Programming on 34 Keys (2022)
a year ago
- #keyboard-layout
- #programming
- #ergonomics
- The author built a 34-key split ortho-ergo keyboard called Ferricy, a fork of the Ferris Sweep MX Bling.
- The base layer uses Colemak layout with alphabets, four symbols (., /, ;), and four whitespace keys (tab, space, enter, backspace).
- Three additional layers are used: NAV (navigation), NUM (numpad), and SYM (symbols), activated by holding space, tab, or enter.
- The NAV layer converts the right home-row into arrow keys, useful for navigation in Vim, Firefox, or PDF readers.
- The SYM layer arranges symbols in a mirrored numpad layout, addressing the author's annoyance with the positions of $ and ^.
- The NUM layer places a numpad on the right hand for convenience.
- ZMK combos are used for keys like escape, underscore, and minus, which don't fit neatly into any layer.
- Home-row mods allow for activating modifiers (Super, Alt, Shift, Ctrl, Hyper) by holding keys, with taps producing normal characters.
- Hyper key enables custom shortcuts via sxhkd, such as opening Firefox with Hyper + F.
- Caps-word feature simplifies typing constants by toggling capitalization until a breaking character is encountered.
- The author finds 34 keys comfortable for programming and prose, especially for Rust and Bash, and emphasizes accuracy and comfort over speed.