So, after some playing around trying to figure out a preferred physical layout, I decided a Hillside 46 splayed keyboard would be about right. Thanks to Leo at Beekeeb for answering all my questions before ordering and during the build! Surface mount soldering was tricky, but everything works on the first try! I finally can use Dvorak with keycaps in the right place. Keymapping is a work in progress as I am getting used to this, and I am still trying to figure out how to get my Unicode characters to display in Linux (though for the Mac they show up fine). Now for lots of practice to build up new muscle memory, and develop a lighter touch so I don't keep inputting command characters unintentionally.
How to even do this? I can't wrap my head around what or how many to consider.
Use to work a lot with graphic tablet and belkin n52 (later nostromo) and wanted something that combine functional keyboard and left-handed pad. Got ErgodoxEZ few years ago... now I vaguely know that I want something smaller and more portable (maybe wireless and scroll wheel)... but layout? Absolutely no idea.
I think I'm going to try 3d printing an ergogen case with the keys extruded to check the layout before committing on my next keyboard
I did exactly this while planning my Manuform build, and again with 3d printed keycaps in various profiles to find the best profile for its odd dished shape. I'm glad I did it as I made quite a few tweaks to it before printing the final product.
I printed different layouts to scale to figure out which one might work best for me