A proposal for a new SSK

[M'er Forever]

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[bhtooefr]

The other thing is a diagonal approach, maybe.

Something along the lines of this?



Obviously that's a little simpler than yours, but that's more an idea of a direction to take things.

And it acts as a nod to the orientation of the ThinkPad badge.

[M'er Forever]

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[M'er Forever]

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[M'er Forever]

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[bhtooefr]

What about LFn+RFn to get Fn lock?

[Spearman]

What does 'SSK' stand for?

[bhtooefr]

Space Saving Keyboard.

[M'er Forever]

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[002]

Cool bananas

[Compgeke]

If not two Fn keys to get Fn lock, how about the Fn Lock on the right side? That's a bit more standard on almost every modern laptop, something most will be more used to using.

[M'er Forever]

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[M'er Forever]

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[xwhatsit]

Haven't read the whole 14 pages of thread (yes I'm one of those bastards), but is there any reason why you're sticking with the ridiculous notched capslock? Probably the worst feature of the original buckling spring keyboards (especially when you use it as LCtrl). Or are you simply reusing the existing keycap moulds?

[M'er Forever]

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[M'er Forever]

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[002]

*That* looks awesome!

[M'er Forever]

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[modology]

Pretty cool concept, I'd prefer the version that has no LED or indicator.

How about multi port including USB, and the SDL port? I always think SDL cable looks pretty rugged and solid compared to fragile USB cable.

[modology]

I would not mind to spend more than $800 for keyboard with all the features listed there. Just to let Unicomp knows that there is still a lot of demands for high end buckling spring keyboard

*That* looks awesome!

Thanks!

For those joining late in this thread, here's a recap of the features intended for this "dream" keyboard proposal. Bear in mind this is not the version Unicomp would be likely to make as the first roll-out of a new SSK (assuming they actually decide to make any new SSK's). This would be a high-end SSK to be introduced a year or so after the introduction of the basic version which would comprise the classic SSK internals transplanted into a new housing with perhaps some extra USB ports as shown in the earlier renders in this thread.

This high-end version of the proposed new SSK is:
* Buckling-spring (of course) and pingless
* Programmable
* NKRO via USB/Soarer's method
* Capsense technology
* Bluetooth (optional)
* Backlit (optional)
* Housed in high-grade PVC -or-
* Die-cast aluminum
* Built with a thick steel backplate like the early M's
* Possibly built with rivetless bolted method (much lower bolt count than the original rivet count)
* Spill-proof if a particular construction were used
* Secured with password-protection of computer

That last point needs explaining. The idea is that this keyboard sets up a file on the computer with an encrypted password, entered at setup by the user. If the user plans to be away from their desk and doesn't want others to access the computer (assuming user wants computer to remain on during the absence) user hits the KbdLk function (upper right corner) and the keyboard shuts down.

To resume operation, the user hits the KbdLk a second time, is prompted by the Lock indicators blinking, and then enters a password key sequence or combination. Upon receiving the correct password, the keyboard resumes normal operation. If another keyboard is substituted in order to access the computer, the computer responds by prompting for the password associated with the missing keyboard.

In addition, the keyboard sends a unique encrypted ID to the computer at setup, so it can be subsequently recognized, to prevent unauthorized access. If the user must substitute another keyboard on occasion for any reason, upon entering the correct password at the computer's prompt, normal operation will resume.

[7bit]

...
* Secured with password-protection of computer
...

Is it 1 April already?


How is the keyboard supposed to "set up a file on the computer"?


If you want a locked computer when you are absent, xscreensaver might be something for you.


BTW, I like the OLED idea. Make them little displays as the Optimus Maximus has.


Also: In that case, forget Unicomp to be able to ever produce it!

[Muirium]

The idea was to make a keyboard lock, not a computer lock. It would work fine if kept entirely within the controller.

Anyway, back to my rôle as skeptic: I'd be amazed if Unicomp deems it feasible and profitable to make any SSK at all.

Pleasantly amazed!

It's all too easy to get tangled up in the unachievable with this sort of endeavour. I'd love to see true, high quality, leak free backlighting, but it will come from China before a project like this can get off the ground. (I'm looking at Noppoo. For low end upstarts, they're turning disruptive by going straight after Topre. Perhaps affordable OLED caps are on their hitlist.) Ditto for advanced processes and materials in caps and case construction.

Rather than deliver Unicomp an all out, stretch goal of a plan, I think it'd be smarter to start from where they are now: to design an optimised SSK they could realistically make without remortgaging the company. If it sells, then they have the profit and the motive to step to Version 2.

[modology]

I think someone should create a poll to gather how many people would actually buy Unicomp SSK if they ever to make one.

[Findecanor]

Simply following tradition for the benefit of those who've become accustomed to that shape over the years.

I think it is more of a habit than anything else. I think that if you are used to a stepped Caps Lock, then a full-size Caps Lock will be pressed more often by mistake. Some people even use the step as a "homing" feature to find the A key.

the latest iteration of the Fn, FnLock, and Lock indicators

I think the text labels are too close together for causal reading.
You forgot to have each lock light in a different colour.

* Housed in high-grade PVC -or-

PVC is not very environmentally friendly.
Aluminium would be nice, but I am not sure that the alu alloys that are suitable for die-casting are suitable for anodizing.

The idea is that this keyboard sets up a file on the computer with an encrypted password, entered at setup by the user. If the user plans to be away from their desk and doesn't want others to access the computer (assuming user wants computer to remain on during the absence) user hits the KbdLk function (upper right corner) and the keyboard shuts down.

Windows, MacOS and X all allow the user to lock the screen and unlock with their normal user password.
A key-code for invoking this function is part of the USB HID standard, but I don't know how supported it actually is by the OS:s. I believe that a custom keyboard driver and system extension would be possible in all three cases but then it wouldn't be plug-and-play.

A Bluetooth devices is "paired" with its host using cryptography anyway.

[M'er Forever]

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[bhtooefr]

The AL Terminal Lock/Screensaver code is on "Consumer" devices, not "Keyboard" devices.

In any case, I don't really see the point of locking the keyboard, when every modern OS has a more secure way of locking that can be automatically activated by the screensaver. And, at least in the case of Windows, the keyboard driver is a security-critical piece of highly privileged code, so I'd be very, very wary of writing a new keyboard driver just to enable some encryption scheme for the keyboard to handle locking.

[M'er Forever]

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[M'er Forever]

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[Muirium]

I like the idea of a lock confined to the keyboard controller. First it prevents accidental system wakes (from random keys pressed by cats, children, etc.) and second it could function as a battery saving technique for a Bluetooth version that may wind up in a bag. Doing a given key combo feels like an excellent wake up technique to me; especially if they keyboard can be assigned whatever one you like, all by itself.

No need to tamper with drivers or all of that. Controllers are smart enough these days to be able to handle this kind of thing quite independently.

[M'er Forever]

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