IBM SSK Remapped to HHKB Pro 2 Layout via KRM4MB

[Hypersphere]

After trying many different keyboards during a period of a few years, I have settled on two rather disparate favorites: the IBM Model M SSK and the HHKB Pro 2. It is difficult to choose between the two boards. For example, I prefer the HHKB layout, but I favor the feel of the buckling spring switches in the IBM. Therefore, I decided to remap the IBM keyboard in the HHKB configuration.

My setup includes three computers, one each running Mac OS X, Linux Mint 13 64-bit Xfce, and Windows 7. The computers share a keyboard and mouse via Synergy software, using the Mac as the server and the other computers as clients. Remapping the keyboard was easy, thanks to the great free program, KeyReMap4Macbook, and the built-in keyboard preferences in the Mac.

Following software remapping of the SSK, I swapped some keys from a 122-key IBM terminal keyboard to reflect the new key assignments. Shown below are two views of the modified keyboard:

1. Right side of keyboard, showing the new Backslash key (\) that replaced the former Backspace. The < key next to the Backslash is a dummy key to fill the space taken up by the former Backspace stabilizer. The dummy key is held in place with a WASD red O-ring slipped over the key stem. The new Backspace is the ---> key. Reset= Right Command and Alt = Right Option. Right Command + Right Option = Fn. The new Fn key combination enables various HHKB functions, such as the cursor diamond, [ / ; ' and F-keys, such as Fn +1 = F1.



2. Left side of keyboard, showing Ctrl ("in the position that God intended"), replacing the former Caps Lock key. Alt = Left Option; Enter = Left Command.



Now I have the best of both worlds: IBM buckling springs and HHKB layout. Moreover, this modification is completely reversible by switching to a different layout via software and swapping the keycaps back to their originals.

[mougrim]

You, sir is a king of perverts - and I mean it in a good sense

But, to be honest, I'm dream myself for a 60% board with BS switches - preferably, capacitive.

Hmm... if someone wanna do a Kickstarter about it....

[Hypersphere]

Thanks, Mougrim, for the unusual compliment! It is rumored that Unicomp has a 60+% design in the advanced planning stages. It would have BS and a more compact form factor and layout than the IBM SSK.

After finally buying a HHKB Pro 2, I adapted almost immediately to the highly efficient layout, and now I find it difficult to use a standard-layout keyboard. This inspired me to remap my IBM SSK with a HHKB layout and to replace some of the keys to reflect this. The new SSK gives me great flexibility. For example, I can use the HHKB mappings for F-keys and arrow (cursor) keys, but the arrow keys and F-keys on the SSK are also functional.

[mougrim]

Yeah, I heard about this design. It'd be wonderful if they made it.

Although I don't like HHKB layout very much, I know there are many people who find it highly efficient.
I bought myself a Poker II not far ago - to carry it on my work - and found it pretty decent. Now I'm also interested in the world of 60% keyboards, and your variant is kinda intriguing...

[rowdy]

Like HHKB layout with Model M switches?

Almost sounds like you need a Kishaver!

[mougrim]

Like HHKB layout with Model M switches?

Almost sounds like you need a Kishaver!

Funny keyboard But it'd be nice to have a modern version - with capacitive buckling spring switches, Alu case and a little more useful layout.

[dgreekstallion]

Like HHKB layout with Model M switches?

Almost sounds like you need a Kishaver!

Funny keyboard But it'd be nice to have a modern version - with capacitive buckling spring switches, Alu case and a little more useful layout.

Truth!

[0100010]

You should get a stepped Control key.

[mougrim]

You should get a stepped Control key.

Unicomp can sell it to you, but what the point? CapsLock was made stepped to avoid accidentally pressing it, but with Control this probably will be a nuisance.

[vivalarevolución]

Does Soarer's converter work with the standard Model M?  If so, I recommend using his firmware.  It can be confusing at first, but it is great to use once you figure it out.  I use KeyRemap for my built-in laptop keyboard, but prefer to use Soarer's when I can.

[dgreekstallion]

Does Soarer's converter work with the standard Model M?  If so, I recommend using his firmware.  It can be confusing at first, but it is great to use once you figure it out.  I use KeyRemap for my built-in laptop keyboard, but prefer to use Soarer's when I can.

I think it does but it's really not needed, unless the need is complex, like the conversion posted above.

[Hypersphere]

Does Soarer's converter work with the standard Model M?  If so, I recommend using his firmware.  It can be confusing at first, but it is great to use once you figure it out.  I use KeyRemap for my built-in laptop keyboard, but prefer to use Soarer's when I can.

Yes, I think so. This is a great suggestion, as it would enable the keyboard to be remapped across different operating systems. However, most of the time my setup works quite well. My primary computer is a Mac, from which I do the remapping using KRM4MB. The keyboard is shared by a Linux box and a Windows machine using Synergy, so the Mac remappings work on Linux and Windows as well as long as I have the keyboard connected in this way.

[Hypersphere]

You should get a stepped Control key.

Unicomp can sell it to you, but what the point? CapsLock was made stepped to avoid accidentally pressing it, but with Control this probably will be a nuisance.

Agreed. In fact, I got some Unicomp keys today and tried them out on the remapped SSK, but they just didn't look right. I went back to genuine IBM keycaps harvested from a 122-key Model M. I don't mind the gap with a standard Control key occupying the former Caps Lock space.