43S News

[Walter]

A better label for the Trigonometry key would be TRG rather than TRI.

TRI would be more of a three/Tri-state mode, not necessarily Trig.

It was TRG before but TRI shows some space advantages ...

[UncleSpam]

That makes sense. The only other idea would be an image of a right triangle (as not to resemble a delta symbol).

[Walter]

Seeing the masses roaring for a triangle we modestly propose to leave it as shown above.

[Walter]

Prefix key colours must be printed (the keys can't be executed monochrome for technological reasons).

Does this mean the [f] and [g] keys will be painted yellow and blue, rather than molded in the respective colors?

It seems at least a yellow key should be available, since there is one now, right?

If only painted keys are available, is it possible to paint the entire key, rather than just the top face? This way, even if the top should wear due to excessive use, the rest of the key will remain mostly intact in original color.

One can think about printing a coloured frame around the prefix keys if printed prefix key colours should turn out being significantly less than permanent.

The present yellow key is 'assembled' into the keys sprue. Michael doesn't want to do this again.

Hope this answers some questions.

[rprosperi]

One can think about printing a coloured frame around the prefix keys if printed prefix key colours should turn out being significantly less than permanent.

The present yellow key is 'assembled' into the keys sprue. Michael doesn't want to do this again.

Hope this answers some questions.

I can understand how the need to manually place separate keys into the sprue can add time and frustration to the assembly process, but personally I would pay a bit more to have this nice touch. Unlike the 34S, the 43S will be a relatively expensive, premium product, and small touches like colored shift-keys are justified, and IMHO, expected.

Unlike the DM42, which uses Alpha to specify functions (with widely distributed key use, or the unlabeled soft-menu keys), the 43S is primarily menu-driven, so the shift-keys will be heavily used and therefore subject to higher wear, probably the highest use keys on the keyboard. Acknowledging this in the design process and providing an enduring solution, rather than one that likely will relatively quickly reveal key wear, makes sense and will preserve the top quality feel we will expect from this product.

Ultimately however, if colored keys really are not possible, I agree that a matching colored frame around the shift keys is a good fall-back solution.

[burkhard]

Yeah... I would truly prefer "molded color" shift keys as well, and would be willing to pay for that.
They will be taking a *lot* of use.

[Walter]

Yeah folks, I'm full of understanding but ... as you should know ... the wish list for hardware goes to ... ... Michael!

[DA74254]

How about providing coloured shift keys in the shipping box?
Then one can manually replace them when receiving the unit, should one wish so

[rprosperi]

How about providing coloured shift keys in the shipping box?
Then one can manually replace them when receiving the unit, should one wish so

Clever idea! I'd say that's thinking outside the box, but in this case it's inside the box.

@Walter - As far as who the comments are directed to, I'm really commenting and seeking support from whomever is reading this thread. As more potential WP43S customers share their views, we may see that this is indeed widely desired. Or maybe not, but can't hurt to share an opinion.

Anyhow, I've heard that Michael reads this forum, from time to time...

[tgray]

Colored keys (and keypad feel) are a definite plus for me.

I wonder if it's not worth looking into the computer keyboard community for vendors who do custom keys?