Varmilo Special Editions Discussions | Drop

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Varmilo Special Editions

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Varmilo Special Editions

AndrewLekashman

2368

Input Club

Dec 31, 2014

Hi Everyone,
We have run very successful drops with Varmilo in the past and are working on expanding our relationship with them. They made the decision to showcase this brand new product to the Massdrop community because of its understanding and acceptance of high quality keyboards. As Inanis mentioned, a comparable price for this without any painting would be $150-200, and that's without a PCB, Switches, or PBT dye sublimated keycaps.
This doesn't take into account the custom work of designing the cases and assembling this special edition keyboard in small-batches. To clarify, the metal case isn't just "painted", as there is no raised texture or bumps from splatter on the case, the metal has been treated with a chemical process to stylize it this way.
Feel free to continue airing your opinions about this keyboard, but I would suggest that you do it in a constructive way like Makami so that we don't discourage companies like Varmilo from working with the community on ambitious and interesting projects in the future.

TheWheeledOne

Dec 31, 2014

Yes, because "Be tactful or they might not want to do business here anymore" is totally the same as "shut up or we're going to take away this company's business nyahnyahnyah."
Is a semblance of maturity in discussion possible, instead of this "I'd pay a buck for the crap that this is LOLLL!!1!!ONE1!" nonsense that this drop is chock full of so far..?
Don't like the drop? Great! Don't join! But don't be smarmy just because you have no tact.

Mark

3186

Admin User

Dec 31, 2014

We're not threatening to remove Varmilo's business, what we're saying is that Varmilo will be discouraged from working with the community on ambitious and interesting projects in the future when they read the immature trolling that's going on here.

Havo

Dec 31, 2014

MarkIm going to be perfectly honest here, Varmilo needs to rethink their projects. They've made some good products in the past, but this keyboard just doesn't really belong in their "good products". I understand why you would want a case like that, for a much better typing experience and build quality. And even though the splash paint look isn't my cup of tea, it makes everything stand out. The problem here is the price, this is way too expensive for what it is, it has almost no features. There's nothing that really stands out from this keyboard.
Also the guys over at Varmilo, if you're reading this, I don't mean to discourage you all, i'm just saying that for the price, this isn't something I would buy. There's nothing that really stands out from it to really justify it's monstrous price tag.

Expedited

Dec 31, 2014

"I mean...my Poker is more than enough. Why would I need a keyboard that costs $350?"
ayyyy lmao

STARLORDCOFFEE

Dec 31, 2014

AndrewLekashmanI think this is a great idea. I don't understand why poeple took the pricing so personal. It's a custom job with a custom price to match. Listing alternatives isn't going to help this company in any way apparent to me. On that note I would like to add some of my own constructive criticisms. I would be nice to see maybe a geometric paint scheme offered as a choice in the future. Second I think the key caps could have come in a more interesting flavor. And that's about it. Once again, I'm just happy to see Varmilo taking the step into this category. I really hope the comments here don't detere them from building on this project.
Cheers Andrew and all the guys at Varmilo.

Makami

4237

Dec 31, 2014

MarkDear Mark,
my first post might be considered as trolling too. But those were my initial thoughts, and i've done well in life following my instincts.
For something like this, the explanation/description might have been better for us to understand for whom this drop is supposed to be.
The most important point, working with the community goes both ways, we have to like to work with Varmillo too. You can't serve something no one asked for and be astonished about improper reactions.
Working together, community/Varmillo, they might like to ask us, what we would like to get and see on the "perfect" mecha, and than they might check what can be accomplished and what not.
Working together means comunication between groups/people before you start production.
There must be a reason for the polls you've running for the Infinity.
With best regards.

kbdobsessed

191

Keyboard Club Member

Dec 31, 2014

MarkThis is an aside -- while I don't there there's much actual trolling as opposed to opinion expressing going on here, I _am_ impressed that Massdrop does not censor these discussions (at least not that I'm aware of). Not seeing comments critical of the product "disappeared" enhances my confidence that I can use these discusssions to help inform a purchase decision in areas where I'm not as informed (e.g. everyday carry). Good on you for that.

Pr.Plump

Dec 31, 2014

MarkI don't know about immature "trolling", really... I believe people are just expressing their astonishment. I mean, when you think about it : on a website where products are usually voted for, when you see something pop up without warning, and at such a high price, you get curious (and excited). When you then realise that said product is a letdown, well, here's what you get : high cries.
Now, for something a bit more constructive. I have nothing against high priced products. I know I'll probably never get myself the most luxurious items out there, it doesn't prevent me from goggling at Lambos or high-end watches, and drooling all over them. I appreciate such products, and all I wish for keyboard enthusiasts that can afford it is to see really unique pieces be fleshed out from the minds of great companies. Regarding the present product : it feels, excuse the language, half-assed. I will gladly admit I cannot give a professional point of view on how much it costs to produce this special edition. I won't claim it's a ripoff. But the question that seriously popped in my mind was : did they think this through ? I sincerely believe there is a mass of people ready to spend lots of money on really high quality products on Massdrop (hello Shure SE846). A unique, exceptional keyboard, produced in small quantities, aimed at somewhat of an "elite" ? Hell, go for it, and good for them ! But this Varmilo is NOT my idea of such high end product. I think there would be a much warmer welcome if they went aaaaall the way down the road, with over-the-top features, high customization possibilities, high compatibility, modability. This would go well with the insane quality of a full aluminum body. The price would go up ? Yes ! But this product, at least, would have an appeal, an aura, something for itself than just "Here's a sturdy keyboard for $400."
Mind you, I didn't even criticize the artistic design... Ever thought about a full Damascus steel body ? There you have it, a probably impossible, stupidly luxurious idea. ^^

TheWheeledOne

Dec 31, 2014

Pr.PlumpI agree with most of your comment, but I'd just like to point out that what he was stating about trolling, was not people stating opinions. Constructive opinions, or even a "Too expensive, pass", is perfectly fine. However, this thread is full of people making statements like, and I quote, "I would maybe pay $1 for the crap that this is, but $400?"
All that MD is asking for, is a semblance of maturity to commentary. You know, more like what you presented here, and not the childish baying that is presented in 75% of this thread. If more people passed along *WHY* they felt this wasn't worth the value, Varmillo can take it back as constructive criticism and potentially use it. They then can feel like, even if the drop does not sell, that the community is in it with them. Instead they get deriding comments; and their business partner -- MD -- simply requested that its community act like mature adults. I don't think it's too much to ask, and in no way does it deny comments such as your own -- which are constructive.

VooDooAddict

110

Dec 31, 2014

Mark"when they read the immature trolling that's going on here"
I think you are taking this too personally. I read through all the comments again and people are disappointed in Massdrop and Varmilo's plans, taste, cost and/or the lack of communication input about this drop. Immature? Trolling? That is quite a stretch.
This may not be the feedback you or Varmilo was hoping for, but this is the feedback. Take it and improve where possible or take it personally and call your user's input immature. One of those will strengthen the relationship with your customers and help bring better products to the table. The other will alienate your customers and result in less popular products.
I think many people here see the value in a premium keyboard with a nice metal casing. And understand that comes at a premium over the typical mechanical keyboard. What we don't see value in is expensive late 90s style splash anodizing on a keyboard where you only see a small portion of aluminum while it's in use. Simpler, cheaper solid color anodized cases could have been a much better way to test the waters in the $200-$300 price range. A price point with a clear premium over the $150+ keyboards people typically order here, without the sticker shock.