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Squeeble
10
Aug 9, 2018
Full double function row keyboard, with left numpad. Imagine a normal 104 key, with F13-F24 above the F1-F12 row, and move the numpad to the leftmost side of the keyboard, with extra macro keys above it. Make it Hall Effect or ECM/Topre switches and RGB, and I'd pay through the nose. But as far as I'm aware, such a beast doesn't exist. :( It's literally my exact ideal layout. Maybe I could build it, but it would look pretty hobby, and I want it to look pro.
nevin
116
Aug 14, 2018
Squeebledo a custom layered acrylic plates/case, wiring & programing would be the easiest part. keyboard-layout-editor.com to generate the layout, something like this? http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/2430845ab496005143aca86be86f16d4
ponoko.com or similar to cut the plates (simplest would be top/switch plate, standoffs & bottom plate), teensy or ProMmicro for controller, and whatever switches & caps you want.
nevin
116
Aug 14, 2018
Squeeble
10
Aug 14, 2018
nevinThat is completely perfect. I wouldn't have the first clue how to take it from the layout to ponoko, but maybe that just means I have some learning to do :P
jWheelys
2
Aug 14, 2018
SqueebleCouldnt belive more people didn't say this. The more keys the merrier, especially none of this 60% stuff.
nevin
116
Aug 15, 2018
Squeebledo a google search for "how to build a custom hand wired keyboard" and do a good bit of reading/watching.
- a good guide for creating the layout & converting it to files to cut the plates https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/4l0p41/guide_detailed_guide_to_making_a_custom_keyboard/
- a good guide about how to wire everything up https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/brownfox-step-by-step-t6050.html
- a good guide about programming the keyboard https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/how-to-build-your-very-own-keyboard-firmware-t7177.html
Squeeble
10
Aug 15, 2018
nevinYou're a scholar and a gentlebean. Can't thank you enough! Solid info!
nevin
116
Aug 15, 2018
Squeebleyou're welcome. no problem.
shy of building your own, the only board i can think of that's close is the IBM 122 model M or F (buckling spring). but the number pad is on the right instead of the left. the 122 was nicknamed the battleship because of it's size. Unicomp is still making the 122, new, with USB or PS2 connectors http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/category/PC122
alysdexia
26
Aug 18, 2018
nevinits, dolt
SqueebleI second this, this makes so much sense, I'd love to see something like this.
jWheelys
2
Sep 15, 2018
nevincant i just pay someone to do it for me; what do you think the price difference would be between someone that knows how to build one building one for me and me going out and building one, messing up, fixing it, and eventually getting it working?
I'd say for me to do it that would probably be double the man hours a good person could, so if its under $300 i think it could almost be a better idea to source out the job :)
nevin
116
Sep 16, 2018
jWheelysyou could certainly do that. some people like the tinkering & challenge (i know i do, even when it gets frustrating, then, it's an accomplishment) ...to each their own. kudos either way.
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