Keymap wizardry: Typing out the Harry Potter saga
Typing out all the Harry Potter books would be crazy, right? What would be the point? Seems like a weird flex even by keyboard enthusiast standards. Yep, that's right. Typing it out once makes no sense. That's why I'm going to type out the books a few million times! For the benefit of humanity and especially of you, fellow keymap wizards. This is a demonstration of the power of alternative/custom layouts. Given the huge extent of this topic, we can barely scratch the surface here so consider this write-up a mere teaser. Imagine you are an aspiring writer with a brilliant idea, just about to start typing out your magnum opus, staring at a yet empty document on your screen. Cursor blinking, annoying orphan relatives locked up in the cupboard under the stairs. Your story, about a young boy who ends up saving the world, is quite complete. You "just" have to type out heaps of your manuscripts and notes: about 6.5 million keystrokes. Everything is prepared for the...
Jun 4, 2024
Iconic Creations and Inspirations:
- Capslock Key: A play on words, replacing "caps" with the Sorting Hat used by Harry Potter when entering Hogwarts for the first time.
- Left Shift Key: If you want to semi-automate your Potions class, why not purchase the wizard cauldron invented by Gaspard Singleton in Diagon Alley?
- Right Shift Key: Potions created from the cauldron.
- Backspace Key: Depicting Dumbledore's wand with a coiling snake, symbolizing the clearing and eradication of Voldemort, a crucial tool in defeating the dark wizard.
- Tab Key: Represents the flying broomsticks used in the wizarding school.
- "|\” Key: On the other side of the broomsticks is the golden snitch from Quidditch matches.
- Enter Key: When entering the magical world, press "Enter" to reach Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
- Esc Key: Incorporates the symbol of the Deathly Hallows, with the Harry font ESC symbol below, echoing the story of Harry Potter.
- R4 Height Keycaps: A hidden Easter egg: "You Know Who."
- Space Key: Features the Slytherin pattern.
- Ctrl/Win/Alt Keys: Depict Nagini, Voldemort's serpent.
- R1-R4 Unique Icons: Includes 1U icons of Snape, Pansy Parkinson, Astoria, and Voldemort.
- Directional Keys: Depict Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, with the first step of their emotional connection portrayed as a paper crane from the Philosopher's Stone. Harry's wand crosses Draco's wand above, symbolizing their intertwined destinies.
- R3 Nine and Three-Quarters Key: Can be replaced with the number 9 in the numeric area (based on popular demand).
- Characters: Ancient-style English letters in the alphabetical area.
Specifications: Number of Keys: 144 keys Material: PBT Dye-Sublimation Profile: Cherry Thickness: 1.5mm Light transmittance: No Compatible: Works with Cherry MX switches and MX-style switches Compatible with 100%, 80%, 75%, 65%, 60% layouts