UHK 80 unpopular opinion - 60 > wireless

It is seldom, but here I do not agree with Max. I think another solution is objectively better in terms of ergonomics. Pressing the C-key position with the middle finger is the most awkward motion on a standard keyboard IMO. You can do it of course. I typed almost 40 years like that, but when I retrained myself (with a new layout) it become apparent that I should have done that much earlier.

Keeping the same finger positions on a columnar stagger and standard keyboard was one of the must-haves for my custom keyboard layout. I actually have explained that in detail in this article. Look for the animated pictures, which show you how the keys on a columnar stagger and standard keyboard are related. This is one of the relevant animations.

angle-mod2ergo

IMO you should indeed use the standard keyboard left side symmetrical to the right side (means pressing the c-key with the index finger). The real problem with a standard keyboard is the top left side, which you have to slightly adjust to, and will not be 100 % symmetrical on a standard keyboard. But you still can use the same fingering than on the right side. You will also find that the B-key has a special role on a standard keyboard. You just should not use it – when you want to be compatible between a 3x5 / 4x6 and a standard row stagger keyboard.

BTW, I stopped using my UHK60 and gave it away in the family. That was after I had tried a Lily58 – now about half a year ago. From the very first moment it was clear that a keyboard must be symmetrical to be most ergonomic and also logic. It felt right from the first second and I knew I never will go back to a standard keyboard. It took a few days, where I needed to get adjusted to it, but it is so much more natural that way, that IMO there is no other way.

I still think a symmetrical standard keyboard with 0.25u row stagger could be a good option – not too different from a standard keyboard. But it does not look like we will ever see that.

Regarding a standard keyboard. I only use that on my laptop keyboard nowadays-- and as explained in the article – works reasonably well, while keeping the same fingering.

I am in the same camp that I would love a UHK60 like columnar version. Wireless would be nice, but is not a need for me. Especially when you need to recharge every few days. There is a keyboard with a single coin cell (Lotus58 unwired), which will last for a year or longer. That is without lights and display of course. I personally find that more interesting than a keyboard with display and lights, which is begging to be recharged all the time. Downside of that one is needing a dongle. Bluetooth would draw to much power.