Hi all, this is sort of a pre-interest check before I publicize this to the wider community. I’m looking to collect initial feedback about the set, and measure interest to see if it’s worth doing a more full-blown IC or not. Thanks!
Intro
Ulivi is inspired by the Olivetti M24’s Keyboard 2, from the early 1980s. In the US, the M24 was rebadged by Xerox and AT&T under other names. But the original Olivetti version was the one to feature their trademark bright blue legends, used prominently on many of their boards from the era.
I had originally been playing with a color scheme closer to GMK Olivetti, but quickly realized it was almost identical to the recently-released DCS SMRT. Not wanting to repeat myself, I started looking to historical Olivetti models for inspiration, instead of later, looser adaptations.
The Keyboard 2 stood out, with its icon modifiers, bright blue legends, and minimalist single yellow and mint accent keys. Ulivi is a clean, simple recreation of that colorway for the DCS profile.
I want to include Italian alphas if the molds exist, since it’s impossible to separate Olivetti from Italy; specifically, the Turin metropolitan area where they still operate today. I’ve incorporated the Turin bull into the ISO Enter novelty in the accent kit, as a nod to the region. The ANSI Enter novelty sports a legally-distinct take on the 1980s Olivetti logo. Finally, using full icon modifiers (the same as those used with DCS Paperwork) allows Ulivi’s mods to be as language-neutral as possible.
Vendors
I’m hoping to offer this once again through SPKeyboards’s storefront, and their international partners, provided they’re interested.
SP Stock Colors
Background is GAL warm light grey
Legends and bright blue accents are BBJ blue (Dancer blue)
Yellow accents are YDA yellow
Mint accents are VDV green
Dates
GB TBD, but shipping should be about 3 months later.
Pricing
TBD, but aiming for a $110 base kit that recent DCS sets have been priced at.
Kitting
Base Kit, with UK ISO and Split Bars
Extension, with Relegendables, 6u and 10u Bars, Winged Mods, Alts, and BAE
Numpad, with 108-Key Coverage
40%
Accents, with HJKL arrows, Gamer WASD, and Novelties
Bull novelty courtesy of our own Deadeye!
Southern ISO, with Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese Alphas
Ergo, with Boardwalk/Promenade Support
Notes
The Southern ISO kit depends on whether the molds exist in DCS. Try as I could, I wasn’t able to find photos of vintage Wyse boards with Italian legends, that would prove their existence. I’ve asked SP to look into whether they do have these in their mold archive, but haven’t heard back yet. And of course, whether there’s enough support for it. If you’ve been wanting support for languages beyond the typical NorDeUK, here’s your opportunity to demonstrate demand!
Renders
