The Design
Customizing a 36-key split keyboard can significantly enhance productivity, especially for those who require one-handed navigation with keyboard like myself. With a dedicated layer activated by the left thumb, arrow keys are easily accessible, allowing for seamless navigation in tandem with a mouse. The left hand keys are optimized for frequent use, ensuring the most commonly used functions are at my fingertips, which reduce switching frequence between keyboard and mouse. Additionally, a num pad layer is assigned to the right side, enabling quick number entry.
The right thumb activates a layer for function keys, while another layer activates with the right hand is reserved for symbols, streamlining complex inputs. Layout of symbols resemble with traditional keymap. Opposite hands hold the modifier keys—shift, control, alt, and GUI—balancing functionality across the keyboard. This thoughtful layout exemplifies the efficiency of a well-designed custom key map.
Lastly, the key layout is QGMLWY that has been proven to be more ergonomic than QWERTY.
Desigsn principles
- Keep frequently used key on the left hand.
- Low learning curve and memorization.
- Use thumb to activate layers.
- Use modifier keys (Shift, Control, Alt, GUI) on opposite hands after a layer is activated.
- Use QGMLWY
- A numpad layer on the right hand for entering number fast.
Base Layer
Left Hand Layers
Right Hand Layers
Gaming Layer
ESC 1 2 3 4 5
TAB Q W E R T
⇧A S D F G
CTRL Z X C V B
Keys
⠀ - Hold to activate layer
⠀ - Switch to layer
⠀ - To be update