Made some design updates based on feedback I received from a couple fellow keyboard designers and I just received the first two prototypes this week. Super happy with how they turned out.
this post was submitted on 14 Sep 2024
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Mechanical Keyboards
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Why QAZ? Aren't your brain looks for those keys on the left side?
I always found the idea of small keyboards peculiar; I always wanted MORE keys. Could you explain the idea?
The QAZ keys on the right is a joke. This keyboard layout is called a QAZ/35% layout, where the Q, A, and Z keys are gone. The Esc, Tab, and Shift keys on the left side default to typing Q, A, and Z respectively, with further keys hidden behind chords and layers.
I believe OP is making this keyboard as a response to someone's reaction to the QAZ board, right here on Lemmy.
To answer your question, many people prefer smaller keyboards mainly because 1. they're gamers and want more space for their mouse, and 2. smaller keyboards minimize hand movements and therefore are more ergonomic.
Smaller keyboards are also more easy to take with you!
I first got into 40s because I wanted more free desk space and then I moved to a 35%. My friend always said my 35 didn’t have enough keys so I designed this layout as a joke but enough people liked it that I decided to actually make it.
In my default layout, QAZ are mapped to Esc, Tab, Shift and I use the keys on the right for macros.