I've been using a Dvorak keyboard layout for close to 30 years. Ever since I started, I've relied on software to remap the keys on standard keyboards.
Linux is my preferred operating system and it supports Dvorak extremely well. It even has Dvorak layouts that change back to Qwerty when you press the modifier keys (like ctrl and alt). Mac OS also has such a layout, but it only supports Qwerty for the command modifier key. Good enough for me when I've used it.
My new job uses Windows, and it looks like that OS doesn't support a Dvorak layout that switches back to Qwerty when the modifier keys are pressed. Because of this limitation I've been investigating hardware solutions. I bought a programmable keyboard that stores the layout in the keyboard and sends keystroke signals to the computer based on my preferred layout.
I considered the Kinesis Advantage 2 and the Ergodox EZ keyboards. I ultimately decided on the Ergodox because it is small enough to fit in my laptop bag. Used keyboards on Ebay are about half price, so I purchased a lightly used one.
The Good
- The keyboard is programmable as advertised.
- The adjustable tilt and split halves make it comfortable to type on.
- Having multiple thumb buttons is a huge improvement compared to standard keyboards. I've put space, backspace, enter, tab, escape, and delete on thumb buttons because I use them frequently.
- You can program multiple layouts (called layers) and configure a button to switch between them.
- You can have a single button send multiple keystrokes. For example I have a button that sends alt-F4 to close applications with a single button press.
- You can configure chorded combinations. For example I repurposed the caps lock key and now press both shift keys simultaneously for caps lock.
- The software for modifying the layout is easy to install and use.
- It is easy to share your layouts through the manufacturer's website.
- I like the optional feature that can be enabled to hold a key to auto-shift it.
- Rearranging the layout when the modifer keys are pressed can be done by creating layers associated with each modifer key and having the modifer key switch to that layer.
Could be Improved
- Switching layers when the alt key is pressed doesn't work for alt-tab because that key combination expects you to hold down the alt key while hitting tab repeatedly. I've left an unmodified left-alt button on my layout as a workaround. It would be better if a key could both send key strokes and also switch layers.
- The software for editing layouts is web based. This makes me nervous. If the manufacturer goes out of business, you will no longer be able to create new layouts.
- The Ergodox EZ doesn't have dedicated number pad, function, or media keys. As a workaround you need a layer to be able to press those buttons.
- The layout editor doesn't have a batch mode or search and replace. It is time consuming to create many similar layers that only differ in which modifier key is fired witch every key.
