Interesting project.
I had hoped that the Mac version would include an option for a short Right Shift, so that I could reprogram the adjacent Del key as Fn.
The PCB supports it -- it's the same PCB for all models. So if you're building it yourself, you could get the PC version, and cut the little crossbars in the nav cluster, then solder the full height Mac modifiers instead.
Does the Fn key in either the Mac or PC version send a scan code? That is, can it be remapped in software? If not, then the Fn key(s) will be wasted space for me.
Fn does not send a code.
Can I get extra Mac keycaps if I order the PC version?
Yes, we'll have those available as well.
Too bad about no PBT in the initial run. The odd-size bottom row will make it difficult or impossible to get replacement keycaps.
Just to be clear, the bottom row will be PBT.
How many more end up being PBT depends on which MOQ level we achieve (650 or 1k pcs).
We'll be offering replacement keycaps.
It would have been great to have been able to get a HHKB layout with Matias switches. As it stands, I am not sure it would be worth trying to retrofit the 60% Matias to some semblance of a HHKB. I regret that I will probably need to pass on this opportunity and stick with my HHKB.
Okay, let me know what you ultimately decide, and why. We're hoping to learn as much as possible from this project.
Hi Matias: Per your request, here is my most likely decision and why:
I admire your inventiveness in coming out with a new and controversial design for a 60% keyboard. It is also refreshing to see a new keyboard with Matias Alps-inspired switches as an option instead of the ubiquitous Cherry mx. In addition, having Mac and PC versions along with additional programmability is quite welcome.
All of these positives notwithstanding, I am probably not going to order the Matias 60. The main reason is that for me, the perfect 60% keyboard is the HHKB Pro 2.
Prof. Wada spent a decade researching and developing the HHKB, and I think he produced a classic work that artfully unites form and function. The overall design, styling, and symmetry of the HHKB combined with the attractive and highly legible dye-sublimated PBT keycaps is just beautiful. Moreover, the Topre switches are a delight to type on. But the thing that really sets the HHKB apart is the well thought-out layout, which is highly intuitive and efficient. I am primarily a Mac user, and the HHKB layout is so good that I have remapped all my other keyboards to something as close to a HHKB/Mac configuration as possible.
Remapping most standard TKL keyboards to a HHKB/Mac layout is usually quite straightforward. Because the TKL design does not have a split Right Shift, I usually remap Right Control as Fn. I find things too cramped if I try to use the Menu key as Fn, and so I remap Menu as Right Control.
The PC version of the Matias 60 would be fine as far as the top 4 rows go. Backspace and Backslash can be swapped, CapsLock can be remapped as Control, and the Del key to the right of Right Shift could be remapped as Fn.
Unfortunately, the bottom row presents problems. The vertically stretched modifiers and spacebar take up more vertical space than necessary, and I would be concerned about the key action of these keys, especially with off-center key presses. Because I am accustomed to having arrow keys and other navigation keys in the Fn layer, these keys are largely superfluous for me. However, when I use a TKL board, I sometimes make use of the redundant keys. Nevertheless, I like to have Opt and Command on each side of the Spacebar with at most one extra key to the left of the Spacebar and two extras to the right of the Spacebar. Because the hardwired Fn key on the Matias 60% does not send a scan code, with my remapping, it would end up being a dead key just taking up space and interrupting the normal positions of left-side modifiers. The Mac version of the Matias 60 would help with some of these issues, but then I would not have a split Right Shift for an adjacent Fn key. There might be workarounds for some of the problems with a DIY kit, but I would prefer having the keyboard preassembled.
If I were to purchase this board, I would want Matias switches. If I wanted Cherry switches in a 60% board, I would just buy a Poker II (except that I do not like the Poker II or Cherry mx switches). I also much prefer PBT over ABS and dye-sublimation over other forms of printing. These choices would make it difficult if not impossible to find replacement or alternative keycaps for the Matias 60, especially for the bottom row.
With all this in mind, although I really like the notion of a 60% keyboard with an option for Matias switches, I regret that the design and probable lack of keycap availability are most likely going to be deal breakers for me. I might be more tempted if I were not already so satisfied with the HHKB Pro 2, but for me the PFU Topre 60% is just about perfect, and I am already heavily invested in it with 5 of these keyboards in use on workstations in my home and work offices.
Although the Matias 60 might not be for me, it looks like a great project that admirably fills a need for those who have not already adopted the HHKB Pro 2 or Poker II and who want a 60% form factor keyboard that has dedicated arrow keys in the primary layer. The Matias 60 also provides an opportunity to have Matias switches (and a choice among three types of them) in a 60% keyboard. As such, I think the Matias 60 ought to have a bright future, and I wish you well with this new venture!