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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: LeandreN on Mon, 18 May 2015, 09:45:23

Title: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design a Plate
Post by: LeandreN on Mon, 18 May 2015, 09:45:23
Have a great design or just some ideas? Share it here!

Additionally, you can fill out this:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vIAHkuyoQYYUnhIS2hlT0KI5_0TaCbMLpxGBnVFV45A/viewform

Here (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70857.msg1712812#msg1712812) i am planning a GB using this thread.
(http://i.imgur.com/XOtmwWj.png)


So, when i was doing the IC for this  (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71034.0)GB, i got  a lot of requests for custom plates. Everybody had their design, and many of the designs were really great. Like Dihedrals's 80% style keyboard layout and many others. I also got messaged by some known people on this sub about amazing, tested designs. Let me know what you think of the idea, i have some really great suppliers that could do something like this.

Please note that this is only ideas and everything can change. i have never done something similar, so i would appericate any feedback


Thanks!
LeandreN
Title: Re: [IC] Custom plates, Massdrop style(better title later)
Post by: Dihedral on Mon, 18 May 2015, 09:54:56
I'd love to see a D-79 plate, but personally I'm going to probably run a plate + case GB anyway.
Title: Re: [IC] Custom plates, Massdrop style(better title later)
Post by: LeandreN on Mon, 18 May 2015, 10:03:59
I'd love to see a D-79 plate, but personally I'm going to probably run a plate + case GB anyway.

I understand. Please let me know if you want me to assist you, awesome design :).
I got a bunch of other designs that will probably never see reality if i don't do something like this, so i want to help those people.
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: Tiramisuu on Mon, 18 May 2015, 11:36:05
The slippery slope....  Everyone wants something until it comes time to pay and then wait, yes, no, maybe,  oh did I miss it, can I still get one.... 

... I would love to see this succeed in some form ...  MOQ on a spec, order and pay, and plate arrives within 8 weeks.     A basic 10Key, TKL, 60%, 45%, 40%  iso/ans  ,  splits, linear, 10key with an order form and a count.   

Massdrop does the commit to buy approach where your transaction is pending in paypal until the buy either runs out of time or succeeds.   Not sure if you can rig something along those lines but it might make it easier for people to commit and for you not to get stuck or spend silly amounts of time chasing people.

The challenge as I see it is that when you confirm that people on the order whether you still have the MOQ is whether they have changed their minds and moved on to the next cool idea... Keyboard love is fickle and generally short lived.

My open source idea....
A fully colemak capable 40+%'ish plate.   Poker ish without the Fkey Row.
No possibility of finding a case that fits so definitely a diy.   I think walnut with brass hardware :)
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: Want on Mon, 18 May 2015, 11:38:18
I'd be into it. I don't have any experience though, and I doubt many people coming to you will have, so I can imagine you'd be helping out in the design a lot as well.
I've been playing around with a layout I'd really like to see materialize, but I really haven't gotten further than a keyboard-layout-editor link. Again, I think many people would find themselves in these very shoes.
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Mon, 18 May 2015, 12:55:52
The slippery slope....  Everyone wants something until it comes time to pay and then wait, yes, no, maybe,  oh did I miss it, can I still get one.... 

... I would love to see this succeed in some form ...  MOQ on a spec, order and pay, and plate arrives within 8 weeks.     A basic 10Key, TKL, 60%, 45%, 40%  iso/ans  ,  splits, linear, 10key with an order form and a count.   

Massdrop does the commit to buy approach where your transaction is pending in paypal until the buy either runs out of time or succeeds.   Not sure if you can rig something along those lines but it might make it easier for people to commit and for you not to get stuck or spend silly amounts of time chasing people.

The challenge as I see it is that when you confirm that people on the order whether you still have the MOQ is whether they have changed their minds and moved on to the next cool idea... Keyboard love is fickle and generally short lived.

My open source idea....
A fully colemak capable 40+%'ish plate.   Poker ish without the Fkey Row.
No possibility of finding a case that fits so definitely a diy.   I think walnut with brass hardware :)

Yeah your first point could be a problem. You mean that i collect designs that i know could get popular and choose example 3 different and set up a poll?

Forget it. So i want to make a thread where people submit their design. People vote and come with their improvments, i choose 3 of the best designs and we vote!

It will take 10 days to make all the plates, 4 days shipping to me and i should be able to get everything out the first week. 1 week shipping +/-. About 4 weeks from group buy ends until it has arrived at your door.

Your project sounds amazing!
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Mon, 18 May 2015, 12:57:10
I'd be into it. I don't have any experience though, and I doubt many people coming to you will have, so I can imagine you'd be helping out in the design a lot as well.
I've been playing around with a layout I'd really like to see materialize, but I really haven't gotten further than a keyboard-layout-editor link. Again, I think many people would find themselves in these very shoes.

That might be a problem, but we have awesome people here on Geekhack willing to assist, at the same time, we have this: http://builder.swillkb.com/. Put the raw data in from KBL and you have your plate :)
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: AKmalamute on Mon, 18 May 2015, 13:45:00
I had a .dxf  for a 60% using alps switches. ANSI-150 so not real popular, but I'm seeing some some movements that might imply an increase in interest.

Unfortunately I can't seem to find the .dxf right now. Maybe JDcarpe, if he's reading this, has the file handy ...
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: RoastPotatoes on Mon, 18 May 2015, 14:17:32
I think this is a great idea.
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: jdcarpe on Mon, 18 May 2015, 14:20:53
I had a .dxf  for a 60% using alps switches. ANSI-150 so not real popular, but I'm seeing some some movements that might imply an increase in interest.

Unfortunately I can't seem to find the .dxf right now. Maybe JDcarpe, if he's reading this, has the file handy ...

There is a 60% Alps plate GB going on right now, organized by nubbinator. :)

It's AEK II layout...were you thinking standard ANSI or something?
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Mon, 18 May 2015, 14:25:50
I think this is a great idea.

Thanks for your feedback. Working on some stuff now!
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: RoastPotatoes on Mon, 18 May 2015, 15:11:44
How many designs will you be able to run at a time?
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: AKmalamute on Mon, 18 May 2015, 15:16:28
It's AEK II layout...were you thinking standard ANSI or something?

 Yeah. ANSI 150 with cherry stab-holes.

Actually I had it cut in aluminum, but with some of the discussions of 60% boards, I thought there was a chance it could be made into something that would sit in existing cases.

 Of course, I haven't finished handwiring the plate I have. But with the heavy wire I've been using to connect the Enable plates, it probably won't fit neatly into a case anyway.

 do you still have the file I'm talking about? it doesn't seem to be on this computer...
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Mon, 18 May 2015, 15:26:06
How many designs will you be able to run at a time?
I could run 3, but I don't see a reason to run more at a time. Better to focus on one and get the sales going :)
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: jdcarpe on Mon, 18 May 2015, 16:22:21
My submission:

(http://i.imgur.com/wCUtsCF.png)
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Mon, 18 May 2015, 16:40:57
My submission:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/wCUtsCF.png)

Will make a proper form and stuff.

That is one awesome design! I will talk with you tomorrow!
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: Joey Quinn on Mon, 18 May 2015, 21:39:56
My submission:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/wCUtsCF.png)


Done. You don't really need more than a universal everything plate.
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Mon, 18 May 2015, 23:32:05
My submission:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/wCUtsCF.png)


Done. You don't really need more than a universal everything plate.
Some people like different sizes.
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: condoriano on Tue, 19 May 2015, 00:11:57
hey this is awesome

this is my main idea for this
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ADQ6rkKN80c/VVrBs21CffI/AAAAAAAAAIU/wmBqViSJL2A/w899-h323-no/latest-screenshot.png)

or even
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kRsxlYlyyyk/VVrEVgpbmQI/AAAAAAAAAI4/wysSS881c6g/w996-h412-no/latest-screenshot.png)

not sure about the spacebar(s) 3/3 vs 2/4. I know that signature plastics have a 4x1 spacebar somewhere in their models and the 3x1 exist as well. Also would need to find a fitting case, but those are just my preliminary ideas
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Tue, 19 May 2015, 00:13:01
hey this is awesome

this is my main idea for this
Show Image
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ADQ6rkKN80c/VVrBs21CffI/AAAAAAAAAIU/wmBqViSJL2A/w899-h323-no/latest-screenshot.png)


or even
Show Image
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kRsxlYlyyyk/VVrEVgpbmQI/AAAAAAAAAI4/wysSS881c6g/w996-h412-no/latest-screenshot.png)


not sure about the spacebar(s) 3/3 vs 2/4. I know that signature plastics have a 4x1 spacebar somewhere in their models and the 3x1 exist as well. Also would need to find a fitting case, but those are just my preliminary ideas
Cool. I will take a look at it later. I have got a lot of requests lately!
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: jdcarpe on Tue, 19 May 2015, 06:50:30
Different sizes, you say?

(http://i.imgur.com/3GIbOoM.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Tue, 19 May 2015, 06:57:45
Different sizes, you say?

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/3GIbOoM.jpg)

Hehe, you have everything ? :)
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: Want on Tue, 19 May 2015, 07:08:37
If we're posting our ideas, here's my lovechild:
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/a6422d985de3ee522124a4304c143eb6
(http://i.imgur.com/m0cd7kw.png)
From right to left: numpad plus 4 keys up top, vertically placed F-keys, 66%.

Basically a linear 66% layout, plus the other 34% on the left, because I do love me some ergonomics, and the slim depth of a ~60%.
Yes, the caps lock and left shift are 1.5u, but damn it all if it doesn't look better this way, worst case scenario you'd have to use the wrong legends.
Oh, and other than the left shift and caps lock, a standard keyset works just fine with this, which isn't too common with linear layouts.
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Tue, 19 May 2015, 07:19:37
If we're posting our ideas, here's my lovechild:
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/a6422d985de3ee522124a4304c143eb6
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/m0cd7kw.png)

From right to left: numpad plus 4 keys up top, vertically placed F-keys, 66%.

Basically a linear 66% layout, plus the other 34% on the left, because I do love me some ergonomics, and the slim depth of a ~60%.
Yes, the caps lock and left shift are 1.5u, but damn it all if it doesn't look better this way, worst case scenario you'd have to use the wrong legends.
Oh, and other than the left shift and caps lock, a standard keyset works just fine with this, which isn't too common with linear layouts.
Awesome!
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LXXXIX on Tue, 19 May 2015, 08:23:24
If we're posting our ideas, here's my lovechild:
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/a6422d985de3ee522124a4304c143eb6
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/m0cd7kw.png)

From right to left: numpad plus 4 keys up top, vertically placed F-keys, 66%.

Basically a linear 66% layout, plus the other 34% on the left, because I do love me some ergonomics, and the slim depth of a ~60%.
Yes, the caps lock and left shift are 1.5u, but damn it all if it doesn't look better this way, worst case scenario you'd have to use the wrong legends.
Oh, and other than the left shift and caps lock, a standard keyset works just fine with this, which isn't too common with linear layouts.

This I likey. :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: jdcarpe on Tue, 19 May 2015, 08:26:36
Hehe, you have everything ? :)

Designing plates is how I got into making custom keyboard designs. ;)
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Tue, 19 May 2015, 08:28:57
Hehe, you have everything ? :)

Designing plates is how I got into making custom keyboard designs. ;)

Maybe we should call it "JDcarpe customs" and roll your different designs? xD
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: jdcarpe on Tue, 19 May 2015, 11:26:46
This is an AT-style layout, but with the numpad on the left, and the F-keys on the right:

(http://i.imgur.com/XRlxx4Z.png)
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Tue, 19 May 2015, 11:27:46
This is an AT-style layout, but with the numpad on the left, and the F-keys on the right:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/XRlxx4Z.png)

Cool!
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Tue, 19 May 2015, 11:31:23
I will save this thread for later, when i might decide to do this, but first, THIS GB (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71034.120). :)
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: derezzed on Tue, 19 May 2015, 22:12:15
 I might as well throw my hat into the ring.

Here's my 60% layout.

[attach=1]

Here's the key layout for reference:

[attach=2]

I added a 6mm bezel to the design because the function key is .5u lower than the bottom row.  Complications to this design include the 1.5u vertical function key (would need Signature Plastics DSA or SP row 3), the 1.75 right shift key, the 1.75 left control key, and the 2u backspace and space keys on the bottom row may not be the same profile (could always invert some backspace keys) as the rest of the row (unless DSA profile is used). 
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Wed, 20 May 2015, 00:07:44
I might as well throw my hat into the ring.

Here's my 60% layout.

(Attachment Link)

Here's the key layout for reference:

(Attachment Link)

I added a 6mm bezel to the design because the function key is .5u lower than the bottom row.  Complications to this design include the 1.5u vertical function key (would need Signature Plastics DSA or SP row 3), the 1.75 right shift key, the 1.75 left control key, and the 2u backspace and space keys on the bottom row may not be the same profile (could always invert some backspace keys) as the rest of the row (unless DSA profile is used).
This is my favourite! Thanks for posting here
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: AKmalamute on Wed, 20 May 2015, 00:50:54
Okay I finally found it.

This is sized for Alps / matias switches, and is otherwise the same as the ANSI-150 plate intended for such PCBs as the GH60.

I already have it in 6061 aluminum, so I'm not sure if I'd be in for another (but if Hasu's PCB both would work with it, and he has another run, my interest goes way up).

But for your consideration, a file written up by JDcarpe

[attachurl=1]
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Wed, 20 May 2015, 01:33:35
Okay I finally found it.

This is sized for Alps / matias switches, and is otherwise the same as the ANSI-150 plate intended for such PCBs as the GH60.

I already have it in 6061 aluminum, so I'm not sure if I'd be in for another (but if Hasu's PCB both would work with it, and he has another run, my interest goes way up).

But for your consideration, a file written up by JDcarpe

(Attachment Link)
Cool! How do you do the stabilisers with Alps boards?
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: AKmalamute on Wed, 20 May 2015, 12:52:02
Cool! How do you do the stabilisers with Alps boards?

No idea; I haven't built it yet. But I'd heard the ALPS keys from signature plastics used cherry style stab-stems. And I vastly prefer cherry plate stabs to costar, and alps stabs are really close to being costar stabs.

 In short, wing it. Alternately, and for hand-wired or dual-support boards this would make the most sense, is to change the stabilized keyholes to expect cherry switches. <</shrug>>
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Wed, 20 May 2015, 15:11:56
Cool! How do you do the stabilisers with Alps boards?

No idea; I haven't built it yet. But I'd heard the ALPS keys from signature plastics used cherry style stab-stems. And I vastly prefer cherry plate stabs to costar, and alps stabs are really close to being costar stabs.

 In short, wing it. Alternately, and for hand-wired or dual-support boards this would make the most sense, is to change the stabilized keyholes to expect cherry switches. <</shrug>>
Awesome. That sounds great.
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: justnits on Wed, 20 May 2015, 20:24:05
Different sizes, you say?

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/3GIbOoM.jpg)


do you happen to have one that is more universal? (supports 86 or 84 with 7u spacebar)
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: quochung1989 on Wed, 20 May 2015, 21:28:46
I want uTKL plate for my filco.
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: jdcarpe on Wed, 20 May 2015, 23:24:53
Different sizes, you say?

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/3GIbOoM.jpg)


do you happen to have one that is more universal? (supports 86 or 84 with 7u spacebar)

I could do that easily, but then people using that plate for their Filco, DS3, KUL, or even Phantom will lose the ability to have plate mounted stabilizers. Kinda defeats the purpose.
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: quochung1989 on Thu, 21 May 2015, 04:32:14
Different sizes, you say?

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/3GIbOoM.jpg)


do you happen to have one that is more universal? (supports 86 or 84 with 7u spacebar)



I could do that easily, but then people using that plate for their Filco, DS3, KUL, or even Phantom will lose the ability to have plate mounted stabilizers. Kinda defeats the purpose.
Costar stab can't fit?
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 21 May 2015, 06:50:38
Different sizes, you say?

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/3GIbOoM.jpg)


do you happen to have one that is more universal? (supports 86 or 84 with 7u spacebar)



I could do that easily, but then people using that plate for their Filco, DS3, KUL, or even Phantom will lose the ability to have plate mounted stabilizers. Kinda defeats the purpose.
Costar stab can't fit?

Costar or Cherry plate mount stabs will fit in the "Universal" plate I posted above. It's called universal because it can fit a variety of different PCBs and cases, such as Filcos, Ducky Shine, KUL, Leopold, QFR, etc.

There is another type of universal plate, which allows for different key options, such as 87/86/84 key layouts, short right shift, split backspace, ISO/ANSI, etc. In order to allow for those options, the stab holes are just that - larger openings that simply allow for the PCB mounted stabs to pass through. There is nothing on the plate for Costar or Cherry plate mount stabs to mount onto.
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Thu, 21 May 2015, 06:55:04
I appericate all the discussion and posts here! I will look at everything :)

Special thanks to JDcarpe.
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: honoka on Thu, 21 May 2015, 17:29:25
I've been searching for universal tkl plates for filco and QFR's in ISO layout. That would be an epic plate. Anyone else interested in that?
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: quochung1989 on Thu, 21 May 2015, 20:23:06
I've been searching for universal tkl plates for filco and QFR's in ISO layout. That would be an epic plate. Anyone else interested in that?
me +1
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: JonasDK on Mon, 25 May 2015, 16:16:12
My submission:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/wCUtsCF.png)

This, anodizing it in different colors (For instance gold, red, blue) would be awesome. Since it's universal, is it easier hitting MOQ and getting better prices than if we had an ISO and ANSI layout?

EDIT: Just rephrased that, it come out wrong :o
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Mon, 25 May 2015, 16:17:52
If anodizing the plates need to be aluminium and not steel :)
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: sethk_ on Mon, 25 May 2015, 16:36:53

If anodizing the plates need to be aluminium and not steel :)
Yeah, for steel you powder coat
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Mon, 25 May 2015, 16:41:11

If anodizing the plates need to be aluminium and not steel :)
Yeah, for steel you powder coat
That's correct.
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: hoz on Fri, 12 June 2015, 15:16:40
I guess someone could like the idea of this, it's my "endgame" layout after the last few months with altering boards between nordic iso, us ansi, HHKB ansi, Gon mobik´s HHKBish ansi and my very HHKB-like Infinity build.

one set with a single color from the Gateron PBT GB will cover the use of both left and right split shifts. (though i'll go for two sets of light gray/beige as i tried to match in the layout editor :P)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72609.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72609.0)

Winkeyless currently have a sale on their b.face pcb that'll handle the layout (Gon's Nerd 60 should work as well)
and since i'm planning on using this in a case with "floating keys" i removed the outer cutouts to make it as clean as possible, same thing with the stab cutouts since i'll be using cherry pcb mounts anyway :)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/517/18559151680_13e4be6b3a_o.jpg)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/553/18561600409_0a58a99fa0_o.jpg)

Link to layout editor:
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/d160c04ec58fb8a231126c837566a6c9 (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/d160c04ec58fb8a231126c837566a6c9)

so, basically this, but done right :)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8877/17763727453_29fb06de07_n.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7728/18357955736_19117c05f0.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: Bull1919 on Fri, 12 June 2015, 17:16:11
   If we're posting ideas then my ideal 65% layout is this: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/993f8086a5e38c80a8544728bda2c634 (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/993f8086a5e38c80a8544728bda2c634)
Explaination:
   The macros are on the left side to keep minimal distance between your hands, but have common keybinds just a short pinky stretch away for gaming/programming/whatever.
Backspace is in the place of caps lock like it is in colemak, because that is a pretty common key, and having to reach so far really slows down workflow.
   Delete is in place of \| like on the hhkb, and \| is moved to where backspace was along with `~.
There is no caps lock key, but there is a lock key on the right side which would, when you pressed it along with shift, control, fn, alt, or any combination of those, act as a toggle. That is so that if you had a macro layer or something, you could keep it on without having to hold down ctrl+alt+fn or whatever. When it was pressed a second time, it would deactivate.
   The fn key is next to a shortened left shift, and things like Home/End, PgUp/PgDn, and the arrow keys are in a cluster where the right hand is usually placed. This is so that there is minimal movement to reach these often used keys.
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Fri, 12 June 2015, 17:23:38
Looks like this is a "post your layout thread now. Keep them coming, amazing designs :)
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: nephiel on Fri, 12 June 2015, 18:27:11
Mine would be a standard ISO 60%, just like the one I have on the way, only the 6.25 spacebar would be split into four keys: 1+2+2.25+1.

I have noticed I always use my left thumb for space, so it makes sense for me to split the spacebar in two and use the right half for Fn. But then it would be very hard to find 3u or 3.25u caps.

However, 1u spares are easy to find, the 2u is the numpad 0, and the 2.25u is the ANSI left shift. So this layout can be covered with any full ANSI keycap set + ISO kit (or the other way around).

I would want a hole between the G, H and B for a Trackpoint as well, but that's easy enough to drill at home.
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: Liar on Fri, 12 June 2015, 23:57:06
Semi-Ortholinear, Standard Keycap Sizes

(http://i.imgur.com/9R1trYz.jpg)

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/31e25a41561b78194cfd19e39d7baceb (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/31e25a41561b78194cfd19e39d7baceb)

Same Layout With Two Extra Keys Possible

(http://i.imgur.com/c3wRJFg.jpg)

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/7845b2acee6e24cada050f5379a8fa7a (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/7845b2acee6e24cada050f5379a8fa7a)

Moved the Extra Keys Around

(http://i.imgur.com/nfS7fpQ.jpg)

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/560a1b53d861f190e335a2349d08a1a2 (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/560a1b53d861f190e335a2349d08a1a2)
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Sat, 13 June 2015, 17:45:17
Thanks for all your cool designs :)

Please fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vIAHkuyoQYYUnhIS2hlT0KI5_0TaCbMLpxGBnVFV45A/viewform
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: _nowai on Sun, 14 June 2015, 03:59:02
I hope I'm not too late for the party! Here are my thoughts:

I'd like to have a mostly standard 60% layout, but with thumb buttons.
For example one of these:
(both compatible with standard bottom row and ISO if possible)

(http://i.imgur.com/qGCplOY.png)

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/635fb954a2e7752eb8fc822e7ea214ee
(I don't know how to generate plates compatible with different layouts in the plate builder)

Additionally to the standard keycaps the first layout would need one 1.75u and two 1.25u caps (+ two 1u, but you can use the arrow keys for that)
and the second one would need one 1.75u and two 1.5u (+ four 1u)

These caps shoud be easy to source, even with sculptured profiles, because there is almost always a child deal for nonstandard mods.
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: nephiel on Sun, 14 June 2015, 05:02:48
I hope I'm not too late for the party! Here are my thoughts:

I'd like to have a mostly standard 60% layout, but with thumb buttons.
For example one of these:
(both compatible with standard bottom row and ISO if possible)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/qGCplOY.png)


http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/635fb954a2e7752eb8fc822e7ea214ee
(I don't know how to generate plates compatible with different layouts in the plate builder)

Additionally to the standard keycaps the first layout would need one 1.75u and two 1.25u caps (+ two 1u, but you can use the arrow keys for that)
and the second one would need one 1.75u and two 1.5u (+ four 1u)

These caps shoud be easy to source, even with sculptured profiles, because there is almost always a child deal for nonstandard mods.

I would stick to 1.75u or less so they don't need stabilizers.

With a single Gateron PBT keyset (right now there are two (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71995.0) GBs (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72609), plus a Massdrop - all of them about to end) you get a standard ANSI layout and plenty of spares, among them three 1.5 + one 1.75 keycaps, enough to fill the 6.25 space. No extra kits needed, no caps missing: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/600187b527db410ddcacb8bc75dd93b4

Splitting the spacebar seems a popular option (add Fn, backspace, mouse buttons...) but everyone would split it differently. How about a standard 60% plate with a wide 6.25 slot on the spacebar, so that up to 6 switches could fit anywhere on that slot?

You would have to either use a PCB or glue the switches to prevent them from sliding horizontally, but this would accomodate any 6.25u spacebar layout.

Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: _nowai on Sun, 14 June 2015, 05:42:50
...
I'd be ok with one big slot, but i think this solution it's a bit too "dirty" to make everyone happy. I'd rather let the community decide which segmentation of the spacebar is the most popular (if LeandreN chooses to go this route).

I for example would be perfectly fine with your submission as it makes sense to use nothing bigger than 1.75u and it's very close to the standard layout.
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: TalkingTree on Mon, 15 June 2015, 04:34:02
This is just an idea for a universal 40% plate.
R4 should give the possibility to put switches in different positions. It has to be used along with a PCB otherwise the switches might end being unstable.
It might actually be unusable since the stabilizers cutouts would be a little off on the Y axis unless one uses a switch in place of a stabilizer.
ISO Enter is not supported.
Any idea is welcome.

Keyboard-Layout-Editor link (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@=Tab&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&_a:7%3B&=BKSP%3B&@_a:4&w:1.25%3B&=Caps%20Lock&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&=H&=J&=K&=L&_w:1.75%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Shift&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&_w:2.25%3B&=Shift%3B&@_a:7&w:12%3B&=R4)

(http://i.imgur.com/ZVrDEN0.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: LeandreN on Mon, 15 June 2015, 05:21:25
This is just an idea for a universal 40% plate.
R4 should give the possibility to put switches in different positions. It has to be used along with a PCB otherwise the switches might end being unstable.
It might actually be unusable since the stabilizers cutouts would be a little off on the Y axis unless one uses a switch in place of a stabilizer.
ISO Enter is not supported.
Any idea is welcome.

Keyboard-Layout-Editor link (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@=Tab&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&_a:7%3B&=BKSP%3B&@_a:4&w:1.25%3B&=Caps%20Lock&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G&=H&=J&=K&=L&_w:1.75%3B&=Enter%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Shift&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&_w:2.25%3B&=Shift%3B&@_a:7&w:12%3B&=R4)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/ZVrDEN0.jpg)

Awesome! The only problem is that we need a PCB, and I cannot design that :-/
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: TalkingTree on Mon, 15 June 2015, 07:22:39
The only problem is that we need a PCB, and I cannot design that :-/
I'm not concerned about the PCB because someone in this large community might eventually design one. The main issue at the moment is with the stabilizers.
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: nephiel on Mon, 15 June 2015, 07:40:01
The only problem is that we need a PCB, and I cannot design that :-/
I'm not concerned about the PCB because someone in this large community might eventually design one. The main issue at the moment is with the stabilizers.
Just stick to 1.75u or smaller for the bottom row - no need for stabilizers then.
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: TalkingTree on Mon, 15 June 2015, 07:50:37
Just stick to 1.75u or smaller for the bottom row - no need for stabilizers then.
True, but bottom row is usually home to the spacebar, everyone would seek at least 2u.
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: nephiel on Mon, 15 June 2015, 08:09:55
You could always use two or three sub-2u keys and map all of them to Space. Put them on the most worn spots of your usual spacebar.

There must be some way to mount stabilizers on a slot like this, though.
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design Your Plate, an idea by me
Post by: TalkingTree on Mon, 15 June 2015, 08:38:05
There must be some way to mount stabilizers on a slot like this, though.
Custom stabilizer is the only thing that comes to my mind at the moment, aside the use of a switch as stabilizer.
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design a Plate
Post by: toneman77 on Wed, 17 August 2016, 03:41:56
Ok I definitely have to check every day if LeandreN submitted something new. How could I miss this thread?
So I made a couple attempts, all (but the ortho one) with the idea in mind to use as much standard sized caps as possible AND with split spacebars. I "reasearched" my own typing a little and found out that one thumb is slacking around 90% of the time. So: (click images for KLE)

ISO HHKB split
(http://imgur.com/bzscSI7.png) (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/195b5833a13dfa3331c5d01b882968a4)

43% happy even stagger
(http://imgur.com/U10L3Yc.png) (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/0f03f6e0ca0fa4242be7da817d7abcb6)
I mean. Why is the lower row differently staggered than the upper one?

43% happy normal stagger (for the sake of completeness)
(http://imgur.com/PIY6R6F.png) (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/b064f858bc5a499323bb373e030923bc)

Ortho happy
(http://imgur.com/tSZhRR0.png) (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/34e27da58d95870705c63cc1a9ab5e93)

Damn am I late to this thread...
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design a Plate
Post by: kawasaki161 on Wed, 17 August 2016, 04:02:31
How could I miss this thread?

The last reply before you necro'd it was around a month before you registered your account, that is probably the reason.
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design a Plate
Post by: duynguyenle on Wed, 17 August 2016, 04:09:41
How could I miss this thread?

The last reply before you necro'd it was around a month before you registered your account, that is probably the reason.

Try a year and 1 month  :p
Title: Re: [IC][POST YOUR LAYOUT] Design a Plate
Post by: toneman77 on Wed, 17 August 2016, 05:07:23
How could I miss this thread?

The last reply before you necro'd it was around a month before you registered your account, that is probably the reason.

Try a year and 1 month  :p
lol I just read ...06-15 and thought it was weeks ago. sorry guys :D