HHKB layout with Split Spacebars + Arrow Keys, using the KBDFans Tina-C case

[nguyenhimself]

Cross-post from "Making stuffs together" because I''d like some answer:

What I've always wanted is a layout that:
- Looks as aesthetic-pleasing as the HHKB, and...
- includes dedicated arrow keys, and...
- includes split space bars.

I got an idea after looking at all the various layouts for the Tina 60% from KBDFans:

1. First, the Tina-C with its 7U spacebar




2. Second, the Tina-A with its split spacebar layout (Number 9)



Because both Tina-A and Tina-C uses the same DZ60 PCB and only different cases, I thought: Why don't I get a Tina-C case and then move keys around so they all satisfy my requirements:

And so, I managed to make this:



(The bottom row is just to show that it fits the Tina-C case)

What I hope is that someone with more knowledge than me would help confirm whether the DZ60 plate would fit my layout or not.







What do you guys think? Is it possible for me to get:

1. A Tina-C case.
2. A DZ60 PCB.
3. A DZ60 plate.

in order to create that dreamed layout of mine?

[FoC_Tow]

I’m guessing you have seen the YAS62 PCBs by Silentreader?

It’s 60% with dedicated arrow keys, split space bar support and blockers on both sides (tho smaller) so it also has an hhkb esque asthetics to it.

Not sure if your looking for full hhkb asthetics but to me the YAS62 layout does the best job balancing all these together.

In addition, there is even a special Tina Case available for YAS62.


Regarding layout support, plate A will support the layout you posted.

However the PCB most likely will NOT support this unfortunately.

According to the layout sheet the only option for fitting split space into hhkb layout is having:
space - 1.5 - 1 - 1

So basically a combination of 9 and 14 in the layout sheet.

[nguyenhimself]

I’m guessing you have seen the YAS62 PCBs by Silentreader?

Yeah I saw that, but believe it or not, the blockers on either sides are too small for my taste 🙂
I prefer the look of the Tina C the most, symmetrical and all that.
But yeah, I got your point about the layout:

However the PCB most likely will NOT support this unfortunately.

According to the layout sheet the only option for fitting split space into hhkb layout is having:
space - 1.5 - 1 - 1

As I still want the Tina C's look with the 7U spacebar, I think my option now is as below:



That still fits the plates, yes?

[FoC_Tow]

Yesh, that will still fit the plate.

So this layout should be completely possible =)

[ideus]

It seems doable; however, I wonder what is the fixation with split space bar and arrows, while you can get everything with the standard happy layout, which is elegant and simple.

[OfTheWild]

split spacebars are really nice with the 40% boards because you can move enter or backspace down next to the spacebar. With a 60% i'm not sure what i'd put there. Maybe backspace if i had an option for single 1U keys to replace the standard backspace with "delete" and "insert" maybe.

[nguyenhimself]

It seems doable; however, I wonder what is the fixation with split space bar and arrows, while you can get everything with the standard happy layout, which is elegant and simple.

Mostly my personal computing habit really. I use graphic Mac apps for various parts of my job, so having arrow keys is imperative. And I'm already used to having an extra modifier key replacing the Caps-lock to trigger all sorts of stuffs, which is my main gripe with the HHKB layout: It robs me of the Hyper key.

At the same time, I love the look of the HHKB, with its blockers on either sides. Thus, this layout.

[davkol]