[GB] 1976 - Flashback to the Colors of the 70's (SA Row 3) --- Shipped

[JackMills]

I like the one with the diagonal best, even with the diagonal on the numpad. I like the colored arrow pad a lot.
Maybe the F4 could have been red instead of blue?

I am not a fan of these gradient setups, it is just not as special as with the diagonal.

Overall I like the colorway, so make it Colemak and FC660M compatible :wink::wink:

[engicoder]

Overall I like the colorway, so make it Colemak and FC660M compatible :wink::wink:

Colemak/Dvorak compatibility seems to be becoming standard add-on lately, so yes.
As this colorway works so well on the smaller boards, I would work to have it be compatible with the majority 60%-75% boards.

[engicoder]

DSA Retro is TBN, so I vote we stick with TGH. All Row 3 SA will suit this set very well, IMHO. It suits the period of the theme perfectly. Maybe there could be a 2nd round in another profile if it proves popular.

Agreed.

If it's okay with engicoder, I'd like him to continue to run with this as my time is too limited right now to run a proper GB. Just dropped some ideas and hopefully he can take it from here.

Sure no problem. I really appreciate your input on this project.

Here's an attempt at numpad diagonal:

Code: [Select]

{backcolor:"#000000"},
[{c:"#5dceba",t:"#29211c",p:"SA",a:7,f:4},"ESC",{x:1,f:3},"F1","F2","F3","F4",{x:0.5,c:"#e1ba44",t:"#5b3314"},"F5",{c:"#5b3314",t:"#eee2d0"},"F6","F7","F8",{x:0.5},"F9","F10","F11","F12",{x:0.5,f:4},"PRNT SCR","SCRL LOCK","PAUSE\nBreak"],
[{y:0.5,c:"#5dceba",t:"#5b3314",a:5,f:5},"~\n`","!\n1","@\n2","#\n3",{c:"#d83712",t:"#eee2d0"},"$\n4",{c:"#e86700"},"%\n5",{c:"#e1ba44",t:"#5b3314"},"^\n6",{c:"#5b3314",t:"#eee2d0"},"&\n7","*\n8","(\n9",")\n0","_\n-","+\n=",{a:7,f:4,w:2},"BACKSPACE",{x:0.5},"INS","HOME","PGUP",{x:0.5},"NUM LOCK",{c:"#e1ba44",t:"#5b3314"},"/",{c:"#e86700",t:"#eee2d0"},"*",{c:"#d83712"},"-"],
[{c:"#5dceba",t:"#5b3314",w:1.5},"TAB",{f:9},"Q","W",{c:"#d83712",t:"#eee2d0"},"E",{c:"#e86700"},"R",{c:"#e1ba44",t:"#5b3314"},"T",{c:"#5b3314",t:"#eee2d0"},"Y","U","I","O","P",{a:5,f:4},"{\n[","}\n]",{w:1.5},"|\n\\",{x:0.5,a:7},"DEL","END","PGDN",{x:0.5,c:"#e1ba44",t:"#5b3314",f:9},"7\nHome",{c:"#e86700",t:"#eee2d0"},"8\n��",{c:"#d83712"},"9\nPgUp",{c:"#5dceba",t:"#5b3314",h:2},"+"],
[{f:4,w:1.75},"CAPS LOCK",{f:9},"A",{c:"#d83712",t:"#eee2d0"},"S",{c:"#e86700"},"D",{c:"#e1ba44",t:"#5b3314"},"F",{c:"#5b3314",t:"#eee2d0"},"G","H","J","K","L",{a:5,f:6},":\n;","\"\n'",{a:7,f:4,w:2.25},"ENTER",{x:4,c:"#e86700",f:9},"4\n��",{c:"#d83712"},"5",{c:"#5dceba",t:"#5b3314"},"6\n��"],
[{f:4,w:2.25},"SHIFT",{c:"#d83712",t:"#eee2d0",f:9},"Z",{c:"#e86700"},"X",{c:"#e1ba44",t:"#5b3314"},"C",{c:"#5b3314",t:"#eee2d0"},"V","B","N","M",{a:5,f:6},"<\n,",">\n.",{f:5},"?\n/",{a:7,f:4,w:2.75},"SHIFT",{x:1.5,c:"#e1ba44",t:"#5b3314",f:9},"��",{x:1.5,c:"#d83712",t:"#eee2d0"},"1\nEnd",{c:"#5dceba",t:"#5b3314"},"2\n��","3\nPgDn",{f:4,h:2},"ENTER"],
[{w:1.25},"CTRL",{c:"#d83712",t:"#eee2d0",w:1.25},"WIN",{c:"#e86700",w:1.25},"ALT",{c:"#5b3314",f:9,w:6.25},"",{f:4,w:1.25},"ALT",{w:1.25},"WIN",{w:1.25},"MENU",{w:1.25},"CTRL",{x:0.5,c:"#e1ba44",t:"#5b3314",f:9},"��",{c:"#e86700",t:"#eee2d0"},"��",{c:"#d83712"},"��",{x:0.5,c:"#5dceba",t:"#5b3314",w:2},"0\nIns",".\nDel"]


I avoid this type because on the TKL you have an orphaned arrow cluster, but I suppose we could have the num pad be an add-on that would include the appropriate arrow cluster.

FWIW, I think the Browntown (diagonal with all brown numpad) and inverse gradient (with the yellow above the spacebar row) are the best two schemes (actually I can't decide between the gradients, right now I prefer the normal one, but the inverse does match the original image better).

Yes...getting a consensus on this will be tough.

[Data]

If you shifted the diagonal gradient over 2 or 3 units to the right it would allow it to continue more naturally into the F-row.  This set works really well on 60%, but you'll garner more interest (and thus have an easier time meeting MOQ) if you can get it to jive on TKL and 100% layouts (in addition).

[IvanIvanovich]

Maybe repeat the diagonal gradient again on the numpad to make it feel more balanced?

[pexon]

Maybe repeat the diagonal gradient again on the numpad to make it feel more balanced?

I agree with Ivan. I don't use a numpad/ TK board, but this would be the best bet for aesthetics IMO

[Data]

Don't just repeat it, mirror it.

Green, red, orange, yellow, brown ... brown, yellow, orange, red, green

Nawmean?

[Binge]

DCS layout for Ergodox plx

[Puddsy]

Maybe repeat the diagonal gradient again on the numpad to make it feel more balanced?

I dunno, I kinda like it asymmetrical like this. We don't get many asymmetrical sets.

[maladroid]

I dunno, I kinda like it asymmetrical like this. We don't get many asymmetrical sets.

I agree.  For me, the asymmetry is part of the appeal of this set.

[engicoder]

Don't just repeat it, mirror it.

Green, red, orange, yellow, brown ... brown, yellow, orange, red, green

Nawmean?

I hear you and its difficult because the stagger is so nice on the left and so crappy on the right. In seems like it should work, and I've played with the layout many times and have never been happy with the result. Its like when Clark W Griswold's mom says, "I can picture it in my mind Clark baby, and it�s breathtaking��. Unfortunately, in reality, not so much.

Here are few attempts:








I am not a designer, so if someone has a better design for a symmetrical layout, please present it.
At this point, I think a asymmetric design is more appealing.

[engicoder]

My plan is to assemble a possible layouts and create a poll (via google forms) to allow folks to vote their preferences.

[jackalope]

Don't just repeat it, mirror it.

Green, red, orange, yellow, brown ... brown, yellow, orange, red, green

Nawmean?

I hear you and its difficult because the stagger is so nice on the left and so crappy on the right. In seems like it should work, and I've played with the layout many times and have never been happy with the result. Its like when Clark W Griswold's mom says, "I can picture it in my mind Clark baby, and it�s breathtaking��. Unfortunately, in reality, not so much.

Here are few attempts:
(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

I am not a designer, so if someone has a better design for a symmetrical layout, please present it.
At this point, I think a asymmetric design is more appealing.

loving the third one.

[Joey Quinn]

I vote for the third or fourth option. 

[JackMills]

I like the numpad diagonal parallel to the keyboard diagonal still better than the mirrored diagonal (I like the colored arrow keys)

[CPTBadAss]

I prefer the fourth one but third or fourth are great .

[SL89]

I love these colours.

[Data]

This is great.  Can I make a suggestion?

On the number pad, do 4 vertical rows starting from the outside: green, red, orange, yellow.  Leave the zero and period keys brown -- this will match the red/orange/yellow row placement (vertically) above the spacebar.  You're never going to achieve the same angle as you're getting with the offset alpha rows, so don't try.  This way also keeps the colorway primarily brown through TKL for those who've been craving a nice brown key set.  Try it and let me know what you think.

[engicoder]

Show Image

This is great.  Can I make a suggestion?

On the number pad, do 4 vertical rows starting from the outside: green, red, orange, yellow.  Leave the zero and period keys brown -- this will match the red/orange/yellow row placement (vertically) above the spacebar.  You're never going to achieve the same angle as you're getting with the offset alpha rows, so don't try.  This way also keeps the colorway primarily brown through TKL for those who've been craving a nice brown key set.  Try it and let me know what you think.

Youe mean like this (the last num pad)

[Data]

Show Image

This is great.  Can I make a suggestion?

On the number pad, do 4 vertical rows starting from the outside: green, red, orange, yellow.  Leave the zero and period keys brown -- this will match the red/orange/yellow row placement (vertically) above the spacebar.  You're never going to achieve the same angle as you're getting with the offset alpha rows, so don't try.  This way also keeps the colorway primarily brown through TKL for those who've been craving a nice brown key set.  Try it and let me know what you think.

Youe mean like this (the last num pad)

Yes!  Exactly.

[Puddsy]

Show Image

This is great.  Can I make a suggestion?

On the number pad, do 4 vertical rows starting from the outside: green, red, orange, yellow.  Leave the zero and period keys brown -- this will match the red/orange/yellow row placement (vertically) above the spacebar.  You're never going to achieve the same angle as you're getting with the offset alpha rows, so don't try.  This way also keeps the colorway primarily brown through TKL for those who've been craving a nice brown key set.  Try it and let me know what you think.

Youe mean like this (the last num pad)

Yes!  Exactly.

Show Image

Too much blue IMO.

I still prefer this one, but with the brown numpad. I don't use a numpad though.



Also, if you're gonna add a gradient for fullsize keyboards, you should include the blue/red/orange caps for prntscrn, scroll lock, and pause in the numpad kit, then the brown ones in the the base set.

[FingerPunch]

I wasn't sure that I was excited about the vertical bands of color; I think I prefer the horizontal ones, or just less busy boards in general.... But the more I look at these and imagine what they would actually look like IRL, the more I like them. I think these colors would look fantastic in semi-gloss abs, with either SA or DSA profile.

I sincerely hope that if these colors make it to a group buy that we don't throw on textured keys; the memories I have of 70s melamine furniture etc is always of nice glossy mute tone plastics.

I also think the topic is perhaps turning off some people; this is a groovy kickback to a stylish era, which doesn't seem to match what garish implies.

[engicoder]

I also think the topic is perhaps turning off some people; this is a groovy kickback to a stylish era, which doesn't seem to match what garish implies.

Yes, probably true, I will change the title.

[Data]

Show Image

This is great.  Can I make a suggestion?

On the number pad, do 4 vertical rows starting from the outside: green, red, orange, yellow.  Leave the zero and period keys brown -- this will match the red/orange/yellow row placement (vertically) above the spacebar.  You're never going to achieve the same angle as you're getting with the offset alpha rows, so don't try.  This way also keeps the colorway primarily brown through TKL for those who've been craving a nice brown key set.  Try it and let me know what you think.

Youe mean like this (the last num pad)

Yes!  Exactly.

Show Image

Too much blue IMO.

I still prefer this one, but with the brown numpad. I don't use a numpad though.

Show Image

Also, if you're gonna add a gradient for fullsize keyboards, you should include the blue/red/orange caps for prntscrn, scroll lock, and pause in the numpad kit, then the brown ones in the the base set.

Maybe color gradient on the nav cluster could be an add-on pack?

Also, I don't think it's too much blue at all.  If you refer back to the source image there's a roughly even amount of blue and brown in it.

[GankIndustries]

I suddenly want a suit in these colours.

[IvanIvanovich]

No... the diagonals should both go the same direction /        / is what I meant so the top left and bottom right end up the same color, or as much as is possible due to the difference in row/column alignment.

[Vibex]

Oh God, I'm in love!

[Puddsy]

No... the diagonals should both go the same direction /        / is what I meant so the top left and bottom right end up the same color, or as much as is possible due to the difference in row/column alignment.

That might be what's killing it for me.

I'd like to see some mockups like this.

[pexon]

Don't just repeat it, mirror it.

Green, red, orange, yellow, brown ... brown, yellow, orange, red, green

Nawmean?

I hear you and its difficult because the stagger is so nice on the left and so crappy on the right. In seems like it should work, and I've played with the layout many times and have never been happy with the result. Its like when Clark W Griswold's mom says, "I can picture it in my mind Clark baby, and it�s breathtaking��. Unfortunately, in reality, not so much.

Here are few attempts:
(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

I am not a designer, so if someone has a better design for a symmetrical layout, please present it.
At this point, I think a asymmetric design is more appealing.

They just don't look right to me, symmetrical is cool for most things, but the staggering of the oppposing colours looks wrong on the numpad, to my eyes. 

[Oobly]

No... the diagonals should both go the same direction /        / is what I meant so the top left and bottom right end up the same color, or as much as is possible due to the difference in row/column alignment.

That might be what's killing it for me.

I'd like to see some mockups like this.

I did a "parallel" diagonals mockup with the layout tool on the previous page, but didn't show pictures, just posted the code.

Here is a picture of it:



And I made the F4 red to match the lines better:



And with a wooden background:



Sorry about the case not matching the board size, my laptop display is a bit small.

Another option for the function row is to drop the yellow and use red and orange for F4 and F5 to match the WIN and ALT keys. Or use orange on the F4 to balance the WIN and ALT colours. I think this layout with optional all-brown numpad and arrows could be a nice one.

For more reference, the Keypop Coffee set used TGH: http://keypuller.com/coffee/

[pexon]

#2 looks nice 

[Puddsy]

I think this layout with optional all-brown numpad and arrows could be a nice one.

I think you're correct, but the gradient should be what's optional, not the all brown. Or at least ship it with brown arrow keys.

[FrostyToast]

Since the numpad does not have a horizontal stagger like the main typing area, it seems a little off. To me, it is much more unnerving when the gradient is only almost matching, but not quite.
The presentation of asymmetry however creates a much more interesting effect.

[engicoder]

I think this layout with optional all-brown numpad and arrows could be a nice one.

I think you're correct, but the gradient should be what's optional, not the all brown. Or at least ship it with brown arrow keys.

Yes, from responses so far, I am envisioning a base TKL kit with optional num pad kits along the usual add-ons.

[engicoder]

I did a "parallel" diagonals mockup with the layout tool on the previous page, but didn't show pictures, just posted the code.

Here is a picture of it:

(Attachment Link)

And I made the F4 red to match the lines better:

(Attachment Link)

And with a wooden background:

(Attachment Link)

Sorry about the case not matching the board size, my laptop display is a bit small.

Another option for the function row is to drop the yellow and use red and orange for F4 and F5 to match the WIN and ALT keys. Or use orange on the F4 to balance the WIN and ALT colours. I think this layout with optional all-brown numpad and arrows could be a nice one.

For more reference, the Keypop Coffee set used TGH: http://keypuller.com/coffee/

Thanks for make these mockiups!!

[swill]

Show Image

This is great.  Can I make a suggestion?

On the number pad, do 4 vertical rows starting from the outside: green, red, orange, yellow.  Leave the zero and period keys brown -- this will match the red/orange/yellow row placement (vertically) above the spacebar.  You're never going to achieve the same angle as you're getting with the offset alpha rows, so don't try.  This way also keeps the colorway primarily brown through TKL for those who've been craving a nice brown key set.  Try it and let me know what you think.

Youe mean like this (the last num pad)

Yes!  Exactly.

Show Image

I like the way the tkl and smaller will look with this one.  A 75% would also look good with this.

I like the symmetry on this version.

[Data]

Show Image

This is great.  Can I make a suggestion?

On the number pad, do 4 vertical rows starting from the outside: green, red, orange, yellow.  Leave the zero and period keys brown -- this will match the red/orange/yellow row placement (vertically) above the spacebar.  You're never going to achieve the same angle as you're getting with the offset alpha rows, so don't try.  This way also keeps the colorway primarily brown through TKL for those who've been craving a nice brown key set.  Try it and let me know what you think.

Youe mean like this (the last num pad)

Yes!  Exactly.

Show Image

I like the way the tkl and smaller will look with this one.  A 75% would also look good with this.

I like the symmetry on this version.

Yeah. Doesn't seem to be as popular. /shrug

[FingerPunch]

[meow a cat]

I love the colourway on this set, I will definitely be watching with interest! 

Great work so far. I'm especially digging the 1976 1.25x mods, that's awesome.

[IvanIvanovich]

Yes that was what I was talking about exactly. At the end of the day my likelihood of using it on a fullsize is slim at best so as long as it ends up good price I probably won't care one bit. Actually, just a 60% kit with 1.5 modifiers would be ideal for me really.

[Puddsy]

Yes that was what I was talking about exactly. At the end of the day my likelihood of using it on a fullsize is slim at best so as long as it ends up good price I probably won't care one bit. Actually, just a 60% kit with 1.5 modifiers would be ideal for me really.

GH60 coming in soon?

[engicoder]

I came up with a preliminary group of sets. Let me know what you guys think. What am I missing?

Update: see OP for preliminary sets.

[rowdy]

Offering several gradients is a nice idea, as long as it does not increase the price too much.

[swill]

I like the options you have presented here.  It gives a great way for people to choose which layout they prefer.

One quick question.  Why is the second 'Caps Lock' a 1.5 (or 1.75) instead of a 1.25?  If you are going to switch the Ctrl and the Caps Lock, you will need a 1.25 Caps Lock for the base set. 

I would put a 1.25 Caps Lock in the base set and a 1.5 Caps Lock in the Winkeyless set.

[engicoder]

One quick question.  Why is the second 'Caps Lock' a 1.5 (or 1.75) instead of a 1.25?  If you are going to switch the Ctrl and the Caps Lock, you will need a 1.25 Caps Lock for the base set. 

I would put a 1.25 Caps Lock in the base set and a 1.5 Caps Lock in the Winkeyless set.

Good catch...that was an error. I intended to have a 1.25. I will fix that.
Thanks for the suggestion on the  Winkeyless set. I will add the 1.5.

[swill]

One quick question.  Why is the second 'Caps Lock' a 1.5 (or 1.75) instead of a 1.25?  If you are going to switch the Ctrl and the Caps Lock, you will need a 1.25 Caps Lock for the base set. 

I would put a 1.25 Caps Lock in the base set and a 1.5 Caps Lock in the Winkeyless set.

Good catch...that was an error. I intended to have a 1.25. I will fix that.
Thanks for the suggestion on the  Winkeyless set. I will add the 1.5.

Not sure if it saves much cost, but if the 1.25 caps lock key is in the base set, you can remove the blue one from the specialty kit since no one will need two blue ones.

[engicoder]

Not sure if it saves much cost, but if the 1.25 caps lock key is in the base set, you can remove the blue one from the specialty kit since no one will need two blue ones.

Very true, thanks!

[Puddsy]

Specialty kit should also have a 1x backspace. That's my only real nitpick.

Have we decided on SA vs DSA yet? I could probably tolerate DSA more than SA if it helps. In fact, let's get a poll going.

[engicoder]

I thought about breaking out the gradient from the first set and having the base set have only the caps that are common to both gradients, but this would mean that both sets would require more caps than just the base set.

Like this:

But it seems it would only be 10 more caps for Primary Gradient A buyers, and a lot less for Alternate Gradient buyers.

[Puddsy]

I think it's net cheaper to just offer one gradient and then a kit. This is a bit too much IMO.