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LifeIsOnTheWire
36
Mar 10, 2018
I want these keycaps just as much as I did during Round 1, but just like Round 1, I can't use them. Of course, this is my problem, not Matt3o's or Massdrop's problem. I have custom layout keyboards. They are difficult to cover using sculpted keycaps.
There is no 1.75 R2 key, and no 1.25 R3 key, so my 40% keyboard can't use these (the 1.75 R2 key is used by Minivan keyboards, and the 1.25 R3 key is used by the majority of 40% keyboard layouts).
Also, my 60% Ortholinear keyboard cannot use these (basically a Planck layout, with F1-F12 keys above, and a Numberpad to the side). The missing R3 Tab key is a minor inconvenience, but the biggest problem is that I have to spend $46 on the normal "Mods" pack just to get the F5-F8 keys.
I totally understand the predicament of having to support a limited number of keyboards, due to having a limited number of molds. However, just 3 points I'd like to try to make:
- You are missing support for nearly every single staggered 40% keyboard layout by omitting about 1-2 keys. - The F5-F8 keys should be included in the Base pack. Not only are there keyboards that use F1-F12 keys, but do not use standard modifiers. Also for aesthetic reasons. Not everyone likes the 2-tone look. - Symbol modifiers would solve alot of other support problems. Some people are totally turned away when they can't find correctly labelled keycaps.
Tosel
157
Mar 10, 2018
LifeIsOnTheWireI am probably going to make what you refer as a 60% ortholinear (mainly referred as atomic layout or xd75, a 15x5 grid in simple words), and I carefully thought about the layout I would be able to make, but some things are in contrast with what I thought: if you can have 5 rows I find rather strange you would put F1-F12 buttons instead of the normal buttons, especially because you would need them sculpted in R1 instead of R0. The "normal" layout for this kind of keyboard skips the whole R0 row of F buttons and starts with the more common R1 normal numbers and have a tab on R2 (where it is on all normal keyboards). Then someone moves away the `/~ key to put an esc on the top left corner (included in red on the base kit, and in grey on the standard modifiers), and someone else instead sacrifice the R3 caps lock to put the R3 esc included in the ortho kit. If you put the tab next to A you will also miss an R2 ~!
LifeIsOnTheWire
36
Mar 10, 2018
ToselThis is my layout http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/fab286f4d0ecc8f655645d3421244cd7
My thinking is that I don't need 2 sets of number keys on such a small keyboard. However, I do have macro to switch the F1-F12 keys to swap them for a traditional number row. I figured I'd do that for gaming.
Also, you mentioned the sculpture of the R0 vs R1, for me I actually prefer that the sculpture is "off". because it makes it harder to accidentally press an F-key. I'm currently using Cherry profile keycaps on this keyboard, and the F-keys are just tall enough to remind me that they are the wrong keys when I reach for a number key.
LifeIsOnTheWireJust your personal preference that the “sculpted“ to be off. The point of this drop is about the “sculpted “ keys found in the 1970s vintage ibm boards. If you want “non-sculpted“ keys, then you are looking in the wrong place.
Tosel
157
Mar 10, 2018
LifeIsOnTheWireOh, it makes a lot more sense if you'll keep the numpad on the right! But be extra careful: the F1-F12 are R0, whereas / * and - are R1 if you take them from the numpad kit. You'll lack also a keycap for the + on the bottom. That's not an easy layout for sculpted keys, probably something like dsa granite would be easier to deal with... I am also curious, since you are already using that layout, how do you deal without the secondary legends (!@#$%^&*)? And do you access a macro for numbers on the top row or you simply press shift + the numbers of the right numpad?
Tosel
157
Mar 10, 2018
rowieEnglish is not a really precise language, he probably meant with "sculpture off" not for the profile to be unabled, thus flat, but to be "wrong", taller than what it should be so that he can feel to the touch that it is not the number row but an F-key.
ToselIt is subjective. But you are correct in suggesting DSA granite profile though.
LifeIsOnTheWire
36
Mar 10, 2018
rowieI wasn't saying that I am looking for that out of this set, I'm saying that is what I ended up with in regards to my Cherry profile set, and I find it acceptable.
If I was buying a set like this, I would prefer that the sculpture be correct (if I can be so picky), simply for aesthetic reasons.
LifeIsOnTheWireOk that makes sense to me now. Yeah it’s sad that it is hard to find keys for special unique layouts. If only there was a way to select specific keys/specific rows, but I guess that will make it more difficult for sellers.
LifeIsOnTheWire
36
Mar 10, 2018
rowieYeh its too much work for sellers to make keys that specific.
LifeIsOnTheWireI am also curious about one of @Tosel 's questions: "...how do you deal without the secondary legends ( ! @ # $ % ^ & * ) ?" Also, ~ ` [ ] { } = _ \ | don't appear in your KLE layout. Do you have a third layer that isn't shown?
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