Support for Alternative Layouts
This is a summary of how alternative layouts have been supported by kits such as Colevrak and Homing. It is not a discussion of alt layout performance and development, but if that interests you I highly recommend starting with Pascal Getreuer’s A guide to alt keyboard layouts (why, how, which one?). It’s a concise and comprehensive overview with links to some great sites that go deeper. He also has a separate Links about keyboards page. The Keyboard layouts doc he recommends explains layout goals and metrics in detail, summarizing the alt layouts discussed here as well as more than one hundred others. Sculpted-profile The majority of custom keycap sets are sculpted-profile (Cherry, SA, MT3, KAT, etc. - more on profiles generally here) so let’s start there. Because each row has a unique keycap shape, alt layouts require a unique keycap for each legend that moves off its QWERTY row. At first there were two The Dvorak layout was patented in 1936 by August Dvorak & William L....
Apr 23, 2024
Iconic Creations and Inspirations:
- Capslock Key: A play on words, replacing "caps" with the Sorting Hat used by Harry Potter when entering Hogwarts for the first time.
- Left Shift Key: If you want to semi-automate your Potions class, why not purchase the wizard cauldron invented by Gaspard Singleton in Diagon Alley?
- Right Shift Key: Potions created from the cauldron.
- Backspace Key: Depicting Dumbledore's wand with a coiling snake, symbolizing the clearing and eradication of Voldemort, a crucial tool in defeating the dark wizard.
- Tab Key: Represents the flying broomsticks used in the wizarding school.
- "|\” Key: On the other side of the broomsticks is the golden snitch from Quidditch matches.
- Enter Key: When entering the magical world, press "Enter" to reach Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
- Esc Key: Incorporates the symbol of the Deathly Hallows, with the Harry font ESC symbol below, echoing the story of Harry Potter.
- R4 Height Keycaps: A hidden Easter egg: "You Know Who."
- Space Key: Features the Slytherin pattern.
- Ctrl/Win/Alt Keys: Depict Nagini, Voldemort's serpent.
- R1-R4 Unique Icons: Includes 1U icons of Snape, Pansy Parkinson, Astoria, and Voldemort.
- Directional Keys: Depict Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, with the first step of their emotional connection portrayed as a paper crane from the Philosopher's Stone. Harry's wand crosses Draco's wand above, symbolizing their intertwined destinies.
- R3 Nine and Three-Quarters Key: Can be replaced with the number 9 in the numeric area (based on popular demand).
- Characters: Ancient-style English letters in the alphabetical area.
Specifications: Number of Keys: 144 keys Material: PBT Dye-Sublimation Profile: Cherry Thickness: 1.5mm Light transmittance: No Compatible: Works with Cherry MX switches and MX-style switches Compatible with 100%, 80%, 75%, 65%, 60% layouts