Amiga.org

Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: Leifern on February 11, 2012, 04:42:29 PM

Title: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: Leifern on February 11, 2012, 04:42:29 PM
Hi,

I'm just wondering if anyone here owns a WASD keyboard:
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/

You can make a custom layout. Looks nice. In the gallery there are several that looks like Amiga keyboards. I don't know about the quality of the keyboards but if they're good this could be a good replacement for my old (broken) A2000 keyboard.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: Matt_H on February 11, 2012, 06:06:21 PM
Seems like it's only customization of the keycaps, not the physical layout of the keys which is what we'd need to create a "real" Amiga keyboard. But they do offer custom-printed keys - I certainly wouldn't mind a few LAmiga/RAmiga keys on my PC keyboard. Question is whether they can be plugged onto other keyboards, or just their own.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: Larious on February 12, 2012, 11:37:59 AM
My attempt at creating an amiga look alike keyboard (with Amiga sticker added). Not perfect of course but tempting.
 
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Clr698X9ew8/TzebX8ZgXwI/AAAAAAAAAjk/noH8Dult-M8/s1600/wsad-amiga2.png)
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: kedawa on February 12, 2012, 09:26:55 PM
I guess you couldn't get the Amiga keys to show up in italics either.
It seems that font doesn't support it.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: CritAnime on February 12, 2012, 09:35:26 PM
I wonder what the reviews are like for these keyboards? I would love a good mechanical keyboard again. I miss the model m's
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: TheBilgeRat on February 13, 2012, 01:20:26 AM
WASD are quality keyboards, using cherry mx switches.

I have mulled over contacting Unicomp and seeing if they would build an amiga keyboard:

http://pckeyboard.com/

I think a nice buckling spring would be the best analogue for an old A2000/A4000 Keyboard.  They'd need to knock the Fkey count down to 10, get rid of menu key and some other stuff, and figure out the controller chip cos they aren't exactly the same as a pc keyboard.  Maybe if we could scrabble together a group buy they might stamp out a few.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: Matt_H on February 13, 2012, 01:40:19 AM
Quote from: TheBilgeRat;680324
WASD are quality keyboards, using cherry mx switches.

I have mulled over contacting Unicomp and seeing if they would build an amiga keyboard:

http://pckeyboard.com/

I think a nice buckling spring would be the best analogue for an old A2000/A4000 Keyboard.  They'd need to knock the Fkey count down to 10, get rid of menu key and some other stuff, and figure out the controller chip cos they aren't exactly the same as a pc keyboard.  Maybe if we could scrabble together a group buy they might stamp out a few.


If they can get a true Amiga physical layout out of it, I'm inclined to let them slide on the controller part - that's why we have the Lyra (and similar) adapters. :)

Seriously, though, I'd buy at least 2 re-implemented Amiga keyboards.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: Larious on February 14, 2012, 01:17:30 AM
Quote from: kedawa;680305
I guess you couldn't get the Amiga keys to show up in italics either.
It seems that font doesn't support it.

If you want authentic looking 'A'miga keys, there is an option to upload custom graphics. It would make the keyboard more expensive but a little mor familiar. http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/individual-custom-keycaps/custom-keycap.html
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: Matt_H on February 14, 2012, 01:41:56 AM
Quote from: Larious;680450
If you want authentic looking 'A'miga keys, there is an option to upload custom graphics. It would make the keyboard more expensive but a little mor familiar. http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/individual-custom-keycaps/custom-keycap.html


Yeah, that's why I wondered if their keys were compatible with other keyboards. I'd convert my whole fleet of PC keyboards, whether they're hooked up to Amigas or not ;)
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: TheBilgeRat on February 14, 2012, 01:47:43 AM
Quote from: Matt_H;680452
Yeah, that's why I wondered if their keys were compatible with other keyboards. I'd convert my whole fleet of PC keyboards, whether they're hooked up to Amigas or not ;)


The keycaps will fit most keyboards that use a cherry mx switch.  they will NOT fit most likely any keyboard you have not specifically purchased with cherry mx switches, as in everything from logitech, microsoft, or any non-brand.

Cherry MX switched boards:
steelstorm, filco, leopold, WASD, Das, Ducky, and Rosewill makes one.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: CritAnime on February 14, 2012, 02:23:31 AM
To be honest looking at the design, and if I had the money, I would probably buy one. I am not too fussed over authentic looking A keys if it means I am saving some money.
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: Argo on February 14, 2012, 04:08:44 AM
Do they have white or off white keyboards?
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: CritAnime on February 14, 2012, 04:13:50 AM
That special commodore not quite white, not quite cream, maybe a bit murky inbetween colour?
Title: Re: WASD Keyboards - Amiga layout
Post by: Argo on February 14, 2012, 05:08:38 AM
Actually, I was thinking Amiga 3000 color.  Though a white or off white keyboard could be colored.