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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => DIY Discussions ARCHIVE => Topic started by: Necroleachate on Wed, 08 July 2009, 22:30:01

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: Necroleachate on Wed, 08 July 2009, 22:30:01

I'm thinking about building a custom keypad for use with my tablet in Photoshop.
Something like this. http://www.rikkertkoppes.com/thoughts/2004/10/29/ (http://www.rikkertkoppes.com/thoughts/2004/10/29/)
What I want to make is not so big, something like 10, 12 keys.
The interface could come from a hacked usb playstation-like gamepad or using LPTswitch. http://www.trimoor.com/lpt_switch/index.htm (http://www.trimoor.com/lpt_switch/index.htm)
Then I would program the keys on autohotkey.
The only thing that I need are the keys. If anyone knows where I can buy switches and keycaps please tell me.

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: Necroleachate on Mon, 13 July 2009, 11:06:32

Ok, I found what I was looking for.
http://www.ymouse.com/access.php (http://www.ymouse.com/access.php)
Thanks for all the help. :P

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: lowpoly on Mon, 13 July 2009, 11:15:58

What about the Cherry keypads?

http://www.cherry.de/english/products/keypads.htm

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: talis on Mon, 13 July 2009, 11:52:31

There is this one (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6365) as well.  X-Keys makes a few similar as well.

You could also purchase any standard numpad, and use autohotkeys to create custom macros (as the numpad has unique scan codes).

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: Necroleachate on Mon, 13 July 2009, 13:03:52

Thanks for all the help, guys.
Those keypads like cherry's and x-keys' are a bit expensive for me as I live in Brazil and after importing taxes and shipping I think wouldn't be a good deal.
I found this. http://www.photoshopsupport.com/photoshop-blog/07/07/nostromo-speedpad-belkin.html (http://www.photoshopsupport.com/photoshop-blog/07/07/nostromo-speedpad-belkin.html)
I think this would fit me well but the closest to it that I found available in my country is this one:
http://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB-97327160-gamepad-teclado-gaming-explorer-ergomedia-500-genius-nota-_JM (http://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB-97327160-gamepad-teclado-gaming-explorer-ergomedia-500-genius-nota-_JM)
It probably doesn't use mechanical switches but is cheap and has the ergonomic plus.
I will give it a try and post experience here.

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: Necroleachate on Mon, 13 July 2009, 13:04:59

Whoops.. duplicated. :/

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: lowpoly on Mon, 13 July 2009, 14:01:27

If you don't mind rubber domes the Wolfking Warrior might be available:

(http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/wolfking_warrior/img/1.jpg)

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: timw4mail on Mon, 13 July 2009, 14:18:23

Quote from: lowpoly;102401

If you don't mind rubber domes the Wolfking Warrior might be available:

Show Image

(http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/wolfking_warrior/img/1.jpg)

That would be awesome with mechanical switches!

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: lowpoly on Mon, 13 July 2009, 14:33:06

Oooops, I thought I had not submitted this. Because it wouldn't work as an additional keypad so no re-programming.

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: Necroleachate on Mon, 13 July 2009, 17:21:50

I know most of the keyboard shortcuts for Photoshop, the problem isn't that. As I use a tablet the desk becomes small for a keyboard. I already use a laptop style keyboard, but my still keeps my hands very far from each other which is not comfortable for hours sessions of drawing in photoshop. And I have already some articular diseases.
So I need a small device, controlled by my left hand, while keeping the tablet in a position mostly in front of my body.

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: lowpoly on Tue, 14 July 2009, 04:43:40

Quote from: ripster;102416

Of course, real Photoshop nerds know CTRL-SHFT-Z removes multiple levels of edits.

It's Ctrl-Alt-Z. Yours is multiple redo. :smile:

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: lowpoly on Tue, 14 July 2009, 10:15:53

I really like the CS4 interface. Much better than previous versions, at least for me. I went from 7 to CS3 and shortly after to CS4.

Edit: Looking for a good CS4 screenshot I found this:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2982281565_65ae45517e.jpg?v=0)

Click for larger res and "making of":

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18697966@N00/2982281565/in/set-72157608377333404/

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: o2dazone on Tue, 14 July 2009, 13:49:26

Sorry for the offtopic:

I'm with you on CS2, Ripster. When they switched from CS2 to 3, a ton more features were implemented for the UI, and you can feel it drag when doing things.  Unfortunately, I use Smart Filters, so I've been stuck using CS3...I really hope they cut down on the UI resource usage. I refuse to switch to cs4 because of it

Title: Custom keypad
Post by: keyb_gr on Tue, 14 July 2009, 14:05:17

That is sooo cute... :D