This is a thread to consolidate all the other GH++ and GH75 comments, discussions, sidebars, and meanderings in a single place dedicated to the design and production of the GH75 keyboard.
The GH75 is a extension of the GH60 concept into a convertible 75% and 65% format. The GH75 in its normal configuration will be a 6x16 matrix, and will include an arrow cluster, a function key row, the direction-key cluster, a function-layer, and full programmability. The PCB is explicitly designed to have the top row removed to create the 5x16 GH65. I have built two prototypes, the latest shown at the NorCal meetup on May 4th, wearing its finest Retro DSA keycaps.
Here is the first version, wearing Imsto and Techkeys:
GH75 v.1 in Lysol/Imsto PBTThe_Beast has cut two prototype plates for the GH75, one sized to fit a Race/Pure case, the second flanged to be used "caseless." The example above was built using the caseless plate. (You can see more of the caseless plate concept on my Poker Plate in the "Post your Poker" thread.)
Matt3o developed firmware for the Teensy that powers the prototypes. Because the GH75 has nearly all of the keys of a TKL, the function-layer is very sparse, but it is fully programmable, and could be expanded to enable Dvorak, Colmak, embedded numpad, function keys for a GH65 configuration, or whatever you might like.
So that covers the layout, plates, keycaps, and firmware. All that is needed is a PCB. And here is a first look at the GH75 PCB:
GH75 pre-alpha PCB by samwisekoiYou can clearly see the cut-line (in orange) to slice it into a GH65. LED pads are provided for nearly all switches, although they are not yet wired. You can also see
some switch layout options, although not as many as the GH60 offers. The GH75 as shown provides both Caps Lock positions, as well as the following bottom-row configurations:
Near-ANSI (As shown in the prototype above.
Arrow keys are shown in red.):
1.25 - 1.25 - 1.25 - 6.25 - 1 - 1 - 1 -
1 - 1 - 1Also available for 1.50 fans (and compatibility with Cherry keycap sets):
1.50 - 1 - 1.50 - 7.00 - 1 - 1 -
1 - 1 - 1Also available:
1.50 - 1 - 1.50 - 6.00 - 1 - 1 - 1 -
1 - 1 - 1[There would be an ISO version listed here if I knew the layout details. As of today, I do not, but I will.]
I am using the near-ANSI as follows:
CTRL - WIN - ALT - SPACEBAR - ALT - FN - CTRL - LEFT - DOWN - RIGHT
(The UP key is directly and properly aligned one row above the DOWN key.)
I do not think I can make a pair of 1.50 mods fit between the spacebar and the arrow keys, but I will do so if I can.
My goals for this project are threefold:
1) Create a fully programmable 75% keyboard for enthusiasts and hobbyists.
2) Create a DIY kit that is fully human-solderable. (IMHO, this excludes SMD diodes, so they are not used.)
3) Produce a limited-edition, high-quality, American-made 75% programmable keyboard with enthusiast-grade case, board, plate, keycaps, and keyswitches.Prototype PCBs are the next logical step.
I hope this is an interesting project to more than just me. Please comment, question, and offer on-topic advice and opinion below.
Many thanks to everyone who has helped so far! - Ron | samwisekoi