The SmallFry KB, AKA jdcarpe loves 40%

[mashby]

And 7bit seems to care somewhat, as he monitors things here. He's just not active in discussions.

I would have to agree. Although he's not active here, he's seems to keep up to date. That and also because he's has plans to do a 40% board called Hyper as well. 

[HoffmanMyster]

Okay, so I know this is not even near group buy status yet, but I do want to recommend something to everyone who is interested in getting one (eventually). As you probably know by now, 7bit is running Doubleshot Replacements Round 5 (Honeywell) at Deskthority. These are SA-profile (thick) double shot ABS keycaps from Signature Plastics.

He has included (at snoopy's suggestion) a kit specifically designed for this layout. To order the keycaps for this 40% keyboard, you would need to order:

HONEY/FORTY
HONEY/SPACE625

Big thanks to 7bit for including this set in his group buy!!

http://deskthority.net/marketplace-f11/doubleshot-replacements-round-5-honey-sphericals-t6732.html

This is perfect.  Now I can get in on this GB but still have it be affordable!  Only $45 to outfit this 40% with some nice keycaps.   

[PJE]

I'd love one of these keyboards with the space bar split into three (two wider keys and a central 1x1).

I might have a go after I finish my 20% keyboard... If the PCBs ever arrive!

[Latin00032]

Now that I saw the 4 unit space bar in the deskthority round 5 gb, it makes me wonder why a 4 unit space bar isn't used for this 40% board.

You can probably fit two more key caps in the bottom row with a 4 unit space bar.

[MOZ]

I'd rather go with 2x 2.5 spacebars on either side and a 1.25u key in the center. Because you are generally hitting the spacebar on the sides.

[jdcarpe]

No split spacebars. Sorry. You want split spacebars, small spacebars, etc. you are welcome to create your own project.

[MOZ]

Hahahahah, not a fan myself, I said, I'd "rather" a split than small, but would prefer a large one if I have to use staggered layout.

[swill]

Just throwing this out there.  Would it be potentially possible to program macros with the keymap tool that 'metalliqaz' has built for the epsilon in order to create a second function layer.  Something like a Shift + Function layer?

I would probably put things like; caps lock, home, end, esc, in the Fn + Shift layer.  I don't mind picking up both hands for those types of operations. 

Current function layer:


If something like this is possible, then we free up some real estate in the Fn layer. 

Just a thought.  Please tell me if I am speaking crazy...

[jdcarpe]

Just throwing this out there.  Would it be potentially possible to program macros with the keymap tool that 'metalliqaz' has built for the epsilon in order to create a second function layer.  Something like a Shift + Function layer?

I would probably put things like; caps lock, home, end, esc, in the Fn + Shift layer.  I don't mind picking up both hands for those types of operations. 

Current function layer:

Show Image

If something like this is possible, then we free up some real estate in the Fn layer. 

Just a thought.  Please tell me if I am speaking crazy...

Oh it's definitely possible. Check out hasu's TMK firmware thread in addition to metalliqaz' Epsilon thread. The possibilities are great.

[swill]

Just throwing this out there.  Would it be potentially possible to program macros with the keymap tool that 'metalliqaz' has built for the epsilon in order to create a second function layer.  Something like a Shift + Function layer?

I would probably put things like; caps lock, home, end, esc, in the Fn + Shift layer.  I don't mind picking up both hands for those types of operations. 

Current function layer:

Show Image

If something like this is possible, then we free up some real estate in the Fn layer. 

Just a thought.  Please tell me if I am speaking crazy...

Oh it's definitely possible. Check out hasu's TMK firmware thread in addition to metalliqaz' Epsilon thread. The possibilities are great.

Very cool.  Ya, there are a lot of possibilities then.  That top function row has a lot of potential.

[swill]

MY GOAL: Make a 40% board viable and hopefully intuitive for software developers (aka - Me)...

Here is what I have come up with so far.  Note: Top print is the default layer, bottom print is 'shift' layer...
Standard layer...


Function layer...


My considerations:
- I added support for Ins, Del, Return and Caps in the standard layer.
- I dramatically changed the way the function layer worked.
- Function row should not take up 12 keys.  I tend to use the function keys in groups, so I created groups of 3 for them.
- I moved the numbers and their symbols to a numpad style and added things near the pad that would be often used with numbers: . + - * / Enter
- I added Ctrl support in the function layer because I often use things like 'Ctrl + [' and 'Ctrl +]' for indenting and such in text editors (also commenting blocks and such)
- I tend to use two hands for brackets and braces anyway, so I created bracket and braces group in the middle of the keyboard.
- I tried to keep the keys like: ' " : ; = + - _ \ ? / | closer to where they are in my muscle memory. 
- I added support for Pg Up and Pg Dn
- Edit: I intentionally did not add a 'Fn + Shift' layer for 'up, down, left, right, home, end' because I use those as selection modification.

As a side note.  I did two color keycaps because that is how I would probably build this for myself.  If I am using blank keycaps, I would want some points of reference.  This is just my preference... 

Last but not least...  Here are links for you to build your own 40 layouts...

Standard Layer

Function Layer

[JulienC]

MY GOAL: Make a 40% board viable and hopefully intuitive for software developers (aka - Me)...

Here is what I have come up with so far.  Note: Top print is the default layer, bottom print is 'shift' layer...
Standard layer...
(Attachment Link)

Function layer...
(Attachment Link)

My considerations:
- I added support for Ins, Del, Return and Caps in the standard layer.
- I dramatically changed the way the function layer worked.
- Function row should not take up 12 keys.  I tend to use the function keys in groups, so I created groups of 3 for them.
- I moved the numbers and their symbols to a numpad style and added things near the pad that would be often used with numbers: . + - * / Enter
- I added Ctrl support in the function layer because I often use things like 'Ctrl + [' and 'Ctrl +]' for indenting and such in text editors (also commenting blocks and such)
- I tend to use two hands for brackets and braces anyway, so I created bracket and braces group in the middle of the keyboard.
- I tried to keep the keys like: ' " : ; = + - _ \ ? / | closer to where they are in my muscle memory. 
- I added support for Pg Up and Pg Dn

As a side note.  I did two color keycaps because that is how I would probably build this for myself.  If I am using blank keycaps, I would want some points of reference.  This is just my preference... 

Last but not least...  Here are links for you to build your own 40 layouts...

Standard Layer

Function Layer

Looks great, I'd want to try that.
The only thing I would change is leave the Ctrl key next to the 'A' key on both layers.

Edit: The Tab key is useful, but in vim you can use Ctrl+t in insert mode, and >> in command mode to insert tabs, so I would put the Tab key on the bottom row in the standard layer.

[swill]

Looks great, I'd want to try that.
The only thing I would change is leave the Ctrl key next to the 'A' key on both layers.

Edit: The Tab key is useful, but in vim you can use Ctrl+t in insert mode, and >> in command mode to insert tabs, so I would put the Tab key on the bottom row in the standard layer.

Tab is hardcoded into my brain to be up and left on a keyboard and I use tab all the time, so for me it makes sense there.  The great thing about programmable controllers and keymap softwares is that you could make that change easily in your setup...

This layout is not going to be everything for everyone.  This was my first attempt to make a usable layout for a coder...

[AKmalamute]

I just need 1 more key

It'd be two keys but I shrank the shift keys to shove an extra in row two. As a (some times) coder (bash, vim) I really want the punctuation to be accessible (well, there's novel writing in November, too) but again, if I were to have a 40% I'd carry it around to work on other folk's computers without tweaking their layout, etc.

So maybe I should just yank 'H' as well as 'B' and shove 'em somewhere on the third layer. Edit-before-posting: Ignore the colors. I can't see 'em on FF as I have that turned off.

[swill]

I just need 1 more key

It'd be two keys but I shrank the shift keys to shove an extra in row two. As a (some times) coder (bash, vim) I really want the punctuation to be accessible (well, there's novel writing in November, too) but again, if I were to have a 40% I'd carry it around to work on other folk's computers without tweaking their layout, etc.

So maybe I should just yank 'H' as well as 'B' and shove 'em somewhere on the third layer. Edit-before-posting: Ignore the colors. I can't see 'em on FF as I have that turned off.

Do you really need alt and ctrl on both sides of the board? 

You should be able to add a shift layer to your WinKey or Alt on either side.

Or maybe put Esc into the function layer and use that shift layer something.  What key are you missing?

[swill]

MY GOAL: Make a 40% board viable and hopefully intuitive for software developers (aka - Me)...

Here is what I have come up with so far.  Note: Top print is the default layer, bottom print is 'shift' layer...
Standard layer...
(Attachment Link)

Function layer...
(Attachment Link)

My considerations:
- I added support for Ins, Del, Return and Caps in the standard layer.
- I dramatically changed the way the function layer worked.
- Function row should not take up 12 keys.  I tend to use the function keys in groups, so I created groups of 3 for them.
- I moved the numbers and their symbols to a numpad style and added things near the pad that would be often used with numbers: . + - * / Enter
- I added Ctrl support in the function layer because I often use things like 'Ctrl + [' and 'Ctrl +]' for indenting and such in text editors (also commenting blocks and such)
- I tend to use two hands for brackets and braces anyway, so I created bracket and braces group in the middle of the keyboard.
- I tried to keep the keys like: ' " : ; = + - _ \ ? / | closer to where they are in my muscle memory. 
- I added support for Pg Up and Pg Dn
- Edit: I intentionally did not add a 'Fn + Shift' layer for 'up, down, left, right, home, end' because I use those as selection modification.

As a side note.  I did two color keycaps because that is how I would probably build this for myself.  If I am using blank keycaps, I would want some points of reference.  This is just my preference... 

Last but not least...  Here are links for you to build your own 40 layouts...

Standard Layer

Function Layer

Here is another version of my Fn layer which gives you Alt and Ctrl with the Shift and Fn cluster on the right and moves the Home / End into the 'Fn' layer and moved the Pg Up and Pg Dn into the 'Shift + Fn' layer.

Function Layer 2...


Here is its code...

[stoic-lemon]

This is an exciting project. Having the layout generator is great for riffing off others ideas, so thanks for those. Unfortunately, all I have to offer will be my cash when they become available to buy. I've ordered a 40% set from Round 5 in preparation.

[CalmB4tehPwn]

Ooph. Looks like things are coming together for the SmallFry. That stainless steel variant looks sexy as ****. I apologize if this has been answered previous, but do we have a timeline on getting a stainless steel case/PCB GB together for this? And any idea on a ballpark cost?

[Niomosy]

Dammit.  I have no need for one of this keyboard.  Yet I had a strange desire for one.

[Badwrench]

This is looking amazing.  Really liking all the flexibility of layouts on the pcb, especially considering the tiny footprint. 

[Niomosy]

Now to squeeze in bluetooth and it will become quite the favorite tablet keyboard

[Pacifist]

I won't need anything else except for this and a qazpad. Maybe an ergodox. And maybe a topre board. But nothing else. Except novelty caps

[Niomosy]

It starts out innocently enough.

Then you're diving through bins looking for boards to rescue and finally you're buying keyboards you can't even connect to a PC.

[regack]

It starts out innocently enough.

Then you're diving through bins looking for boards to rescue and finally you're buying keyboards you can't even connect to a PC.

... then you go out and buy a used SparcStation because they're cheap now, and you can then use your Sun Type 5 keyboards for... uhh... something

[metalliqaz]

It starts out innocently enough.

Then you're diving through bins looking for boards to rescue and finally you're buying keyboards you can't even connect to a PC.

... then you go out and buy a used SparcStation because they're cheap now, and you can then use your Sun Type 5 keyboards for... uhh... something

Those are about as useful as a poopie-flavored lolly pop.

[regack]

It starts out innocently enough.

Then you're diving through bins looking for boards to rescue and finally you're buying keyboards you can't even connect to a PC.

... then you go out and buy a used SparcStation because they're cheap now, and you can then use your Sun Type 5 keyboards for... uhh... something

Those are about as useful as a poopie-flavored lolly pop.

The Sparcstation IPX was small before small was cool... plus you can gut one pretty easily and put a mini-itx board inside, but now we're pretty far off topic

[Hellmark]

It starts out innocently enough.

Then you're diving through bins looking for boards to rescue and finally you're buying keyboards you can't even connect to a PC.

God you're right, last night I was looking at a heathkit H19 keyboard. I've also been itching a bit to pick up an old terminal, simply to run off of my work desktop (which runs Linux). You guys are bad. I thought it was hazardous for my wallet when I fell in with the fountain pen crowd.

[Oobly]

Just had to pop in to say that this little keyboard is beautiful!

It's the only staggered layout board I actually still want! 

[Sinzz]

whoa.. first time seeing a 40%. pretty neat. not a fan of not having dedicated arrow keys, but I'd definitely try this little guy out!

[Niomosy]

It starts out innocently enough.

Then you're diving through bins looking for boards to rescue and finally you're buying keyboards you can't even connect to a PC.

... then you go out and buy a used SparcStation because they're cheap now, and you can then use your Sun Type 5 keyboards for... uhh... something

/hides Ultra 60 and Type 5 keyboard with mouse (I think the mouse is still around... somewhere).

I have no idea what you're talking about.

>.>
<.<

Luckily in my case, it was a box my employer was going to pay to have someone remove.  I helped them out.  Kinda wish I'd grabbed the HP itaniums with HP-UX on them.  Just cause.  I mean, those should be able to run OpenVMS so I'd have one of each!

For... no good reason since I can already run OpenVMS on emulated Alphas or VAX and it's a lot easier on the electricity bill   Though I wouldn't have HP-UX.  Which... is fine with me.

[Pacifist]

Do you know when this is going into GB phase?

[MOZ]

Still plenty of development, testing. We need to test full LED support, PCB mounted switch/stabs, SMD components, firmware.

Therefore, not anytime soon.

[Niomosy]

Then we'll see an ErgoDox (style) minimalist board along these lines because... why not?

[MOZ]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48718.0

[Niomosy]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48718.0

Damn, I must have missed that one.

[HPE1000]

This is awesome

[snoopy]

Just a reminder:
Whoever plans to buy the smallfry keyboard, should have a look at round5: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Round_5

HONEY/FORTY  -- gives you a complete set of keycaps that fits perfectly and contains some unique keys, specially for the 40% keyboard, for only 35$
HONEY/SPACE625  -- a matching spacebar for only 3$

and if you want, you can additionally order some keyboardrunners in the right profile (row2) for the toprow of this board:

HONEY/KBDRUNNER/RED/R2  -- 1$


So guys, order some kits. And if you already ordered, order some additional kbdrunners in row2

[Pacifist]

Just a reminder:
Whoever plans to buy the smallfry keyboard, should have a look at round5: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Round_5

HONEY/FORTY  -- gives you a complete set of keycaps that fits perfectly and contains some unique keys, specially for the 40% keyboard, for only 35$
HONEY/SPACE625  -- a matching spacebar for only 3$

and if you want, you can additionally order some keyboardrunners in the right profile (row2) for the toprow of this board:

HONEY/KBDRUNNER/RED/R2  -- 1$


So guys, order some kits. And if you already ordered, order some additional kbdrunners in row2

when's the deadline?

[regack]

Just a reminder:
Whoever plans to buy the smallfry keyboard, should have a look at round5: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Round_5

HONEY/FORTY  -- gives you a complete set of keycaps that fits perfectly and contains some unique keys, specially for the 40% keyboard, for only 35$
HONEY/SPACE625  -- a matching spacebar for only 3$

and if you want, you can additionally order some keyboardrunners in the right profile (row2) for the toprow of this board:

HONEY/KBDRUNNER/RED/R2  -- 1$


So guys, order some kits. And if you already ordered, order some additional kbdrunners in row2

when's the deadline?

Unless it changed... it was yesterday.

[Pacifist]

Just a reminder:
Whoever plans to buy the smallfry keyboard, should have a look at round5: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Round_5

HONEY/FORTY  -- gives you a complete set of keycaps that fits perfectly and contains some unique keys, specially for the 40% keyboard, for only 35$
HONEY/SPACE625  -- a matching spacebar for only 3$

and if you want, you can additionally order some keyboardrunners in the right profile (row2) for the toprow of this board:

HONEY/KBDRUNNER/RED/R2  -- 1$


So guys, order some kits. And if you already ordered, order some additional kbdrunners in row2

when's the deadline?

Unless it changed... it was yesterday.

welp, at least I don't have that much on me anyways

[snoopy]

Just a reminder:
Whoever plans to buy the smallfry keyboard, should have a look at round5: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Round_5

HONEY/FORTY  -- gives you a complete set of keycaps that fits perfectly and contains some unique keys, specially for the 40% keyboard, for only 35$
HONEY/SPACE625  -- a matching spacebar for only 3$

and if you want, you can additionally order some keyboardrunners in the right profile (row2) for the toprow of this board:

HONEY/KBDRUNNER/RED/R2  -- 1$


So guys, order some kits. And if you already ordered, order some additional kbdrunners in row2

when's the deadline?

Unless it changed... it was yesterday.

welp, at least I don't have that much on me anyways

You can still order!

[tjcaustin]

I lost my stabilizer stems

[HPE1000]

I need one 

[tjcaustin]

btw, that's the same orange that Ming is using in the panavise powder coat, but without the pearl.

[dustinhxc]

I lost my stabilizer stems

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Damnnn that orange is slick ;o

[stoic-lemon]

Looking good. Looking very good.

[metalliqaz]

Nice work my good man

EDIT: May I?

[swill]

Nice work my good man

EDIT: May I?
(Attachment Link)

Your software is going to get a serious workout once I get my 40%. 

[Pacifist]

Nice work my good man

EDIT: May I?
(Attachment Link)

Now I have to buy a GH40

[snoopy]

I lost my stabilizer stems

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looks so good... I hope development process runs well and we soon see a gb for this.

Nice work my good man

EDIT: May I?
(Attachment Link)

Now I have to buy a GH40

and then cancel it?