New Keyboard Build 65% or TKL without Function keys

[DavidNZ]

After hand wiring my last keyboard shown above I'm interested in creating something more, I've got a basic PCB designed in Kicad for the layout above. As much as I like that layout I think it may be limiting if I decide to use non DSA keycaps due to the macro keys on the left. I'm trying to finalise the layout and have the below ones included. A couple of them will be familiar. For the case I will be creating something with frosted acrylic and multiple layers, a bit more designed than the hardwired one above.

Which layout works for you, and do you have any suggestions?

Standard 65%

My existing 65+5%

TKL without function keys

FC660 layout

[decker]

I like the existing 65+5%
Maybe mixing it with white fox layouts...
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=77434.msg1949779#msg1949779

I would miss the PgUp PgDown
I prefer iso
I would like an AltGr key and maybe an Fn key

I wouldn't want macro keys
I wouldn't want a second win key
I wouldn't want the bottom left key to be anything else than Ctrl

[DavidNZ]

Thanks for the feedback. The specific key labels on the caps don't matter as it would be programmable.

[Venatorious]

I like the one without function keys personally

[DavidNZ]

Presumably the TKL without function keys?

[pwade3]

I haven't used it, but I like the aesthetics of the FC660 layouts, which is why I've got a clueboard on order.

However, I'm planning on making my fn the 1u in the bottom row (instead of the winkey) and doing a split right shift to avoid having to get 2 left shifts for future keysets (which I think is the biggest drawback of the original layout). My only issue is currently not knowing what the heck to use that extra 1u from the split shift for.

Functionless TKL is interesting, but might have awkward proportions in practice? And having it be programmable makes the home/end/pgup/pgdn keys seem a little redundant to me. Could still be cool though.

The 65+5% is cool though, in all honesty. I could see that short shift being a point of frustration, but your board looks nice.

[Venatorious]

Presumably the TKL without function keys?

Yeah I really like the TKL

[abjr]

I had a similar idea, but it was a Winkeyless TKL with no function row: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/2dc2c565b42ce04a2b5b

Not sure where I'd put the Fn key though, either split the right shift or maybe where CapsLock is.

[Venatorious]

Split backspace comes to mind but a combo of ctrl, alt, or something could be used for it.

[DavidNZ]

I had a similar idea, but it was a Winkeyless TKL with no function row: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/2dc2c565b42ce04a2b5b

Not sure where I'd put the Fn key though, either split the right shift or maybe where CapsLock is.

Oh yeah, quite similar. I could probably make the PCB support the winkeyless layout also.

[chuckdee]

I like the 65%+5%.  And now you've given me an idea for a layout like that but remove the numbers.  Hmmm...

[phinix]

WOuld it be hard to create TKL without F-row?

[ideus]

You should do a  few PCBs, I'd be interested in getting something along these lines. Spaces are as important as the keys themselves. They help to find the keys tactilely. Therefore, some spaces make a keyboard more ergonomic. Think on it.



Images rights: The Flamingo's set.