* Switched Tab and Super on the default layout
* Moved Shift on Extend to pinky
* Moved Caps Lock to upper right corner
* Moved gaming toggle to avoid blocking Escape
@ -10,13 +10,13 @@ I won't claim that this layout is perfect for everyone. It does make several sig
## Base Layer ##
## Base Layer ##
The letters on this layout are arranged in the [Colemak Mod-DH layout](https://colemakmods.github.io/mod-dh/).
The letters on this layout are arranged in the [Colemak Mod-DH layout](https://colemakmods.github.io/mod-dh/).
Note that there are four dual-purpose keys: Shift (Backspace), Ctrl (Delete), Alt (Enter), and Space (Number layer). In QMK, these dual-role keys can be made to hold their primary key by double-tapping the key and holding on the second tap. For example, if I wanted to insert a long string of Spaces, I would tap the Space key, then tap it again and hold. A single press and hold would trigger the secondary function of the key instead.
Note that there are four dual-purpose keys: Shift (Backspace), Ctrl (Delete), Alt (Enter), and Space (Number layer). In QMK, these dual-role keys can be made to hold their primary key by double-tapping the key and holding on the second tap. For example, if I wanted to insert a long string of Spaces, I would tap the Space key, then tap it again and hold. A single press and hold would trigger the secondary function of the key instead.
There is still one blank key on this layout. I haven't decided what to use it for yet. On my keyboard, I have this assigned to another Shift key.
The secondary Alt on the left bottom row exists to provide a single-hand Alt+Tab shortcut, which would take two rows otherwise.
## Extend Layer ##
## Extend Layer ##
@ -24,11 +24,11 @@ There is still one blank key on this layout. I haven't decided what to use it fo
This layout is designed primarily for keyboard navigation. Arrow keys are easily accessible under the right hand (a welcome change from the original Atreus layout, which places them under the left hand), along with Home/End and PgUp/PgDn.
This layout is designed primarily for keyboard navigation. Arrow keys are easily accessible under the right hand (a welcome change from the original Atreus layout, which places them under the left hand), along with Home/End and PgUp/PgDn.
Modifiers are also placed under the home row of the left hand. One of the single keyboard actions I use most is Shift+Ctrl+Left/Right to select a whole word; this layer makes those keypresses simple by adding the Ctrl and Shift keys in easy-to-reach locations.
Modifiers are also placed under the home row of the left hand. One of the single keyboard actions I use most is Shift+Ctrl+Left/Right to select a whole word; this layer makes those keypresses simple by adding the Ctrl key in an easy-to-reach location.
For the common Ctrl shortcuts, I also added some hotkeys to this layer over the letter keys they are associated with. This gives the Extend key some extra utility by letting it "feel" like a Ctrl key in some cases.
For the common Ctrl shortcuts, I also added some hotkeys to this layer over the letter keys they are associated with. This gives the Extend key some extra utility by letting it "feel" like a Ctrl key in some cases.
The Space key exists to prevent going from this layer directly into the Number layer. Similarly, the Shift key on the left thumb helps make sure that the Backspace function doesn't fire (the other role of this key on the base layout).
The Space key exists to prevent going from this layer directly into the Number layer. Similarly, the Shift key on the left pinky helps make sure that the normal letter (Z) doesn't fire.
## Number and Symbol Layer ##
## Number and Symbol Layer ##
@ -44,4 +44,14 @@ This layer also provides plenty of symbol shortcuts. Most of these can be access
Function keys (F1-F12) are on this layer, as well as some more generic "functions" such as media keys. I've also set up a mirror image of the arrows from the Extend layer in case I need to use these with my left hand, but I don't do this very often.
Function keys (F1-F12) are on this layer, as well as some more generic "functions" such as media keys. I've also set up a mirror image of the arrows from the Extend layer in case I need to use these with my left hand, but I don't do this very often.
The reset key is on this layer, as well as a toggle from Colemak to QWERTY and back. The QWERTY layer is not currently documented (nor is a small "gaming" layer that adds mouse keys on top of QWERTY).
The reset key is on this layer, as well as a toggle from Colemak to QWERTY and back. The QWERTY layer is not currently documented, but it is functionally identical to the base layer except for letter positions.
## Gaming Layer ##
This is a small layer developed to allow some simple gameplay without a mouse. This layer is a toggle (from the Number layer), so it is designed to stay on while in use.
The keys on the left hand bring Space into the left thumb's reach, as well as overriding the dual-role Shift with its standard function (Z in both QWERTY and in Colemak). This allows easy Shift presses without blocking the Z key, commonly used in games.
I would probably not consider this a hard-core gaming keyboard, and this layout does have the huge problem of blocking access to the number keys, but for more casual games, it plays quite well. I've used it quite a bit on Minecraft, for example, and I'm quite pleased with it.
Joshua T
8 years ago
