geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: Qantourisc on Fri, 11 July 2014, 17:23:47
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I wondered how custom keycaps with 3 or 4 layouts on it would look.
Wonder no more: (didn't do all of them, if anyone is interested in the Blender file, give me poke.)
[attach=1]
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There are already many keyboards with three layouts: "Nordic layout", which comprises of Swedish, Norwegian and Danish.
All keys but four (?) are the same. The symbols on the keys where the layout differs are often printed in different colours. Two of those keys are ÖØÄ and ÄÆØ.
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Well the problem with my case almost NO keys are the same.
Now for normal numbers this is just fine, problems occur however when the original layout has more then 1 symbol per key. On the render it looks SOOOOO tiny....
EDIT: managed to increase the font-size a bit by going more toward the edges, and added US international.
[attach=1]
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To be honest, I don't really see the point. If you type in AZERTY, use an AZERTY set, if you use Dvorak get a Dvorak set. Most Dvorak typists can type fine on a board with QWERTY caps on, too. You're not likely to use the same board at the same time for all three layouts, or even two of them unless it's a work environment board and colleagues have to use the board as well.
If you really want to do this, Hanggul caps are an example of having 3 characters per key on some keys:
(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q603/magicmeatballs/Private/DSC_0445_zpsee21f585.jpg)
Or as Findecanor mentioned, Nordic caps:
(http://www.ducky-nordic.com/may14/prem4.jpg)
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It's work related, but not as you expect: remote desktop tools often screw up keyboard translations...
Also been playing with the idea.
Also I'm not talking 3 characters per key, but up to 12 :rolleyes:
(Making this chart, regardless I will actual get caps for them, I'll still need a cheat-sheet, the render is just a 2 click way to show it off :cool: )
[attach=1]
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Would it be possible to use the front side of the keycap for legends available only through Alt Gr? That could reduce the clutter a bit.
BTW, Legends on Japanese layouts often use a diamond-pattern instead of four corners:
W
Z
,<
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Would it be possible to use the front side of the keycap for legends available only through Alt Gr?
Not when using cheap methods like AWSD.
BTW, Legends on Japanese layouts often use a diamond-pattern instead of four corners:
That would not leave me a lot of room, but would increase readability.
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very interesting...
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Updated to dvorak-international, Added dvorak programming, and added layout info to the spacebar + legend.
Still need to double check for bugs and change the dead-key indication to something that doesn't depend on superfine lines.
Then decide to actually get them printed or not :-\
[attach=1]
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coolio
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WASD can UV print at 600DPI, this would be simulation made with gimp:
Conclusion, take care when using transparent/nonsolid color surfaces on small scales ...
(Magnify to see what it would look like under a magnification glass.)
[attach=1]
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I still don't get the point, TBH. Why not just print a "cheat sheet" of the layouts you need when using remote desktop (or at least the most ibscure ones). One for each that differs from your local machine layout. I'm sure you're familiar enough with your local machine's layout to not need that one printed. Unless it's different from the current keycap legends, then also get the correct legend keycaps for your local machine layout.
Another option is to have multiple keyboards plugged in, each with one of the layouts you need. That way you are actually typing on a board with the correct keycap legends for each layout you use.
I switch between three layouts at work (UK English, US English and Finnish/Swedish) and can use any of them with any of the three physical boards (plus my 60% ANSI board), it's not that hard for small differences, but I suspect for Dvorak or Colemak I would need a cheat sheet to reference.
paicrai, what are you doing out of "Off Topic"!? Your post count will go up ;)
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I still don't get the point, TBH. ... I'm sure you're familiar enough with your local machine's layout to not need that one printed.
Well with this I'm making the cheat sheet, and at the same time get an idea how it might look if I got the keycaps.
I am familiar with most of my local layout, just not a few of the ^¨´`µ keys I barely use. The Alt-Gr's which Linux adds (that are not printed on any keyboard) I don't know at all.
Also getting stock keycaps with my local-layout limits your options. So it's best to get blanc keycaps. If I layout i'll need to order them.
The only reason not to is $$$ and the overly busy look of the keys.
Another option is to have multiple keyboards plugged in,...
How is that an option :eek:. Maybe for your budget and desktop size :D
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I still don't get the point, TBH. ... I'm sure you're familiar enough with your local machine's layout to not need that one printed.
Well with this I'm making the cheat sheet, and at the same time get an idea how it might look if I got the keycaps.
I am familiar with most of my local layout, just not a few of the ^¨´`µ keys I barely use. The Alt-Gr's which Linux adds (that are not printed on any keyboard) I don't know at all.
Also getting stock keycaps with my local-layout limits your options. So it's best to get blanc keycaps. If I layout i'll need to order them.
The only reason not to is $$$ and the overly busy look of the keys.
Another option is to have multiple keyboards plugged in,...
How is that an option :eek:. Maybe for your budget and desktop size :D
These large plate racks hold keyboards GREAT on the wall.
http://www.displaycollections.com/product.php?id=477159SQYJ&osCsid=0b157987284ce48dfd23746add3618aa
I have 3 keyboards at my computer and can unplug and switch one up to the wall whenever I feel like more/less click or a different profile or something.