Keyboard Configurator Design Updates #146
Description
Changing Grouping of Keys
We're using tabs to help us organize the new keys and QMK features we want to support. Most of our current keys will go into "Basics," many of the extras will go into "Extras," and the new features for Tap-Hold and Macros will each have their own tab.
On the "Basics" tab:
- At the top, we're merging the basic modifiers, letters, numbers, and punctuation into one group that reflects something similar to the default layout of those keys on many keyboards. We're hoping this will make it easier to find keys (especially common action keys).
- The Numpad now looks closer to common numpad presentations. Numpad keys now also show both of their functions.
On the "Extras" tab:
- Just about everything here is new. We're adding support for additional function keys, shifted symbols, mouse actions, international/language keys, and other non-US keys. We have related open issues for Unexposed QMK keycodes, some Non-US characters, and Mouse Functions.
Updating Keycap Styling in Tabs
Within the keycap selection area underneath the tabs, should have a light gray fill (#e9e9e9) with a 1px inside border (#c8c8c8). There will be a 4px padding inside the keycap borders to ensure that the text never gets too close to the sides.
In the event that the text is too large for the keycap (as can happen in the top keymap), the text will be truncated with a "..." and the full text of the key can be viewed by looking at the selected key in the key selection area.
Support for Combined Modifiers
In our previous configurator, keys could only have a single modifier or key assigned. QMK also supports the ability to chain modifier keycodes. For example, one key can do both Left Shift and Left Control. Optionally, you can add another keypress along with modifiers (e.g. Left Control + Left Shift + Up).
In our new configurator, users will be able to select multiple modifiers (plus an additional keycode) by using Shift and clicking on the desired keys. This will give users the ability to replicate the function of "Hyper" and "Meh" keys for keyboards that support it.
Keys that aren't supported within chained modifiers, such as advanced keycodes or modifiers from opposite sides, will be disabled in the key selection groups when Shift is pressed after having already selected the first desired key.
Support for Mod-Tap and Layer-Tap
QMK supports keys that have different actions on hold and on tap. We're calling that feature "Tap-Hold" and giving it another tab below the Launch key map.
Users must select a hold action, and then a tap action. For the hold action, users can either select modifiers or access layer keys (the latter acting as QMK's "Layer Tap").
The selected key in the Launch keymap will show a split-key design with both a tap and hold action. When a hold has been selected, but a tap has not yet been selected, a lighter gray placeholder will appear saying "tap" on the bottom of the key.
The tap-hold modifiers are one example of how incompatible modifiers are disabled when Shift is depressed.
Prototype
Some features describe above can be seen in an online prototype: Link.
This prototype shows the groupings and tabs for "Basics," "Extras," and "Tap-Hold." Through the prototype you can set the spacebar to a Tap-Hold key with the actions of "Left Shift" on hold and "Enter" on tap.