类型: IC
作者: zslane
发布时间: 2016-10-29 16:06:13
更新时间:
2017-01-29 22:46:25
原链接:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=85525.0
(01/23/17) Update:
G20 Semiotics is Signature Plastics’ January Set of
the Month and available for purchase now.
If you are a
fan of Ron Cobb’s Semiotic Standard or Simon Deering’s
emergency destruct system panel key graphics from
Alien then you’ll surely recognize the inspiration
for this keyset. This set would be dye-sublimated onto PBT.
The base keycap color code is WAN.
After looking at the
concept renders that follow, I’m sure one of your first
questions is, “Why are you using that funky G20 keycap
family?” I know that it isn’t exactly popular, and in fact
there are many who dislike it rather vigorously. But the
flat, square shape of G20 keys suits the highly ortholinear
nature of the graphics. I’ve examined renders of the symbols
on other types of keycaps, such as DSA, and found that the
curvature of the keycap surface distorts the graphics in
very unappealing ways.
Given the limited appeal of the
G20 family, this would probably be a very small production
run. Consequently I don’t believe it is suitable for
MassDrop; in fact, I doubt they would take interest in it
given how exotic this keyset is. I think it is just too
unusual for them. My current thinking is putting it up on
PMK directly and letting interested buyers vote for it.
Another
source of discomfort for many, I’m sure, is the entirely
symbolic nature of the alphas and navcluster keys. While
this will undoubtedly bother the hunt-and-peck crowd, I
think there are benefits to this unique design. First off,
the ability to move the keys around however you like allows
for a wide variety of international and alternate layouts
without any concern for row profile or legend
incompatibilities. For the international user, the biggest
issue will be the lack of an ISO return key in the G20
family. The only solution for that is the usual ISO return
key from the DCS family. If there is enough international
interest in this set, I will make a custom graphic to go on
the ISO return key so that it isn’t simply blank.
Another
interesting benefit to this symbolic design is that the
ability to arrange the keys however you like means that no
two keyboards need ever look exactly the same, at least in
terms of the alphas and navcluster keys. Arranging a G20
Semiotic keyboard is almost an art project in itself.
One
final note: my intention is to expand on the keys shown,
using graphics from areas of the emergency destruct panel
not already in use, so that there would be ample “extra”
keys in other sizes for things like the ErgoDox and the
WhiteFox and so forth. I think it would be nice for this set
to reach as many alternate keyboard layouts as possible
without anyone having to resort to blanks. Do keep in mind,
though, that there are no G20 molds for keycaps larger than
2.75u, and only one size of spacebar (6.25u).
So is
this simply too exotic? Too unusual?
