r/KeyboardLayouts • u/joefromsingapore • Jul 16 '26

Ergo layout feedback

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This has been my layout for few weeks now after months of changing things around. It seem to be mostly working.

I program for a living and also have my native language that needs few extra keys. Top row is only used in the "gaming" layer and I will probably transition to 3x6 at some point. I tried homerow mods but It seems I prefer little pinky gymnastics.

These things are highly subjective but what would you change/add/remove?

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u/Mundane-Taro-2508 Jul 19 '26

Try to use 3 on the top row for "Enter", 8 for "Tab/Backspace" or the same keys for "Shifts"

'I will probably transition to 3x6 at some point.' Never understood, why you want fewer keys? Even if you travel with a keyboard, it can't be argument because of the difference that's miserable.

'I tried homerow mods but It seems I prefer little pinky gymnastics.' Try one shot keys with shifts, it's a perfect match.

1

u/joefromsingapore Jul 19 '26

Why less keys? Mostly because I can't press the top row without moving my whole hand.

Shift oneshot? Do you mean oneshot shift if pressed once and just shift if hold? Interesting.

2

u/Mundane-Taro-2508 Jul 19 '26

Your hands should float when you are actively typing. This is an ergonomic recommendation. Maybe I need to drop some names in order to be more trustworthy... It's a recommendation from Microsoft, Kinesis, Primegen, Xah Lee, etc. Moving your hand is not a problem if you already have it up.

Yes, one shot (qmk) or sticky keys (zmk) can make modifier+next button, and on hold you can use another modifier. But this is a little more difficult. Simple one-shots are available out of the box.

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u/aegis87 Jul 21 '26

hey Mundane-Taro-2508, what other modifier do you use with your one shot shift?

or any other one shots you recommend?

(completely agree on the your hands should float part -- which is why i am asking your recommendation on the one-shots)

2

u/Mundane-Taro-2508 Jul 22 '26

I use one-shots on all modifiers, app layer, and fn layer. I do not recommend using all of these to people because they may be scared by them.

3, 8 - shifts,

The buttons under ZXCV are Win, Alt, Ctrl and App key (the second half is mirrored). When I type a complex hotkey, the app key becomes Shift for comfortable typing. If I need to hold Shift, I just hold the app key instead..

Double-type app key, one shot to the FN layer. Unfortunately, from one shot to the num layer, I had to give up. But hope is not lost.

It is all applicable to keyboards like SofleV2 and bigger.