miryoku_kmonad VS miryoku_qmk

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.

From what I understand this is enabled by default in Miryoku? Looking at this file: https://github.com/manna-harbour/miryoku_qmk/blob/miryoku/users/manna-harbour_miryoku/config.h

The qmk firmware is definitely what you want

Piantor is supported by Miryoku QMK in QMK master, so you can build it directly from there. However community layout support is missing in the older version of piantor in the miryoku branch, and the workflow merge feature is currently broken, so I can't run a workflow build at the moment, but here's one from earlier: https://github.com/manna-harbour/miryoku_qmk/actions/runs/3943408991

Here's a build run for crkbd on pro-micro with default options: https://github.com/manna-harbour/miryoku_qmk/actions/runs/4591161307. The artifact is here: https://github.com/manna-harbour/miryoku_qmk/suites/11977156021/artifacts/628488034.

Crowboard is supported in Miryoku KMK. Support will be added to Miryoku QMK on request. Via / Vial is not supported by Miryoku QMK but you should be able to enable it manually. Colemak Mod-DH is the default alpha arrangement for all Miryoku implementations.

You would need to read the part about substitution of layer here. You would need to copy your base layer from the miryoku_layers_alternatives.h and just change the button codes in the homerow and on the thumb keys. Should be pretty easily done.

Here's a default build for Corne. Flash that to both sides with QMK Toolbox. It'll start on Base which is Colemak Mod-DH by default. Hold the right hand home thumb and double tap the right hand top row middle finger key. That will switch to Extra, which is QWERTY by default. The double tap needs to be quite fast (within 200ms by default). You can use any thumb on either hand, so long as the double tap is on the same hand as the thumb hold.

My layout is essentially a slightly modified version of the already established Miryoku layout. My thumb key dual functions are unchanged from his layout. Since it is QMK/ZMK, anything configuration is possible so if you want to change which key activated which kayer, it can be changed. For me, I like the default becuase space/nav and backspace/num is really natural for me. One of my next build is gonna be a Ferris so I'm gonna move some things around but as long as my space and backspace keys are where my thumbs naturally rest, it should hw fine.