Non-gamers and VI users/devs - coping without an ESC key on a 60% layout?

[rtpguy]

How do you do it/how well and quickly do you adapt?

I no longer code daily as I've moved 'upwards' but always have a VM spun up or an iterm2 open on OS X, so vim 'remains in my life.'  I've been looking to try to force myself to 'like' and adapt to a more ergo/split keyboard, but the Ergodox isn't for me, the Ergo Pro keys sadly feel wimpy and non-mechanical to me (coming from Model Ms and Unicomps), while I like the Code TLK w/MX greens I'm typing on now, but - trying to go split/ergo. 

The only boards I've seen of interest are the keyboard.io (which IIRC is only Matias switches...maybe what I got in the Ergo Pro are 'special' in their non-mechanical-wimpy feeling, but that's making me nervous) or the UHK, which is pretty interesting to me, as with the later coming (hopefully, maybe?) thumb modules, I can see 'evolving' a bit over time (more thumb usage, trackpad), and if I just flat-out can't adjust to it, I can still co back to a 'standard' attached keyboard, or split minus the thumb 'additions.' 

I saw the VE.A which at first glance was wrong kb layout but may have been the pic (missing/wrong location for |, a few others), and $$$ for a kit project.  Seems like if the VE.A and UHK had a baby, it'd be close.

Meanwhile, the UHK will be a 60%...with no Escape key - meh.
I think I'm *really* looking for a split TLK/80% - am I missing any out there w/mechanical keys?

Failing that - how quickly have you adjusted to having fairly often used keys in a layer, e.g. Escape and others?

[tp4tissue]

Adjustment is quick as long as it's the only keyboard you're using..

Within 2 weeks , it will feel natural..


If you're going back and forth,  it will take longer, upwards of 1 month.


But in the end, you will be comfortable on either layout.

[kasakka]

The UHK is fully programmable so you can cram in Esc wherever you want, the obvious location being the key next to 1. By default the UHK seems to have Esc as that key, but behind a Fn layer.

[ThoughtArtist]

but behind a Fn layer.

Yuck...

[chuckdee]

but behind a Fn layer.

Yuck...

That leaves out the programmable part.  My esc is on the main layer. 

[rtpguy]

The UHK is fully programmable so you can cram in Esc wherever you want, the obvious location being the key next to 1. By default the UHK seems to have Esc as that key, but behind a Fn layer.

Then you whack an equally important key to Unix/Linux/shell folks - ~, and the back-tick..
I need to go stare at the layout a bit - I really like the flexibility of the UHK as it can go from 'standard' to split-style ergo to ergo + thumb keys...just wish it were > 60%.

[kasakka]

The UHK is fully programmable so you can cram in Esc wherever you want, the obvious location being the key next to 1. By default the UHK seems to have Esc as that key, but behind a Fn layer.

Then you whack an equally important key to Unix/Linux/shell folks - ~, and the back-tick..
I need to go stare at the layout a bit - I really like the flexibility of the UHK as it can go from 'standard' to split-style ergo to ergo + thumb keys...just wish it were > 60%.

I would've also liked if it was a 65% with arrow keys and standard size right hand keycaps but everything is a compromise and they wanted to keep it compact and uniform looking. I think the biggest issue with the UHK layout is that huge right Ctrl key. I feel 1x1.25u + 1x1u would've been more useful.

In any case thanks to full programmability there are always options. If you find yourself using a certain key like tilde a lot then you could for example get the ISO version of UHK that gives an extra key next to the left Shift at the expense of having a smaller shift key. As I write this I have a ISO Pok3r hooked to my work laptop and an ANSI custom 60% connected to my home desktop and moving between the two is no problem and I don't mind the small Shift. Or if you don't want to do that then you can simply map the key behind a Fn layer. For example on my keyboards Fn+Esc = tilde.

On a fully programmable keyboard every layer is programmable and the only limitation is the number of keys on the keyboard. When you hold the Fn or Mod key down on the UHK, they each momentarily activate a different layer on the keyboard. When you let go of Fn or Mod it returns to the default layer. You can also toggle a layer on by using a key or combination of keys - again programmable however you want.

[pr0ximity]

I replace Caps Lock with Esc on all of my programmable boards, most recently my 60%.

[tp4tissue]

I read this thread as NON gamer,  IV Users,   as in...  What keyboards do heroin addicts use..

hahahahahaha

[davkol]

HHKB… both ~ and Esc on primary layer.