Good points. My answer is simple: I agree with almost everything.
- I'm not decided on System vs Code. I personally like System, but I think most people are used to Code as the most neutral "system" key. Another argument for Code is that it fits on both 1.25u and 1.5u keys, while being aesthetically pleasing. Start is just aweful. As for ortho, thinking about adding R3 1u Code... though from the comments, most people are fine with Ctrl.
- We could remove one R4 1u Fn. The reason for it is mostly the Vortex Core, which uses two (or three) Fn keys. Perhaps its popularity has waned over the years. In general, Fn is one of the only keys that looks good when repeated.
- (2) x blue R4C 1u's: I think it makes sense in the Ortho set because:
- There's not enough blue accents (without them). Otherwise, additional blue Lower/Raise is redundant;
- You can use them to either replace or together with Lower/Raise, as spacekeys or other;
- Bonus: ortho users don't have to buy Spacebars kit for two small keys.
- Lastly, adding R3 1.25u Ctrl or Fn or Code makes sense. It's just a matter of pricing. As is, Ortho & 40's set is already one or two keys over budget. It's just too bad that there's no other option in the other kits.
Why do you say that people are used to Code? Code is fairly rare compared to Super (unless you consider Super to not be “neutral”?). Taking a look at all GMK sets ran this year (using
KeycapLendar) gives the following breakdown:
- Super – 31 sets
- Code – 12 sets
- System/Sys – 6 sets
- Win – 1 set
- Novelty or icon – 8 sets
Like Code, Super also fits on all sizes (1u, 1.25u, 1.5u). Also, you have to keep in mind that System is a fairly new legend, introduced as late as January this year, whereas Super and Code have been around for ages and designers are used to using them (perhaps some aren't even aware yet that System exists — I know a few cases where this was true).
Imo, if you prefer System then go for it — its popularity will grow in time if designers like you choose to use it
Another thing to keep in mind is that this is specific to GMK. If you look at KAT sets, pretty much all of them use Sys. So it's not like Sys(tem) is a foreign legend to people or that they aren't accustomed to it.
Other than that, I think that exchanging the second R4 1u Fn for a R3 1.25u key is a very reasonable change, and definitely one that you should make. The Vortex Core use case is covered by the Meta key (the second “Fn” key on the Core is Pn, not a second Fn) plus Lower/Raise, so a second Fn is actually not required. Even if it was, you have to keep in mind that Vortex Core is not a very popular keyboard. On the other hand, R3 1.25u is a standard staggered 40% key. Adding a generic key in this row/size not only gives additional legend options to users who need it, but also adds
physical compatibility for certain boards which is currently missing (2× R3 1.25u).
