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Massdrop x Zslane Mercury Rocketeer Keyboard
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Massdrop x Zslane Mercury Rocketeer Keyboard
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Product Description
Like putting on an old record or driving a stick shift, there’s nothing quite like typing on a typewriter. With their heavy actuations, old-school colorways, and audible clicks and clacks, mechanical keyboards come close—and with the Mercury Rocketeer they’ve inched even closer Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downJohnRCooper
858
Zslane
Jul 12, 2018
Nearly two years ago there was a Deskthority thread discussing Tom Hanks' typewriter collection, and his collection inspired me to whip up an SA keycap set for 60% keyboards based on my favorite vintage manual typewriter, the Hermes Rocket. The Hermes Rocket, along with the numerous other "ultralight" typewriters of the mid-20th century, was the laptop of its day, used by novelists and journalists all over the world. This was to be the keyset to draw out your inner Hemmingway.
I knew from the start, however, that it wouldn't have much appeal without a matching themed case to go with it, and I originally thought that a flat aluminum case in seafoam green would do the trick. But the more I thought about it the more I felt that something more ambitious was needed, and I worked up some 3D renders of what I would want the case to look like. Little did I know how good MassDrop was at turning concepts into reality!
What you see here is everything I hoped this tribute keyboard would become, and I hope keyboard enthusiasts and vintage typewriter enthusiasts alike will be as excited as I am to have this baby on their desktops!
I knew from the start, however, that it wouldn't have much appeal without a matching themed case to go with it, and I originally thought that a flat aluminum case in seafoam green would do the trick. But the more I thought about it the more I felt that something more ambitious was needed, and I worked up some 3D renders of what I would want the case to look like. Little did I know how good MassDrop was at turning concepts into reality!
What you see here is everything I hoped this tribute keyboard would become, and I hope keyboard enthusiasts and vintage typewriter enthusiasts alike will be as excited as I am to have this baby on their desktops!
Geckt
709
Oct 1, 2019
JohnRCooperWow, the reviews are ravingly negative even the great LSB is highlighting the nefariously bad build qualities.
And, so how am I suppose to trust your descriptions and buy one of this seemingly perfect looking keyboards @Drop?
You guys fxxked up my MT3 keysets on the first run, then MT3 Elven Tongue you guys messed up again and shortchanged me of a missing key now this?
YIKES, I think I will never ever join another drop again to ensure no chance you guys can fxxk xp with my money again.
(Edited)
YanboWu
8490
Collaborations
Jul 12, 2018
Hey everyone,
I’m super excited to announce our second project with @JohnRCooper - the Mercury Rocketeer Keyboard.
I still remember when Zslane first reached out asking if we’d be interested in running a pretty esoteric keycap set and maybe help source some matching 60% cases. Overtime, this project grew to what you see before you - a gestalt design that pays homage to a very iconic typewriter.
We are undertaking many firsts with this project. It will be our first cast aluminum keyboard. The PCB we are creating has few novel solutions to bridge the gap between the PCB and the connector opening due the aesthetic of the keyboard.
We are excited to bring this concept to life. This keyboard is one of the most unique projects I’ve worked on and I can’t wait to get it into everyone’s hands.
Finally, regarding payment. Please note that we will be collecting payment at the end of the July. This is to allow us to start creating the die-cast tools which is extremely time intensive and we’d like to have an extra buffer to ensure contingencies are covered. If this is an issue for you, please make sure to join the drop after July 31.
(Preemptive) Q : Why is the ship date so long? A: SA doubleshot lead time is a bit long currently. This is one of the things that's affecting the ship date. The longer lead time also gives us more buffer to make sure our first die cast keyboard will meet the standards you will all expect.
Q: Other layouts? PCBs? A: We decided to stick with ANSI 60% this round to minimize any additional complexities. B
Q: Will <insert part here> be offered separately? A: Not at the moment, none of the parts will really work well without the rest with the exception of the keycap set. However, the designer's vision had always been for it to be paired with this keyboard.
Q: What's up with the arrows kit when it's a 60% keyboard? A: The idea behind the arrow keys is to put them in place of alpha keys like WASD or IJKL or HJKL for when you chord them with FN to produce arrow navigation. By providing the arrows in all row profiles, users are free to place them anywhere in the main alpha block they want (programming a key layer accordingly), like so:
Finally, regarding payment. Please note that we will be collecting payment at the end of the July. This is to allow us to start creating the die-cast tools which is extremely time intensive and we’d like to have an extra buffer to ensure contingencies are covered. If this is an issue for you, please make sure to join the drop after July 31.
(Preemptive) Q : Why is the ship date so long? A: SA doubleshot lead time is a bit long currently. This is one of the things that's affecting the ship date. The longer lead time also gives us more buffer to make sure our first die cast keyboard will meet the standards you will all expect.
Q: Other layouts? PCBs? A: We decided to stick with ANSI 60% this round to minimize any additional complexities. B
Q: Will <insert part here> be offered separately? A: Not at the moment, none of the parts will really work well without the rest with the exception of the keycap set. However, the designer's vision had always been for it to be paired with this keyboard.
Q: What's up with the arrows kit when it's a 60% keyboard? A: The idea behind the arrow keys is to put them in place of alpha keys like WASD or IJKL or HJKL for when you chord them with FN to produce arrow navigation. By providing the arrows in all row profiles, users are free to place them anywhere in the main alpha block they want (programming a key layer accordingly), like so:
JohnRCooper
858
Zslane
Feb 25, 2019
I can tell you what I know at this point. We are finalizing the paint color for the case. The chrome Return key came out perfect and looks exactly like the render. The keycaps are scheduled for production in March, and the novelty legends came out perfect (based on the samples I was sent).
I can't speak to the progress/status of the PCB, but it looks to me like everything is pretty much lined up for April delivery.
erto
493
Feb 25, 2019
JohnRCooperThat is more than I was able to find prior. Thank you very much for the update. I really look forward to showing it off.
Elrick
2105
Jul 17, 2018
LZ is a Korean Keyboard Designer.
He only designs the keyboard casing and leaves the PCB to one of his friends to design and manufacture.
He's been doing it for years and I have a few of his designs but lately his prices are sky rocketing hence best to look elsewhere. Not saying his work is bad, it's quite good but the pricing is getting quite ridiculous.
At least here on MD, I can buy some designer looking keyboards for the kids without busting the bank account.
He only designs the keyboard casing and leaves the PCB to one of his friends to design and manufacture.
He's been doing it for years and I have a few of his designs but lately his prices are sky rocketing hence best to look elsewhere. Not saying his work is bad, it's quite good but the pricing is getting quite ridiculous.
At least here on MD, I can buy some designer looking keyboards for the kids without busting the bank account.
Elrick
2105
Jul 17, 2018
Forgot to add, that your design is unique to a particular style - being that Vintage Keyboard which I personally like a lot.
There are very few current designs wanting to use old age type writer designs in a 60% size. In fact you may be the very first individual to do that here.
Also the colours you picked help push this design into a rare status worthy of a decent design, despite ignorant spurting from a tiny minority.
You have a following here so don't get too depressed about that, it shows you're doing something right and we do appreciate what you've done. After all we're all here with our money and that says something far more than anything else.
There are very few current designs wanting to use old age type writer designs in a 60% size. In fact you may be the very first individual to do that here.
Also the colours you picked help push this design into a rare status worthy of a decent design, despite ignorant spurting from a tiny minority.
You have a following here so don't get too depressed about that, it shows you're doing something right and we do appreciate what you've done. After all we're all here with our money and that says something far more than anything else.
dvorcol
5378
Keyboard Club Member
Jul 17, 2018
EnigmatikOMG, I had a wider version of that exact desk in college. It was unbelievably heavy, but it was awesome. Sometimes I wish I still had it. Now is one of those times.
cijanzen
600
Jul 13, 2018
Maybe this is explained on Geekhack, but for those of us who don’t know, I’m wondering if the icons can be explained?
Starius
703
Jul 13, 2018
Everyone has opinions.
But not everyone is a jerk.
Just thought I'd share that distinction.
Just thought I'd share that distinction.
JaleesaG
1550
Marketing Team
Feb 26, 2019
Hi all,
Wanted to share a quick production update on the Massdrop x Zslane Mercury Rocketeer Mechanical Keyboard. Colors are now being finalized and we’re working on prototyping and validating a couple of electrical engineering elements in the keyboard (the interconnect ribbon cable, etc.). As long as this process goes according to schedule, we’ll be on track for the late April ship date.
We’d also like to share some new images of the keycaps for the Mercury Rocketeer keyboard (below).
We can’t wait for you to receive and enjoy the Massdrop x Zslane Mercury Rocketeer Mechanical Keyboard. Stay tuned for another update soon!
2.27.2019 EDIT Adding in a few images of the die cast aluminum case prototypes:
@commodore_nate @Bronze-Knight
2.27.2019 EDIT Adding in a few images of the die cast aluminum case prototypes:
@commodore_nate @Bronze-Knight
(Edited)
erto
493
Jul 8, 2019
JohnRCooperThat is good to know and eases my panic. I just got notice that the KB is out for delivery today.
(Edited)
JaleesaG
1550
Marketing Team
Apr 18, 2019
Hi all,
We have an update on your Massdrop Made product. The Massdrop x Zslane Mercury Rocketeer Keyboards are nearing completion and we’re very happy with the final product (check out the latest images below!) Unfortunately, we’re tracking behind our original estimated ship date and now expect to begin shipping these items in late May, as soon as they arrive at the warehouse.
We apologize for the delay. If you prefer not to wait the additional time, you can cancel your order on your transactions page: https://www.massdrop.com/transactions
Thanks so much for your patience. We’ll be back with another update when the keyboards are received at the warehouse.
(Edited)
YanboWu
8490
Collaborations
Jul 9, 2019
Hey everyone, excited to see these are getting into your hands and I hope the keyboards are looking great. I wanted to make a quick note about reflashing the keymap etc. We are working on getting our configurator updated and also merging the Rocketeer code into the main QMK branch. Please hold tight for now and we'll let everyone know what that's completed.
IronSunsetscales
351
Aug 29, 2022
YanboWuOh hey there Yanbo, the rocketeer is still not part of the main QMK branch! It's not going to happen, is it?
Fombat
37
Jul 13, 2018
A lot of people are gonna look at this and be like wow this is amazing but price is too high and I'd just like to explain why it isn't very high of a price in fact it's rather cheap.
Custom SA keycaps by SP let's say you get these for $80 after shipping from a Groupbuy.
Halo switches let's say these were available to buy and cost the same as a kailh box switch (even though halos do cost more) so we will say $35
A 60% hot swappable pcb will usually run you around $40
This leaves us with a total of $155 worth of stuff we are getting (which these estimates are very very conservative considering I'm not really including taxes or ridiculous shipping rates often charged) leaves you with a full aluminum custom case with unique design for around $100 all of this with free shipping. (On regular custom know groupbuys shipping is generally 30-60 CONUS)
So ya this is an amazing deal for a custom artisan keyboard.
With keycaps and aluminum case accounted for this is almost a better value than the dz60 on kbdfans
Custom SA keycaps by SP let's say you get these for $80 after shipping from a Groupbuy.
Halo switches let's say these were available to buy and cost the same as a kailh box switch (even though halos do cost more) so we will say $35
A 60% hot swappable pcb will usually run you around $40
This leaves us with a total of $155 worth of stuff we are getting (which these estimates are very very conservative considering I'm not really including taxes or ridiculous shipping rates often charged) leaves you with a full aluminum custom case with unique design for around $100 all of this with free shipping. (On regular custom know groupbuys shipping is generally 30-60 CONUS)
So ya this is an amazing deal for a custom artisan keyboard.
With keycaps and aluminum case accounted for this is almost a better value than the dz60 on kbdfans
jellybean
2
Jul 13, 2018
FombatMy thoughts exactly! Which was why it was pretty much an instabuy for me even though I was actually saving for a different board
JohnRCooper
858
Zslane
Jul 14, 2018
FombatAnd don't forget the $10 credit towards a future purchase that comes with this round. It's basically like getting this keyboard for $10 less.
JohnRCooper
858
Zslane
Jul 24, 2019
Designer Input - A Message from Zslane
Hey everyone,
I just want to add some clarity for the folks who’ve received their Rocketeers and have questions about the final look.
The subject of color production in manufacturing is a tricky one, especially as it pertains to "matching" a pre-visualization. The Mercury Rocketeer features three shades of green, and in all three cases, the exact choice of color was restricted by what the manufacturing partners could be enjoined to produce for us.
The Final Look
I'm sure the biggest question on everyone's mind is, why doesn't the final product look exactly like the renders? Rephrasing the question as, "Why don't the renders look more like the final product?", helps reframe the subject in a way that hints at the problem. Pre-visualizing a product that does not yet exist, and for which there is no way to anticipate all the manufacturing challenges that lie ahead of it, is always a mixture of "artist conceptualization" with a dash of wishful thinking.
Take keycaps for instance. There are no official RGB values for Signature Plastic's colors (they don't even have them themselves), and so I base my keycap renders on RGB values derived from photographs of their color chips which I found online, and which were supposedly color calibrated to somebody's idea of "accuracy". These values are little more than reasonable guesses, but I feel they suffice for getting the critical character of a keycap set across accurately enough.
Then there's the outer case. The RGB value I chose for the outer case renders was, at best, a general target for what the physical product color would hopefully be. But not knowing ahead of time that I would be asked to select a Pantone color, I simply picked RGB values I liked, and which I hoped we'd be able to get close to in production.
The Keycaps
For the keycaps, I chose the existing green colors VAF and VCO from Signature Plastics' ABS color swatches. I deemed these to be the closest to what I wanted for the keyboard given that we were not going to request custom colors to be mixed for us due to the added expense that would entail.
The Case
When it came time to select the paint color for the outer case--long after the run was over and just before the cases were about to go into actual production--I was asked to pick a Pantone color code that best represented what I had in mind for the product. None of the Pantone colors were exactly what I wanted, but I chose what I felt was the best compromise between the hue, saturation, and brightness levels of the colors available to me. While the color I chose is perhaps a bit lighter than what we might consider "perfect," I nevertheless judged it superior to the next best choice, which would have been too dark and saturated, too blue, or both.
Lighting & Rendering
And then there's the issue of the lighting setup used in the rendering application. Do I light my renders with the CG equivalent to incandescent lighting, natural lighting, or fluorescent lighting? I chose to go with a lighting setup akin to a reasonably neutral studio lighting environment. But that won't look the same as, say, a room lit by ambient natural light (at some arbitrary time of day).
But even with highly accurate RGB values and perfect lighting setup (whatever that might be), there are a whole host of other reasons why an image rendered from my computer will look different to each and every person who sees it on a monitor other than mine. Differences in monitor LEDs, differences in monitor settings and calibration presets (if applied), not to mention the impact of the lighting in the viewer's room and the differences in how each person perceives color, all play a major role in guaranteeing that no two people see the same rendered (or photographed/scanned) image the same way.
This is the nature of pre-visualizing with CGI. What we get is a usually a reasonable, but far from perfect (or perfectly accurate), representation of what the final physical product will look like.
We appreciate you taking the time to read this. We hope to provide additional clarity on these processes moving forward. In addition, we will be more vigilant with informing the community when a project is utilizing renders in place of production units for the product page.
Thanks,
Zslane (John R Cooper)
Dgordon
325
Jul 29, 2019
JohnRCooper"While the color I chose is perhaps a bit lighter than what we might consider "perfect," I nevertheless judged it superior to the next best choice, which would have been too dark and saturated, too blue, or both."
I'm not sure I understand this part. There is a pantone for every shade imaginable. Are you saying the manufacturer only let you use a few different shades?
JohnRCooper
858
Zslane
Jul 29, 2019
DgordonNot every Pantone library is suitable for paint on metal. I entered the RGB values that I used for my renders into the Pantone website search bot, and it showed me the closest available colors they had across all of their libraries. The closest match was not available by the paint vendor so I had to choose the next closest color I deemed acceptable.
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