MSGID: <87zfa0w43o.fsf@rpi3> c0726203
REPLY:  c6f83539
PID: PyGate 1.0
TID: PyGate/Linux 1.0
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TZUTC: 1100
REPLYADDR me@sc1f1dan.com
REPLYTO 3:633/10 UUCP
Theo  writes:

> Daniel  wrote:
>> I wish the folks at raspberry pi would sell the motherboards stag for
>> the 400/500/500+.
>> 
>> Since they won't, I'msort of exploring the idea of  integratingthe mobo
>> of the 500tomyown keyboard setup than spending $200 for a 500+ with a
>> nonstandard keyboard with yet another power key.
>> 
>> A few weeks ago I discovered the 500+ while doing a  quick search for
>> custom pi500 rigs. It diverted my attention, now, for a few weeks. I was
>> ALMOST sold on getting the 500+ but was reminded aboutthe customized
>> nature of the keyboard. The power button is a pain in the ass. They tout
>> being able to replace the keys... But the power button isn't really on
>> any keycap kits. And the mapping of LED settings isn't on any other
>> keycap kits either, that i know of. I'm also not a fan of multimedia
>> mapping on function keys. I like my F keys to be F keys.
>
> The 500/500+ keyboards run QMK on a RP2040.  So you could just change the
> mappings in QMK if the particular layout bothers you.  Presumably that means
> you can also rework the LED behaviour if you want too.
>
> For the power button, I think it's just a regular sized keycap?  Buy an
> extra unlabelled keycap, or reuse another keycap with a sticker?
> (do you actually need it to be labelled, or can you just 'know' that button
> is the power button?)
>
> I assume if you buy a full 102/etc key set then there will be some keycaps
> left over with one you can use for the power key.  OK it might have the
> decimal point or something printed on it, but can you live with that?

Lots of food for thought. Thanks for the reply and thoughtful alternatives.

>> If I am going to volunteer a purchase of mechanical keys, Iwant to
>> replace thecaps at some point. I've effectively talked myself out of the
>> 500+.  But i really fucking hate the 500's keyboard.
>> 
>> I have work ahead.
>
> Seems like a big project to DIY your own thing where some minor tweaks to
> the existing design might do it.

It would, indeed, be a huge project especially for a custom wireless
mechanical build. Most barebone offerings are wired keyboards so I was
going down the rabbit hole.

I mean, it could be rewarding in the end but it would be a long
development period for a working  solution.

I will explore your suggestions.

> Theo

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