3 ms·

I guess I'm a bit odd, but what I really want is a split version of Apples Magic Keyboard- extremely thin/flat and small, but with enough keys that I don't have

by bbkane 5y ago

I guess I'm a bit odd, but what I really want is a split version of Apples Magic Keyboard- extremely thin/flat and small, but with enough keys that I don't have to learn layers to type. I'm using a Kinesis Freestyle2 keyboard now, and, while I appreciate how comfy it is, it takes up a good portion of my desk.

whynolayers 5y ago
You're already using 'layers' to type uppercase, symbols, accented characters, etc. A keyboard would easily double (or more) the numbers of keys to not have 'layers'.
- rgoulter 5y ago
  I think layers are great. Though, when someone says "I don't want a keyboard with layers", it's obtuse to say "you don't want the shift key?!". Many things in tech are trade-offs. There are big benefits which come with using layering, but there are also some downsides. It's entirely reasonable for someone to prefer a more traditional keyboard layout, over a more niche keyboard layout which would take some time to get used to.
  - isitobtuse 5y ago
    Who said “you don’t want the shift key?” That’s right, only you. Good strawperson argument. It’s not obtuse to frame “layers” into something the person is probably already familiar with. Even if they still end up disliking layers (that’s fine!) it helps bridge the gap on different keyboard layouts.
- dr_kiszonka 5y ago
  I am frustrated that many of these new, innovative keyboards require people to use layers to access arrow keys, which I think would not be good for my hands. Besides reducing the number of keys, are layers good for anything else? Are there any websites with layers designed for specific editors, etc?
  - bikingbismuth 5y ago
    I use layers for a more comfortable layout of various brackets, IP address elements, coding symbols and snippets, and keyboard automations (essentially macros). I use several different machines regularly (mix of Windows, MacOS, and Linux) and it is great to just have my custom stuff with me at all times. Macros are the only thing that is OS specific.
  - rgoulter 5y ago
    > Besides reducing the number of keys, are layers good for anything else? The most significant advantage, IMO, is allowing for reduced hand movement. -- e.g. enabling access to cursor keys or a number pad without needing to move your hand. To an extent, layers also allow reducing usage of the (weak) pinky fingers in favour of the other fingers. I have "move to previous virtual desktop", "move to next virtual desktop" with convenient key-chords; but these could be put on a layer as well. I think "layers for specific editors" is unlikely. These split keyboards are great for "both hands on keyboard" tasks, but much harder for "mouse + keyboard" programs with QWERTY-specific keybindings, like Blender or whatever CAD. The reduced number of keys has some benefits: the keyboard takes up much less desk space. With the DIY keyboards it allows for a lower cost: smaller number of keys also allows for a smaller PCB, and not needing to order as many key switches.
ruffrey 5y ago
You can use two apple Bluetooth keyboards on one device. https://symboliclogic.io/years-of-pain-solved-by-really-obvious-keyboard-tweak/ https://symboliclogic.io/years-of-pain-solved-by-really-obvi... It requires an tray app called Karabiner Elements to link the function keys across keyboards.
- Groxx 5y ago
  An app which has, in my use through a few years, been truly stellar in its flexibility and stability. Very highly recommended. It's not particularly user-friendly for complex key-chords, but you can get very very complex with enough elbow grease or by making a config-generator.

by bbkane 5y ago

whynolayers 5y ago

You're already using 'layers' to type uppercase, symbols, accented characters, etc. A keyboard would easily double (or more) the numbers of keys to not have 'layers'.

rgoulter 5y ago
I think layers are great. Though, when someone says "I don't want a keyboard with layers", it's obtuse to say "you don't want the shift key?!". Many things in tech are trade-offs. There are big benefits which come with using layering, but there are also some downsides. It's entirely reasonable for someone to prefer a more traditional keyboard layout, over a more niche keyboard layout which would take some time to get used to.
- isitobtuse 5y ago
  Who said “you don’t want the shift key?” That’s right, only you. Good strawperson argument. It’s not obtuse to frame “layers” into something the person is probably already familiar with. Even if they still end up disliking layers (that’s fine!) it helps bridge the gap on different keyboard layouts.
dr_kiszonka 5y ago
I am frustrated that many of these new, innovative keyboards require people to use layers to access arrow keys, which I think would not be good for my hands. Besides reducing the number of keys, are layers good for anything else? Are there any websites with layers designed for specific editors, etc?
- bikingbismuth 5y ago
  I use layers for a more comfortable layout of various brackets, IP address elements, coding symbols and snippets, and keyboard automations (essentially macros). I use several different machines regularly (mix of Windows, MacOS, and Linux) and it is great to just have my custom stuff with me at all times. Macros are the only thing that is OS specific.
- rgoulter 5y ago
  > Besides reducing the number of keys, are layers good for anything else? The most significant advantage, IMO, is allowing for reduced hand movement. -- e.g. enabling access to cursor keys or a number pad without needing to move your hand. To an extent, layers also allow reducing usage of the (weak) pinky fingers in favour of the other fingers. I have "move to previous virtual desktop", "move to next virtual desktop" with convenient key-chords; but these could be put on a layer as well. I think "layers for specific editors" is unlikely. These split keyboards are great for "both hands on keyboard" tasks, but much harder for "mouse + keyboard" programs with QWERTY-specific keybindings, like Blender or whatever CAD. The reduced number of keys has some benefits: the keyboard takes up much less desk space. With the DIY keyboards it allows for a lower cost: smaller number of keys also allows for a smaller PCB, and not needing to order as many key switches.

ruffrey 5y ago

You can use two apple Bluetooth keyboards on one device. https://symboliclogic.io/years-of-pain-solved-by-really-obvious-keyboard-tweak/ https://symboliclogic.io/years-of-pain-solved-by-really-obvi... It requires an tray app called Karabiner Elements to link the function keys across keyboards.

Groxx 5y ago
An app which has, in my use through a few years, been truly stellar in its flexibility and stability. Very highly recommended. It's not particularly user-friendly for complex key-chords, but you can get very very complex with enough elbow grease or by making a config-generator.