[Coco] Modern Coco Keyboard Replacements

[Mark J. Blair]

> On Aug 29, 2015, at 10:45, Brian Blake <random.rodder at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> While I'm sure Mark wouldn't be opposed to selling a keyboard of his
> liking, I'm not sure limited or mass production is in his plans. He's
> plainly stated he's building the keyboard he wants, and I'll certainly
> commend him for that.

Mass production is not in my plans, unless I see an amount of interest that would really surprise me. So far, it looks like the total available market is about two units, counting one for me! :)

I was talking about 20 units previously because I had a feeling that some volume would be necessary to make the semi-custom keycaps that I wanted feasible. Since then, I've learned:

1) 20 units isn't enough to make full custom double shot keys practical.

2) Custom printed key sets are available for around $50 in single quantity.

So, just making a handful of keyboards may be practical-ish, assuming I can get the sheet metal fabrication done economically at small quantity. If I build at least 18 keyboards (seems unlikely) then I can get a price break on the keyswitches, and I can get a price break on the key caps at a minimum quantity of 15 keyboards. So, it seems likely that I'll have to build at single-piece pricing.


> On Aug 29, 2015, at 10:41, Steve Batson via Coco <coco at maltedmedia.com> wrote:
> 
> I certainly wouldn't take it personally if others can't or won't spend the money on what you can work out with any of these companies. 

I agree! In case I wasn't clear, I am not at all offended by people not wanting to spend money on what is admittedly an expensive luxury that likely costs more than the thing it's installed in. It just seemed, perhaps incorrectly, that some folks were expressing outrage at the price. 

> I think your efforts to find any nice keyboard solution are awesome! I just don't see myself spending $150-$200+ for one. 

If somebody else wants to create a less-deluxe upgrade, that's fine with me. I also think that the effort to make new mylar to refurbish original keyboards is a great idea, and I hope that comes together.

-- 
Mark J. Blair, NF6X <nf6x at nf6x.net>
http://www.nf6x.net/