metoolioWhat exactly do you think is expensive? The base kit? An add on pack? What are you comparing it against? The price is very normal for a SP SA set, which this is.
metoolioIf I were to answer your question directly, I'd say it's because this is a luxury item that nobody in the world needs, which causes demand to be very low. The result of low demand is high manufacturing cost--which is independent of product quality. Signature Plastics seems to be a well-regarded company, so there is likely a premium attached due to their reputation for delivering high quality.
But otherwise idk.
InanisWell compared to the vortex PBT sets which are around 30~
Not too sure what SP and SA means so thats probably my problem, but I'm just trying to learn more about keycaps and mechanical keyboards in general so any info helps!
metoolioThe SA keyshape closely resembles the classic, curvy, chunky look and feel of old terminal and typewriter keyboards. They tend to make any color combo look its most awesome. Signature Plastics is the only company that makes anything like them at the moment, and they make them to order (for the creators of each group buy), in small quantities.
This causes the costs to produce these sets to skyrocket. Vortex, Tai Hao, and others are making great strides in introducing good-quality PBT sets at low prices lately, but they're all in the standard OEM-style profile (so they'll sell to non-enthusiast folks more readily), and likely made by the tens of thousands in each colorway—thus, lower prices.
SA (and to a lesser extent, DSA) sets are quite a niche item. Either your want for them keeps you up at night, or it doesn't ;)
metoolioWell i cant explain you that well. Its a subjective thing. I own myself Vortex and Ducky PBT keycaps. Also i got DSA and SA keycaps. And from my subjective view, Vortex PBT is way below DSA and SA (both abs) in quality and type feeling. The most impactfull thing is the profile of Keycaps. In my opinion SA feel is unmatched by anything i have tested so far. Anyway its just my subjective view and my taste.
The best thing you can do is just give SA profile a try and make your own opinion about it.