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    Chorded Colemak Layout

    • Started by boardtester
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    • Registered: 11-Dec-2015
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    Does a chorded layout like this have merit, or is it absurd? The idea is easier numeric entry.

    Has anyone had success with anything similar?

    chorded layout

    1) It is intended for a Pok3r. The lower characters on each key are accessed with the 'fn' key, which has been remapped to the spacebar.
    2) I am only asking about the alpha and numeric keys. This would be a layer for a program I use at work, and it does not require all punctuation.
    3) I use foot pedals for 'tab' and 'enter'.
    4) I am currently trying the numeric layout (in the normal position at top), but not the rest yet.

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    • From: Viken, Norway
    • Registered: 13-Dec-2006
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    It's an elegant solution, somewhat related to the mirrored layout for one-handed input (see my sig). It has little in common with the fully chorded layout proposed earlier on this forum, though.

    One problem is the loss of the big fat old space bar? But it may not matter much. I can only suggest that you try it out and tell us how it feels!

    Look into my Extend mappings while you're at it, you're touching on the matter with the navigation keys in your layout.

    How's foot pedals working for you? I thought about it but decided against for myself, but I'm still interested in hearing about it.

    *** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
    *** Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for Win/Linux/TMK... ***

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    I like the Extend mapping idea. I used to have multiple 'layers' (really just used modifiers) for mousing and shortcuts using Autohotkeys. However, my work computer was 'locked down', so I have to use hardware solutions, except for vbscript and vba.

    I use an X Keys 12 switch interface with StealthSwitch FS-1 pedals for left and right mouse movements, and a Stinkyboard for tab, enter, and pgdn. I also use the X Keys at home for pgdn. These pedals are great - I literally couldn't work without them for any length of time.

    I had until recently been using a Kinesis Advantage for 2 years. I remapped the keypad layer to the left, navigation and some function keys to the right, and macros (activated with modifiers) on the home row. I stayed in 2nd layer and used a foot pedal to switch to letters when needed. Unfortunately, the pedals are quite stiff, and the board is too tall and large  for my desk - otherwise a good setup.

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    • From: Viken, Norway
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    So locked down that you can't run a program there (PKL) even without installing it? I still use PKL at work, but I shudder at the thought that our IT paranoia is just a click away from disaster for me.

    I really should get that Arduino device made... ["QWERTY USB In, Colemak Key Input Emulated" – QUICKIE in short!]

    Last edited by DreymaR (04-Feb-2016 10:39:54)

    *** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
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    The computer will not recognize a flash drive, but does accept HID devices. I have access only to approved vendor sites, limited email, excel, our proprietary system, and notepad - even right click is gone :/ from many places. I suspect IT overlooked vbscript or it would be gone.

    Perhaps what I miss most is being able to mouse from home row. Mousekeys is not an option, as it is gone too.

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    • From: Viken, Norway
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    Ugh. I feel your suffering.

    *** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
    *** Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for Win/Linux/TMK... ***

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    • Registered: 17-Nov-2014
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    Sounds like it's time to polish up the ol' resume.

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    • From: Viken, Norway
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    Oh me oh my, trolls in words. Today I find that PKL will no longer run on my work computer, so suddenly I'm in the same boat as you. :-(

    Either I have to learn how to make that Arduino device this Christmas, or buy myself a Corsair K70 RGB. Or something else?

    The Pok3r info says that the "first layer" cannot be programmed; how does that work? You can select QWERTY/Dvorak/Colemak but that's it? That won't do for me. But your layout has the lower and num rows rearranged, so maybe I've just misunderstood something?

    Last edited by DreymaR (16-Dec-2015 11:58:10)

    *** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
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    There are 4 layers. The 2nd - 4th can be programmed, but the 1st can't. Programming is fairly straightforward, but a slight bit clunky.

    There is a dip switch for Colemak and Dvorak, but I haven't tried it. I did use a dipswitch option to move the fn key to spacebar, then manually remapped one of the layers.

    The layout actually isn't that bad, but a real embedded numpad would be better. I may just require more practice, though.

    Last edited by boardtester (18-Dec-2015 20:13:42)
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    • From: Viken, Norway
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    So Pok3r's not for me since I don't use the vanilla Colemak but the DH-mod. It came to this. Corsair's looking better then, despite the clunky form factor.

    *** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
    *** Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for Win/Linux/TMK... ***

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    DreymaR said:

    So Pok3r's not for me since I don't use the vanilla Colemak but the DH-mod. It came to this. Corsair's looking better then, despite the clunky form factor.

    The board can be remapped to almost anything manually (a few fn layer keys are fixed).

    What I most like is the number of levels. I can have a layer for normal text, one for my work's propriety software, and an Excel layer with lots of macros. Not trying to be a commercial for Pok3r - but I do like it.

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    But layer1 is the normal letters/numbers/symbols, right? And for Colemak-DH with WideAngle, I'd have to remap that.

    *** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
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    DreymaR said:

    But layer1 is the normal letters/numbers/symbols, right? And for Colemak-DH with WideAngle, I'd have to remap that.

    You would have to remap one of the additional 3 layers. I imagine it's quickest to use the dip switch to convert to regular Colemak and then manually remap that. I didn't use the dip switch simply because I didn't want to possibly upset the macros I'd already made while practicing with the board.

    Another good feature is that each layer has an independent fn layer - there are 3 programmable layers each with a programmable fn layer.

    As far as my layout goes I'm going to move the 'spacebar' function to a foot pedal. I'm still keeping the actual large key as 'fn'.

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