Reflections on my ErgoDox keyboard

ergodox.md

The article previously hosted here is now published on my website: My ErgoDox Keyboard.

Nice write up. I just built mine and I'm really enjoying it so far. Here's a parts list, fwiw: http://ergodox.org/Hardware.aspx

If you're still using the massdrop configurator, try the TMK firmware. There's no configurator for it, but it will let you have symbols like )$}(+!@ on a single keystroke. I've done something similar with mine.
https://github.com/ezmac/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/keyboard/ergodox/keymap_ezmac.h
On layer 1 FN14 keys reference the same key in layer 2 and send that key shifted. You could modify it to shift layer 0's numbers unless shift was already held to reverse the shift on your number keys.

Thanks for this, i program from home and am trying to fix some of my not-so-ergonomic ways.. especially hoping to replace my "standard" mechanical keyboard which puts my arms in that terrible "/" configuration

do you have each half placed at the end of your chairs arm wrests so that your arms are more comfortable? if so, how is this working for you?

Nice write up. I just got my ergodox, the EZ prebuilt version. It highlighted my terrible hand and fingering/typing technique pretty quickly. I'm keen to fix it though.

The hardest part is figuring out what keys I want where! I like the idea of hyper/multi-press keys for shortcuts. eg. sending ctrl+shift+alt+super with one key, helps prevent conflicts but saves my fingers.

If you care enough to buy and assemble an ErgoDox, you really should learn to touchtype. You don't "Always go back to the home row" except while learning. You just maintain awareness of where the home row is. I BIG part of touchtyping is learning to type common words and word parts and autocenter on the home row in preparation for what comes next. But when typing, you look ahead and move one hand while the other is setting it up with, say, the previous word or prefix. The better you are, the less you think consciously about the home row, but you always return to it when pausing and resuming.

You sound like me, in that you basically know how to touch type, but can benefit tremendously from a little methodical review. I highly recommend this tool, which is free. I'll warn you though, resist going too fast. This tool uses statistics to assess which keys you need to work on an when you are ready to move on. It works really well if you try to type accurately at an even, consistent rate, but you'll never make it though trying to type at max speed and blow past the errors.

I learned to type many years ago and decided to use this tool to brush up and break old habits before using my ErgoDox with blank keys. Works like a charm.

I can verify what others have said. The ErgoDoc thumb cluster is to far away. I'm six foot one and can only reach the two larger (and innermost) thumb keys without stretching if I place the keypads just so. The Kinesis is much better in this regard.

Incidentally, I mapped my ErgoDox to emulate the Kinesis so I can touchtype on blank keycaps. You can read about it and link to my ErgoDoc config here if interested.

A bit late to the party.. but if you read this..and havent seen the Model 01 yet.. you owe it to yourself to check it out. 2 piece split keyboard, more powerful processor (or similar..cant remember), fully programmable including multiple layers with shift/lock key capabilities as well as key combos, backllit LED, mechanical, and built in a wood keyboard frame, with tilt/tent options and more. A bit more in cost than the Ergo Dox, but by far the most beautiful keyboard youll find.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/keyboardio/the-model-01-an-heirloom-grade-keyboard-for-seriou

Custom mechanical keyboard: ErgoDox, Atreus and GH60 is available here: https://falba.tech (Europe)

Backlit keys now available for preorder on Ergodox EZ.