The future of compatibility kits

[WRXChris]

I haven't seen this discussed anywhere, and was wondering if anyone has put any thought into how to go about group buys for compatibility kits, now that we have quite a few various custom layouts with the GH60 and ErgoDox.

I really want to build an HHKB-style GH60, but I want to be able to use Cherry DS caps, and unless there is a large compatibility kit, wrong caps, wrong profiles, or blank caps will have to be used in many places.

Has anyone brainstormed about this and come up with any ideas?  I'm thinking we're going to need a new tsangan-esque HHKB compatibility kit.

[tricheboars]

niche market.  if you want these style caps you are going to have to jump on a group buy or start one.  i just dont see these style caps being standard on typical custom cap buys.

[esoomenona]

Chris, what on your HHKB-esque GH60 isn't included in the compatibility kit containing 7x spacebar and 1.5x mods, which usually includes a 1.75x shift and a number of 1x keys that fit the bottom two rows?

And this isn't rhetorical. I'm generally curious. Are you intending to use a 6x spacebar?

[WRXChris]

Chris, what on your HHKB-esque GH60 isn't included in the compatibility kit containing 7x spacebar and 1.5x mods, which usually includes a 1.75x shift and a number of 1x keys that fit the bottom two rows?

And this isn't rhetorical. I'm generally curious. Are you intending to use a 6x spacebar?

I was mainly referring to a 1.5x delete/backspace, 1x \, and a Control key instead of caps lock.  1x Alt keys would be nice so you don't have to use stars or diamonds.  If used in conjunction with a tsangan kit that would be all that is needed.  A standalone HHKB kit would also require some 1.5x mods, a 1x bottom row cap for "function", and a short right shift.

Now that I think about it, it would be a pretty simple kit, I guess we'll just have to see how many people build HHKB-style GH60s!

[esoomenona]

Isn't a backspace 2x? So if you wanted it split, you'd need 1x BS, and 1x Del. The Delete is already available in a set, so there's that.

Also, I plan to build semi close to this. Just not the split backspace (hate that).

[WRXChris]

niche market.  if you want these style caps you are going to have to jump on a group buy or start one.  i just dont see these style caps being standard on typical custom cap buys.

I agree, including these standard in future full sets wouldn't be cost-efficient (unless, like Sanctuary, hundreds of sets are made spreading the cost really well, but that requires cooperation across keyboard forums and doesn't happen very often). 

Basically, I'm wondering if enough people are planning on a HHKB-style GH60, and are as OCD as I am to want a perfect looking black-on-white Cherry DS set!

Keep in mind that these caps would also be compatible with the KMAC happy.

[WRXChris]

Isn't a backspace 2x? So if you wanted it split, you'd need 1x BS, and 1x Del. The Delete is already available in a set, so there's that.

Also, I plan to build semi close to this. Just not the split backspace (hate that).

The actual HHKB layout places Del/BS where \| normally is, that's why I mentioned a 1.5x BS/Del cap, and a 1x \| cap.

The programmability may cause people to do too many different custom hybrid layouts for people to come together and decide on a compatibility kit, I guess we'll just have to see!

[esoomenona]

I do agree with that. I actually think many people just consider HHKB to not include the outside mods, and have a short shift. I know I would never drop Backspace from up top. Good luck!

[IvanIvanovich]

GMK modifiers pack set up the way I have it has most of these problems solved already. While you say perhaps not ideal blank keys are easiest way to solve less common key assignments. D row 1.5 will also be useful for adapting ISO key sets to ANSI keyboards for the few of us that do such things. I am working on getting keys with 'Fn' legend in the future as new legend need to be cut for this. 1.75 C row Control and 1.25, 1.5 B row Caps Lock may be included in future packs if there is enough demand as it has been discussed some.