4 ms·

You don‘t actually have less keys with a 60% keyboard. You have the same amount of keys, but packed onto function layers. Instead of reaching with your fingers

You don‘t actually have less keys with a 60% keyboard. You have the same amount of keys, but packed onto function layers. Instead of reaching with your fingers to far-away keys, you will press a function key, and another key that is closer to your hands. This results in keys that are normally further away on 100% keyboards to become easier to press, because you don‘t have to move your whole hand just to reach that key.

speedgoose 6y ago
To me it sounds like you have less keys but workarounds that you may prefer.
- rvense 6y ago
  Having more keys is a workaround for not having extra layers :)
- xvector 6y ago
  Layers are way faster and more versatile than having more keys. 60-65% is pretty ideal when you take the time to set up layers.
  - rovr138 6y ago
    That's a memory and repetition issue.
    - xvector 6y ago
      No, it literally requires less hand movement and allows for more function.
      - CRConrad 6y ago
        Yeah, but it also requires a) setting up and b) learning really well, to put it in muscle memory. The end result may be worth it, but I guess for most people the journey there seems so daunting they never set out on it. (Or am I just judging everyone else after myself?)
        xvector 6y ago
        Not sure why your response was killed, just vouched for it. You’re right that it takes muscle memory and time to learn, but in reality it’s not that long. Layers take maybe a day or two to get used to and then you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! Seriously, give QMK and layers a shot. You will probably find it much easier to get used to than you think!
zwog 6y ago
But you could have all the keys and still use layers.
- benhurmarcel 6y ago
  Before getting any hardware for such a keyboard, I worked on the configuration I'd use. Defining the layers and placing all the keys I wanted. I initially though I wanted more keys, but as I went I found out I wouldn't use them. It made a lot more sense to have a couple of layers on the thumbs and place all I needed around the rest position. In the end I had nothing important to put on extra keys.

speedgoose 6y ago

To me it sounds like you have less keys but workarounds that you may prefer.

rvense 6y ago
Having more keys is a workaround for not having extra layers :)
xvector 6y ago
Layers are way faster and more versatile than having more keys. 60-65% is pretty ideal when you take the time to set up layers.
- rovr138 6y ago
  That's a memory and repetition issue.
  - xvector 6y ago
    No, it literally requires less hand movement and allows for more function.
    - CRConrad 6y ago
      Yeah, but it also requires a) setting up and b) learning really well, to put it in muscle memory. The end result may be worth it, but I guess for most people the journey there seems so daunting they never set out on it. (Or am I just judging everyone else after myself?)
      - xvector 6y ago
        Not sure why your response was killed, just vouched for it. You’re right that it takes muscle memory and time to learn, but in reality it’s not that long. Layers take maybe a day or two to get used to and then you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! Seriously, give QMK and layers a shot. You will probably find it much easier to get used to than you think!

zwog 6y ago

But you could have all the keys and still use layers.

benhurmarcel 6y ago
Before getting any hardware for such a keyboard, I worked on the configuration I'd use. Defining the layers and placing all the keys I wanted. I initially though I wanted more keys, but as I went I found out I wouldn't use them. It made a lot more sense to have a couple of layers on the thumbs and place all I needed around the rest position. In the end I had nothing important to put on extra keys.