Mini-ryoku is a compact 34-key adaptation of the Miryoku layout.
The files in this repo are for the Ferris Sweep to be used in QMK, QMK configurator or Vial.
I have two main issues with the Miryoku layout for my needs:
- It has too many layers.
- I currently use Vial on a bigger keyboard since I like to experiment. This takes up more memory and limits the number of layers I can have. I want to have room for extra layers like gaming layers.
- It was made for 36 keys.
- 36 keys is already pretty niche, but I wanted to push my limits and see if 34 keys is usable for me.
To fix these, I had to make changes that break the principles that Miryoku abides by. If these principles are important to you, this may not be your layout.
This doesn't have all the features Miryoku offers, but it's all that I need. With all the extra space, you could always add your own. For example, I have my own gaming layers.
This layout also doesn't use features like tapdance and combos. This lessens the need to rely on timing, makes it possible to replicate in QMK configurator, and takes up less space for Vial users.
One of the biggest changes is the use of bottom row mods instead of home row mods.
- The bottom row is the least used row in Colemak-DH for English.
- This lessens conflicts when typing quickly.
- This allows for combining layers.
These mod keys are found on every layer. Should you make changes, I recommend you keep these.
Like the default Miryoku layout, this uses the Colemak-DH layout with one change: ; is replaced with '.
| Change | Reason |
|---|---|
escape and backspace thumb keys are removed. |
To fit on 34 keys. |
space is now a dedicated key. |
Good for fast typists (I'm relatively quick at around 110 WPM with this layout). |
enter is now a dedicated key. |
It's too important to accidentally press when attempting to hold. |
v is now a mod tap for ctrl. |
Allows for one-handed copying. |
The general layout is mostly the same, with a numpad and some surrounding symbols. Except...
What is with that numpad?! Hear me out.
| Change | Reason |
|---|---|
()! at home row |
I find them to be the most used symbols. |
* at thumb key |
Also a common symbol. |
- at home thumb key |
Commonly used like space. |
Accessing symbols is done by holding the right side shift key.
This is where I start to completely deviate from Miryoku. Layers from hereon are completely different and arbitrary, based entirely on my own preferences. Feel free to make changes.
Should you make changes, I recommend keeping the dedicated shift key for quick access to symbols on the left half.
| Design decision | Reason |
|---|---|
| WASD/inverted T arrow keys | I never got used to Vim-style arrow keys. Keeping a more conventional arrow cluster on the right hand without needing the left hand to access it felt natural to me, coming from a traditional TKL layout |
home and end |
Like big left/right arrow keys for faster line start/end navigation outside Vim |
escape and del |
Having removed them from the base layer, I put them here. I left shift alone to have faster access to symbols instead of waiting for two tap holds |
The rest of the keys I don't use much, but I put them where I felt made sense. This is where I recommend you deviate. For example, you can put layer toggles or extra keys here.
I don't use scroll lock and pause break, so I moved F10-F12 to the right side to make space for escape on the left side. This allows for left-hand one-handed ctrl+shift+escape.
Like the nav layer right half, this layer is arbitrary. Feel free to make changes.
Mouse keys are set up in a similar way to the nav cluster keys. Left/right scrolling isn't common, so you can map other keys there if it suits you better.
The media keys are also extra keys I don't use much. I recommend that you use these keys if you want to modify this layout.
Check out the branches for alternatives like one with a repeat key implementation.