Designing the next Topre keycap set

[Hypersphere]

I am not particularly good at originating a color scheme or palette, but I know what I like when I see it. Today I was just browsing for color schemes, and I ran across an addictive web app called "Coolers". People here might be interested in giving it a try:

https://coolors.co/

Enjoy.

[matt3o]

variant 1

[Muirium]

Reminds me of something…

Spoiler:

http://deskthority.net/post238209.html#p238209

[matt3o]

mmmmh, no it doesn't

[Muirium]

Just needs more sweet, juicy red… and, uh, the other things.

[matt3o]

variant 2

[Muirium]

Hmm… that Q. That B. What is that font, I wonder?

[matt3o]

it's a very funky font called Azoft Sans, it reminds me of Eurostyle somehow.

[Muirium]

Yeah, me too. I went as far as making a QWERTY sample in Eurostile just to compare against! It's not exactly my sweetspot, but it's a likeable one. Much better than the dreaded GAMERFONT we fear.

[Hypersphere]

I ran across a design that appeals to me:

Graydient.jpg (175.64 KiB) Viewed 5098 times

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wasdkeyboards
I call it "Graydient". I don't know if it has an "official" moniker.

Of course, the bottom row could not be done with dye-sub. Maybe the gradient could be less steep so that the bottom row could be dark gray with still-legible black legends.

[matt3o]

I tried that solution (yellow-to-red, blues, etc...) but I cannot stand the 2u vertical keys to the right

[Hypersphere]

I tried that solution (yellow-to-red, blues, etc...) but I cannot stand the 2u vertical keys to the right

Thanks for pointing that out. I had ignored the far right, because a TKL is the largest keyboard I envision using from now on.

If I were to go with a gradient, I think I would prefer white .... gray .... black rather than other colors, but I would need to see some examples to be certain.

[vinzbe]

Are you sure?

I think it looks better if you don't use any black key imho.

[Muirium]

WASD: facilitating random since RACKS TERRAN STARPORT!

[Hypersphere]

Did I already use "nothing is random"? Probably so.

[Muirium]

Everything is random. I vaguely remember going on about cellular automata and Wolfram at you before!

[cswanic]

+1 on The original pic. The yellow band is what makes the set Skull Squadron. Red arrow keys would give this an interesting appeal too. Following your concepts, this gives an awesome vertical "stripe" as grey, yellow, white, and red. I'm still thinking of a blue enter key and red right control key (for those Unix/green screen guys out there) Though usually left control is the "reset" key for AS/400 so perhaps more appropriate for the left red control key. Its so perfect as it is, no need for variants.

[matt3o]

okay I believe we have a winner. The latest SkullSquad revisions I feel meet the "make-it-pop-keep-it-cool" Topre's demands. I made some more updates to the layout and sent it to Topre. I tried to sneak in some extras (such as black ~` and \| and colored WASD). I don't think I will post the final design so it will be a surprise when it comes out All I know is that lead time is 6 months (gosh!)

More work will be needed especially on the legends, but I need to know if they like the overall look and feel. Fingers crossed.

[Khers]

okay I believe we have a winner. The latest SkullSquad revisions I feel meet the "make-it-pop-keep-it-cool" Topre's demands. I made some more updates to the layout and sent it to Topre. I tried to sneak in some extras (such as black ~` and \| and colored WASD). I don't think I will post the final design so it will be a surprise when it comes out All I know is that lead time is 6 months (gosh!)

More work will be needed especially on the legends, but I need to know if they like the overall look and feel. Fingers crossed.

Cool! Skull Squadron is a great design! 6 months is quite a lead time, but not worse than the typical GB. How will they be available in the end?

[matt3o]

it's a Topre set, the usual channels. MD will surely run a GB, but it's not an exclusive.

[cswanic]

Great job! Hurry hurry, submit submit! We need to start the 6 month count down soon

[rsr]

I like surprises

[zslane]

*Sigh* If only it was going to have Hi-Pro spherical keycaps... (*grumble*hate*grumble*OEM*grumble*)

[Muirium]

NovaTouch. Grumble*rattle*grumble*rings*end of grumbling.

[Hypersphere]

Although I am not too keen on what appears to be the penultimate design, the new set will provide some variety for the Topre world. Moreover, we know that the caps will fit Topre switches perfectly, the legends will be rendered beautifully, and the surfaces will be finely finished PBT. Finally, whereas I like the look of HiPro sphericals, I prefer the typing experience afforded by Topre profile cylindricals. It is going to be fun to see the finished product.

[matt3o]

I have great news guys!

Topre finally agreed at adding compatibility for all the following keyaboards:

- Full and TKL RealForce, both ANSI and ISO
- HHKB
- Leopold 660C

PS: ISO compatibility will be just ISO enter and a couple of blanks

[scottc]

HHKB! Fantastic!

[seebart]

Nice! Should be in Topres interest anyway.

[Muirium]

Great news for the HHKB!

Glad to see they've come to their senses. Now about that edgy font…

[Khers]

Wow! HHKB compatibility sounds awesome!