Hardcoded Dvorak Keyboard to Qwerty

4

So I purchased a UniComp keyboard and instead of rearranging the keys to try Dvorak I decided I would have them configure the Dvorak layout for me... I was happy with Dvorak at first but I need my typing speed back. Unfortunately, they hard coded it to Dvorak (why they would do this I do not know, as now I cant customise it to any other layout), I need a way to map the Dvorak layout to Qwerty. Preferably this would be through a programmable USB dongle but I would settle for software side. If this I use software, I would need a program for both Windows and Debian that does the mapping.

retrohacker

Posted 2012-07-13T21:21:38.280

Reputation: 141

I imagine that you if do a manual mapping from dvorak to qwerty, that will work... – soandos – 2012-07-13T21:35:58.403

Answers

1

If you're not afraid of opening the keyboard, you might look inside for a jumper or solder-short which chooses dvorak or qwerty layout.

At least that's what I'd look for.

Their prices are pretty low for a buckling spring keyboard, so I'd hazard a guess that the firmware of the keyboard is a jumper or short on the pc-board inside. Remember everyone wants 'least expensive', so making the firmware flip between two mapping tables would be my guess.

You'd have to pop off all the relevant keys and rearrange them, this is Fun! Especially if you can engage a young child to do the keycap replacements. (I had to pay an outrageous cookie fee though)

lornix

Posted 2012-07-13T21:21:38.280

Reputation: 9 633

I'll try this later this evening. If it works I'll accept your answer :-D Thanks for the tip! – retrohacker – 2012-07-14T21:06:26.147

It's mostly just based on my experience with companies and engineers... just consider them all lazy, looking to make things easier (not that they are thus really). Cheaper to make a pc board with a switch than to make two separate boards, or make custom roms for a (possibly rare) custom request. – lornix – 2012-07-14T21:08:28.623

Best answer may be delayed on this one... Taking apart the keyboard requires a socket set which I don't have... Rest assured when I am able to test this out, if it works I will select yours. – retrohacker – 2012-07-15T00:22:21.613

Asked: 2012-07-13T21:21:38.280

Viewed: 272 times

Active: 2012-07-14T19:28:54.817