star trek lcars keyboard

Philip Lacey

Where there is no way, I will make one. Management and motivation.

LCARS Interface – build your own

LCARS interface – build your own: is an article to bring a science fiction Star Trek’esque interface into real world usage.

As I examined in the article Science Fiction into Science Fact , there are many tools we can use for ourselves these days that were previously only the realm of science fiction.

Working with KeyRings from WhereWeLearn, this example provides a step by step guide to building your own working LCARS interface.

The original interface  was originally designed by scenic art supervisor and technical consultant Michael Okuda.

You’ll need a few things, all of which are available Free of Charge.

The Video Version

There is a video of the process of building and putting live an LCARS Interface here

However for easy reference and find-able with a Google search, a step by step instruction reference is here too.

Step 1. Inspiration

Go to Google and search for “LCARS examples”

Click the Images tab and be inspired.

https://www.google.com/search?q=lcars+examples

Step 2. LCARS Interface Fonts

Firstly you’ll need some fonts for you LCARS Interface.  Easily managed thanks to the team in Star Trek Minutiae

http://www.st-minutiae.com/resources/fonts/index.html

Through experimentation I’ve found Nova Light Ultra SSi quite visually appealing for any LCARS Interface.

Both Nova Light Ulatr SSI and Context Ultra Condensed are free for personal use.

Copyright c 1992 Southern Software, Inc. All Rights Reserved

You can use any sans serif thin font to match the style.

This LCARS Interface is being used for public benefit and not for commercial gain.

Kudos to Southern Software, Inc. for making this font.

Step 3. Colours

Depending on which example you’ve gone for a sample of colours that works for you is in order.

I found this example on Pinterest from Alexander Richardson in 2009.  His email as per the image [email protected]

The USS Defiant with a few “tweaks” in it from the author makes for an amazing LCARS Interface.

I found a much fuller collection here of these ship diagrams here. 

Consequently I worked through the image and extracted the colour pallet for the buttons.  Also I left the two blue colours in the diagram out of the palette.

Step 4. LCARS Interface is just boxes on top of boxes

If there’s anything in this article you’d like to chat to me about or help me with you can contact me here or on social media.

• Firstly a black square to cover the background.
• Secondly the red rounded box next
• Thirdly the lime green rounded box
• Next up was to add the two round ended boxes in blue
• The tall purple box creates a uniform gap
• Finally then two text boxes using the Yellow font colour

Then some very easy recoloring

• Firstly leave the background alone
• Secondly set the red box to the grey colour from the palette above.
• Next up, lime green goes to black
• Also the two blue ends to the grey
• Easily swap the tall purple to black
• And hey presto…

Step 5 – Your buttons on the LCARS Interface

I popped another box in the middle with some details and colours on the sides to make it a bit more of a “Star Trek” esque LCARS Interface.

Now when I add in three simple rounded boxes, I align the font right and with the bottom of the button.

The colour palette works together and is complimentary and an easy on the eye LCARS Interface

From that you can add as many buttons as you like, with whatever you want on them

Step 6. From Presentation to Image

Quite simple Ctrl and tap the letter A for all.  This will copy your entire LCARS Interface.

Open a drawing program like MsPaint on your computer.  You can see this in the video.

I thoroughly recommend using GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) … it’s awesome and it is free.

In the program, ctrl and V for Paste…. and there’s your new image.

Save it to your machine as a .jpg or as a .png.

Step 7. Online hosting

If you have online hosting you’re golden, just put the image online.

If you don’t have hosting, you can use a service like ImgBB

Again there’s a step by step using this approach in the video.

You will end up with a URL for your LCARS Interface. Mine ended up being….

https://i.ibb.co/Pm7JvQH/building-a-display-04.png

Step 8.  Making your LCARS Interface interactive

For this bit you use the URL you generated in the last step and a great online tool from the team at Image-Map.net

https://www.image-map.net/

This step is far easier explained using a video.  Not only that, how about a quick explanation on how to get it into WhereWeLearn as well.

Step 9. WhereWeLearn and sharing your LCARS Interface

Now that you have an Image Map and an Image URL… time to let the WhereWeLearn engine help you.

Please let me know about your LCARS interfaces.

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When Hannibal told his generals "Aut viam inveniam aut faciam" he left a message for many generations to come. Born in the 70's I'm an entrepreneur, programmer, lecturer and cancer survivor I enjoy getting some time to blog about some of the solutions that have helped me in my profession and finding answers to new challenges for my own teams, students and for others. Where there isn't a way I will make one. How can I help you find your way today? I would really like to help.

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Limited Run   LCARS-inspired custom keyboard keycap set

• Thread starter norbauer
• Start date Jan 23, 2015
• Tags star trek the next generation

Well-Known Member

• Jan 23, 2015

StarWarrior

Active member.

• Jan 24, 2015

This keyboard is awesome! I signed up for one yesterday. This buy is just for they keycaps. What keyboard base do you recommend?  

They make really nice elegant keyboards (with no visible branding!) over at WASD keyboards. http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/ I would check them out. If you want sort of high end, you might also look at the Japanese Filco Majestouch Ninja and/or the CM Storm Novatouch.  

• Jan 28, 2015

• Aug 28, 2023

I hope you would consider reopening sale of these keycaps, I just found them and I so wish that I could get my hands on it! If you would consider a private sale, please let me know!  

amnesia0287

• Aug 29, 2023

Shmoopicus said: I hope you would consider reopening sale of these keycaps, I just found them and I so wish that I could get my hands on it! If you would consider a private sale, please let me know! Click to expand...

• Aug 30, 2023

I'd be down for one if he does another run!  

• Dec 9, 2023

I always seem to find the ones I want too late! I'd love to be included in another run, but looks like I'll be camping out over at r/mechmarket.  

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Keyboards & Mice

Turn your mechanical keyboard into a next generation lcars interface – keyboards & mice.

Roddenberry Shop reveals a custom key-cap set that’ll put you on the bridge of the Enterprise D.

When the Roddenberry Shop works on a new Star Trek collectible, it really takes its job seriously. Check out this new set of keycaps for Cherry MX mechanicaly keyboards to see what I mean – each is coloured based on Mike Okuda’s timeless LCARS interface design, and even the key names have been changed to match the source material.

Backspace is now Rescan; Return/Enter is Engage, and Shift is Pattern Enhance. It’s brilliant!

The key-cap set, which comes in packages for both ten-key and ten-keyless keyboards, are manufactured well known key-cap maker, Signature Plastics, and the original designs were made in consultation with keyboard enthusiasts on Geekhack.org.

The key-caps are designed for any Cherry MX keyboard – just pop off your old caps and apply these new ones. If you’re more adventurous, you can even get a whole new housing, made of machined aluminium and matched the colour of the Enterprise D’s bridge fittings.

When Roddenberry Shop announced the set, they were asking for a 150 pre-order before confirming the set would go into production. As of writing, 212 have already been sold, so it’s a going concern.

I suspect I will be customer number 213… You can pre-order the Galaxy Class set here .

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Star Trek: The Next Generation Office Computer USB Keyboard

Perfect for home or office use, this membrane keyboard makes a great addition to your computer workstation or gaming area. If you're looking to have a more quiet typing experience with a little bit of Trek, this is the keyboard for you.

This keyboard is compatible with any Windows, Mac, Linux, LCARS, or almost any other computer interface with a USB port. Neural Interface optional.

Star Trek: The Next Generation Office Computer USB Keyboard is proudly designed in the USA by our very own team in Los Angeles, California.

Star Trek: The Next Generation Office Computer USB Keyboard

Star Trek: The Next Generation Office Computer USB Keyboard - is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.

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Welcome To LCARS Workshop

Welcome to LCARS Workshop, your holodeck for LCARS goodies. Our Starfleet engineers provide stunning LCARS designs and take custom commissions. Join us on this stellar journey through the LCARS galaxy, where your Star Trek dreams become reality.

Latest Wallpapers

2250's starfleet divisions, comms override, 3100's starfleet divisions, 2400's starfleet divisions, titan nebula escape, recording message to troi, titan power transfer, tricorder tng colour version, stargazer ready room, formation mode tricorder.

Join my Patreon, from just $2/month! Delve into the Star Trek universe with exclusive discounts, custom commissions, behind-the-scenes and exclusive content as well as patreon exclusive discord chat and a place on our dedication plaque. Beam up today for the ultimate Starfleet experience!

Custom Downloads

Ship / Station Emblem

£ 10.00

Custom Commission Letter

£ 15.00

Custom Ship Dedication Plaque

£ 20.00

Display Frame Backings

Star Trek Strange New Worlds Display Backing

Star Trek Discovery Display Backing

Whether you’re dreaming of personalized LCARS wallpapers, meticulously crafted MSD graphics, or any other Star Trek-inspired digital creation, we’re here to make your vision a reality. Our passion for perfection and attention to detail will ensure your unique piece is a true work of art that belongs in the Star Trek universe. Let’s collaborate and turn your imagination into a one-of-a-kind LCARS masterpiece. Engage with us today and witness your Starfleet dreams come to life!

We are not in any way supported, sponsored, or connected with ViacomCBS / CBS Studios Inc or the Star Trek franchise. All trademarks, logos, and images related to Star Trek are the property of CBS Studios Inc.

Commissions

Whether you’re dreaming of personalised LCARS wallpapers, meticulously crafted MSD graphics, or any other Star Trek-inspired digital creation, we’re here to make your vision a reality.

Fill in the form below to get started! 

Continue to paypal

Galaxy Class Keycaps Set

Galaxy Class Keycaps

The perfect way to outfit your desktop like the bridge of a 24th Century spacecraft, the Galaxy Class Keycap Set is made of PBT plastic and features dye sublimated legends in a Star Trek inspired typeface. Designed by Geekhack user Ryan Norbauer  and produced by Signature Plastics, the set comes in the DSA profile, a medium profile with a spherical touch area and a non-sculptured layout. It is also the first set to use a new printing process that produces extremely crisp legends, giving you complete character clarity.

Note: Please refer to the renders to see precisely what keycaps are available in each kit.

At check-out, you can select which set(s) of keycaps you want. Once you join this group buy, simply press "Add another Selection" to choose multiple kits.

Keycap Quality

The second full PBT set with a DSA profile produced by Signature Plastics, the Galaxy Class Keycap Set combines one of the hardest, most durable keycap materials with an incredibly crisp and long lasting legend printing method that is unrivalled anywhere. For more information on the genesis of the set and some community impressions, head over to Key Puller .

This is the core kit that forms the basis of this entire set. This set contains keycaps for an 87-key keyboard, or Tenkeyless (without a number pad), such as the CM Storm QuickFire Rapid or Filco Majestouch 2 Tenkeyless.

Dye Sublimated: $74.99

Blank: $39.99

The Numpad Add-on complements the Main set, allowing you to cover a full standard 104-key keyboard like a CM Storm QuickFire XT or Filco Majestouch 2.

Dye Sublimated: $24.99                             Blank: $14.99

The ISO Set

Have a European keyboard layout? Have no fear with the ISO set, a modifier kit that lets you to join in with the rest of the gaming galaxy.

Dye Sublimated: $22.99                            Blank: $11.99

The Tsangan Set

This unique set accommodates unusual keyboard layouts and includes keys for Phase, Trans, Translock, and PE, among others. The spacebar is 7u instead of the commonly used 6.25u spacebar included with the Core Set.

Dye Sublimated: $49.99

Blank: $24.99

Extra Homing Keys

If you use a higher efficiency layout such as Dvorak or Colemak , pick up some alternate keys with homing bumps to fit your board.

F and J without Bump

If you have a non-standard layout, remove the bumps on your F and J keycaps so that you don't accidentally orient yourself into the wrong quadrant.

Dye Sublimated: $2.99                               Blank: $0.99

The Battle Bridge Set

Looking for some fun modifier keys? The Battle Bridge Set adds excitement to your board with fierce alternate colors and legends, along with specially designed WASD keys just for gamers.

Dye Sublimated: $14.99

Blank: $8.99

Alternate Spacebar

Due to popular demand, you can now add on a spacebar to your order to use in place of the standard black. This spacebar is only available in 6.25u size and purple color.

6.25u PBT Spacebar - $3.99

• Designed by Ryan Norbauer
• Produced by Signature Plastics
• PBT plastic
• Extra Precise Dye-sublimated legends
• DSA profile
• Compatible with Cherry MX mechanical switches

Galaxy Code

Color Codes

Note: The 141C color code is a custom-mixed Pantone color, not a SP color

Special Shipping Note

87-Please be aware that these keycaps do not exist yet and must be made for this group. We have estimated the ship times based on previous listings for comparable keycap sets, but if this group grows to a large enough size we will have to re-evaluate the shipping schedule.

Estimated ship date is Nov 20, 2015 PT .

Payment will be collected at checkout. After this product run ends, orders will be submitted to the vendor up front, making all orders final.

Sound effects Computer

  Alert sounds

  Keyboard input

  Voice input

  Display

  Miscellaneous

Cardassian Union

Klingon Empire

Romulan Star Empire

Copyright information

The avaiable sound effects files were taken directly from the according Star Trek TV series or feature films, and from diverse interactive CD-ROM applications or games (Star Trek: TNG Interactive Technical Manual, Star Trek Captain's Chair, Star Trek Generations, Star Trek: DS9 Harbinger, Star Trek: Starfleet Command). All copyrights are the property of their respective holders. Concerning the public use of the files: since the sounds have been reworked and enhanced by the author, I expect credits with link to the Star Trek Dimension at all events.  

© 1999-2000 by Star Trek Dimension / Webmaster . Last update: November 12th, 2000

'Star Trek' Keycap Set Lets You Type Boldly

Keyboard not included.

One of the best things about a mechanical keyboard, besides the feel, is their ease of customization. Keycaps like the Star Trek set swap out stock caps resting above the key switches. That's right: This is a $110 set of keys (more if you want matching numpad keys). No keyboard included. Custom runs of injection-molded plastic are expensive!

The Galaxy-class keys, as the Roddenberry Shop calls the set, is made up of PBT thermoplastic resin. The bright colors, made with a screen-print process, have the look and feel of the iconic LCARS operating system within Star Trek .

The real pièce de résistance, is that bronze Enterprise, a pricey extra $50. Made by hand in New England with "jewelry-grade processes and equipment," it's a bold statement that really hits home what this product is trying to say: you like Star Trek and things from Star Trek .

Source: Roddenberry Shop

David Grossman is a staff writer for PopularMechanics.com. He's previously written for The Verge, Rolling Stone, The New Republic and several other publications. He's based out of Brooklyn.

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