QWERTY + Dvorak + Colemak keyboard

[Rajagra]

This is not really a mod, but it's not quite a review, so maybe this is the best area for it.

I bought a cheapish Tipro MID KM128A point of sale board.


(Still dirty, and I used the labels that came with it.)

They have Cherry black switches in a 8 X 16 grid. The tops have flat, removable clear caps so you can put labels in. Spacing is standard, just over 19mm, though the tops are big, making the actual gaps small. Using normal Cherry keyboard caps should be straightforward.

The 128 keys are all programmable - with 4 layers! You can define keys to lock into each layer, or to shift into another layer just while being held down (think Fn keys.) The 4 LEDs at top left show which layer is active.

I made the first layer QWERTY, the second holds the Number Pad and some extra navigation keys.

I programmed layer 3 as Colemak, layer 4 as Dvorak.

The board isn't N-key rollover, but it is designed for using oversized keytops (1x2, 2x1, 2x2) so keys next to each other are never a problem.

I'll probably open it up soon, to see if diodes could be easily added, and maybe whether it would make a good controller for a more conventionally-shaped board.

Here's a better idea of the main layout, as the existing labels didn't cover everything:


EDIT>And normal keycaps did fit easily:

[Rajagra]

It does feel odd, but I only just set it up. The main problem is near-zero tactile feedback of where your hands are. Some of the oversize keytops would help with that.

With a bit of tweaking I could get used to it.

For anyone prototyping a non-staggered keyboard layout this would be ideal.

[timw4mail]

It does feel odd, but I only just set it up. The main problem is near-zero tactile feedback of where your hands are. Some of the oversize keytops would help with that.

With a bit of tweaking I could get used to it.

For anyone prototyping a non-staggered keyboard layout this would be ideal.

I would think that the linear switches would have more to do with the tactile feedback of where your fingers are, but then again, I don't have too much trouble typing on a 'chicklet' keyboard, provided it has some feedback...

The non-staggered layout would drive me nuts, though.

[Rajagra]

The non-staggered layout would drive me nuts, though.

It isn't too bad, thanks to putting the home keys 6 keys apart instead of the usual 3.

I did consider putting the keys under the index fingers one postion down for an even more natural hand position, but that would be very hard to adapt to I think.

[lowpoly]

Got one of these in a non-staggered layout.

Did the ChangeMe utility run for you without problems? I get this error:

"Failed to open PortIo device: error=2"

Doesn't matter if the keyboard is plugged in or not.

I suspect it's Vista 64, have to try it on a different machine.

The keyboard is heavy btw. Metal switch plate and metal bottom.

[rdjack21]

Every time I see one of those I think I should get it but I have not. Your post has helped motivate me to get one at some point.

Thanks more keyboards to get

[Rajagra]

Did the ChangeMe utility run for you without problems? I get this error:

"Failed to open PortIo device: error=2"

Doesn't matter if the keyboard is plugged in or not.

No, this is the error I get if the board isn't plugged in:



If I click 'no' it goes into the program.
Software version 5.5.0 running under XP.

Edit> Looks like a newer version 5.5.6 is available:
http://www.tipro.si/support/Download.html#ChangeMe

[lowpoly]

Thanks. Properties say I have 5.5.6.0.

I don't even get to that Initializing dialog. Have to try XP.