miryoku_kmonad VS cantor

You could install kmonad (https://github.com/kmonad/kmonad) with a Miryoku layout (https://github.com/manna-harbour/miryoku_kmonad) for instance.

Something I don't see mentioned enough is just preparing yourself for smaller keebs by using pc-side software to emulate a smaller layout with whatever keyboard you're using now. Thankfully, Manna Harbour created a kmonad version of Miryoku that is perfectly suited for trying out a smaller layout on a bigger keyboard. (Be aware that typing on an actual ergonomic split keyboard is even nicer.)

There are software option to do this mapping on your computer instead of on the keyboard. That is what I understand that https://github.com/manna-harbour/miryoku_kmonad kmonad is.

As u/w0lfwood mentioned, you can use Miryoku kMonad to try out a 3x5+3 layout on a row staggered board.

As others have noted, a programmable ergo split is the best solution. But for a conventional keyboard you can add home row mods and layers using KMonad. The lite mapping in Miryoku KMonad adds home row mods, and the finger part of the Nav layer when space is held. That would be enough to significantly reduce your movement from home.

u/set92 If you just want to try Miryoku briefly on the Defy you could use Miryoku KMonad. To implement Miryoku natively, pay particular attention to the mod tap settings. You'll need to find settings suitable for home row mods.

KMonad is cross platform. Here's an example config. The lite mapping will put cursor keys on the home row and the other keys you mentioned on the row below, when space is held.

Check your KMonad mod tap settings. See Miryoku KMonad for an example, e.g. here. There's no special support for preventing accidental mods in KMonad, so all you can do is increase tapping term and adjust your typing style. See The Guide for details.

Others use popular layouts like Miryoku. It has options to use an inverted T nav cluster, and set which side. You can now even try it without a programmable keyboard, via KMonad.

Miryoku KMonad is for use with keyboards that do not support custom firmware. The full Miryoku layout is included, plus all alternative layout options. Individual mappings for non-programmable ergonomic keyboards such as Kinesis Advantage or X-Bows will be added on request.

There are a few things that are close: * The Cantor/Piantor: more aggressive stagger and slightly changed thumb cluster. * The Swept Corne: essentially a big sweep. * The Hillside 46/48: This comes in many forms which are very similar to what you are looking for. Essentially an extra aggressive stagger (and perhaps splayed) Corne with a bigger thumb cluster.

Depending on how comfortable you are ordering PCBs yourself, the Cantor (https://github.com/diepala/cantor ) or the Cheapino (https://github.com/tompi/cheapino ) might be a good starting point for getting into split keyboards, both are diodeless, so you only need to solder the switches and use relatively cheap microcontrollers

The Corne caught my eye first, but I ended up starting with a Cantor, which has more stagger, like OP's keyboard. It didn't work for me. The Corne works better for me.

cantor

Cantor by DiePala, Choc, diodeless, cheap “Black pill” mcu, requires two. Caseless/plateless. Pcb is reversible, but you’ll need trrs cable and Jack.

I have 2 hand-wired keyboards with cherry style switches, and I decided to build a Cantor (diodeless, Corne-like with more pinky stagger) to try a PCB build and the Kailh choc v1 switches for a first time.

several of the low-profile / Choc boards (ex. Cantor) go the plateless and caseless route with nothing more than rubber bumpers on the bottom of the PCB

Cantor – low profile