Hi! New to all of this, but I’ve been following the community for a while and wanted to finally get my hands on a board after having figured out what (I think) I like. Still have some questions concerning multiple-language use case. I read through some of the posts on here but couldn’t find a lot so I thought I will just ask…

So far, following one comment, I guess it would be best to go with anANSI layout and learn how to use US International layout, since the (Keychron) Keyboard I currently eyeball is also difficult to get as ISO fully assembled in the color option I want, ordering from Europe. I need this to run on Linux and I guess there’s no way around getting into key mapping.

  1. I do work with several langues, so I would need at minimum Latin and Cyrillic alphabet, additionally some characters of Nordic, Slavic, Germanic and Romanic languages, so basically a lot of diacritics, but also a few extra characters such as ø, ß, ł. However, from what I read US International might not work with for instance Czech, which is a huge problem for me (š, č, ž, ů etc.). Anyone on here with experience and/or solutions regarding this?

  2. For those of you owning and using a Keychron on Linux, is keymapping a no-brainer? (I hope my biggest issue with this will just be using a Chromium-based Browser xD) --> If Keychron isn’t advised, any ideas on other Keyboards supporting key mapping, preferably manufactured in and shipped from Europe. (metal body, 80%, wired, media knob, possibly macros, price point less important)

  3. Also looking for recommendations on where to buy aesthetically pleasing Latin/Cyrillic Keycaps! Preferably Europe-based Vendors and no sketchy and cheap (possibly toxic) chinese products.

Thanks a lot!

  • dubyakay
    2·
    3 months ago

    I’m using linux too, and have boards that use the same firmware as Keychron, QMK w/ VIA compatibility. Configuring them is a no-brainer, you just need a WebHID-capable browser for https://usevia.app , which will likely be a chromium browser.

    Regarding layout, you just keep the default ANSI layout on it, then change the locale via localectl to whatever you want, E.g. fi or hu, and it will assume the layout based on the ANSI mapping.

    Just one thing, if you are eyeing an ISO layout, the key next to the ISO enter has to be NUHS.

    • fairchild@sopuli.xyzOPEnglish
      2·
      3 months ago

      Which boards do you own? I spent all evening going through the vendor lists provided elswhere here in the comment section, and well, now I lost track of what I initially wanted as there’s just too many options… XD

      Now I’m leaning more towards a 65 ANSI Layout, and more and more intrigued building my own.

      • dubyakay
        2·
        3 months ago

        I own several.

        If you go the build your own route, I can highly recommend the NEO series. They are fairly cheap, very good quality, short turnaround for manufacturing. They are easy to build as well, and have most everything included already. All you’d need is a set of keycaps and switches.

        Comes in 65, 70, 80 and ergo layouts currently, but who knows what else they will release next. Check regional vendors for availability.

        • fairchild@sopuli.xyzOPEnglish
          2·
          3 months ago

          I’ve had my eyes on the Neos already, but they feel a bit too chunky for my liking even though quality seems great.

          Thought more of soldering and maybe even cutting a case out of a block of wood instead of kits. Think I know the direction I’m going now and ordered some stuff, thanks for your input nevertheless!!