miryoku_kmonad VS kmonad

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.

have you actually tried that? afaik they don't get you the perfect home row mods due to some limitations re. how they implement the tap vs hold logic

https://github.com/kmonad/kmonad/issues/228

I use kmonad[1] to have QMK-like functionality on any keyboard.

https://github.com/kmonad/kmonad

You can create F13-F24 purely in software with key mapping tools. On Windows, one way is with the PowerToys Keyboard Manager: remap some unimportant keys to F13, F14, etc. Another way is with KMonad (cross platform), and define the keymap with KeyF13, KeyF14, etc.

There you have the software link : https://github.com/kmonad/kmonad

Other option I would suggest for any linux user with keyboards without QMK is to try KMonad https://github.com/kmonad/kmonad