Programming on 34 Keys
peppe.rs
Programming on 34 Keys
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Re: Programming on 34 Keys
#2This is roughly what I do too. I've found it pretty good.
Minor differences:
I use Dvorak as the base setup.
I use the same system on Mac laptops, so the two inner thumb keys are both 'space' because when on the laptop rather than a split keyboard I use the spacebar to toggle into the num/symbol layer if held.
Command keys on Mac laptop (either side of the spacebar) are set to backspace and enter if used individually.
I didn't got full home row mods. I use two keys at once for ctrl (sd or kl on a qwerty layout), and two keys at once for shift (cv or m, on querty).
A few other double key shortcuts e.g. xc as ":" for vim stuff, and cv in querty (jk in dvorak) as escape.
I have a 36 key keyboard but I guess due to the double space it's a 35 key layout. Don't use the other button (option) for much, just arrow keys with vim hjkl so could possibly live without it as a 33 key layout.
edit: also seems to be a dupe submission of this here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32648245
Re: Programming on 34 Keys
#3Correction:
s/to move $ to the left of ^/to move $ to the right of ^
Good post, although I find homerow mods kinda annoying so I personally don't use them (ergodox ez). I think the perfect layout for me would be something like a Sofle :)
Re: Programming on 34 Keys
#4Do you retain standard qwerty staggered layout muscle memory?
I heard using colemak and stagger column makes your muscle memory confused because it is similar with staggered row qwerty.
Re: Programming on 34 Keys
#5I recently pared back my own layout to something similar, and it's been surprisingly comfortable. I had learned to type on a split board for the first time a few months ago, and going from a more "full" split layout to something where you've essentially shoved all non-alpha inputs down into other layers was actually surprisingly intuitive.
I'm still memorizing some inputs; ones that require holding a layer key, then holding a homerow mod on one hand, and finally hitting the intended character key are proving especially tricky.
(eg: hold thumb key to switch to symbol layer, hold down homerow mod for shift, press desired symbol for shifted version -- poor example, but all the same.)
More folks should give this sort of thing a try! Provided you're not also re-learning the alpha-key locations at the same time, it's really not so bad a transition. A day or two architecting your layout, a few days tweaking with use, some dedicated practice, and normal use from there on out should get one comfortable. :)
Re: Programming on 34 Keys
#6I've always been of the opinion that 36 is too few, but this does a good job of converting me. I already do similar stuff with layers ie: one layer for a right hand numpad, another for home row arrows and some common programmer symbols.
One of these days I'll try out something other than QWERTY.
Re: Programming on 34 Keys
#7Do you retain standard qwerty staggered layout muscle memory? I heard using colemak and stagger column makes your muscle memory confused because it is similar with staggered row qwerty.
> Do you retain standard qwerty staggered layout muscle memory?
Yes, though I use a laptop's keyboard from time to time, which will help.
I use row-stagger QWERTY, and use Dvorak on small, weird keyboards like this.
I think learning a second layout on the same keyboard would be confusing (row-staggered or otherwise).
Re: Programming on 34 Keys
#8I remember seeing the half keyboard back in 2001 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006IZIL/donhosek) and being intrigued with it (I was contemplating it for use with my Palm Pilot) but the price was prohibitive for something that I might not like. Ultimately, the fact that I have to move between computers periodically has kept me from doing anything but a traditional qwerty keyboard for anything.
Re: Programming on 34 Keys
#9I worked with someone years ago who tried to teach himself to use a pair of corded bat keyboards:
https://www.infogrip.com/bat-keyboard.html
His plan was to mount them to the sides of his chair so he could type with his arms hanging at his sides. I don't recall if ever got past using just one of them, and actually, I'm not sure why he needed two in the first place. Now I'm doubting my memory. Anyway, more on this innovative keyboard:
https://hackaday.com/2020/08/18/inputs-of-interest-the-infog...
Re: Programming on 34 Keys
#10I recently pared back my own layout to something similar, and it's been surprisingly comfortable. I had learned to type on a split board for the first time a few months ago, and going from a more "full" split layout to something where you've essentially shoved all non-alpha inputs down into other layers was actually surprisingly intuitive. I'm still memorizing some inputs; ones that require holding a layer key, then…
Not sure if relevant XKCD: https://xkcd.com/1806/