Macro keyboards are mini programmable USB keyboards that can be pressed to trigger shortcuts, a sequence of keypresses etc. They can have several layers so switching to a different one will trigger different keypresses from the same key, so e.g. different IDEs can be represented.
I’ve just bought one with a view to setting up shortcuts for debugging. Each IDE has its own unique keys for navigating through the code, so I figure it’ll be nice to just press one key to start debugging and one key to step into instead of a combination of ctrl+whatever etc
Do you use one? If so, what do you use it for and what size do you use? Is it too big / too small?
Do you mean keys thst you hold down with your thumb while your fingers are on the home row or something else? For the former, I use split space keyboards and map the left one to enter on press, layer on hold, the right one to space on press, and a different layer on hold. That gives me more keys that you would get on a 70+ keyboard. I find this considerably easier than trying to use pinkies on shift and symbols on what is my top row, qwerty row.
Typically, I map tab and the traditional enter key to tab on press, another layer, and backspace with the same layer as tab. This layer I use for window management in sway for home row and anything else I am missing that I really want.
Is this QMK? My keyboard is ZMK I believe
ZMK also has a layer tap key that would suit for this, normal key press of your choosing and layer activation while holding: https://zmk.dev/docs/keymaps/behaviors
Alright I’ll have to give this a try. If it works (I’m already thinking about it) I’m going to make a custom keyboard.
What I’m worried about is I want to go full Bluetooth, but I need the layer tap key to affect both sides
From scratch? Or a kit?
I’ve never tried a wireless keyboard (despiteowningmore than 50), still waiting on my Pearl three years after I ordered it lol, that would have been my first.
All my splits are cabled, so it’s no issue for me.
Another option is home row layer keys, duplicating the layer options in pairs so a and h, s and j, and so on so you have the same layer from each side.
Smaller boards I use home row mods (control, super, and so on), and that works extremely well for me.
Scratch probably. My friend helped me realize that the circuit is real easy. the most daunting for me is the case
Nice, it does look a fun project though!