Model 100: How to German Layout?

Typing & Ergonomics
1

I am new to mechanical keyboards and not motivated to build something myself. I like it working out of the box.
But I also understand that Keyboard.io is not able to sell their boards with multiple layouts.

So coming from Germany how can I handle that situation? I buy a Model 100 with QWERTY layout. What next? I don’t see alternative keys in the shop. I don’t want to buy them somewhere else because I am concerned that they don’t fit into the keyboards design.

Thanks
Christian

2

You have to buy the Model 100 and one QWERTZ Keycap set for the Model 100 from the shop. After delivery you swap the keys by yourself. Done in five minutes. That’s it.

3

Thank you for the reply.
This are 40$ extra. This is not sexy, regarding the original price of the 100.

4

Just to have it mentioned: After changing the keycaps to german layout, from a typical developer’s perspective you’ll still miss some very important keys.

So i suggest, doing a bit of research beforehand. Have a look, how the german keys really look and if that’s usable. If not, one will have to create an idea, how to fix that situation.

(I couldn’t get used to it myself)

5

I am sorry, but if I have to “do research” before buying a product of this price, it is to much.

6

Just want to add my point of view here as a german developer:

I switched to Keyboardio Model01 quite some time ago and use the Model100 now as a daily driver. The main advantage for me is the programability of the keyboard, macros, layers and such. So I have all my braces and keys I need for programming exactly where I want them to be and not some OS.

This is a gamechanger, when getting used to it. But getting used to it will take some time. It is best to be abile to touch type. Hence I use the LINEAR-A-Keycaps on my keyboards. I found it very distracting when the key label is telling something different than the actual keypress does. Usually I do not look when typing, but you do sometimes. It puzzles me and get’s me out “the zone”.

Also, this is a process, especially if you’re a software developer. You’ll have fun, fiddling around with your keyboard. You’d probably start with the default layout. but, to be honest, for German it is not the best of choices imho. Also I am really not a fan of Thumb-Shift. But that is personal preference.

You’ll quickly learn what works for you, but it takes time with every iteration. And those iterations will get more seldom, but never stop: new Version of the firmware, new Plugins you want to test or just an idea on how to improve your layout for lesser used keys or new usecases. I just today altered my layout quite a bit to improve some use cases.

so, in a nutshell:

  • I’d never switch back to a non-programmable keyboard
  • I’d never switch back to a non-split keyboard
  • It is a journey and will take time and getting used to
7

Would you mind to share your current layout?

I’m in the same boat like you and am still trying to figure out, what would fit better.

8

You may be interested in the alternative base keymap layers in GitHub - andrewgdotcom/Model01-Firmware: The "standard" Keyboardio Model 01 Firmware sketch.

1 Like
9

You only need the QWERTZ caps if you want the letters to line up. You can programme the keys regardless. I honestly don’t look at my board, and that should be the end goal of learning it.

Regarding split mechanicals in general, this is a niche product, and as so, like with any niche product, customisations are expensive as they have to be done in small runs. I will be like wanting a spesific colour on a Rolls Royce, it will probably cost more than an entire cheap car.

10

My layout is on github: GitHub - sboesebeck/keyboardioLayout at model100

There is also a Version for the mode01 in the corresponding branch