Rogue-Architect t1_ix5226t wrote on November 20, 2022 at 8:26 PM

Reply to comment by blagflack in Couple more keycaps spontaneously gave way by ThatChapThere

" Hell nah. That's not the way."

Oh wait, you are right, stealing from members of this community is the way.

"If you care so much about the community go contribute on some open source project such as the crkbd, lily58, etc."

I have no interest in those projects, so no.

" Otherwise you're just an asshole blaming on people who just want to enjoy the same hobby as you but cannot afford to pay the same price. "

Projection much? You are the one doing an asshole thing, openly stealing from people in this community and encouraging it.

This hobby is not free. In fact, it is typically quite expensive. These are niche products that are run in very small batches only supported by the community. I can tell you are quite new to the hobby so instead of complaining that everything is so expensive and supporting people that steal from people in the hobby, be happy that people in this hobby are trying to bring low cost options that are available for everyone. You think there was a QK65 when I started this hobby? No. It was a Tofu that cost $300+ dollars that was a pretty weak tray mount. To be clear, I am happy that people have options now and could care less if everyone owned every keeb and keycap set I owned because who cares I like them. But sure, don't support the people of this community, instead buy from the Chinese manufacture that stole their IP, offers you are subpar product and then disincentives vendors that are trying to support the community the right way. In case you didn't know, the Olivia set on that board is licensed because Olivia didn't like that her keycap sets were being flipped for so much on the aftermarket. But yeah, go ahead and spit in her face and all of the designers of this hobby.

blagflack t1_ix53k1d wrote on November 20, 2022 at 8:36 PM

Don't get me wrong. I completely understand what you mean, and I think you're right with the fact that we should support people in the community. However not everyone is able to spend that much on a set, and blaming on people who buy clones cuz they cannot afford anything better is quite a nasty behaviour.

Rogue-Architect t1_ix55tsu wrote on November 20, 2022 at 8:51 PM

Well it sounds like we at least sort of agree. I get that we want everyone to have the opportunity but custom keyboards are much more akin to art pieces than just a functioning electronic piece of equipment.

Don't tell my girl, but they aren't really necessary but instead a luxury item.

So let's continue to support vendors like QwertyKeys who are making options available for everyone and support the people of this community and if you are that strapped and have to buy clones, just keep it to yourself and don't promote it. At least then it is really just about something you want for yourself and aren't showing it off and encouraging others to do the same.

blagflack t1_ix58021 wrote on November 20, 2022 at 9:05 PM

Yeah, you're right. Better not to promote clones to avoid damaging community members, however no hate for those who use them.

Rogue-Architect t1_ix5acp7 wrote on November 20, 2022 at 9:21 PM

Yeah it is a tough one for sure. This hobby was created so that people could have a keyboard that they love. The problem is that for it to continue we have to support our designers and not just always go the low cost option, particularly when it is just a direct knock off.

It is worth noting that if a clone set doesn't use the novelties, I am much more inclined to be ok with that. Clearly they are taking the colors of a different designer and matching them to appear to be the same set which is obvious by the fact that, outside of their inability to produce the same saturated color, they don't even switch up the hue or anything about the color profile. However, BoW, WoB, beige, etc. sets are all completely fair game.