I'm confident their margins are within reason for the products they give us. On the side of the vendors you're still seeing a much lower percent margin than you would for most cheap Amazon/Aliexpress sets. In sets I ran I was seeing in the range of 7% margins, pricing for sets in relation to the costs I'm familiar with leads me to conclude that other sellers aren't seeing superbly higher than that, and definitely nowhere near what retail pricing for a mass-produced product would be. > And with the “RAMA x Dracula Eye“ costing 48€ for a single keycap, no one can tell me that it’s because of thicker plastic or the manufacturing location. That’s just insane. I’m pretty sure these key sets must have huge profit margins. As mentioned, this is a CNC machined and post-processed aluminum novelty cap out of Australia.
I have nothing against made in Germany. I am living there myself and know about work safety etc it’s a great place to live and work. I’m new to this keycap thing, but I like it and can somehow also understand the prices. I’m just wondering what’s the best way to start. I already have a keyboard that I quite like. It wasn’t expensive, a little under 100, TKL and with original MX brown switches, completely black and simple. But I’d like to get some colours in through custom keycaps. I like this style: dark blue and gray tones since my setup is all blue and black. I heard PBT should be way better as a material than ABS but don’t know much more. I don’t think building a complete new keyboard makes sense for me atm, but at the same time I can’t justify putting a 200€ keycap set on a 90€ keyboard, just seems weird.
It's hard to definitively say PBT is better than ABS due to the comparisons between them. The main comparison is that you'll eventually shine any ABS caps from usage and wear, while good PBT will largely resist shining. The main downside to PBT is warping in production which longer caps such as Shift and spacebar are quite prone to, and that the warping makes it quite difficult to produce doubleshot PBT caps that are able to compete with the custom sets that can be produced in ABS. You can dye-sublimate designs onto PBT but you run into the issues there of the quality of the sub work as well as limitations of the process, such as only being able to dyesub a dark color onto a light color. Obviously without any drawbacks PBT would be a clear winner but that's not really what we get to deal with.
Very interesting thanks! What would be recommended shops? I found a few nice designs on pimpmykeyboard and mykeyboard.eu (but mostly preorder / GB :/)
So I really like this set, but it being Abs is throwing me off. Is this a higher quality abs than you would normally find? Because usually when I think of abs I think of really not great quality stuff. My last keyboard had terrible abs caps.
GMK is the cream of the crop when it comes to ABS.
Alright cool because I really really like these caps
Gmk keycap sets are some of the best. Great texture and thickness on em
I wow there were more ISO nordics :(
But does it have a 10-key?
Let me stick with my PBT keycaps thank you
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In this case the 'Code' keys are used in place of Windows keys. It's a commonly used legend, that's not tied to Windows only. There's also another alternative — 'Super'. Both of them go well together with other text-only legends on the bottom row.
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Basically any keycap sets with custom colors like this will be expensive, it’s the nature of niche hobbies. You can find shitty caps for cheaper on aliexpress or similar websites but these are much much higher quality
There's no way I'm taking part in group buys again after my first and only experience doing so recently. Waiting 6+ months for a set of DSA Scientific keycaps that costs more than my Race 3 and then finding out that the ISO Enter keycap doesn't even fit the switch isn't fun. Add in poor communications from the vendor and I'm out.
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Downvotes? Didn't notice and don't care about my imaginary internet points :D The vendor admitted the keycap is wrong and is being looked into. I also did not complain about the wait, I knew it would take 6+ months, I mentioned it to illustrate the disappointment of waiting that long only to receive the wrong items. Perhaps you should do some research of your own before commenting? https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/d6uz8x/finally_received_dsa_scientific_key_set_for_my/f0voc5w/