Qwerty: 115 WPM | Colemak? Ergonomic custom? Macro functionality*

[bmilcs]

I type a lot as an insurance property estimator and transcriptionist. I am in love with mechanical keyboards and MX clears in particular. The Ergodox and Planck look like interesting ways of boosting speed and ergonomics but those are both expensive projects without knowing if I'm going to enjoy it or not.

While working, I primarily abuse the crap out of my Pok3r's macro functions. Aside from pumping out your e-mail address, passwords, and so on quickly, I've been able to copy and paste at an impressively faster rate. However, the only pitfall I see is the speed at which characters are pumped out and the limited # of keys stored.

Here are a few examples of macros that I use on the job:

CAPS + Q: Ctrl + A (highlights line), Alt + Tab, Alt + D (focuses address bar), ctrl + v (pastes)
CAPS + W: Alt Tab, Alt + D, Ctrl + A, Ctrl + C, Alt + Tab
CAPS + whatever examples: Unavailable / discontinued. Similar item provided. Similar brand provided. Similar model provided. Qty:  ->  ()Qty/price adjusted. Unclear item description. Similar brand/vendor provided.
I've remapped copy paste to CAPS + E / R, which is fantastic as well.

I am running out of buttons to store macros and the macros aren't as long as I wished they could be.

What are my best options?

The HHKB + Controller looked like my ticket but the macro functionality seemed really un-evolved and intimidating.

GON seems to offer some pretty killer software for macros. Up to 1k characters, and the timings can be modified in a visual way w/ their GUI. Obviously this wouldn't be cheap and my incoming keycaps wouldn't fit properly.

Anyways, I'd love to hear any suggestions. I want to boost my productivity and get the most out of this hobby as possible. I love the mechanical keyboard community and this site along with others.

Cheers!
Bryan

[davkol]

The grumpy chocolate-bar man would say something about their huge Tipro aircraft carrier.

But you don't need to change your keyboard, as long as there's something like AHK or AutoKey available. In fact, decent text-expansion/UI-automation software can do much more.

[steve.v]

sry but arent those just shortcuts as oppose to macros which is different?

[MajorMajor]

I would say for sure look into a software solution if you need something more advanced.

As far as hardware goes, check out the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard. It doesn't ship until July, but ti might have some productivity features you'll be excited for.

[xtrafrood]

The grumpy chocolate-bar man would say something about their huge Tipro aircraft carrier.

But you don't need to change your keyboard, as long as there's something like AHK or AutoKey available. In fact, decent text-expansion/UI-automation software can do much more.

AHK! I first used AHK to program a scrolling feature to my logitech trackman marble  Chances are someone has already written the bulk of the script, a few tweaks and you're good to go.

[bmilcs]

Hey csmertx, is there a template or program to easily test out color scheme and see how it looks on a keyboard?

[xtrafrood]

You could use WASDkeyboards.com 's custom layout editor. I used their SVG template file to create a Dvorak printout. Maybe check that out too, if you're handy with Illustrator/Inkscape.

[bmilcs]

I am OKAY at photoshop. I am really good w/ Lightroom. That's about it. What exactly is Illustrator for? I know it's another Adobe product. Inkscape.. no clue?

[xtrafrood]

I am OKAY at photoshop. I am really good w/ Lightroom. That's about it. What exactly is Illustrator for? I know it's another Adobe product. Inkscape.. no clue?

Do you have a Google?

[bmilcs]

I do. I was on the clock and lazy.

[xtrafrood]

I do. I was on the clock and lazy.

I get that

[bmilcs]

So, I downloaded and installed Illustrator. If I ever get the free time, I will have to start looking for some good tutorials

I placed my order of Zealios. Stokedddd. Now, I have to figure out if the Atomic or Ergodox is my way to go.

[xtrafrood]

So, I downloaded and installed Illustrator. If I ever get the free time, I will have to start looking for some good tutorials

I placed my order of Zealios. Stokedddd. Now, I have to figure out if the Atomic or Ergodox is my way to go.

I couldn't draw a straight line to save my life. I found Illustrator and now I can kind of draw things.  )