I have two ideas for the arrow keys:
1. grey arrow keys with just a simple triangle legend, like the D-pad on the controller.
2. Actually initially had the idea in #1 for the yellow keys, but when I googled a picture I realized the triangles I was thinking of were on the D-pad. But I think this may look better on the yellow keys than the normal arrow legends in the current renders.
An alternative to #2 could be just blank yellow keys? Or one of them (up or down) could have a darker yellow C legend, like the real stick. Maybe this will kind of give an embossed effect?
And I really hope you can find a way to have some black in the theme (and maybe at least one orange key!) as I really liked the initial renders. The grey works well, but I feel maybe there's too much in the second round? Just my personal opinion, though.
As for novelties, I saw some people already suggesting some (seemed to be along the line of major Nintendo games), e.g. Smash, Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pokemon, Harvest Moon, etc. (Totally down for Wind Waker btw -- my first and favorite Zelda game. If that's possible.)
For the novelties I think one with the signature bullseye that is on the left stick should definitely be one. Maybe use some stuff from iconic games like Luigi's Mansion, SSBM, Wind Waker, Pikmin, Paper Mario, etc...
I agree with the left stick bullseye statement--seems like a good idea.
Anyways, really glad to see you respond again!
This is one of the SA sets I'm really hoping comes to fruition.
As for the A, B, X, Y buttons -- maybe have keys that would go in those positions on your renders with matching legends ("A", "X", etc) instead of Enter, etc.
And while I'm at it, a button that says Start and/or Pause (both may be too long?) would be awesome, as well.
These are just suggestions, and wouldn't necessarily make/break it for me.