Full-width thumb keyboard

[alensiljak]

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• Is this only a single feature request? Do not put multiple feature requests in one issue.
• Is this a question or discussion? Don't use this, use https://lemmy.ml/c/thumbkey

I'd like to work out an idea. I have applied for an account at Lemmy and we can discuss at depth here once I open a thread. Not sure how many people participate there but I'll post a link here later (when my account is approved).
In any case, this issue can be used as an actual request, once the idea is complete with details.

Background

Several concepts coming together

• using thumbs, key-size
• swiping for extra characters
• use of screen space (full-width)
• special characters accessible immediately

plus my specifics

• using both hands for fast typing
• using Dvorak layout
• using multiple languages with diacritics

Proposal

Considering the name of the app is Thumb Key, I think this actually fits. Although, in practice, it is based on the 3x3 layout for use with one thumb. But, perhaps not?
I like the idea behind the Type Split layout. But, why not use all the available space?

pr

Especially, the idea behind the modification

comment

To maximize the space and utility when using two hands, I'd propose having 2 x 3x3 grids. One for each thumb.

Benefits:

• more characters available for touch-typing
• more slots available for swipe-typing

The layout would look something like this:

Also pinging @mockballed.

Discussion

Please let's use this for any final conclusions on issues. Discussion is at https://lemmy.ml/post/10082822.

[alensiljak]

To Work-Out

• position of space
• 3 or 4 rows?
• exact location of characters on the keys
  • where to place the most-common characters when starting with Dvorak, where the middle row contains the majority of them?
• Would a modification of an existing two-hand layout work? Remove the middle row; place the two keys from there into the redundant backspace keys.

[alensiljak]

Some guiding principles need to be summarized.

Principles

• Alternating fingers, as opposed to rolling-fingers. (Starting from Dvorak as the base layout)
• Minimize the use of diagonal swipes

[alensiljak]

Option 1: adapted 2-hand layout

One potential option is to reuse the current 2-hand layout, with some adaptation.
I'd remove the middle row with the special characters and move the two useful keys from there into the bottom row.
The bottom row would then contain: emoji key, delete, space (2 slots), #, enter. (for example)

Pros:

• This keeps the familiar character position of TK
• allows alternating hands (with any character)
• simple single-handed use for either hand

[dessalines]

@alensiljak Would you still like to keep this one open?

[alensiljak]

I think we can close this now. I'd be interested to see what comes out of the AI geneted layouts #169, but at this size, not just 3*3.