Try this alternate layout

[Phaedrus2129]

I had an idea that started when I needed to remap a key to work as delete on my MX11800. I ended up making Caps Lock into Delete, and Pause into Caps Lock.

Now with my G80-8200 I've been having issues with the vertical enter key, always hitting backslash on accident. But after screwing around I think I've found a simple set of remappings that makes a lot more sense than the standard layout conventions. If you have AutoHotkey, try splicing this into your script:

Pause::Capslock
Capslock::Del
\::Enter
Enter::Bs
Bs::\


(red dots next to keys I changed)

If you have a keyboard layout like this then Delete, Enter, and Backspace all end up on homerow, while \ is out of the way but still accessible, and Caps Lock is way off where you're unlikely to hit it on accident. I'm also looking into setting Scroll Lock to act as a "Windows Lock" key, where if it's on Windows is replaced with ctrl+shift or some such.

It's taking a little bit to get used to, but I think it makes a bit more sense and is slightly more ergonomic than the traditional layout. I'm under no illusions that this will become some sort of standard, I just think that it may make sense for enthusiasts like us.


Tell me what you think .

[Rajagra]

I approve! Though I use backspace more than Del, so for my use I would swap them from your positions.

I've considered making the key under ] into an extra Enter before, to get around the awkwardness of swapping between ANSI and ISO boards. It isn't easy to come up with a universal remapping that makes all my boards act the same. (My HHKB really throws the spanner in the works, LOL.)

[Phaedrus2129]

Yeah, I'd swap Del and Backspace too, except that I started out with just the Delete swap on my MX11800, so it's what I've become used to.

[Arc'xer]

It's better to have two backspace than the Del/Backspace that way you can erase more efficiently depending on which hand is where. Backspace on caps lock area and normal backspace position.

Delete is fine where it is since it isn't used as often as backspace.

I also think you should change the windows key to caps lock on the left hand side just in case you hit it it doesn't bother what your doing beside capitalizing a letter.

You can also use Kmapper as a more direct replacement which acts as a registry override.

[Oqsy]

I approve of this layout.  I have some little cherry ML boards at work with a frustrating layout that would benefit substantially from these mappings.  You saved me some time and energy, Phaedrus, and for that I thank you.

[elbowglue]

Nice remap phaedrus.  I have caps lock remapped to alt-s at work via AHK because a lot of forms I use require alt-s to save the form, in fact I use alt-s more often than I use Enter at work!  Caps lock and backslash in a standard layout keyboard are probably the least used keys that should totally be remapped for your own purposes..

One more thing that you might also consider, when I used a large POS board with cherry browns (MX8100, my first cherry brown KB) I found the KB to have significant PCB flex at certain keys (t-o keys) making these switches act a little spongy because the PCB would flex away.  If you find this to be an issue, I would recommend opening up the case and reinforcing the PCB to the case with spongy tape or something of that sort.  It really decreases on PCB flex, if you need pictures of this let me know I'll open my keyboard and take some pics of it for ya.

[Phaedrus2129]

Hm, main thing I'd need is instructions on how to take this thing apart. I don't see the usual screws or anything, just what looks like tabs and three deep recessions with no screws at the bottom. i r confuzed


I am getting used to this layout now. The only thing still bugging me is that I keep losing track of enter. I keep hitting ' or backspace instead. I'll get used to it eventually I know, but for now I'm stuck with frustration. Backspace is a lot easier to hit now, though, and I'm no longer continually hitting \.