@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ The symbol keys are mostly the same as on the default layout, which did a good j
The number pad area here, in green, includes all four arithmetic operations in the same order found on most number pads and features an Enter key. The keycodes emitted here are normal numeric keycodes, not the number-pad specific keycodes emitted by most number pads, because this layout does not use a Num Lock key to switch the buttons between numeric keycodes and navigational keycodes. See the explanation in The Media Layout section about navigation using these same buttons.
Finally, consider the turquoise text-nav keys. Here in the Symbols layer, these are *reversed* from the base layer, with most keys mirrored, but the Delete keys shifted to maintain the directional significance of their arrangement. This is powerful! Often I find myself using the mouse with my right hand, and the left hand needs to press Enter. Instead of reaching the left hand over to the right side of the keyboard, now I simply tap Symbols to reverse the yellow keys, and Enter is right where it should be.
Finally, consider the turquoise text-nav keys. Here in the Symbols layer, these are *reversed* from the base layer, with the keys either mirrored or shifted. This is powerful! Often I find myself using the mouse with my right hand, and the left hand needs to press Enter. Instead of reaching the left hand over to the right side of the keyboard, now I simply tap Symbols to reverse the turquoise keys, and Enter is right where it should be.
## The Media Layer ##
@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ Finally, consider the turquoise text-nav keys. Here in the Symbols layer, these
* The bright green keys are more F-keys
* The dark yellow keys signal Web and Audio applications
* The light yellow keys signal the operating system
* The uncolored keys do nothing in case you bump them by accident
@ -62,14 +63,18 @@ This layer was inspired by the Media layer on the Ergodox EZ but takes it farthe
Moreover, the orange keys on the right overlay the numberpad from the Symbols Layer, such that in the Media Layer the same keys can be used as if they were a number pad in navigational mode (Num Lock off). For instance, in traditional number pads the '3' key became 'Page Down', and so it is here. This means a user can do text navigation without moving either hand.
Alas, the yellow keys have at best spotty success with common software. Good luck with those but don't expect too much.
## Switching Between Layers ##
The three Shift keys correspond to three logical layers on top of the ever-present base layer, and are represented in the three LEDs on the keyboard: Capitals (red), Symbols (green), Media (blue). The color of a layer illuminates when the layer is active. Shift keys work in the expected way: press them and the keys shift to that layer; release them and the keys shift back to the base layer. The Ordinary Layout also features a Shift Lock key to keep a layer active indefinitely. Hold down the Shift Lock key then press any Shift key to lock to that layer. Or, hold down the Shift key and press the Shift Lock key; either way works. To revert to the base layer, use the Shift Lock key again in combination with the Shift key.
The three Shift keys correspond to three logical layers on top of the ever-present base layer, and are represented in the three LEDs on the keyboard: Capitals (red), Symbols (green), Media (blue). The color of a layer illuminates when the layer is active. Shift keys work in the expected way: press them and the keys shift to that layer; release them and the keys shift back to the base layer. The Ordinary Layout also features a Shift Lock key to keep a layer active indefinitely. Hold down the Shift Lock key then press any Shift key to lock to that layer. Or, hold down the Shift key and press the Shift Lock key; it works either way. To revert to the base layer, use the Shift Lock key again in combination with the Shift key.
This layout attempts to treat the Capitals Shift layer the same as the other two Shift layers, but internally they are different which causes some inconsistencies. For instance, it is possible to switch from any layer to any other layer, and to lock to any layer, *except* it is not possible to go from Media to Symbols. You must exit the Media layer before engaging the Symbols layer. Also, the Caps Lock feature must be triggered by first pressing the Shift Lock key then a Capitals Shift key; it doesn't work if you press the Shift key first (instead you get the secondary symbol associated with the Shift Lock button).
This layout attempts to treat the Capitals Shift layer the same as the other two Shift layers, but internally they are different which causes some inconsistencies. For instance, it is possible to switch from any layer to any other layer, and to lock to any layer, *except* it is not possible to go from Media to Symbols. You must exit the Media layer before engaging the Symbols layer. Also, the Caps Lock feature must be triggered by first pressing the Shift Lock key then a Capitals Shift key; it doesn't work if you press the Shift key first (instead you get the secondary symbol character associated with the Shift Lock button).
## Special Escape Sequence ##
## Special Escape & Backspace Sequences ##
In the Ordinary Layout, the most unsatisfying key location is the Escape key which rightly belongs segregated on its own way up on the top left of the keyboard. The Ergodox does not have a physical button in such a location and the nearest one, in the top left corner, was assigned to the tilde button which is traditionally found in that location. The Escape key is important so it features prominently on the other top corner on the left side of the keyboard, and is always there in all layers. Nevertheless, alas, it isn't Ordinary to put the escape in that different corner!
In the Ordinary Layout, the most unsatisfying key location is the Escape key which rightly belongs segregated on its own way up on the top left of the keyboard. The Ergodox does not have a physical button in such a location and the nearest one, in the top left corner, is home to the tilde (er, grave) which is commonly found there. The Escape key is important so it features prominently on the other top corner on the left side of the keyboard, and is always there in all layers. Nevertheless, alas, it isn't Ordinary to put the escape in that different corner!
That tilde key has a second function as the Shift Lock key and that makes possible a special feature. To make this layout as Ordinary as possible, the Escape key can *also* be accessed by pressing Shift Lock then the 1 button right next to it. This easy gesture is a way to partially maintain the ease of flicking your wrist to the left and tapping Escape. This gesture works in all layers.
Finally, because the special Escape sequence is so natural and useful, on the top right corner of the Ergodox EZ you can do the same gesture with the 0 key to produce a Backspace. Users of this keyboard and this layout are well advised to learn to use their thumbs for deleting text, but sometimes you are doing other computery things and just want to flick your digits up to the right and press backspace a bunch times. These special sequences should feel unremarkably mundane but might prove to be remarkably useful.
Nicholas Keene
8 years ago
