Author Topic: [IC] DB01 - Compact Full-sized keyboard layout  (Read 3643 times)

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Offline driftingbunnies

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[IC] DB01 - Compact Full-sized keyboard layout
« on: Sun, 28 April 2019, 21:21:33 »
Hi everyone, this is just a quick interest check on the keyboard layout below. My idea is to create a more compact fullsize keyboard without losing the 2u '0' key on the numpad. There are plenty (maybe not at the moment) of CP/1800 keyboards but all of them compromise when it comes to the numpad. This is my first "project" so let me know if there's something I'm missing or how I can improve. I'm not actually looking to coordinate a GB but hopefully I can see how many people might be interested so I can convince a designer to use this layout.

What does this layout accomplish?
  • 2u '0' on the numpad
  • Reduced width when compared to a full size keyboard
  • No strange keycap sizes

219709-0

FAQ (or possible questions)
1. What's up with the bottom row?
I'd prefer a WKL bottom row but the 1.5/1.5/7/1.5/1.5 is probably the best to me. If this actually progresses, I would want to avoid a swiss cheese mess down there and stick to one layout. Feedback is obviously welcome.

2. Why is delete/end/PgUp/PgDn/ScrollLock/etc where it is?
If this ever actually goes into production, the keys can be changed hopefully with QMK or VIA. This is mostly to show you where the keys go.

3. Will it have stepped caps/split backspace/ISO?
Yes, yes, no

4. Why don't you just get a Duck Jetfire?
I would love to but I'm not looking to pay aftermarket prices for it. But seriously, the Jetfire is the same width but uses a full sized right shift which means the '0' on the numpad is only 1u. I also have moved the F keys over so that there really are no keys missing when compared to a full size (depending on how the bottom row is configured).

5. What about moving the numpad to the left?
For me, most of my muscle memory is on my right hand for the numpad. I also type CUSIPs (financial identifiers) at work which are a mix of letters and numbers. Those letters are predominately letters on the left side of the keyboard so I leave my left hand where it is most of the time. Also, Southpaw is already a thing.

6. Who are you?
Nobody really, just someone who uses a numpad all the time for work as an accountant.

Please fill out the google form! Thanks!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQfHkJH3wgeXKHNAmOM3eEZE_O8vfa38y7wmP6MB8QjRDsiA/viewform?usp=sf_link

4/29/19 edit: Added compatibility to layout
4/30/19 edit: Reduced compatibility based on feedback
« Last Edit: Tue, 21 May 2019, 11:40:40 by driftingbunnies »

Offline mrpetrov

  • Posts: 641
Re: [IC] DB01 - Compact Full-sized keyboard layout
« Reply #1 on: Sun, 28 April 2019, 21:32:02 »
I quite like this layout, nice job!

Offline TheArcticFox_27

  • Posts: 50
Re: [IC] DB01 - Compact Full-sized keyboard layout
« Reply #2 on: Sun, 28 April 2019, 22:04:45 »
Good layout bud!
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Offline Gondolindrim

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  • Location: Gondolin
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Re: [IC] DB01 - Compact Full-sized keyboard layout
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 29 April 2019, 00:22:54 »
Yo! Hit me up if you need help with PCB design, I can do it for you!
A pessimist will tell you the cup is half empty. An optimist will tell you the cup is half full. An engineer will tell you it's exactly twice the size it needs to be.

Offline empa

  • Posts: 23
  • Location: Australia
Re: [IC] DB01 - Compact Full-sized keyboard layout
« Reply #4 on: Mon, 29 April 2019, 04:02:20 »
if we can get rid of the top row it will be even better.
great layout though i would be keen if this went live

Offline driftingbunnies

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  • Posts: 316
Re: [IC] DB01 - Compact Full-sized keyboard layout
« Reply #5 on: Mon, 29 April 2019, 07:26:32 »
if we can get rid of the top row it will be even better.
great layout though i would be keen if this went live

Removing the top row reminds me of the cypher or blackbird. While aesthetically it's very pleasing to remove, I feel like the top row still provides comfort for those who use it. It also doesn't add to the width which is one of my main objectives for a more compact layout. I would consider removing the top four keys above the numpad but I kind of enjoy the fullness of it.

Offline nguyenhimself

  • Posts: 672
Re: [IC] DB01 - Compact Full-sized keyboard layout
« Reply #6 on: Mon, 29 April 2019, 08:00:41 »
Isn't this just 2 columns thinner than a 100%? That's not a whole lot of space saving, if that's your main goal.


Offline driftingbunnies

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  • Posts: 316
Re: [IC] DB01 - Compact Full-sized keyboard layout
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 29 April 2019, 08:05:11 »
Isn't this just 2 columns thinner than a 100%? That's not a whole lot of space saving, if that's your main goal.

True but it's only 2 columns thicker than a TKL :)

But in all seriousness though, what would you reduce to save more space?
« Last Edit: Mon, 29 April 2019, 08:30:25 by driftingbunnies »

Offline Langelandia

  • Posts: 172
Re: [IC] DB01 - Compact Full-sized keyboard layout
« Reply #8 on: Mon, 29 April 2019, 08:44:04 »
In love - well done

Offline thornkin

  • Posts: 259
Re: [IC] DB01 - Compact Full-sized keyboard layout
« Reply #9 on: Mon, 29 April 2019, 11:59:22 »
I like it! Would definitely consider joining.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk


Offline driftingbunnies

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 316
Re: [IC] DB01 - Compact Full-sized keyboard layout
« Reply #10 on: Sat, 25 May 2019, 09:16:18 »
For those who were interested in this layout, we now have a keyboard IC! We're moving closer to this actually happening!

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=100883.0