- close as possible to the standard layout to minimize cognitive load for new users. Fingers tend to want to go to those positions naturally.
- logical layout e.g. numpad with operators close by
- used for:
- normal typing
- lots of programming (vscode/zed/helix)
- lots of excel
The starting point uses standard keyboard layout.
Homerow mods for modifiers
Symbol layer with a numpad on the right side of the keyboard
Navigation layer with inverted T arrow keys and function keys
Same format as standard keyboard.
Space and symbol layer (hold) on left thumb Tab on other left thumb
Enter and navigation layer (hold) on right thumb Backspace/delete on other right thumb
Similar order as standard keyboard. Shift on pinky Ctrl on ring finger Alt on middle finger Gui on index finger
Numpad on the right side of the keyboard together with +- */ =. close by
Symbols are behind the numbers so you can shift to get the symbols. These use the same symbols as the number row on a standard keyboard
Brackets are in a nice order on the left side
Other missing symbol keys or highly used so we dont need shift are also added namely & | _ < > \
Inverted T arrow keys Home End Page Up and Page Down on right hand Function keys on left hand
There is also a media layer which is sometimes used
Homerow mods make multiple mods shortcuts easier to press e.g.
- vscode CTRL+SHIFT+P or META+SHIFT+P
- excel CTRL+SHIFT+7
ESCAPE is on index and middle finger on middle row
CAPS_WORD is on index and middle finger on top row
DELETE is on SHIFT+BACKSPACE or on index and middle finger on bottom row
There is a lock layer for symbol/num layer, which locks you into the layer until you release the layer key. This allows for inputting numbers without holding layer key.
When using the mouse for scrolling, navigating, we can still use some typically used shortcuts with the left hand:
- ctrl+c copy, ctrl+v paste, ctrl+z undo. Hence why ctrl is on the ring finger. We do sacrifice ctrl+x cut which is not used as much.
- alt+tab for switching windows