Strategy for dedicated symbols and numbers layer (combos ?)

General
1

Greetings everyone,

I’d like to hear your strategies for working with symbols and numbers on your uhk keyboards.

Currently, I’m using the main layer for everything, but I’m looking to explore other options since some keys are too far from the home row. I touch type and have been managing with this setup for a long time, but I think it’s time to optimize things by dedicating specific layers to keep certain symbols and numbers closer to the home row.

A few notes about my setup:

  • I’m already using a modifier to map another layer for arrow keys and other functions, but that layer is pretty crowded.
  • I own a key cluster, which could provide extra keys, but I’d prefer not to use it. I want to explore other alternatives.
  • I could use the Caps Lock key, but I don’t like using my pinky for that. While it could work, it would force me to place all the symbols on the right side of the keyboard (typing on the left side while holding Caps Lock feels awkward).
  • I’ve also tried the “secondary key function” approach, like holding Space to switch layers. However, this interferes with normal typing, so I didn’t pursue it further.
    I’m considering using combos:

If I press and hold D+F, it would switch to a symbols layer 1 (right-side symbols).
If I press and hold J+K, it would switch to a symbols layer 2 (left-side symbols).
On release, it would revert to the main layer.
I could use a similar strategy for numbers.

Is this doable? How?

Or do you have other strategies that work well for this?

Thank you!
-drd

2

I tried this and it works pretty well (love to hear if you have suggestions on how to improve):

  1. create macro:
ifKeyActive $keyId.d {
    ifShortcut timeoutIn 50 $keyId.f final holdLayer fn3
    else final holdKey d
}
  1. Map macro to key d.

Now, when holding d+f you activate the fn3 layer. Otherwise, use d key.

3

@drio Yes, this is a good approach for using a chord to switch layer.

You can leave out the whole outer ifKeyActive ... from your macro because when you bind it only to d it will always be true. Your macro gets called when d is activated…

Also, this means you have to start your chord with d. If you hit f first, the macro will not get triggered.

You seem to be satisfied with it, so I am happy this is working well for you.

2 Likes
4

Thank you, @maexxx.

It was good to learn this method but I don’t think I am going to be able to use it for this purpose.
It is very tricky to find the right delay to make the keys work consistently the way I want. I have too many false triggers. I believe a dedicated key is the way to go instead of using a combo.

Do you have a dedicate symbol layer? How do you trigger it?

-drd

5

There are only two chords I use, and for both I made sure these are on keys that I would never press directly after each other during normal typing.

Q+W = Esc
~+1 = Triple-Quote (```)

For symbols and numbers I have now started to experiment with a layer triggered by secondary function on the right Space.

Feel free to check out my configuration from my Github.

6

I have used that approach since 2008 and can you assure it is not weird. It takes a week or so to get used to use that finger position, but it is in an easy to reach place. Use one-shot keys, so you do not need to hold it (also applies for Shift). I even use the mirrored key on the right side, so I can map symbols on the left side. You can remap the two characters you loose in that way, somewhere in your symbol layer. You can even use the capslock and mirrored position for an additional symbol, just trigger the layer on the other side.

1 Like
7

Thank you,@rpnfan.

Do you mind sharing your config/details on how you do this?

I have used that approach since 2008 and can you assure it is not weird

This is very important. You have to be willing to try things and being uncomfortable for a while. At the end, either it will improve your flow or it won’t, but you won’t know unless you try it.

I even use the mirrored key on the right side,

But there is only one capsLock? I am

I have used that approach since 2008

How does it feel when you are tying in your regular/laptop keyboard? Is it easy to switch?

Thank you,
-drd

8

For the longest time I just used the CapsLock key as a layer switch, so there was no problem when using other computers. I did not change anything from the standard layout, but just added additional options. I now use my own layout and am not compatible anymore, but that is not needed IMO.

The mirrored key is the quote-key on an US layout. You will loose those, but gain the complete left side of the keyboard in exchange.

I do only use my own computers, so do not care if things do not work on someone else’s computer. But I used Autohotkey in the past to realize all functions on a standard keyboard and recently switched to Kanata (which Max recommended). So you can plug in your UHK to any computer and have the functions or create a Kanata config file which you can also run on your laptop or any computer.The latter is important to me, because I do not always have an external keyboard with me, when travelling.

EDIT (2024-08-30): Here my config ENDe - my final keyboard layout

9

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image699×572 25.6 KB

Here is my current layout for numbers and symbols. I like being able to type out all numbers with just my left hand. This is because I do use my mouse a lot, so not needing to take my right hand off the mouse or reach over with my left hand has sped up my workflow significantly.

Math sign below for using calculator.

Symbols below that reach up to 8, because I have the )( on the same layer as my ][ keys.

This layer is my Mouse layer, which is enabled by pressing the standard CapsLock key and is the default key location on the UHK. Although, tapping this key acts as Esc

My layout is constantly changing so this is most likely not a final draft. I’m thinking of switching out the numbers and math symbols for the numberpad keys, but haven’t had a reason to do so just yet.