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I'm using a very custom keyboard configuration and I'm doing all my config using Linux's xkb (X Keyboard Extension). I'm for example using "modifier + ijkl" to

I'm using a very custom keyboard configuration and I'm doing all my config using Linux's xkb (X Keyboard Extension). I'm for example using "modifier + ijkl" to send actual arrow key codes so I don't need to move to the arrows key cluster. It's not unlike gamers using wasd or esdf: ijkl mimics the arrows keys cluster. It just "makes sense". The modifier is always under my left thumb (I'm using a japanese keyboard, so the space bar is very narrow and I'm using the key at the left of the spacebar as the modifier for ijkl (and for other shortcuts). This is sweet because as actual arrows key code are sent, this works in every single program as if the arrow keys were actually pressed. I'm sure it can be even better: say by doing it at the keyboard controller level, bypassing the OS entirely but what I have works well enough for me. Another trick: a modifier dedicated only to my window manager. Anything I need to do that is related to the WM gets done using a dedicated modifier. Never clashes with any single program. Bliss. I do other cute things: OP mentioned using Emacs a lot... I configured things I use in Emacs all the time, like ivy / avy, to never require the pinkies (I removed the keys supposed to be pressed by pinkies from the list of available candidates). Stuff like that. I spend countless hours on my keyboard setup and, to me, it's perfect. I did that years ago and since then I'm a happy camper. > And then my mind has blown up. Then I have one for you: you can use something else than ctrl to do ctrl-x in Emacs, using ctl-x-map. I'm using "key at the left of my tiny space bar + ." to do what ctrl-x does. No pinky and both hands are used (instead of doing left hand for ctrl and left hand for x). > No more weird thumb positions, or elongated pinkies. I don't really understand how you can get weird thumb positions on an ergodox though...

hsbauauvhabzb 4y ago
I use Dvorak and work on a diverse range of systems (rdp, Citrix, vms, etc). The biggest technical problem is random software not respecting your host OS key map. I also get bad knots in my back from unsplit keyboards. Buying a dygma raise after two failed ergodox attempts (meaning my split keyboard attempts are probably close to $1500aud) was absolutely worth it. It solved both issues, the former by supporting programmability. I can also move the keyboard to random computers without issues. Please consider buying a programmable keyboard instead of X11 hacks, i say this as someone who put up with the problems for a decade.
- TacticalCoder 4y ago
  > Please consider buying a programmable keyboard instead of X11 hacks, i say this as someone who put up with the problems for a decade. I know but... I'm using a HHKB Pro JP since forever: Topre is my "end game" switch. Some modded their HHKB Pro 2 with a programmable controller but I'm not sure the mod is compatible with an HHKB Pro JP. Sadly the whole custom keyboard community is basically 99.9% cherry switches, 0.1% other switches and 0% Topre so no luck for me there. There are physical layouts that I do appreciate but zero switch that I like (I tried everything, from Model M s to ALPS to every Cherry color under the sun) besides Topre. > Buying a dygma raise I cannot type on a split keyboard that has the '6' on the left part. I don't care if the travel is shorter for the left hand: I actually learned touch-typing from a secretary and she taught me to type the '6' with the right hand. Decades ago. There's no going back ; ) Conceptually it also scratches me the wrong way that left index gets to hit 4,5 and 6 while right index only gets to hit 7. It feels just wrong : )
  - hsbauauvhabzb 4y ago
    Sorry I literally meant consider, not ‘you must’ in a passive aggressive way :) I’m surprised the HHB line aren’t fully programmable, and a quick google hasnt found any home-rolled firmware mods. Always wondered about usb middleware that remaps keys dynamically, but I’m glad you’ve thought about it!
pfortuny 4y ago
Wow, thanks. I am quite likely “holding it wrong” (TM) but I had to either extend my right hand too much to get to the ctrl key or was always oressing two keys at the same time. It was probably a bad config but now… I’ve found it!

hsbauauvhabzb 4y ago

I use Dvorak and work on a diverse range of systems (rdp, Citrix, vms, etc). The biggest technical problem is random software not respecting your host OS key map. I also get bad knots in my back from unsplit keyboards. Buying a dygma raise after two failed ergodox attempts (meaning my split keyboard attempts are probably close to $1500aud) was absolutely worth it. It solved both issues, the former by supporting programmability. I can also move the keyboard to random computers without issues. Please consider buying a programmable keyboard instead of X11 hacks, i say this as someone who put up with the problems for a decade.

TacticalCoder 4y ago
> Please consider buying a programmable keyboard instead of X11 hacks, i say this as someone who put up with the problems for a decade. I know but... I'm using a HHKB Pro JP since forever: Topre is my "end game" switch. Some modded their HHKB Pro 2 with a programmable controller but I'm not sure the mod is compatible with an HHKB Pro JP. Sadly the whole custom keyboard community is basically 99.9% cherry switches, 0.1% other switches and 0% Topre so no luck for me there. There are physical layouts that I do appreciate but zero switch that I like (I tried everything, from Model M s to ALPS to every Cherry color under the sun) besides Topre. > Buying a dygma raise I cannot type on a split keyboard that has the '6' on the left part. I don't care if the travel is shorter for the left hand: I actually learned touch-typing from a secretary and she taught me to type the '6' with the right hand. Decades ago. There's no going back ; ) Conceptually it also scratches me the wrong way that left index gets to hit 4,5 and 6 while right index only gets to hit 7. It feels just wrong : )
- hsbauauvhabzb 4y ago
  Sorry I literally meant consider, not ‘you must’ in a passive aggressive way :) I’m surprised the HHB line aren’t fully programmable, and a quick google hasnt found any home-rolled firmware mods. Always wondered about usb middleware that remaps keys dynamically, but I’m glad you’ve thought about it!

pfortuny 4y ago

Wow, thanks. I am quite likely “holding it wrong” (TM) but I had to either extend my right hand too much to get to the ctrl key or was always oressing two keys at the same time. It was probably a bad config but now… I’ve found it!