Florisboard Feature Request Samsung Good Lock Keys Cafe Keyboard Customization

Hey guys! Let's dive into an exciting feature idea for Florisboard, inspired by Samsung's Good Lock Keys Cafe. If you're like me and love a keyboard that you can really make your own, you're going to be interested in this. We're talking deep customization, folks – the kind that lets you tweak everything from individual key layouts to the symbols they hold.

Understanding the Need for Keyboard Customization

In the realm of keyboard customization, we often find ourselves constrained by the default layouts and functionalities offered by standard keyboards. Many users, like myself, develop a muscle memory for specific layouts, especially when it comes to long-press symbols or quick actions. When switching between keyboards, such as from GBoard to Samsung's Keyboard, the shift in layout can be jarring and disrupt workflow. This is where the beauty of Samsung's Good Lock Keys Cafe comes in. It allows users to remap keys, change symbol layouts, and even add custom quick actions, providing a personalized typing experience. This level of customization ensures that the keyboard adapts to the user's needs, rather than the other way around. The ability to fine-tune every aspect of the keyboard – from the position of keys to the functions they trigger – can significantly enhance typing speed, accuracy, and overall user satisfaction. Imagine having all your frequently used symbols and actions just a tap or long-press away, perfectly positioned according to your preference. That's the power of deep keyboard customization, and it's what we're aiming to bring to Florisboard.

The Samsung Good Lock Keys Cafe Advantage

Samsung's Good Lock Keys Cafe module provides a stellar example of what's possible in keyboard customization. It allows users to deeply customize their Samsung Keyboard, letting them change the layout of individual keys, modify the symbols they hold, and even add custom quick actions. This level of control is a game-changer for users who have specific preferences or needs when it comes to their keyboard layout. For instance, if you've grown accustomed to GBoard's long-press symbol layout, switching to Samsung's default keyboard can be frustrating due to the different arrangement. Keys Cafe solves this problem by allowing you to replicate the GBoard layout (or any other layout you prefer) on your Samsung Keyboard. You can rearrange keys, assign different symbols to long-press actions, and even add custom functions or shortcuts. This level of flexibility ensures that your keyboard works exactly the way you want it to, catering to your unique typing style and workflow. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about enhancing efficiency and comfort. By mirroring familiar layouts or creating entirely new ones tailored to your needs, you can minimize errors, increase typing speed, and reduce the cognitive load associated with adapting to a new keyboard. The ability to add on-board Quick Actions further streamlines your workflow, allowing you to perform common tasks directly from the keyboard without having to switch apps or navigate through menus. This seamless integration of functionality into the typing experience is what makes Keys Cafe so powerful and what we hope to emulate in Florisboard.

Muscle Memory and Keyboard Layout

One of the key reasons why keyboard customization is so important lies in the concept of muscle memory. Our fingers develop specific patterns and rhythms as we type, and these patterns become ingrained over time. When a keyboard layout changes, it can disrupt these established patterns, leading to decreased typing speed and increased errors. Think about it – you probably don't consciously think about where the 'Shift' key is when you want to type an uppercase letter; your finger just knows where to go. This is muscle memory in action. When you switch to a keyboard with a different layout, even seemingly minor changes can throw you off. For example, if you're used to a particular arrangement of symbols on a long-press menu, having those symbols in different locations can be frustrating and slow you down. This is why the ability to customize the keyboard layout is crucial for maintaining typing efficiency and comfort. By replicating familiar layouts or creating custom ones that align with your muscle memory, you can minimize the disruption caused by switching keyboards. This is especially important for users who switch between devices or keyboards frequently. Whether you're using a physical keyboard on your computer or the virtual keyboard on your smartphone, having a consistent layout can significantly improve your typing experience. Furthermore, customization allows you to optimize the layout for your specific needs and preferences. If you frequently use certain symbols or characters, you can place them in easily accessible locations, reducing the amount of time and effort required to type them. This level of personalization can make a big difference in your overall productivity and satisfaction with your keyboard.

The Feature Idea: Keys Cafe for Florisboard

So, the core idea is to bring a Keys Cafe-esque module to Florisboard. This would empower users to:

• Modify Key Layouts: Drag and drop keys to create a personalized layout.
• Customize Symbols: Change the symbols available on long-press or secondary layers.
• Add Quick Actions: Incorporate custom actions directly onto the keyboard.

I've included some screenshots from Keys Cafe to give you a visual idea of the possibilities. Imagine being able to tweak your Florisboard to perfectly match your typing style and needs!

Visualizing the Possibilities

To truly appreciate the potential of this feature, let's delve deeper into what visual keyboard customization can offer. The screenshots from Samsung's Keys Cafe provide a glimpse into a world where your keyboard is not just a tool for typing, but a canvas for personalization. Imagine the ability to completely remap the keys on your keyboard, placing frequently used characters or symbols in the most convenient locations. This goes beyond simply rearranging the standard QWERTY layout; it's about creating a layout that perfectly fits your unique typing style and workflow. For instance, if you're a programmer, you might want to move commonly used symbols like brackets or semicolons to more accessible positions. Or, if you frequently type in multiple languages, you could create a layout that makes it easy to switch between different character sets. The visual aspect of this customization is key. Being able to see the layout as you're modifying it allows you to make intuitive adjustments and experiment with different configurations. Drag-and-drop functionality makes the process even more user-friendly, allowing you to quickly rearrange keys and see the results in real-time. But the customization doesn't stop at key placement. The ability to modify symbols on long-press or secondary layers opens up a whole new level of personalization. You could assign custom symbols, emojis, or even text snippets to these layers, making them easily accessible with a simple long-press. This is particularly useful for users who need to type special characters or symbols frequently. The inclusion of Quick Actions further enhances the functionality of the keyboard. Imagine being able to trigger custom actions, such as launching an app, inserting a predefined text snippet, or performing a system function, directly from your keyboard. This level of integration can significantly streamline your workflow and save you time and effort. By visualizing these possibilities, we can see that a Keys Cafe-esque module for Florisboard is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a keyboard that is truly tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

The Power of Visual Customization

Let's emphasize the power of visual customization. The ability to see and interact with the keyboard layout as you're modifying it is crucial for creating a truly personalized typing experience. Think of it like designing your own workspace – you wouldn't want to arrange your desk without being able to see where everything is, would you? The same principle applies to keyboard customization. Drag-and-drop functionality is a game-changer in this regard. It allows you to intuitively rearrange keys and symbols, experimenting with different configurations until you find the perfect fit. You can visually assess the impact of your changes in real-time, making it easy to fine-tune the layout to your exact preferences. This visual feedback loop is essential for creating a keyboard that feels natural and comfortable to use. Beyond key placement, visual customization extends to the symbols and functions assigned to each key. The ability to see the symbols on long-press or secondary layers allows you to create a logical and intuitive mapping. For example, you might group related symbols together or place frequently used symbols in easily accessible locations. This visual organization makes it easier to remember the layout and reduces the cognitive load associated with typing. The inclusion of Quick Actions further benefits from visual customization. Imagine being able to assign custom icons or labels to these actions, making them instantly recognizable on the keyboard. This visual cue can significantly speed up your workflow, allowing you to trigger actions with a quick glance. The combination of visual key placement, symbol mapping, and Quick Action customization creates a powerful and intuitive typing experience. It's about transforming the keyboard from a generic input device into a personalized tool that seamlessly integrates with your workflow. By embracing visual customization, we can unlock the full potential of Florisboard and create a keyboard that truly adapts to the needs of each individual user.

Beyond Aesthetics: Functional Customization

While the visual aspect of keyboard customization is undoubtedly important, let's not overlook the functional benefits. Customization is not just about making your keyboard look pretty; it's about making it work better for you. The ability to remap keys and symbols can significantly improve your typing speed and accuracy. If you find yourself constantly reaching for a particular key or symbol, you can move it to a more convenient location, reducing the distance your fingers have to travel. This seemingly small change can add up to a significant time saving over the course of a day. Similarly, the ability to customize long-press actions allows you to create shortcuts for frequently used functions. Instead of having to navigate through menus or switch apps, you can simply long-press a key to trigger the desired action. This streamlined workflow can significantly boost your productivity. Functional customization also extends to adapting the keyboard to different languages or writing systems. If you frequently type in multiple languages, you can create custom layouts that make it easy to switch between different character sets. This is particularly useful for users who type in languages with non-Latin alphabets or special characters. Beyond language support, functional customization can also cater to specific needs or disabilities. For example, users with limited hand mobility might benefit from a custom layout that places all frequently used keys within easy reach. The possibilities are endless, and the goal is always the same: to make the keyboard work better for the individual user. By focusing on functional customization, we can transform Florisboard into a truly versatile and accessible input tool. It's about empowering users to create a keyboard that not only looks good but also enhances their productivity and overall typing experience. This focus on functionality is what will ultimately make a Keys Cafe-esque module a valuable addition to Florisboard.

Checklist Confirmation

• [x] I made sure that there are no existing issues - open or closed - which I could contribute my information to.
• [x] I have read and understood the contribution guidelines.
• [x] I have taken the time to fill in all the required details. I understand that the feature request will be dismissed otherwise.

Let me know what you guys think! I'm really excited about the potential of this feature and how it could elevate Florisboard to a whole new level of customization.