Comparison matrix for keyboard layout proposals

[Saber]

if ED says he'll look at it, then there might be a reason to update it...

Doubt ED gave it a second glance.

But I still want to look at it soon.


Keymat hardware design is almost finished, so it's time for the layout, whether I like that or not.

To help in your decisiveness, the comparison table made by your community is here. Latest layouts are here.

 

[Grench]

if ED says he'll look at it, then there might be a reason to update it...

Doubt ED gave it a second glance.

But I still want to look at it soon.


Keymat hardware design is almost finished, so it's time for the layout, whether I like that or not.

To help in your decisiveness, the comparison table made by your community is here. Latest layouts are here.

The comparison matrix is a bit out of date.  Most of us have current options listed in the Layouts thread.  Looking forward to your thoughts ED.

 

[Baleg]

What about http://gizmodo.com/5980459/this-dynamic-e-ink-keyboard-needs-to-become-a-real-thing to solve all the layout problems ? E-Ink means use the layout that you prefer !

 

[TrashyMG]

What about http://gizmodo.com/5980459/this-dynamic-e-ink-keyboard-needs-to-become-a-real-thing to solve all the layout problems ? E-Ink means use the layout that you prefer !

Expensive and not happening this late in the development.

 

[comradekingu]

if ED says he'll look at it, then there might be a reason to update it...

Doubt ED gave it a second glance.

But I still want to look at it soon.


Keymat hardware design is almost finished, so it's time for the layout, whether I like that or not.

The crux here is that hardware design cant be done before considering implementation. Ideally it just works out, but practically its a bit back and forth.

I understand nailing down the matrix of where the keys are on the PCB (printed circuit board) to work out what the thumb/keymat can do while maximising buttons in the limited space, that much is the frame-set of things, but the insight gained with consideration is that joining two of them, to get dual space on the side isn't good. For the button itself, for the rest of the layout, for the visuals.

This is why there is a huge loss to be made from going about the process of making choices sequentially, with only limited research you are banking on foresight. What we learnt from the Jolla TOHKBD is that not only in design stage did the dualwide buttons on the side have no specific extra functionality because of the width, but also in practice. This was however a known, deliberate design-choice, which is respectable considering the amount of buttons the TOHKBD has.

No such luxury on the pyra, so making it a narrow consideration, cuts out a lot of potential, and in turn a lot of people as a result.

TOHKBD also follows convention of a 10-finger keyboard, with the benefit that brings in terms of recognition, but it is not as effective for two-thumbs.

What is on the TOHKBD a fair tradeoff, and a reasonable set of choices, on the pyra amounts to ruining efficiency and adaptability in the process of only gaining to little to be what TOHKBD is, making it a master of none. With all the details worked out, and a 5 row design out of the question, the pieces fall together.

Edit: Full disclosure and insight into many many months of work, with none of the usual 'keyboard-thread' drag to it, here.

 

[Løra (Lolla)]

I think everyone in the layout threads writes in an unnecessarily complex manner. I sometimes wonder if it's to try and show intelligence. But intelligence shouldn't have to depend on complex word-use to say something that can be simplified to the bone.

 

[ible]

I threw my latest in (variations on a theme, so not much different in scores from other ibles):

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14mVNNzLhmhyA4sCIAPSoDv404xtctfLSiEMTtTlEzfw/edit

hopefully did not mess anything up.

Thanks ED for wanting to take a look at all our (crazy) layouts!

 

[Eight Bit]

Thanks ED for wanting to take a look at all our (crazy) layouts!

Hah!

Speak for your own lay-out, mine are completely sane!

Btw, A LOT more people need to put in their weights to make this spreadsheet a viable measuring tool. The way it is now it only reflects the opinions of the keyboard creators.

Having that said, maybe it needs to be simplified to make it less intimidating too.

 

[Grench]

Matrix updated with current version.

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/ee8d3bc8b446f99c027105d3810f8d07