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That tilde combo thing is why I only use 60% and 65% keyboards that offer the layout option known as “split backspace” — that is, the backspace key is moved mov
by kitsunesoba 5y ago
That tilde combo thing is why I only use 60% and 65% keyboards that offer the layout option known as “split backspace” — that is, the backspace key is moved moved down to where the pipe/backslash key normally is, and in backspace’s normal position there’s two 1u keys: pipe/backslash and tilde/grave. This also makes backspace easier to reach for my small-medium sized hands, which I didn’t know was a problem until I tried a split backspace board for a while.
In a similar vein, I also find split right shift which carves 1u off the right end of the right shift key to add an Fn key nice for improving quality of life on 60/65% boards. For me that Fn positioning is much more natural, plus it puts that duty on my right hand which is typically much less loaded down with modifiers than my left hand is.
- LAC-Tech 5y agosplit backspace - like this? https://i.redd.it/vjbpi0rtx1q41.jpg https://i.redd.it/vjbpi0rtx1q41.jpg I guess in this case delete/back space are the same key. which makes sense. well until you want to press ctrl+delete or ctrl+backspace. Think I need pics here.
- kitsunesoba 5y agoYep HHKB is a great example of both split backspace and split right shift. In the case of the HHKB specifically Fn+tilde is Del, but most boards allow this to be remapped.
- BeFlatXIII 5y agoDo you have some recommendations for keyboards that fit that layout? Tilde being on the Fn layer of Esc was never a problem for me on my Poker until I changed jobs and suddenly was writing much more Markdown than before.
- kitsunesoba 5y agoFor 60% boards, the HHKB (Happy Hacker’s Keyboard) which is built with Topre switches mentioned in my other comments has this layout. There’s also boards with MX style switches that mimic the HHKB, such as the Tokyo60. For 65%, things get more spotty. Off the top of my head I’m not aware of any prebuilt 65% boards that use this layout. For both 60% and 65%, there’s a huge number of build-it-yourself kits as well as separate PCBs, cases, etc that support this layout. It’s a bit of a rabbit hole (as alluded to with this post’s title), but if you have the patience by far building your own board gives you the greatest degree of control.
- BeFlatXIII 5y agoI've been rocking a Poker with clears for years, so unless I go on a big exploration, I already know what I mostly like. I went to a meetup right before the pandemic and I was amazed at how many new switches there were since I stopped buying new keyboards five years prior. I'm familiar with the idea of the HHKB and am looking up the Tokyo60 now.