as a complement to the form:
- I was thinking about removing the through hole forehead. I don't know if I should change to a SMD-PCB since it would give more features, like Hotswap and maybe an USB-hub.
- The layout also seemed like a mixed feeling for many, so I don't know if I should change it to a regular compact 1800 (like the SAR) and have a 1u*5u macro row on the left side.
- Above the numpad is a space of 4*1u. I had an idea of putting a "big" 256*64 OLED display there, and have the numlock-key switch it between showing time/stats and a small calculator mode, using the numpad. I need to calculate things all the time, and it would be kinda useful. (Maybe adding something like https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/AlexIII/t-rex-duino-arduino-clone-of-chrome-t-rex-game-2ed11f too for fun)
- Do you want a rotary encoder? Like on the left top of the board. I also would be super into a motorized-slider, but that would just take up so much space xD
- I will also change the mounting style to be top-mounted.
- Any additional ideas? I am open to consider everything.
1 - i liked the through hole design because it made it an easier projects for peoples with less soldering experience compared to most other open source boards out there, kinda part of what drew me to this project. and hot swap would lock you to either iso or ansi layout.
2 - although more of a full size bottom row kind of guy i thought that the current layout allowed for very little sacrifice while being compact, but then without seeing your new idea we can't know what is better.
3 - personally i do not find oled screens on keyboard useful, but i do not find media keys any more useful so the option is good to have i think.
4 - same as 3 for me, option is good, although a motorized slider would require custom driver and the license to get those signed by Microsoft is rather expensive if i remember right
5 - if you think it is better, i got no experience with that.
6 - please keep it opensource, that would be rather nice for future "generations" of kb enthusiasts.