RGB Keyboard support (Logitech)

Arthur Z.

Arthur Z.
UPDATE!:
The discussion should now continue in this thread - https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/rgb-support-for-elite-almost-any-device.520955/. Thank you!

Hi there!

EDIT: Since I have little time (also in preperation for DW2), I've put my code to GitHub - https://github.com/DrParanoia/ed-rgb. Be gentle though, and please don't judge my methods :D

Elite is the most complicated (in terms of key binds) game I've played but luckily enough, I have the Logitech G910 keyboard with support for per key RGB values. I've always used a custom Logitech profile to group for keys for Elite by color (movement, offencive, defencive, navigation, etc.) but always felt that something is missing.

So, I've decided to write an application using the RGB SDK to integrate my Keyboard with the game:

[video=youtube_share;TXOxCuFVWmE]
]Source: https://youtu.be/TXOxCuFVWmE[/video]


Here is a small video update on FSD anmations:

[video=youtube;AvofpV3bcjU]
]Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvofpV3bcjU[/video]


Just to clarify what is actually working right now:
1) Key colors are assigned from the game bindings automatically
2) Keys that toggle ship functions flash when respective function is active (cargo scoop, hardpoints, lights, night vision, SRV handbrake). These keys are always in sync with the game.
3) When docked, only keys that can be used stay highlighted, others are dimmed
4) When using panels (navigation, modules, role panel, chat, station services), keys that are responsible for navigating through panels are automatically highlighted in orange
5) When in Galaxy, System, Orrery maps, only keys that can be used in these views are active
6) HUD mode key (Discovery/Combat modes) changes color depending on your current HUD mode

Some ideas:
1) Cool animation when FSD countdown is active
2) Cool animation in Hyperspace
3) When in supercruise, highlight only relevant keys (just like when docked)
4) Highlight only relevant keys when in FSS or ADS
5) ??? Suggestions?

It's at a very early stage, but who knows maybe someday I'll release it to the public (or Elite will have built in support by then :D).

So, do you have an RBG keyboard and if yes then how are you using it for Elite? Any tips/advice on better key organisation (color groups for different actions)?

Would love to read your thoughts!
 
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Nick Sticks

Nick Sticks
I have the Logitech G810 keyboard, which I really like.

I do have various colours for the key groups and they were organised to start with but as more and more key binds have been added they are now just a reminder of which keys are being used and which ones don't have anything assigned.
 

Arthur Z.

Arthur Z.
Nick Sticks said:
I have the Logitech G810 keyboard, which I really like.

I do have various colours for the key groups and they were organised to start with but as more and more key binds have been added they are now just a reminder of which keys are being used and which ones don't have anything assigned.
Click to expand...

That's another reason I've started experimenting with the RGB SDK. Right now, my app gets key configuration directly from the game. So as bindings change, highlighted keys also change automatically.
 

Tarman

Tarman
I have a Razer Blackwidow X Chroma. It's paired with a full CH Pro HOTAS so it doesn't get the airtime it should really; but a bunch of non-critical situation items are there, like the cargo hatch, lights, screenshotting, Turn Off Orbit Lines, and buttons for activating the Gal and Sysmaps.

Most of them are set for low-grade pulse-glowing in blue or green against the rest of the light-yellow keys, except the Throw All Your Stuff Away button which always quickflashes red. I used to have some that were lit more situationally but I cba to reset the keystates every time I fire up Elite or type in chat to make sure they line up to their function status. Plus now I don't even need to have the board tell me the lights are on. :D
 

Mo Ronik

Mo Ronik
I have a Razer Cynosa Chroma RGB keyboard and I map the colors of the keys in related groups. When I turn the ED scheme on I have blocks of colors that help make the binds stand out.
 

Arthur Z.

Arthur Z.
Unfortunately I don't have a Razer RBG keyboard :( Razer also has an SDK, so I'm sure it is possible to add to my application.

Has anyone watched the video? What are your thoughts on blinking toggle keys when they're active (cargo scoop, landing gear, hardpoints, lights, etc.), also, when docked or opening System/Galaxy maps or focusing on panels only relevant keys light up.
 

Tarman

Tarman
DrParanoia said:
Unfortunately I don't have a Razer RBG keyboard :( Razer also has an SDK, so I'm sure it is possible to add to my application.

Has anyone watched the video? What are your thoughts on blinking toggle keys when they're active (cargo scoop, landing gear, hardpoints, lights, etc.), also, when docked or opening System/Galaxy maps or focusing on panels only relevant keys light up.
Click to expand...

In terms of the keyflashes themselves, the specific board is less relevant than your concept of multiple-mode lighting, which looks pretty cool. Like I said in my post, I experimented with functions like that, but couldn't really keep them in sync with my setup. The Cargo Hatch and Lights buttons were originally set up for On/Off indication, but I'm not invested enough to work on it till they stay in sync as the board isn't my primary input.
 

Deleted member 110222

D
Mo Ronik said:
I have a Razer Cynosa Chroma RGB keyboard and I map the colors of the keys in related groups. When I turn the ED scheme on I have blocks of colors that help make the binds stand out.
Click to expand...

How is that board? Am I right in thinking it has per-key lighting?
 

Dahill

Dahill
You may want to see if you can hook up with Magic Mau. He created the G19 app that uses ARX and also has lighting effects included as well. If nothing else, he may be able to help you along in your endeavor.
 

Deleted member 110222

D
Mo Ronik said:
Yes, you can have a per key lighting effect and you can also turn the colors off on specific keys so only lit ones have a bind associated with it.
Click to expand...

Nice. I might just buy one at GAME next week then. Have been wanting a per-key for a while, and annoyingly my Ornata lacks per-key. It's just big lumps of keys. Even more annoying, the Cynosa was announced just a few weeks after I got the Ornata.

What are the key presses like?
 

Mo Ronik

Mo Ronik
Un1k0rn said:
Nice. I might just buy one at GAME next week then. Have been wanting a per-key for a while, and annoyingly my Ornata lacks per-key. It's just big lumps of keys. Even more annoying, the Cynosa was announced just a few weeks after I got the Ornata.

What are the key presses like?
Click to expand...

Quiet for the most part. Not cherry switches but they don't have the feel of the squishy membrane switches either. I like them... very comfortable feel. Inexpensive too and that is a plus in my book. I think it was $60 at Walmart here in the US.
 

Deleted member 110222

D
Mo Ronik said:
Quiet for the most part. Not cherry switches but they don't have the feel of the squishy membrane switches either. I like them... very comfortable feel. Inexpensive too and that is a plus in my book. I think it was $60 at Walmart here in the US.
Click to expand...

That's alright then.

I have wanted a per-key back-lit board for a while. Looks like this is how I get it.
 

Arthur Z.

Arthur Z.
Just to clarify what is actually working right now:
1) Key colors are assigned from the game bindings automatically
2) Keys that toggle ship functions flash when respective function is active (cargo scoop, hardpoints, lights, night vision, SRV handbrake). These keys are always in sync with the game.
3) When docked, only keys that can be used stay highlighted, others are dimmed
4) When using panels (navigation, modules, role panel, chat, station services), keys that are responsible for navigating through panels are automatically highlighted in orange
5) When in Galaxy, System, Orrery maps, only keys that can be used in these views are active
6) HUD mode key (Discovery/Combat modes) changes color depending on your current HUD mode

Some ideas:
1) Cool animation when FSD countdown is active
2) Cool animation in Hyperspace
3) When in supercruise, highlight only relevant keys (just like when docked)
4) Highlight only relevant keys when in FSS or ADS
5) ??? Suggestions?
 
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GormDeGamle

GormDeGamle
Wow, this sounds quite nice!
I just got one of those keyboards for Christmas and I would definitely be interested in a release... ;)
 

GormDeGamle

GormDeGamle
If I remember correctly (I am at work right now) it's in fact the Logitech G910.
(I didn't even find the time to setup a decent standard layout until now - it still look like a colourfull unicorn-rainbow :D)
 
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