Does anybody have recommendations for a layout that works well for a split keyboard (Moonlander, in my case, as and when it arrives)? Learning a split configuration will require work, so may as well learn a better layout at the same time.
I use Neo2 [1] on a Moonlander. I find it works really well. Neo2's distinguishing feature is that there are built-in layers that contain special characters, such as those used for programming, control characters, including a numpad, Pos1/End, ... and also many mathematical symbols for significantly faster TeXing.
What makes it such a good fit, in my opinion, is that the modifiers can be placed on the thumb clusters, and even layers 5 and 6 that otherwise require a combination of modifiers can have their own keys. On the other hand, having all control characters already mapped means you needn't find a good location for them anywhere. I still have 5 keys unmapped.
That said, getting used to the Moonlander took almost no effort at all for me, I was back up to speed in a few days.
Every layout is fine for a split – even QWERTY, as bad, as it is. Just don't switch to a new keyboard and new layout simultaneously. I've done it for Kinesis and Colemak - it is hard. You can't reliably hit a key on the new keyboard, because of the lack of staggering, new thumb cluster and different distance between keys. But when you hit one, it is a wrong one, because Colemak.
In general, however, it is not a problem. Just remember, that adjusting yourself to a new keyboard is similar to learning layout and takes some time. If it is your first ortholinear split with a thumb cluster give yourself a week or two and then switch to other layout.
> Just don't switch to a new keyboard and new layout simultaneously
Why is that? Is it the productivity hit? Frustration?
At least for me, this will be at home personal keyboard, and I'll continue to use the work QWERTY keyboard for the foreseeable future. I might switch the work keyboard once I'm comfortable, but it's not a priority right now.
Productivity hit and frustration, I would say. Motor learning is hard, since it takes a lot of repetitions. Motor re-learning is arguably much harder, since you have an interference of learned and new patterns. Keyboard familiarity is also heavily depending on motor learning - distance between keys, their position, height and so on. So you just have more to learn at the same time.
I also have another warning, based on my experience: it is for many people difficult to keep proficiency in QWERTY after they completely switch to Colemak or Dvorak. It is hard to describe: like you've been touch-typing on QWERTY for 18 years, and you know where the keys are, because if you look down, you immediately find them... but something is blocking you from finding them while typing. If you switch completely at work, find a week or two without much stress. New layout can be infuriating enough :)
I guess I'm a hybrid typist - I generally type only with my index & middle finders, but I can type moderately fast without looking at the keyboard. I had mild RSI issues but it might be the mouse usage.
I write small amounts of python code within an academic setting, so a week or two with low productivity is ... typical :)
I tried dvorak on the moonlander (and have typed dvorak for a looong time before that on regular keebs), but ended up going back to qwerty, and using a layer for the punctuation surrounding the letters. This way you make the most use of the linear layout in the up-down direction, but avoid too much sideways movement and pinky stretching.
Check it out here: https://configure.zsa.io/moonlander/layouts/MJXZ4/latest/0
You might move the punctuation even more central to really keep it 4-columned.
I've been using Colemak on a Ergodox since September of last year and am very happy with it. I too switched to Colemak when I started using my Ergodox. The first weeks my head hurt, but now I'm fine.
I'm sure that's true, though as a person who currently hunts & pecks, even touch typing would be an upgrade. I'm trying to roll all of the improvements to my typing behaviour into a single month of hell :)
I'm currently typing this from a split QWERTY keyboard (KBDFans Maja). As someone who has tried and failed to switch to both Colemak and Dvorak over the years, learning to type on split is much, much easier. You'll smack your fingers into the gap where T/Y, G/H (assuming QWERTY) should be a few times and get used to it really quick.
I use colemak on the Kinesis Advantage II and I love it.
Keeping the C-c/x/v keys the same is great on a split layout, assuming you're right handed. I avoid using the mouse as much as possible, but when I do use it there's a good chance I'm copying or pasting something. With Dvorak you can't use those keys with your hand on the mouse.
