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The Ultimate Guide to Keyboard Layers
  • Overview
  • Ch 1: Keyboard Layers 101
    • 1.1 Keyboard Fundamentals
    • 1.2 Why Use Layers
    • 1.3 Layer Challenges
  • Ch 2: Setup
    • 2.1 Keyboards
    • 2.2 Firmware
    • 2.3 Independent Software
  • Ch 3: Layer Activators
    • 3.1 Modifier Layers
    • 3.2 Momentary Layers
    • 3.3 Toggle Layers
    • 3.4 One Shot Layers
    • 3.5 Dual Layers
    • 3.6 Tap Dance / Superkeys
  • Ch 4: Creating Layers
    • 4.1 Planning Layers
    • 4.2 Implementing Layers
  • Ch 5: Advance Layer Patterns
    • 5.1 Key Functionality Across Layers
    • 5.2 Color Coding Keys
    • 5.3 Thumb Keys
    • 5.4 Nesting Layers
    • 5.5 Categorizing Layers
  • Ch 6: Layer Examples
    • Layers
      • Default Layer
      • Shift Layer
      • Numpad Layer
      • Symbols Layer
      • Editing & Navigating Layer
      • Media Layer
      • Mouse Layer
      • Screen Management Layer
      • Context Control / Macro Layer
      • Browser Layer
      • VS Code Layer
      • Discord Layer
      • Slack Layer
      • Gaming Layer
  • Timeline
    • Keyboard Timeline
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  • Dygma Defy
  • Dygma Raise
  • ErgoDox EZ
  • Moonlander
  • Ultimate Hacking Keyboard
  • Kinesis Advantage2
  • Iris
  1. Ch 2: Setup

2.1 Keyboards

Previous1.3 Layer ChallengesNext2.2 Firmware

Last updated 2 years ago

To get the most out of layers, ergokeyboards are used. Ergokeyboards stand for ergonomic keyboards and generally have some of the features listed:

  • can split apart into 2 halves

  • have rgb backlit keys

  • have tenting and can be tilted on an angle

  • have additional keys on the thumb region (creating a thumb cluster)

  • have an wrist/palm rest aligned with the keyboard

  • have a firmware/software to configure keyboard layers

  • have alternative key layouts (column staggered or ortholinear)

The main con of an ergo keyboard is that it is pricey and you have to learn touch typing properly to hit keys like b, y or 6 with the correct finger.

An ergo keyboard is not strictly necessary to create keyboard layers. I used to use layers with just software (auto hotkeys for windows | keyboard maestro for mac) and had a navigation and number layer. To do this though, I had to remap a key like the left command/alt key next to the space bar. If you have the funds and are on the computer for hours a day, I would highly recommend an ergo keyboard.

More info about ergo keyboards can be found at:

Some of the ergokeyboards that caught my attention are:

Dygma Defy

  • $300

  • Optional wireless, RGB Underglow and tenting add-on ($50 each on kickstarter)

Dygma Raise

  • 349$

  • Optional tenting add-on (89$)

ErgoDox EZ

  • 299$

  • Optional Wrist Rests (30$)

  • Optional Tilt Tenting kit

Moonlander

  • 365$

Ultimate Hacking Keyboard

  • 320$

  • built in tenting

  • Wrist rest (75$)

  • touchpad, keycluster, trackball or trackball module (65$)

Kinesis Advantage2

  • 369$

Iris

  • 200$ (but will cost more with key caps + other little parts)

  • parts are built using a kit and requires more technical keyboard experience

, expected to deliver by December 2022

Uses firmware

Uses firmware

Uses firmware

Uses firmware

Uses AHK

Uses Firmware

Users commonly use firmware

Kickstarter stage
Bazecor
Bazecor
QMK
QMK
firmware
Advantage2 SmartSet App
QMK
r/ErgoMechKeyboardsreddit
Dygma Raise - The best ergonomic split keyboardDygma
y.y
ErgoDox EZ: An Incredible Mechanical Ergonomic KeyboardErgoDox EZ
ZSA Moonlander: Next-gen Ergonomics
Ultimate Hacking KeyboardUltimate Hacking Keyboard
Logo
Advantage2 ergonomic keyboard by KinesisKinesis
Iris Keyboard - Pre-BuiltKeebio
Dygma Defy
The Dygma Raise
ErgoDox EZ
Moonlander
Ultimate Hacking Keyboard
Kinesis Advantage2
Iris
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