I have been using Kmonad (on Linux) for the last week or two, evaluating it as a possible replacement for using XKB for my keyboard configuration needs. Although I previously looked at it a few months ago but decided to stick with XKB at that time, I've now decided to make the switch and use Kmonad.
My typing setup, which has evolved over the years, these days amounts to this:
- Main layer (plus shifted) - Colemak-DH alpha keys
- Extend layer - for navigation, based on DreymaR's
- Symbols layers - to bring non-alphabetic characters to the 30-key main body.
- Function key layer (when using my small-form factor Atreus board)
All of this is implementable in KMonad. What has really swung it for me though, is the ease with which you can move around keys (including modifiers), have arbitrary layers, and different layer selection mechanisms. While you can do some of this stuff in XKB, it's just a bit cumbersome and awkward. But Kmonad also has some QMK-like features that XKB doesn't have. For example, a couple of weeks ago I put in a request to implement sticky (one-shot) modifiers with timeout, and - kudos to the Kmonad guys - they have duly implemented it. This feature is a game-changer IMO! The one thing XKB remains better for - unicode characters support - is not too big a deal, as Kmonad does at least support for automated compose key strings, which is good enough (for me anyway).
To mark this occasion, I have written up my new Kmonad configuration and given it a name (Seniply) - although in reality it's pretty close to my previous XKB-based setup I've been using for a while now. I've fully adopted the minimalist ergo layout style, similar to Miryoku, but able support both standard(-ish) and 40% boards, since I use both. In my case though, the layer selection is done using thumb keys and there are no dual-role home-key modifiers. So far it is working great!
Using Colemak-DH with Seniply.