My Dygma Defy layers

This repo explains my approach to using layers in my Dygma Defy keyboard.

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Table of contents

• My Dygma Defy layers
  • Table of contents
  • Super keys
  • Macros
  • Layers
    • Layer 1: Base
    • Layer 2: Navigation, Numbers and Media
    • Layer 3: Symbols and F-keys
    • Layer 4: Gaming
    • Layer 5: F-keys
    • Layer 6: Mouse
    • Layer 10: Qwerty
  • Preferences

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Color scheme

I use the following color scheme to indicate different types of keys:

• rgb(0, 254, 24): ${\textsf{\color{rgb(0, 254, 24)}Layers}}$
• rgb(255, 196, 0): ${\textsf{\color{rgb(255, 196, 0)}Super keys}}$
• rgb(255, 255, 255): ${\textsf{\color{rgb(255, 255, 255)}Modifiers}}$
• rgb(0, 254, 234): ${\textsf{\color{rgb(0, 254, 234)}Standard keys}}$
• rgb(0, 52, 255): ${\textsf{\color{rgb(0, 52, 255)}Escape}}$
• rgb(87, 164, 255): ${\textsf{\color{rgb(87, 164, 255)}Symbols}}$
• rgb(255, 9, 0): ${\textsf{\color{rgb(255, 9, 0)}Delete/Shutdown}}$
• rgb(152, 51, 107): ${\textsf{\color{rgb(152, 51, 107)}Backspace/Sleep}}$

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Super keys

Name	Tap	Hold	Double tap	Tap + Hold
Tab	Tab	Shift + Tab	Alt + Tab
Copy	Ctrl + C	Ctrl + V	Ctrl + X	Ctrl + Shift + V
Gaming i	I (inventory)	Ctrl + I (invoke )
Volume down	Volume down	Mute

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Macros

Layers

Layer 1: Base

• Base layer

  • Colemak DH matrix layout with some modifications
    • For more information on Colemak DH refer to this page
    • As my pinkies are not long enough to reach the home row comfortably, I swapped
      • A and Z
      • O and /
  • Utilizes home row modifiers (GACS order)
    • For more information on home row mods refer to this page

• Left side

  • Capslock is replaced with escape for easier access
  • Escape is replaced with my shortcut to accept code completion in my IDEs
  • Enter in the bottom left corner helps with one handed use
  • Most of my layer changing is on the left hand thumb cluster
    • Shift 2 -> Symbols
    • Lock 3 -> Navigation
    • Lock 5 -> Modifier + F-keys layer
    • Shift 6 -> IDE shortcuts
  • Inner column utilized for undo, copy, cut, paste
  • Pause is used as compose key, I don't like dead keys, so I use WinCompose

• Right side

  • Backspace replaced with windows snipping tool shortcut
  • Couple of layer changing buttons
    • Shift 6 -> IDE shortcuts
    • Lock 7 -> Gaming layer
    • Lock 8 -> Numpad

• Super k

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Layer 2: Navigation, Numbers and Media

• Symbols layer with F-keys

  • Contains all symbols available in the finnish keymap
    • The point is to never have to use top row numbers for symbols

• Left side

  • Tab replaced with Alt+F4
  • Capslock is there if it is ever needed

• Right side

  • Backspace and delete have ctrl added as a modifier for easier whole word deletion

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Layer 3: Symbols and F-keys

• I wanted to have open and close brackets and parentheses on mirrored keys
  • Open bracket is on the left side
  • Close bracket is on the right side
• Other symbols from the number row are on put on the home row
  • This is to avoid having to use the number row for symbols

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Layer 4: Gaming

• Left hand
  • WASD on center keys, as they feel more natural to use

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Layer 5: F-keys

• Left hand
  • WASD on center keys, as they feel more natural to use
• Right hand
  • Key to switch to back to base layer. This is useful when I need to type something in the middle of gaming.

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Layer 6: Mouse

• Mouse layer
  • Right hand moves cursor
  • Right thumb does clicks to make dragging motions easy
  • Left hand scrolls

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Layer 10: Qwerty

• Qwerty layer
  • For when I need to be quick, while still learning Colemak DH

Preferences