The blog post "Programming on 34 Keys (2022)" details the author's experience transitioning to a 34-key keyboard (specifically a Kyria) for programming. Driven by a desire for increased ergonomics and efficiency, the author outlines the challenges and adaptations required. They discuss the learning curve of layers, thumb clusters, and new key mappings, ultimately finding the switch beneficial despite initial difficulties. The post emphasizes the customizability allowed by such keyboards, allowing the author to tailor the layout to their specific workflow and programming needs, resulting in increased comfort and potentially improved productivity. The transition, while demanding an investment of time and effort, ultimately proved worthwhile for the author.
The blog post "Programming on 34 Keys (2022)" by Oppi recounts the author's journey in adopting and refining a 34-key keyboard layout for software development. Driven by a desire for a more ergonomic and portable setup, the author meticulously details their transition process, experimentation with different keyboard models and layouts, and the ultimate realization of a highly personalized and efficient workflow.
The post begins by explaining the motivations behind switching to a smaller keyboard, highlighting the physical strain associated with traditional, larger keyboards and the appeal of increased portability. Oppi then describes their initial experiences with a 36-key Planck keyboard, using the pre-configured default layout as a starting point. This initial foray introduced them to the power of layers, enabling access to a full range of keys through modifier combinations, similar to holding shift for capital letters but extended to encompass the entire keyboard.
The author then delves into the process of customizing the layout, explaining the iterative nature of finding the optimal placement of keys for their particular programming needs. This involved careful consideration of frequently used characters and commands, prioritizing their accessibility on the base layer to minimize reliance on layers and improve typing speed. Oppi explains how they rearranged symbols, shifted number placement, and incorporated custom macros to streamline common coding tasks.
The post goes on to describe the shift to a Kyria keyboard, a split ergonomic keyboard with a similar 34-key layout. This move was motivated by further ergonomic benefits offered by the split design. Oppi explains the advantages of the Kyria's thumb clusters and the further refinement of their layout to take full advantage of this new hardware configuration. The author highlights the improved comfort and reduced strain achieved with this setup, emphasizing the importance of aligning the keyboard with the natural resting position of the hands and wrists.
Oppi also discusses the use of the Oryx configuration tool, which facilitated the customization process and allowed for easy experimentation with different key mappings. They detail the process of flashing the firmware onto the keyboard and the overall ease of configuring the Kyria.
Finally, the author reflects on the overall positive impact of transitioning to a 34-key keyboard, emphasizing the increased portability, improved ergonomics, and surprisingly minimal impact on typing speed after the initial learning curve. The post concludes by acknowledging the inherently personal nature of keyboard layouts and encourages readers to explore and experiment to find what works best for them. The author expresses satisfaction with their current setup but hints at the ongoing nature of this exploration, suggesting that further refinement and adjustments are likely in the future.
Summary of Comments ( 48 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44087373
Hacker News users discuss the practicality and appeal of 34-key keyboards. Several commenters mention their own positive experiences using smaller keyboards, citing improved ergonomics and portability. Some express skepticism about the learning curve and limitations for certain tasks, particularly those requiring extensive number input or symbol use. The discussion also touches on the benefits of layers and customizability for overcoming the limited key count, with some recommending specific 34-key models like the Planck EZ. A few users mention the potential downsides, like the need for extra keycaps for different layouts. Overall, the comments reflect a mix of enthusiasm for minimalist keyboards and pragmatic concerns about their usability for various programming tasks.
The Hacker News post "Programming on 34 Keys (2022)" has generated several comments discussing the author's experience and choices regarding a 34-key keyboard.
Several commenters discuss their own experiences with smaller keyboards, including the Planck and Kyria. One user highlights the importance of thumb clusters for efficient use and shares their personal layout which prioritizes symbols over numbers due to their workflow. Another commenter emphasizes the benefits of QMK firmware and its customizability, allowing for personalized keymaps and macros. They specifically mention the ease of creating macros for common coding tasks, thus enhancing productivity.
The discussion also delves into the learning curve associated with switching to a smaller keyboard. One user points out that while the transition may seem daunting initially, the adaptation period is relatively short, especially for touch typists. They further suggest that the reduced hand movement can be ergonomically beneficial in the long run. This sentiment is echoed by another commenter who mentions the improved ergonomics and portability as key motivators for their switch to a smaller keyboard.
Some comments focus on the specific keyboard model used by the author, the Corne keyboard. One user inquires about the split design and its perceived advantages. Another commenter shares their personal preference for ortholinear keyboards, appreciating the logical layout which corresponds to the actual arrangement of keys.
The topic of keycap availability is also briefly touched upon. A commenter questions the author's choice of DSA keycaps and expresses their personal preference for XDA profile keycaps. Another user humorously laments the prevalence of non-standard layouts in the mechanical keyboard community, making it difficult to find compatible keycap sets.
Finally, the conversation drifts towards broader topics related to keyboard customization. One commenter mentions the "rabbit hole" of mechanical keyboards, alluding to the vast array of options and the tendency to constantly tweak and refine one's setup. Another user shares a link to a keyboard building website, further highlighting the depth and complexity of the hobby. There's a brief discussion on the relative merits of different keyboard layouts and the importance of finding a layout that suits one's individual needs and preferences.