(draft)
Most programmable keyboards don’t come with layout instructions, and though solving puzzles are fun, this can obstruct your real work.
Berserk is a univeral ergonomic keyboard layout for programmable keyboards, that also offers a sensible default for split and 40%. Get a running start with berserk, or take from it what works for you.
👆 cisne 40% keyboard
berserk requirements:
berserk features:
berserk opinions:
Berserk isn’t so much original as it is inevitable for anyone with similar requirements. I’ve also written a custom keyboard guide.
Mods are merged into the far left, and layers are triggered with the right thumb and left pinky.
base layer / layer0 = Alphas + mods + special keys.
For regular keyboards with only one spacebar, shift is added to the spacebar, with enter and backspace remaining at their standard positions. With a split spacebar, both enter and backspace can be assigned to the left hand side, which works great with the mouse.
A 40% keyboard with 4 layers already gives you 160%, with no finger travel.
layer1 = The numpad + navigation layer. Arrow keys are at homerow.
The number symbols are left paired, with the remaining symbols grouped into 3 categories.
The fn layer simply follows the num positions. Ample room for more custom keys.
[ ] | and \ are added to N and M on the left of layer 2. With Alice layouts, / is added to the spair key to the left of N. |
Next are the mod keys. They are merged into tap and hold dual function keys to the leftmost column and thumb row.
To adapt the above to standard keyboards with just one spacebar at the thumb:
New layouts such as Berserk have become possible thanks to the popularity of new firmware that enables easy customization of layers and key functions; namely QMK, and it’s derivatives VIA and VIAL.