[IC] A true GH/DT custom keyboard kit - What do you want to see?

[Photekq]

I'm not interesting in considering anything other than 60%, 65% (horizontal length 16units) and TKL at this time, sorry.

[UsualSuspectXXX]

This is the layout I have in mind. It's similar to a 68 board with extra column, for someone who need extra keys(F rows maybe).
The design mainly for keycaps compatibility, with second bottom option you will only need extra 7u spacebar to finish the board.
I remember I saw a Korean made keyboard use this idea, sorry I can't find the picture.

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I was thinking something like this, but with only the arrows and the two top-right keys, which gives a little bit of whitespace for aesthetics:

(Attachment Link)

So basically an FC660 style but with a regular-sized right shift.

The one issue with both of these, is very non standard bottom rows.  If this is going to be a large scale group buy, I think this should be a primary concern.

I agree with this. I would not be interested in those layouts primarily due to keycap compatibility.

[tjweir]

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or something along these lines  :-*

I'd like a layout just like this. Nice one.

[FoC_Tow]

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or something along these lines  :-*

I'd like a layout just like this. Nice one.

+1 Same here, Loving the layout!

[FrostyToast]

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or something along these lines  :-*

I'd like a layout just like this. Nice one.

I personally really like this but I would prefer to see more conservative design for this board; mainly due to cap compatibility.
There is also the issue of lacking alternate layouts. It would be nice to have a PCB which has several different options for the bottom row.

[FoC_Tow]

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or something along these lines  :-*

I'd like a layout just like this. Nice one.

I personally really like this but I would prefer to see more conservative design for this board; mainly due to cap compatibility.
There is also the issue of lacking alternate layouts. It would be nice to have a PCB which has several different options for the bottom row.

A layout like this should also be quite sasy to support as an alternative layout while still supporting a hhkb or standard 60% layout I'm guessing.

If you use 1.25 mods for the hole bottom row, the left becomes totally standard.



Biggest Issue would probably be that it takes an alternative top case, same as it would for wkl.

[katushkin]

Have you made a google docs form for this? Might be the easiest way to gather all responses.

For the record, I would like a TKL, with a few colour options (olive green/black would be my choice) ISO compatible plate, nice weight on the underside, uhhhhhh...

That's about it.

[Photekq]

Have you made a google docs form for this? Might be the easiest way to gather all responses.

It's in the OP

[katushkin]

Have you made a google docs form for this? Might be the easiest way to gather all responses.

It's in the OP

Derp. Didn't see it because it was orange.

Thanks bb

[Chewypost]

Really digging the HHKB 65% layout that is being shown here. I'm more into the short right shift 65% layout that isn't hhkb, but looks to be the one everyone is interested in.

[need]

Really digging the HHKB 65% layout that is being shown here. I'm more into the short right shift 65% layout that isn't hhkb, but looks to be the one everyone is interested in.

I really dig those 65% too.
For some reason, I never used the right shift while it's taking up so much real estate.

[Chewypost]

Really digging the HHKB 65% layout that is being shown here. I'm more into the short right shift 65% layout that isn't hhkb, but looks to be the one everyone is interested in.

I really dig those 65% too.
For some reason, I never used the right shift while it's taking up so much real estate.

The only times I've actually used it is for when I need to snap my windows so that they fit on my screen haha.

[jonathanyu]

what does a 65% keyboard looks like? not sure I have seen one or not before

[Photekq]

I'm liking that HHKB w/ arrows layout too. It would need a custom top piece though, separate from a HHKB top piece. That probably wouldn't be an issue though.

How's this? I prefer the look of 1.5/1 keys.

what does a 65% keyboard looks like? not sure I have seen one or not before

It's 60% with one extra row. One example :

[pexon]

HHKB lqyout with arrow keys would be awesome

[Photekq]

I did some playing around and I much prefer this layout :



My reasoning :

-Fn key in standard position
-Larger blocker on the right side, as I strongly disliked the appearance of such a small (0.75u) blocker.
-No 1.75u shift at the edge of the row, which I strongly disliked the appearance of.

The only issue is the /? key. This would have to be fn'd to some other keys, or could be made a dedicated key in conjunction with a 1.25u left shift. Since there are dedicated arrows putting it on the function layer shouldn't be an issue.

Thoughts?

[hwood34]

I did some playing around and I much prefer this layout :

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My reasoning :

-Fn key in standard position
-Larger blocker on the right side, as I strongly disliked the appearance of such a small (0.75u) blocker.
-No 1.75u shift at the edge of the row, which I strongly disliked the appearance of.

The only issue is the /? key. This would have to be fn'd to some other keys, or could be made a dedicated key in conjunction with a 1.25u left shift. Since there are dedicated arrows putting it on the function layer shouldn't be an issue.

Thoughts?

Might be odd to do, but in theory you could have a dedicated ?/ key, and map the up and down arrows on the same key (one on a function layer)

[Chewypost]

I did some playing around and I much prefer this layout :

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My reasoning :

-Fn key in standard position
-Larger blocker on the right side, as I strongly disliked the appearance of such a small (0.75u) blocker.
-No 1.75u shift at the edge of the row, which I strongly disliked the appearance of.

The only issue is the /? key. This would have to be fn'd to some other keys, or could be made a dedicated key in conjunction with a 1.25u left shift. Since there are dedicated arrows putting it on the function layer shouldn't be an issue.

Thoughts?

What if you found a way to do the FN key similar to the Smart68? That would allow you to bring the /? key back, albeit in a non-standard spot.

[tjweir]

Spit-balling, I really liked the layout of a HHKBLite2.

Drawback is that it's asymmetrical.



Maybe this is better:

[FrostyToast]

I did some playing around and I much prefer this layout :

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My reasoning :

-Fn key in standard position
-Larger blocker on the right side, as I strongly disliked the appearance of such a small (0.75u) blocker.
-No 1.75u shift at the edge of the row, which I strongly disliked the appearance of.

The only issue is the /? key. This would have to be fn'd to some other keys, or could be made a dedicated key in conjunction with a 1.25u left shift. Since there are dedicated arrows putting it on the function layer shouldn't be an issue.

Thoughts?

This is likely the most viable variant.
The key thing to do in order to make this practical for all users would be to offer variations for the bottom row; especially splitting up the spacebar.
This layout is essentially a relatively traditional hhkb layout with optimized real estate which is precisely what I have always desired.

[byker]

I did some playing around and I much prefer this layout :

Show Image

My reasoning :

-Fn key in standard position
-Larger blocker on the right side, as I strongly disliked the appearance of such a small (0.75u) blocker.
-No 1.75u shift at the edge of the row, which I strongly disliked the appearance of.

The only issue is the /? key. This would have to be fn'd to some other keys, or could be made a dedicated key in conjunction with a 1.25u left shift. Since there are dedicated arrows putting it on the function layer shouldn't be an issue.

Thoughts?

I much prefer the layout I originally posted, because I never use right shift, and always use /?  :p I can respect your design though, but I think it would be a hard choice for me to make because of the /? key missing.

[Weltschmerz]

I would be very interested in a European/U.S made custom board! I'd like to try 75%, as it seems the smallest form factor with dedicated arrow keys, or a TKL. Winkeyless is cool, winkey is cool as well. I feel like there's been a lot of 60% kits going around (could be my very bad perception) and would like to see a 75%.

[FoC_Tow]

Thoughts?

Arrowed HHKB support would be amazing! 

But to be honest the OG arrowed 60% layout would still be my first choice out of all of them.

og


In my opinion while not looking as hhkb like, its one of the most appealing layouts in terms of function and looks.

The 1.25 mods make for a more uniform bottom row thats blends in well and creates a nice staggered look with only arrow keys being ortholinear.
Blockers are slightly unsymmetric (which I actually like) making room for more overall whitespace vs 0.75 blockers on both sides.


a


This one still looks pretty nice, but while adding more whitespace also has a couple of drawback imo.

Having a 1u right alt/cmd makes the right edge of the space bar linear,
which creates an even bigger weird 3x2 non staggered area that kinda sticks out and doesn't blend in as nicely.
Also Im personally not a big fan of even less symmetry in terms of blockers, and by having left and right alt/cmd not being the same key size.

Overall while I can understand the approach of making it more hhkb like, I think it looks more edgy and less smooth and clean to the eye then the og did.

b


This one while looking more pleasing then option a overall, looks almost to forced to be symmetrical / hhkb imo.
And to be honest I almost prefer the looks of slightly less blocker space.

Also with the missing /? and in my case even worst missing alt gr on the right of space, this would be pretty hard to get used to for me personally.
I prefer having FN on capslock vs split shift, and for US Int I desperately need an Alt Gr.

So while overall much more pleasing looking then option a, this would be a lot less practical and hard to adjust to for me.

In addition to loosing crucial keys, I would also be kinda sad about loosing the reversed split R shift.
To me this was kind of a unique feature to this layout, and having shift in between fn and arrows makes it look a bit cramped.



Im honestly super happy to see arrowed 60% being consider at all since I really love the layout and it has been sticking in my mind for quite a while now.
Would be super happy to see a layout like these being implemented as a secondary choice with additional top plate!   

[tullyvivi]

other color maybe ?

[FoC_Tow]

Surface mounted Led spots on the TOP of the pcb would be pretty awesome too imo!

As far as I know only gon's pcbs offer this atm and it should be super easy to implement as they are just linked to the regular switch led spots.

Doing this in adition to acrylic plates would allow for plate rather then switch backlighting.

Also, a 60% pcb that supports top mounted smd led, underglow (maybe even rgb if people are into that), and arrowed hhkb layout would be something totally unique itself and could create more interest for people to order standalone pcbs for all kinds of 60% projects.

That is, if it still ends up working with the 60% standard which might be a bonus, but shouldn't be the main goal here imo.

[Elrick]

Voted for a TKL simply because I don't want to have to press two keys or more to actuate any functions.  If it's not in a TKL layout, then you will never need to use it in your lifetime.

Also one more vital note here, don't make another light-arse keyboard - make it at least 5 kilos (11 pounds for our american friends) in weight simply because we need it, only wimpy children cry when their keyboards are too heavy to carry  .

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

So any verdict/decision yet as to what layout we are going to use so we can get this project moving

[FoC_Tow]

So any verdict/decision yet as to what layout we are going to use so we can get this project moving

I am leaning more and more towards the 60% by the way.

60% masterrace Hype

If it's a TKL layout, then you will never need to use it in your lifetime.

Fixed it for you <3

JK

[WNovizar]

Damn, why is it another 60%? I already have 2 60% D:

[Photekq]

So any verdict/decision yet as to what layout we are going to use so we can get this project moving

No, I'm still thinking but getting nowhere. It's basically more popularity & compatibility (TKL) vs more uniqueness. I really don't know which to choose.

Perhaps it would be best to start on a solid foundation - a TKL. I don't plan for this to be the last custom I do anyway, so long as it's a success

[ideus]

So, I know this has technically already been done, but to my knowledge this redscarf layout never made it to final production. I do think it's absolutely awesome and appeases several different keyboard enthusiasts.

That's a picture of the redscarf II + model f variant.

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Would be an awesome layout and style to replicate in this build, but with a significantly higher build quality and manufacturing eye taken to the case design and overall aesthetics.

Excited to see this project come to fruition!

It would be really cool to get one of these.

[simonyunhe]

So, I know this has technically already been done, but to my knowledge this redscarf layout never made it to final production. I do think it's absolutely awesome and appeases several different keyboard enthusiasts.

That's a picture of the redscarf II + model f variant.

Show Image

Would be an awesome layout and style to replicate in this build, but with a significantly higher build quality and manufacturing eye taken to the case design and overall aesthetics.

Excited to see this project come to fruition!

It would be really cool to get one of these.

The RS Model F is abandoned due to the lack of support when it lunch with RS68/RS78 last year within the Chinese MK community.

[daviswalkers]

Interested in the current layout posted in OP

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

Hey Photekq

In terms of case design for a 60%, I was actually really digging the render for teh SA Dasher set. It is also in line with the aesthetics you posted in the OP.



But maybe with a non-floating top plate or mount the plate in the frame like the duck and otd boards? Like this one https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39599.0

[Karura]

I think it would be cool to see some solid minimalist standard layouts, such as 65% or TKL.

[bocahgundul]

Stick to TKL bro!. We're going to make a keyboard that can match the OTD right?

[limitz]

So any verdict/decision yet as to what layout we are going to use so we can get this project moving

No, I'm still thinking but getting nowhere. It's basically more popularity & compatibility (TKL) vs more uniqueness. I really don't know which to choose.

Perhaps it would be best to start on a solid foundation - a TKL. I don't plan for this to be the last custom I do anyway, so long as it's a success

This is what I believe as well. As I mentioned in a prior post, Pink Floyd's infinite wisdom has said that "you can't eat your pudding until you eat your meat".

TKL is tried and true, and is important for credibility from the other side of the Pacific ocean - Korea. A true custom TKL to rival the 360c, or LZ-SE 84 would be amazing if it could come from a GH/DT collab. I'm fully aware of the amount of TKL's out there, but again, the whole point of this project is for GH/DT to come up with our *first* TKL.

I never thought this would be your only board, go nuts on the 2nd board in terms of layout. But I think a first board needs to make a statement not just on GH/DT, but also in Asia as well. In that sense, only a TKL would do, as it can directly rival and be compared to OTD or LZ.

---

I've posted this before, but IMO, these are the key factors to compare to OTD/LZ:

1) Good anodization/machining (goes without saying)

2) A weight (even brass would do... IMO, the Koreans will understand. OTD doesn't have a monopoly on a material)

3) No feet. Angle should be machined into the board

4) Full plate + Partial plate option

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

I understand everyone's point on TKL to prove our "legitimacy", but I also think that is less of making a statement then just following a previously paved trend. Would rather break ground then walk a worn path

[limitz]

But it's not previously paved either. All the TKL's mentioned before... none of them were made in GH/DT. This is the chance to show that as two communities, we are capable of rivaling Korea's best.

And even among the TKL's posted before. Only a handful are in the top echelon. Even Duck's Orion V2 doesn't compare to the top LZ/OTD boards, or even the TGR-Jane.

[riotonthebay]

What's all this nonsense about proving something to the Koreans? Proving legitimacy? Rivaling Korea's best?

How about we let photekq make a keyboard he's excited about, TKL or 60% or whatever, instead of pretending that this needs to be some statement of superiority.

[bocahgundul]

What's all this nonsense about proving something to the Koreans? Proving legitimacy? Rivaling Korea's best?

How about we let photekq make a keyboard he's excited about, TKL or 60% or whatever, instead of pretending that this needs to be some statement of superiority.

But.....

photekq wants our opinion 

[riotonthebay]

What's all this nonsense about proving something to the Koreans? Proving legitimacy? Rivaling Korea's best?

How about we let photekq make a keyboard he's excited about, TKL or 60% or whatever, instead of pretending that this needs to be some statement of superiority.

But.....

photekq wants our opinion 

And my opinion is that these opinions are crap

[limitz]

What's all this nonsense about proving something to the Koreans? Proving legitimacy? Rivaling Korea's best?

How about we let photekq make a keyboard he's excited about, TKL or 60% or whatever, instead of pretending that this needs to be some statement of superiority.

Not a statement of superiority, just a statement that GH/DT can produce a solid, top of the line TKL. I don't see what's wrong with attempting to rival the best (which happen to be Korean). The only keyboard I've seen lately that can match up to OTD/LZ is the TGR-Jane. The vast majority of TKL's produced are nowhere close to that standard.

This keyboard represents both of our communities. Personally, I want it represent the best we can offer, in a form factor that everyone... Asia, EU, and NA can all easily understand and has frame of reference for. He asked our opinion, and this is my opinion. Prove you have the basics down first, then move onto other layouts, just my 2 cents.

[riotonthebay]

Your opinion is fair enough. I disagree that TKL is inherently more basic and that it's important for whatever pho creates to be immediately comparable to existing keyboards. I'm more interesting in something that stands on its own merit instead of by comparison to numerous mediocre alternatives. Different folks will have a different vision though.

[alienman82]

removed.

[loud_asian]

I'd be interested in a TKL as well, that and 100% are the sizes I don't have yet.

TKL > 60% > 65% IMO

[Chewypost]

I'd be interested in a TKL as well, that and 100% are the sizes I don't have yet.

TKL > 60% > 65% IMO

I can understand TKL > 60%, but 60 >65? It's not like 65 is that much longer, its only 1 unit longer than a 60.

[Photekq]

Also one more vital note here, don't make another light-arse keyboard - make it at least 5 kilos (11 pounds for our american friends) in weight simply because we need it, only wimpy children cry when their keyboards are too heavy to carry  .

Lol.. I guess you want one made entirely out of brass or stainless then?

I don't think I'll be aiming for 5kg.. )

[ideus]

Show Image

or something along these lines  :-*

I'd like a layout just like this. Nice one.

I personally really like this but I would prefer to see more conservative design for this board; mainly due to cap compatibility.
There is also the issue of lacking alternate layouts. It would be nice to have a PCB which has several different options for the bottom row.

A layout like this should also be quite sasy to support as an alternative layout while still supporting a hhkb or standard 60% layout I'm guessing.

If you use 1.25 mods for the hole bottom row, the left becomes totally standard.

Show Image

Biggest Issue would probably be that it takes an alternative top case, same as it would for wkl.

This layout has arrow keys in a sixty with few compromises and takes standard size keycaps, the few compromises are more than tolerable.

[tjweir]

Better balance, bottom row may be a bit too much