Cricut Universal Keypad Overlay

Just curious what you all are thinking about the new universal keypad overlay from Cricut. Seems we all have to buy it for any cartridges that come out after 8/1. I'm wondering if that will make the cost of their cartridges less, or if we'll still be paying the same for less product.

I am wondering the same thing. Maybe i will just stick to "older" cartridges. Since I, myself, am "OLDER" maybe I should stick to older carts! Ha ha

Looks like they're changing the size of their boxes as well, making them smaller. Guess all they'll need to put in them will be the little cartridge thing itself that you click into your Cricut.

All cartridges released after August 1 will make use of the universal keypad overlay. A single overlay must be purchased separately as it will not be included in the newer packages. The packages will be smaller and are supposed to be more affordable. Older carts will still need the original overlays. For more information, see the website:

http://www.cricut.com/home/support/universal-overlay?utm_source=hellothursday&utm_medium=email&utm_content=universaloverlaylearnmore&utm_campaign=ht_08_01_13&hq_e=el&hq_m=158313&hq_l=9&hq_v=71762d3f5e

The newer cricut machines don't use overlays so I guess they made that decision based on that fact. Users of the newer machines may be discarding the overlays they don't need, or wasting space storing them.

Personally, I prefer my older machine with the overlays. I don't care to depend on a screen display without an overlay, nor dependency on a computer connection. I have no room to place my cricut next to my computer so I'm unable to even use the new machine. In fact, I have to store my cricut in the dining room downstairs, and my computer is up in the attic.

Hm, well, I wasn't really planning to get any more carts anyway, since I'm still a Design Studio user, and nothing since this past April is compatible with that anymore.

When I get time I am going to investigate the craft room - I hear such good reviews. Then I will download all my cartridges and since I have more cartridges than I will ever use - only about 14 but I only use about 5 of them, I doubt I will buy any newer ones.

I'm leaning more and more to adding a Cameo.

I don't think they will lower the prices. On their FB page, I saw a post from them that said they were doing it to help keep the costs low. Didn't say anything about lowering the cost, sounded like they were just going to remain the same.

I believe the new wall art cart is selling for $29.99. so, it looks as if they have lowered the price. The only bad thing is that it is not available yet for digital download to the craftroom. I do not feel like buying and storing a separate overlay.

Well that's nice if they do lower the prices on the carts!

Everytime they try to revamp their style they turn off existing customers. There are so many things they need to work on, that its frustratiing when they do things like this. I'm leaning towards not buying any of the new ones. I've bought over 200+ cartridges and I own a Cameo. I still like using my E, but if my Gypsy dies I won't be that excited to cut with it anymore. I'm on the fence for now.

Wow, that's a lot of carts! I'd say you are a loyal customer! I had 2 Cricut machines awhile back and probably had 100-150 carts but ended up selling my machines when I just wasn't scrapping much anymore. Now I'm scrapping a ton, and am on the fence about what machine to get.

Is this a full content cart? I have noticed in the past a lot of the "project" carts are selling for that price but are not a full content cart.
Kind of like the seasonal and lite carts run cheaper than the others.

I am guessing the universal overlay is just so you know where the main buttons are??
I would just use any of my overlays instead of buying another. Or am I missing the purpose of the new overlay?

Thanks for your posting! I now don't feel so guilty about my 103 cartridges. Whew.

This new overlay has nothing to do with cartridges you've previously purchased. You'll continue to use your original overlays with them. It only has to do with future purchases (after 8/1) New carts will no longer come with a keyboard overlay at all. If you want to buy new ones, you'll have to buy the new overlay ($2.50 or so).

I would imagine that the new carts/books will just have numbers on them next to the images that correspond with what you are cutting. It simplifies Provocraft having to make individual icons for the overlays. In my opinion, it should lower the cost. However, I am sure that it won't.

I hope it does too. It's a lot less work for them!

Wow... and I have 3 cartridges and was feeling guilty about not using them enough.... I really would love to have the new CTMH cartridge, but I don't have the bigger cutting Cricut.

I always felt guilty when I bought a cart for a specific cut...it feels like such a waste.